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MARCH 2020 | VOL. 14 • ISSUE 3 | POVHOUMA.COM
CONTENTS |
MARCH 2020 • VOLUME 14 • ISSUE 3
CONT HOME + LIVING
Page 20
14 THE OBSERVER
Where Does the Time Go?
16 CHATEAU CHIC
FOOD + FUN
Page 28
28 BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE
Rod Roddy and Lisa Cinnater welcome you to their home.
Centuries of Style
24 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Headache and Pain Center Benoit Dentistry
34 BON APPETIT
Flatbread with White Cheese and Arugula
37 THE SOUTHERN HOME Special Advertising Section
46 GREEN BOX TO THE RESCUE
Local subscription box service for fresh produce and bread.
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MIND + BODY
Page 52
52 WE WILL SEA
Local artist Nadjah Bergeron explains her journey to her newest series.
58 WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE Diabetes: Are You at Risk?
ENTS EXTRAS
ON THE COVER
WORD, YA HEARD SAGACIOUS having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense
WORD ON THE STREET In the timeless and sagacious words of Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” The sagacious gentleman had a business plan that nearly guaranteed his success.
Page 64
06 EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome Home!
08 INTERVUE
Welcome to the Southern Home! Photo: Misty Leigh McElroy
Say What?
10 POV PICK Sunglasses
60 UNDER THE SCOPE There Should Be a Law
62 RENDEZVOUS
Where you need to be around town
64 SCENE IN
Look at ol’ so ‘n’ so!
66 LOOK TWICE
Sponsored by Synergy Bank
March 2020 3 povhouma.com
VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com
FAITH FAMILY SHRIMP COMPANY
What is your favorite home accessory?
“We have FAITH your FAMILY will love our SHRIMP!”
“LED lightbulbs”
PUBLISHER
Brian Rushing EDITORIAL
Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Drew Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR My Roomba! ADVERTISING Deanne Ratliff DIRECTOR OF SALES David Gravois MARKETING CONSULTANT Beth Tabor MARKETING CONSULTANT Kimberly Ross SALES ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Michelle Ortego SUBSCRIPTIONS Point of Vue magazine is published monthly. Subscriptions are available for $36 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.
CREATIVE
Amber Duplantis SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY
Misty Leigh McElroy Channing Candies CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Keely Diebold Jaime Dishman John Doucet Bonnie Rushing CONTACT
“Live greenery”
Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com
Copyright ©2020 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
8167 Redfish St.
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.
Chauvin, LA 70344
(985) 637-0896
March 2020 4 povhouma.com
EDITOR’S NOTE |
MARY DOWNER DITCH • EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF POV
WELCOME HOME! We recently gutted and remodeled our kitchen. No, the house isn’t that old, only about 20 years, but the design just wasn’t making the most efficient use of the space. I also know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. If you know our family, we don’t actually cook much. I’m not as bad as Carrie Bradshaw, keeping sweaters in my oven, but I don’t exactly cook 5-course meals every evening.
All our vendors were local and easy to work with, and the process was smooth. Why am I sharing all this with you? Because this is the Southern Home Issue, of course! In this issue, we explore all different aspects of home and gardening in the South.
The kitchen however often serves as the heart of the home. So we wanted to make our kitchen a room where, down the road, Jackson and his friends can hang out and visit, where homework can be completed and where we can just be a family together. The renovation process was quite interesting. We spent weeks pouring over Houzz and other home magazines trying to figure out what our “style” was. Traditional? Modern? Industrial? Farmhouse? Mid-century? Some odd hybrid of all of the above? Who knew there were so many different words to use to search for ideas? An internet quiz or two later, we discovered we are a “Traditional Farmhouse” style family. With the help of a contractor, we began the process. He was kind enough to meet us over coffee at 7 a.m. multiple times, putting up with our getting ready for school and work while discussing where the island needed to go and what our possible options could be. We handed over our ideas and he got to work. There are so many moving parts when it comes to renovations! We had to meet with the cabinet guy, pick out the cabinet style, the hardware, and the color of the cabinets and the island. Then came the sink and the faucet. Then the countertops and backsplash. New appliances also had to be selected, as well as lighting and fixtures. Whew! Too many choices! Did I mention we started this process in November? We were able to move back into our kitchen in February. It’s now March and there are still a few details we need to wrap up. (That’s mostly on me, as I am tired of making decisions!) Luckily, we have some amazing and talented folks here in the bayou region.
Our extended Chateau Chic begins on page 20, welcoming you into the home of local architect Stephen P. Arceneaux in Thibodaux. The centuries of style featured in this home bring to mind a sense of nostalgia. Our favorite space is the front porch. We take you inside the former OJ Mire General Store, now the home of Rod Roddy and Lisa Cinnater, for a quick look around at this remodeled beauty. The coupe truly brought history to life during the renovation and restoration of this building. Take a walk around starting on page 28. Each issue of The Southern Home offers to you a special advertising section of local builders, contractors, home décor, and more. Please enjoy our showcase of featured local businesses starting on page 37. As we enter springtime, we notice new life often springing up in our gardens and fresh produce in the farmer’s markets. What if all the goodness you can find in those local markets, was boxed up for you each month, along with fresh bread? No, you’re not dreaming! Let us introduce you to the brilliant minds behind Green Box subscription service on page 46. One of the final touches in a home is often the art on the walls. Art is such a personal thing, both to the buyer and the artist who creates it. Well-known local artist Nadjah Bergeron has transitioned in her creating from her flowers series to a new series called We Will Sea. Learn more about how Nadjah began as an artist and what the future holds on page 52. We hope this issue stays in your home for quite some time. Feel free to tear out pages or dog-ear your favorites. Dream big and call on some of our locals to help make your home dreams come true! POV
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INTERVUE |
SAY WHAT?
What makes a house a home?
SUSAN “A welcoming scent and a floral display to warm your senses and brighten your day.”
NOLAN “A family to go home to who loves and supports you.”
JENNIFER “A house is a home, no matter the building, when you’re surrounded by those you love making memories to last a lifetime!”
AMBER “Happiness, a comfy sofa and love.”
March 2020 8 povhouma.com
POV PICK |
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HOME + LIVING
THE OBSERVER | 14 Where Does the Time Go?
CHATEAU CHIC | 16 Centuries of Style
OPEN FOR BUSINESS | 24 Headache and Pain Center Benoit Dentistry
March 2020 12 povhouma.com
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A Father Holds
His Daughter’s
Holds Her Heart hand for a while,
but he
FOREVER
THE OBSERVER |
BY JAIME DISHMAN
WHERE DOES
THE TIME GO? My oldest two boys turn 15 this month. In the midst of the birthday wishes and celebrations, I want to tell them “you’re halfway to 30, boo. Better start using your time wisely.” Instead, I’ll probably bake a cake or two, fix their favorite meals, and have miniature celebrations crammed into what feels like our busiest month of the year. I’ll let them each enjoy their day. (Their birthdays are four days apart - one of our sons is adopted, for those who are trying to figure out how that’s even possible.) But the best gift I could give them would be time. Not time that you don’t notice, but time that is appreciated, savored, and lived well. They’re 15, so they think that time goes on and on, without end and with nothing to really notice about the day after day living. It can seem that way when you’re young. Then suddenly, you’re the mom of two 15-year-olds, questioning how the endless days turned into years that flew by while you were simply trying to survive. These boys of mine are living for the next moment instead of living in today. If I had a quarter for how many times they’ve talked about “when I start driving” or “when I get my own car,” I’d be a rich woman. (Or not rich, but maybe I’d at least be able to afford their insurance!)
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I get it. They think all their biggest and best moments are ahead of them. It can seem that way when you’re waiting. Waiting can feel like everything happening now pales in comparison to what is about to come. But when I look back on the years I lived waiting for the next moment to come, I actually don’t remember the “big moments” like I thought I would. I truly can’t remember my first time driving in the driver’s seat by myself. I can’t even clearly remember the day I got a car. The ordinary moments stand out much more in my mind. When I look back on when I was their age, I remember time with my family, fun with friends, crazy adventures, school events, even boring classes. A thought I’ve had lately is “when I look back on today 20 years from now, what will I remember?” It’s a question I truly wonder about. My memory is so-so at best, and simply terrible at worst. So there’s a possibility whole weeks of what’s happening now, won’t even register in my brain 20 years from now.
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I think I’ll remember driving them back-and-forth from event to event. I think I’ll remember sitting around our table together, eating dinner as a family. I think I’ll remember proudly watching them play soccer
March 2020 14 povhouma.com
games, perform in the band, and other activities they love. I think I’ll remember the moments I’m not so proud of them, and I think I’ll remember the moments that they make me think I’m the luckiest mom in the world. What I’m sure I’ll remember is the feeling of wanting time to freeze just for a moment. Slow down just a little. Let me enjoy the show. Instead, the days keep rolling into weeks. And those weeks fly into years. It’s a recurring theme in these articles because it’s a recurring theme in my life.
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Where did the time go? I swear I never thought they’d turn 15 so soon. Somehow those 365 days in each year seem to go a little quicker the older I get and the older they get. They also talk lately about “when they’re gonna’ leave the house.” I told them the other day I don’t allow that kind of talk in our home. Let’s just pretend we are all going to live here forever, ok? I know, I know... they need to grow up, need to be on their own, need to live somewhere not with me. But I just don’t want to hear about it quite yet. Let’s pretend that 15 isn’t as close to 18 as it is. That graduation isn’t just the blink of an eye away. And we’ll all eat at the table, complaining about me making them eat healthy food forever. Laughing about our day. Telling each other our stories. Fighting a little and loving a lot. POV
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HOME + LIVING |
CHATEAU CHIC
CENTURIES OF STYLE BY BONNIE RUSHING | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY
1
Finding a nearly century old bungalow with craftsman details in his hometown was a great opportunity for local architect Stephen P. Arceneaux to relocate to an up and coming area. “The purchase of the house was rather unexpected so there wasn’t much planning. I just winged it as the project progressed,” Stephen says. Situated on a corner lot in downtown Thibodaux only blocks away from restaurants and shops, Stephen’s front porch is a frequent gathering space for friends and neighbors walking by. “It is truly more like a family room where
everyone seems to migrate when entertaining. The neighborhood is very active with walkers and is still very much traditional in the sense that neighbors porch visit, which is very nostalgic and good for the soul,” Stephen says with a smile. Despite extensive renovations and four months of renovating in the spring of 2015, Stephen moved in. “There were no real obstacles surprisingly. Everything went smoothly especially considering it was a renovation and you never know what you will uncover,” Stephen recalls.
March 2020 16 povhouma.com
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TERIESINTERIORS
HEADACHE AND PAIN CENTER Owner: Jimmy N. Ponder Jr. Specialty/type of business: Pain relief clinic Local Since: 1994 What’s In Store: At the Headache and Pain Center, we offer pain relief without open surgery or habit-forming opioid medication. The Difference: Our clinic has board certified pain physicians, partnered with friendly, caring, and attentive nurses and staff. We provide our patients with a great experience from beginning to end. The Latest: We are celebrating 25 years of pain relief on the Hwy. 90 corridor, serving Houma, Thibodaux and New Iberia. POV March 2020 24 povhouma.com
BENOIT FAMILY DENTISTRY Owner: Brian J. Benoit, DDS Specialty/type of business: General and Family Dentistry and Treatment of TMJ disorders Local Since: 1997 What's In Store: We perform a wide range of dental services: cosmetic dentistry, fillings and bonding, general dental examinations, consultations, services and treatment for all, including children. I am extensively trained in all facets of TMJ Disorders including diagnosis and treatment. My post graduate training included the completion of various continuums at The L.D. Pankey Institute, The Dawson Academy, and the Piper McKee Education and Research Center for Treatment of TMJ Disorders. I believe many adults are faced with some sort of TMJ irregularity. I enjoy the challenge of diagnosing and treating more progressive and involved TMJ Disorders. The Difference: We strive to provide comprehensive care with a personal touch, believing in the value of developing relationships. My staff and I care for our patients and provide the quality of attention and service we would give to our own family. Our patients’ comfort is always a main priority. We also pride ourselves on running an efficient office and schedule, in which our patients’ time is respected. The Latest: We are always accepting new patients in our office. Our office hours have been specifically configured to accommodate busy schedules. We are open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - without closing midday for lunch. On Thursday, office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to stop by anytime - even if just to meet our staff. We’d love to meet you and take care of your family’s dental needs! POV
March 2020 25 povhouma.com
FOOD + FUN
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE | 28 Rod Roddy and Lisa Cinnater welcome you to their home.
BON APPETIT | 34
Flatbread with White Cheese and Arugula
THE SOUTHERN HOME | 37 Special Advertising Section
GREEN BOX TO THE RESCUE | 46 Local subscription box service for fresh produce and bread.
March 2020 26 povhouma.com
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BY DREW MILLER
On Louisiana Highway 1 in Thibodaux, close to Labadieville, there sits a building that’s wrapped in cypress and covered in metal panels along the bank of Bayou Lafourche. Locals still tell stories of the OJ Mire General Store, which was established in 1912 across the street from where its modernization is today. The store sold everything from hardware goods, farming supplies, produce and life necessities. “People to this day, stop and tell us how they used to come in for a sandwich or piece of ham, candy or whatever,” says Rod Roddy, who is currently renovating the space with his fiance Lisa Cinnater. “Some even remember using the flat boat, hooked to a rope or chain, to pull themselves across the bayou to shop or go to the church on the corner.” “Early on, it serviced the small riverboats that cruised up and down Bayou Lafourche, carrying doctors, entertainers and all sorts of businesses and goods that reached the people,” Rod continues. “Bayou Lafourche still goes all the way to the Gulf of Mexico and back in the day, it was the highway.” At one point, one of the Mire daughters opened a beauty salon in the store. After that closed, a bar was opened in the space below the store. “The Cellar Club” featured a band stand, dance floor, pool table and received occasional visits from former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, who would stop in for some drinks and card games. “It was considered a good hideout, as no one knew you were here because everyone parked in the back,” Rod says. “There was a model train track located above the bar and when it was closing time, they would run the train around the bar for ‘last call’.
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The train track and train station are still there.”
We Take
Eventually, the building would close its doors in the 1980s. For over 35 years, local passersby had to generate memories by glancing at the outer shell of the old store or perhaps by hearing echoes of music and laughter coming from the hideaway below.
Pride
In Making Your
Dreams
But the doors reopened, and fresh air entered the space when Lisa and Rod, who have been renovating properties for eight years, bought it in October 2018.
Come True
The couple was actually looking to downsize but were drawn to the 5,300-square-foot structure, so they decided to make it the new home for them and their dogs. They also could have received a significant amount of money by just tearing it down and selling the aged cypress wood, but the beauty and character the home displays, along with the passion they have for reviving historic properties, led them to keep it standing.
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It has turned out to be one of their hardest projects, however, as they had to virtually start from scratch. After Lisa sketched out the plans for the space, they had to get new plumbing, air conditioning and electricity installed, replace the soil in the front and back yard to install new sod and remove thousands of tacks and staples from the plywood that was covering the cypress, just to name a few of their efforts.
HOUMA:
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Even though they still have a way to go, the house is already visually stunning, in large part due to Lisa’s vision. As Rod notes, “She came up with the idea to turn this box into our home. She drew up the plans, put the whole idea on paper and then turned it into reality.”
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“[Drawing the plans] takes a while, but I start it right away,” Lisa shares. “And it’s so fun, I can’t stop.”
PrideFinancial.net
The dynamic duo has been making sure to honor the past as they complete their passion project. They have repurposed materials such as the store shelving for window trim, crown molding and baseboards. They left the exterior mostly as it was originally built. They received
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windows from St. John Catholic Church, which is just up the road from their house, and installed them. They kept memorabilia from the store, including handwritten registers, and currently display other vintage items throughout the house. The two even turned an original display case and two antique doors into their kitchen island. Of course, after their neighbors noticed the renovations taking place, they were curious about what still remained inside the OJ Mire General Store and how the couple rejuvenated it. Lisa and Rod were happy to open show them around, however. Rod tells a story of a woman who was eager to see the inside of the home. She is a longtime member of the church across the street and used the flat boat to cross the bayou to attend church and buy groceries as a child. “She came and walked through the house, and you could just feel the joy that she had,” he remembers. “Even if we’re outside, people drive up and say, ‘Thank you for not tearing down the building,’” Lisa adds. Although they incorporated a little bit of themselves into the home — with a music room in the front so Rod could jam with his band LeRoux, and a well lit, cozy room upstairs for Lisa to maybe enjoy a book or the captivating view of Bayou Lafourche — the two plan on eventually selling the space. They hope it could maybe become an event venue, a bed & breakfast, a boutique restaurant or a home for a big family who needs the room. “We would like to live here for a couple of years to at least enjoy the work that went into this project,” Rod says. “Then, we would like to sell it with the hope that someone with a vision that’s outside the box might do something special with it.” POV Visit povhouma.com for more images.
March 2020 33 povhouma.com
FOOD + FUN |
BON APPETIT
GREEN
PIZZA? We all know you have to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day to avoid getting pinched. We also all know someone who would rather get pinched then eat green things! But what if it was super tasty and also super easy to make? Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, let’s make arugula
flatbreads! These easy to make versions of pizza go over well in my house because the kids are more likely to eat something if they can make it themselves. The crisp arugula is tender and tangy to the taste. Enjoy your leafy greens this March!
FLATBREAD WITH WHITE CHEESE AND ARUGULA Ingredients • 2 store bought flat breads • 6 pieces of bacon, cooked and chopped • 3 cups grated Italian fontina cheese • 1 1/2 cups grated fresh mozzarella cheese • 16 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled • 8 ounces baby arugula • Salt • Pepper • 2 tablespoons honey • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions 1. C ombine ingredients to make spicy garlic oil. Brush the oil onto the
flatbreads, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. 2. S prinkle the flatbreads evenly with the cheeses and bacon. 3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees until the cheese begins to
bubble. Remove from oven. 4. Toss the arugula with lemon juice and honey, then divide between the
flatbreads. 5. Cut and serve.
Spicy garlic oil: • 1/4 cup olive oil • 4 cloves garlic crushed • 5 sprigs fresh thyme • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes March 2020 34 povhouma.com
FOOD • FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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THE SOUTHERN HOME |
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JAY RUTTER CONSTRUCTION High-quality workmanship and a personal approach to the homebuilding process is the promise made by Jay Rutter Construction, the Thibodaux-based residential custom homebuilding business owned by longtime home developer Jay Rutter. The company offers construction, renovation, and remodeling services to homeowners throughout South Louisiana. Jay Rutter Construction is set apart by its employees, who all bring their own experience and quality workmanship to the homebuilding process. The company has a commitment to working one-on-one with customers to offer firsthand knowledge and ensure that construction is moving along properly and according to schedule. “[We use] our experience to be the ones on the site making sure that everything is done to our standards,” Jay says. Jay brings with him a lifetime of experience in the custom home building industry. He worked for his father, Lea Rutter, for 12 years before going out on his own at the age of 24, now he strives to offer the same standard of quality associated with all Rutter Built homes.
107 Rezin Ct. • Thibodaux, LA 985.446.1921 • Rutterbuilders.com jrutterconstruction.com
“I’m proud to be a part of the Rutter name in the local home building area . Lea always talked about doing quality work and building quality homes no matter what the size or the price and I want to carry on that same tradition for many years to come,” Jay says. Jay Rutter Construction’s mission is to ensure that the level of service offered to homeowners exceeds their expectations. The company values the satisfaction of its customers after seeing their visions for their homes come to life. “They love all of the work we put in because they see it. They see us on the job all day every day making sure everything runs smoothly and looks good,” Jay says.
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THE SOUTHERN HOME |
SPONSORED
FERNIS LEBLANC TILE, INC Bringing over 60 years of experience and expertise to Houma, Fernis LeBlanc Tile strives to make clients’ tile dreams a reality through high-quality work and a hands-on creation process. The company specializes in custom tile work, including flooring, countertops, showers, patios, pool decks, custom bathrooms and more. Fernis LeBlanc Tile takes pride in being a family business passed down from its namesake to his sons, Mark and Derek LeBlanc. The company promises a familiar face through the presence of one of its owners on every job. “It’s really nice to see it from start to finish, to see them dream up something or help them visualize it and then see it become a reality,” Briggette Dupre, office manager and head designer says. The team at Fernis LeBlanc tile works closely together to offer customers the highest quality work possible and to be of assistance at every step of the design process.
238 S. Hollywood Road • Houma, LA 985.851.6092
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THE SOUTHERN HOME |
SPONSORED
DISHMAN FLOORING & INTERIORS It started with a 15-year-old boy and some carpet cleaning. That 15-year-old boy is now a 42-year-old man, owner and operator of Dishman Flooring & Interiors. There are few people in the world of flooring with as much hands-on experience as Billy Dishman. He worked his way from carpet cleaner to owner, and has learned the lessons of hard work not taught in the office. “I was literally the backbone of the company,” he explains with a smile. “I was breaking my back, while my dad was in the office calling the shots.”
4633 W. Main Street • Houma, LA 985.857.9347 • Dishmanflooring.com
That was more than 27 years ago, and though he is no longer out on installation jobs, he’s watched Dishman Flooring & Interiors change from strictly carpet cleaning, to performing flooring installs, and now with its latest renovation, incorporating interior design and the Benjamin Moore paint line. He now runs the company with his wife by his side, as his dad retired nearly 10 years ago, leaving all management decisions to him. “Being able to be a locally owned and operated company is what I always wanted,” he explains. Today, Dishman Flooring & Interiors offers custom installation of hardwoods, vinyl, tile and custom showers. However, with its expansion, the company hasn’t left its roots and offers carpet and rug cleaning, as well as water restoration after floods. Dishman Flooring & Interiors offers a 5,000 square foot showroom where customers can choose paint colors, custom floors, rugs and much more. The company offers residential and commercial flooring work and works with local area contractors, completing whole-house installations of floors. When asked what would be the one thing he wants the company known for, Billy didn’t hesitate. “We are proud of the work we do. We’re proud to work in south Louisiana, and we want people to walk away from any job we do for them loving the work we’ve done. Our customers are the ones who give us the work we need to do business. It’s them who we have to thank for 27 years in this industry.”
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THE SOUTHERN HOME |
SPONSORED
ALVIN BALLARD ROOFING Founded in 1977 in Baton Rouge by its namesake, Alvin Ballard Roofing has dedicated itself to providing homeowners in South Louisiana with customer-friendly service and an easy understanding of roofing processes since its conception. Under the current ownership of Rod Roddy, who purchased the business in 2010, Alvin Ballard Roofing works in conjunction with its sister company De Ja Vu Properties to specialize in residential re-roofing, home improvement projects, repairs, and more. Alvin Ballard Roofing prides itself on being transparent with its customers. The business takes time to explain every step of a project to its clients to offer a better understanding of what is taking place. Alvin Ballard Roofing also makes an effort to ensure that each customer is happy with the finished product on their home.
2002 St. Mary St. • Thibodaux, LA 866.766.3130 alvinballardroofing.com
“We take a little more time with customers. We have a folder that we present that tells you what we do...I think just taking the time to do that means a lot to customers.”
OLD ESTATE ART GALLERY Old Estate proves that like fine wine, it just gets better with age! Celebrating their 31st year in business on March 14, the beautiful mind behind the storefront, Jerome Boudreaux, entertains and delights customers with both his stunning finds and outgoing personality. Old Estate first opened its doors as an art and antiques gallery. Over the years, Jerome has transitioned into home interiors, custom framing, and unique gift items, while still picking up the odd antique. His selection of items has an artsy flair. “I select items at market and during my travels with my customer in mind,” shares Jerome. “The items in store are a bit eclectic but so is my customer! I think of everyone that passes through the doors as family.” Jerome credits his father for his favorite part of being a store owner. “I love socializing! I love meeting new people and vivisting with old clients. We have people from all over the world visit our store. It’s fascinating to visit and learn more about them.” March 2020 41 povhouma.com
202 E 7th Street • Thibodaux, LA 985.447.5413
THE SOUTHERN HOME |
SPONSORED
DEROCHE HOMES, INC Owned and operated in Houma, DeRoche Homes has served happy homeowners in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes with custom homes, spec homes and home improvements since its establishment in the 1950s. The company specializes in finish work, including kitchen cabinets and trim work. DeRoche Homes takes a hands-on approach to serving customers and making their dream homes a reality by walking with them through every step of the process. “We do a lot of hands-on with our customers. We walk them through everything. We shop with them if they want us to. We help them make their final selections. We draw out what they are envisioning before we even start,” owner Pam Russo says. DeRoche Homes prides itself on being a family-owned business that has been passed down from generation to generation. Now under the ownership of Pam, the company has become a familiar face in the community, gaining most of its customers through word-of-mouth references.
187 Regal Row • Houma, LA 985.876.4663
HURRICANE SHUTTER COMPANY Hurricane Shutter Company provides customers with Storm and Security products they desire during hurricane season and beyond, with the experienced expertise they need. Todd Plaisance has over 20 years of experience in the shutter industry, combined with his 30 years of construction experience. Todd personally inspects each job for an exact fit. Hurricane Shutter Company offers the most complete selection of shutters and screens in our area and offers recommendations on the proper products for your home, office or camp. Their goal is to protect your investment by selling and installing the highest quality products at competitive prices.
11253 Hwy. 308 • Larose, LA • 985.693.3223 hurricaneshuttercompany.com
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THE SOUTHERN HOME |
SPONSORED
LANDMARK HOME FURNISHINGS Landmark Home Furnishings has over 39 years of experience bringing Houma the latest in furniture styles from trusted brands at the best possible prices. Complete with a spacious showroom that measures 45,000 square feet, the business offers great quality products at a variety of price ranges to satisfy all customers’ needs. In addition, fast delivery with locally-warehoused inventory makes it easy for customers to obtain furniture when they need it. Landmark Home Furnishings stocks its most popular products in its Houma warehouse to prevent customers from having to wait to furnish their homes. Landmark Home Furnishings takes a friendly, personable approach to service and makes an effort to offer high-quality customer service following each purchase. “We try really hard to please everybody,” owner Annette Hodges says. “That’s our approach to sales - just friendly, helpful service.” 6667 West Park Ave. • Houma, LA 985.851.2443 landmarkhomeonline.com
MORRISON TERREBONNE LUMBER Locally run for nearly 100 years, the friendly faces at Morrison Terrebonne Lumber are ready to help you create the business or home of your dreams. Whether new construction or a renovation, the full-scale lumber yard and massive showroom floor allow you to work with the expert sales professionals there from start to finish. From providing lumber, building materials and hardware to a variety of name brand products to finish your home, Morrison Terrebonne can guide you when making your selections for the life of your home. The large showroom features Andersen Windows and Patio Doors, Benjamin Moore Paint, and multiple Flooring options with available installation! From the foundation to the roof and all the gorgeous details in between, let Morrison Terrebonne Lumber help you to achieve your dreams.
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605 Barataria Ave. • Houma, LA 985.879.1597 morrisonterrebonne.com
THE SOUTHERN HOME |
SPONSORED
A&H PAINT, INC. When looking to enhance the aesthetics of your home, A&H Paint, Inc. can help you from top to bottom. Locally owned by Mark Bourgeios, who has been a part of the industry nearly 25 years, A&H Paint is so much more than just a paint store. A&H Paint’s showroom holds the answers to all your design desires. From flooring– including carpeting, wood and ceramic tiles–to window treatments–plantation shutters, wood blinds, woven shades– to custom tile showers, their team is ready to help customize your home. A&H Paint also carries Benjamin Moore paints. In-house designer Gretchen Talbot, with over 10 years of experience, provides customers with an extra edge when it comes to knowing where to start or making tough decisions on their many design options. “We can help you with any project you dream up, from start to finish,” shared Mark. “Our experienced staff and in-house designer help you every step of the way.”
751 W. Bayou Road • Thibodaux, LA 985.448.1148 • anhpaint.com
EVOLUTION CONSTRUCTION Evolution Construction, LLC is a premier residential construction company in Houma that offers customers their dream home. Together, owners Jerome Yesso Jr. and Doyle Donaldson, with 50+ years of combined experience have a wealth of experience in creating unique, customized homes. “We aim to make people happy and give them what they want, not what we want,” said Jerome, speaking of the pair’s reputation for excellence in construction. Anything from remodeling, new additions or complete construction, in both residential and commercial, the company’s specialists make sure to completely cater to their patrons’ custom needs. Not only is the work unique, but it’s also of the highest quality while being competitively priced. “We take pride in what we do and we love what we do,” said Jerome. “We don’t settle. We try to exceed as we deliver top-notch work.” 163 Enterprise Drive • Suite B • Houma, LA Doyle - 985.381.2648 • Jerome - 985.804.0096 Find us on Facebook!
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A TRUE FAMILY DENTAL PRACTICE
985.868.4681 · 306 CIVIC CENTER BLVD. · HOUMA, LA 70360 WWW.BRIANJBENOITDDS.COM • BENOITDENTAL@BELLSOUTH.NET
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GREEN to the RescueBOX
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BY KEELY DIEBOLD | PHOTOS BY CHANNING CANDIES It started as an unlikely partnership between a farmer from Houma and a baker from Alaska. The idea was simple: create a subscription box service that would put fresh produce and bread into customer’s homes on a weekly basis. Now, as Green Box Community Supported Foods (CSF) wraps up its first weeks of subscriptions, its founders see the potential for the service to do much more. Cheryl Skinner and Elizabeth Cotter first met in 2015 through a mutual love of farmers’ markets. Both are vendors at the seasonal Rienzi Market in Thibodaux and the South Louisiana Seed Market in Houma, which Cheryl also runs. Cheryl has always had a love for farming and began growing vegetables after she retired from nursing. Now, she operates the St. Francis Vegetable Garden, a non-profit organization run by volunteers that provides fresh produce to local food banks for people who may not be able to afford it. Elizabeth grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a dream of starting a bakery. She owned one for five years before relocating to Louisiana. Because she wanted a job that would allow her to return home to Alaska during the summertime, she has continued to operate a bakery from her house. When Elizabeth first moved to Louisiana, she brought the idea of starting a bread subscription service with her. She had hoped to find a farm with which to partner, but had no success in locating one. One of Elizabeth’s subscribers mentioned Cheryl and the fact that Cheryl may be interested in selling vegetables through a partnership. The women joined forces soon after. They would meet together at the St. Francis Vegetable Garden’s Thibodaux location, the pickup spot for Elizabeth’s bread subscription service, and Cheryl would sell vegetables to Elizabeth’s customers. The women had been discussing the idea of starting a joint subscription box for a while. What finally set their idea in motion, though, was a common complaint they began hearing from farmers’ market attendees: people could almost never find time to visit the markets. Cheryl and Elizabeth saw a solution in their subscription box. With that, Green Box was born.
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“We’ve just noticed there’s a need for this, and if we’re both able to handle satisfying that need, why not?” Cheryl says.
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Green Box launched in January with 15 spots available. After two-and-a-halfweeks, those spots were filled. The service now has a waitlist. Subscriptions are $60 for the month and provide customers with weekly arrays of local produce and a freshly-baked loaf of bread. Subscribers pick up their boxes from Cheryl and Elizabeth on set days in Houma or Thibodaux. “It was kind of a trial run for us. We created the framework for it to continue longer, but it was just the initial run, and just the fact that so many people signed up so quickly was awesome,” Elizabeth says.
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Shop in store or on-line FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 985-868-9240 www.galley.com 235 S. Hollywood Rd. • Houma
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Cheryl says that the decision to start Green Box was a leap of faith, due to the unpredictability of growing vegetables. Both women do have an advantage, though: their services are not weatherdependent. Cheryl grows her plants hydroponically, a gardening method that relies on a mixture of water and nutrients instead of soil. Green vegetables take roughly two months to produce, while tomatoes take around four months and can be kept producing for a year. “There’s really not that many vegetables around this time of year, but I have a greenhouse, so I’m able to grow in the offseason. While the other farmers are not doing anything, my season just starts,” Cheryl says. The types of fruit and vegetables that appear in each bag are dependent upon what produce in particular is growing at the time. For the first set of bags, Cheryl provided kale, lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes. Additional produce like cabbage, shallots, oranges and grapefruits were sourced from other local farmers. On the other side, Elizabeth bakes all of her bread that appears in Green Box deliveries in a slow style, which takes anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to complete. In addition, her bread is free of preservatives.
She rotates among artisan bread varieties for Green Box subscriptions, including rosemary French, hearty oat, rustic and a fourth option that is selected based on what customers are requesting. The women behind Green Box take pride in the fact that customers know they’re getting food that is locally produced and fresh, as such food has its own special benefits. For a start, the food stays fresh longer. People also have the comfort of knowing that they don’t have to worry about food crises like the recent lettuce recalls. “The bag might seem like a little bit to take on for the week, but everything holds because it’s so fresh,” Elizabeth says. “One thing I’ve noticed with bread is that once people get used to the idea of preservative-free bread, it’s hard to go back to store-bought bread.” In addition, local produce helps to make people more aware of the growing cycle, as well as the livelihoods of local farmers. Elizabeth says that there is a natural fluctuation with farmers markets because production levels go down during the wintertime. Though farmers will not always have enough produce to take to a market, they are still growing fruits and vegetables in smaller quantities. These smaller quantities are enough for something like a subscription box.
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The women believe that Green Box is also helping to shape a movement toward pursuing healthier diets that is taking place in local areas. They feel that older generations are trying to get a hold of their health through their diets, while younger generations are interested in having healthier food options for their families. By offering easy access to healthier food options, Elizabeth says they are helping to build up and maintain the local community’s physical health. Above all, she believes the unique community bond that exists in South Louisiana is being strengthened by a collective pursuit toward a healthier lifestyle.
Signature Smiles
“I think we’re part of that growing consciousness, like we’re helping people have fresher foods at home so that they can start to experiment with recipes and then be a little bit more interested in what they’re going out and eating,” Elizabeth says. Though Green Box is still a new venture, Elizabeth and Cheryl see significant opportunities for growth in the near future.
985.360.3588 Dr. Mark Coreil • Dr. Catherine Schwab • 7845 Main Street, Houma, LA 70360
“We are looking to expand, especially once the spring comes around and more crops start coming in,” Cheryl says.
Training Starts April 14, 2020
Though Green Box has a waitlist now, the amount of spaces are set to increase by springtime. Cheryl is planning to add a second greenhouse, which will increase production volume. Once spring arrives, she says they will be able to add more vegetables like eggplants, bell peppers and green beans to their bags. Meanwhile, Elizabeth hopes to triple her production by increasing her mixer size from a 20-quart mixer to a 60-quart mixer. The women would also like to expand the offerings in their bags to include eggs, honey and pastries like cookies. For now, though, the unlikely team of Elizabeth and Cheryl are working on building up their young subscription service - and maybe helping to start a movement along the way. POV
CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY Volunteer
www.casaofterrebonne.org 402 Canal St. Houma, LA | 985-876-0250 March 2020 49 povhouma.com
MIND + BODY
WE WILL SEA | 52
Local artist Nadjah Bergeron explains her journey to her newest series.
WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | 58 Diabetes: Are You at Risk?
March 2020 50 povhouma.com
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RENDEZVOUSTHIB.COM March 2020 53 povhouma.com
“I DON’T WANT TO PLAN. I WANT TO ALLOW IT TO COME THROUGH, LIKE I DID WITH THE WATER, AND IF IT MEANS PAINTING MORE OF THAT, I’M OPEN. I’M JUST ALLOWING WHATEVER COMES THROUGH ME TO FLOW AND SHOW ITSELF ON THE CANVAS.” NADJAH BERGERON One of the most famous American expressionist artists in history, Jackson Pollock once said, “Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is.” As art has shifted from movement to movement throughout history and taken the form of new styles and mediums, Pollock’s words remain true. Art is a form of self-expression that has the ability to tell a story without words. It’s a channel through which emotions can be conveyed. For some artists, like Houma resident Nadjah Bergeron, the emotional story her art chooses to tell is her own. “It feels like I’m being used as a channel to paint through me…I’m just following instructions and doing what feels good,” Nadjah says. “I go with no expectations. I use the colors that feel good.” When
Nadjah
moved
from
her
home country of Panama to Lafayette after receiving her degree in industrial engineering over 25 years ago, she pursued a career in the oil field. She would later end up in Houma, where she met and married her husband Billy. With one child, Jacob, from a previous marriage, Nadjah decided to become a stay-at-home mother. After giving birth to her second child, Bella, she began to experience a period of postpartum depression. It was then that she decided to give art a try for the first time, with no prior artistic experience under her belt. “I always loved art, but I didn’t think I could do anything. I didn’t think I could paint, but deep down I [thought], ‘Maybe we can give it a try,’” Nadjah says. She drew the inspiration for her first piece from a magazine cutout of a striped design that Bella had shown her while making her own artwork. The linear
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design she created represented calmness and a search for peace, Nadjah says. After that, Nadjah says she was “hooked” on art. Her approach to figuring out what to paint next, and throughout her entire career, would involve waiting patiently until she feels an idea flow through her. As her confidence in herself began to grow, she would develop her first series, which represented that growth: a group of paintings of bright flowers known as the “La Flor series.” “The funny thing is, at first, the flowers were kind of like neutral colors, and as time went by, I started feeling more and more confident and allowing my real personality to come through, because I’m from Panama, and I have that Latin personality, so I love bright colors,” Nadjah says. Nadjah said her flowers had a huge significance in her journey, as they helped her through that difficult period in her
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life while she battled postpartum depression. The progression of her flowers also represented a progression toward peace within Nadjah herself. She had originally planned to paint 250 flowers, but when she reached her 100th flower, she knew that something had changed. Nadjah created that flower using a different method from the other 99, opting to paint the background first before adding the flower on top of it. She says the more transparent final design felt like a rebirth within her, and many women who saw her work shared the same sentiments. In the middle of her internal battle, Nadjah says the flowers brought life back to her and gave her a purpose. “I’m very spiritual…so I try to connect more with my intuition and who I really am, and when I got to flower
1539 MLK Blvd • Houma • 985.851.1559 Mon - Fri 10-7 • Sat 10-5
March 2020 55 povhouma.com
100…I was in the point where I was like, I can either go by what everyone expects to keep doing, or I could go my authentic self and venture into something I’ve never done before, and just take that step and see what happens,” Nadjah says. When Nadjah turned 50, she underwent another period of internal changes. She made the decision to quit social media and take time to work on herself and her personal growth. After a brief break from art, Nadjah felt an urge to start painting again, but this time strictly with tones of blue. She noticed that her work began to resemble water, going so far as to use actual water in creating some of her pieces. With that, Nadjah’s next series was born: the We Will Sea series. Nadjah says that the transition to water represented another significant phase in her life, in which she allowed herself to let things that came her way flow through her. According to an introduction to the series on Nadjah’s website, the overarching idea behind her newest paintings was that “…synchronicities, signs, ideas and inspiration will start to present themselves and ‘We Will Sea’ our very own path begin to show itself to us.” “If you see the art I created last year during that time, it’s like a lot of force… It’s like a contradiction because that force brings me peace inside. [It] makes me feel calm,” Nadjah says. The choice to follow a particular color scheme sparked from Nadjah’s belief that colors have vibrations that attract people to them based on the color they are craving in their life at the moment. For Nadjah, color also represents a blend of the two vibrant cultures to which she belongs. “The way of living here in Louisiana is so similar to Panama. Family’s very important. Food’s very important. Enjoying life is very important,” Nadjah says.
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When she felt it was time to move forward from the We Will Sea series, Nadjah rejoined social media and began to revisit the idea of using multiple colors in her work. She says the courage to go out of her comfort zone with her next collection came from what she learned through her We Will Sea series.
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS
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Thus, a multicolored Abstract series became her next set of creations. Nadjah says that her paintings feel as though they take on a life of their own as she creates them. While Nadjah would be interested in continuing her sea-inspired and abstract creations, she understands that certain eras of her life have come to an end.
Some things just work better together.
“I don’t know if I’m going to paint more flowers, to be honest,” Nadjah says. “If I want to be honest and true to myself, I think that’s an era that’s finished because I feel like it did its purpose, it helped with my life, and now I’m going through an evolution.” Nadjah’s story is one of internal growth and following one’s heart, wherever it may lead. All around her, she has watched people close to her find the courage to follow theirs.
Like a hammer and nail, some things are just better when they work together.
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She hopes her art can inspire that same courage in people who learn her story. “I hope that inspires people to start following their own heart, following their own desires and trusting that... so I think my art kind of does that to,” Nadjah says. The next chapter of Nadjah’s artistic journey is a mystery as of now, even to her. In the meantime, she is choosing to wait with no expectations for whatever inspiration comes to her next. “I don’t want to plan. I want to allow it to come through, like I did with the water, and if it means painting more of that, I’m open.” Nadjah says, “I’m just allowing whatever comes through me to flow and show itself on the canvas.” POV
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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |
BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
DIABETES: ARE YOU AT RISK? Diabetes affects some 30 million Americans. Nearly 25 percent of people living with diabetes are unaware they have it. The numbers continue to rise with another 84 million estimated to be pre-diabetic. All in all, as many as 120 million Americans have diabetes or are at high risk of having the disease. What is diabetes?
• Increased urination, especially at night • Unexplained weight loss • Blurred vision • Sores that don’t heal • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose, your main source of energy, is produced from food. The pancreas makes insulin that helps move glucose from food into your cells to be used for energy. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes too little or no insulin or the body becomes resistant to effects of the hormone.
If you are showing symptoms or have significant risk for diabetes, talk with your doctor about getting tested. When diagnosed early, you can often prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes. You can lower risks by:
The two most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 occurs when the body stops producing insulin. When this happens, patients must take insulin daily. It can develop at any age but is typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
• Moving more. Exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week significantly reduces risk.
Type 2, the most common type, occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body does not absorb it properly. While typically occurring in older adults, as obesity rates increase, it is becoming more common in children and young adults. Warning signs • Some signs or symptoms of diabetes are: • Increased thirst or hunger • Fatigue
• Losing weight. You can often prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight.
• Eating healthy foods. Eat smaller portions and lowfat foods to reduce calories. Limit fast foods, and drink water instead of sweetened beverages. Thibodaux Regional Diabetes Self-Management Services offer comprehensive services, including WellFit Diabetes Care, and a number of instructional and educational programs for patients with diabetes. WellFit Diabetes Care integrates medical care with wellness to help you manage the condition and lower your risks to give you the highest quality, most active lifestyle possible.
For more information call Thibodaux Regional Diabetes Management Program at (985) 493-4765.
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FUN FACTS • Pteronophobia is the far of being tickled by feathers. • Snakes can help predict earthquakes.
Reputation By Recommendation
• A flock of crows is known as a murder. • The oldest “your mom” joke was discovered on a 3,500 year old Babylonian tablet.
Free Estimate / Financing Available
985-492-2473 • Seven percent of American adults believe that chocolate milk comes from brown cows. • So far, two diseases have successfully been eradicated: smallpox and rinderpest.
7884 Main Street Houma LA, 70360
Has it all for Mother’s Day!
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• If you lift a kangaroo’s tail off the ground it can’t hop. • Bananas are curved because they grow towards the sun.
*Data from TheFactSite.com
Pedicures Body Wraps and more Gift Certificates Available for all Occasions 200 Point St., Houma, LA 70360 www.alliesspa.com • 985.917.0009
March 2020 59 povhouma.com
Open till 4 May 9th
UNDER THE SCOPE |
BY JOHN DOUCET
THERE SHOULD BE
A LAW
Specializing in Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
I visited D.C. for a meeting recently. Not my first time, as I’ve had meetings there in the past. But each time I go, I like to find time to walk out to the National Mall, just like ten-thousands of other visitors every day. For them, the thrill is likely to visit or at least take a photo of one of the glorious marble buildings, like the Capitol or the National Gallery or any of the Smithsonian buildings. For me however, the thrill is sensing my feet crunch the small pebbles of gravel that pave the walking paths alongside the cherry blossom trees between those buildings. There’s a certain satisfying crunch I hear and feel on this famous ground walking before the great pillars and gables and domes under which the great laws of our great society were written. Of course, I use this hallowed ground, in what has become a tradition for me, not to concern myself with the great laws but rather to stroll to and from the circus-like concession stands where those memorable steamed hot dogs on steamed buns are sold. It was particularly challenging to keep the tradition on this recent trip, as it was 40 degrees outside with a 10 mph north wind. But all that did was make the steaminess more visible and appetizing. On this recent trip, as I anxiously stood in the hot dog queue to place an order, I heard one of the ten-thousands say, having recently taken the first bite of his hot dog, “Man, that hits the spot! There should be a law against something so good.”
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“Well,” I secretly told that visitor who declared his spot hit, “this is certainly the place where laws are made! You run to the Capitol and lobby for your new law. I’m gonna stay here and enjoy a steamy hot dog.” And as my less smart-alecky feet crunched toward one of the park benches, I realized that instead of mustard I got some déjà vu with that hot dog. Seems like I had heard that phrase, “There should be a law” some place before. As I sat on the bench, which was startlingly cold, I was startled to realize the startling number of voices I’d heard the phrase in. Lots of people use that phrase when they’re indignant about something (and less often if they’re dignant). I can even remember sitting on the front porch of my grandpa’s house on a much warmer seat in the 70s when—heaven forbid—a Republican political candidate drove his loudspeaker truck down LA 1 broadcasting his platform and bad-mouthing the democratic incumbent. (Back then, all the incumbents were Democrats.) I can clearly remember Papère angrily complaining through the screen porch about the loudspeaker noise interrupting his peaceful, bayouside afternoon. He most definitely said that phrase, and loudly, but in French: And although I’m pretty sure he added a bunch of extra French words beginning with the letter “m,” I remember the phrase ending “une loi”—“a law.” Papère wanted a new law just like my fellow hot dog eater in D.C. After the park bench warmed up, maybe on my second or third steamy bite, I began to think of all the frustrating things in life that should be legislated—maybe not great, ground-breaking Federal laws necessarily but maybe some little crunchy pebble-sized laws. And immediately, like a
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March 2020 60 povhouma.com
muddy tuber shot from a potato gun, it hit me: The absolutely, categorical, most frustrating unlegislated thing in life has got to be this: Spilled French fries in a fast food bag. The indignant carelessness with which fast food servers deposit filled French fry holders in a take-out bag must be stopped. Don’t you hate to reach into the bag for that first fry or a tot only to feel that they’re spilled or served sideways or upside down? How many hours of our lives have we wasted digging into take-out bags to refill fries holders? Even worse, when multiple orders in one bag are all spilled and you have to dig them out, how do you refill multiple holders equally to retain the trust of your fastfood dining partners? Here’s my idea of legislation: “Under penalty of law, no fast-food establishment shall serve drive-up customers French fries, hash browns, crowns, tater tots, curls, waffle-cuts, steak-cuts, juliennes, or any other fried potato product in a bag unless said fries are fixed in said bag to stand upright relative to the vertical dimension of the bag in a separate, spill-proof pouch, box, cup, or other holder likewise standing upright relative to the vertical dimension of the said bag again said.” I will not eat fast-food fries again until this becomes law. If you own stock in one of the chains, I apologize in advance for the loss in value I will cause your shares. If you’ve also got peeves for which you think there should be a law—and I know that you do—share them with me at there.should.be.a.law.2020@ gmail.com and maybe see more laws proposed in a future issue of PoV. Together, we can make American fast food great again. POV
Dry Eye Disease and Blepharitis go hand-in-hand. Symptoms of blepharitis overlap the symptoms of dry eye disease and include burning, watering, itching, blurring of vision, scratchy sensation and even pain. Treating with just artificial tears may neglect the underlying problem. At Southern Eye Institute we have many different methods of testing for the underlying cause. In addition, we now have a very effective method of treating the blepharitis. Oftentimes, this treatment can result in a dramatic improvement of your symptoms. Call to day for a consultation to determine if BlephEx is the relief you have been waiting for. When you need the best eye care in the area, look to us. Your vision and the health of your eyes are our top priorities, and our state-of-the-art facilities offer the best technology available for all your eye care needs.
Keith Kellum, M.D. • Nano Zeringue, M.D. Jody Simon, M.D. • Janie Tran, O.D. 446 Corporate Drive • Houma, LA 70360 • (985) 872-5577 900 Canal Blvd. Suite 3 • Thibodaux, LA 70301 • (985) 448-3353
Get with your Teacup Travel Co. agent today for all your vacation needs. www.teacuptravelco.com 985.852.5282 info@teacuptravelco.com March 2020 61 povhouma.com
WINE & SPIRITS JOIN US FRIDAY NIGHTS IN MARCH FOR CANNATA’S
IN OUR WINE & SPIRITS DEPT.
6-8 PM
MAR. 6 SPIRIT OF THE CARIBBEAN TASTING SAMPLE A SELECTION OF RUMS ALONG WITH SOME GREAT WINES FROM CALIFORNIA ACCOMPANIED BY SOME PERFECT CHEESE DISHES FOR LENT.
MAR. 13 LUCK OF THE IRISH TASTING GET READY FOR ST PATRICKS DAY WITH A TASTING OF GREAT IRISH WHISKIES ALONG WITH A SELECTION OF CALIFORNIA ZINFANDELS.
MAR. 20 MAR. 20
THE BEER BOURBON TRAIN JOINJUMP THE ON CRAFT RENAISSANCE SAMPLE A SELECTION OF BOURBONS AS WELL
SAMPLE A GREATBARREL SELECTION CRAFT BREWS AS AS BOURBON AGEDOF WINES PERFECT WELL AS AFOR SELECTION OF ITALIAN ANY WINTER NIGHT WINES.
MAR. 27
SUPER BOWL WEEKEND KING OF KENTUCKY TASTING TAILGATE TASTING BOURBONS AND WHISKIES ARE BACK BY POPULAR
DEMAND ALONG WITH A SELECTION OF SPANISH WINES. ALSO SAMPLE A GREAT SELECTION OF CHEESES THAT WOULD BE A PERFECT COMPLIMENT FOR THE UPCOMING EASTER HOLIDAYS.
RSVP
TO EVENTS ON
& FOLLOW US FOR MORE
DETAILS
6307 WEST PARK AVENUE HOUMA, LA 70364
RENDEZVOUS |
WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AROUND TOWN
Friends of the Terrebonne Animal Shelter 5K-9 March 7, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Courtyard Marriott, Houma
Two and four-legged friends are welcome to join the 3rd Annual 5K-9 Run/Walk fundraiser. Leashed, friendly dogs with current vaccinations are welcome. Registration for the race begins at 8am. The ½ mile fun run/walk begins at 9am and the 5K run/walk begins at 9:30am.
“A Night for Children’s Sake” March 6, 6:30-10 p.m. 5 Glen Oaks Drive, Houma
World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
March 21 211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux
A celebration in honor of World Down Syndrome Day promises fun for everyone. Join in on the 5K run, $30, or just for the fun with a general admission ticket, $20. The event features food, beer, family fun activities and live entertainment from Marc Broussard and Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous all proceeds benefit Upside Downs.
Play it Forward “Vegas Night”
CASA of Terrebonne is pleased to announce A Night for Children’s Sake celebrating their 20th Anniversary. The event features live entertainment, food from local vendors, an open bar, and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds from a Night for Children’s Sake will enable CASA to continue to offer much needed help to children and families in our community. Tickets are $80.
March 27, 6-10 p.m. Bayou Country Children’s Museum, Thibodaux
“Race for Their Future” Race Fest
March 28, 6:30 p.m. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
March 14, 8 a.m. Peltier Park, Thibodaux
Join the MAX Charter School for their 12th annual “Race for their Future” 5K Race Fest, which includes a 1 mile fun run and a 5K run to benefit the students at MAX. Raffle tickets are available for purchase for the grand prize, a Disney vacation. There will also be food, drinks, games, bounce houses, live music, a silent auction, and a Cajun cook-off. Cost is $30.
Join the BCCM for a special evening benefiting the Bayou Country Children’s Museum featuring live entertainment from John Daigle, a cocktail trail, local food, gaming tables, and a silent auction and live auction.
The Haven Spring Gala
The Haven’s annual Spring Gala, “Home is Where the Heart Is” gathers our community together to raise awareness and needed funds for their programs and services. Guests will sample the best dishes from local chefs, enjoy a cocktail or two, and dance the night away to live entertainment by Jerry Christopher’s X-Ceptions.
Jackie Bartels Kids Conservation Fest
Duckin’ Out for the Arts
April 4, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Bayou Country Children’s Museum, Thibodaux
The Bayou Regional Arts Council is hosting their annual art show and auction fundraiser, presented by Peoples Drug Store. The evening features music, cajun dancing, a silent art auction. The special guest for the evening is Barton Gilliam of “Blazing Saddles.” Tickets are $45.
Come on out to the Bayou Country Children’s Museum and pass a good time with your kids! The 5th annual Jackie Bartels Kids Conservation Fest will have lots of fun outdoor activities for both children and adults including dog demos, duck calling, casting coaches, wildlife ID, wood duck box building, access to the museum and much more. Admission is $5.
March 21, 6-9 p.m. Terrebonne Waterlife Museum
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A WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT IN OUR CALENDAR? Shoot an email to mary@rushing-media.com and we’ll help spread the word.
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SCENE IN |
LOOK AT OL’ SO ‘N’ SO!
POV POP-UP: CELEBRATING WOMEN Our first PoV Pop-Up of 2020 took its lead from February’s Women’s Issue and placed local, womenowned boutiques front and center. Our guests celebrated in a fun atmosphere while browsing spring fashion, shoes, accessories and more inside the spacious showroom of Geri Lynn Nissan in Houma.
OUTH
OUISIANA
INANCIAL
ERVICES, LLC
GROUP & INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
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.
Medical • Disability Life • Dental
COMMERCIAL
Property • Liability Workers’ Comp
Filling Your Healthcare Needs
Not A Deposit • Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee
315 South Hollywood Rd • Houma, LA 70360
www.slfsllc.com • 985-851-4281
Fast, Friendly, Local Service That No One Else Can Beat!
SOUTHLAND DRUGS
1117 Audubon Ave. • Thibodaux • 985-447-5852
March 2020 64 povhouma.com
282 Corporate Drive Houma, LA 70360
Auto•Home•Life Real Service. Real People.
Phone:985.876.2876 Fax: 985.851.5392 lafarmbureau.com
OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE New Location! 119 Rome Commercial Place Servicing all major brands of outboards.
March 2020 65 povhouma.com
LOOK TWICE |
WIN A $50
COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK
GIFT CARD
Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 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 at looktwice@povhouma.com. A winner will be picked by random drawing March 17. The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank.
Congratulations to Toni Martinez for winning last month’s contest.
ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 Changed ornament color on table 2 Changed pillow color 3 Changed photo above the mantle 4 Added jester outside 5 Removed picture 6 Big picture added on fireplace
It’s your plan. Let’s make it happen.
banksynergy.com 985.851.2217 March 2020 66 povhouma.com
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE NEW
TO BE LUXURIOUS
6161 WEST PARK AVE., HOUMA, LA | 876-1817
www.southlanddodgechryslerjeep.com March 2020 povhouma.com 67
March 2020 68 povhouma.com