FREE FEBRUARY 2019 | VOL. 13 • ISSUE 2 | POVHOUMA.COM
Stronger Together
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CONTENTS |
FEBRUARY 2019 • VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 2
CONT HOME + LIVING
Page 26
FOOD + FUN
Page 32
MIND + BODY
Page 46
16 POV PICK
30 POV PICK
44 POV PICK
18 CHATEAU CHIC
32 LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACTION
46 I BELIEVE
36 OH SNAP
50 WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE
Thibodaux mug
Always a Fiesta!
22 THE OBSERVER
What We Want the World To See
24 S.A.R.A.H.’S PLACE
Renee Bertinot seeks to create a safe place for those battling addiction.
Krewe T-shirt
Kelly Moreaux takes an active leadership role in the lives of others.
Play Like a Girl
38 BON APPETIT King Cake Crazy
40 POV POP-UP: CELEBRATING WOMEN Join us on Feb. 7!
February 2019 6 povhouma.com
Grubbie Scrubbie
Penny Simmons uses her faith to help her thorough her battles with cancer.
Heart Health Strategies for Women
51 OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH YOUR GOALS
Bayou Educational Opportunity Center
ENTS EXTRAS
ON THE COVER
WORD, YA HEARD EPOCH A period of time in history or a person’s life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics
WORD ON THE STREET “Citizens believe the epoch of the 1960s was a major turning point for the United States.” “Stan blames his early childhood epoch for majorly contributing to his status today. ”
Page 56
10 EDITOR’S NOTE A Few Bad@$$ Women!
12 INTERVUE Say What?
52 UNDER THE SCOPE Tannenbäume and Küste
For our February cover, we invited all three of our feature story women to participate in the shoot. It was important to us to show strength and togetherness in one image. Thank you to Kelly, Penny and Renee for allowing us to capture this image. Photo: Channing Candies
54 RENDEZVOUS
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Where you need to be around town
56 SCENE IN
Look at ol’ so ‘n’ so!
58 THE ART OF SMART
It’s not an article it’s a smarticle.
59 LOOK TWICE
Sponsored by Synergy Bank
February 2019 7 povhouma.com
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PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing EDITORIAL
Bonnie Rushing EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mary Downer Ditch MANAGING EDITOR Drew Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR ADVERTISING
Deanne Ratliff SALES MANAGER Harold Cancienne Linda Pontiff Emily Rini A King’s Crown Lanie Roberts Mike Woods
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Michelle Ortego DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
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Brian Mustin 985-873-1411
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.
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CONTACT
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Copyright ©2017 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.
Business address: 6160 West Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515
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Insurance and discounts subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. Northbrook, IL. Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Ins. Co. & Allstate Assurance Co. Northbrook, IL; and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., Jacksonville, FL . Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727.© 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
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.
February 2019 8 povhouma.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE |
MARY DOWNER DITCH • MANAGING EDITOR OF POV
A FEW BAD@$$ WOMEN Let me start off by saying I wanted to rename this issue the “The Badass Women Issue” but two problems arose… One, Bonnie doesn’t really like cuss words on the cover. Two… my Momma agrees with Bonnie. A lady never cusses, right? We published our first Women’s Issue last April and it quickly became one of our most popular. We knew tackling it again in 2019 would be hard, but we accepted the challenge. To be honest, we had so many women that we wanted to recognize in this issue, we would have needed several volumes to cover them all. This issue aims to honor women in our community who put others before themselves, who step out there day after day to face the unimaginable, women who continually have the strength to Get. It. Done. no matter what. This issue does begin with sorrow, with the story of a woman who lost her daughter to addiction. Renee Bertinot’s daughter, Sarah Pellegrin, died nearly one year ago of an overdose on fentanyl-laced heroin. Sarah left behind three beautiful children that Renee and her husband are now raising. Instead of hanging her head, Renee made the decision to raise her head high and help others in the same dark place as her Sarah. She started S.A.R.A.H.’s Place, an organization aiming to help those struggling with addiction. Read more about Renee’s brave endeavor on page 24.
It’s not always so easy to be the change you want to see in others. However, local educator Kelly Moreaux proves the exception to the rule. By leading her students to make wise decisions, advocating for those who need support and taking charge of things that matter, Kelly shows that change is the only way. Learn more about Kelly’s leadership roles on page 32. When we struggle, we often lift our eyes to God to ask for his help in seeing us through. Penny Simmons is in her third battle with cancer. Throughout it all, her faith in God and the support of her family has lifted her spirits and given her the strength to battle on. Read about Penny’s journey to hopefully her forever remission on page 46. Here in the bayou region, we believe in supporting one another, in lifting one another up. We also love any excuse to throw a party! This month, we are hosting our first event of the year with our PoV Pop-Up: Celebrating Women! We have gathered together local women-owned and run shops for a one-night shopping extravaganza at Geri Lynn Nissan. Check out our featured shops on page 40 or at povpopup. com. History is filled with strong women and so is our future. We must be brave and unapologetic in our quest to move forward. We must help one another become bearers of the light that will shine to guide those that come behind us. POV
February 2019 10 povhouma.com
INTERVUE |
SAY WHAT?
What does it mean to be a strong woman in today’s world?
GERI LYNN | CEO
“A strong mother raised me to be a strong woman. She simply demanded it! It means facing life’s challenges head on, never succumbing to the fear we all feel at times. At the same time, we maintain our sensitivity and love for others at all times. After all, we are women, and we are blessed with fantastic ability to multitask and very diverse characteristics! And of course, hair, makeup and lipstick at all times!”
TIFFANY
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR “A strong woman in today’s world is one who has strength to listen, the ability to take charge, and the faith and willingness to help others.”
MELANIE | SALES OPERATIONS ANALYST
“Being a strong woman in today’s world is critical. As a member of Gen X, I had the opportunity to experience the shift from expected gender roles within families and society back in the day to women running large corporations. Success to me became realistic and achievable. As a woman currently working in the oil field, I have had my fair share of challenges, but strength of character and professionalism with a good sense of humor has allowed me to stay true to who I am while climbing the ladder. Being a strong woman in today’s world is less about achieving wealth and power and more about discovering who you are, the impact you make while you are here and the legacy you want to leave behind. Life never gets easier for anyone. We just get stronger and better equipped to handle the challenges.”
AMY
CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER “That’s a tough question because I believe women have always been a strong part of our history. But in today’s world, I think women show strength in their ability to balance family life, career and community service while still having fun. However, when you love what you do, strength comes easy!”
EMILY | MARKETING CONSULTANT
“Being a strong woman in today’s world means knowing who you are and doing it on purpose. I have my girl Dolly Parton to thank for that little nugget of wisdom. Knowing there’s no one else in the world who can do things the way YOU can, gives you the confidence to tackle anything life throws your way. There’s certainly a beautiful strength in that kind of belief in yourself.”
February 2019 12 povhouma.com
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HOME + LIVING
POV PICK | 16 Thibodaux mug
CHATEAU CHIC | 18 Always a Fiesta!
THE OBSERVER | 22 What We Want the World To See
S.A.R.A.H.’S PLACE | 24
Renee Bertinot seeks to create a safe place for those battling addiction.
February 2019 14 povhouma.com
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HOME + LIVING |
POV PICK
THIBODAUX MUG Chic Chateau
Be proud of your hometown no matter where life may take you! Enjoy your morning coffee or tea out of your hand-painted mug depicting some of the most well known places and festivals around Thibodaux.
16th Annual
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March 9, 2019
Writers across all genres will guide both new and practiced writers in their craft. Prepare to be inspired in this once-a-year literary experience. Author Line-Up: Bestselling author Carolyn Brown, Bram Stoker’s Great Grand-Nephew Dacre Stoker, young adult author Alys Arden, WWL-TV news anchor Sheba Turk, suspense novelist Erica Spindler & more!
Conference fee is $35 earlybird (mytpl.org/jwc), $40 at the door, & $10 for students with ID
PRECONFERENCE EVENT MARCH 8, 2019 @ 6pm
Join Houma native Ken Wells for a sneak peek into his latest book, Gumbo Life: Tales from the Roux Bayou. Wells is an author of both fiction and non-fiction, whose journalism career spans the Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Portfolio, Bloomberg News, and the Miami Herald.
Event Location: 151 Library Drive, Houma, LA
Find out more by visiting mytpl.org/jwc or calling 985.850.5301
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February 2019 17 povhouma.com
HOME + LIVING |
CHATEAU CHIC
ALWAYS A FIESTA! BY BONNIE RUSHING | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY
1
Known for their margaritas, unique flavor and their quirky and eye-catching décor, La Carreta has become a laid-back neighborhood hangout where the fiesta never ends. Their motto “Fresh, fun and festive” describes more than the food, it describes the experience they want their patrons to have. Celebrating five years in business this month, La Carreta recently freshened up their look by completing the original design. Working with Mouton Long Turner Architects and Gulf Coast Contracting Services, phase two of the original
design was executed flawlessly and design details from the original plan, selected by Kate Stark, came to life. Already having an eclectic vibe, phase two of the project added more texture and color to match the energy of the cuisine and perfectly pushes the limit between fun and festive. A colorful custom mural by @ricky_665 immediately sets the tone for a lively experience. The addition of string lights, suspended ceiling clouds and wooden wagon wheels to the dining areas give the sense of dining al fresco and create a more
February 2019 18 povhouma.com
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6 intimate dining space. Stunning handmade cement tiles enhance the entryway and the bar, proving to be worth the wait. Directly off the bar is a large outdoor area complete a fire pit, water feature and stage where live music can be enjoyed. During phase two, an expanded roof was incorporated allowing for more covered dining outside as well as the addition of glass garage style doors. While opened or closed, natural light pours into the bar area making it feel more spacious. Under the direction of General Manager Glynn Voisin and Kitchen Manager Luis Cruz, La Carreta keeps it hot in the kitchen with fresh ingredients and keeps the menu fresh by frequently creating new dishes with an interesting twist. Recently Tejana Nachos, Austin Style Queso and the Unicorn Margarita made their debut, truly keeping it fresh, fun and festive. POV
February 2019 20 povhouma.com
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No. 1 Entrance No. 2 Food Detail No. 3 Bar/Dining Area No. 4 Bar Detail No. 5 Dining Room No. 6 Bar No. 7 Mural Additional photos can be viewed at povhouma.com.
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THE OBSERVER |
BY JAIME DISHMAN
WHAT WE WANT THE
WORLD TO SEE So it’s 8 p.m. on the day my article for POV is due, and as I’m putting groceries away, I remember that I told my editor I would turn it in by today. Truth be told, I started the article at work, but then got caught up in my “real job” and left the article on my computer without transferring the file to my email, where I could finish up at home.
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So here I am, late at night, with all my words I have in my head used up for the day. Possibly, even though it’s only a Monday, I’ve used up all the words for the week. It feels like that kind of Monday. It’s late. I’m done. Can we all just go to bed? Youngest daughter just came by, noticing I stopped mid-task in putting away groceries and left potatoes and Pad Thai seasoning still out on the counter. (Don’t stress. Pad Thai sauce doesn’t go with the potatoes. Potatoes are for potato soup. Pad Thai sauce is for Pad Thai. So all is right with the world. Speaking of Pad Thai, I’m trying a new kind from an Asian market in Gretna, that I’m a little obsessed with. So there’s that.) But she asks me, in all of her 9-year-old curiosity, why I’m not picking up groceries, and I’m sitting at my computer instead. So I tell her that today was my deadline, and there’s less than four hours left in the day, so I’m knocking out this article without any clear direction of what I’m writing about for this month’s Observer. “Just write about me,” she says. “Write about how smart I am.” Well then. Problem solved. I smile and nod, but inwardly laugh, because even though she’s smiling when she tells me this, she’s actually pretty serious about wanting me to write about her. She proves it with the next sentence. “Write about how I’m in TAG.” That’s Talented and Gifted, for those uninitiated with 9-year-old smart talk lingo. So here I am, doing exactly what she told me to do. Because she’s smart, so maybe I should listen, right?
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Or maybe because it’s a little bit of what we all like best about in life. Which is why I want to laugh, but don’t because I know she’s kind of serious. That seeing an article about herself would be the best possible thing she could see in the February POV (other than a free Chick-Fil-A coupon - there’s always hope, right?) We might not say it like she said it, but I’m pretty sure there’s a little bit of “write about me” in all of us.
February 2019 22 povhouma.com
YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!
I’m guilty of flipping through a friend’s wedding album, quickly scanning the 800 gorgeous pictures of the beautiful bride, really just wondering what I looked like on that person’s oh-so-important wedding night. Maybe I shouldn’t be admitting that publicly. I’m supposed to act like I’ve never looked at myself first in a family picture, I guess. Or that I would love if someone wrote about my incredible smartness. Because truly, I keep trying to convince all the other six people in this house that I’m the smartest, but no one’s buying it. But maybe if someone wrote an article about my smartness, they would all become immediate believers.
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I recently finished a biography of Alexander Hamilton. He was a man so much like all the rest of us, wanting his words to carve history forever. And they did. As did the parts of his life he probably didn’t want remembered.
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Maybe I want my pictures to look all right, because the real life me isn’t always picture perfect. Maybe I want my words to matter because I’m sometimes uncertain of whether I’m making the difference I’d hoped to make in this world. Maybe we all want a little bit of ourselves to be memorialized somewhere, somehow.
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So when we’re 9 we say “write about how smart I am.” When we’re 39 we say “make sure people know my heart.” And when we’re 89, we realize our heart won’t last much longer, and only the people we’ve loved who have seen us less than picture perfect and heard our un-memorialized words are the ones who can carry on the pieces of us that we want all the world to see. POV
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February 2019 23 povhouma.com
S.A.R.A.H.’S
PLACE BY DREW MILLER | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES
It is now abundantly clear that there is a drug-related death plague across the entire nation right now. With bodies still being counted for last year, 2017 contained just over 70,000 deaths due to drug overdoses in America—a new record. Nearly 30,000 of those deaths involved fentanyl—a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine—making that a 45 percent increase from the previous year. Sadly, south Louisiana is not safe from this epidemic, as fentanyl and other dangerous opioids have taken many young lives here in the Bayou Region, with a combined 70 opioid-related deaths in 2017 in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. Addicts commonly relapse after leaving rehab, as
they get thrown back in the same environment that encouraged their addiction before. In the area, there is a need for a facility that helps those battling with addiction by giving them a safe place to stay while working on bettering themselves and their situation. Houma native Renee Bertinot started an organization to build such a facility with S.A.R.A.H.’s (Seeking Action Raising Awareness & Hope) Place. A campaign dear to her heart as she unfortunately knows what the deadly effects of addiction causes someone close to you. Renee’s daughter, Sarah Pellegrin, struggled with addiction. “Sarah started like a lot of teenagers do: with recreational drug use,” Renee shares. “She started
February 2019 24 povhouma.com
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battling with depression, kind of in her late teens…She was diagnosed bipolar with depression in her late teens/early twenties, and I think by that time she had already been so used to self-medicating that it kind of just escalated from there.” Sarah would eventually seek help and left the area to enter a rehab facility, where she was clean for nine months. However, soon after returning to Houma, she was triggered to use again.
TUNA
“She went to NA [Narcotics Anonymous] meetings and to classes, but the familiarity of the area, the surroundings and coming back to the same place where she left was not good. It causes triggers,” Renee explains. Sarah passed away at the age of 31 on March 29, 2018 due to an overdose on fentanyl-laced heroin. “When they get clean, it doesn’t mean the desire leaves. It takes a lot of committed, dedicated work on their part, and it is possible,” Renee says. “But it takes a conducive environment for sobriety, along with support. She had the support, but she had to go back to the same place she was living. I didn’t know any of this until after the fact; it was way too late by then.” Now with the firsthand knowledge of what is necessary to keep at-risk loved ones away from drugs, Renee started S.A.R.A.H.’s Place with her longtime friend, Michelle Eschete. “We’re hoping to be able open up a transitional housing facility or join February 2019 25 povhouma.com
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with another entity who’s doing this in our surrounding area—whatever we can do to have a safe place for people to come to transition back into society,” says Renee. “With the transitional housing, one of our goals was to also offer outside counseling as well,” adds Michelle. The S.A.R.A.H.’s Place organization was started to not only build a transitional facility in the Houma area and counsel people in the community but also to educate drug abusers, those close to them and other individuals in the community, especially on the dangers of fentanyl. “It [fentanyl] is now being cut into everything: from pills to cocaine, to heroin. You can read testimonies of kids in high school or college. They were out with friends and somebody said, ‘Here, take this.’ They never did drugs before. They’re going to try it, and they die because it has fentanyl in it,” Renee explains. “It is an epidemic, and we need to educate people. We need to educate our young people on the dangers of even being prescribed opioids.”
Renee and Michelle also wish to remove stigmas that pertain to those with addiction and their families. “People are cruel to addicts, and if you ever had an addict in your family, you realize they’re difficult to deal with because they’re so irrational. You cannot rationalize with somebody in active addiction,” says Renee. “Once you become addicted, people think, ‘Oh, you can just stop.’ It’s actually an illness. It is classified as a mental disorder in DSM [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders],” Michelle notes. Renee also hosts meetings for grieving moms, and although the meeting is open to all mothers who lost a child, she says now the meetings predominantly consist of mothers who lost their children to drugs. “…People don’t know what to say to you. As if we don’t love our children because they died from addiction. We do and we want to talk about it,” Renee expresses. “When you have to parent an addict, it’s so hard because you’re so torn between the love for the child that you know and the addict who
February 2019 26 povhouma.com
“…They're beautiful people that have an ugly problem. Whatever the addiction, it takes over their lives. Sometimes people just need to get that initial help, that push, that encouragement that their life can get better...."
is abusive, manipulating, breaking the law and leaving their children...There’s such an emotional torment there.”
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Today, in addition to educating, fundraising and counseling, Renee, along with her husband, is raising Sarah’s three children: Jayce, 12, Jenna, 9 and Julia, 5. “Sarah loved to help people that were down and out. If she knew somebody needed something, she was going to do what she could to get it for them,” Renee shares. “…They’re beautiful people that have an ugly problem. Whatever the addiction, it takes over their lives. Sometimes people just need to get that initial help, that push, that encouragement that their life can get better. Those are all things this organization stands for.” To learn more about S.A.R.A.H.’s Place, visit their Facebook page at facebook. com/S.A.R.A.H.RALLY.HOUMA/. POV
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FOOD + FUN
POV PICK | 30 Krewe T-shirt
LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACTION | 32 Kelly Moreaux takes an active leadership role in the lives of others.
OH SNAP | 36 Play Like A Girl
BON APPETIT | 38 King Cake Crazy
POV POP-UP: CELEBRATING WOMEN | 40 Join us on Feb. 7!
February 2019 28 povhouma.com
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POV PICK
KREWE T-SHIRT Gravois Graphics
The best part of Carnival season is the parades! The krewes of both Houma and Thibodaux are depicted on these locally designed t-shirts for both children and adults. Be ready to catch plenty throws with this catchy shirt!
THE LEADER IN FINE SCRATCH BAKED
King Cake
OV E R 60 VA RIETIES Shipped anywhere with daily Fed Ex shipping
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C A N N ATA C A N N OL I The Signature dessert of our Sicilian heritage made its way into our Italian inspired King Cake, the Cannata Cannoli. Like a cannoli, our Cannoli King Cake is stuffed with a rich, sweet creamy filling with chocolate chips decorated in homage to the Italian flag of white icing with green and red sprinkles. MARDI GRAS MEETS THE BEST OF ITALY! MAGNIFIEO!
JOINING OUR FAMILY IN MARCH 2019
A magazine focused on fun and entertainment for the whole family! Family First will be distributed to elementary classes in all Terrebonne Parish Public Schools. For more information or advertising details, email mary@rushing-media.com February 2019 31 povhouma.com
LEADERSHIP through action February 2019 32 povhouma.com
BY DREW MILLER | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” — Marian Wright Edelman
Love
Story... a true
Edelman’s enlightened words easily apply to Houma native Kelly Moreaux. The 22-year educator made sure that all who entered her classroom would leave as smarter, more thoughtful individuals. She also spread the message of equality and inclusion, through her words and actions, and became an advocate for the local special needs community. After teaching at a small high school in Texas and then moving back to Houma to teach at St. Francis de Sales Elementary School for a year, Kelly started educating at Vandebilt Catholic High School. There, she taught English, Psychology and a course she implemented at Vandebilt: Teen Leadership. “I feel like Teen Leadership helped build confidence in students. I believe it helped them to connect with their peers and appreciate that people are not always what you see on the surface,” Kelly says on why she felt the need to establish the course. Teen Leadership, now known as LeadWorthy, is a course that teaches youth how to positively lead those around them. The class teaches students how to take personal responsibility, express themselves (Students give graded speeches throughout the course.), make good, informed decisions and approach those around them with understanding and respect. Participants in Kelly’s Teen Leadership course were encouraged to open up to each other and became close by the end of the semester. The class and Kelly are still held in affection to this day. “Mrs. Moreaux was such a joy and inspiration, both as a teacher and a human. There weren’t many classes I looked forward to attending daily, but Mrs. Moreaux’s Leadership class was never a disappointment,” says Michelle Lyons, Kelly’s former student. “…She taught me the importance of being raw, truthful and vulnerable during times when hiding would be easiest. Most importantly, she instilled in me the value of fighting innate human judgment, holding all humans as equal and the importance of spreading love and kindness into the world.” WWW.CY PR E SSCO LU MN S .COM FOR A LIMITED TIME
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However, this did not discourage her from finding such a class for her daughter—even if she had to create one and teach it herself. “We had been meeting with the bishop to try to figure out how to incorporate Special Ed in the Catholic schools, and a private donor came forth and wanted to start one at Vandebilt…So, I got out of the typical classroom for a while and taught that class for a couple of years,” she remembers. That program sparked others at Maria Immacolata Catholic Elementary School, E.D. White Catholic High School and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School— where Ella is currently attending. “…As a Catholic school teacher, I could not fathom the idea that my child would not be welcome in a Catholic school, and as things stood—she wasn’t. I wanted to do everything in my power to work to include her,” Kelly shares. Today, Kelly, who currently is the English department head at E.D. White, continues to advocate for those with special needs and change people’s perception of them through social media campaigns and by contributing to local organizations such as Bookin’ BUDS—a nonprofit that donates books to children with Down syndrome on their birthdays. “Advocacy is fighting for Ella to have the same right as her peers,” she says. “Mrs. Moreaux had all the best characteristics you’d want to find in a teacher. She was passionate about her job, relatable and genuinely invested in her students…,” adds Kyle Eroche another former student of Kelly. “Going to Leadership class was something all of us looked forward to. There was such a sense of community and fellowship within that class; it was a safe place. The positive environment allowed for us to step out of our comfort zones and learn many skills I use now in my everyday life, such as speaking publicly.” Although her Teen Leadership course and other classes she led touched many lives, Kelly’s impact during her 19 years at Vandebilt didn’t stop there. While there, she met fellow Vandebilt teacher, Quinn Moreaux, and the two married and had two children: their oldest,
Jackson and their daughter, Ella—who has Down syndrome. With Kelly being as beloved as she was in the Vandebilt community (given the first ever Inspirational Teacher of the Year award from the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux’s Council of Catholic School Co-operative Clubs), the student council decided to incorporate the national Spread the Word to End the Word campaign on campus, soon after Ella was born. “It [Spread the Word to End the Word] was actually started by the Special Olympics. It was about avoiding using the word ‘retard’ as an insult, understanding what that really means and how that really affects people,” Kelly explains. When Ella became older, Kelly researched Catholic schools in the area for her daughter to attend that had special education; she found there were none. February 2019 34 povhouma.com
And like her mother, Ella, who is now age 10, has become quite the influencer with the positivity she spreads through her joy, especially in the videos she makes for social media. Now gaining quite the following, the mother-daughter duo are soon to launch a website containing videos of Ella’s awesome cooking skills— displaying recipes parents can cook with their children. “People have looked at her and asked me if I knew before she was born: No I didn’t, but it wouldn’t have mattered because she’s my child,” Kelly says. “Down syndrome is a small part of who she is. I think sometimes people think that anything that makes a person imperfect needs curing or changing, but if you really stop and think about the people you love the most, their imperfections are a lot of times what you love about them.” POV
Life insurance from real-life people. Get life insurance that comes with someone local (us). We’re here to help you protect your family’s financial future. LET’S TALK TODAY.
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OH SNAP |
PHOTO BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY • MISTYMACPHOTO.COM
PLAY LIKE A GIRL
February 2019 37 povhouma.com
Senior Cassidy Barrios, Nicholls Women’s Basketball guard, plays ball like a girl, driving fiercely down the lane in a game against Incarnate Word.
FOOD + FUN |
BON APPETIT
KING CAKE
CRAZY From Twelfth Night through Fat Tuesday, eating king cake at every meal isn’t really unheard of. A slice with your coffee, a mid-afternoon snack, a little bit before bedtime… It’s a really tough job, but someone must consume all that purple, green and gold goodness!
Despite local companies coming up with amazing king cake flavored goodies like ice cream, coffee and liquor, there’s nothing like the real thing. But what exactly do you do with the fifth cake that’s delivered to your home or office during the Carnival season? Cook with it of course! POV
KING CAKE BREAD PUDDING Ingredients • One large dry* king cake (for a 9×12 pan) • 2 sticks of unsalted butter, melted • 3 cups of milk • 4 eggs • 2 cups sugar • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 cup chocolate chips (You can add whatever topping you prefer, such as chopped pecans) • Purple, green and yellow sanding sugar • One plastic baby (should come with the king cake)
Directions 1. *Cut the king cake into slices and leave open all night. This will dry it out and make
it hard, which makes it easier for the bread to soak up the mixture. 2. C ut the slices in half to make cubes of bread and toss with melted butter inside
the 9 x12 pan. 3. Let stand until bread soaks up most of the butter (at least 30 minutes). 4. I n a separate mixing bowl, lightly blend eggs together first. 5. Add milk, sugar, nutmeg & cinnamon and blend into the eggs. 6. P our liquid mixture over bread into pan and let stand until bread puffs, roughly two hours max. Make sure the bread cubes have soaked up most of the mixture; you can add additional cubes of bread if needed to soak up liquid mixture. 7. A dd chocolate chips on top, evenly. 8. Bake at 300 degrees for one hour or until firm. 9. Remove from oven, and spread sanding sugars across the top. Let stand 15 minutes. 10. H ide the baby in the bread pudding. Don’t forget to warn out-of-town guests!
February 2019 38 povhouma.com
FUN FACTS
February is THE IN With Valentine’s Day this month, loved ones are expected to spend $2 billion on flowers, according to the National Retail Federation. The most popular Valentine’s Day flowers are, naturally, roses. Let’s learn a bit more about this beautiful flower. • 250 million roses are produced for the holiday according to the Society of American Florists.
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• The world’s oldest living rose is believed to be 1,000 years old. It grows on the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany and its presence is documented since A.D. 815. • After he spent 15 years growing it, creator David Austin sold his Juliet Rose at the 2006 Chelsea Show for nearly $15.8 million. • The rose is one of only three flowers mentioned in the Bible. • Out of all colors, there are no black roses. What might sometimes be referred to as a black rose is actually a dark red rose. A good example is “The Black Rose of Turkey”, a breed that appears pitch-black to the eye, but is actually a dark reddish-crimson color. • In 1986, President Ronald Reagan officially made the rose the national flower emblem of the United States in a ceremony held in the famous White House Rose Garden.
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ESS ELLN FW YEARS O
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Join Point of Vue magazine for a PoV Pop-Up Party! Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 5-8pm at Geri Lynn Nissan! This month’s PoV Pop-Up Party takes its lead from the Women’s Issue and places local, women-owned-and-run retail businesses front and center. We invite you to join us as we create a fun atmosphere for you to shop spring fashions, shoes, accessories and more inside the spacious showroom of Geri Lynn Nissan.
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Special raffles to be held throughout the evening benefiting The Haven, a women’s outreach program.
Visit our website www.povpopup.com for more information. February 2019 41 povhouma.com
MIND + BODY
POV PICK | 44 Grubbie Scrubbie
I BELIEVE | 46
Penny Simmons uses her faith to help her thorough her battles with cancer.
WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | 50 Heart Health Strategies for Women
OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH YOUR GOALS | 51 Bayou Educational Opportunity Center
February 2019 42 povhouma.com
FUN FACTS Trivia challenges are heating up! Here are a few useless facts that we hope help you win big one day!
• No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver and purple.
Some things are just better together.
• Most American car horns honk in the key of F. • Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
• Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny) was allergic to carrots.
Like beignets and coffee, some things are just better when they work together. Here at South Louisiana Bank, our lenders are happy to discuss the loan product best suited to needs. • Auto Loans
• Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name was Moon.
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MIND + BODY |
POV PICK
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February 2019 44 povhouma.com
FUN FACTS The New Orleans Saints have had an incredible season, led by their quarterback Drew Brees. Let’s learn a little more about our favorite player. A Professional Medical Corporation
New Year, New Plan, New You, NO PAIN! • D rew Brees turned 40 on January 15, 2019. • H is full name is Andrew Christopher Brees, hailing from Austin, Texas. • Brees joined the Saints in 2005. •B rees holds six career passing records, including passing yards (74,437), passing touchdowns (520) and completion percentage (67.2 percent).
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I BELIEVE
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WE BRING
BY KEELY DIEBOLD | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES
Believe. It is a word that appears all around the Simmons home, where Penny Simmons resides with her husband Billy and two daughters, Madeline and Anne-Morgan. It is a word that stems from her devout Catholic faith. It is a word that she considers her “saying.”
IDEAS
TO LIFE!
And if there is any word the three-time ovarian cancer survivor would use to describe the powerful journey on which she has been over the last several years, that word would be “believe.” “We were on our way to Ochsner, and we had to stop at Walgreens…and in the parking lot…they had a gold baby earring on the ground, and it saddened me that somebody had lost their earring,” Penny says. “When I came out, for whatever reason, I just couldn’t get over that somebody had lost their earring, so I picked it up, and when I picked it up, it said ‘believe.’” Before that moment, she had spoken aloud to Mary, Mother of God, the words, “Blessed Mother, let me see you. Let me feel you. Let me know that you’re interceding for me.” When she picked up that earring and saw “believe,” Penny felt that it was an answer to her plea. “I knew that that was [Mary],” Penny says. “Along the way, God always sent me something.” Penny received her first ovarian cancer diagnosis in November of 2011. Earlier that year, she had begun to experience fatigue and swelling, which she initially put off as a product of her age. When she began to deal with pain and swelling in her abdomen, she knew something was unusual, since she had a partial hysterectomy two years earlier that left her with only her ovaries. After kidney stones were ruled out, Penny suspected ovarian cancer. “Immediately, that popped in my mind: ovarian cancer. The doctor asked me why would I think I had that, and I said because of the way my abdomen [swelled] up, and I only have my ovaries,” Penny says. Penny had a benign polyp removed from her bladder, but she learned shortly after that her cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels were elevated, indicating that she had ovarian cancer. She was tested again at Ochsner,
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where results revealed abnormalities. At the time of her diagnosis, her cancer was in the third stage. Though Penny had experienced cancer firsthand through her father and mother who also had cancer, she said that learning of her diagnosis left her feeling distraught, especially since her daughters were both young at the time. “I tell everybody you kind of think of yourself as like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz,” Penny says. “You’re living your life, and then all of a sudden everything stops, and then you’re in this world of tests and medicine…you’re just so overwhelmed.” Because her cancer was advanced, Penny underwent a lengthy surgery
in November of 2011, during which everything was removed. She began chemotherapy afterward, reporting to Ochsner every week for a six-treatment process. Penny had been in remission for fourand-a-half years when her CA-125 levels became elevated. In 2016, she began chemotherapy once again. “I was so ready to get out of that world,” Penny says. She went into remission again in June of 2017. In December of that year, she had another reoccurrence. Her doctor put her on a different form of chemotherapy than she had previously done. The four-treatment process failed to work, though, and her
February 2019 48 povhouma.com
tumor had increased activity. She then did three cycles of her previous chemotherapy, which reduced her cancer. Because her cancer continued to reappear in the same area, her doctor agreed to allow her to try radiation therapy, which is not typically used for ovarian cancer. Penny underwent 30 treatments of radiation at Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center. As of today, Penny is once again in remission. “I go back in March, and I get nervous every time I have to go back because I don’t every really know what the future holds, but I feel good about this,” Penny says. Through all of the treatments, doctor visits and surgeries, Penny said that her family and her faith have been her greatest source of strength. “My family lifted me up, literally, when I couldn’t walk,” Penny says. “My family takes care of me and lifts me up and gives me the strength to keep fighting, but my faith keeps us going.” From her own experience, Penny says that the best way one can watch for signs of cancer is to learn his or her own body. “If anything is out of the ordinary, go to a doctor. If you really feel like something’s wrong, then chances are something is,” Penny says. Penny says her journey has shown her that cancer is an up-and-down battle, but it is beatable. She says she had to learn, though it may be difficult, how to ask for and accept help from other people. Above all, she learned that she is stronger than she would have thought, which she attributes to her mother. “My mom could cook and bake and crochet and knit and sew and quilt and do all these things that I cannot do,” Penny says, “When I was going through this, my brother-in-law said, ‘You know, I believe you can beat this because your mama gave you that…’ and in that moment I realized no, maybe she didn’t pass on that cooking thing or that crafty part, but she gave me the thing in life I would need the most, and that’s the strength to fight this.” POV
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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |
BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
HEART HEALTH STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in both men and women. When it comes to risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity, both sexes are at equal risk for developing heart disease. But, there are some risk factors where women are actually at greater risk than men. • Smoking: Women who smoke are more likely to develop heart disease than men. • Diabetes: If you are a woman with diabetes, you have a greater heart disease risk than a man with diabetes. • Stress and Depression: As a woman, your risk for heart issues, if you are depressed, are greater than a man’s risk. • Pregnancy: Your long-term risk of heart disease may increase if you had high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy. • Menopause: As your estrogen levels decrease after menopause, you are naturally at a higher risk for a certain kind of heart disease that affects your small blood vessels. Checklist to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease and Heart Attack We are always making check lists – shopping, errands, kids’ activities. We should also make a list, (and check off) strategies to lower our risk of heart disease. As women we are sometimes better at taking care of others than we are of ourselves. But our own heart health should be a priority. First, if you smoke, stop. The U.S. Surgeon General has said, “Smoking cessation [stopping smoking] represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their
lives.” Need help quitting? We offer resources, call 985.449.4686. Start and stick with an exercise plan. Regular exercise can not only help you manage your weight, but can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, five times per week. The key to sticking with a regular exercise program is to find an activity that you enjoy doing. Another item on your heart health checklist should be to see your doctor. Regular visits and routine screenings are essential for heart (and overall) health. Manage your weight. According to the American Heart Association, even if you have no other related health conditions, obesity itself increases risk of heart disease. Signs of a Heart Attack in Women Just as there are differences in some risk factors for cardiovascular disease for women than for men, some signs of a possible heart attack are also different. For women, signs and symptoms of a heart attack are often more subtle. And studies show women are more likely to report chest pain as an ache or a tightening – not necessarily as the crushing pain you think of when you think “heart attack.” It should also be noted that women are more likely to ignore, or write off, symptoms of a potential heart attack. If you have any reason to suspect you’re having a heart attack, or if you have unexplained symptoms, call 9-1-1.
For more information contact the Wellness Education Center of Thibodaux Regional at 985.493.4765.
February 2019 50 povhouma.com
MIND + BODY |
ADVERTORIAL
OPPORTUNITIES TO REACH YOUR GOALS You already made the choice—you wish to pursue a post-secondary education. Now comes the difficulties in everything following that choice: choosing the right institution, academic planning, financing and so much more. Fortunately for residents of the Tri-parish area, there is the Bayou Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC), a grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Their knowledgeable and always-willingto-help staff are able to assist in such postsecondary educational planning—all at no costs for the current or future students that seek their help.
forms, for those participants who meet the low-income requirements. Under the guidance of their career exploration program, BEOC offers virtual job shadowing licenses, which they buy and provide to their participants so that they can do a self-assessment.
Although BEOC is located at 205 Elkins Hall on the Nicholls State University campus, they also work with other institutions such as Fletcher Technical Community College, Bayou Cane Adult Education, South Louisiana Community College, Unitech Training Academy, cosmetology schools and out-of-state institutions. “We are a free program that services the community, through different means of information, to assist them into furthering their education,” says Stacey Pennison, M.Ed.—Director of BEOC, La. State Certified Teacher and Certified Academic Coach. “Whether it’s a high school diploma, the HiSet—which is the now GED program through adult education —a certification program for their career, a two-year degree or a four-year degree, we can help.” Two other dedicated specialists join Stacey, who has 14 years of experience working in education: Senior Outreach Coordinator Ja’Deion Johnson (bachelor’s degree in English, veteran and former high school teacher) and outreach Coordinator Emily Calamia (bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Services and former high school counselor and teacher). Together, along with their office assistant Zachary Smith, they have the ability to provide many educational and career needs. BEOC offers financial literacy, which helps individuals understand and manage banking, debt and retirement. They help students with completing FAFSA to determine if they are qualified for any financial assistance. They also provide enrollment counseling in which they assist in admissions applications and various other enrollment forms. They are able to obtain vouchers for fee waivers for such
“The program [career exploration] guides them through the path that they would choose and shows them what they would have to do to reach their goals,” Stacey says. “…Even if they don’t want to get an education and they just need career assistance, we can help them with that. Some people, especially adults, are not technologically-savvy; they can’t necessarily go on indeed.com or monster.com and know how to find a job. There are people that need this assistance and have nowhere else to go; so, we try to assist them.” With their academic coaching, they are able to issue referrals to adult education centers to obtain GED and HiSet fee waivers as well as college entrance exams fee waivers for eligible individuals. In addition to all of these services, BEOC can assist with exam preparation for the ACT and Accuplacer, which they can also offer fee vouchers for as well. The program makes sure to assist veterans of the community and their children who want to attend college and give out free school supplies starter kits to any adults who wish to further their education. The Center’s outreach in the community is felt with their partnerships with other organizations such as the Haven, CASA of Lafourche and Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center, among others. BEOC seeks to help low-income and/or first-generation college students, but anyone can participate in their program. Whether it’s a 15-minute, one-time meeting to receive vital information or ongoing crucial help, they want to guide as many individuals as they can and get them on the correct path to success. “…So people who participate with us are basically getting academic coaching, counseling and career coaching, counseling,” Stacey says. “They’re are getting free assistance that they won’t be able to get anywhere else.”
To schedule a consultation with the Bayou Educational Opportunity Center, call 985.448.4363. February 2019 51 povhouma.com
UNDER THE SCOPE |
BY JOHN DOUCET
TANNENBÄUME
EXPERT AGENT IN THE KNOW What does it mean to be IN good hands?SM It means that I know the risks in the area. I’ll use my local expertise to help you choose the right amount of protection. And I’ll be there to help you over the years. Call or stop in for a free, no-obligation Personalized Insurance Proposal today. One place to help with all your insurance needs.
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AND KÜSTE Mom always said that I had asthma as a kid. So did her father, my papère, and so she knew what the symptoms looked like and what the suffering sounded like. And the symptoms were always worst for me during cold weather. For that reason, we never had real Christmas trees at the house. We tried once, but, according to my sisters who held mild but long-lasting resentment over the years that our gifts sat beneath a plastic green tree, I got wheezy, got nasty medicines from the local doctor, and the tree got taken out into the backyard. There was no complaint over the tiny and shiny silver tree that my grandparents assembled in their 1930’s-era house every holiday on behalf of Papère’s respiratory health, but in the progressive, 60s-style house of me and my sisters, the sentiment toward out fake tree was totally different. And it was my fault. And so, years later, I make amends in a new way. Nowadays, in my own home, I have real Christmas trees every year. And despite some mild, allergy complains if the heater dries the tree out too much while warming the house, there’s no asthma. The tree faithfully performs its duties through Advent and until Epiphany, carrying new and heirloom ornaments, branching over and protecting gifts for friends and family, and attracting the occasional visiting cat who can’t seem to pass up trying to claw its way up the trunk to the shiny star on top simply because it can. And after the tree’s duty is done in the house and all the gifts are given and all the ornaments are carefully packed for another year’s hibernation, my trees faithfully perform yet another duty. I am proud to say that my real trees over the years have been retired to the Louisiana coast, and both right now and probably for another 10-15 years, they will be enjoying sportsman’s paradise by trapping sediments to help protect the coastal marshes. It was the brilliant and practical idea of a Dutch graduate student at LSU in the 1980s that Louisiana’s coastal marshes could be protected from erosion by building fences of trees that could serve to trap sediments as those particles washed ashore by the silty Gulf. It was a century-old strategy that the Netherlands had employed to protect their own marshes to good effect. And it works here, too. Today, there’s over a million of our trees out there, some of which likely carry signatures of life in PoV country, like captured airborne particles of roux adhered to the sappy needles and bark. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! But the future of this brilliant recycling idea is being challenged at the beginning of the whole tree life process. Last year in the U.S., there were 15,000 farms utilizing 350,000 acres of land to produce the 25 million trees consumed each year. But it takes 11-15 years to produce a saleable tree, and it seems that overharvesting
February 2019 52 povhouma.com
and lack of replanting threaten annual availability of multiple species of fir trees that are our favorite yuletide decorating thing. Overharvesting and failure to conserve should be well known to us if we remember how the great red cypress forests supporting wetlands communities like Donner and Bowie were lost to history. Needless to say, that not all trees are being recycled and are otherwise probably ending up in landfills—space in which is something else we should be conserving. So, let’s do our best to fight for conservation and for recycling those already harvested for retirement at the Louisiana coast. And then, like a kid growing out of childhood asthma, we all breathe at least a little easier about our wetlands. The song “O Tannenbaum,” better known to us as “O Christmas Tree,” was not originally a Christmas song. Rather, it was a folksong from Germany that lauded the evergreeness of fir trees, which we now commonly use as Christmas trees. The lyrics were written to honor the “constancy and faithfulness” of these trees through the brutal Germanic winters and the expectation to see them once again when sun and warmth returns to the countryside. These days we can depend on that constancy and faithfulness in its ability to trap sediments to protect the wetlands along our coast, or, as they might have sung it old Germany, “die Küste.” So, if you have some available land to your name, you might want to plant a series of 10-15 fir trees and harvest your own every year. After all, they’re cheaper to feed than horses. Old horses may be “put out to stud,” but, here, old Christmas trees are “put out to mud.” It’s a good retirement for the environment. POV
B R IG H T N E W Lighting for the
NEW YEAR!
985.872.1431 1000 BARATARIA @ TUNNEL BLVD., HOUMA WWW.VALLEYSUPPLYCO.COM FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/VALLEY-SUPPLY-CO February 2019 53 povhouma.com
WINE & SPIRITS JOIN US FRIDAY NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY FOR CANNATA’S
IN OUR WINE & SPIRITS DEPT.
6-8 PM
FEB 1 SUPERBOWL WEEKEND tailgate tasting SAMPLE A SELECTION OF BOURBONS AND FLAVORED WHISKEYS ALONG WITH SOME BOURBON BARREL AGED WINES
FEB 8
SOMBRERO NIGHT GRAB YOUR SOMBRERO AND COME SAMPLE A SELECTION OF TOP SHELF TEQUILAS MADE FOR SIPPING. ALSO A SELECTION OF RED BLENDS FROM THE GOLDEN STATE
FEB 15 LETS GET THE PARTY STARTED GET READY FOR MARDI GRAS WITH A TASTING OF FLAVORED VODKAS AND A SELECTION OF WINES FROM WASHINGTON
FEB 22 NO TASTING DUE TO THE MARDI GRAS PARADE
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World Wetlands Day Celebration
PoV Pop-Up: Celebrating Women
Feb. 2, 8:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
February 7, 5-8 p.m.
The South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center hosts their 10th annual World Wetlands Day Celebration to raise awareness of wetland values and benefits with this year’s theme “Wetlands and Climate Change.” During the event, the Discovery Center hosts an education event complete with hands-on activities and a tour of the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum. Schools visits begin at 8:45 a.m. and the public is welcome from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Where: Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, Houma Contact: slwdc.org, 985.580.7289
This month’s PoV Pop-Up Party takes its lead from February’s Women’s Issue and places local, women-owned-and-run shops front and center. We invite you to join us as we create a fun atmosphere for you to browse spring fashion, shoes, accessories and more inside the spacious showroom of Geri Lynn Nissan in Houma. Food and beverage provided by Rouses Markets. Admission is free. Where: Geri Lynn Nissan, Houma Contact: povpopup.com
6th Annual Love Your Heart Luncheon February 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn about the health of your heart while participating in cardiac screenings at the 6th annual Women’s Love Your Heart Luncheon. Presented by Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) Healthy Lifestyles Center and the Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), this community event will include a delicious heart-healthy lunch as well as a Q & A Session on women’s heart health with Dr. Charisse Ward. Guests can also enjoy health screenings, including blood pressure checks and the InBody230 scale, and educational exhibits, including information on smoking cessation, vein treatment, women’s health, weight management and more. The Health Fair will be from 11 a.m. to noon and will be immediately followed by the lunch program from noon to 1 p.m. Registration for the luncheon is required, and space is limited. Tickets are $20. All proceeds will benefit The Foundation for TGMC. Where: TGMC’s Medical Atrium Auditorium, 8120 Main Street Contact: 985.873.4616
Greater Love Banquet February 8, 7-9 p.m.
Enjoy a night of hearts beating for Life as Hope Restored hosts their first fundraiser banquet. The evening includes success stories from Hope Restored and guest speaker Pati Adams, Executive Director of Pregnancy Resource Center in Panama City. There will also be a silent auction and delicious food to enjoy. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Where: Hope Restored Pregnancy Resource Center, Houma Contact: hoperestoredprc.org
Cast Iron Cook-off February 16, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Cast Iron Cook-off presented by the Rotary Club of Houma will get cookin’ in downtown Houma. Teams competing can cook ANYTHING as long as it is cooked in cast iron cookware! The fundraising event also features live music by Beep Beep and the Jeeps, games, drinks and lots of fun. General admission is $5, which gives you a ticket to vote on your favorite dish. Children 12 and under get in free. Proceeds benefit the education and service projects of the Rotary Club of Houma. Where: Downtown Houma Contact: houmarotary.org
February 2019 54 povhouma.com
Inspirations Custom embroidery & monograms O RD E R YO U R
personalized gifts TO DAY !
Perfect Temperature Regardless
of the Weather ASK ABOUT OUR 0% FINANCING
• RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL • AC & HEATING SALES AND SERVICE • FACTORY TRAINED TECHS
WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT IN OUR CALENDAR? Shoot an email to mary@rushing-media.com and we’ll help spread the word.
debrushing1213@gmail.com 985-226-4463 Inspirationsbydebbie
February 2019 55 povhouma.com
1309 st. patrick st. 446-6256 • Thibodaux 868-4421 • Houma
SCENE IN |
LOOK AT OL’ SO ‘N’ SO!
SAINTS PEP RALLY Ahead of the NFC Championship Game, Terrebonne High School held a pep rally on January 18 for the New Orleans Saints. WWL-TV reporter Duke Carter broadcasted live from the pep rally during the Channel 4 Eyewitness Morning Report about Black and Gold Friday around the state. Photos by Wendy Bergeron Photography.
VISIT THE
OPEN Monday through Friday 10AM to 4PM Saturday 10AM to 2PM 1154 Barrow St., Houma, LA (985) 873-8200 regionalmilitarymuseum.com
BEASLEY
PEST CONTROL
• Pest control • termite control • wood destroying insect reports
Complete Pest Control Services Locally Owned & Operated Serving the Tri-parish & Surrounding Area Houma (985) 872-5019 • Thibodaux (985) 446-1811
February 2019 56 povhouma.com
Filling Your Healthcare Needs
Since 1960...
Conveniently located next to Thibodaux Regional. We can accept ALL major insurance plans, and offer a wide variety of gifts, cards, and candies. Fast, Friendly, Local Service That No One Else Can Beat!
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1117 Audubon Ave. • Thibodaux • 985-447-5852
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OUISIANA
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www.slfsllc.com • 985-851-4281 • 1-888-488-2435
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February 2019 57 povhouma.com
315 South Hollywood Rd • Houma, LA 70360
THE ART OF SMART |
IT’S NOT AN ARTICLE, IT’S A SMARTICLE
1 Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847. Which of these inventions is NOT associated with him? Carbon transmitter A Kinetoscope B
C Autographic printer D Air conditioner
2 On February 15, 1961, the entire 18-member U.S. figure skating team was killed in a plane that crashed in what country?
France A Belgium B
C England D Japan
3 M*A*S*H ended on February 28, 1983 after how many seasons? 11 A 12 B
C 9 D 14
4 George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. What president succeeded him?
John Adams A Thomas Jefferson B
C Abraham Lincoln D James Madison
5 On February 14, 2005, YouTube was launched. What was the first published video on the website? “Charlie Bit My Finger” A “Shoes” B
C “Me at the Zoo” D “Evolution of Dance”
6 The first patent for an integrated circuit, aka a computer chip, was filed on February 6, 1959 by Jack Kilby of which company? IBM A Texas Instruments B
C Microsoft D Acorn Computers
7 On Feburary 5, 1972, Bob Douglas was the first African American to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for which professional sport? Football A Baseball B
C Basketball D Tennis
HOW DID YOU DO? 1) D, 2) B, 3) A, 4) A, 5) C, 6) B, 7) C, 8) D
8 Scientists publicly announced the first ever cloning of an animal in February of 1997. What kind of animal was it? Dog A Frog B
C Lizard D Lamb February 2019 58 povhouma.com
# Correct 7-8 3-6 1-2 0
IQ 160 110 50 3
Your Score: Top of the Class You Get a Gold Star Did You Even Try? Oh Come On!
LOOK TWICE |
WIN A $50
COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK
GIFT CARD
Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 16. Drop off your answers along with your name and daytime contact number at the PoV office, 6160 W. Park Ave., Houma. Stuck at the office? Email it to us, looktwice@povhouma.com. A winner will be picked by random drawing February 14. The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank.
Congratulations to Janae Bosse for winning last month’s contest.
February 2019 59 povhouma.com
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 Party cat on bed 2 Flag change on ship 3 Removed crossbones from pirate hat 4 Removed light from ceiling 5 Changed skull on mantle piece 6 Changed the color of the lamp shade
February 2019 60 povhouma.com