Health and Wellness Issue

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From the Farmstead MAY 2021 | VOL. 15 • ISSUE 5 | POVHOUMA.COM

CONTENTS |

MAY 2021 • VOLUME 15 • ISSUE 5

CONT HOME + LIVING

Page 12

12 CHATEAU CHIC

Entertaining At Its Finest

18 THE OBSERVER

Don’t “Mask” Your Appreciation

FOOD + FUN

Page 22

22 FRESH FROM THE FARMSTEAD

Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead introduces regenerative farming to our area.

28 BON APPETIT Breakfast in Bed

MIND + BODY

Page 46

46 CLEANER HANDS, CLEANER WORLD

Jason Domangue creates a better alternative to traditional hand soap.

52 WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Doze Off to a Better Night’s Sleep

May 2021 2 povhouma.com

ENTS EXTRAS

ON THE COVER

WORD, YA HEARD

EFFULGENT [ih-fuhl-juhnt, ih-fool-] adjective shining forth brilliantly; radiant.

WORD ON THE STREET The children had effulgent smiles on their faces when the bell rang on the last day of school.

At sunset, the sun drenched the shoreline in the most effulgent color.

06 EDITOR’S NOTE

Jady Guidry and his ladies showoff their latest batch of fresh eggs.

08 INTERVUE

Photo: Drew Miller

Staying Healthy and Well

Say What?

54 UNDER THE SCOPE Life as Locust

56 RENDEZVOUS

Where you need to be around town

58 LOOK TWICE

Sponsored by Synergy Bank

May 2021 3 povhouma.com

VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com

The Best Choice

IN SHORT TERM

REHAB

What is your favorite snowball flavor?

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

Whether recovering from a stroke, fall, or other medical condition, our customized rehab program helps you recover quickly so you can get back home. If you’re getting ready for long-term living, we make the transition from home to our community as rewarding as possible. A variety of spacious resident suites offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort.

EDITORIAL

Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Drew Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR ADVERTISING

Beth Tabor MARKETING CONSULTANT Pink lady stuffed with condensed milk

Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Misty Leigh McElroy Drew Miller VIDEOGRAPHY

Keely Diebold

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Michelle Ortego SUBSCRIPTIONS

Point of Vue magazine is published monthly.

Subscriptions are available for $36 for 12 issues.

For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.

Strawberry with condensed milk

CREATIVE

Wedding cake with condensed milk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jaime Dishman John Doucet Bonnie Rushing Keely Diebold CONTACT

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

AMENITIES INCLUDE: •MUSIC & MEMORY •KITCHEN THERAPY •LIVE & LOCAL •IN-HOUSE THERAPY DOG •NOVEL EXCURSIONS •GAMES & CRAFTS Fast track to a comeback program, a state of the art short term skilled therapy.

Copyright ©2021 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.

Business address: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA 70361 • 985.868.7515 Point of Vue magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.

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EDITOR’S NOTE |

MARY DOWNER DITCH • EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF POV

STAYING HEALTHY AND WELL What exactly is Health and Wellness?

We hear this phrase tossed around quite a bit, but what exactly are we referring to?

It’s important to know that what you are nurturing your body with is good for you. What better way to know what’s in your food, than by being able to actually visit the farmstead where it is raised.

Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead in Cut Off focuses on regenerative farming, where the animals are constantly moved around the property, thriving on nutrient rich grass, thereby forgoing the need for antibiotics or other chemicals. Jady Guidry and his family are able to process the chickens right there on the farm to ensure what you are getting is as wholesome as possible. Learn more about the farmstead starting on page 22.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (illness).”

WHO defines wellness as “the optimal state of health of individuals and groups,” and wellness is expressed as “a positive approach to living.”

Let’s simplify that - basically health is the goal and wellness is the active process of achieving it. I don’t really think you can have health without first achieving wellness.

While using the good ‘ol Internet to research what the words meant, I came across an article that discussed the “six dimensions of wellness.” The six dimensions include: physical, intellectual, emotional, environmental, social and spiritual.

As I kept on reading I realized that in my own life, I am not constantly tending to all of these ‘dimensions’ regularly.

I often share my struggles with mental health here in this column. It can be hard to keep up with your emotional wellness, and in turn, for me, the social aspect often suffers.

Recently, as Covid took away our options for social interaction, that social box has been especially hard to check over the last year. I am quite excited to see social calendars filling back up in the spring as the state continues to open and allows fairs and festivals to operate under new guidelines.

Our May issue centers around Health and Wellness. We took a more well-rounded look at wellness by focusing on two things that might not top your list when it comes to the topic.

Understanding the role we play in impacting the environment is also extremely important.

Houma native Jason Domangue took on a start-up company aimed at providing a better soap in a more sustainable way.

Petal is a foaming hand soap made with all-natural ingredients.

Despite launching the new company amidst a pandemic, Jason has been able to successfully do his part to help create a cleaner world. Read more about how you can help do your part starting on page 46.

Our Health and Wellness Issue also features a special section called “What’s Up, Doc?” In this special section, beginning on page 30, we introduce you to some of the area’s top doctors.

Maintaining your own health and wellness is a personal journey for each and every individual. It will look different for everyone as you navigate your own personal path. Just remember, it’s more than just eating right and exercising.

It’s a mental thing, too. Body and mind must align for us to successfully be healthy. Here’s to healthier living in 2021! POV

May 2021 6 povhouma.com

INTERVUE |

SAY WHAT?

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT SUMMER VACATION?

ANN I love traveling to new places and capturing the essence of the area and beautiful surroundings. Therefore, my perfect summer vacation would be to travel somewhere on my bucket list with my boyfriend and friends. The South Pacific Islands or the Maldives Islands would be amazing to see, but for now is a fantasy.

BRANDON The perfect summer vacation would have to be going to Beaches Turks and Caicos, 7 days all inclusive, with the family. If you’ve never been, it’s probably the best hands down place I have ever been. We went last January and are going again next January.

Fantastic place for everyone.

JANABETH My ideal vacation is a trip that I’ve always wanted to go on and this summer is my time. I will be floating the deepest river canyon in North America, the Snake River through Hells Canyon on a 6 day rafting adventure. I’ll be with a group of professional women of which several are very dear friends. This whitewater rafting trip runs 79 miles through the heart of Hells Canyon, from Hells Canyon Dam to Heller Bar in Idaho.

JEFF My idea of a perfect summer vacation would include mountains, fishing, craft beer and a lot of free babysitting.

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ROBYN My ideal summer vacation is visiting family in other states, spending time with my pupper Waylon, and enjoying my beautiful garden. I love to swim at the pool, fish in the marsh, and watch the afternoon rainstorms.

May 2021 8 povhouma.com

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HOME + LIVING

CHATEAU CHIC | 12 Entertaining At Its Finest

THE OBSERVER | 18

Don’t “Mask” Your Appreciation

May 2021 10 povhouma.com

WE CARRY EACH OTHER It’s how we do things in Louisiana during times of challenge.

We’re stronger together and we know our strength lies in the helping hands of our neighbors. So let’s wear a mask and 01MK7496 R3/21

protect one another. And protect the life we love.

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HOME + LIVING |

CHATEAU CHIC

ENTERTAINING AT ITS FINEST

BY BONNIE RUSHING | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

1

Centered around family gatherings and showcasing full access to the outdoor space, Todd and Caroline Matherne moved into their custom-built, country modern home in 2018. While it’s difficult to decide on only one favorite area, the couple agrees that the open floor plan, seamlessly connecting the kitchen and living room to the outdoor area with a Nanawall is an incredible feature. “The patio doors open accordion-style 16 feet wide, giving us full access to the outside as opposed to the traditional style sliding door only giving partial access,” Caroline explains.

Entertaining often, including hosting a small indoor/outdoor wedding last year, the couple intentionally constructed the space to host family and friends frequently where everyone

can be together and enjoy great food and great company.

Water is the main focus in the backyard, with a pool, complete with underwater barstools, a hot tub, and a view of the boatslip and waterway in the distance. A floor to ceiling rolling screen allows the patio area to be closed off to nature’s pests, while still allowing for the Nanawall to be open, creating a yearround extra room on the patio. A built-in gas fire pit rounds out the ambience for evening entertaining.

With the help of local designer Linsi Cenac Matherne, of Linsi L. Cenac Interiors, Todd and Caroline carefully selected materials to achieve comfortable, yet clean designs that are practical and add texture.

May 2021 12 povhouma.com

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10 “This beautiful home with clean, traditional elements allows focal points such as the stone, the beams, coffered ceiling and the Nanawall to stand out,” Linsi shares.

Glazed porcelain wood-look tile floor planks were selected for both durability and a design that was conducive for true indoor, outdoor living topped a musthave list for the homeowners. Leathered, coffee brown granite in the kitchen and bathrooms, again selected for durability, adds contrast and depth to the overall light space. POV

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THE OBSERVER |

BY JAIME DISHMAN

It’s teacher appreciation time.

I used to try to think of creative ways to thank teachers. Search it up on Pinterest, and there’s no end of ideas: A Starbucks gift card with a note attached saying “thank you a latte.”

TREAT HER THIS YEAR

I just laughed out loud in a very literal sense when I read this Pinterest note attached to a candle: “A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for others.”

Maybe it’s just me, but consuming yourself sounds like being a cannibal, but worse because you’re consuming yourself. I can’t even look at a candle teacher gift the same any more without thinking of the note.

There’s some 2020-2021 Pinterest ideas out there as well. A cute mask for your teacher with a note attached saying: “We cannot mask our appreciation for you.” Just don’t. I’m not a teacher, but I’m willing to bet no one wants to be reminded of the year of the masks with a thank you card with a mask attached. I could be wrong, though. After all, I drop my kids off in the car line by 8 a.m. and don’t see them again until 3 p.m. But I’m thinking that a teacher who has repeatedly fussed kids all this very, very long year about wearing masks properly might not want their thank you gift to revolve around the idea of a mask.

But back to the whole dropping off kids and picking them up.

This year marks the first year I’ve never once volunteered in their school.

From the very beginning of their school years, I’ve volunteered in their school throughout the year - helping with class parties, filling in when a teacher needs to miss an hour or two, or chaperoning on field trips.

In the years before, I’ll admit that it’s been a part of my “I’m too busy” list of complaints. It’s been part of a “to do” list that is never ending, with new items appearing on the list before I’ve even had the opportunity to scratch off the ones already there.

This year has felt different.

My middle school daughters talk of friends of theirs that I don’t know, because I’ve never had a chance to be in their classroom and meet new students. Entire holidays have passed, and I never stepped foot in their classroom for “Spring Fling” or any of the other holiday events that I’ve always volunteered. This year of masks and quarantines and the entire school shutting down for weeks has been a year unlike any other. I miss being a part of their school world. Even as I type, I wonder when parents will be allowed back in to help.

So maybe don’t give your teacher a mask for teacher appreciation.

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They’ve done it all alone this year. In a year with new rules, new expectations, and virtual classrooms. They’ve tried to maintain normalcy in the most

May 2021 18 povhouma.com

abnormal of years, when the world has gone mad more than once. They’ve maintained order in classrooms of children whose parents represent both sides of an extremely divided political spectrum in our country.

They’ve become virtual teachers when they signed up to do inperson, classroom-only teaching.

They’ve mastered new skills in order to teach a generation forever changed by the year 2020.

So thank a teacher this month.

ED

Please do not think this year was easier for them because they might have been home more, due to virtual teaching.

Your note doesn’t need to rhyme or have a catchy phrase. But don’t let this month pass by without thanking the teachers in your life.

Thank them for the unseen hours late at school and late into the night, when they were working out the kinks of this unprecedented school year in order to give your child a somewhat normal year. Thank them for smiling when they felt like crying. Thank them for loving when they wanted to leave. POV

N

A

IS

IA

IS

U

Please do not give them a mask. Please do not let them go unthanked.

LO

Write a note. Or even better, have your children write a note.

Give them gift cards to the spa, or a restaurant or Amazon. Or all three.

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FOOD + FUN

FRESH FROM THE FARMSTEAD | 22

Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead introduces regenerative farming to our area.

May 2021 20 povhouma.com

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From the Farmstead May 2021 22 povhouma.com

BY KEELY DIEBOLD PHOTOS BY DREW MILLER For Jady and Taylor Guidry, operators of Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead in Cut Off, the road to running a regenerative farm based out of their property has been a winding one, but one that has quickly resonated with the community.

For the Guidrys, the driving force behind their passion project is twofold: provide the cleanest, most organic products to consumers as possible while ensuring that animals on the farm are treated humanely.

“It makes you feel good inside knowing that you’re providing someone else with good clean food. I’m also trying to do that for my family as well, so I’m sure that there are other families that are looking for that,” Jady says. “And then the humane reason is, if you’re in farming, I believe you should have a love for animals.”

Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead is home to a variety of animals, from chickens and hens, to goats, to pigs. As of today, customers can purchase pastureraised chicken, eggs and pork from the farm through its website.

In September, the Guidrys launched a kickstarter to raise over $27,000 to build the local area’s only stateinspected poultry processing facility.

By October, their goal was met, and the facility was put into place to begin chicken processing and sales in April.

With the chicken processing facility located on its property, Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead is able to process all of its poultry on-site for consumer purchase.

For pork, the farm is allowed to raise pigs and have them processed by a USDA-approved slaughterhouse.

Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead operates through regenerative farming, which utilizes land and animals in a

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May 2021 23 povhouma.com

“You’re giving back to the land.

You’re caring for the land and, in return, the land is actually providing you with some quality product”

cooperative way to mimic nature.

For example, Jady says that the farm’s chickens are moved constantly to offer a path toward creating as fertile land as possible, while simultaneously ensuring that the chickens are consuming fresh grass. Ultimately, the chickens benefit the land and, in turn, receive healthier grass for consumption.

The use of regenerative farming methods allows for chickens to freely roam on their newest patch of grass and to consume a natural, antibiotic-free diet of grass, seeds and bugs. Additionally, a mobile “chicken tractor” is moved with the chickens to each new patch of grass to offer them a shelter from predators, as opposed to serving as a cage for chickens to be crammed into.

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“By moving them every single day, that is fertilizing our property because the chicken has manure on the property. We are then taking the chickens off of that manure…That’s allowing that previous day to regenerate, so it’s going to provide

a healthier ecosystem for that area where they passed, and then also the chicken is getting fresh grass in return,” Jady says.

“When we pass them again, that area where they were weeks or months before is now better than it was before.”

The Guidrys decided to venture into farming when Jady realized he wanted to find a beneficial use for the couple’s newly-purchased land. At first, he says he didn’t intend to form a business out of it. Products produced by the farm were either consumed by the Guidrys or given to friends and family.

After Jady learned about regenerative farming though, he decided to give it a try, recognizing that poultry production did not need to take place in a crammed chicken coop; it could occur in a way that gives back to the land and to the community.

“You’re giving back to the land. You’re caring for the land and, in return, the land is actually providing you with some quality product,” Jady says. “Our biggest

May 2021 24 povhouma.com

Celebrating

YEARS

40

of Community Banking

thing is trying to have everything working in sync with each other as naturally as possible because when you take nature out of farming, that’s where you industrialize things, and it becomes a mess.”

What results from such natural farming methods is a product that is free from antibiotics, vaccines and harmful diseases.

The Guidrys hope that the farm’s operations will help the community to both learn more about the benefits of regenerative farming, as well as to gain a better awareness of where their food is coming from. By building trust with a local farmer, consumers can know their product is coming from a fresh, local and reliable source.

“I’m trying to make a connection with our customers, and I want our customers to make that connection with us,” Jady says.

“People, especially nowadays, are starting to research where their food is coming from, so if we can eliminate things like vaccines and antibiotics, that’s what we want to do. By eliminating that, that’s giving good clean food.”

Running a farm in as natural of a manner as possible poses its challenges, though.

South Louisiana’s unpredictable weather and heavy rain are the main obstacles Jady and Taylor face.

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In response, Jady says he has to frequently May 2021 25 povhouma.com

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monitor the weather, operating with an understanding that he will sometimes have to tend to the animals in the middle of a storm or in the middle of the night to ensure their needs are met.

Jady describes himself as having “two full time jobs” when it comes to running the day-to-day operations of Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead while balancing his day job.

His day starts at 5:00 a.m., beginning by feeding the animals and ensuring the farm’s chicks have food, water and the right temperature setting in their brooder, since they require the appropriate heat level to properly thrive.

farm is to utilize as much of their property as they can, ultimately allowing for an increase in production, a shift toward a point where every element of the farm works in sync and the potential incorporation of hydroponic farming.

In the meantime, Jady says he is grateful for the impact that Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead has had on his and his family’s lives in the short time since it opened for business.

For a start, he takes joy in the connections he has made with customers and industry experts since diving into the farming world.

After a full day at his primary job, Jady does a quick check of the animals to collect eggs and identify any predator issues that occurred during the day.

In addition, the father of one daughter welcomes the opportunity for his family to grow up with fresh, organic food, surrounded by such a unique, fruitful environment.

Jady says the Guidrys’ dream for their

“There’s very few people I think

May 2021 26 povhouma.com

INTO A NEW

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206 Mystic Blvd. • Houma, LA 70360

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nowadays that get to grow up in this type of environment,” Jady says. “To be able to give her that opportunity or any of my future kids, I think it’s absolutely amazing because you’re also passing onto the next generation how to farm and how to take care of the land.”

Jady says he likes to bring his daughter with him often to see what the farm entails - and to simply enjoy it for what it is.

“She picks up on a lot. While it wasn’t her first word, she says ‘chick’ a lot, so when she sees the chicks, immediately she gets all excited and she says ‘chick, chick!” Jady laughs.

To learn more about Guidry’s Cajun Farmstead and its products, visit guidryscajunfarmstead.com or stay updated with the farm on its Facebook page. POV May 2021 27 povhouma.com

FOOD + FUN |

BON APPETIT

BREAKFAST IN BED Just in case anyone out there needs a reminder, Mother’s Day challenge to not make a mess. Select a breakfast food that is May 9! This year, why not get the kids to help you surprise maybe doesn’t make too many crumbs or could spill easy.

Mom with breakfast in bed?

(No bowls of cereal!) Another tip: don’t fill her glass too full!

Whether it’s coffee or mimosas, leave a little extra room in Here are a few tips to master breakfast in bed: the cup.

Plan ahead Don’t assume you have the ingredients for whatever it is you decide to cook! Make a list of what you need and gather everything the day before.

Make sure you have a tray Have you tried balancing a plate on your lap while kids are climbing in bed to greet you? It ain’t easy! Select a good tray to help Mom enjoy her meal.

Make it easy to eat Clean up While the idea of eating in bed sounds like fun, it can be a One final tip: don’t forget to clean up your mess in the kitchen!

HASH BROWN EGG CUPS Ingredients • 15 oz. frozen shredded hash browns, thawed • 1 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • 8 medium eggs

• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled or 2 tablespoons bacon bits

• 1/2 tablespoon parsley, chopped • 2 avocados, sliced and chilled (optional)

Directions 1. Mix the shredded hash browns, 1 cup of cheddar cheese,

5. Top with crumbled bacon, remaining 1/4 cup cheddar

olive oil and salt and pepper to taste in a mixing bowl.

cheese and parsley.

2. Grease a non-stick regular muffin pan and divide the hash brown mixture. Use your fingers to pack them tightly. Put a dent in the middle to shape them into little nest-like bowls.

6. Bake at 350°F until the egg whites set, about 13 to 16 minutes.

3. Bake at 425°F or until the edges have browned and the

fork to lift it out of the pan.

7. Let it cool, gently slide a knife along the edges and use a

cheese has melted, about 15 minutes.

4. Crack a medium egg into each nest and season with salt

8. Dish and serve with chilled avocado slices (optional).

and pepper to taste.

Tip: If you don’t like your eggs runny, you can beat the eggs before pouring into the hash browns. Bake until they are cooked to your preferred consistency.

May 2021 28 povhouma.com

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Terrebonne General Health System Celebrates Our Healthcare Heros T errebonne General Health System honors our healthcare heroes for improving the health and wellness of patients and families in our community. We appreciate your tireless devotion and compassion that saves lives each day!

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Ben Adams

Dr. Francis Lewis, II

Dr. Michael Prejean, Jr.

Dr. Jared Roussel

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Richard Abben

Dr. Zaid Altheeb

Dr. Eric Engeron

Dr. Peter Fail

Dr. Michael Gaglia, Jr.

Dr. William Ladd

Dr. Sagger Mawri

Dr. Ross Melvin

Dr. Owen Mogabgab

Dr. Pradeep Nair

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Dr. Samuel ‘Jody’ Stagg, III

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CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Dr. Deborah Mccollum

May 2021 30 povhouma.com

Dr. Donald Netherland

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Stephen Agans

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Dr. Mary Ann Difranco

Dr. Brian Falkner

Dr. Gerald Foret, III

Dr. Owen Grossman

Dr. Casey Hastings

Dr. Lewis Hunt-Irving, III

Dr. Lindsay Hymel

Dr. Michael Iacono

Dr. Ryan Jupiter

Dr. David Lewis

Dr. Joshua Lim

Dr. Richard Miles

Dr. Brandon Mong

Dr. Charles Ochello, Jr.

Dr. Bret Pearce

Dr. Michael Petrauskis

Dr. Brian Roberts

Dr. Mace Scott

Dr. Michael Straney

Dr. Stanford White

Dr. Brian Matherne

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Dr. Sindhura Bandaru

Dr. Rachel Coleman

FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Lisa Black

Dr. Andre Guidry

Dr. Richard Haydel

Dr. Scott Haydel

Dr. Nicholas Rau

Dr. William St. Martin

Dr. James Matthew Watkins, Jr.

Dr. Michael Watkins

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Dr. David Pellegrin

Modern technology. Timeless caring.

Visit tghealthsystem.com

May 2021 31 povhouma.com

GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. T. Christopher Berry

Dr. Eric Jukes

Dr. Neil Lyons

Dr. David Rau

Dr. Frederick Rau

Dr. Donald Schwab, Jr.

HOSPITAL MEDICINE

Dr. Shyam Mani

Dr. Dominique Monlezun

Dr. Oleg Sinyavskiy

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Dr. Nathan Sutton

Dr. Arthur Toups

Dr. Russell Henry

Dr. Craig Wade

Dr. Mary Eschete

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Fadi Abou-Issa

Dr. Adam Arceneaux

NEONATOLOGY

Dr. Sandra Grant

Dr. Bedford Nieves-Cruz

Dr. Alain Chesnut

Dr. Patrick Walker

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Gregory Maidoh

Dr. Herminio SuazoVasquez

Dr. Allen Vander

NEUROLOGY

May 2021 32

Dr. Donald Gervais, Jr. povhouma.com

Dr. Edward Haight

Dr. Nicholas Rome

Dr. Lisa Thibodeaux

ONCOLOGY

OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Christine Albrecht

Dr. Michelle Andre

Dr. Robert Cazayoux, Jr.

Dr. Richard Clement, Jr.

Dr. Sukesh Manthri

ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY

Dr. Sheena Duplantis

Dr. Charon Gentile

Dr. Elena Mann

Dr. Erin Pennison Dr. Jitendra Gandhi

Dr. Janeiro Valle Goffin

ONCOLOGY/RADIATION Dr. Howard Russell

Dr. Channing Sanders

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Dr. Ashley Brown

Dr. Jeffrey Long

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Dr. Brett Casey

Dr. Christopher Cenac, Jr.

Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel, II Dr. Chad Simon

OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Nathan Patrick

Dr. Sina Pourtaheri

Dr. Geoffrey Stone

Dr. Matthew Beyer

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Dr. David Hagen

PATHOLOGY

Dr. William Dalton, Jr.

Dr. Brigitte DeMoss

PEDIATRICS

Dr. Andrew Hoffmann, III

PHYSICAL MEDICINE/ REHABILITATION

Dr. Hector Linares

Dr. Aruna Sangisetty

PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Ralph Bourgeois

PULMONARY MEDICINE/ CRITICAL CARE

Dr. Navin Durairajan

PODIATRY

UROLOGY

Dr. Robert Alexander

Dr. Andrea Lorio

RADIOLOGY

Dr. Ashley Prejean

Dr. Bryan Rau

Dr. Jill Sutton

Dr. Waybrun Hebert, III

Dr. Jeffrey Rau

PULMONARY DISEASES

Dr. Courtnie Seaton

Dr. Stephen Charbonnet

Dr. Haden Lafaye

WOUND CARE

Dr. Jeremy Rau

Dr. John Steigner

Dr. William Tiemann

Dr. Anne Walker

Dr. Michael Isabelle

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

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Dr. Nicole McKee

ASSOCIATE CONSULTING:

DERMATOLOGY Dr. Alexis Duke Dr. Lee Grafton Dr. Sarah Haydel Dr. Philip Neal ENDOCRINOLOGY Dr. Mariam Menhem Dr. David Sisam FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Kirk Dantin, III Dr. Robert Davis Dr. Mark Walker INTERNAL MEDICINE Dr. Ray Cinnater Dr. Anne Price NEUROLOGICAL INTRAOPERATIVE MONITORING Dr. Kevin Callerame Dr. James Domingue Dr. Crystal Janani Dr. Gregory Ward NEUROLOGY Dr. David Weir ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Dr. Allen Borne Dr. Christopher Cenac, Sr. OTOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Jacques Gaudet Dr. Nicholas Sorrel Dr. Justin Tenney Dr. Guy Zeringue, III OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. James Broussard PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Adolfo Cuadra Dr. Karl Haydel, Jr. Dr. Jimmy Ponder, Jr. PATHOLOGY Dr. Tim Peterson PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Dr. Michael Brumund Dr. Ivory Crittendon, III Dr. Kamill Del Toro Dr. Kelly Gajewski Dr. Thomas Kimball Dr. Jake Kleinmahon Dr. James Krulisky Dr. Diego Lara Dr. Victor Lucas, Jr. Dr. Scott Macicek

Dr. Kiran Mallula Dr. Jessica Mouledoux Dr. Theodorus Mulder Dr. Stephen Nelson, Jr. Dr. Shannon Powell Dr. Stefani Samples Dr. Steffan Sernich Dr. Patricia Thomas Dr. Michael White Dr. Song Yang Dr. Thomas Young PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY Dr. Allison Conravey Dr. Fawad Khan Dr. Richard Ramsay PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. O’Neil Engeron PODIATRY Dr. Andrea Leonards Dr. Adam Ziegenbusch RHEUMATOLOGY Dr. Michelle McCain TELESTROKE Dr. Osvaldo Camilo Dr. Louis Cannizzaro Dr. Jacqueline Carter Dr. Daniel Chehebar Dr. Himanshu Chokhawala Dr. Giuseppe Ciccotto Dr. Lauren Dunn Dr. Mark Homonoff Dr. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu Dr. Harold McGrade Dr. Murad Talahma Dr. Joseph Tarsia, III Dr. Gabriel Vidal Dr. Richard Zweifler

ASSOCIATE COURTESY:

ANESTHESIOLOGY Dr. Scott Branting CARDIOLOGY Dr. Nayan Agarwal Dr. Amit Amin Dr. Bart Denys Dr. Robert Drennan Dr. Chad Dugas Dr. Agostino Ingraldi Dr. Ahmad Jabbar Dr. Christopher Paris Dr. Mohammed Rais Dr. Louis Salvaggio Dr. Alvin Timothy

FAMILY MEDICINE Dr. Danielle Angeron HEMATOLOGY/ ONCOLOGY Dr. Robert Gamble NEONATOLOGY Dr. Lisa Barbiero NEPHROLOGY Dr. James Modisette OTOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Patrick Hagen PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION Dr. Monica Benson RADIATION ONCOLOGY Dr. Daniel Bourgeois, III Dr. Sheldon Johnson Dr. Kenneth Lo RADIOLOGY Dr. Asif Anwar Dr. Shameem Azizad Dr. Daniel Baker Dr. Amitabha Banerjee Dr. Patricia Barnes Dr. Troy Belle Dr. Robert Berger Dr. Michael Berven Dr. John Blackwell Dr. John Boardman Dr. James Brull Dr. Patrick Burke Dr. Dennis Burton Dr. Courtney Carter Dr. Lillian Cavin Dr. Francis Cloran Dr. Steven DiLeo Dr. Elizabeth Dubovsky Dr. Dhawal Goradia Dr. Kristen Grubb Dr. John Heighway Dr. Laura Hotchkiss Dr. Charles Johnson Dr. Frederick Jones Dr. Perry Kaneriya Dr. Russell Kosik Dr. Bao Nguyen Dr. Cynthia Oberfelder Dr. William Phillips, II Dr. Asti Pilika Dr. Teppe Popovich Dr. Paul Ramirez Dr. Avez Rizvi Dr. Anjali Roy Dr. William Rusnak

May 2021 35 povhouma.com

Dr. Faisal Sami Dr. Dishant Shah Dr. Shree Shah Dr. Kimberly Taylor Dr. Charles Westin Dr. Anthony Willis UROLOGY Dr. Katie Flower Dr. Stephanie Hughes Dr. Walter Simoneaux, Jr. WOUND CARE Dr. Luis Arencibia

ASSOCIATE SUBSPECIALTY: ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY Dr. Robert Haydel, Jr. MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE Dr. Joseph Biggio, Jr. Dr. Sherri Longo Dr. Dawn Pekarek OPHTHALMOLOGY Dr. Horatio Eustis ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Dr. David Baughman Dr. Christopher Saal PAIN MANAGEMENT Dr. Michael Haydel PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Mark Stalder

NOT PICTURED: EMERGENCY MEDICINE Dr. Miguel Aguilera, Jr. Dr. Bradley Blasiar Dr. Phillip LeBas Dr. Guy Lefort Dr. Stephen Lim Dr. Philip Paulk HOSPITAL MEDICINE Dr. Zachary Hand Dr. Murthy Muthuswamy

Visit tghealthsystem.com

Point of Vue magazine is pleased to present What's Up, Doc?, a special advertising section to highlight local medical professionals and give you a closer look behind the scenes.

SOUTH LOUISIANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATES South Louisiana Medical Associates (SLMA) has been committed to the community for more than 40 years. The elite team of healthcare providers and specialists mark more than four decades of going beyond quality care to educate and further enrich the community. Firmly planted in its roots, SLMA and its providers remain committed to its mission of delivering exceptional service, high-quality medical and affordable care to patients in Houma and the surrounding areas.

Since opening, SLMA has grown to include six locations and more than 28 specialties, with practice affiliations with independent medical providers and organizations throughout south Louisiana.

Guided by the vision to teach and train residents while delivering quality and affordable healthcare services, SLMA has continued to meet the changing needs of the community it serves and its commitment to care has never faltered.

in a wide range of specialties. Patients benefit from the collaborative efforts of physicians and specialists who streamline their personalized care, providing fast access to necessary treatments and continuous monitoring every step of the way.

SLMA also hosts a successful internal medicine program that offers superior training under the direct supervision of a full-time medical staff.

DR. MICHAEL J. GARCIA “Quality care at a lower cost, community relationships and our continued investment in future healthcare providers have been our top priorities,” said Dr. Michael Garcia, CEO and President of SLMA. “SLMA aims to provide exceptional care and support that’s easily accessible to each and every patient in the communities we serve.”

South Louisiana Medical Associates employs more than 100 medical providers, offering patients convenient access to professionals who have extensive experience and training To learn more about SLMA, visit www.slma.cc

May 2021 36 povhouma.com

SLMA’s dedication doesn’t stop in the clinics, as many of the healthcare providers, specialists and staff volunteer their time and energy to support charitable services and organizations in the community.

“People are at the center of everything we do. Our goal is to offer the highest standard of healthcare and patient support, making the process of finding the best care as easy and convenient as possible,” said Dr. Garcia.

“We are grateful to be part of the community and are privileged to care for its residents, our extended family, each and every day.”

WHAT’S UP, DOC? |

SPONSORED

HEADACHE & PAIN CENTER For Dr. Jimmy N. Ponder Jr., M.D. and the team at the Headache & Pain Center, their philosophy centers around treating pain through opioid-free options and minimally invasive procedures.

The Headache & Pain Center is an interventional pain practice that relieves pain in a non-surgical manner and without the use of habit-forming drugs, Dr. Ponder says. Patients are treated through methods like healing injections, neutralization of nerves, freezing of nerves or electrical stimulation of nerves.

The Headache & Pain Center takes an individualized approach to caring for patients, beginning with a thorough examination of what may have led to the pain and a determination of what factors may be contributing to worsening the pain.

The center’s ultimate goal is to help people to return to normalcy and beloved activities that may have been hindered by struggles with pain.

“We get to improve those areas of their lives where the pain was limiting their lifestyle. For instance, if someone enjoys gardening, and they can’t do it because of the pain that they’re experiencing...when we’re able to relieve that pain, we can return some of that function,” Dr. Ponder says.

What makes the center unique, Dr. Ponder says, is its minimization of computers coming between the staff and its patients when possible.

“We do things a little bit old fashioned,” Dr. Ponder shares. “We still answer the phone when people call. We’re not looking at a computer screen when we see our patients, we’re talking directly to them. We find the computer screen gets in the way of talking to patients.”

It’s that intimate level of care that allows Dr. Ponder and his team to offer the most advanced treatment options and technology. They are proud to offer several minimally invasive outpatient treatment options such as Vertiflex and Kyphoplasty. The Vertiflex procedure is utilized for patients suffering from spinal stenosis. Kyphoplasty is used to treat a spinal compression fracture that could have been caused by osteoporosis or cancer.

Dr. Ponder developed an interest in pain management in the early 1990s while working as an anesthesiologist. He was drawn to the clinical practice side of pain management that involved interacting with patients and learning how to best serve their needs. Through his background in anesthesiology, Dr. Ponder continues to utilize the injection techniques used in nerve blocks and epidurals, with the help of more precision-guiding tools such as x-ray and ultrasound guidance.

Even with all the technology at their fingertips, Dr. Ponder and his staff still find the greatest joy in the easiest of ways.

Dr. Ponder shares, “We really enjoy talking to our patients, finding out what their problem what’s causing their pain problem, diagnosing them, and trying to do everything we can in a minimally invasive way to heal their problem or cure their problem.”

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MIND + BODY

CLEANER HANDS, CLEANER WORLD | 46

Jason Domangue creates a better alternative to traditional hand soap.

WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | 52 Doze Off to a Better Night’s Sleep

May 2021 44 povhouma.com

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BY DREW MILLER

May 2021 46 povhouma.com

PRIMARY CARE 985-262-1639

GENERAL SURGERY 985-868-4890

ENDOCRINOLOGY Jason Domangue, CEO The novel coronavirus illuminated many inconvenient truths, one being that the world was ill-equipped to handle such a fast-moving pandemic. Thus, stores quickly began to fill shelves with antivirus defenses: masks, disinfectants and of course, hand sanitizers and soaps.

But commonly unbeknown, too many of the latter are either ineffective or contain chemicals that may be harmful — not to mention what the plastic waste does to harm the environment.

One growing company offers an alternative to such products to “clean hands for a cleaner world.” And it was started by a Houma native.

Before his current venture, Petal, Houma native Jason Domangue already found success as an entrepreneur. Fifteen years ago, he moved to Austin, and he and his partners founded a company in Internet of things (IoT). It was the first to allow residents to control their house from their phone — before the iPhone’s invention.

The startup generated interest from some of the big names in the tech industry and sold to Comcast for a multi-hundredmillion-dollar sum.

“When I did that, my wife said, ‘Okay, you had your fun. We’re moving our butts back home,” Jason smiles.

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So they moved back to Louisiana and settled on the Northshore about five years ago. With an LSU degree in marketing, Domangue took up some positions to help May 2021 47 povhouma.com

other businesses grow. But the 9-to-5s didn’t suit his entrepreneurial spirit.

“I realized that day jobs are really not my thing. I’m a startup guy,” Jason shares. “I had made enough money on my startup that I decided I wanted to look and figure out a way to do something that’s physical but aligned with a social cause: do some good for the world with my skillset.”

The idea for Petal came to him in 2018 when searching the bathrooms of his home for a container of soap that wasn’t empty. “I’m in the guest bathroom washing my hands, feeling a little gross.

And I see all this plastic and realize I’m going to be creating all this waste,” Jason remembers.

Jason knew there had to be a better way; therefore, he called up his friends from his previous startup and went to the drawing board. Getting the product to where it is today, however, wasn’t an easy process.

With several iterations and tests for quality and efficacy, the natural soap was put through a rigorous process. When the group discovered a formula that effectively killed bacteria, they bumped into another obstacle.

Polyvinyl alcohol, also known as PVOH, is used to contain the liquid soap in pods.

The same technology is also used in Tide PODS, but Petal’s is safe for the skin and even edible. “You don’t want to eat it,” Jason laughs. “But you could. It’s an FDAgrade film.”

“The problem with this stuff is you’re putting a liquid inside of a thing that dissolves by liquid. So, you have to go test with the company that makes that stuff to see if it’ll hold it,” Jason goes on to explain. “On the production line, they started to make, and it just dissolved through every pod we had.”

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Not until after a year and a half of testing would Petal find a formula that worked, and the company developed its prototype in March of 2020 — when COVID-19 cases began to spike.

“A lot of people think I got into this business because of COVID. I wish I was that smart and could predict the future like that,” Jason says. “But it felt like the universe was saying, ‘This is your calling.

The world needs handsoap.’”

Thus, he left his day job and focused his efforts on getting Petal to market, which it finally did last November.

Petal is a foaming hand soap made with all-natural ingredients. The pods create 8.5 ounces of soap when mixed with water. “A lot of soaps that are out there contain a lot of junk that you don’t really need,” Jason explains. “For example, the CDC says don’t use hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps as frequently as you

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should be using plain hand soap, because hand soap is just as effective if not more effective than those products.”

“If I use the term ‘antibacterial’ in my soap, I’ll sell more — even though it’s actually harming you. It creates super germs: it’s killing bad bacteria and good bacteria. It’s not natural,” he continues. “So what we focused on is how can we strip every single, unnecessary thing from our soap and still make it super effective.”

The CEO notes that Petal does not contain any synthetic dye or scents — which typically cause problems for people with sensitive or allergic skin — or artificial additions to make the soap thicker. “Our soap is very light and rinses very cleanly,” he says. “I’m not trying to fake you out. I’m trying to give you the right stuff to keep your hands clean and healthy.”

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To dispense the soap, customers can select any of Petal’s three reusable, recyclable

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aluminum bottles designed to match home decor. Or they can choose a bottle styled with photos from world-renowned photographer Corey Wilson.

YOUR NEWS.

In addition to the aforementioned products, Petal offers the Wyland Starter Kit, which contains a bottle decorated with one of the famous artist’s coveted works. Twenty percent of all sold kits go towards the Wyland Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving the oceans.

“What we’re trying to do is align with like-minded brands and folks who have more reach to help us get in front of folks and turn somebody who just wants a really good-looking bottle and some good soap into someone that’s now thinking about sustainability and how their efforts might make an impact on the future,” Jason says.

TRACTOR

YOUR WAY.

The Houma native says he was exposed to environmental issues early on and donated money or work to help related causes; however, he never dedicated his career to it as he is doing now.

“I let myself be open to the fact that if I’m going to make a change in the world, I can certainly donate money and time, but that’s on a smaller scale,” he shares.

“If I could do what I do best — which is create companies and scale companies — and then make that create a movement, I felt like that would be more impactful to what I can contribute to the world.”

Jason says he’s receiving positive feedback on the natural soap, especially from customers wanting to do their part to clean and preserve the ocean.

GET ONLINE. 802 HWY 182 Houma, LA 70364 (985) 851-1242 www.spehouma.com

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“Right now, 500 billion bottles of plastic personal care containers end up in the ocean every year,” he highlights. “We’re not all going to fix that overnight. But if we all take these small steps together, then we can.”

To find out what Petal has in store, folks can visit withpetal.com. Petal products can be found in only one retail location globally — Jason’s mother-in-law’s flower shop, Butterflies N Flowers Florist, in Houma. POV

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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |

BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

DOZE OFF TO A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP After more than a year of tossing around fitfully, it’s time to get some sleep. Worries over our health and finances, grieving those we’ve lost, and loneliness continue to keep us awake. Sleep routines that worked in the past no longer lull us into slumber. It’s time to try something new and get a better night’s sleep.

We’re not alone during these sleepless nights. According to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, approximately 40 percent of the population experienced stress-sleep problems during the pandemic. Disruption of daily routines and circadian rhythms caused every day to seem like being lost in Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day” but without the laugh track.

The Better Sleep Council declares May as Better Sleep month. It is also observed as National Mental Health Month, and, as we know, lack of sleep impacts our mental well -being. So, this seems an ideal time for getting into a better sleep routine.

Numerous organizations, including the two mentioned above, offer helpful resources for improving sleep routines. However, discuss with a healthcare provider any problems with sleeplessness or insomnia as it could be symptomatic of other medical conditions.

Here are a few tips for getting better sleep: Spend less time in bed.

While it seems counterintuitive, we should avoid going to bed until sleepy. Tossing, turning and worrying about not going to sleep doesn’t help us doze off.

Most of us have had restless nights of waking up every hour before catching a flight or attending an early morning meeting. To prevent anxiety about sleeping, we need to alter our thoughts.

When having trouble falling asleep, get up and go to another room. Turn on low lights, There are numerous guided meditation play soothing music and read a book—not a apps with soothing voices to help us drift digital device—until sleepiness takes over. off. Sound machines with white noise or peaceful ocean sounds can also have Avoid taking a laptop to bed. Just a few more hypnotic effects. minutes of work only increases anxiety.

Practice good sleep hygiene.

Wake up at the same time every day.

Along with aiming for seven to nine hours For a better sleep routine, follow the of nightly sleep and keeping consistent same wake-sleep cycle even on weekends. bedtime, keep the bedroom for sleeping— This helps regulate our circadian rhythm. or romantic pleasures—only. Set offices Figure out the best time for going to bed or exercise equipment anywhere else in and awaking to fit our schedules. Start the house. Make the bedroom a restful with no less than six hours—increasing sanctuary. gradually—and set alarms accordingly.

Many smartphones and home AI devices Keep the room cool, quiet and dark at have health apps and data that alert us to night. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before “wind down” time. Power down everything bed. If exercising at night, allow time for and start getting ready for bed when the endorphins to settle down. However, some timer goes off. restful yoga poses such as child’s, corpse and leg-up-the-wall poses, can help with better Follow other healthy daily habits. sleep. A warm bath and aroma of lavender Healthy sleep, food and exercise habits all essential oil also relax the body and mind. contribute to overall wellness. Eat three or If you have concerns about the quality of your even four balanced meals at set times and sleep, contact our Sleep Disorder Experts stick with a set exercise schedule to help at Thibodaux Regional Sleep Disorders maintain the circadian rhythm for better Center by calling 985.493.4795 or visit sleep. www.thibodaux.com/centers-services/sleepConcentrate on something besides sleep. disorders-center.

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FUN FACTS CELEBRATE THIS SUMMER BECAUSE YOU CAN! ACCORDING TO LOUISIANA TRAVEL, FESTIVALS ARE TAKING PLACE ALL OVER THE STATE THIS SUMMER. PACK YOUR BAGS AND ENJOY OUR BEAUTIFUL STATE!

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UNDER THE SCOPE |

BY JOHN DOUCET

LIFE AS

LOCUST

Houma’s Premier Assisted Living Facility Providing quality care to the elderly population of our community Since 2004

Back in the 60s and 70s, my dad was a tool pusher on a drilling barge, often drilling or docked in weird and creepy Louisiana marshes and swamps, and he sometimes brought home weird and creepy things. One time his crew caught a bat flying around the night beacons on the derrick. One time he trapped a millipede in a Band-Aid tin. Other times it was a strange fish or plant or rock.

One day it was a car lacquered with smashed lovebugs—which I’ve seen each spring and fall ever since. What he really brought home were good science and nature lessons for a kid.

One day, trapped in a large Gerber Baby Food jar (and where he found such a jar on a drilling rig among all the grown men is beyond me!), he brought home the largest and angriest bug I would ever know. It was stout, roughly the size of a Vienna sausage but darkcolored and tapered at the back end, with large glasslike wings draping backward, small muscular legs, opaque eyes that bulged from each side of its head, and a snout that looked like the grill of a Mack Truck. Being trapped in a jar, it was not happy, and it let me know it by continually head-butting the glass. With each strike, there was such a ping that for certain it would break free, seek vengeance on the veins in my neck, and render me paralyzed or worse. Dad called it a “locust.”

As it turns out, it wasn’t angry—it just wanted to fly. It doesn’t bite—it just looked like it could take down a cow. And it wasn’t technically a locust, but rather it was technically a cicada.

You know cicadas by their crescendos of “sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh” or “weir-o-weir-oweir-o-weir” echoing from the forests during summer mating season (theirs, not yours). In Louisiana, they’re called annual cicadas because we see them each year.

But this Spring, trillions of so-called periodical cicadas that have been maturing underground for the past 17 years are set to emerge all-at-once in the eastern U.S. For once, be thankful it’s only lovebugs hitting your windshield.

After answering one of those “sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh” or “weir-o-weir-o-weir-o-weir” love calls, a female cicada will saw into a young tree branch and insert fertilized eggs. Within a few days, hundreds of tiny, bug-eyed, unpigmented, and wingless cicada nymphs emerge from the eggs and fall to the ground where they’ll burrow for the set number of years according to their species.

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Imagine, if you will, leaving your sunshiny youth and entering a dark, muddy, sapsucking life for 17 years before climbing up the side of a tree, cracking open your shell, unfurling your glasslike wings, and flying away like a banshee, desperately screaming “sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh” and “weir-o-weir-o-weir-o-weir” as you jet from tree-to-tree. If that sounds like your life, then you’re either a human who reads lots of Marvel Comics or an excited periodical cicada.

The brood of 17-year cicadas emerging this year were born in the branches in 2004.

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If that were you, you would remember things before burrowing into the darkness only to be startled by what’s happened since. You may have known that in 2004 the San Diego Chargers drafted Eli Manning but might never have known that they traded him to the New York Giants for whom he won two Superbowls and is now retired. You might never have known that the Giants selected Phillip Rivers in that same draft and in turn traded him to the Chargers, which was the first domino to fall in the emigration of Drew Brees from the Chargers to the New Orleans Saints. And, oh yes, you would have never known—much less believed—that the Saints made it to and actually won a Superbowl. And now, with Brees’ retirement, you would have missed all the glory of his Hall of Fame career in New Orleans. Makes you wanna say “sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh!”

Emerging from 17 years of darkness, you would not believe things like snowfall on Christmas Day 2004, Katrina in 2005 and all the major storms since, the loss of 200 more square miles of coastland, the Covid pandemic and struggles to contain it, the first female Louisiana Governor, the first black U.S. President, the first orange U.S. President, all seasons of Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey, all 12 generations of iPhone, all 17 years of Facebook, and Greta Thunberg.

But to comfort you that you’ve emerged in the same twilight zone in which you were born, know that some songs have remained the same after all those years: The Rolling Stones still roll, Tom Brady still wins Superbowls, Eric Paulsen still anchors the Channel 4 morning news, and Armour remains America’s Favorite brand of potted meat. Yes, every day dawn still shines over your old birth world. So, wipe the mud from your bug eyes and rest your wings. Hang-in there. POV

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RENDEZVOUS |

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AROUND TOWN

Market at the Marina A new healthy initiative for our community! In partnership with the Houma Downtown Development Committee, Market at the Marina will launch this Spring on May 1st.

The farmer’s market will feature local vendors. The market will be held on the first Saturday of every month.

children of Terrebonne Parish. This year’s event will be held across the street from Southdown Bar and Grill in the old Rite Aid Parking lot on St. Charles Street. Crawfish sales begin at 11 a.m. along with live music from Beep Beep & the Jeeps. There is a $5 entry fee for adults and children over 2 years of age. $5 entry fee will include 1lb of crawfish.

More information can be found at www. hjcboiloff.com

Local MArt

TFAE Run for Excellence

May 1, 8 a.m.

Houma Downtown Marina

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May 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MPower Yoga, Houma

MPower hosts a wonderful local MArt to celebrate local artists and vendors.

Vendors will be showcasing items such as paintings, jewelry, crystals, kombucha, pastries and more.

Fletcher’s Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Party May 1, 3 p.m.

Fletcher Technical College, Schriever

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Join Today!

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Community

Join the Fletcher Foundation as they host the inaugural Fletcher’s Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby party. Enjoy a mint julep or your favorite beverage, a bourbon tasting and hors d’oeuvres as you stroll the grounds. Try your hand at your favorite lawn games. Live music will echo through the campus, while you pause for a moment with your date at the portrait station. Have your hat ready for the unique contest for outlandish headwear. Tickets are $100/person.

14th Annual Southdown Bar’s Crawfish Boil Off May 8, 11 a.m.

Old Rite-Aide Parking Lot, Houma

The Herman J. Courville Foundation proudly presents the 14th Annual Crawfish Boil-Off benefitting CASA of Terrebonne. Proceeds helps in their efforts to recruit and train community volunteers to step into courtrooms on behalf of the abused and neglected

May 8, 6 p.m.

Downtown Houma

To celebrate 30 years of Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, their annual Run for Excellence is going to be offered in in-person and virtual formats! Participants will be able to join in the fun virtually, completing their miles from May 5-7. The in-person race will be held on May 8 in Downtown Houma with celebrations and fun along the route. For more information, visit RunForExcellence.com.

White Boot Stroll May 15, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Downtown Houma

The White Boot Stroll is a fun, new event coming to the greater Houma area this spring. Put on by the Bayou Regional Arts Council, the Houma Downtown Development Corporation, and Houma Area CVB, this event celebrates the best of Terrebonne Parish’s arts and culture. Streets will be blocked off in Downtown Houma to allow pedestrians to freely wander in and out of shops and restaurants, which will be paired with local artists and musicians. There will also be art installations, photo opportunities, and activities for children. Musicians include the Cajun Music Preservation Society from 12-2 p.m. and the Grammy-nominated Pine Leaf Boys from 3-5 p.m. Admission is free. POV

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Professional Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Contracting

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May 2021 57 povhouma.com

LOOK TWICE |

WIN A $50

COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK

GIFT CARD

Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 12. Email your answers to us at looktwice@povhouma.com or drop it in the mail: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA, 70361.

A winner will be picked by random drawing May 20.

The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank.

Participants must be 18 years or older.

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 Removed ceiling beam 2 Changed color of ottoman 3 Changed color of pillow 4 Added dog 5 Removed picture on the wall 6 Changed color of scrunchie

Congratulations to John Ferguson for winning last month’s contest.

Stronger Together.

You have big dreams. Let’s make them happen.

From adding a pool to enclosing the garage, we’ve got you covered. Ask about our home lending options today!

banksynergy.com | 985.851.2217 May 2021 58 povhouma.com

6161 WEST PARK AVE., HOUMA, LA | 876-1817

May 2021 59 www.southlanddodgechryslerjeep.com povhouma.com