Jefferson Life

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Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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2011–2012 Cultural Guide Transitioning Into the School Year The Fine Art of Learning www.jefflife.com

September/October 2011

Live, work play well in Jefferson

w w w.jefflife.com AMY BOUTON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Publisher Joanne Gallinghouse

Tackling Fall The old saying really is true: you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. Who can forget that Monday back in July when the Who Dat Nation finally breathed a collective sigh of relief as the NFL lockout saw its end?

Now, it is time to get back to business. The business of being who we are—fiercely loyal fans who often plan our lives around training camps, pre-season practices, scrimmages and regular season games.

The gridiron lights up our Friday nights with prep football games. Saturdays may begin with pee wee football at the local playground and segue into college games with the Green Wave and LSU Tigers taking center stage. And of course, our Sundays and Mondays are spent at the Dome or in front of a television screen watching the pros. We live the whole experience—we tailgate, we plan entire wardrobes around our team colors and we teach our children to chant “Who Dat?” from birth. It is in us and we are proud.

Associate Publisher Sarah Cottrell

Dare I say that we may be just a pinch more enthusiastic this season (if that is even possible) as we had a brush with the reality of a non-season. With that said, open these pages to tune into your inner fan fashionista in Fan-Fare and check out a home theater with all the amenities necessary to throw one heck of a season opening viewing party.

See how one of our local artists worked with Jefferson Parish school kids to turn Mardi Gras beads into artistic treasures. And finally, get Up Close and Personal with the Cvitanovich family, the owners of Drago’s and awesome tailgaters in their own right!

Here is hoping that fall ushers in not only cooler weather, but the simple pleasures of gatherings around our favorite pastimes with family and friends, and of course—many victories both on and off the field. Who Dat? ◗

Jefferson Life Editorial Board David Andignac, Jefferson Business council Manuel F. Blanco, atlantis International, Inc.

Jim Hudson, Omni Bank Jackie Madden, Jefferson community Foundation

Associate Editor Amy Bouton Contributing Editor Jill Willie Art Director Cheryl Feltman Sohn Graphic Designer Holly Watson Web Designer Julie O’Day Account Executive Lisa Sherman Administrator Melissa St. André Intern Allison Cheaney Contributing Writers Amy Bouton, Paul Cimino, George Gurtner, Anna Ribbeck, Jill Willie Contributing Photographers Tom Ballantine, Timothy Dunford, Julie O’Day, Terry Thibeau Production Gallinghouse & Associates Inc.

G&A PUBLISHING COMPANY Satellite Office: 3013 20th Street, Ste. A Metairie, LA 70002 Main Office: 409 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 Phone: 800-910-7631, Fax: 985-893-7686 e-mail: editor@jefflife.com www.jefflife.com © 2011 G&A Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Views expressed are not necessarily shared by the publisher or staff of this publication.

Please mail comments or submit articles and photographs for Jefferson Lifestyles to the above address. If you wish to be mailed a one year subscription, please send your name and address with $20 for handling.

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Distribution is guaranteed by direct mail plus supplemental pick-up locations.

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Lucien Gunter, JEDcO Volume 3, Number 5

8 26 8 ABOUT THE COVER

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September/October 2011

Last year, students from Rudolph Matas

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Elementary in Metairie participated in an arts project in partnership with local bead artist Stephan Wanger. See the story on page 16.

The Fine Art of Learning

cover photography by Tim Dunford

Transitioning Into the School Year 2011–2012 Cultural Guide

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Contents September/October 2011

HEALTH & FITNESS Diagnostic Imaging Services Expands to Enhance Patient Care............. 15 When Outdoors— Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate ....................... 18

HOME & GARDEN Home Theater Luxury............................... 20

QUALITY OF LIFE Transitioning into the School Year ............ 12 School System Awarded Grants for Turnaround Schools ................................. 14 The Fine Art of Learning .......................... 16

Metairie Road Mecca ................................. 4

Cool Gardens are a Treat Any Time of Year ..................................... 29

State-of-the-art Power Plant to Benefit Jefferson.................................. 19

COMMUNITY

CRIME ABATEMENT

The Business of Business Financing .......... 30

Strength in Numbers—COPLINK .............. 24 Standing United: JPSO Spearheads the Criminal Intelligence Center ............... 26

Fan-Fare..................................................... 6

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Celebrating Culture, 2011-2012 Season Guide .......................... 8

Cvitanovich Family Shares Philosophy of Giving ................................ 22

Take Note ................................................ 13

School System Enters a New Era .............. 31 Jefferson Parish Inspector General............ 31 Tour de Jefferson 2011 ............................ 31 Calendar .................................................. 32 See it All .................................................. 34

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

LIFESTYLE & LEISURE

Gridiron Fare for Every Tailgater ............... 17

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community

І mETaIrIE rOaD

Metairie Road Mecca photo by Julie O’Day

Written by George Gurtner

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everly Jones gives one of those “What happens on Metairie Road stays on Metairie Road” insider smiles as she opens her trendy Neno’s Clothing boutique early one Saturday morning.

“I moved here to Metairie Road from Magazine Street about a year ago,” she says.

“I couldn’t be happier. A lot of my customers from uptown followed me here. But really, the thing that strikes me most is that all of Metairie Road, from one end to the other, just seems like family. People know one another. It’s wonderful!”

New businesses like Beverly’s are joining old standbys like Langenstein’s Supermarket and Barreca’s Restaurant every day. Yet, the busiest two-lane thoroughfare in the state maintains the ambiance of a village of people who all know one another and who are connected by this one long asphalt ribbon that still has that “country road” feel.

“That’s one of the main reasons we moved out here to Metairie Road,” says Jonathan Stoltz, senior accountant at Malcolm M. Dienes, a 60-year-old accounting firm that relocated to the Old Metairie Village shop-

ping mall shortly after Hurricane Katrina.

“Downtown we had parking problems and we were seeing less and less of our clients. It’s like they wanted to mail in their forms and get it over with. Since we’ve been here, we have clients stop in for coffee and we see them face-to-face. That’s one of the reasons our business has grown. We’ve gone from 15 employees to 35. No parking problems. No traffic jams. It’s a wonderful way to do business,” he says.

A half-mile down Metairie Road at The Book Rack, Phyllis Feran is petting the head of “Pepper,” one of four ever-present “shop cats.” Pepper is as comfortable sleeping atop a stack of Danielle Steele novels in the tightly packed store as he would be on a tufted pillow.

“This is my little corner of the world,” Phyllis says. “It’s cozy here. It’s quiet. It smells like a comfort place. A lot of people think so. They come from New Orleans East and the Westbank. I know we talk about family a lot. But that’s what this place means to a lot of my customers. It’s like coming home to family and sitting down for

a comfortable evening.”

Gail Andry, who says she is a “happy 72-year-old” works as a volunteer in The Book Rack and nods in agreement. She explains that she began visiting during a very low point in her life. She found a sense of warmth in the little store that she hadn’t known in a long time. When Phyllis asked

photo by George Gurtner

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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“You see that to this day: new businesses opening while everybody involved maintains the heart of what makes Metairie Road Metairie Road. It’s a wonderful place to live…and to shop.” photos by George Gurtner

ran down. Right after Katrina, we counted 33 empty places (businesses) from Severn to the 17th Street Canal. But we knew it would come back big time. The bars were replaced by banks and new people moved into the old buildings and fixed them up. You see that to this day—new businesses opening while everybody involved maintains the heart of what makes Metairie Road Metairie Road. It’s a wonderful place to live…and to shop.”

Dave Barreca has recently reopened his eatery, Barreca’s Restaurant after having been forced to close by Hurricane Katrina.

“I’ve been working toward this day, toward this re-opening for a long time,” Barreca says. “I knew it was coming. I knew it would happen. After all, this is Metairie Road.” ◗ PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church saw a growing need and began sowing the seeds for a larger church, school and other buildings more than ten years ago.

PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: Gennaro’s Bar and eatery has been a fixture on Metairie Road since 1937.

ABOVE: (Left to Right) Business owners Phyllis Feran (and “Pepper”), Steven Bel (and his son Samuel) and Dave Barreca all relish the small-town charm of Metairie Road. RIGHT: Upscale businesses are finding new homes all along Metairie Road.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

her to help out in the store, Gail jumped at the chance.

“This building was once a family-run pharmacy. I think it’s maintained that family type atmosphere,” Gail said. “The best part is when some of the older people in the Metairie Road neighborhood come in and just talk. They talk about the trolley tracks that used to run down Metairie Road, the history of this building and that building.

Metairie Road has changed so much. But astonishingly, it’s maintained the things that make it so comfortable and inviting.”

Steven Bel owns Sal’s Sno-Ball stand on Metairie Road off Bonnabel Boulevard. The stand is a haven for hundreds of snow-ball lovers each day and evening during the summer and early autumn months.

Bel, who grew up in the neighborhood, concurs. “The more Metairie Road changes, the more it stays the same,” he says. “It’s family. It’s comfortable. You hear the word ‘village’ so much and sure enough, that’s just what all of this reminds me of. From the cemeteries and Longue Vue Gardens on one end all the way down to Severn Avenue on the other end, it really is a village. It got a little shoddy there for a while. Businesses

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lifestyle

І FOOTBaLL maNIa

Fan-Fare Saints Super Dress , Can t Be Beat Chatta Box Boutique, $349, 504-454-1527

Own It, Chant It, Wear It. Fleurity Girl, $22, 504-454-1433.

, It s in the Bag

Chatta Box Boutique, $383, 504-454-1527

No Penalities Here Black & Gold Sports Shop, $34.95, 504-834-1974.

, High Steppin

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Chatta Box Boutique, $174, 504-454-1527

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Need , a Fleur de lis?

We ve Got You Covered.

Fleurity Girl, $20, 504-454-1433.

Catch the Wave

Everybody Needs a Few Tricks (and drinks) Up Their Sleeves Tyger Gifts, $19.99, 504-885-6579.

Black & Gold Sports Shop, $26, 504-834-1974.

Out In Style

Black & Gold Sports Shop, $29.95, 504-834-1974.

New Orleans Saints Schedule Thu. 9/8 Sun. 09/18 Sun. 9/25 Sun. 10/2 Sun. 10/9 Sun. 10/16 Sun. 10/23 Sun. 10/30 Sun. 11/6 Sun. 11/13 mon. 11/28 Sun. 12/4 Sun. 12/11 Sun. 12/18 mon. 12/26 Sun. 1/01

@ Green Bay packers chicago Bears houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars @ carolina panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Indianapolis colts @ St. Louis rams Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ atlanta Falcons New york Giants Detroit Lions @ Tennessee Titans @ minnesota Vikings atlanta Falcons carolina panthers

7:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

7:20 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

LSU Schedule

, Start em Young Tyger Gifts, $27.99, 504-885-6579.

It Never Rains in Tiger Stadium

Sat. Sat. Thu. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri.

9/3 9/10 9/15 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 11/5 11/12 11/19 11/25

Oregon (@ cowboys Stadium) 7:00 p.m.

Northwestern State 7:00 p.m. @ mississippi State 7:00 p.m. @ West Virginia TBa Kentucky TBa Florida TBa @ Tennessee TBa auburn TBa @ alabama TBa Western Kentucky (homecoming) TBa @ Ole miss TBa arkansas 1:30 p.m.

Black & Gold Sports Shop, $39.99, 504-834-1974.

Tulane University Schedule 9/3 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/10 11/19 11/26

Southeastern Louisiana 2:30 p.m.

Tulsa 2:30 p.m. @ UaB* Birmingham 3:00 p.m. @ Duke Durham TBa @ army West point 11:00 a.m.

Syracuse 7:00 p.m.

UTEp 2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. memphis (homecoming) @ East carolina 2:30 p.m. @ SmU 2:00 p.m. houston 7:00 p.m. @ rice 2:30 p.m. @ hawaii 10:00 p.m.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat.

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leisure

І cULTUraL GUIDE

Celebrating Culture 2011-2012 Season Guide

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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ead any travel book on Louisiana— specifically on the New Orleans metro area—and you are sure to find culture as one of the traits that makes the area attractive. We know how to celebrate our unique culture through events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and the many festivals honoring indigenous foods and local wares. Not only do we have a knack for celebrating in the present, we also pay homage to our cultural past via museums, historic sites and art retrospectives.

Kenner has Rivertown and the everexpanding Laketown. At the south end of Williams Boulevard, just over the railroad tracks, Rivertown is a 16-block historic district packed with engaging and educational museums, attractions and its own Repertory Theatre. From attractions celebrating our past such as the Cannes Brûlées Native American Museum and a village replica of days gone by (featuring turn-of-the-century

packing shed, ice house, a traditional blacksmith shop, and a 1930’s era gas station) to futuristic exhibits in Space Station Kenner, Rivertown has something for everyone.

There is also a Science Complex offering hands-on exhibits about weather, electricity, the human body, the solar system and world geography. The Kenner Planetarium & MegaDome Cinema provide experiences out of this world, planetarium and special shows. And, one of only two facilities in existence today, Space Station Kenner is a full-size NASA International Space Station prototype where visitors get a first hand look at daily living and working in space.

Rivertown is open to the public Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (The box office opens at 10:00 a.m. and the last tickets are sold at 3:00 p.m.) The facility is available by appointment only for groups of 10 or more Tuesday through Friday.

On the opposite side of Williams

Boulevard at the edge of Lake Pontchartrain is Kenner’s Laketown. Just under 30 acres of shoreline include a boat launch, a gazebo, picnic areas and the Treasure Chest Casino.

It is an evolving space for natural activities and family outings.

On the Westbank is the Gretna Historic District’s Historical Museum Complex at 209 Lafayette Street, which includes the David Crockett Firehouse, the oldest firehouse in the U.S., the Louisiana Fire Museum, Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop, Kittie Strehle House and Ignatius Strehle House. Also in the historic district you’ll find the St. Joseph Church and Gardens and the Visitor Center housed in the Illinois Central Railroad Caboose.

The Town of Jean Lafitte will open its new Fisheries Museum this fall. The museum will include an orientation lobby, a multimedia theater and exhibitions exploring local wildlife, history and the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte.

More traditional cultural events that are associated with cosmopolitan cities such as performing arts, opera, orchestra and ballet also have their own place in this melting pot of south Louisiana.

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society is a non-profit professional arts organization whose mission is to promote arts performance, training and outreach by providing a diverse range of quality programs that entertain, educate and enrich the cultural and economic vitality of Jefferson Parish, Greater New Orleans and the Gulf South.

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1991 by musicians from the former New Orleans Symphony, is the only musician-owned and collaboratively

managed professional symphony in the United States. Led by Music Director, Carlos Miguel Prieto, LPO performs a full 36-week concert season featuring an array of classics, casual classics, family, education, and outreach concerts throughout the Gulf South—including two performances in Jefferson Parish.

The Kenner Repertory Theatre offers quality theatrical productions in a season of musicals and plays that foster a high quality of cultural life in the community.

The Theatre maximizes the impact of art for all patrons while fostering an understanding of art’s value with future generations. Dinner shows are also available with catering from Benedict’s Plantation. ◗

2011-2012 Cultural Schedule All information accurate at the time of printing. Dates, times and locations are subject to change.

LPO Jefferson Series Mozart Jupiter September 23, 2011 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 1400 Williams Blvd., Kenner

Mozart Requiem April 20, 2012 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 1400 Williams Blvd., Kenner

JPAS The Drowsy Chaperone A die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life, telling the tale of a Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love.

September 30–October 16, 2011

Fiddler on the Roof In the little village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie

Night of Opera & Broadway This star-studded evening of classic opera music and Broadway’s biggest hits features local all-star talent.

November 9, 2011 7:30 p.m.

Location to be determined.

Hallejuah After the loss of a dear friend, the feisty females of Eden Falls, GA realize time is precious, and if they’re going to change their lives and achieve their dreams, they have to get on it now.

October 21– November 6, 2011 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Teatro Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave, Westwego

From A Long Way Off, By Jim Fitzmorris In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Quinncannon family battles the Archdiocese of New Orleans over the closing of a beloved church. But they are about to find out, their biggest enemy might be their past.

October 28–November 13, 2011 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego Continued on page 10

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

October 22-23 & 29-30, 2011

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leisure

І cULTUraL GUIDE Hairspray

The Light in the Piazza

Loveable plus-size heroine, Tracy Turnblad, has a passion for dancing, and wins a spot on the local TV dance program. Can a larger-than-life adolescent manage to vanquish the program’s reigning princess, integrate the television show, and find true love?

The six-time Tony Award-winning production combines the romance of Italy with a love story. While sightseeing a young woman-loses her hat in a sudden gust. The hat lands at the feet of a handsome Florentine, sparking a intense romance between to two.

January 28–29 & February 4–5, 2012

March 10–11 & 17–18, 2012

Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 2:00 p.m. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie

Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 2:00 p.m. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie

The Bikinis

Xanadu

That girl group from the sixties everyone loves is bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore... all to raise money for the good folks at Sandy Shores RV Resort on Florida’s Gold Coast.

Enjoy the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, CA to inspire a struggling artist.

February 24-March 11, 2012 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

Flanagan’s Wake Continued from page 9

Danny O’Flaherty’s Celtic Christmas Slip back in time to savor the Christmas season as it has been celebrated among the Celtic people for centuries.

December 17 & 18, 2011 Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

Nunset Boulevard The Little Sisters take the stage once again as they are invited to sing at the Hollywood Bowl. But, they are booked into the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama—a bowling alley with a cabaret lounge—and not the famed “Hollywood Bowl.”

January 6–22, 2012

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Teatro Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

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The hilarious interactive Irish wake is a raucus and ridiculous comedy once again. Join the villagers of the beautiful fictional village of Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland, as they tell tales, sing songs and mourn the passing of one of their own.

March 2-18, 2012 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m.

Teatro Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave, Westwego

May 11-27, 2012 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

JPAS for Young Audiences Mike Artell’s Petite Rouge, A Cajun Red Riding Hood Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bobbitt.

A Swamp Chorus sings backup to the Zydeco-driven score in this foot-stomping, family-friendly musical soaked in Cajun hot sauce.

September 24–25, 2011 Sat. 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m.

Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Rivertown Theatre 409 W. 21 st Avenue, Covington, LARepertory 70433 985-893-7350Chicago | Fax 985-893-7686 Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping-song after respond to yourand account another; the most Executive astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. with corrections

by Chicago is a musical set in Prohibition-era Chicago and is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the “celebrity criminal.”

Your Ad will run AS IS

unless your

5:00 pm | Tuesday, Aug. 16

Fax corrections to 985-893-7686 September 16–October 2, 2011 Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St., or email back to your account executive.

Kenner

Requested proofs beyond three will be subject to production fees.

Rumors Four couples arrive at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to attend a party celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. However, the four couples soon discover that there are no servants, the hostess is missing and the deputy mayor has shot himself in the head.

Proof #1

Proof #2

FINAL

Approved AS IS

November 18–December 4, 2011

How I Became a Pirate

Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St.,

Approved WITH CHANGES Kenner

Based on the acclaimed children’s book of the same name, How I Became A Pirate is a new musical adventure of the high seas that’s just right for young audiences.

Plaza Suite

Please Change SEND NEW PROOF The Tony Award winning comedy with Big

Easy Award winning actors Butch Caire and Tracey Collins is a laugh fest not to be missed.

Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Hilarity abounds in this portrait of three Signature _____________________________________________ Sun. 2:00 p.m. Jefferson Performing Arts couples occupying the same suite at New York, Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie City’s famed Plaza Hotel.

April 13-15, 2012

January 20–February 5, 2012 Date ________________________________________________

JPAS Theatre Kids!

Disney’s The Jungle Book

Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St., Kenner

AugustThe 2011 Battle of Shallowford

Performed by an all-kid cast, the jungle is jumpin’ with jazz is this exciting Disney classic. Join Mowgli and the gang through their madcap adventures to thwart Shere Khan.

December 2–4 & 9–11, 2011 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

Disney’s Cinderalla

March 23–25; 30–31 & April 1, 2012 Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

The LPO proudly announces its 2011-2012 Jefferson Parish Concert Series: Order tickets online or by phone with promo code “Jeff Life” and receive 10% off your entire order.

MOZART JUPITER *

Friday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Kenner

YULETIDE CELEBRATION Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Pontchartrain Center

SPRING SERENADE

Friday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Kenner

MARCH MADNESS*

Friday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Kenner

MOZART REQUIEM*

Friday, April 20, 7:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Kenner *denotes performances conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto

For tickets and full LPO season information, visit LPOmusic.com or call (504) 523-6530

March 16–April 2, 2012 Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St., Kenner

The Marvelous Wonderettes A cotton-candy colored, non-stop pop musical blast from the past, the Marvelous Wonderettes takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts .

May 11–29, 2012 Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St., Kenner

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

The timeless fairy tale meets the magic of Disney in this adaptation of the treasured animated film. With help from her friends and Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the Royal Ball to meet her Prince.

When the residents of the small town of Shallowford believe Orson Welles’ radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” is legitimate news, they grab their pitchforks and hunting rifles, and run out to do battle with invading Martians.

JEFFERSON SERIES

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Mark changes/corrections clearly. Colors of this proof may

education

І SchOOL aNXIETy

Transitioning into the School Year Written by Jill Willie

S

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

o the kids have made it back into the classroom, school supplies and uniforms have been purchased and forms have been processed.

The hard part is over—well not quite. For a lot of children, the transition back to school can take more than a few weeks and require a bit more than a few encouraging words.

Donna Betzer, executive director of Healthy Lifestyles, a non profit organization that helps both youth and their parents with developing life skills said parents can help set the foundation for success well before children even enter elementary school. “From helping them with listening skills through one-on-one conversations to integrating reading into your daily routine, you let them know that you value education.”

Metairie mom Ann Troutman was an elementary school teacher before starting her own family. She said that many of her students spent the first few weeks of school “catching up” on skills they forgot over the summer. Now that she has her own school-aged children, she works on math drills and leisure reading throughout the summer. “They go back to school confident that they’ll be able to perform required tasks. This helps smooth the transition into the new year,” she said.

While specific concerns vary from grade to grade, there are general triggers that contribute to student anxiety—and in the ways that children react to them. Chaos, confusion, and crammed schedules can result in headaches, stomach aches, difficulty sleeping, increased moodiness and clinginess. Therefore, professionals recommend that parents stick to a set routine (beginning a few weeks before school),

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“If you sense that your child is struggling in school, either academically or socially, get them in touch with someone who can help.” stay organized (checking homework, completing paperwork and stuffing backpacks at night), and schedule down time.

According to Careton Kendrick, EDM, LCSW and contributor to familyeducation.com, it is important for children to get involved with groups that share the same ideals and interests. However, parents need to be mindful of not over scheduling extracurricular activities.

“You cannot underestimate the value of quiet time,” said Betzer.

“As important as it is for adults to be able to decompress after a long day, it is even more so for children.”

Betzer said quiet time should be established before homework even begins and should continue throughout homework time. “Have a special, quiet space for your child to complete homework and study without the distractions of television, video games or phone calls.

If distractions can’t be avoided, your child may want to complete assignments in the local library.”

She recommends that parents maintain a close eye and a open line of communication throughout the school year. “If you sense that your child is struggling in school, either academically or socially, get them in touch with someone who can help,” she said. ◗

Take Note ▼

New Construction at Two Parish Schools

For the first time in 25 years, some public school students walked into brand-new school buildings this fall. Both Woodmere Elementary and Terrytown Elementary were razed following hurricane Katrina and rebuilt with the help of FEma funding.

The schools used portable classrooms while the new buildings were being constructed.

Tour de Jefferson Marks 5th Year The Jefferson chamber of commerce will host its annual Tour de

Three New Start Up Companies Call JEDCO’s Incubator Home ▼

JEDcO’s Business Innovation center, a state-of-the-art business incubator operating at churchill Technology & Business park on the Westbank of Jefferson parish, is now home to riverland Solar, Global commerce & Services and Gulf coast marketplace-three high-tech companies with an international reach. according to the National Business Incubation association, four out of five new businesses (80%) that start in an incubator program succeed within five years as compared to only a 40% success rate without incubator resources. The Business Innovation center provides the space, services and assistance needed to help overcome the initial challenges faced by new businesses.

Jefferson bike ride on October 23. The ride was developed to enhance awareness of quality of life amenities and recreational venues in Jefferson parish with a healthy, fun family friendly event. registration information can be found at www.Jeffersonchamber.org.

Second Harvest Food Bank Opens Community Kitchen ▼ With a capacity to produce two million meals each year, the community Kitchen is an 8,500-square-foot commercial kitchen and adjacent teaching studio located inside Second harvest Food Bank in Elmwood. The kitchen will maximize millions of pounds of donated food including perishable items such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat frozen food products. These donations can be assembled and cooked into frozen prepared meals and then distributed through Second harvest Food Bank partner agencies. The kitchen will also be used to support disaster response efforts.

education

І SchOOL ImprOVEmENT GraNTS

School System Awarded Grants for Turnaround Schools Written by Jill Willie Photos supplied by JPPSS

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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hen Jefferson Parish schools were passed over for round one of the federal School Improvement Grants (SIG) last year, school officials learned lessons on how to improve their applications so the system would not be overlooked again. During the second round of funding this spring, Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) secured $8.7 million to issue reforms at seven of its schools: Harry S. Truman Middle School, Miller Wall Elementary, McDonogh #26, Shirley Johnson/Gretna Park Elementary, Stella Worley Middle, Washington Montessori and Woodmere Elementary. (Vic Pitre Elementary received an award to transition into a charter school.

This year will be a planning year for the school.)

“In round two, feedback and support afforded from the Louisiana Department of Education indicated that bold school and district initiatives should be included in ten areas of non-negotiable conditions within the grants for the school turnaround model. This was the model selected initially for 12 schools,” said assistant school superintendent Pat Mendoza. “With changes proposed at every level—from principals to clerical staff—we secured grants for seven of these schools.”

According to acting superintendent Dr. James Meza, the grants provide an opportunity to change not only the SIG schools themselves, but to also change the focus of the entire school system.

“We are moving toward a service model of instruction rather than focusing on monitoring and compliance. The SIG schools can serve as a proving ground for reforms we want to take system-wide.”

Mendoza said one of the biggest challenges with implementing the turnaround model was making it happen within such a short time frame. “The task was daunting with such a critically short time line, of not only compiling an application which provided a framework to complete new turnaround models of school operations for JPPSS, but to involve and keep all stake holders involved along the way,” he said.

Many of the reforms were implemented over the summer, with 50 percent staff overhaul at the SIG schools. Turnaround officer Karen Bucher came on board in June and all principals were in place by the beginning of July. By mid-month, they has established their school calendars including extra training days for faculty and

“Human capital is a major factor in turning around low performing schools, Dr. Meza said.

“It is essential that we give our principals a great voice in selecting who can best serve their student populations.” extended instruction hours during the school day. They completed the month with a final training session at the University of Virginia.

The grant also gives principals the autonomy to choose their own faculty. In fact, this procedure is not exclusive to the SIG schools.

During its July meeting, school board members voted to give all of its principals hiring freedom to fill vacant faculty positions.

“Human capital is a major factor in turning around low performing schools, Dr. Meza said. “It is essential that we give our principals a great voice in selecting who can best serve their student populations.”

DIaGNOSTIc ImaGING SErVIcES

Diagnostic Imaging Services Expands to Enhance Patient Care

F

rom simple x-rays to intricate diagnostic studies, Diagnostic Imaging Services has served the New Orleans metro area for nearly four decades. And, in August of this year, the Womens Center at Diagnostic Imaging Services celebrated 10 years of state-of-the-art care for women.

Diagnostic Imaging Services offers standard diagnostic tests like CAT Scans (CTs), MRIs and digital x-rays. In addition, they offer more complex testing such as nuclear medicine and interventional studies such as arthrograms, myelograms and hysterosalpingograms.

Along with its current level of service through cutting edge diagnostics and technology already offered, Diagnostic Imaging Services is expanding its current facility in Independence Mall. The renovation will result in one far-reaching imaging

center that fully serves patients and their health care providers. All radiology services will be consolidated into one innovative outpatient complex. Patients will find a modern, well-equipped facility that will provide the continued excellent service to which they have become accustomed. In addition to ample ground floor parking, referring physicians and patients will experience the ease of scheduling all exams in one Metairie imaging location. During the renovation, expected to be completed in December 2011, current services will continue—uninterrupted.

The expansion of the facility, consolidation of radiology services and streamlining of customer service will offer patients and physicians the outstanding care they have come to expect from Diagnostic Imaging Services. ◗

І business profile

Locations: 3625 Houma Boulevard Metairie, LA 70006 4241 Veterans Blvd., Suite 100 Metairie LA 70006 925 Avenue C Marrero, LA 70072 3437 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70115 Phone: 504-883-5999 Web: www.disnola.com

While no high schools were awarded SIG of the change so close to the start of a new grants, the board also voted at the meeting school year, the board decided to require a to create its own turnaround office to 15 percent turnover in staff rather than the implement reforms at academically strug50 being used under the SIG model. gling high schools: John Ehret, Grace King, “Ultimately, we are trying to target the Bonnabel and West Jefferson. students who are having difficulty learning,” According to Mendoza, the turnaround Dr. Meza said. “Over the last decade, the model developed for the SIG schools is the student population has changed. While the basis for the high school turnaround zone. numbers are lower since Hurricane Katrina, “Although in its infancy, the model has the number of students with special needs already paved the way for other reforms and social and economic challenges has Approved AS IS such as a second turnaround zone for four st 409 W. 21 Avenue, Covington, increased.”

LA 70433 of our academically struggling high schools Through what he called central district 985-893-7350 | Fax 985-893-7686 and a new administration and teacher selectransformation, the school system’s bureau- Approved WITH CHANGES tion process which included mutual consent cracy will be dismantled, with support staff and increased autonomy for the school getting out of the administration offices and principals,” he said. into the classrooms. “By being more person- Please Change SEND NEW PROOF unless your respond to your account Executive Gary Barras is the turnaround officer for ally involved at the classroom level, we with corrections bycan pinpoint at-risk students, identify their these schools and will manage many of the same techniques that are being utilized at needs and provide teachers with the tools Signature _____________________________________________ the SIG schools. Concerned about the timing and training to address them,” he said. ◗

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2011

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art education

І maTaS ELEmENTary

The Fine Art of Learning Written by Jill Willie Photography by Tim Dunford

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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ast year, students from Rudolph Matas Elementary in Metairie learned about the environment, recycling, Louisiana culture, mathematical ratios, and fine art—all through one very special course.

Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades participated in an arts project in partnership with local bead artist Stephan Wanger. Arts facilitator Tama Distler had seen a feature story on Wanger and his efforts to stimulate awareness of Louisiana culture in the postKatrina landscape through mosaics made from individual Mardi Gras beads. She contacted him in the hopes of developing a commemorative piece for the school. As an active volunteer since coming to the United States from his native Germany,

Wanger proposed something much more ambitious—a collaborative effort to create a 12-piece series to fit with his exhibit, “A Million Greetings From New Orleans.”

Wanger spent two full days each week at Matas to help direct the project entitled “A Taste of Louisiana.” Together with Distler, Stephan selected images of iconic Louisiana foods—from generic red beans and rice to a large-scale depiction of a Hubig’s Pie bag.

The images were scanned and placed onto individual 4'x4' pieces of plywood. Once the scans were painted, students began the painstaking process of gluing individual beads onto the boards.

“It is an interactive, soulful experience,” Wanger said of the process. “Students get

to touch the beads and see how they fit into the entire picture. They also have to practice patience. When you begin, it is easy to think it will never be finished. But, they soon see the picture forming. It has to start with one single bead.”

Student William Pinheiro said the entire experience solidified his love for the visual arts. “After I worked on the mosaic, I became much more interested in practicing my drawings,” he said.

William worked as an intern at Stephan’s Magazine Street gallery throughout the summer, helping the artist create a world-record setting mosaic of the New Orleans skyline.

“I thought jobs had to be boring,” he said.

“It is amazing to be here and learn from him (Stephan). I love it.”

The exhibit, which premiered this summer at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB), will travel as part of Wanger’s collection six months of the year.

During the remaining months, the exhibit will be on display at Matas. ◗

cOOKING

І lifestyle

Gridiron Fare for Every Tailgater Tailgate parties combine the best of who we are in South Louisiana: great sports fans, friendly people and even better cooks.

Whether you tailgate full-on in the Superdome parking lot or prefer to “armchair tailgate” in your own home, these two recipes are sure to win over every fan. ◗

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Submitted by Paul Cimino, food writer

Beer and Balsamic Vinegar Steaks 4 boneless strip steaks, trimmed of fat 1 12 oz can beer 1 2 oz can tomato sauce 3 tbsps mesquite salt-free grilling blend 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil Mix beer, tomato sauce, vinegar, olive oil and tsp grilling blend in plastic ziplock bag. Drop in steaks, seal bag and set aside for about thirty minutes. Fire up grill to medium heat. Place steaks on heated grill after pressing remaining mesquite blend into both sides of steaks. Grill, turning once until they are done the way you like. Heat remaining marinade until hot and slightly thick and drizzle onto the steaks and enjoy.

Submitted by Sun Ray Grill

Two Tails and Spicy Grits

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absorb into the other ingredients. Add more cheese if needed to thicken and stir again.

For the Shrimp: 6 each per plate of peeled and butterflied large headless shrimp Cajun seasoning as needed Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and grill on both sides until cooked through on a flat grill.

For the Grits: 1/4 cup finely diced red pepper 1/3 cup finely diced jalapeño peppers 1 tbsp minced garlic 1/2 cup finely diced red onion Colors represented on this proof are an approximation of actual printed material.

1/4 cup chopped green onion ad may not be used without permission from G&A Publishing. Failure to acknowledge or return this proof will not butter This as needed 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning 1/2 tsp cayenne 4 cups chicken stock 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 cup stone ground grits SAVE 20% Sauté the first five ingredients in butter on dental services with our dental until soft. Add chicken stock and bring to a program exclusively for Seniors!! boil. Add grits in a steady stream, whisking them into the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and continue whisking every two-three minutes to prevent sticking or Senior Program lumps. Continue cooking for approximately Call our Kenner location 20-30 minutes or until the grits are soft and 2400 Veterans Blvd. creamy.

504-833-3200 This dish can be found on the menu at This Discount Program is NOT health insurance and does not Coordinate with Other Dental Plans both the Old Metairie and Gretna locations of Sun Ray Grill.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Crawfish and Mushroom Ragout 2 cups onions 4 oz diced mushrooms 1/2 lb crawfish 1/2 cup sun dried tomato pinch salt & pepper 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning 1/2 cup minced garlic just over 1/2 cup parmesan 2 tbsp parsley-cilantro 1/3 lb butter 1/2 cup heavy cream as needed Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the onions, sun-dried tomato and mushrooms.

Stir the contents and add the salt and pepper and Cajun seasoning and continue cooking. Once the onions and mushrooms have begun to sweat add the crawfish and garlic. Stir and cook another two minutes.

Fold in the cheese and chopped parsleycilantro mix with the sautéed ingredients.

Add the heavy cream and stir into the skillet. Continue cooking on a medium high fire until the cream reduces and begins to

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pharmacy

І health

health

І pharmacy

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Jefferson Life Magazine

2011

JOHN F. DIMAGGIO, R.PH.

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PATIO DRUGS Requested proofs beyond three will be subject to production fees.

Direct Source now offers When Outdoors—Hydrate, Prodigy Vinyl Siding.

2011 Top line of headline Jefferson Life Magazine

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Engineered to be truly maintenance free, Prodigy rests on this line. Copy Signaturebeautiful _____________________________________________ is inspiringly & amazingly energybox is .2 aligh from botWhether it’s hot and humid or sunny and efficient. paint, seal, stain, or clean your tomNever of head box. cool, it is very important to stay hydrated ________________________________________________ exterior’sDate home again. Call now and ask about the when performing outdoor activities. Some signs and symptoms to be aware of are dry Prodigy® TrueForm™ Siding system.

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This may lead to potentially dangerous blood levels of drugs within the body.

Serving your cancer care needs in our temporary location.

Changing the

look your outlook and

The Hematology/Oncology Clinic at West Jefferson is temporarily located in the Physicians Center, Suite North 804. The permanent location for the clinic will be opening in 2012. Robert Kessler, MD and Nagarajan Chandrasekaran (Sekar), MD appreciate the confidence and trust you have placed in their practice and are working to make this a seamless transition for you.

on Cancer

“Having the services I need close to home means that I can still be a mom and manage my cancer.”

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Welcome new physicians!

18

West Jefferson is also proud to announce the addition of Ashish Udhrain, MD and Vijay Patel, MD. Dr. Udhrain received his training at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Dr. Patel at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Chemotherapy infusions will be administered at the temporary clinic.

To make an appointment, call

(504) 349-6360

Robert Kessler, MD

N. Sekar, MD

Vijay Patel, MD

1111 Medical Center Boulevard • Suite N-804 Marrero, Louisiana 70072 www.wjmc.org Ashish Udhrain, MD

ziness, extreme fatigue, concentrated urine that appears darker than normal, nausea, and muscle cramps.

In order to counter dehydration, it is important to consume the right amount of the right fluids (water and sports drinks) throughout the day.

When we realize we are thirsty our body is already dehydrated. Adults need 17 to 20 ounces of fluid before activity in the heat, and an additional seven to 10 ounces every 20 minutes during. Children need four to eight ounces of fluid before activity, and an additional five to nine ounces every 20 minutes during activity.

Remember that our body regulates temperature by sweating. Electrolytes are lost through sweat. Drink fluids with electrolytes to replace them.

Wear lightweight, light colored and loosefitting clothing. Invest in some clothes made with Coolmax®, Drymax® or polypropylene.

These fibers have tiny channels that wick the moisture from your skin to the outer layer of the clothing where it can evaporate.

Sunburn decreases your ability to cool yourself. Use sunblock with SPF 15 or higher. Wear a hat that provides shade.

Avoid alcohol and heavy foods. If you feel any headaches, fatigue, or irritability, get out of the sun and cool off.

Remember, it is always easier to prevent then treat! ◗ Patio Drugs is located at 5208 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. Call 504-889-7070 or visit them on the web at www.patiodrugs.com.

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MANNY SILVER, REGIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER FOR ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC

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If customers wonder whether their power company is working for a clean environment in the most cost-efficient manner, then the request to the Louisiana Public Service Commission by Entergy Louisiana, LLC to approve the proposal to build a new natural gas power plant in Westwego should satisfy their curiosity—yes, we are.

The proposed state-of-the-art combinedcycle natural gas-fueled unit at Entergy’s Ninemile Point plant will use modern pollution controls and technology to produce reliable, highly efficient, clean power. The unit will help meet growing regional power supply needs in southeast Louisiana, enhance reliability and provide significant short and long-term economic benefits to Jefferson Parish and surrounding communities.

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2011

5:00 pm | Wednesday, Aug. 10 Fax corrections to 985-893-7686 or email back to your account executive.

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Personal Health Assessment (PHA) at www.bcbsla.com.

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…this unit will be among the cleanest gas-fired generating plants in the nation.

12-page customized Approved report on health AS risks IS you might face – and ways to address them.

Through its advanced pollution-control systems and clean-burning fuel, this unit will be among the cleanest gas-fired generating plants in the nation. Also by using low-cost natural gas as its fuel, Entergy expects to pass the fuel cost savings on to its customers. Jefferson Parish as a whole will benefit from the construction of the Ninemile 6 unit through increased sales and tax revenues as well as the creation of several hundred construction jobs.

If approved, the construction project will begin in 2012, and the unit will enter commercial operation by mid-2015, and replace Ninemile Point Plant Units 1 and 2, which came online in the early 1950s and have since been deactivated. ◗

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home

І hOmE ThEaTErІ parISh GrOWTh

community

Home Theater Luxury Turn Your Home into a Screen Viewing Haven Written by Amy Bouton Photography by Tim Dunford

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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here really is no need to go out, when a person has so many great reasons to stay in.

Just ask local entrepreneur Ray Palmer. Ray built his home in Kenner—in his words, “as a gift to myself.” And he did not skimp on the amenities. His home theater speaks for itself when it comes to a lush, soothing retreat to unwind in while you watch your favorite movies or the Black and Gold in action. “Go ahead, recline,” he urged as I sank into one of the six sumptuous theater chairs complete with touch control command and of course, cup holders. “I knew what I wanted,” Ray recalls. “I wanted a theater

room that felt like a theater. I wanted a quality theater with quality sound, and that theater ambience.”

This media room is a little slice of cinema magic, but the beauty is, it is just up the stairs and to the right. Ray never has to leave home to get the movie theater experience.

In fact, he never even has to leave the room while he is immersed in whatever he is watching on the large, acoustically transparent screen. (The sound comes through it.) The theater boasts a kitchen area complete with a microwave, a refrigerator and a half bathroom. A stone bar with three

stools provides extra seating, and mounted posters that frame the periphery clue you in to Ray’s personal taste in movies (Purple Rain, The Godfather and the Shawshank Redemption are among them). Deliberate and well thought out details, like the busy, yet appropriate carpet and the ceiling mounted movie projector, lend an authentic feel to the space.

Ray placed his trust in the hands of the audio visual experts at Audio Professional Services in Metairie to produce his vision.

Audio Professional Services systems specialist Jeff Edenfield says home theaters

Audio Specialist’s Tips • The audio visual system for the entire house (including security cameras) can be housed in one space.

• Consider your control system.

One intricately programmed remote control for all features in the room, from audio to lighting is recommended.

• The speaker placement is important, but often a matter of taste. There are several options, so ask about all of them.

This media room is a little slice of cinema magic, but the beauty is, it is just up the stairs and to the right.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Six theater chairs are set in front of the acoustically transparent screen. ABOVE: The kitchen area features a refrigerator and microwave.

RIGHT: The entire audiovisual system for the home is housed in the theater.

• Lighting is very important to any room, but especially a home theater.

This is one of the final touches which will complete a room like this.

• Find a highly qualified professional who has installed many home theaters, and rely on their expertise when you are unfamiliar with an option.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

can average in cost anywhere from $5,000 on the lower end up to $1 million for an extremely high end space. He urges anyone who plans on creating such a space in their home to follow the route Ray did. “Ray chose wisely when it came to upgrades.

He did not necessarily choose the most expensive components in certain areas, but in other areas such as the speakers and the projectors, he chose not to settle.”

As with any home improvement or renovation, there are considerations specific to the project which must be considered.

Things like throw distance (which

determines the placement of the projector) is set to a particular formula. Screen size and configuration are often personal preference with very few rigid standards.

Sound quality involves both the speakers and receivers. And of course, lighting plays a huge part in completing the atmosphere.

“It is important to hire professionals who have installed home theaters in the past.

Consider the surrounding rooms as well and the insulation in both the floors and the walls,” Jeff recommends.

Perhaps most importantly, enjoy the space and be comfortable with tweaking and upgrades over time. “This particular room I enjoy very much,” Ray notes. “The visual is all Blue Ray and very high quality. I had a wonderful experience with Jeff. He gave me lots of great options.” ◗

• Do not skimp on the speakers— they are the vehicle which ultimately delivers the sound.

21

up close & personal

І ThE cVITaNOVIch FamILy

Feeding the Soul

Cvitanovich Family Shares Philosophy of Giving Written by Jill Willie Photography by Terry Thibeau

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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In the Eastern European country of Croatia, the name Drago is very common. It means “precious” or “dear one.” And while the name may be rare in Southeast Louisiana, it too has its own translation. For most of us, Drago means a great dining experience. Over the last 42 years, founders Drago and Klara Cvitanovich have been an integral part of the culinary scene, operating from their location in the heart of Fat City. In 2007, a second Drago’s location opened in the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

Once you know the couple’s story, its easy to understand how their restaurant has been able to maintain its quality service and exceptional cuisine over four decades. From the beginning, the couple has experienced twists of fate and faith that have led them to the place they are now.

Although Klara and Drago are both from Croatia, they surprisingly met in New Orleans.

Drago was living and working in Vancouver

and Klara was going to school in New York.

They became pen pals though a mutual friend in Croatia. When Klara informed Drago she was going to visit her cousins in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, he decided it was a perfect time to visit his own siblings who had settled in the Crescent City. By all accounts, it was love at first sight. The couple married three weeks later in Plaquemines Parish and then moved to Seattle while Klara waited for her Canadian Visa.

Drago worked in the foodservice industry in Canada, feeding 1,200 men each day who were working on the Columbia River dam powerhouse. With two young sons in tow (Tommy, now the general manager of both restaurants and Gerry, a local physician), the couple moved to New Orleans in 1961 for Drago to join his sister and brother-inlaw (Gloria and Drago Batinich) at their restaurant—ironically enough—named Drago’s in Lakeview.

“Drago’s dream to come to America was my dream too,” Klara, whose father was imprisoned during the Communist regime, said.

She can vividly remember the humanitarian efforts of the US following World War II. “The only good meal that I had for a year or two was in school. As part of the Marshall plan, we were given bread, cheese, eggs and powdered milk. We called it ‘Truman Eggs,’” she said.

Drago’s in Lakeview closed, and two years later, Drago opened his own Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in Fat City. It was a family affair from day one. “Some of my earliest memories are doing homework at the bar. When we were old enough, we helped peel shrimp, shuck oysters and cleaned tables,” Tommy said. “It was a typical mom and pop operation.”

Son Gerry remembers the family closing the restaurant on weekend nights, then all going to the 24-hour laundromat to wash, dry

OPPOSITE PAGE: Klara and Drago Cvitanovich opened

Over the last 42 years, founders Drago and Klara Cvitanovich

their signature restaurant in Fat City in 1969. ABOVE:

have been an integral part of the culinary scene, operating

said that when you combine Southern hospitality with

from their location in the heart of Fat City.

Hurricane Katrina. She explained that giving back is something they feel obligated to do.

“In this country, we were able to live the American dream to the fullest. Giving back makes us feel good—especially here in our own community. The people of New Orleans have been the key to our success.”

In the weeks following Katrina, Drago’s served over 77,000 meals. They began serving the day after the storm and continued for eight weeks, serving almost 3,000 per day during the height of the effort. “One thing that it taught me is that it is much easier to be on the giving side than on the receiving side.”

“We were brought up giving. If your parents are generous and give back, chances are that you will too,” Tommy said. The restaurant also serves police, fire, and emergency personnel on Convention Center Boulevard for Thanksgiving Day. “Most people will have Thanksgiving turkey with their families at

Croatian hospitality, you’re pretty sure to end up with someone who wants to be in the restaurant business.

home so we do something a little different— we serve steak and potatoes—cooked on our fire truck grill,” he said.

The Cvitanovich family also paid for the post-Katrina re-carpeting of their church, St Clement of Rome. Every year, they have a Palm Sunday luncheon and donate every dollar brought in to the church (usually around $20,000 per year).

Known by family, friends and neighborhood children as “Baba” (Croatian for grandmother), Klara said everything they do stems from their love of family. Both sons and their wives, along with a bevy of grandchildren, are carrying on the traditions forged by Klara and Drago, inside the restaurant and out.

“My parents have had such a positive impact on so many lives,” Tommy said. “I don’t think my dad realizes how important his name is in this community. Here, the name Drago is synonymous with service. Service to customers and service to fellow man.” ◗

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

and fold tablecloths and napkins.

As the family built their life in the metro area, Klara and Drago’s home country was never far from their hearts. Klara noted that one reason she became a travel agent was because of the opportunities to visit Croatia.

Since her first return trip in 1969, she has never stayed away from her homeland for long. She and the entire family still average at least one trip back every year.

Klara led many groups of New Orleanians to Medjugorje in part of Communist Yugoslavia in the 80s. During the civil war in the early 1990s, she worked closely with Archbishop Phillip Hannan to galvanize relief efforts. Through their efforts, they were able to send 50 containers (each holding 40,000 pounds of of flour, lentils, red beans and rice, medicine and clothing) to Croatia.

Just as they came to the aid of their homeland, Drago and Klara also coordinated relief efforts for their neighbors following

General manager and eldest son, Tommy Cvitanovich

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jpso crime prevention

І cOpLINK

Strength in Numbers—COPLINK Written by Amy Bouton

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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24

athering intelligence used to solve crimes and collar criminals has reached a new technological tier in our region. Nine agencies, from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) all the way to the Lafitte Police Department, are now linked electronically and intelligently through one central database.

Like a virtual wagon wheel of justice, COPLINK, purchased with a grant secured through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), stores data at one central warehouse location, managed by the JPSO. All the while, the spokes on the wheel (law enforcement agencies) feed information into the system 24 hours per day, seven days per week. “As the data is entered from each agency, it is copied and sent to the data warehouse. Anyone connected to the node as a licensed user can access the data,” says chief deputy John Thevenot, commander of the Specialized Investigations Bureau. “We have purchased enough licenses for all enforcement officers in the involved agencies to use the system.” The result is a multi-layered,

multi-parish approach to information access and crime abatement.

COPLINK utilizes several components with various elements of analysis capabilities. The virtual dashboard, for instance, gives the commanders in each department a 24 hour record of arrests in their division (narcotics, theft, etc.) each day at a glance. “This means we can assign investigators first thing. We can interview the suspect in jail right away and possibly glean intelligence information,” Thevenot notes. “If the suspect gives us any information or has any special markings or unique features, we can enter those into the COPLINK system as well.” The dashboard even allows officers to create an impartial lineup from nearly 200 to 300 suspects electronically matched by the system.

With information such as distinct tattoos, telephone numbers and vehicle descriptions, police can enter the information into the COPLINK base, and in an instant chain reaction, the Visualizer, Analysis Search, Active Agent and Incident Analyzer components

photos by Tom Ballantine

Agencies Currently Involved in COPLINK LEFT: JPSO officers undergo training on COPLINK in July at the Sheriff's Office in Harvey.

people. We can see their entire network. It is a pointer system in that way. It points us in the direction of the very people who have the information we need to build a case against the suspect—and information we can use as leverage to solidify our case.”

Once a suspect is identified, and the network is established, the system’s Active Agent can be triggered. This allows law enforcement to monitor the suspect electronically. Every time the person comes in contact with the law, the officer is notified via email. “We can set the parameter to monitor the suspect’s arrests, traffic tickets—any time they come in contact with law enforcement in any parish. We can then begin to connect the dots and work with all the agencies involved. The more we can work together, the safer all of our communities will be.” ◗

• New Orleans Police Department • Plaquemines Parish Sheriff • St. Bernard Parish Sheriff • Lafitte Police Department • Kenner Police Department • Gretna Police Department • Westwego Police Department • Harahan Police Department

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

are triggered and begin to link the data together. The Visualizer will link a suspect, identifying tattoo, vehicle, or phone number for example, to any relationships associated with this data. The Analysis Search can uncover any hidden relationships or patterns of a suspect by utilizing any and all interrelated data already within the system.

The Incident Analyzer can establish or debunk the theory of a pattern of criminal behavior.

“We can take a simple description like ‘spider tattoo, left hand’ and enter it into our system, and if another agent in any of the nine law enforcement agencies within the network has entered data about a suspect with this unique feature, that suspect’s information will come up,” Thevenot says. “We can see the people linked to the suspect, all of the people linked to those

• JPSO

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jpso crime prevention

І cIc

Standing United: JPSO Spearheads the Criminal Intelligence Center Written by Amy Bouton

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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26

nseen parameters may separate neighboring parishes, but crime is unfortunately what often unites them. “There is a tremendous amount of crossover in criminal activity,” says chief deputy John Thevenot, commander of the Specialized Investigations Bureau. “Though the percentages are impossible to measure, it is safe to say that criminals do not see boundary lines.” The trail blazing Criminal Intelligence Center (CIC) in Old Metairie is now the hub where nomadic criminals will

finally meet their match on the local level.

It will also serve as a Regional Coordination Center (RCC) during times of national and manmade disasters.

With the goal of sharing information within multiple jurisdictions in close proximity, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand (JPSO), New Orleans Police Chief Ronald Serpas (NOPD), Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson (Gretna PD) and Kenner Chief of Police Steve Caraway (Kenner PD) formed the CIC/RCC. Through $200,000

in funding for electronic infrastructure provided through a grant by the Region One Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), and funding for the renovation of the second floor of offices at the Metairie Road location through Sheriff Newell Normand and the JPSO, the CIC went from an intricate plan on paper to intelligence reality.

“The safety of our immediate community is dependent upon the safety of our neighboring communities,” says Sheriff Newell Normand. “Our goal is to share intelligence

“Our goal is to share intelligence information so that we can remain steps ahead of the criminals and in tune with their patterns of behavior no matter the jurisdiction. for some reason, all of that stopped,” he remembers. “Now, we will have people on these cases right away, because we know the officers from the other jurisdictions. We can build our cases here and make them bigger.”

Through shared technology, including COPLINK, separate agencies will be able to monitor and track crime trends and individual criminals that sprawl throughout several parishes.

“We will share intelligence as it is developed within the respective parishes with the premise that these crimes are affecting surrounding parishes as well,” notes Thevenot. A liaison from each law enforcement agency will meet regularly with their patrolmen to discuss current developments within their jurisdictions. The information gleaned throughout the different agencies will be stored in one central database where

elements can be pieced together to identify criminals and crime trends.

Perpetrators will be identified by their physical descriptions as well as by their crimes, their acquaintances and their personal information. When they move throughout the area and from parish to parish, every time they hit the system—no matter where they commit an offense—police will have their history at their fingertips through the CIC. “It is our hope that this will accelerate the solvability of crimes that happen over multiple jurisdictions,” Thevenot says. “Drug dealers for instance, do not restrict their deals to just New Orleans or just Metairie. If a dealer crosses into another parish during the commission of a crime, it is much harder for us to Continued on page 28

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

information so that we can remain steps ahead of the criminals and in tune with their patterns of behavior no matter the jurisdiction. The use of technology and partnerships with other agencies to map out a unified crime fighting strategy benefits the entire metropolitan area.” The CIC will be the intelligence network which will connect all seven agencies involved, including the entire Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT) from NOPD, nine JPSO intelligence officers and one officer each from Louisiana State Police, Gretna and Kenner Police Departments and Orleans and St. Bernard Sheriff’s Offices.

Captain Daniel Samrow of the JPSO Intelligence Division can remember a time when different agencies relied heavily on one another for information and even manpower. “In the past I have worked with both the NOPD and the State Police, but

27

A Message from the Sheriff

With just one phone call during real-time surveillance, for instance, a JPSO agent can call a NOPD officer to alert them that a suspect known to be carrying illegal substances has just crossed the parish line.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Continued from page 27

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complete the investigation and obtain what we need, like search warrants for instance, to bring that criminal to justice. Through the CIC, we will be working alongside NOPD officers, and they will be privy to all information we have up until that dealer crosses the parish line. It gives us immediate contact with a counterpart from a fellow law enforcement agency and facilitates the urgency of moving forward with the investigation.”

With just one phone call during real-time surveillance, for instance, a JPSO agent can call a NOPD officer to alert them that a suspect known to be carrying illegal substances has just crossed the parish line.

The NOPD can then pick up surveillance in Orleans Parish and facilitate the arrest.

Citizens are another arm of law enforcement, so with that in mind, any citizen from anywhere can call in with a lead and the CIC will utilize the information in a multifaceted way. “The fact is we rely heavily on our citizens to be our eyes and ears in their own neighborhoods. Crimestoppers headquarters is located within our building,” Thevenot says. “Citizens have an outlet to share information from anywhere within the

region and officers within the CIC will be able to follow up on that information.”

The CIC will serve a dual purpose in the event of a natural disaster or an imminent regional security threat. “This facility is slated to be equipped with his and her shower facilities, beds for several officers, a state-of-the-art kitchen with sub-zero refrigerators, and a generator large enough to maintain power in the event of such a situation,” Thevenot notes. “Each agency will have one place to gather and utilize as a command center throughout the emergent event.”

Law enforcement officers have long dealt with the myth that they are indeed territorial. The CIC is a direct contradiction to any such myth. “The CIC is the best evidence of how law enforcement officers feel about that assumption,” Thevenot says. “We want to share information, not hoard it. We will all place our information into the same database and impart it to every agency we can—that is how we operate. All of us have the same goal, and that is to work in tandem to make all of our communities as safe as possible. As the scope of our intelligence net continues to get wider, we will continue to catch more fish.” ◗

Jefferson Parish is at the epicenter of the most thriving metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. While our parish is delineated by boundary lines, we remain inexorably linked to our neighboring parishes both by triumphs we share and challenges we rally to overcome.

Under the umbrella of the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) has been instrumental in assisting the JPSO in yet another triumph which ultimately benefits the entire metro area.

The newly opened Criminal Intelligence Center (CIC) and Regional Coordination Center (RCC) at 3300 Metairie Road will house seven different agencies, from seven different jurisdictions—all under one roof. The ability of the agencies to rapidly share intelligence in crossover crimes will only enhance the efficiency of not only the JPSO, but every agency involved. Its dual purpose as a Regional Coordination Center in the event of a terrorist act or natural disaster will maintain a unified and coordinated response from law enforcement agencies in every corner of the region.

The goal of UASI is to equip urban areas with the tools necessary so that the capabilities are already in place in the event of a natural or man-made catastrophe and to manage hazards which pose the greatest risk to the citizenry, its resources and the infrastructure. The entire technological infrastructure of the CIC and RCC was funded through UASI. We look forward to working closely with law enforcement throughout the region to ensure the safety of all of our citizens for many years to come. ◗ Sheriff Newell Normand

GarDENING

І home

◗

Cool Gardens are a Treat Any Time of Year

Sept/Oct 2011

Mark changes/corrections clearly. Colors of this proof may

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

some pea gravel to the container before you Fall is literally like a breath of fresh air. put in the soil. This will keep the drainage Unfortunately, the cool breezes come and holes from clogging up. go well into the winter. If you still aren’t Provide additional moisture for the plant. up to getting out into the garden after the Account Executive ________________________________________ Inside air tends to be a little less humid than overwhelming heat of the summer, I have a outdoors, so placing your houseplant on a solution to getting back into the “green zone” tray or saucer of pea gravel will allow a moiswithout worrying about sudden heat snaps. ture base Watering Get interested in indoor Proof gardening! #1Here are Proof #2around the plant.

Proof #3 excess will collect there and humidify the air. If this a few quick tips to success and enjoyment of is not possible, spray mist the leaves with your indoor garden: water at least once or twice a week. Plants Select a proper location. Well lit areas are like ferns and philodendra really enjoy this. best and some plants would really enjoy a Keep your plants out of drafts. sunny window. Herbs and most anything Now that you know the basics of care, that flowers enjoy a touch of sun. Kitchen here are some easy to grow favorites. Spathowindows can be a great place to start your phylium (Peace Lily) is really an easy one. indoor herb garden and so convenient for acIt will take low light and very little care tually using the herbs in your cooking. Once and clean impurities out of your indoor air. the plants outgrow their spot, just relocate to ______________________________________ Bromeliads and orchids have beautiful long the outdoor garden andAuthorized start someSignature new ones. lasting blooms and require essentially no Indoor plants love a once a week shower. care. Just water once a week and enjoy the Use the kitchen sink or bathroom tub or Date ______________________________________ exotic beauty. Happy houseplants are always shower. Spray the plants down from head to welcome additions to any room and are the toe and let them drip dry before you return perfect houseguest. They require little and them to their stage. return lots of fresh air and companionship. ◗ Feed once a month. Use an all-purpose fertilizer that can be mixed with water for best results. This can be applied during shower time.

Make sure the soil includes 1/3 loam, 1/3 sand and 1/3 humus. Commercial potting soil usually includes some of these elements, Anna Ribbeck has a love but you may have to add the sand. for all things green. She is Houseplants need good drainage. Try to also a certified Louisiana use containers that have drain holes and add Master Gardener.

29

Proof #1

Proof #2

FINAL

Signature _____________________________________________ Date ________________________________________________

pt 2011

community

Approved AS IS

65

Approved WITH CHANGES

9,000

Your Ad will run AS IS

5:00 pm | Thursday, August 4 CANAL COMPETITION

ept 2011

Proof #2 Approved AS IS

Furnished Corporate ts Apartmen Available

MANUEL F. BLANCO,

Fax corrections COMMITTEEto 985-893-7686 or email back to your account executive.

JEDCO CHAIRMAN Requested proofs beyond three will be subject to production fees.

FREE Off-Street Parking • Pools • Washers & Dryers Home Office Spaces • Fireplaces • Access Gates Fitness Centers • Private Landscaped Yards Pet Friendly • 24/7 Emergency Maintenance • AND MORE!

Proof #1

Please Change SEND NEW PROOF

unless your respond to your account Executive with corrections by

PATRICIA BESSELMAN, Metairie • Kenner • River Ridge OF • Picayune, MS North Shore CHAIRWOMAN • Jackson, MS

www.JeffLife.com Baton Rouge • 985-893-7350 | Fax 985-893-7686

І cOOKING І community

Visit Us Online at:

The Business of Business Financing

Top line of headline Features vary by community. rests on this line. Copy Signature _____________________________________________ JEDCO’s mission is to proactively influbox is .2 aligh from botence the economy through the retention and tom of head box.

Date ________________________________________________ creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship and investment in Jefferson Parish. And one of our key functions that helps accomplish Approved WITH CHANGES Please Change SEND NEW PROOF our mission is through business financing.

This program is designed to assist Jefferson Parish-based businesses with flexible, low-interest loans that can be used for inventory purchase, working capital or the purchase of fixed assets. The money can be used to help companies expand or relocate to Jefferson Parish. Loans range from $10,000 to as much as $5.5 million, with the primary objective for job creation. Last year JEDCO’s loan activity was $6 million.

FINAL

Colors represented on this proof are an approximation of actual printed material.

JEDCO’s mission is to proactively This ad may not be used without permission from G&A Publishing. Failure to acknowledge or return this proof will not alter contract obligations.

influence the economy through the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship and investment in Jefferson Parish.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

I am happy to report that in the first six months of 2011, JEDCO has closed, or is in the process of closing, loans in the amount of $7.5 million that are helping business expansion and creating good paying jobs in our parish.

In addition to business financing, we have Colors represented on this proof are an approximation of actual printed material.

This ad may not be used without permission from G&A Publishing. Failure to acknowledge or return this proof will not alter contract obligations. a number of other loan programs designed to help your business grow in Jefferson Parish. For more information please contact Alberto Queral at 504-875-3908 or visit our website at www.jedco.org. ◗

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community

І

community

DR. JAMES MEZA ACTING SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

School System Enters Top line of headline a New Era

pharmacy

BRAD GRUNDMEYER JEFFERSON CHAMBER OF LACOMMERCE 70433 409 W. 21 st CHAIRMAN

JOHN YOUNG, 409 W. PARISH PRESIDENT

21 st Avenue, Covington, 985-893-7350 | Fax 985-893-7686

Jefferson Parish Top line ofGeneral headlineYour Inspector

І community

Avenue, Covingto 985-893-7350 | Fax 985-8

Get Ready to Ride—

Ad Tour willderun AS Your IS‘11 Ad will ru Jefferson

rests on this line. Copy unless your respond to your account unless Executive your respond to your a box is Parish, .2 alignvia from bot- Rule Jefferson a Home October 23, 2011 with corrections by will mark the 5th with corrections tom of head box.

Charter amendment, may establish an Annual Tour de Jefferson bike ride.

Inspector General’s Office and an Ethics The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Compliance Commission. If approved organizes the Tour de Jefferson to enhance by voters on October 22, these agencies will the awareness of quality of life amenities Fax corrections to 985-893-7686 Fax corrections to 985require that elected officials and public and recreational venues in Jefferson Parish or email back to your account executive. or email back to your accou employees are accountable for their actions; with a healthy, fun, family friendly event. governmental decisions are made in a transLast year’s ride included 650 riders, great parent manner subject to complete ethical food, will fabulous entertainment and a wonderRequested proofs beyond three be subject to production fees.

Requested proofs beyond three will be su and operational review; and public office ful ride through 45 scenic miles of western and employment serve the highest stanJefferson Parish. With interest increasing dards of honesty and competence. Both will each year, we are expecting at least 750 parensure the integrity of parish government ticipants in 2011. through vigorous ethical standards and We have listened to the comments of codes of conduct. past Approved ASriders IS and have made some fantastic Approved AS IS The five-member Commission will recruit, changes that will make the Tour a bethire and oversee the Inspector General ter ride for all. We are introducing a new (IG). The Parish President will appointApproved the “circular” route that offers three distance WITH CHANGES Approved WITH CHA Commissioners to staggered terms, from options for riders. The route offers riders a a list of three persons nominated by local chance to see and enjoy Bayou Segnette, the colleges. The IG can be removed only for Mississippi River Trail,PROOF the brand newPlease Parc Change SEND Please Change SEND NEW cause if determined by the Commission; and de Familles, the historic Town of Lafitte, a Commissioner can be removed only for Jean Lafitte National Park and more. cause if determined by the Parish Council.

Signature _____________________________________________ Signature __________________________ The IG will provide a full-time program We are introducing a new “circular” of investigation, audit, inspections and perroute that offers three distance options… formance reviews of parish government to Date ________________________________________________ Date _____________________________ assist in improving operations and deterring The Tour de Jefferson draws regional supand identifying fraud, waste, abuse and illeport from all age groups and offers reasongal acts, and to provide increased accountable sponsorship levels for exposure at the ability of government and agencies that Parish’s premier quality of life event. We receive funds through parish government. have various levels of sponsorship availThe Commission will enforce the ordiable, from the leader “Presenting Sponsor” nances, rules, regulations and policies of to the “Fin du Tour.” All include compliJefferson Parish regulating the ethics and mentary registrations and t-shirts. standards of conduct for every public official For more information concerning regisand employee and any individual who is tration, sponsorships, route maps and conthe recipient of public funds, engaged in the tacts, please visit www.tourdejefferson.org. performance of a parish governmental funcYou can also “like” the tour de Jefferson tion, does business with the parish, or is in a facebook page to stay up to date with curposition to influence the conduct of a public rent info about the Tour and to see pictures official or employee. ◗ from past rides! ◗

5:00 pm | Wednesday,5:00 Aug. 10| Tuesday, pm

Proof #1

Proof #2

FINAL Proof #1

Proof #2

Sept 2011

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

rests on this line. Copy is .2 align from bot- School Thebox Jefferson Parish Public tom ofseen headmajor box. changes over a ten System has year period.

The number of students in JPPSS has dropped from 51,110 in 2000 to 45,585 in 2010. Ethnicity has changed as well with the Hispanic population doubling in size and currently counts for 16 percent of the total student population.

There has been a drastic increase in the number of students who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. The district now has 76 percent of students who qualify. This is an indicator of poverty and clearly suggests that we are an urban district by characteristic. Children who come from high poverty tend to exhibit a lower readiness for school.

The increase in our Hispanic student population brings a new challenge—limited English proficient students. Students now hail from 50 different countries; such diversity has only been seen in the likes of very large districts such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.

Over the last few years we’ve transformed our mission to better serve students, offering traditional, turnaround, alternative, advanced studies, magnet and charter school options.

Our focus this year is on human capital. The quality of educators in the classroom determine the outcome in schools.

Principals will now lead site-based schools with autonomy coupled with an increase accountability. Performance will be a priority for all adults and students during the 2011/2012 school year.

Our success will be determined by our ability to recruit and retain high performers.

While change is difficult, I’m confident that we are moving in the right direction. ◗

І TEchNOLOGy

31

S EPTE MBE R /O CTO BER C ALE ND AR

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

32

Every Saturday, rain or shine

Gretna Farmer’s Market 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

301 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna.

Westwego Farmer’s and Fisheries Market.

8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 484 Sala Ave., Westwego.

September September 1

New Orleans Zephyrs vs. Oklahoma City Redhawks.

Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-734-5155, www.zephyrsbaseball.com.

September 2–4

50th Annual Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo. Fri. 10:00 p.m.

Sun. 12:00 p.m. Bridge Side Cabins & Marina, 1618 LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle, 985-787-2419, www.bridgesidecabinsandmarina.net.

September 7

Treasure Chest Casino Talent Show. 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-465-9985, www.pontchartraincenter.com.

September 9

Festival Fridays featuring Burger N’ Fries.

6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. 1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 504-348-1747, www.fountainparkcentre.com.

September 9–10

September 15

Scam Jam 2011. 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-465-9985, www.pontchartraincenter.com.

September 16-30

Chicago. Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St., Kenner, 504-468-7221, www.rivertownrepertorytheatre.org.

September 17–18

Great Southern Gun and Knife Show.

Sat. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sun. 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-465-9985, www.pontchartraincenter.com.

September 20

Uplifting the Coast Festival. Fri. 3:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.

Sat. 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Bridge Side Cabins & Marina, 1618 LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle, 985-787-2419, www.upliftingthecoast.org.

Jefferson Chamber Business Development and Growth Committee Meeting. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. LSBDC Conference Room, UNO Jefferson Center, 4th Floor, 3330 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-3880, www.jeffersonchamber.org.

September 9–11

September 23

International Gem & Jewelry Show. Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-465-9985, www.pontchartraincenter.com.

September 9 & 23

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club Meeting. 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. LOPA Building, 3445 N. I-10 Service Rd. W., Suite 300, Metairie, 504-846-6706, claudia.r.smith@xerox.com.

September 10

Al Copeland Foundation’s “Hi-Speed Fashion” fashion show. Proceeds benefit local cancer research and programs. Patron party: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. General admission: 8:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. Harrah’s Casino Theater, 8 Canal St., New Orleans. 504-620-3727, www.alcopelandfoundation.org.

September 11

Smooth Jazz Sundays. 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Clarion Inn Westbank, 100 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, 504-481-9014, www.bcpnola.com.

Jefferson Dollars for Scholars 18th Annual Golden Tassel Gala: Evening with the Stars.

7:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Pontchartrain Center, Ballrooms A and B, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-831-1565, www.jeffersondollarsforscholars.org.

September 23

Mozart Jupiter performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 7:30 pm. First Baptist Church, 1400 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-523-6530, www.LPOmusic.com.

September 24–25 Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Ridding Hood.

Sat. 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sun. 2:00 p.m. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie, 504-885-2000, www.jpas.org.

September 30

The Drowsy Chaperone. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego, 504-885-2000, www.jpas.org.

October 14–16

St. Cletus Oyster Festival. St. Cletus Catholic School, 3600 Claire Ave., Gretna, stcletusfair@yahoo.com.

October 14–16

St. Matthew the Apostle Fall Family Festival.

St. Matthew the Apostle, 10021 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 504-737-4604.

October 14 & 28

Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club Meeting. 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. LOPA Building, 3445 N. I-10 Service Rd. W., Suite 300, Metairie, 504-846-6706, claudia.r.smith@xerox.com.

October 15

October

Every weekend in October

The House of Shock is fun for the whole family and rated “The Most Intense Haunted Attraction in the World!” Tickets at 7:00 p.m. Doors open: 8:00 p.m.

319 Butterworth St., Jefferson, 504-734-SHOCK, www.houseofshock.com.

October 1–2

Chicago. Kenner Repertory Theatre, 325 Milnor St., Kenner, 504-468-7221, www.rivertownrepertorytheatre.org.

October 1–2, 7–9, 14–16

The Drowsy Chaperone. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 2:00 p.m. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego, 504-885-2000, www.jpas.org.

October 7–8

Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo, Bridge Side Cabins & Marina, 1618 LA Hwy. 1, Grand Isle, 985-787-2419, www.bridgesidecabinsandmarina.net.

October 7–9

New Orleans Baby Fest.

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 504-465-9985, www.pontchartraincenter.com.

October 15

New Orleans Opera Association presents Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot. 6:00 p.m. Morial Convention Center Theater Hall H, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, 800-881-4459, www.neworleansopera.org.

October 21–23

The Hallelujah Girls. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 2:00 p.m. Teatro Wego! Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego, 504-885-2000, www.jpas.org.

October 21–22, 28–29,

Boo At The Zoo. 5:00–9:00 p.m. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, 800-774-7394, www.auduboninstitute.org.

October 22–23, 29–30,

Fiddler on the Roof. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 2:00 p.m. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie, 504-885-2000, www.jpas.org.

Gretna Heritage Festival. Fri. 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

Sat. 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Sun. 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

1701 Bridge City Ave., Historic Downtown Gretna, 504-361-7748, www.gretnafest.com.

October 23

October 9

October 28–30

Smooth Jazz Sundays. 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Clarion Inn Westbank, 100 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, 504-481-9014, www.bcpnola.com.

5th Annual Tour de Jefferson.

Check-in: 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego, LA, 504-835-3880, www.tourdejefferson.org.

Have a Jefferson Parish event to promote? Go to www.JeffLife.com and submit your listings and photos online.

Bucktown Seafood Festival. St. Louis King of France, 1600 Lake Ave., Metairie, 504- 833-8224, www.bucktownseafoodfestival.com.

October 14

October 14–16

Bridge City Gumbo Festival. Fri. 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

Sat. 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. Sun. 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Gumbo Festival Park, Bridge City, 504-329-4279, www.hgaparish.org/gumbofestival.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Festival Fridays featuring Foret’s Swamp Pop Band.

6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. 1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 504-348-1747, www.fountainparkcentre.com.

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See It All Over 70 students participated ➤ in the June JpaS Summer youth musical production of Seussical, Jr. at the Jefferson performing arts center in metairie. photo by chad Bower.

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From left: Kali russell, amanda Francis, Dylan young, Linsey Shubert, Kyle Woods, ryan mccarty and adam Francis in a scene from Radio Waves at the actor’s Theatre of New Orleans.

From left: michael Jones, Tyler p. robinson and Knox Van horn in the June production of JpaS Summer youth musical Theatre’s Guys and Dolls at the Westwego performing arts Theatre. photo by chad Bower.

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From left: Devin meche as Grandmother, Sarah DiLeo as Little red riding hood, Taylor Villemarette as cinderella, Jami Schaff as Goldilocks and Xavier aguilar as Jack in a scene from Cinderella–The Whole Story at the actor’s Theatre of New Orleans.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

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Jefferson parish ➤ Juvenile Services probation manager Stephen cabal is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Don E. Wydra memorial award for Extraordinary contribution to Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention.

From left: andrea Watson as rita, Will Schneider as peter and richard hutton as the Old man in a scene from Prelude to a Kiss at the actor’s Theatre of New Orleans.

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The Jefferson parish Library recently held Librarypalooza. This event kicked off the library’s annual Summer reading program.

See It All ➤ On July 16–17, The Jefferson parish animal Shelter and the non-profit Jefferson Spca held a pet adopt-a-Thon at clearview mall. It was a huge success as 42 homeless pets went home with their forever families!

➤ Esplanade mall, along with Kenner city Officials and citizens gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Target. Officials are encouraged and hopeful for the economic revitalization that this addition to the community will bring. ➤

From left: ray Breaux and Sellers meric won the gold medal in men’s Doubles Tennis, 80-84 division, at the Summer National Senior Games, which were held in houston, Texas.

The Gretna Library’s new building is bigger ➤ and better with approximately 5,800 sq. ft., 10 public access computers, free wireless Internet and 27 spots for library users to plug in their laptops.

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pictured is Boy Scout Troop 230 raising the american flag for the first time at the new atmos Energy building located at 101 airline Drive in metairie.

parish president John young helps Just Kids ➤ Dental cut the ribbon at their new location, 2526 Williams Blvd. in Kenner.

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The 10 year-old JprD East Bank Biddy Girls went undefeated, winning 6 tournaments with a record of 24-0. They won the International Biddy Basketball championship in Slidell, april 1–6.

The chicago Fire Juniors Louisiana (formerly ➤ Lafreniere Soccer association) is making improvements to better the facility for their 4-8 year olds.

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Kendrick Lea from miley playground won the around The World 3-point Shooting contest held at the 12-year-old Biddy Boys International championships in madisonville on Saturday, april 8.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

hailey, mcNamara, hall, Larmann & papale, LLp, ➤ attorneys at Law welcomes special counsel Barbara B. O’Donnell and associate andrew W. Lee to its metairie office.

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Proud to SuPPort

our CoMMuNItY

- Providing education and screenings to help keep our neighbors healthy - Bilingual physicians and employees - State-of-the-art outpatient diagnostic center - Elmwood Fitness Center for your health and wellness - Partnership with LSU Health Sciences - Full-service hospital with ER and three conveniently located health centers with same-day/next-day appointments available

Find out more about Ochsner Kenner and our commitment to your healthcare.

Call 504-464-8697.

Jefferson Life | September / October 2011

Most insurance plans accepted.

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ochsner.org/kenner

Š2011 Ochsner Health System (ochsner.org) is a non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system dedicated to patient care, research and education.