Point of Vue - August 2023

CHATEAU CHIC Outdoor

A

20 24

CAJUN CRAFTED

Four Horsemen take the gulf by storm!

ALLONS MANGÉ!

It's time to participate in these local food trails!

EXTRAS ON THE COVER WORD, YA HEARD

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Say What?

THE OBSERVER

Remembering the Good in Goodbye

WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Keeping Up with the Kids: Summer Safety and Back to School Best Habits

UNDER THE SCOPE

Righting the World RENDEZVOUS

Where You Need to Be Around Town

CONVIVIAL

[ kuhn-viv-ee-uhl ] adjective friendly; agreeable: a convivial atmosphere. fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company; jovial.measured; limitless.

WORD ON THE STREET

As the school doors reopen, a convivial atmosphere fills the air.

The convivial gathering of friends at the tailgate was filled with laughter and camaraderie.

VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com

Photo: Misty Leigh McElroy

Brunella Luke carries on the tradition of making corn husk dolls.

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.

AMENITIES INCLUDE:

•MUSIC & MEMORY THERAPY

•KITCHEN THERAPY

•LIVE & LOCAL CONCERTS

•IN-HOUSE THERAPY DOG

•NOVEL EXCURSIONS

•GAMES & CRAFTS

THE ONLY MEDICARE 5 STAR NURSING HOME IN TERREBONNE AND LAFOURCHE BAYOU REGION AREAS

The Best Choice

IN REHAB SHORT TERM

(985) 532-1011

7534 Hwy. 1 Lockport, LA 70374 www.thebroadwayelderliving.org

Shrimp and grits

Beignets

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Mary Downer Ditch

EDITORIAL

Bonnie Rushing Editorial Director

Isabelle Gareis

CREATIVE

Lauren Hemstreet

PHOTOGRAPHY

Misty Leigh McElroy

DIGITAL

Madison Pontiff

Maddy Robichaux

Crawfish

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Doucet

Jaime Dishman

Evan Cressoine

Gumbo

Fried shrimp po-boy

CONTACT

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com

Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com

Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com

Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

Copyright ©2023 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.

LOUISIANA LIFE AND HERITAGE

South Louisiana, a region known for its captivating culture and enchanting landscapes, offers a unique and unforgettable living experience. From the vibrant communities to the tranquil bayous, the best part of residing here, in this diverse and soulful region, lies in its distinct blend of history, cuisine, music, and warm-hearted locals.

Despite the nearly unbearable heat we’ve experienced this summer, I wouldn’t ever call any other place home. (I totally had a shop fan blowing on me during our latest photoshoot and dipped my feet in the pool during this month’s Chateau Chic shoot. We’ve stopped at nothing to try and stay cool this summer!)

Known for our open hearts and friendly demeanor, residents readily embrace newcomers, making them feel like part of a closely-knit community. This camaraderie is evident in the numerous festivals, events, and gatherings that fill our calendars throughout the year, fostering a sense of togetherness that is genuinely heartwarming.

This month, we are exploring Louisiana Life and Heritage. Tradition runs deep on the bayou. Perpetuating the state’s local customs is what many of us strive to do, including Mrs. Brunella Luke. Mrs. Brunella is best known for the corn husk dolls that were available for purchase during her 20 years at Lagniappe on the Bayou. While Mrs. Brunella has

been retired for some time, she is being presented with the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Tradition Bearer Award. Learn about the tradition of the corn husk dolls on page 16.

Fishing is a way of life in south Louisiana. For Aaron Pierce and Roger Dowdy, fishing provided the start for Four

their adventure starting on page 20.

Finally, what would we be without our unique cuisine? As the mouth watering aromas of spicy gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée waft through the air, it becomes evident that South Louisiana is a haven for food enthusiasts. With a culinary scene that has garnered global acclaim, locals take immense pride in their cooking traditions. Utilizing fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico and local produce ensures that every meal is a delightful celebration of flavors. Both Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes have started food trails where locals and tourists alike can travel to different stops along the trail to claim their prize at the end. Explore more starting on page 24.

Horsemen Tackle. Known for their quality fishing tackle, they are also the inventor of the popping cork. Both gentlemen still work as charter fishermen in the area, while continuing to attend trade shows and create new and different bait and tackle for their customers. Read about

For me, the best part of living in South Louisiana is its multifaceted cultural charm and the heartwarming community spirit. From the vibrant celebrations and delectable cuisine to the lush landscapes and soulful music, this region offers an experience like no other. Those who call Terrebonne and Lafourche home find themselves captivated by its allure, where every day brings new adventures and cherished memories. Embracing the essence of this culturally diverse and welcoming region makes living in South Louisiana an extraordinary and cherished journey. POV

What is one thing you're looking forward to the most as you get ready to go back to school?

WILLIAM

I’m excited to go back to school so I can see my friends and teachers. They remind me that school can be fun!

AMELIA & ADDIE DUBOIS

Sisters, Amelia and Addie are most excited to see all of their friends at their first recess and meet their new teachers!

I can’t wait to see all my friends!

GRAHAM

Friends, I'm most excited about seeing my friends and maybe learning a thing or two. I like being around people and the new opportunities that the new year brings.

LANDON

I am looking forward to having another good year of school, and looking forward to seeing all of my friends.

HUNTINGTON

I'm looking forward to seeing friends!

Paige Pipsair MSN, FNP-C

OUTDOOR OASIS

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

Imagine coming home each day to this elegant outdoor oasis! Our homeowners took their living space from “under roof” to under the majestic skies with the addition of a pool area and outdoor kitchen, as well as intimate gathering spaces.

“In 2019, we started moving electricity and preparing for the demolition,” shared the homeowner. “In December 2020, we began the demolition of the existing patio and arbor. The back porch of the home was closed in, so we had to open it up, redo support beams and more during the construction phase.”

Construction on the pool and kitchen was done simultaneously and concurrently. Coastal Homebuilders handled the kitchen area, while Tropical Pool and Palms handled the pool area and landscaping. Hurricane Ida delayed the project slightly while other repairs had to be made. The entire outdoor space was completed in the spring of 2022.

The pool is a main focal point in the screened-in backyard. It has multiple waterfall features, a sunbathing ledge, a hot tub, a basketball goal and space for a future volleyball net. Sandblasted marble floor surrounds the pool, while Stagg stone wraps the hot tub. Adjacent to the

pool area is a gas fire pit area with builtin bench seating, perfect for gathering with friends on a crisp evening. Lighting Bugs did the uplighting around the walls and Adams Aluminum screened the area.

The kitchen area is a chef’s dream with all major appliances, an adjacent living room with fireplace, and a full bathroom with shower. Countertops are a unique leathered granite. The space is outfitted with heaters for chillier months, allowing the family to enjoy their space year-round. Appliances are from Rod’s Superstore and Outside & In. Rebecca Ann Design helped with the interior decorating in the space. POV

No.

No.

DR. CONAR FITTON

TANDEM CLINICAL RESEARCH

Dr. Conar Fitton is working to advance the science of medicine, as well as provide exemplary care for his patients, one day at a time.

Dr. Fitton, a gastroenterologist with over 20 years of experience, currently serves as a Principal Investigator at Tandem Clinical Research’s network clinic in Houma. The local medical professional received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, before earning a Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Dr. Fitton then went on to complete an internal medicine internship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tennessee, before settling at Tandem Clinical Research in Houma.

Tandem Clinical Research is a national network of board-certified physicians who not only provide high quality medical care to their patients, but have also conducted more than 400 research trials in a variety of therapeutic indications, such as vaccines, ENT, respiratory issues, migraines, gastroenterology, general pain, neurology, and general medicine. As stated on their website, Tandem Clinical Research’s mission is to "advance the science of medicine while improving the quality of life of our patients." Tandem Clinic Research has seven locations where they conduct these trials and serve patients, from New York City, to Louisiana, to Florida.

Through his position as Principal Investigator, Dr. Fitton serves as the physician who leads the conduct of a trial during any particular study, with the Houma branch focusing heavily on high cholesterol and fatty liver disease. "My position at the clinic is really a leadership role," explained Dr. Fitton. "The Principal Investigator has a responsibility to not only create a good environment for the team, but to also lead a successful clinical trial."

work, because we are constantly researching diseases that do not have any known treatments at this point," said Dr. Fitton. "We are always on the cutting edge of developing new theories to help patients. It is so exciting and absolutely fascinating." Dr. Fitton expressed that especially with diseases that are quickly becoming epidemics within the United States, working to find successful treatments is a very rewarding process. "We are getting on the forefront of this research so we can get our patients healthier, quicker," said Dr. Fitton.

Dr. Fitton also explained that another positive part about being involved in clinical research is that the field is evolving with the times, and rarely becomes stagnant. "The interesting thing about clinical research is that our work is ever-changing," said Dr. Fitton. "We never really find ourselves doing the same thing twice. We are always working on something new, better, and more effective treatment options for these diseases."

The Principal Investigator at Tandem Clinical Research oversees each trial that is conducted, trains the staff, delegates work, ensures adequate patient safety, collects and maintains the integrity of the data, and is overall responsible for the quality and success of the trial.

Dr. Fitton expressed how his work at Tandem Clinical Research is unique and rewarding. "It is such interesting

Alongside this important preventative work, Tandem Clinical Research in Houma currently provides services to patients such as memory screenings, liver ultrasounds, healthy pre-screening, and personalized care. At Tandem Clinical Research, Dr. Fitton and his team are constantly working to give patients the opportunity to help shape the future of health for themselves, loved ones, and others, ensuring a stronger and healthier future for as many people as possible. POV

BY ISABELLE GAREIS | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

Tradition runs deep on the bayou. Perpetuating the state’s local customs and cultures is a part of everyday life for so many of our neighbors and friends by continuing to pass on those traditions to the next generations.

Mrs. Brunella Luke has worked for more than two decades to create beautiful, intricate dolls from corn husks, silk, and cloth, and will be receiving a state award for her work this fall. Despite being retired for more than 20 years, the magic of Mrs. Brunella’s corn shuck dolls still captivates and inspires the bayou community-- keeping the culture alive for decades to come.

Mrs. Brunella was born and raised in Chauvin, and has continued to reside here her whole life- eventually raising three sons alongside her husband. "I was born here and never left," chuckled Mrs. Brunella as she recalled those years. An essential part of life in Chauvin, and for Mrs. Brunella particularly, was "Lagniappe on the Bayou," a large, 3-day, volunteerproduced festival which ran from 1969-1994. Lagniappe on the Bayou brought thousands into one of the southernmost regions of

food, drinks, crafts, and more. It was during this fair one day that Mrs. Brunella encountered her first corn shuck doll. "I worked at the Magazin during the Lagniappe fair, and I had an elderly friend, Mrs. Thelma Duplantis, who was making the dolls at the time," said Mrs. Brunella. "We never had enough of them to sell-- we would always sell out so fast. That was my first introduction to these corn shuck dolls. Everyone wanted them, and we could tell they were special."

Mrs. Brunella explained that in 1977, shortly after being introduced to these one-of-a-kind dolls, she and her fellow co-workers from the Magazin began joining Mrs. Thelma and quickly learned the technique of how to construct these special dolls. "We would all get together every week and start making the dolls," said Mrs. Brunella. "Mrs. Thelma would show us the parts and how to put everything together. Then, when we were finished, we would bring them back to her and she would put finishing touches on them. It was a long process for each doll, there are a lot of steps to be completed. It made all of us so happy, and we loved having that many dolls to show at the

After four years of making these corn shuck dolls with her mentor and fellow coworkers, in 1981 Mrs. Brunella was comfortable enough with the technique to begin making the dolls on her own. "I would work on them almost every day, from nine in the morning until the late afternoon, and that’s when things really began to take off," said Mrs. Brunella. "I began taking them to different craft shows, selling them in stores, and giving demonstrations to community members on how the corn shuck dolls were made. I would make dolls all day, stop to make dinner for my family, and then keep making dolls!" Mrs. Brunella explained that she mostly sold and presented her uniquely Cajun dolls at Lagniappe on the Bayou, the very same fair where her mentor Mrs. Thelma showed and sold her own dolls. The dolls Mrs. Brunella has created explored a range of topics, taking the form of everything from Halloween witches, to nuns, to pilgrims, to a group of girls enjoying a crab lunch, to a couple at the altar, and even to someone using an outhouse!

Mrs. Brunella retired from making corn shuck dolls in early 2000, after over 20 successful years

one of the most challenging parts of making these dolls is finding the materials, and it just got too difficult to access them," said Mrs. Brunella. "It was hard to find high quality corn shucks for the dolls, and other unique materials became too expensive as well." Mrs. Brunella’s corn shuck dolls have exquisite detail, such as beautiful locks of hair-- which was made from handspun silk shipped in especially from Minnesota. Alongside difficulty finding materials, the intricate work on these dolls also began to take its toll on Mrs. Brunella’s fingers. "This craft work is very taxing work on your joints," said Mrs. Brunella. "Constantly shucking corn, arranging the materials, and working in such detail just became too challenging." After Mrs. Brunella’s retirement in 2000, she rarely made new dolls, and usually only for very special occasions or personal requests.

More than two decades after retirement, Mrs. Brunella’s exquisite, hand-crafted work has not gone unnoticed—at the highly awarded annual Rougarou Festival coming back to Houma this October, Mrs. Brunella will be presented as the 2023 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor Tradition Bearer Award. This prestigious award is presented during Louisiana’s Folklife Month, where several citizens across the state of Louisiana are

chosen in recognition of their efforts to continue perpetuating the state’s local customs and cultures. Folklife Month, and the

the state to celebrate the traditions that are so important to the identity of all Louisianians—and what better place to present Mrs. Brunella with this award than at the Rougarou Fest, a festival dedicated to the showcasing and preservation of bayou folklore. The Rougarou Fest is free and open to the public, and will run from October 20-22, 2023 at the South Louisiana Discovery Center and Barry P. Bonvillian Civic Center in Houma.

"I feel so deeply honored to be receiving this award," said Mrs. Brunella. "I almost feel like I shouldn't be the one getting it—I wish my mentor, Mrs. Thelma, and others who helped teach me how to keep this tradition alive could be here to accept the award with me. But it warms my heart to know I can accept this award in their memory and honor."

In the light of this extraordinary recognition for her contributions to Louisiana culture, Mrs. Brunella expressed how fondly she looks back on her years as a doll maker. "It was such an incredibly rewarding thing to do," Mrs. Brunella said, as she gestured to her personal collection of dozens of dolls in a variety of shapes and sizes. "I think a lot about how it felt to see the faces of those who came to our Magazin, or Lagniappe on the Bayou, and saw these dolls. Seeing people of all ages, from all over, smile at our work and even take a doll home with them was such a great feeling. Lots of people have never seen anything like them. It was a lot of work, and a lot of time, but just so completely rewarding." POV

BY EVAN CRESSOINE | PHOTOS PROVIDED

It is not every day that a creative business opportunity sprouts from the seeds planted in a group chat with friends. For Aaron Pierce, however, that was the beginning of his business Four Horsemen Tackle. Established in 2017, Four Horsemen Tackle is a Louisiana-based tackle supplier and the inventor of the trending popping corks. Over the last few years, they have grown to supply a number of quality fishing tackle products to the

Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. Born and raised in Cut Off, Aaron went to South Lafourche High School. He went on to study Agriculture Business plant science at Louisiana Tech University and afterward completed his master’s degree in oceanography at Louisiana State University. Aaron has been a fishing guide since 1996. He has three good friends who have also been fishing guides for the last twenty years or so. In order to stay in touch with

these friends, a group chat was formed and the men decided to call it the Four Horsemen.

For as long as he could remember, Aaron loved to fish. He grew up as many southern boys do, fishing with his father since he was around four or five years old. He always had a passion for it and so it was no surprise that he would embark on a mission to create the perfect fishing cork.

Because Aaron knew there was a need for better fishing products such as corks and baits, he sought to create the quality products he was looking for. He was determined to make a cork with a heavier swivel and a unique popping sound compared to ones he found were too light and quiet. His four horsemen group chat offered up some ideas and helped test his products, thus inspiring him to name his business Four Horsemen Tackle.

Ironically enough, Aaron’s partner in the business, Roger Dowdy who was also born and raised in south Louisiana, was not originally a part of the group chat. However, like Aaron and his fellow horsemen, Roger has also been fishing and guiding for twenty years through Reel Cajun Adventures. Together, Aaron and Roger have over thirty years of combined fishing experience.

Four Horsemen Tackle offers many products with the promise of durability

and quality. Among their products are popping corks from three to five inches, armor popping corks that are made to be the most durable and long lasting corks on the water, and plastic baits called Boom Boom Shrimp that imitate the way a shrimp glides through the water.

Four Horsemen Tackle popping corks are claimed to be some of the best fishing corks out there due to the quality material and advanced fishing

technology they are made out of. This technology stimulates the fish into a “feeding frenzy” as they put it on their website, and therefore result in these corks being second to none. These corks come in numerous colors such as yellow, orange, pink, green, and red. They also vary in shape from the classic cork to an oval shape to a skinnier version of the cork. A newer armor cork, the “Tiger Bait” cork, dons yellow and purple in support of

LSU. Four Horsemen Tackle’s other newest products include the “Dark Horse” armor cork colored orange and black and the oval armor popper. They sell matrix and vortex shads as well, which are soft plastic lures for freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Four Horsemen Tackle also sells apparel to completely outfit the avid fisherman. Their online store includes products such as trucker hats, performance long and short

sleeve shirts, baseball hats, visors, and various t-shirts. As for their custom design offers, Four Horsemen Tackle will put a custom logo or design on a cork!

Outside of Four Horsemen Tackle, Aaron continues his services as a fishing guide through The Lodge in Leeville. Aaron is known for his fishing stories, tips, and techniques. He has a strong customer base and takes about 80 trips a year fishing

“Four Horsemen Tackle makes great products for fishing. They are durable and can hold up. The popping cork is different and unique.”

- Aaron Pierce

for trout. In the winter months, from November to April, Aaron works as the nursery and coastal restoration manager at Resource Environmental Solutions LLC and has since 2008. There, he spends time rebuilding islands by pumping sand and dirt, and planting in order to aid in coastal restoration.

For the future of Four Horsemen Tackle, Aaron just hopes to keep selling corks and come out with more products that are durable and work well. “Four Horsemen Tackle makes great products for fishing. They are durable and can hold up. The popping cork is different and unique,” Aaron said on behalf of his business. As it states on their website, the Four Horsemen Tackle team believe and trust in the tried and true products that they sell.

Four Horsemen Tackle products can be found in every tackle store, including national retailers such as Walmart and Academy. Their website can be found online at 4horsementackle.com/shop

Four Horsemen Tackle is a great resource for those who like to participate in fishing activities whether it be for recreational purposes or for their career. It all started with an interest, the need for something new, and the imagination and willingness of southern fishermen to bring it all together. It is the innovation of people like Aaron that allow the fishing industry to continually advance and remain a growing career and recreation for all to enjoy. POV

Hea Health Begins with a Healthy Smile

Houma Family

BY MARY DOWNER DITCH PHOTOS PROVIDED

It’s no secret that some of the best food on the planet can be found in south Louisiana. If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we love to eat. Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico, there is an abundance of fresh ingredients just waiting to be turned into the next most delicious dish. Boiled seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee… the list goes on and on to compete as your favorite Cajun dish.

Cajun Bayou Food Trail

In 2018, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou dished out their very own Cajun Bayou Food Trail. For the past five years, the trail has celebrated the authentic food found within the area’s Cajun roots, offering a way for visitors to truly experience Cajun cuisine like never before.

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism recently unveiled a refreshed trail with new additions and enhancements. Since no one can ever have too many boudin balls, three stops are being added to the preexisting – and authentically delicious – trail, bringing the total participating restaurants to 18. These additions provide more dining options for trail-goers in North, Central and South Lafourche -- Grady V’s in Thibodaux (Blue Crab Beignets, anyone?), Bayou Boucherie Meat Market in Mathews, and Mommie Jo’s Restaurant in Cut Off.

Visitors need only a trail map, passport and quite the appetite to begin their journey, though stretchy pants are also recommended! After getting five stamps on your Food

online and at the Visitor’s Center, guests are eligible for a free Food Trail t-shirt, a comfy badge of honor that, after sampling all the parish has to offer, should be ordered in a size up.

In addition to updated promotional and marketing items like a refreshed landing page and new Food Trail stamps for

Bayou Tourism. “The food trail highlights generations of Cajun cooking up and down the bayou, while delivering an experience that’s personal and full of flavor.”

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou invites everyone to “wander off the eatin’ path” and immerse their palate in authentic Cajun cuisine. To start your journey, head over

goers to explore the delicious crawfish and fresh seafood in Terrebonne Parish by eating along the route at 38 trail stops, shining a light on local restaurants. Twelve new stops were just added in July!

The culinary road map stretches from the heart of Houma all the way down to the Gulf. The 38 Trail stops range from

says Sondra Corbitt, Explore Houma’s Executive Director. “Food is not only a pillar of our community here in Terrebonne Parish, but also an attraction itself. This trail is just the beginning of our organization’s product development efforts to build a better experience in the Houma Area for visitors and locals alike.”

The trail is divided into two “seasons,” heads and tails! It’s just a matter of what’s on your plate, whether it’s a heaping pile of freshly boiled crawfish or a hearty, homemade Cajun dish. We are currently in the tails season. When the days grow long and hot, live and boiled crawfish are hard to come by. But that’s no problem in Houma, where we’re eating Louisiana crawfish all year long. Delicious Cajun recipes are front and center during “tails” season, when you’ll find crawfish tail meat in nearly any dish you can think of.

Dig into a plate of crawfish jambalaya or fettuccine. Warm your soul with a bowl of crawfish gumbo or étouffée. Bite into a crawfish pie or stuffed po-boy. No matter the dish, we’ve got authentic, Louisiana crawfish-filled cuisine waiting

Trail goers are invited to “eat, collect, and claim” as they make their way through the trail, keeping track of their crawfish adventure via the free Trail Guide, available online or at the Explore Houma Area Visitors Center. After collecting 5 receipts from participating trail stops, trail goers can then fill out a short form to claim a free Bayou Country Crawfish Trail t-shirt.

Ready to hit the Trail? Explore Houma has packaged up everything you’ll need. The downloadable Trail Guide includes a map and listings of all Trail locations, as well as a printat-home tracker for checking off all the delicious places you visit.

You can download your guide here: crawfishtrail.com POV

THE OBSERVER | BY JAIME DISHMAN

REMEMBERING THE GOOD IN GOODBYE

I’ve parented him for 18 years.

Eighteen years of teaching, instructing, disciplining, watching, caring, loving. The list feels like it goes on and on.

His dad and I brought him home from the hospital - new parents without a clue. The things we thought we knew quickly came unraveled as we struggled with sleepless nights, rashes, the newborn quirks that no one can ever fully explain.

But he grew, and school years came. With it came sports and extra curricular. We joked about the years lasting forever. In ways, they seemed to stretch endlessly when we were in them. During those years, there are many days I would have given anything for more sleep, more time at home, more quiet moments.

But this month changes everything.

He leaves this month. On the 12th day of August, he’s leaving. Maybe you’re reading this and he’s already left. Maybe you’re reading this and he’s about to leave.

It’s college, and it’s what he wants. It’s only a little less than two hours away. Louisiana State University. LSU. He’ll be in his own dorm, gone for weeks at a time without a chance to come home. He’s a member of Tiger Band, so his fall schedule doesn’t allow him to come home often on the weekends. I’m sure we will call and Facetime frequently, but he won’t be coming home to our house. To our family. To our dinner table.

The mixed emotions are real - proud to see him make his own way. Sad to see him leave the home we have created. The questions rolling through my mind over the past months of him at home often sound like a “to do” list to myself. Did I teach him enough about safety? Can he do a good job balancing his checking account? Does he know how to carefully select friends? Will he balance school and fun and do well at both? Did I teach him our values and the reason why we believe the way we do? Or is he just parroting what we have said without understanding the why? Is he going to wash his sheets often enough?

But in the goodbye, I’m remembering there’s good. The good in bye is that we have known and loved and cared. When we tell him goodbye, it’s a true sentiment. It’s bye, but also good. What a privilege to parent him. It’s been a joy to watch him grow into a young man that we are proud to call ours. The speed bumps and set backs along the way have been lessons that have wizened us all.

I hope LSU is ready for him. He’s ambitious and kind and social. The type to take on huge projects and carry it through. But most of all he notices others. He

came home in middle school asking about a friend who wanted to play an instrument but couldn’t afford it. “How are we going to help?” he asked. Not “if” we were helping but “how.”

When he leaves, it’s with bursting hearts. Our hearts are bursting with love. Bursting with care. And bursting with the loss of a way of life. The loss of him home at night, even when it was late night, I knew he was home. The loss of our family being “always together.” He won’t be with us on an out of country trip later this year, because he will be with Tiger Band and can’t be excused. Our family is separating and it’s hard to separate my feelings from facts.

The fact is he’s still ours.

My feelings say he’s moving on.

The fact is he will be back home for breaks.

My feelings says that’s forever away. The fact is we have done our best.

My feelings say it wasn’t enough.

The fact is he’s a responsible young man.

My feelings say that he still might make the dumbest mistakes.

But all we have now are the years behind us to hold us together. We have spent 18 years of teaching, instructing, disciplining, watching, caring, loving. Whether it’s been enough or not, we have given all we have. And maybe at the end of the day, that’s all it takes. He’s been ours and now we are releasing him to a world that’s so much bigger than us. So that he can do what he’s called to do in his own world of influence. He was ours, but now he’s theirs. May these years be the best years. POV

UP WITH THE KIDS: SUMMER SAFETY AND BACK TO SCHOOL BEST HABITS

Does it seem like school just let out? Yet, it’s about to start again. In the meantime, there are a few more weeks to keep up with the kids and keep them safe as they get ready for another academic year.

Play it safe at the beach.

More danger seems to lurk beneath and above the surface of the water this summer. Rip tides, red tides, jellyfish, rays, sharks, sunburns and the heat dome.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional drownings are among the leading cause of death for children. Even if a child knows how to swim, gulf waters can be deceptive. Younger children should wear life vests or other flotation devices. Set a rule for older children to only enter the water with a buddy and swim within sight of a lifeguard or other adult who’s a strong swimmer.

Don't forget the sunscreen.

Anytime kids are outside, slather them in sunscreen. Here are tips to protect them:

• Choose broad-spectrum products that protect from UVA and UVB rays

• Use lotions not spray sunscreen

• Choose water resistant with SPF of at least 30; avoid anything higher than 50 SPF

• Check ingredients for zinc oxide or avobenzone, which dermatologists recommend as safe and effective

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

The extreme heat over Louisiana this summer keeps children and adults alike at risk of dehydration. By the time kids feel thirsty, they are

probably already dehydrated. Give them plenty of water and avoid sugary sports drinks, soft drinks and fruit juices.

The recommended daily intake of water for children basically equates to their age. Stop the pesky buzzing.

Mosquitos seem even peskier this summer. Along with causing itchy bites, they're also carrying Zika, West Nile and malaria, with cases diagnosed in several southern states. You can protect kids with various spray repellents. But to avoid the chemicals, a study from Virginia Tech recommends bathing them instead with coconut-scented soaps and washes, using coconut-scented sunscreens or applying coconut oil to their skin.

Schedule kids' well checks.

Before school starts, schedule annual wellness checks that may include:

• Growth and development evaluation (height, weight, body mass index)

• Blood pressure check

• Hearing and vision tests

• Required immunizations and optional vaccines

• Screening for behavioral or emotional issues

• Spine check for possible curvatures

Eat, study, play healthy.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies show that breakfast positively affects children’s learning and behavior. Children who do not eat breakfast are also more likely to be less physi-

cally active and have a lower cardio-respiratory fitness level.

A breakfast of whole grains, high fiber and protein-rich foods rather than sugary cereals and processed foods helps them in the classroom and on the playground.

According to Guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services, children should be active throughout the day to boost growth and development.

Lights out; it's bedtime.

Children need set bedtimes. For better sleep routines, follow the same wake-sleep cycle even during the summer and on weekends. Children ages 6-13 should get 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers, ages 14-17, sleep 8 to 10 hours a night.

Be aware of mental health issues.

Anxiety and depression affect all ages. Watch for signs of stress including:

• Excessive worrying or sadness

• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits

• Difficulty paying attention and concentrating

• Irritability and "acting out" behaviors in teens

• Unexplained headaches, stomach aches or other body pains

Take time to talk with your child and be an active listener. If you suspect mental health issues and particularly if they mention suicide, seek professional help immediately.

For more information on health and wellness, contact Thibodaux Regional Wellness Education Center, 985.493.4765.

JOHN DOUCET

RIGHTING THE WORLD

August is a month of many seasons. For one, it’s the peak of “hot” season in Louisiana. For another, it’s the start of white shrimp season. And, of course, it’s the start of school season. Now, the box stores tell us that school supplies are currently on sale, but I say they’re “on sail,” as prices have soared, blown by some uncontrollable wind in our household canvases, pushing our spending ships into uncharted waters. Nonetheless, we buy because nobody wants to send their kids to school without the right stuff—like crayons, pencils, composition books, loose leaf paper, binders, and, for the more fortunate, maybe an iPad or laptop computer.

Protractors are one of those supplies. This neat, plastic, half-circle can measure length on the flat-side ruler and angles on the round-side arch. It can measure “right” angles, the lines for which are 90 degrees of arc from one another—like the two sides of a square—and any “acute” angle, which would measure less than 90 degrees, and any “obtuse” angle, which would measure more than 90 degrees. The better protractors have a series of lines emerging from a center point just like rays from the sun on the horizon at morning—an ingenious, symbolic message to help keep students awake during that painful, early-morning geometry class at first period.

The protractor that we know today was invented way back in the 16th century. But way, way back, our more distant ancestors also needed to measure angles to build the Ancient World. Whether it was right angles for defensive stone walls protecting their cities from invaders or acute angles for the sloping walls of pyramids protecting their dead, ancient builders constructed a diversity of angular structures relative to the local plane of the earth. They employed skilled geometricians who measured angles by such early instruments as the outdoor Groma—four weights hanging by ropes from sticks fixed at right angles, or perpendicular, to one another. The Groma wasn’t very accurate, as you can imagine (especially when it was windy) and yet, ironically, many ancient structures still stand after thousands of years.

Rather than ancient builders, however, it was those Ancients peering into the skies who were the earliest masters of angles. Some measured the Sun’s shadow against marks on stone tables to determine time and season. Others measured and recorded eclipses, the motion of the planets, and the rising and setting of stars and planets beneath what they believed was a grand celestial sphere. And those stars and reflective planets known to the geometrically curious Ancients are the same as those we saw in late summer two year ago—sometimes seen between the rafters of our roofs and sometimes made more brilliant in the dark, unelectrified world of late August 2021—in yet another of August’s seasons.

We live in a perpendicular world, with homes and their walls sprouting from the earth at right angles.  Just like trees. And it’s the same way we raise radio towers and bury electricity posts: at right angles to the local plane. Even plants and

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flowers grow at right angles from that plane upward toward the thing in the sky that excites the electrons in their chlorophyll. But hurricanes—the bane of PoV country—fight and often beat down our perpendicularity. By late August 2021, most right angles along the bayous were rendered acute. Poles and posts and trees and walls—all those things that stood upright like the Ancients built their protective walls— were bent and broken. Roofs with acute slopes like the Pyramids were ripped from their underlying wall supports.  Some remain so.  Others are only recently repaired. Still others are gone forever.

But here in PoV country, we've solved our acute angle problems before--just as we had for Hilda in 1964, Betsy in 1965, Allison in 1992, Katrina in 2005, and now Ida in 2021, as well as every other weather system that disrupted our peace and perpendicularity. And here’s a funny thing about those words used to describe angles. “Right” doesn’t simply describe a 90-degree angle or a structure perpendicular to a plane. It also means “correct” or “normal.” And “acute” also means “temporary” and not “chronic.” These words also describe our resilience to storms: Our disruptions are acute, and our bayou world will be made normal again.  We will gaze at the celestial sphere the same way as we did before and with the same ancient curiosity and angles.

So, when shopping for school supplies this season, remember to buy your kid a protractor and thereby invest in the training of those carpenters, construction workers, engineers, and resilience leaders who will fix our future acute angles and right our world once again. Because of those folks, we don’t use ancient Gromas to measure angles any longer. Weights hanging by rope from a stick? We can use that to catch fish, instead. Nothing “obtuse” about that. POV

When a disaster strikes, we will be there. Backed by one of the industry’s largest catastrophe response teams, we’ll be ready to help when you need us.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Bayou Country Children’s Museum Geared Up!

Touch A Truck

August 5, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bayou Country Children’s Museum

Children will enjoy climbing and interacting with vehicles and equipment while learning about careers in agriculture, oil and gas, marine, construction, first responder and other local industries. There will also be hands-on activities to educate them on the mechanics of how it all works. Tickets are $12 each.

Cajun Linen Night

August 11, 5–8 p.m.

Historic Downtown Thibodaux

Join the fun in Historic Downtown Thibodaux as we celebrate the long, lazy days of summer - Cajun style! Enjoy extended business hours and specials, a variety of local vendors, live music, and fun for all ages. Dress cool and comfy or come decked out in your best Cajun-inspired ensemble...you're sure to pass a good time.

Hercules Festival on the Bayou

& Fishing Rodeo

August 10–12

Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center

The 35th Annual Festival on the Bayou and Fishing Rodeo will offer live music, a live auction, a jambalaya cook-off, and cash awards for saltwater, and freshwater fish. Total cash prizes available are $12,575!

The music line up includes Shorts In December, Tet Dur, and Thomas Cain. The cover charge is $10 each day for the

performances, or free admission for those with fishing rodeo tickets.

Pairings for a Purpose

August 11, 6:30–9 p.m.

HTV10 Studio

Enjoy an evening with live entertainment, and delicious food and cocktails while supporting local children in foster care. CASA’s second annual event will showcase some of the best food our community offers and serve flavorful tastings from locally owned restaurants. Tickets for the event are $75 per person.

Mighty Moms Brunch

August 19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Cuvée Wine Bar & Bistro

Created for mothers with challenged children, the event will offer opportunities to find a personal and professional network. A panel of specialists will discuss relevant topics for mothers of challenged children, particularly those with emotional, physical, physiological, or health obstacles. Tickets are $35 each, brunch is included.

Bayou Lafourche Boat Parade and Poker Float

August 26

Bayou Lafourche, Thibodaux

The free event is open to power-paddled and motorized boats. Participants will cruise along beautiful Bayou Lafourche while listening to live music, and have the option to participate in a poker float for $10 and win prizes. Grab some friends and get out there! POV