Thrive April 2015 Issue

APRIL 2015

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April 2015

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

April 2015

April 2015

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Contents 6

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In This Issue

Regular Features

Wining & Dining

6 First Person with David Sorrells 18 Who’s News 38 Business Buzz 43 By the Numbers 66 Happenings 68 Solutions for Life!

69 Cameron Connection 70 McNeese Corral

9 Reimagine the Egg 10 Boost Your Health with Balsamics

Places & Faces 12 Their Faith Never Wavered 16 Lake Charles Native aboard USS George HW Bush

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Cover Story:

Money & Career 30 Social Security and YOU

Coming In May:

32 Things Not to Do at Your Next Business Lunch 36 How to Hashtag

Home & Family 40 Things to Consider Before Having Children 42 The Cost of Raising Kids Today 44 Millennials and Religion

Style & Beauty 50 Achieving Facial Harmony: An Art or a Science?

53 Big, Beautiful Brows

Mind & Body 54 Sorting Through Allergy Myths 58 Women: 5 Ways to Work-out Your Arms 62 Shift Work Could Be Breaking Your Heart

DON’T JUST LIVE, THRIVE!

Editors and Publishers

Creative Director/Layout Assistant Editors

Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career.

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Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Advertising Sales Michelle Phelps ads@thriveswla.com Barbara VanGossen 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com Erin Kelly Katie Harrington

Business Manager

Katie Stevenson

Assistant Designers

Keri Cannon Shonda Manuel Kris Roy

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Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

April 2015

All our wonderful dogs are available for adoption through 4Paws Society.

Call 287-3552 for more information and to learn about other programs that are available.

a mamit

TINY DOG WITH A BIG HEART! e the This 8 pound baby girl will mak perfect lap dog.

OLAF

PLAYFUL PUP!

This 2 year old white chihuahua loves to play and needs a new playmate!

audi

YAL LAID BACK AND LO 7 year old

Even though this iet adult dachshund needs a qu convince to e sur ’s he ld ho house best dog his new owner he’s the in the worl.

April 2015

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Wining & Dining

Reading his resume

will make your mouth water.

Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Le Cirque, French Laundry—just to name a few. And he’s fallen under the tutelage of a culinary who’s who: Alex Brennan, Thomas Keller, Julian Serrano, Alessandro Strata, Eric Ziebold.

Chef David Sorrels is carving his own culinary identity at Restaurant Calla in Lake Charles. Recently named one of the Best Chefs in Louisiana by Acadiana Profile magazine, he’s doing things differently – and deliciously.

Originally from East Texas, Sorrells moved to Lake Charles with his wife. He has embraced the food and its history and pays homage to the region in the name of his restaurant. Calla is short for Calcasieu, LA, a place he now calls home.

first person with Chef

David Sorrells

by Kristy Armand photos by Jason Hardesty and Shonda Manuel

First Person is a monthly Q&A that features compelling people who excel in their chosen endeavors. Ideas for future Q&As? Email edit@thriveswla.com.

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April 2015

When did you first become interested in cooking?

I first became interested in cooking as a young boy, watching my paternal grandparents – specifically my grandmother – cooking on their ranch in East Texas. I thought it was really cool how they would grow all these vegetables, pick what they wanted, then cook it for dinner. Straight from the garden to the table; that was really interesting to me. After I got the “cooking bug,” I remember spending Saturday mornings cooking breakfast while my two older sisters were watching cartoons. I’d kick everyone out of the kitchen and I made them call me “Mr. Chef.” I had a lot of fun with that, so really, it was in my blood from a young age and I’d have to say that’s very important. This is a difficult career and you have to be passionate about it. It’s either in you or it’s not.

Where do did you train to be a chef?

All over the United States, really. After many years of reading cookbooks, food and wine magazines and anything like that I could get my hands on, I decided to go straight to one of the most respected names in fine dining: Brennan’s. I called Brennan’s of Houston and was able to speak to the sous chef. I asked him the best way to get my foot in the door. One thing led to another and I was offered a very entry level job there. I quickly realized how much I didn’t know, but I was ready to learn. I worked multiple stations and absorbed as much as I could. After about eight months, Brennan’s management gave me the chance to relocate to Las Vegas where they were opening a Commander’s Palace. I jumped at the opportunity.

The high-end dining environment of Vegas really opened my eyes and I wanted to soak it all in. I started stodging, or working for free, during my time off in all the best restaurants. As a result of some contacts I made doing this, I was offered a job at Le’Cirque at the Bellagio. I continued to work at Commander’s Palace and to stodge at other highend Vegas restaurants. One day after a shift, I was walking through a casino lobby and saw a poster in a gourmet kitchen store promoting a cookbook signing by legendary French Laundry Chef Thomas

April 2015

Keller. I got my resume together, complete with a two-page, handwritten mission statement, and was the first in line at the book signing to hand it to Thomas Keller. About a week later, I got a message, asking me to give him a call. A job offer followed and I worked at the French Laundry for just over two years, an unparalleled experience. After that, I made my way back to Texas before we moved to Lake Charles. Throughout all these moves, I continued to stodge all over the country. In this industry, I don’t think you should ever stop learning and experimenting.

After moving to Southwest Louisiana, what were your first thoughts about local cuisine and how you would carve out your own place in the food scene here?

My first thought was that it had some catching up to do, to be to quite honest. I’ve eaten at most of the restaurants in the region, and the food is really good at most of them, excellent at many. It wasn’t my style, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re so blessed to live right here and have wonderful shrimp, crab and even local fish, but I didn’t see a whole lot of that translate into anything other than a seared fish or a pan-fried fish on a menu.

So my idea was just to be different and respect the product. Keep it simple, but not necessarily fry it. To serve vegetables that are local. When you have great proteins that you can get locally, it also tells me there are probably local farmers and local people who really care about what they’re growing, what they’re raising, what they’re doing. That’s what I want on my menu; that’s what I want on my plate.

You spent a lot of time planning and experimenting before you opened your own restaurant. How did that process help you arrive at what is now Calla?

I spent a lot of time in restaurants in the area, with people in the area, talking about food. What is the cuisine of Southwest Louisiana? Is it Cajun? Is it TexMex? Both? Do we want to create our own? What do we want to be known for here? I cooked meals for small groups, experimenting with menu options and getting feedback. I’d like to keep as much of our menu local, but we’re still searching for farmers and ranchers. We want to find people who have something unique to bring to us. There was also a lot of other experimentation that came with the space itself and being out in Walnut Grove and seeing this restaurant develop. What I have today is not exactly what I planned, some of it’s exactly what I envisioned, and a lot it is much better, but we’re super happy with the whole thing.

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Calla is in Walnut Grove, the region’s first traditional neighborhood development. How is this a good fit for Calla?

We kind of have the same ideas and same goals.

Walnut Grove is the first development of its kind in Southwest Louisiana and to me, Calla is the first in the area for what we do. I don’t think there’s a restaurant like us anywhere around. We’re both very passionate about the community and doing what we do the right way, in a way that benefits the area. I think we also feel that with all the growth going on, the time is right for a change and the community needs something different. We are both committed to taking up that challenge and offering something new instead of doing the things the way they’ve always been done. The whole Walnut Grove team has been exceptional with that, and really, that’s our philosophy with food. We’re doing things that other’s aren’t.

How do you describe your approach to menu planning?

We look at what’s good, what’s inspiring, what we want to work with and what time of year it is. I’ve always questioned why I see things like asparagus or strawberries on menus year-round when these are spring ingredients. I know I’m getting the best product when I know it’s in season, whether it’s local or not. That inspires us with menu planning.

We take it from there. I have a super talented staff, and I give those guys freedom. I may own this restaurant; I might be the chef, but I don’t think for second that I can’t learn from others who are passionate and who are researching when they get home. So our menu comes from everybody here and it comes from what’s in season, what looks good, and then it’s a whole new challenge. How do we prepare it? Are we going to grill it, sauté’ it, sousvide it? What are we going to do? So, it’s always new and fun.

How do you plan your drink menu?

Our drink program at Calla is really based off everything I’ve learned in a kitchen. All of our juices, for example, are run through a juicer daily, so if you order our Chupacabra, our play on a margarita, it’s made with fresh pineapple, cucumber and lime juice, and fresh tequila. We have people who come in and ask for a pina-colada, or this or that, and we don’t have it. Why? Because if we don’t have the

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Wining & Dining don’t have it. Why? Because if we don’t have the best product to juice, then we’re not going to make that drink. We try to keep as much of our alcohol as local as possible, as well. There are a lot of great local and regional distilleries. We don’t just want Crown Royal; we know you can drink that at home.

We want the special bourbons and whiskeys. We have vodkas made right here in Louisiana, that are exceptional. We feel the same about our wine menu. We use a lot of small batch wines and make them available by the glass. And just like the food, because it’s a small batch and small production, we may only have it for a few months, and then we go to a new chardonnay, or a new pinot. To me our drink program is just as diversified as our food menu.

What’s the atmosphere at Calla?

We created a space we think is fun and different.

A lot of people gravitate to the bar area of a restaurant because that seems to be where it’s happening. So we thought, why not make the whole space “at the bar?” Let’s make one big room where you can see everyone and everything that is going on. Then we added different elements: banquette seating against all the walls, a community table, outdoor seating, sofas and chairs, and lots of other unique details. It’s open, warm and inviting – we want people to be able to kick back, relax and spend some time here.

What’s the biggest misconception about Calla?

That we’re expensive and stuffy. That’s not what we’re going for at all. We have menu items starting at $4 ranging up to $50 or $60, just depending on what we get in, but we will always have a range of prices starting a that low end. We don’t think you should have to dress up to get gourmet food. There is no dress code at Calla. Come as you are – from the boat, golf course, office or symphony.

What’s been the biggest challenge in owning your own restaurant compared to working for someone else?

Just being on the hook. Not for the business necessarily, but just for everything that goes on.

I’m so passionate about my guests and I know they could go eat anywhere. I realize that one fumble,

one screw up could be devastating. That’s a stress you don’t have working for somebody else. You also don’t have to worry about labor costs, food costs, those kinds of things, so it’s definitely been a challenge to get our ducks in a row, but we feel like we have and we’re on the right path now that we’re several months in.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own restaurant?

Not having to answer to anybody but the guests.

Being able to listen and pick and choose, and do what we want to do. I love having the freedom to play with food; to play with drinks. And also getting that praise. Those long days of work, work, work, work ,work and worry are justified when a guest tells you “it’s the best thing they’ve ever had.” As the owner, being able to hear that, that feeling is hard to put into words.

What are your future plans for Calla?

Right now, to stay on course and continue expanding our customer base and grow with Walnut Grove. We’ve recently added lunch and happy hours Tuesday – Friday and that is going well. We will continue to bring in new food items and new plates. We never want to be held to “go to Calla because they have this” because we may not next week. We want every visit to be a dining adventure. That’s how we keep ourselves motivated.

Spring Into Seasonal Fruits & Veggies

Now that spring is here, a wealth of fruits and vegetables are coming into season. After the cold and wet winter, our bodies tend to crave the colorful, nutrient-rich produce that is now available.

All of those colors mean tasty treats packed with tons of health benefits. April is a transition month: some winter produce is still available, but a whole new range of fruits and veggies are also on the horizon. This time of year marks the end of the season for many cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and kale, as well as other greens and lettuce. These can still be enjoyed for a couple weeks, so scoop them up to load up on Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folic acid.

Spring staples like artichokes and asparagus are already in the grocery store, signaling that the rainy, but warming, season has arrived. Asparagus in particular is cheapest at this 8 www.thriveswla.com

time of the year, so be sure and grab some for a weekend barbecue. Asparagus has tons of vitamins and minerals, including chromium, which helps with glucose levels in the blood.

Fresh artichokes might seem a little difficult to deal with, but they are along among some of

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Allie Mariano

the most antioxidant-rich vegetables around.

In addition to all of the green options, berries are ripe and ready to be picked. Louisiana strawberries are ripe and in grocery stores now.

Pick some up for a sweet and very healthy treat. Like other berries, strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which is beneficial to your skin, your eyes, and your immune system.

As April turns into May, more colorful fruit will be ready to eat. Blueberries and blackberries will become available, followed by peaches and nectarines. Plus, the very first of the summer veggies, like sweet corn, tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, and peppers will also show up in the grocery store. Spring is here, and the fruit is ripe!

April 2015

Reimagine

The Egg

by Erin Kelly

Boiled, fried, scrambled, poached or deviled... the possibilities are endless when you are cooking eggs.

THE EGG HAS BEEN A QUINTESSENTIAL PART OF AMERICAN FARE AS FAR BACK AS WE CAN REMEMBER. SCRAMBLED, OVER-EASY, BOILED. DEVILED EGGS, EGG SALAD, EGGS BENEDICT. THEY’VE SERVED AS THE CORNERSTONE OF SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MEALS. BUT THERE’S MUCH MORE TO THE EGG THAN MEETS THE EYE. CHECK OUT THESE THREE EGG-CELLENT WAYS TO REIMAGINE THE EGG.

Egg Burger

You can smother this burger in hollandaise sauce and make it an Eggs Benedict Burger if you want.

Or just go with the egg. It’s all up to you. It’ll take three eggs, fried or poached, to make this burger best. If you’re going the Benedicts route, consider English muffins instead of hamburger buns (although either will work just fine).

You may already use eggs to keep your ground beef together, but that’s not what you’re going for here. Instead, you’re going to fry or poach the egg and put it right on top of the meat. Top with hollandaise if you wish, and sprinkle some bacon on there as well. You can’t go wrong with bacon and eggs, after all.

tea-drop eggs

When you’re hungry for a boiled egg, you probably just drop it in the pot and boil it, right? Well, this is a new way to indulge. Place about five eggs into a pot of water, bring to a simmer, then cover and remove from heat and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Crack the shells, but don’t peel them. Put ½ cup soy sauce, three cups water, three black tea bags and a strip of orange peel into a pot. Place your hard-cooked eggs inside and simmer for one hour. Drain, peel and enjoy.

April 2015

eggs avocado

Once you remove the shell from an avocado, you have a nice little bowl that you can fill with deliciousness.

So why not fill it with an egg? Don’t crack the egg directly into the avocado bowl, however—that can get messy. Instead, pick up the egg with a spoon and drop it lightly into each half of the pitted avocado.

Add salt and fresh cracked black pepper on top of the eggs to taste and place the avocados in a baking dish. Be sure to keep them upright because you don’t want them to tip over. (Balance them on the edge of the baking dish if you must). Place the dish in a preheated oven at 425 degrees.

Start with 10-15 minutes then check on it. Baking time depends on how much egg and avocado is involved, and your personal preference for egg consistency.

Once it’s done, consider spreading your eggy avocado on some toast. Sprinkle some bacon on top for some added flavor. You can also throw some salsa in there too, if you wish!

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Wining & Dining

BOOST your health with Balsamics

by Kristy Armand

Italians have been savoring balsamic vinegar for centuries, however, the American palate has only been able to easily find and enjoy this dark, aromatic, syrup-like condiment for the past few decades. Interestingly, the history of balsamics area as rich and interesting as its taste.

In the 16th century, when the Estensi court moved to Modena, the first evidence of balsamic vinegar appear. Documents reveal it to have qualities that distinguish it from common vinegar and describe how to produce it, specifying that must from Trebbiano grapes must be left to mellow in an attic for several years.

In its early days, balsamic vinegar was considered very rare and valuable, and as such, was available only to the nobility and the artisans

who made it— themselves aristocrats.

It was believed to be a miracle cure for everything from a sore throat to labor pains.

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The name “balsamic,” from balm, is derived from its purported medicinal properties, including its use as a protection against the plague.

Made from local grapes and aged in local woods, for centuries balsamic vinegar was made privately on individual estates and farmsteads in Italy, for family use only. Barrels passed from one generation to the next, often aging for 50 to 200 years or more. This legacy created an unimaginably rich, molasses-thick syrup that was stored in locked cupboards and dispensed by the dropperful.

Fast forward a few centuries and balsamics have gone mainstream. Beginning in the late 1900s, the demand for fine foods from Europe based on Americans’ travels abroad, the increased focus on the northern Italian cuisine and the migration of great chefs to America, caused an increased demand that led to commercial production of balsamic vinegar. Today, balsamics are one of the most popular condiments in the U.S., and are used in various sauces, marinades, salad dressings, dips, desserts and more.

Unlike the sharp taste of vinegar, balsamic vinegar has a rich, sweet flavor, explains Fran Avery, co-owner of Crave, a food boutique in Lake Charles that sells extra virgin olive oil and balsamics on tap. “Our wide variety of aged balsamics are made in the centuries-old Solera Thrive Magazine for Better Living

tradition and aged for up to 18 years to produce a rich, multifaceted taste. We have flavored balsamics that are fused and infused with fresh fruit, peppers and even chocolate and espresso to create incredible taste sensations.”

Avery says the popularity surge of balsamics is not based on taste alone. “Balsamics are packed with nutrients and offer a tremendous range of health benefits. They are naturally low in calories and because they are so flavorful, a little goes a long way.” She advises using one tablespoon or less when adding balsamics to salad dressings, sauces or even soups. A one-tablespoon serving of balsamic vinegar has approximately 14 calories.

The same size serving also contains a negligible amount of fat and carbohydrates, including sugar.

“You can keep your salads low-fat ,and low in calories, by dressing your vegetables with only balsamics. There are plenty of flavor-infused options, so you’ll get all the flavor variety you want.”

Other reported health benefits of balsamics include:

Antioxidant Properties: Free radicals damage cell membranes leading to premature aging, hardening of arterial walls and cancer.

April 2015

cholesterol. Since it is also low in sodium, it enhances heart health and reduces high blood pressure.

Antioxidants from balsamics destroy these free radicals.

Fights Cancer: The grapes from which balsamic vinegar is made have antioxidant properties. This antioxidant strengthens the immune system to fight cancer and other infectious diseases and inflammation. Balsamic vinegar also contains polyphenols which are anticancer agents.

Controls Diabetes: Balsamics are low on the glycemic index. Research reveals that consumption of at least five teaspoons of balsamic vinegar a day enhances insulin sensitivity. The greater the insulin sensitivity, the better the diabetes control.

Improves Heart Health: Balsamic vinegar is low in saturated fat and is believed to reduce

Aids Digestion: The polyphenols in balsamic

enzyme in the body. Pepsin, a digestive enzyme, helps break proteins into amino acids. These polyphenols also assist the intestine in absorbing amino acids more efficiently, which enables the body to utilize it for cell building, repair and other body maintenance work.

For more information about balsamics, call Crave at (337) 421-00400, visit crave-foods.com, or stop by Crave at 2801 Ryan Street in Lake Charles to try a sample.

vinegar stimulate the activity of the pepsin

Amazing Food. no Attitude.

Lunch: Tu – Fri, 11am – 2pm Happy Hour: Tu – Fri, 4 – 6pm Dinner: Tu – Sat, 5 – 10pm

restaurantcalla.com April 2015

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Places & Faces

Their Faith Never Wavered The Crommelin family are this year’s March of Dimes’ Ambassadors

by Allie Mariano

Jill and Michael Crommelin were ready for a baby. When they were pregnant with triplets, it was more than they could have hoped for. But their pregnancy was not a typical one.

“We lost one very early, and then my water broke at twenty weeks and five days,” recounts Jill. They were at home in DeRidder, an hour from the hospital in Lake Charles. The soon-to-be parents simply got in the car and drove. At Lake Area Medical Center, formerly Women & Children’s Hospital, the doctors confirmed that Jill’s water had broken. Three weeks later, on April 2, 2012, Logan was delivered. Then, Jill underwent an emergency C-section for Mason. Logan weighed 1 lb. 7 oz. and was 12 ¼ inches long. Mason was 1 lb. 3 oz, and 10 ½ inches long. They were immediately put in incubators in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and given more time to grow.

No parent wants or expects this kind of experience. But Jill and Michael faced this hurdle without hesitation. The director of NICU Services at Lake Area Medical Center, Karen Jones, RN, attributes Logan and Mason’s success to the “500 percent devotion of their parents.”

“Their faith never wavered,” she says. “Most parents go through every stage of grief, but the Crommelins have the best possible outlook on life.”

Jill says that she and her husband decided from the beginning that their motto was “one day at a time.”

After the boys were born, Jill went on extended sick leave, but Michael eventually had to return to work. The commute to the hospital became another part of their daily routine. “It’s your sons, how could you not?” Jill says of the days and months of commuting to and from

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the NICU. With premature births, conditions like brain bleeding, seizures, and cerebral palsy are not uncommon.

“We were lucky we had none of that trauma,” she says. But, premature babies in NICU can only be touched every three to four hours.

Their nervous systems are incredibly sensitive, and Jones explains that a single touch to a preemie baby would feel like “standing in an red ant hill for five minutes.” Parents can’t hold their babies, and this is one of the most frustrating things. Jones emphasizes that the outlook for babies born at 25 weeks can be grim, but today the boys “have little to no deficits, and they are truly miracles.”

Logan does have heart problems, and he had heart surgery in May, after

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his birth. Then he was flown to Tulane Hospital for eye surgery. The family shifted their time back and forth between New Orleans and Lake Charles for six weeks before Logan was brought back to Lake Area Medical. Logan was able to go

April 2015

Mason Logan

home with his parents in August of 2012. Mason stayed at Lake Area from April until September, and then he was transported to Texas Children’s Hospital, where he stayed until January 2013.

In the end, Logan spent 134 days in NICU and Mason spent 292 days in NICU. Both boys came home on oxygen and monitors, and Mason had a feeding tube from January 2013 until December 2014.

Back in those first months, when Jill and Michael were commuting to Lake Area Medical every day, uncertain about what the future would hold, they heard about the upcoming March of Dimes walk in Lake Charles. “We just wanted to help our community,” Jill says.

The March of Dimes was initially founded in 1938 to eradicate polio. Today, the March of Dimes’ mission is simple: improve the health of all babies. They achieve this by funding

April 2015

research that addresses birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. Martha Grant, the community director for the Acadiana Division of the March of Dimes, says the Crommelins are great advocates for their mission.

“They found us,” Grant says. “They want to share their story. Their babies’ survival was due to research.” Jill echoes this sentiment about the March of Dimes: “Without the new technology they fund, and the research, our boys wouldn’t be here.”

This year the Southwest Louisiana March for Babies Walk will take place April 18 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Registration will open at 8am, and the walk begins at 9am. There is no fee to participate, but they ask all participants to sign up and raise funds if possible. Participants are encouraged to raise $200. Grant adds that she hopes “the support for our mission in the Lake

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Charles area will grow.”

These days, Logan and Mason are typical almost-three year olds. “It’s amazing watching where they came from to where they are now,” says Jill. At a recent physical therapy appointment, the staff commented that they would never have realized these were the same kids who were in the incubators a couple of years ago. Each year, on Logan and Mason’s birthday, the family visits the NICU to celebrate with the nurses and doctors who made their lives possible. Jones says this is the most rewarding part, knowing that they have done their jobs well. “We are ecstatic that their outcome was so good. We celebrate with them and Jill brings a cake.” This year, Jill, Michael, Logan, and Mason will be able to celebrate three years of success, thanks to the March of Dimes and Lake Area Medical Center’s NICU.

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Let Us Entertain You With our line-up of artists and performances.

Now – May 8 6pm Shearman Fine Arts Theatre

*April 11

7:30pm

29th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper Exhibition Art Exhibition

April 21

TAKE 6 Music

Shearman Fine Arts Theatre

Stokes Auditorium, Hardtner Hall

*April 15

7pm

NOT IDLY BY Film by Pierre Sauvage

April 16

7pm

Yom HaShoah Commemoration featuring Pierre Sauvage and his work “Weapons of the Spirit”

April 17

7pm

Temple Sinai

April 18 Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum

7:30pm

Pierre Sauvage Q&A Aloft Circus Arts presents SEPHIRA Acrobatics

7pm

Driving Blind with Tod & Justin Purvis

7pm

McLeod Lecture Series

Stokes Auditorium, Hardtner Hall

April 23 April 24

7pm

Robert Olen Butler Winner of the Pulitzer Prize Frank Granger Visiting Poet A Reading

*April 28

7:30pm

Bria Skonberg Quartet

April 29

6pm

Fed Up Film

Stokes Auditorium, Hardtner Hall

April 30

7pm

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

Publishing in a New Age Lecture by Tommie Townsley

Tickets available online at www.banners.org or at the door.

14 www.thriveswla.com Call 337-475-5123 for details. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

April 2015 * Events held in Bulber Auditorium

Let’s Get Festive!

Crabfest Lacombe 2015 Organizers Kenny Kehoe and Don Bordelon have announced they are bringing the Crabfest Lacombe festival back to its roots by focusing on Louisiana music, gourmet crab and seafood dishes, and local arts and culture. Crabfest Lacombe 2015 is scheduled for June 26-28 at John Davis Park in Lacombe. This is the 39th year that a crab festival has been held under the giant oak trees.

Festival attendees will be entertained by an impressive line-up of Louisiana musicians including Tab Benoit, SuperCharger, Waylon Thibodeaux, Benny Turner, Cyril Neville, Witness, Christian Serpas, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Chubby Carrier, and the Shotgun Jazz Band. A Dixieland Brass Band will open the festival on Saturday and Sunday by marching from US Highway 190 and N. 12th Street into the park.

A collector’s edition Crabfest Lacombe 2015 poster will be available for purchase in limited quantities. The poster is from an original work of art created by Mandeville artist Dianne Parks. Parks’ art work captures south Louisiana streets, food, swamps and bayous.

“Throughout the painting process, in addition to accurately

April 2015

rendering the scene, my mind is filled with the sounds, smells and vibrations of the scene in my painting. I attempt to convey these emotions through my painting. My hope is that as you look at the painting through the years, you still ‘feel’ the scene before you,” Parks said.

Kehoe has a long history of producing trade shows; he produced the first tradeshow open to the public in the New Orleans Mercedes Benz Superdome in 1975. Bordelon is well-known on the northshore because of his cooking. With his extensive experience in the seafood industry and event food production, he will be working with the professional chef and catering vendors to ensure attendees have a wide selection of crab and seafood dishes.

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Promoters say their formula for Crabfest Lacombe 2015 is simple: “A blockbuster music lineup and memorable food. Festival goers will also be treated to a few surprises along the way.”

The festival hours are Friday, June 26 from 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, June 27 from noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 28 from noon- 8 p.m. Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.

Children under 12, when accompanied by their parents or guardians, are admitted free.

For more information, visit www.crabfestlacombe.com.

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Places & Faces

‘Like no other place on earth’ Lake Charles native serves aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush

A Lake Charles, Louisiana. native is serving on one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

Airman Charles Young is an aviation ordnanceman aboard the Norfolk-based ship, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and one of only ten operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today. Named in honor of former President George H.W. Bush, the carrier is longer than three football fields, at nearly 1,100 feet long. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons.

Two nuclear reactors can push the ship through the water at more than 35 mph.

As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, Young said he is learning about himself as a leader, sailor and a person. He added that it is an exciting time to be in the Navy, and serving aboard a ship is something he never expected to be doing just a couple years ago.

“I joined the Navy to be a role model to my children, to support my family, and have a career.

Since I’ve been in I’ve learned that I can rely on myself, but I also know where and when to get help when I need it. This is a great team,” said Young.

He also said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the Bush’s 6,000-member crew, protecting America on the world’s oceans.

“Seventy percent of our planet is covered by water,” Young explained. “With our aircraft carriers, we don’t rely on access to another nation’s runways; we bring our own. The world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time.”

“In port I’m part of the security detail and at 16 www.thriveswla.com

By Lt. Philip Fortnam, Navy Office of Community Outreach

sea I inventory ordnance, build up and breakdown bombs, and train sailors to shoot accurately and safely,” said Young.

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard USS George H.W. Bush. Approximately 3,200 men and women make up the ship’s company, which keeps all parts of the aircraft carrier running smoothly — this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,500 or so form the air wing, the people who actually fly and maintain the aircraft.

“I never cease to be impressed with the type and quality of work that goes on aboard this ship each day,” said Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle, the carrier’s commanding officer. “The USS George H.W. Bush team is filled with highly qualified young adults – in many cases, 19 and 20 years old – and they’re out here running a complex propulsion system safely, serving as air traffic controllers, operating sophisticated electronics, launching and recovering aircraft when we’re underway, and keeping this floating city alive and functioning. I can’t express how proud I am to be a part of this team. They performed at the highest level, day in and day out during our recent 9-month combat deployment and are continuing to do so here at home. Their professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence are second to none.”

USS George H.W. Bush, like each of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, is designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard Thrive Magazine for Better Living

the carrier at sea. Powerful catapults slingshot the aircraft off the bow of the ship. The planes land aboard the carrier by snagging a steel cable with an arresting hook that protrudes from the rear of the aircraft. All of this makes the George H.W. Bush a self-contained mobile airport and strike platform, and often the first response to a global crisis because of a carrier’s ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Young and other USS George H.W. Bush sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.

“The people you work with in the Navy are the most qualified in the world. Life aboard an aircraft carrier is undeniably difficult and exhausting, but it can also be exhilarating. Good or bad, it’s like no other place on earth,” said Young.

April 2015

GSU Alumni ERNIE LADD will be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame One of Grambling State University’s most distinguished athletes, Ernie “Big Cat” Ladd, was recently inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

Ladd will forever be remembered for his successful careers in both professional football and wrestling. Born in 1938 in Rayville, La., Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship, where he also played as a defensive tackle on the football team under legendary coach Eddie G. Robinson.

Ladd was drafted by the American Football League’s San Diego Chargers in 1961, where he helped the Chargers win four AFL Championships in five years. He played 112 consecutive AFL games during his eight years as a professional football player. He played with the Chargers from 1961 to 1965, the Houston Oilers from 1966 to 1967 and the Kansas City Chiefs from 1967 to 1968.

Ladd was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Grambling State University Hall of Fame in 1989.

Ladd began wrestling in 1961 during the football off-seasons, and became a full-time professional wrestler when his football career ended in 1968. He portrayed one of the first African American heels, a wrestler who

April 2015

represents the antagonist in the match, in the wrestling business. He retired from wrestling in 1986 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.

Ladd died from colon cancer in 2007 at the age of 68.

Ladd is one of seven inductees who were selected from a list of 25 finalists. The Class of 2015 includes Ladd, Roger Brown (University of Maryland Eastern Shore), Richard Dent (Tennessee State University), L.C. Greenwood (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Ken Riley (Florida A&M University), Donnie Shell (South Carolina State University) and Coach W.C. Gorden (Jackson State University).

Inductees are honored at the annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, presented by the Atlanta Falcons, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

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Places & Faces

Movers and Shakers in Southwest News? You tell us! Send press releases to Louisiana... Who’s edit@thriveswla.com with the subject line “Who’s News.”

Thrive Welcomes New Sales Representative

Thrive Magazine has announced that Michelle Phelps has joined the sales staff. Michelle will be responsible for cultivating ad sales, developing continued relationships with clients, and assisting Michelle Phelps with the development of promotions, inserts, and special sections.

Michelle received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in journalism from McNeese State University in 2012. For more information or to reach Michelle regarding ad sales, email her at Michelle@thriveswla.com.

Waldrep Promoted to Executive Director

Ashli Waldrep is the new Executive Director for the Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA. She has over 9 years of experience in marketing and public relations and over 3 years of experience in Ashli Waldrep fundraising. Ashli holds a degree in Mass Communications from McNeese State University and is a member of the McNeese Alumni Association. For more information, call (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artscouncilswla.org.

Terrell Achieves Membership in Million Dollar Round Table

Outstanding client service, ethics and professionalism have enabled Barry Terrell, Jr., CFP®, ChFC® of Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Barry Terrell achieve membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table — The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. ® Terrell is an 18-year member of MDRT. Attaining membership in MDRT is a distinguishing career milestone. For more information, call (337) 477-8271.

Spell Named Marketing and Communications Manager with WCCH

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has announced that Kali Spell has been promoted from the position of marketing representative to Kali Spell marketing and communications manager. In this position, she will oversee hospital marketing and public relations activities, advertising, and outreach initiatives.

Spell, a graduate of McNeese State University, is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration Degree and has been with the organization for two years.

Johnson Elected to Serve on Board of Directors

Shelley Johnson, executive director of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB, was installed as a board member of the Louisiana Travel Promotion Shelley Johnson Association (LTPA) Board of Directors at the association’s annual meeting in Many, La. Officers on the executive committee and members of the board of directors are elected during the annual meeting. This committee is responsible for presenting a slate to the members of the association that recognizes all regions of the state and all segments of the tourism industry.

Moffett Realty Leader Honored

Moffett Realty, ERA Powered, announced that Robert “Bob” Merrick, chairman and CEO of its parent company LATTER & BLUM Inc., was honored by the University of New Orleans with an honorary Robert Merrick doctorate of philosophy.

He was recognized for his lifelong community leadership and generosity, including a gift of $100,000 for UNO’s coastal restoration graduate certificate programs and student scholarships.

Marty DeRouen Named Wealth Management Advisor

Northwestern Mutual has announced that Marty DeRouen has been appointed as a Wealth Management Advisor, extending the scope of services offered through Marty DeRouen his practice. In this position, Marty DeRouen is able to offer an array of financial planning, trust, fiduciary, investment advisory, and investment management products and services to individuals, business owners, trusts and estates, based upon an in-depth analysis of client needs.

City Savings Bank Announces Promotions

Stephen Benoit

Ogletree Deakins Welcomes Greg Guidry as Shareholder

Greg Guidry 18 www.thriveswla.com

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Jamie Harris

City Savings Bank has announced the promotions of Stephen Benoit in the Sulphur branch and Jamie Harris in DeRidder’s Countryside branch.

Stephen Benoit has been promoted to vice president. He has been the branch manager of City Savings Bank’s Sulphur location since July 2013.

Benoit has worked with City Savings Bank since 2008 and began as the branch’s assistant manager.

Jamie Harris has been named assistant branch manager of City Savings Bank’s Countryside location in DeRidder. He has extensive experience in lending and has worked for City Savings Bank for the last two years as a lending officer. For more information, visit www.citysavingsbank.com.

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, has welomed Greg Guidry as

April 2015

a shareholder in Louisiana. Guidry joins Ogletree Deakins from Onebane Law Firm, where he led the firm’s Labor & Employment Law Practice Group and formerly served as chairman of the firm’s board of directors. He will open a satellite office of the Ogletree Deakins New Orleans office in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Iberia Bank Names Mid City Branch Manager

Iberia Bank has announced the recent naming of Regina Buller as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for the Mid City location in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Regina Buller A graduate of McNeese State University, Buller joined the Company in September. She is located at 2901 Ryan Street in Lake Charles and can be reached byemail at Regina.Buller@iberiabank.com.

CHRISTUS Health Reorganizes With Focus on Growth and Operational Efficiency

Stephen Wright

Donald Lloyd II

CHRISTUS Health has reorganized to ensure growth and operational efficiency that will allow its mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to thrive in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment. The reorganization includes hospitals throughout four distinct regions. CHRISTUS North Louisiana, CHRISTUS Central Louisiana, CHRISTUS Southwest Louisiana and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas have joined together under the leadership of Stephen F. Wright, who will serve as CHRISTUS Health’s Senior Vice President, Group Operations.

The former CEO of CHRISTUS Health Louisiana will oversee these combined facilities that are estimated to produce over $1 billion in patient service revenues.

Donald Lloyd II, who has served as Administrator and Chief Operating Officer for CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital since 2012, will now assume the new role of CEO for CHRISTUS Southwestern Louisiana.

Lloyd, who has over 30 years’ experience in the health care industry, is actively involved in many professional societies and has served numerous community service organizations.

April 2015

Robert Prehn Joins Memorial Administration

Robert Prehn, Ph.D. joins Lake Charles Memorial Health System as the Vice President for Specialty Services. Prehn will oversee Memorial’s psychiatric services and Robert Prehn long-term acute care facility (LTAC), Memorial Specialty Hospital. Prehn is a native of New Orleans and most recently served as the Senior Associate of the Cawley Johnson Group, a national behavioral health consulting and hospital management company.

Louisiana’s Community & Technical College’s 2015 Annual Conference Award Winners

Gregory “Troy” Fontenot

Joshua “Josh” Young

Zoe Puryear

Jimmy Hall

Local Salon Owner Participates in 2015 Serious Business ® Event

Wendy WhiteMcCown, owner and master stylist at Signatures Salon, was a featured panelist at the 2015 Serious Business national conference held in New Orleans.

Serious Business Robert Prehn is one of the most celebrated business education events in the beauty industry. The two-day conference featured forums, speakers and breakout sessions geared toward inspiring and educating beauty industry professionals. For more information about Signatures Salon, call (337) 4784433 or visit www.signaturessalon.biz.

SOWELA Technical Community College hires White

SOWELA Technical Community College announces the addition of Marianne P. White as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Alumni Marianne White Affairs and Community Engagement. White will work with SOWELA’s executive leadership team, the SOWELA Foundation board of directors, business and industry partners, donors and friends to advance the mission of the College. For information, visit www.sowela.edu.

SOWELA Technical Community College paid special tribute to four of its employees at the 2015 Louisiana’s Community & Technical College System’s Annual Conference in Baton Rouge.

Gregory “Troy” Fontenot, program coordinator and Aviation instructor, was recognized as the Outstanding Faculty Member for his leadership in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.

He led the effort in evaluating recommendations from the Federal Aviation Administration and local industry for program improvements.

Joshua “Josh” Young, network analyst in the Office of Information Technology, was acknowledged as the Outstanding Professional Staff for his knowledge of software, networks and design.

Zoe Puryear, executive services coordinator in the Office of the Chancellor, was awarded the Outstanding Professional Support Staff for her dedicated support and quality work at the College.

Jimmy Hall, retired from SOWELA as an instructor of Welding, was celebrated as the Distinguished Retiree for his skill in instruction and his craftsmanship and efficiency in getting the job done.

To learn how your business or industry might partner with SOWELA Technical Community College to educate its employees, visit www.sowela.edu or call Marianne White at (337) 421-6903.

Memorial Welcomes New Wellness Education Specialist

Kayra Lafleur joins Lake Charles Memorial’s Health and Wellness Program as the program’s Wellness Education Specialist. Kayra will be responsible for providing health education, wellness activities, counseling and goal setting to improve overall health and well being not only for employees of Memorial, but those of various local industries and businesses. Kayra has a degree in Health and Human Performance from McNeese State University. For more information, call Memorial’s Employer Health and Wellness line at (337) 494-2992.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

April 2015

by Erin Kelly photos by Shonda Manuel

Early this year, we asked you to nominate a thriving 30-something in the community who excels in their professional and personal lives—and once again, you answered the call. We received an ever-growing stack of nominations, but were able to narrow it down to these lucky thirteen.

For this year’s photo shoot, Thrive cast the thirteeners in well-loved movies.

Can you guess which movies they’re starring in, based on their photos?

Check page 29 to see if you guessed right.

April 2015

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Anatole Karpovs (39) Pediatrician, Children’s Clinic of SWLA

Makeitta Broussard (31)

Anatole has excelled both professionally and personally in the community because of his compassion and love for helping others thrive. Before moving to Lake Charles in 2005, Dr. Karpovs was director of pediatrics at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Locally, he has served as the pediatric department chair and on the medical executive committee at both Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Lake Area Medical Center. He is currently serving his second term as secretary for the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society and has been a delegate to the LA State Medical Society. He provides education to nurses and nurse practitioners and enjoys teaching parenting and new baby classes. A member of First United Methodist Church, he has helped build the community through Habit for Humanity.

He also serves on the Literacy Council board and as an advisor to the Department of Children & Family Services. Dr. Karpovs has been a Cub Scout leader for the past five years, where he enjoys mentoring the boys and strengthening their character by giving the greatest gift: his time.

Dr. Karpovs has bravely battled cancer for the second time in two years—enduring nearly 24 rounds of chemo—and hopes to use his experience as a platform to improve the lives of others around him.

Thriving Fact: Anatole is a talented writer and sketch artist and is a member of the Bayou Writer’s Group.

If his life were a movie, it would be: Drama.

Favorite movies: S tardust, Princess Bride, The Fifth Element, Seven Samurai, and Monty Python’s Meaning of Life

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Director of Student Affairs, Unitech Training Academy-Lake Charles

Makeitta works hard at everything she does and strives to help anyone she can. She goes out into the community to partner with various agencies to ensure the students at Unitech succeed. She’s part of the Black Heritage Festival and National Association of University Women and consistently demonstrates hard work and passion that for the community.

Makeitta also has a non-profit called Position for Success, where she reaches out to college-bound students. She is past president of the Southeastern Louisiana University African American Alumni Association, executive director of Project PROMISE, and volunteers with Girlie Girls Mentoring.

Thriving Fact: Makeitta suffered five mild strokes, one of which affected her ability to walk and speak, but she has never let it get her down.

If her life were a movie, it would be: Animation.

“I’m an eternal kid and have a hard time taking anything seriously,” Makeitta says. “I want my life to be a colorful adventure filled with love and hope.”

Favorite Movie: The Lion King

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Matt Young (30)

Public Affairs Officer, City of Lake Charles

Matt’s infectious enthusiasm has made him a key player among young professionals in Southwest Louisiana. He joined the Chamber SWLA board of directors as one of its youngest executive board members and currently serves on the Alliance’s Quality of Life Task Force. He is a DeRidder native who briefly lived in California before returning to Louisiana, where he worked with Mayor Ron Roberts of DeRidder to reshape the community. From there, he took over and enlivened the Arts & Humanities Council and moved on to the O’Carroll Group to play a larger role in the campaigns and community efforts across the region. He recently accepted a job with the City of Lake Charles.

Matt has served on the board of directors for the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, Friends of Central School, and on the Junior League’s Community Advisory Board. He has also served on the board for Fusion Five and the American Cancer Society.

Thriving Fact: Right after college, Matt was selected out of 250 applicants to work for a PR firm in Newport Beach, Calif. He drove there in a 12-year-old Maxima that leaked oil so badly that he had to stop every 300 miles and add another quart.

If his life were a movie, it would be: Adventure, with

unexpected twists.

Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Huber “Mickey” Smith (35) Musician

A graduate of Westlake High School, Mickey earned his bachelor and master degrees in music from McNeese and is currently the band director at Maplewood Middle School, where the band has grown from 40 to 170 students. Mickey was the 2008 Teacher of the Year for West Orange Cove CISD, 2011 Calcasieu Parish Teacher of the Year 1st Runner Up, and the 2013 Five Parish/ District V Band Director of the Year. He was also named to the SWLA Black Heritage Festival Hall of Fame. Most recently Mickey has been named the Maplewood Middle School Teacher of the Year again for 2015, as well as the 2015 Martin Luther King Memorial Breakfast Unsung Hero Award and a City of Sulphur You Make the Difference Award. Smith was named a Top 10 Nationwide Finalist for the 2015 GRAMMY Music Educator Award.

As a saxophonist Mickey has performed for and with a variety of artists and has been featured on CBS This Morning, Ryan Seacrest’s website, School Band and Orchestra Magazine, the National Association for Music Educators and BET’s “My Black Is Beautiful.” His annual concert series, “Sax in the City,” is presented to thousands in the SWLA area annually and his work with Music With a Mission, Jazz In the Arts, and Musicmakers2U helps area youths fulfill their dream of making music.

Thriving Fact: Smith has had an audience with figures ranging from President Bill Clinton to Louisiana rapper Lil’ Wayne.

If his life were a movie, it would be: Inspirational drama. “A young kid grows up on the ‘other side of the tracks’ in a rural town (and) plays an instrument that few understand—(an) instrument that would later open doors for him to go to college on scholarship,” he says.

Favorite Movies: The Shawshank Redemption and Lean on Me April 2015

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Travis Manceaux (35)

Construction Manager

Travis exhibits all qualities of a Thriving 30-something. He has worked in the local construction industry for over 15 years, starting out as a carpenter’s helper. He now works full time as the commercial construction manager for Frey Construction.

His entrepreneurial spirit drives his own company—PERC Development, a real estate development and construction company—which was established in 2010. Although Travis’ trade is construction, his way of building and nurturing relationships is where he excels most. He is currently serving his second term as a board member of the Better Business Bureau and also held a past board seat for the Cash and Carry Farmers Market. He actively volunteers at his daughters’ school as head coach of the girls basketball team. He has also previously assisted in coaching both of his daughters’ recreational soccer teams. He loves the Lake Area and strives every day to make it a better community.

Whether it’s a business meeting or a social gathering, Travis greets everyone with a smile and strives to set an example for his three daughters that you can do or be anything you want to, as long as you are a person of good character and integrity.

Thriving Fact: Travis’ personal motto is “Work hard, play hard.”

If his life were a movie, it would be: Action-comedy.

“I think laughter and keeping a sense of humor is important, but my life moves fast and is constantly changing,” Travis says. “But my life could also be considered a drama, being that I live with four women.”

Favorite Movie: 300

Angela Stutes (36)

Human Resources Director, Calcasieu Parish Library

Somehow Angela Stutes is able to squeeze more hours out of a day than most people. In addition to her full-time job as human resources director of the Calcasieu Parish Library, she serves on the Kids Can Board, the Junior League Board (as program development chair), and is a former board member of ICHRMA. She was tapped to be the orientation chair of the Quality of Life Task Force due to her active involvement with Fusion Five and other volunteer groups. She’s been a volunteer “Room Mom” at Prien Lake Elementary for over 10 years and is the self-appointed wrestling team mom for Barbe High School.

Thriving Fact: Angela was the first in her family to graduate from college.

If her life were a movie, it would be: Comedy. “I love to have fun and laugh. Laughter is the best medicine,” Angela says. “I am always laughing at inappropriate times.”

Favorite movie: Steel Magnolias

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Erica McCreedy (31) Public Relations Director, The O’Carroll Group Erica has a bachelors in English with minors in theatre, classical studies from LSU, and two masters’ degrees in English and creative writing from McNeese State University. Before her previous appointment as the executive director of the Arts Council, she functioned as the projects coordinator, during which she implemented additional community programming such as the Art Battle, Arts & Crabs and the First Friday Poetry Reading Series. She has taught English courses at McNeese for six years.

Erica has served or is serving on the board of directors for Chamber SWLA, Fusion Five, Louisiana Citizens for the Arts, and Louisiana Partnership for the Arts; she has also served on the committees of Leadership SWLA, the Quality of Life Task Force, Cultural Economy Team, and Friends of Central School. She is associated with Yellow Flag Press, a small publishing house in Lafayette, and is a recipient of the CVB’s Hospitality, Arts & Tourism Award and the Women’s Business Network Up and Coming Business Leader Award.

Thriving Fact: Erica is a poet. Yellow Flag Press published

her book of poetry, Red Winters, in 2012, with a second edition in 2014.

If her life were a movie, it would be: An action

movie with a strong comedic pulse. “It would seem like an epic adventure, but the main character is incredibly clumsy and says raunchy jokes for two hours,” she says.

Favorite movies: Rocky, Good Will Hunting, The Dark Knight April 2015

ENT M P O L E V E ORK, D W E T I S • EGAT E & AGGR GAS UCTION R T S N • OIL & O RCIAL C E M M O • C TAINERS N O C E • WAST

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Melanie Dees (38) Visiting Lecturer, French, McNeese State Originally from DeRidder, Melanie spent about 15 years working in Paris, San Francisco and Portland. She most recently taught in Nantes, France. While living in France, she completed a Master in Linguistics with honors before returning to Southwest Louisiana to create a rigorous French program for middle school students at Bishop Noland EDS. All of Melanie’s students who took a high school placement test succeeded in testing out of either one or two years of high school French. Last summer, she piloted a high school exchange program and brought two of her former students to attend a French high school and learn firsthand about French culture. She is currently teaching French at McNeese State University and represents the region on the board of the Louisiana Foreign Language Teacher’s Association.

In addition to her passion for our French culture and heritage, Melanie is active in the Lake Charles Junior League and serves as the Troop Leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout Brownie troop. She also volunteers in other local organizations, including the youth symphony orchestra group, of which her daughter is an active member.

Thriving Fact: Melanie has participated in numerous community service projects in Central America and Africa and continues to spend time in France each year.

If her life were made into a movie, it would be: Comic drama. “If you wrote my life as a movie, no one would believe it,” she says.

Favorite movie: “Whatever movie she’s watching.”

Brad Guillory (39) Attorney, Liles and Guillory Law Firm An attorney licensed in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, Brad was born in Opelousas and grew up in Lake Charles. While in law school at South Texas College of Law, he was a member of Pi Delta Phi honors fraternity and the Christian Legal Society. After graduating, Brad practiced for several years in the Houston area. He moved back to Lake Charles in 2009 and opened the Law Office of Brad A. Guillory, LLC. He is admitted to practice in U.S. District Court, Southern District and Eastern District of Texas. He is involved in numerous civic organizations such as South Lake Charles Kiwanis Club, McNeese Petrochemical Association, is on the board of directors for the McNeese Alumni Association, and is an officer for the Kappa Sigma Alumni, Theta Rho Chapter. Professionally, he serves as the president of the family law section of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association and is a mediator. He and his wife Laura have four children.

Thriving Fact: Before going to law school, Brad served as a police officer with the Lake Charles Police Department.

If his life were a movie, it would be: Action—“due to the fast pace of my profession and my four children—two of which are under the age of four.”

Favorite movie: E.T. 26 www.thriveswla.com

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Ashli Waldrep (35)

Director, Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA

Ashli is a true advocate for community growth and for engaging young professionals in our region’s future. In her professional role, Ashli identifies the needs of the community and expands the reach of area art events; she keeps an eye on the horizon for future trends, and encourages the area to embrace those trends.

Ashli is the chair of Fusion Five, SWLA’s premier organization for young professionals, and has grown the organization’s membership, connected young professionals with area boards and committees, and coordinated large events that attract young professionals to our area, such as two successful Zombie 5K Runs. Fusion Five’s role has become increasingly diversified in the community under her tenure, and she continues to encourage young professionals to become the change they want to see in SWLA. She also serves as the recycling committee chair under the Chamber’s Quality of Life Task Force, where she leads efforts to make regional recycling more efficient and convenient. When appointing leadership in the Quality of Life Task Force, Ashli was an easy decision because of her dedication to making SWLA better for the next generation.

Ashli currently serves on the Chamber SWLA board of directors and is also enrolled in the Leadership SWLA Class of 2015. Ashli has her fingers on the pulse of the community, and her energetic and ambitious nature allows her to help identify ways to make our area more attractive and more diverse for residents and for incoming families.

Thriving Fact: Ashli has been scuba diving with sharks and has camped in the Arctic Circle under the Northern Lights.

If her life were a movie, it would be: Adventure comedy.

Favorite movie: I mostly enjoy historical genre.he S

Ethan Miller (39) President, Advanced Audio Video Technologies Ethan is a local entrepreneur who showed ambition at an early age. When he was a teenager, he approached the sound board operator at First Baptist Church and asked if he could help.

Since then, he has demonstrated a driving commitment to excel professionally.

In addition to operating his own small business, Ethan loves to volunteer in his kids’ scouting activities. He’s staffed a combination of summer and winter camps at Camp Edgewood in Dequincy and was assistant scout master for troop 84. He’s also served as an active member of Gideons International, firefighter for Ward 6 Volunteer Fire Department, sponsorship chair for Fusion Five, co-chair of the technology council for Chamber Southwest, board member of Crime Stoppers, and secretary for Sulphur Sunrise Rotary.

Thriving Fact: Ethan serves as active deacon at First Baptist Church.

If his life were a movie, it would be: Drama. “I grew up in the country with woods as my playground, along with a brother and two sisters,” he says. “We learned about wildlife and how to make the best of what we had.”

Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption April 2015

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Fred Sebren (32)

Owner, The Simmons Group

Fred grew up in the insurance agency. As a kid, he worked for his mother and grandfather, both of whom were State Farm agents. In high school and college, they sent him to photograph and measure houses at $10 a pop. But he didn’t immediately head toward the insurance business.

Instead, he joined the army. He served for four years, with two tours in Iraq. After he got out of the Army he went back to school and finished his criminal justice degree at McNeese. He now owns an independent insurance agency, which he named after his grandfather Hyman Simmons.

The agency has been a success since its launch less than a year ago. Fred started a non-profit called Rain 22 to help veterans with PTSD obtain a trained service dog.

Thriving Fact: Fred recently started an important chapter in his life—he became a father. He and his wife Dana and have a 10-month-old son.

If his life were a movie, it would be: An actionpacked comedy with a bit of romance sprinkled in.

Favorite movie: Armageddon

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

April 2015

| 30 Somethings Patch Adams starring Anatole Karpovs, MD

Breakfast At Tiffany’s starring Makeitta Broussard

The Shawshank Redemption starring Matt Young

Mr. Holland’s Opus starring Huber “Mikey” Smith Jr.

Silver Linings Playbook starring Travis Manceaux

The Breakfast Club starring Angela Stutes

Justin Hill (35)

Head Baseball Coach, McNeese State

Dead Poet’s Society

Since completing his playing career at LSU in 2002, Justin has been coaching at the high school and collegiate levels for the past 12 years. Throughout his young career, Hill has coached or recruited 36 players that have gone on to play in the professional ranks, 12 All-Americans, two conference players of the year, two NCBWA Stoppers of the Year, a conference pitcher of the year, relief pitcher of the year, freshman of the year, conference tournament MVP, and a Louisiana pitcher of the year. In his first season as head coach for McNeese, Coach Hill led the Cowboys to a 30-28 overall record and the team finished the Southland Conference Tournament with the third best finish among the eight participants. McNeese’s 30-win season was the program’s first in nearly five years, while the Cowboys compiled 17 conference victories, the best since 2012. He also became the first head coach since Mike Bianco in 1998 to win 30 or more games in his first season as the skipper for the Cowboys. Five school records, six NCAA records and one Southland Conference record were either tied or broken by Hill’s first McNeese team.

Fan attendance has reached its highest peak since 2010. In two seasons, Justin has secured nearly $500,000 in private donations for McNeese baseball facility improvements and program development.

starring Erica McCreedy

throughout the year to teach area youth fundamental skills of playing baseball.

If his life were a movie, it would be: Probably a little of everything, but “would definitely have plenty of comedy.”

Favorite movie: For Love of the Game April 2015

starring Melanie Dees

To Kill A Mockingbird starring Brad Guillory

CREDITS

Thriving Fact: Justin conducts youth baseball camps

Little Women

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Alice In Wonderland starring Ashli Waldrep

Say Anything starring Ethan Miller

Big starring Fred Sebren

Bull Durham starring Justin Hill

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Money & Career

Social Security and YOU

by Erin Kelly

Whether retirement is 30 years away or 10, at some point you’ll wonder if you have enough money to cover your daily living expenses.

Hopefully the question comes sooner than later, says Certified Financial Planner Denise Rau, President of Rau Financial Group. Maybe it’s already been asked and answered. Or maybe you’re not giving it much consideration because you know Social Security will be there to cushion the fall. If that’s the case, you have some more mulling-over to do, Rau says.

“It’s certainly nice to know that Social Security is there to help provide for your financial future,” she says. “After all, it’s income for life, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, especially when you’re ready to turn in your work badge for a life of well-deserved leisure. But it’s important to appreciate the potential reality of your situation and understand that Social Security was not designed to be enough for you to comfortably retire.”

Most comfortable retirees supplement Social Security with a work pension, IRA, or other savings.

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Few are able to get by solely with Social Security, Rau explains.

Still, millions of people don’t have anything else tucked away.

“The recession hit people hard and made it difficult—if not impossible—for many hardworking Americans to save money or make any significant contributions to a retirement plan,” Rau says.

“It’s crucial for those people to understand the role Social Security will play in their retirement.”

According to Union Plus Retirement Planning Center, Social Security, which is more than 70 years old, provides $539 billion in annual benefits to nearly 49 million retired and disabled workers, their dependents and families that have lost their wage earners.

Millions of people rely on Social Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Security as their only source of income.

Every year, the Social Security Administration sends workers a record of their earnings and estimates of benefits. This statement outlines what recipients can expect to receive at the ages of eligibility—62 or 70. Benefits are based on earnings during the 35 highest-earning wage years.

April 2015

Unfortunately, Social Security resources are expected to decline after the year 2040. That’s because baby boomers will soon reach full retirement age and, for the first time in Social Security’s history, there will be more people taking from the system that contributing to it.

Although Social Security provides a blanket of funds in retirement, other expenses—such as unforeseen medical expenses, increased cost of living, and caregiving expenses, to name a few—can compromise its impact.

“I suggest that everyone obtain a copy of their benefits statement from the Social Security Administration (available online at www.ssa.gov) just to get an idea of where you stand,” Rau says. “If you can start a retirement April 2015

fund or increase contributions to a work plan, do it. If you have nothing saved and you know you want to retire comfortably—whether it’s a year or 20 years from now—make an appointment with a trusted financial advisor to put a plan in place for the life you want to have after retirement.

You don’t want any financial surprises at the time when you should be enjoying a work-free, low-stress lifestyle.”

For more information about retirement planning, call Denise Rau at Rau Financial Group at (337) 480-3835.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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31

Money & Career

Things NOT to Do at Your Next

Business Lunch

by Emily Alford

Power lunches can be pretty panicky affairs.

Sometimes, when the boss takes the team out to a swanky lunch, the veritable maze of cups, glasses, utensils and plates can be completely overwhelming.

And that’s just sitting down.

THE FOOD BRINGS EVEN MORE OCCASION FOR DISCOMFORT AND CAN MAKE EVEN THE MOST CONFIDENT EMPLOYEE CONSCIOUS OF HOW AWKWARD IT CAN BE TO PRIMLY HOLD A KNIFE AND FORK. BUT DINING OUT WITH HIGHER-UPS AND COWORKERS GETS BETTER WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE AND KNOW-HOW. THERE ARE DEFINITE RULES TO BUSINESS LUNCHES, AND IF YOU AVOID SOME OF THE BIGGEST FAUX PAS, YOU COLLEAGUES PROBABLY WON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

First of all, you should never put your handbag, wallet, keys, or cell phone on the table. According to The Etiquette School of New York, the table is for plates, utensils and food only. And if you absolutely must take an urgent call, excuse yourself to the restroom or step outside the restaurant. Texting is also a definite “No” at the table.

the story of a businessman who hosted a group of employees at a dinner party. One employee speared a big hunk of meat with her fork and took small nibbles of her steak rather than a regular bite. The employer said that even though it was a causal party, he would probably never promote the nibbler. If you don’t like something on your plate, simply leave it alone.

Don’t play with your food. Even if your boss is just taking you out for a burger, try and eat it with poise. In her book, The Essentials of Business Etiquette, expert Barbara Pachter tells

Don’t dive right in to the business talk. The Etiquette School of New York warns against pulling out relevant papers or meeting materials until the conversation has turned to business.

32 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

As a general rule, the school says that shop talk should be shelved until the entrée is finished.

Business just goes down better over dessert and coffee.

The main trick to power lunching like a pro is to be aware of those around you. Watch what fork the others are using and take your conversational queues from the other guests.

And if you happen to be blessed with impeccable dining skills, don’t ever use them to call out another guest’s behavior. Your boss may not be impressed by show offs.

April 2015

April 2015

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33

Money & Career

Signs That It’s Time to Leave Your Job

Weigh your priorities. Whether you value compensation, fulfillment, or fun, none are worth it if they are accompanied by misery. You have to ask yourself: is it worth it?

Here are some signs it is time to leave:

by Allie Mariano

A person’s job is not the only thing that defines him or her, but a good job can make that person a lot happier. Not everyone lands a job that is the right combination of fulfilling and well (enough) compensated. The important thing is to avoid sticking around when the fit isn’t right. If the job doesn’t fit, or if it is actively making you miserable, then there is no shame in leaving.

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You dread going to work.

If you wake up every morning, heart pounding, thinking up excuses not to go, each one more ridiculous than the previous, it is probably time to look elsewhere. Life is too short to wake up and dread the day ahead.

You are frequently stressed.

Work usually requires a little effort, and a little stress is normal, even crucial, to performing well at your job. But if the stress does not end and seeps into your personal life, it is time to reassess your employment situation. Even worse, excess stress can lead to more serious, physical illnesses.

You begin to drink or find other coping mechanisms at the end of the day.

For some people, an evening drink or two is totally normal, but if you find yourself adopting alcohol or other substances that you’ve never consumed regularly.

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You can’t advance any further. Obviously, if you are happy with your position, this isn’t a concern, but if you envision your career as a ladder to climb, and your job remains a straight path, it’s time to move on. The job can’t give you want you want, and you can seek advancement elsewhere.

Your job is not the one that was promised.

Unfortunately, some employers will sell a job based on the required duties, only to change those duties once you are hired. This may make you feel like your actual talents are not being used, and often, this can result in a poor performance at work. You know what you do best, and you do not have to stick around if your potential is not being tapped.

You can’t stand your boss or your coworkers.

You go to your job everyday, so it’s no good if the environment is toxic. Maybe there’s too much gossip, or perhaps there’s a culture of constant criticism. Either way, secretly hating everyone around you all day will not help you perform your job better.

April 2015

April 2015

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35

Money & Career

by Emily Alford

If you’re new to social media you may be wondering what the deal is with hashtags, those ubiquitous short phrases beginning with what used to be known as the “pound” key on a land line. Hashtags are used on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to separate conversations on social media to make certain subjects easy for users to find.

For instance, clicking on the hashtag #EasterSunday on Facebook will probably take you to all sorts of fun Easter pictures and messages about the day. A “trending” hashtag simply means that the hashtag is popular, usually because it focuses on a current event. But if you’re not sure how to use hashtags yet, don’t worry. Just read over these tips to get started.

If you use a hashtag in your Facebook post, Tweet, or Instagram photo, know that the hashtag makes your post part of a public conversation regardless of whether or not your profile is set to private. So don’t hashtag anything you don’t want the world to see.

According to AdWeek, an ad industry publication, even big brands sometimes fail to understand that hashtags have to be one word. Last year, Budweiser tried to promote the hashtag #Taste Is. The problem with that hashtag is that social media sites only recognize the text linked to the hash symbol,

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so the hashtag would have had to read #TasteIs to work.

Hashtags help you join a larger conversation;

they should not be about your personal

situation or feelings at the moment, unless

you plan on using the same hashtag

frequently for people to follow.

Sometimes hashtags are used for pretty

serious subject matter. For example, during

the Ray Rice domestic violence scandal, the

hashtag #WhyIStayed trended on Twitter to

give victims of domestic violence a chance

to share their stories. Unfortunately, pizza

brand DiGiorno didn’t read through existing

conversations before the brand tweeted “#WhyIStayedYouhadpizza.” The brand appeared clueless and callous, turning many people off their pizza.

#KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE

It can be tempting to try to cram all your thoughts into a single hashtag, but when hashtags are more than about eight characters and contain multiple words, they become unreadable. For example, #thisisprobablywaytoolong. Also, according to Twitter’s official blog, you probably want to limit yourself to no more than two hashtags per post. You want to look trendy, not desperate for attention.

Feel ready to hashtag now? Then get on your social media accounts and #GoForIt!

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

April 2015

It’s Time to Get

After a lifetime of being told not to fidget, that it’s a bad habit or point of distraction, studies have found that indulging in distraction can improve productivity. Fidgeting has been undergoing an image overall as new scientific research finds that embracing the fidget can inspire both creativity and enhance problem solving skills in both adults and children.

We all hit walls at work that throw us off-track or out of focus, whether we’re bored, stuck on a problem or have had too many cups of coffee. Recently, researchers at the New York University’s Polytechnic School of Engineering studying “embodied cognition,” a relatively new field of research that charts the paths between physical actions and cognitive functions—

CELEBRATING

one’s ability to process thoughts—and have found that the use of “fidget widgets” can enhance focus, creativity and relieve anxiety.

Drawing doodles, for example, engages a variety of neurological reactions, enhancing imaginative thinking and problem solving.

“Fidget widgets” are small toys or other inanimate objects that one can manipulate to create a sensory or stress relieving action.

Some of the most popular are reshapeable objects, like rubber bands or stress balls, which stimulate the mind so it can focus on greater tasks; desk toys and puzzles, which engage the brain and serve as healthy distraction and stress reliever during down time; and smooth objects that can help bring you back to focus by offering mini mediation.

Rau Financial Group was established with the simple idea of helping people pursue their financial dreams. The group has steadily grown over the past 10 years and now includes three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS and three LPL Financial Advisors. Together we offer our clients over 100 years of combined experience in the investment field. Three years ago, we moved into our new larger office on Ryan Street to better serve our clients.

As we celebrate this 10th anniversary milestone, we sincerely thank our clients for the trust they have placed in us, and we remain fully invested in helping every client pursue their financial goals.

YEARS OF GROWTH

Give us a call to learn more about our services:

(337) 480-3835 • www.raufinancialgroup.com

1634 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA

Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC *Securities and Financial Planning offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

April 2015

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37

Money & Career All you need to know to stay in the know!

Community Leaders Participate in “Leaders Against Litter Event”

Jury. Country music star Brad Brinkley makes a cameo appearance as he sings a tale of wasteful woe when scraps and junk are left to lie around littering the green spaces in Calcasieu Parish. You can watch Brad Brinkley and the rest of the antilitter gang’s “Angry and Bitter” video on YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms. It can also be viewed on the Police Jury website at www. cppj.net/creativelitter.

Area Students & Parents Get Help with College Preparation

Lake Area Medical Center Recognized for Quality, Cost-Effective Bariatric Surgery In an effort to educate and involve community leaders in the fight against litter in Louisiana, Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) and twenty-three affiliates including Team Green SWLA participated in a statewide litter-a-thon on March 13. Forty-five bags and an estimated 1,000 pounds of trash were collected by 83 community leaders at the second annual “Leaders Against Litter” event, hosted by Keep Greater Lake Charles Beautiful/Team Green SWLA. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, Mayor Randy Roach, Councilman Stuart Weatherford, Councilman Mark Eckard, Police Juror Tony Guillory, Police Juror Hal McMillin, Clerk of Court Lynn Jones, former Mayor and Senator Willie Mount, Lake Charles businessman and former Downtown Development Authority Chairman Rick Richard and many other local leaders collectively signed a Leaders Against Litter pledge confirming their commitment to SPEAK UP and spread the word that litter is not acceptable, to PICK UP litter whenever they see it, and to STAND UP and lead the way for a litter-free Louisiana.

The pledge board is now a traveling display appearing at different locations in which other leaders and citizens can sign the pledge, engaging even more individuals and extending the impact of Leaders Against Litter.

Project Fit Moves to New Location

Project Fit has moved to 3814 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. Allie Ieyoub Davis founded project Fit in 2006. Project Fit is a complete personal training studio that offers private and semi-private personal training, small group training, group classes, boot camps and memberships. For more information about Project Fit, call (337) 274-7988, or visit www. projectfit.net.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has recognized Lake Area Medical Center as one of the first healthcare facilities in the nation to receive a Blue Distinction® Center+ designation in the area of bariatric surgery by the Blue Distinction® Centers for Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction® Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver quality specialty care based on objective measures, which were developed with input from the medical community, for patient safety and better health outcomes.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

Black Heritage Festival Honored as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’ Captain Sedgwick Hines, a financial aid coach and author of several books including The Scholarship Workbook was the guest speaker.

Currently, Hines is a professional airline pilot for United Airlines. For more information, visit www. phillips66.com.

The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has honored Black Heritage Festival as a Top 20 Event for the first quarter of 2015. Held March 13-15, the festival brings together the cultures of Africa and Southwest Louisiana, and brings out the best in our community. Celebrating diversity, culture and education, the festival is filled with legendary Zydeco, Blues and Gospel performers as well as The Market Place, featuring African art, clothing and more. For more information, visit www. visitlakecharles.org.

Iowa Rabbit Festival Honored as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’

The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has honored the Iowa Rabbit Festival as a 2015 Top 20 Event for the month of March. Celebrating the economic and culinary impact rabbits have in Southwest Louisiana; the annual Iowa Rabbit Festival is a oneof-a-kind event. All proceeds from the festival go to

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Teams Up with Country Singer Brad Brinkley

Kids in Calcasieu Parish are “Angry and Bitter” about litter and that’s evident in a new anti-litter music video just released by the Calcasieu Parish Police 38 www.thriveswla.com

The Phillips 66 Black Employee Network in partnership with the Black Heritage Festival held its 9th Annual Scholarship Seminar and College Fair on March 14 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Students and parents learned about graduation requirements, when and how to apply for scholarships and were able to visit with colleges and vocational-technical schools - all under one roof.

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April 2015

support the community of Iowa and various other youth organizations, schools and not for profit groups. Don’t miss this hare-raising good time March 20-21. For more information, visit www.visitlakecharles.org.

Westlake Diagnostic Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Opens

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has announced the opening of its Westlake Diagnostic Center, located at 2345 Sampson Street, Suite B, next to the Family Care Center of Southwest Louisiana. The Westlake Diagnostic Center of WCCH offers outpatient-imaging services including high definition CT scans, ultrasound, digital X-ray, echocardiograms, in addition to laboratory services such as lab draws. For more information, call (337) 433-1395.

Dr. Tyson Green’s Presents Research at National Foot & Ankle Conference

Dr. Tyson Green, foot and ankle specialist with the Center for Orthopaedics, an affiliate of Imperial Health, presented the results of a crushed foot Dr. Tyson Green case study at the recent American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ACFAS) conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference is the largest educational meeting for foot and ankle surgeons in the U.S. and was attended by over 1400 specialists from around the world.

The case study Dr. Green presented evaluated the benefit of using fluorescent microangiography in the assessment and surgical planning in a crush injury. Microangiography is radiography of the minute blood vessels obtained by injection of a contrast medium and enlargement of the resulting radiograph in order to map the viable tissue. Dr. Green concluded that fluorescent microangiography offers several beneficial uses in the wound care and trauma setting as demonstrated by his surgical case results.

Dr. Green serves as the Medical Director of the new CHRISTUS St. Patrick Wound Center and Program Director for the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency Program.

He is also a Team Physician for McNeese State University. Dr. Green is board certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He serves on the board of the Louisiana Podiatric Medicine Association, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

April 2015

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39

Home & Family

by Adam Gianforcaro

Becoming a parent is a meaningful and rewarding experience. There are many positives to parenthood, but with it can come a handful of challenges. You’ll want to discuss these with your significant other before pregnancy, if possible. If you are considering or are already on your way to becoming a parent, be sure to talk about how having child will change your everyday lives, and use the tips below to form a solid foundation before the baby arrives.

Strengthen your relationship. Having a baby can be trying at times, but a strong relationship with your partner can help. If your relationship is unstable, having a child may not be the best decision for this time in your life. Smooth out the kinks. Talk about the difficult topics you may be holding back before embarking on this journey. Find support in each 40 www.thriveswla.com

other through the difficult times, so you can enjoy the beauty of pregnancy and birth together.

Talk to friends who have kids. Get a sense of what it’s like to care for an infant at different times of day and night, and what it entails to be a parent for all the other years to come.

Clarify your insurance coverage.

Insurance plans may cover many of the costs of your hospital stay while you are in labor, but all plans and their coverage options are different. Call your health plan’s customer service line and ask what is and what isn’t covered. Also, be sure to ask about prenatal and postpartum coverage.

Budget accordingly. Children are expensive. The price of diapers alone is eye opening. Have a baby shower and share your Thrive Magazine for Better Living

registry with family and friends. Many times, they’re happy to help you prepare for a new baby, and it can help ease some of the immediate expenses.

Know your employee rights. According to the State of Louisiana, “[a] non-FMLA female employee is eligible for up to six (6) weeks of job-protected maternity leave,” and an “FMLA qualifying female employee is eligible for up to twelve (12) weeks of job-protected maternity leave.” On the other hand, men in Louisiana are not eligible for time off for a child’s birth, but they may be eligible for FMLA. Talk to each of your employer’s human resources representative to see what your options are, and whether your leave is paid or unpaid. If you have any questions about the laws around maternity leave, you can call the Louisiana Office of Human Resources.

April 2015

Choose a responsible caregiver, if needed. If both parents are required to work after the legal amount of leave—and depending on which shifts each parent works—you may need choose a caregiver. Ask a trusted family member or friend, or visit different day care facilities to choose the right one for your child. Talk to other parents in your area and read reviews online to find a clean, safe and stimulating environment where your child can play and learn. You can visit the Department of Education website to review licensed day cares in your parish. The DOE also makes all day care inspections available to the public online.

Being a parent is truly incredible, but it’s not for everyone. Having a child is a life-changing event.

Consider the changes and sacrifices you will need to

make with a child in your life. If you think you’re ready, be sure to have a strong support system during and after pregnancy. No matter which path of life you choose and whether to have children or not, may you and your family’s life be full of healthy outcomes and memorable moments.

To help with your financial planning, BabyCenter has a free online calculator to help give you an estimate of what your first year will look like financially.

Visit www.babycenter.com/baby-cost-calculator to see the amount you can expect to spend on your baby’s first year.

Growing Up Is Hard To Do.

Changes in body and personality are just a few of the challenges pre-teens and teenagers face. Our adolescent classes were designed to address the different needs of both boys and girls during this time.

Between Us Girls JUST FOR GUYS This special class is structured for young girls of two different age groups, 9 – 11 and 12 – 15, and their mothers.

Each age group will be presented with information regarding their particular stage of growth. Mothers or guardians will also be provided with information and advice concerning their daughter’s stages of development, as well as common areas of concern.

Between Us Girls covers:

Saturday, May 9

• Body Changes

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

• Healthy Body Image

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

• Nutrition

Cafeteria Conference Room

• And More!

Cost is $20.

This class is designed for guys ages 11 – 15. It will provide them with the information they need to understand and deal with developmental changes, and tools for making choices to live a healthy, productive and responsible life.

Just for Guys covers:

Wednesday, May 13

• Reproductive System

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Healthy Relationships

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

• Pregnancy & Abstinence

Cafeteria Conference Room

• And More!

Cost is $20.

We have separate classes designed for girls 9 – 11 as well as girls 12 – 15. Mothers or guardians are encouraged to attend.

Class size for each class is limited.

Deadline to register is May 4.

Reserve your place today by calling 527-4361.

April 2015

701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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41

Home & Family

Large Families vs.

Only Children

Is one better than the other?

Parents of only children are sometimes accused of raising self-focused, lonely children who are deprived of the joys of sibling rivalry. On the other hand, large families are sometimes considered a chaotic mix of siblings vying for their parents’ attention and never quite getting enough of it. So what gives? Is it better to be an only child or have a hoard of siblings?

You can find research that supports either option.

Researchers with the University of Ohio found that children with many siblings were at lower risk for divorce. According to their study of 60,000 adults, for every sibling someone had, their odds of divorce dropped by 2 percent. Adults with seven or more siblings tended to have the most stable marriages. Researchers say this could be because adults in big families learn how to trust and compromise—traits that come in handy during the rough waters of marriage (or any significant relationship, for that matter).

The sociologists also claimed that those from big families were more sociable as young children, although that can be debated, since other research has claimed that there isn’t much difference in the sociability scale. A survey by Ohio State found that only children tended to have just as many friends as their peers with siblings.

Researchers with the University of Texas claim that being an only child often strengthens character. Studies also show that only children perform better in school and academically in general—presumably because they have more direct, one-onone support from their parents.

In the end, it could be argued that the question isn’t how big a family has to be to create good character—it’s the dynamic of the family itself, whether that family has two people or twenty.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

The Co$t of Raising Kids Today

A quarter of a million dollars. According to recent estimates, that’s how much it costs to raise a child born in 2013. And no, that doesn’t include college.

This figure—$245,000, to be more specific— was recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s a 2 percent bump from the year before.

As that number swirls in your head, here are a few things to consider: • Obviously, this is an average. How much you’ll spend on your tyke depends on where you live and how much money you have. If you’re a middle-class family in an expensive area, such as the Northeast or west coast, you’ll probably spend more than a quarter-million. But if you live in more affordable area, like the South, it could be less.

• This number reflects the average costs of food, transportation, housing, clothing, education, health care and child care. The estimates assume the child is being raised to age 18, although few children become completely independent by then.

• The number doesn’t include college costs, which are increasingly more substantial.

• Child care is one of the biggest weights to this price tag. Child Care Aware of America found that center-based care for one child often costs parents more than their rent.

April 2015

April 2015

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43

Home & Family

and Religion

illennials, also known as Generation Y, are the youth of today. Born between 1980 and 2000, they are defined as narcissistic and lazy, but also described as open-minded, educated and selfexpressive. Research also shows that they’re turning away from religion at greater rates than previous generations. According to the Pew Research Center, 86 percent of Millenials said they believe in God, compared to 93 percent of Generation Xers. Twentynine percent are not affiliated with any religion.

Those are the highest numbers that have been recorded for any generation in the last quartercentury.

But doubt is not the same as disbelief, according to Christian author and speaker Andrea Palpant Dilley.

“Doubt is found in Scripture and in the lives of the great saints. Look at Job, Mother Teresa, and C.S. Lewis. They all experienced some form of doubt, even atheism,” Dilley says. “A lot of young people carry a compartmentalized faith, and a compartmentalized faith is very easy to lose.

If doubters or seekers are taught about faith in overly individualistic terms, they will feel the crushing responsibility of sustaining faith all by themselves.

They need to remember that they’re not alone. They live in community, they struggle in community, and their questions emerge in community with other doubters who also have asked the same questions.”

What are those of faith doing to prevent Millennials from abandoning their faith? For starters, churches are trying to appeal to the younger crowd.

One way leaders have tackled this issue is by making churches feel less like church. Research conducted by

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Barna Group and Cornerstone Knowledge Network in 2014 sought out what millennials liked and didn’t like about churches. One way they acquired research was by use of photographs—participants were asked to choose what appealed to them most out of four images. The results allowed for construction of new churches or remodels of old churches to be revamped with Millennial favorites.

Besides architectural changes, churches have also undergone internal transformations. Erwin McManus, leader and founder of MOSAIC church in California, incorporated contemporary music, dancing, and lighting to his services. MOSAIC was named one of the most influential churches in America in 2007.

But according to some, that’s not what millennials need. Thom Rainer, co-author of The Millennials and president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, has said that millennials aren’t seeking architectural masterpieces or hip, trendy churches. Instead, they want quality, authenticity

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Felicite Toney

and music with rich content.

When trying to appeal to the younger crowd, it’s important to keep in mind that eventually they will grow up and that the elements that brought them to church may not be what makes them stay, according to Dilley.

“I understand the instinct to get trendy for the sake of attracting seekers. Churches are trying to survive. However, trendiness can be very dangerous.

Young people, in particular, come in and out of fads, which means they might outgrow the very fads that a church adopts,” Dilley says.

She believes that young people will leave but they’ll come back once they tire of secularism.

When they return, they’ll be grateful for what Dilley describes as “ the rich, deeply-rooted traditions of the church.”

“Ministering to doubters is very difficult. I know, because I was one of them,” she says. “There’s no silver bullet.”

April 2015

April 2015

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45

Home & Family

5 Tips to Encourage in Children

To survive in a busy world, children must learn how to create an atmosphere of mindfulness.

They need the ability to step back, take a deep breath, and develop a greater understanding of the world around them. With so much stimuli coming from all directions—Internet, television, peers, grown-ups, movies, video games—it’s important to cultivate the skill of peaceful coping.

Monisha Vasa, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, author of My Dearest One, and regular contributor to the Huffington Post, provides these tips to encourage mindfulness in children.

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Allow for plenty of unscheduled down time.

Kids may complain of getting bored, or you may see them get restless. It is important for children to become aware of these emotional states and see them through on their own.

• Refrain from stepping in

with solutions or ideas. This process helps them to learn that they can sit with all sorts of emotions, and that emotional states come and go. Often periods of intense creativity arise from boredom and quiet.

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Model mindfulness. Make time for your own mindfulness practice. Whether you have a formal sitting practice or try to implement conscious awareness throughout your day, make it a priority. Try to minimize multitasking, and similarly encourage your kids to do the same. Kids will do what they see us do, more than listen to what we say.

• Use your practice as a spring

board to discuss setting intentions, or cultivating gratitude for the small and big blessings of our lives: “I am grateful for the fact that we are all able to sit down together for dinner today.”

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Ask lots of questions. Ask questions that encourage children to connect to their senses. “What does the air after today’s storm smell like to you?” or, “What do you see in the clouds today?” Using our senses or awareness of our breathing is a way to connect immediately to the present moment.

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We can also ask our kids questions to consider other people’s feelings, or their impact on others. For example, “There was a new boy in class today? What do you think that was like for him?”

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Manage your expectations.

Kids may not always be in the mood to discuss big picture ideas like gratitude and compassion. Use kid friendly language and consider bringing up such topics in casual passing, or at night before bed when they are relaxed. Some kids may even be open to short meditation practices, like focusing on breath or the flame of a candle. Some kids may not be. It is okay to be brief, or to let it go if they are not receptive. We are just planting seeds. Even the introduction of mindfulness to their developing minds can be helpful.

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Discover opportunities for compassion.

Mindfulness ultimately is one tool to recognize our interdependence, and find ways to relate to one another with an open heart.

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Discover opportunities for kindness and compassion within your family, and in the larger community. This could mean involving children in a simple service project, or making it a point to use positive, kind language with those we come across.

April 2015

by Robin Barton

Graduation season is upon us, and before graduates step boldly into a future full of possibilities, they first have to deal with graduation ceremonies, parties, family gatherings and gifts. With all the celebrations surrounding this special milestone come confusion about the etiquette rules that should be followed. From whom should get an invitation to appropriate gifts, Sara Smith, local etiquette expert and owner of the PaperSmith, offers advice for making sure everyone involved receives top honors for manners and social graces.

Invitations and Announcements

Some schools limit the number of invitations each graduate receives. If this is the case for you, Smith says it’s best to save those for immediate family members and grandparents. Announcements should be sent to friends and family after the ceremony has taken place.

Ceremony Attire for the Graduate

Follow your school’s dress code is the first rule. Within those guidelines, you may have some leeway. Spring graduation ceremonies are held out doors for some schools, or in a stuffy gymnasium for others, so Smith advises lightweight, comfortable fabrics. Ladies should wear something easy but elegant, like a dress or skirt and blouse. If the gown is a light color, like white or yellow, then the garments underneath the gown should be light in color as well. Gentlemen graduates should wear a neatly pressed button-down shirt white or pale blue in color, and even if a tie isn’t required, it looks must nicer underneath the gown. Also, pressed casual khaki pants are acceptable for the guys. And, of course, the most visible piece of the ensemble other than the gown, are the shoes. Ladies should wear a moderately dressy shoe, flats or pumps are fine. Guys should wear loafers or dress shoes. The ceremony is no place for flip-flops or tennis shoes. “Nor is graduation the time for messages made of masking tape or glitter on top of your graduation cap – regardless of what your friends tell you,” says Smith. “This is a serious, proud moment for you and your family.”

apartment). “If you are the recipient of a graduation gift, a hand-written note is expected and appreciated, -- sooner, rather than later,” Smith stresses. “Plan ahead and stock up on thank-you cards and stamps so you can take care of this task as you receive each gift.”

Graduation Parties

Party invitations should be sent 4-6 weeks prior to the party. Invitations should state what the party is going to involve (location, food, time, etc.) so your guest can prepare accordingly. Even though the party is focused on the graduate and they should socialize with their friends, Smith says it is important for the graduate to understand they also have a role as a host and should spend quality time with relatives and out-of-town guests, being sure to thank everyone for attending.

Divorced Parents and Stepfamilies

“This day is about the graduate. It’s one of the biggest milestones in their life and it should be a joyous occasion for and about them,” says Smith.

“Divorced parents and stepparents should agree to leave any issues or resentment behind for this day and focus on honoring the graduate together.” If all else fails and tensions are running too high, Smith says you may need to consider having separate events. The last thing you want is for the graduate to worry more about where their parents and stepparents are going to sit and whether they are going to make a scene, than on celebrating and enjoying their special day.

Gift Giving and Gift Receiving

If you receive a graduation invitation or announcement, or invitation to a party, it is appropriate to give a gift, but certainly not required, says Smith. “However, an acknowledgement of the accomplishment and occasion is always appreciated.” She says cash is a typical gift for a graduate, but if you’d rather give a small gift, think of something that will be useful to a graduate in the next stage of their life (college, first job or first April 2015

For more information about etiquette dos and don’ts, or the PaperSmith, visit www.mypapersmith.com.

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Home & Family

The Best Reading Lesson is

by Eileen Wacker

Whoever said kids love to read is not a parent or was a parent a long, long time ago, like when there weren’t smartphones. Up until my kids were in first grade, a trip to Barnes and Noble to pick out a special book was a treat. Once the reading journals hit the scene, my kids became less excited.

One of my kids would actually pretend to read, going through the motions of opening the book, but not reading. He also pretended he was washing his hands or brushing his teeth, even turning on the water, but alas, no minty breath or soap smell. Why the charade?

It’s been drummed into our educated heads: Good readers are good learners. A child first learns to read, then this child has to read to learn in their other subjects. Reading is really the fundamental building block of education. So when my first grader was not a fluid reader, I panicked and hit the tutor button.

He needed the fundamentals and he was behind! I lost countless hours of sleep, tossing and turning and wondering why my kids were not passionate readers.

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Other parents around me got on soapboxes about reading trends and their excellent mom practices at home, which produced an imaginary army of reading robots. Then within my mom group, the truth crept out. We were all struggling with our children’s reading levels at home and felt pressure to push the chapter books by first grade.

I think we’ve taken the fun out of reading.

There, I said it. There are standards. There are levels. There are reading charts with stars for

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overachieving and early readers. And worried parents are wringing their hands as they compare and contrast their child to others, and to their own expectations.

Let’s not push our children to peak before second grade in some narrowly defined area that contains a ladder. Ladders have only one way up.

There are a lot of myths out there about kids and reading – but we’re perpetuating them and turning them into yet another obligation. So I’m going to make a bold statement: Let the kids read what they want, how they want to read it. That’s right, ereaders are our friends. When we make new friends, we don’t throw our old friends away (well, not usually). We can keep our print book friends but add ebooks as new friends, or animated books or audio books. We can even view educational apps as good. The kids are on the devices anyway. And they can read the same book 80 times, even if every page has a picture of something fluffy and furry on it.

My sister is the assistant principal at an inner-city kindergarten center. The school census puts the families in her district at April 2015

over 85 percent poverty and low income. They have over 20 families living in hotels and homeless shelters. There are 270 kindergarteners there. Lots of little minds. I asked for her opinion about reading and literacy. She gave me some great quotes.

• Children who are exposed to literacy early and often become better readers and writers. Literacy isn’t just reading. It includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• The children’s oral language development is negatively impacted when the adults don’t talk with them, ask them questions, and interact with them.

• Children in kindergarten are not expected to be fluent readers. They are just starting to put sounds and words together.

A light went on! It expanded my point of view on reading. Literacy is more than pounding on the number of books my child reads. It’s the interaction.

I took a lesson from this. I went home and said to my youngest, “If you can read the directions on that brownie box, I’ll bake them with you right now, and, we can eat one before dinner.” I approached another one of my children who was dragging himself through a school reading assignment.

Normally, I would ask what the book was about, main characters, etc. This time I said, “After you finish that page, tell me your favorite word on the page.” He asked,

“Why?” I said, “I don’t know. I’m just interested.” He told me his favorite word was ‘sizzle’. I said “oh” and walked away. He kept coming out and telling me his favorite words from each page. It was fun. I hope it lasts.

I think multi-media is a great new opportunity for more reading, but as parents, we are challenged to make it interactive – not the child interacting with the device but us involved in the process. I’ve started to challenge the kids to read as many pages as me on the Kindle.

I read my book and they read theirs.

Many studies have proven that children’s oral language development is negatively impacted when the adults don’t talk with them,

ask them questions, and interact with them. So I’ve put down my general’s cap and I’m trying to savor the moments interacting with them while they still let me.

Eileen Wacker, a Harvard Business School graduate, is the author of the Fujimini Adventure Series for children and the upcoming book for women, The Mom’s Code. For more information, please visit: www.oncekids.com

Chennault International Airshow supports Sowela and Calcasieu Parish Schools with $5,000 donation

The contributions from the Airshow will aid in expanding the region’s engagement in the STEM disciplines — science, technology, engineering, and matematics — which will play a critical role in the next generation of the area’s workforce.

The Chennault International Airshow will take place on Oct. 24-25, 2015, at Chennault International Airport. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds jet demonstration team will headline the event. Other performers include the Golden Knights, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Pemberton Aerosports, the Shockwave Jet Truck, Skip Stewart’s high-flying aerobatic symphony and many others. For more information on the Airshow, visit www.chennaultairshow.com.

Sowela: Chennault International Airshow donated $2,500 to Sowela Technical Community College, part of a $5,000 contribution to education.

Left to right: Troy Fontenot, Sowela aviation program coordinator; Mary Jo Bayles, airshow director; Randy Robb, airshow board president; Neil Aspinwall, Sowela chancellor; Larry Rewerts, airshow board member.

April 2015

CPSB: Chennault International Airshow donated $2,500 to the Calcasieu Parish School Board, part of a $5,000 contribution to education.

Left to right: Larry Rewerts, airshow board member; Mary Jo Bayles, airshow director; Karl Bruchhaus, superintendent of schools; Randy Robb, airshow board president.

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Style & Beauty

Achieving Facial Harmony

An Art or a Science?

Reducing wrinkles, fine lines and facial folds were good goals ten years ago; however, today you should be expecting more from injectables.

You should be getting balance, proportion and symmetry according to Dr. Christopher Hubbell, board certified dermatologist, dermasurgeon and medical director of a Jeuné and Acadiana Dermatology.

“Whether you are seeking to restore a youthful look, correct a facial imperfection or want to get a head start on delaying the aging process, today’s innovative combination therapies, such as dermal fillers used in conjunction with BOTOX can significantly enhance your appearance,” says Dr. Hubbell. “However, it’s not just the product, but in knowing how it is used, the technique and philosophy of its use.”

The key to achieving facial harmony is directly attributable to your provider’s advanced medical knowledge, years of experience and continued advanced training in crafting natural-looking facial enhancements and his/her artistic ability to sculpt according to your unique anatomy.

To get the best results at optimal value, Dr. Hubbell offers these some questions to consider:

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What level of knowledge should your provider have about the structure and surface of the face?

The face has a complex skin and substructure. An advanced understanding of the underlying architecture supporting the structure of the face, facial bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and fat pads, which are responsible for a full and youthful look, is necessary to know where and how to inject dermal fillers and BOTOX. Strategic injections produce safe, effective results while minimizing adverse outcomes.

What kind of experience, advanced expertise and continuing education is necessary?

Only years of experience with different products and the subtleties of facial anatomy can guarantee you a natural-looking result. Attending

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April 2015

training seminars with the world’s leading experts to learn the most advanced and innovative techniques and products is a must. A mastery level of expertise is needed to contour, lift, and smooth the upper, middle, and lower face.

Is facial harmony an art or science?

It’s both. The ability to take the science and transform it into art is what separates an injector from an artist who can lift, contour, smooth and sculpt the best version of you.

“Combination therapies typically yield the best and most natural results, but require an in-depth knowledge and experience of the skin and facial anatomy and of the many tools available for treatment,” adds Dr. Hubbell. “An experienced, board certified and aesthetically active dermatologist is my recommendation for the greatest safety, the most advanced non-surgical techniques and the best results.”

Dr. Christopher Hubbell is a board certified dermatologist and dermasurgeon and the founder and medical director of a Jeuné and Acadiana Dermatology.

The ponytail is a timeless favorite for women who don’t want to be bothered with too much high-maintenance hair pampering. But what if you want to be low-maintenance and stylish at the same time?

What if you want to rock your ponytail?

Here are some tips.

• Instead of simply tying your hair back at the nape of your neck, try wearing your ponytail loose and low—maybe even to the side—and pair your hair with a hat or accessory.

• For a fuller look, tease the hair on top of your head and at the crown before pulling your long locks back.

• If you want a sleek and simple look, forget teasing or accessories. Instead, pull your hair back as you please and focus more on your makeup. A slicked-back ponytail puts your face on display. So play it up!

April 2015

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Style & Beauty

The Best Way to Wear

by Emily Alford

If recent fashion weeks in Paris, London, and New York were any indication, boring black and earth tones might not be on trend for much longer. Runways have been more colorful lately, and more playful fashions, including bold stripes and aggressive colors like orange and red will probably be rolling out to retail stores over the next couple of months.

Many women shrink from loud colors or a pop of pattern for fear of making mistakes, but a wardrobe full of oatmeal colored basics is no way to go through life. Bright colors can look just as polished as dull ones with a little know how from the experts.

It can be hard to immediately move from more sedate, winter colors to bright spring hues because most of us are still pretty pale from being trapped indoors for months. According to beauty insider blog, The Gloss, the best way to begin incorporating bright colors into your wardrobe in the late winter through the early spring is to start small, think a bright jacket with jeans and a white tee shirt or a hot pink handbag to compliment a more sedate business look.

And when you’re feeling brave enough to take your color game to the next level, you can always consult Pantone for your wardrobe the same way you consult the color gurus for house paint. Pantone makes a seasonal color

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palette, and the colors for spring 2015 are a Disney princess lover’s dream, featuring classic blue, custard, and Lucite green. The best thing about having a ready-made color palette is that the colors were intended to be mixed and matched. Why not pair a swingy glacier grey spring dress with a kicky pair of tangerine shoes or dare to carry a custard-colored clutch with an aquamarine top?

When we were younger, our well-meaning Mee Maws taught us that clothes had to “match,” that is to say belong to the same color family, or better yet, exist as part of a set. But the best way to playfully expand your color wardrobe is to (respectfully) throw Mee Maw’s advice out the window. Wear colors that complement one another and make you feel good about yourself.

You might not “match,” but you’ll definitely have more fun!

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April 2015

by Emily Alford

Super model Cara Delevingne’s gorgeous, bold eyebrows have made some of us rethink our relationship with tweezers. But it can be intimidating to step back from the wax strips and just let our eyebrows grow wild. So if you’re looking for a few ways to make your eyebrows more modern without going full on bushy, here are a few pointers.

According to Adrienne Bodin, an aesthetician with Signatures Salon, one of the biggest mistakes women make is tweezing arches too high, giving that constantly surprised look. “Tweeze your arches to clean up errant hairs, but otherwise, let them be.

And never try to shorten the outer corners of your brows. They’ll look like tadpoles!”

scissors. But be careful just to trim hair no shorter than the top of the natural brow line,” warns Bodin. Too short and brows will look thinner and patchy.

Once you’ve got big, bold, and natural brows, show them off! “A sweep of a pinkish highlighter stick just along the arch will make your new brows stand out,” adds Bodin.

So is it worth the hassle? Most beauty experts think so. Fuller brows with natural arches can actually make your cheekbones look higher and your face look younger.

For more information, contact Signatures Salon by calling (337) 478-4433 or visit www.signaturessalon.biz.

If you’ve been sporting pencil thin brows for ages, you’re going to have to let them grow out for at least three months before you can determine your natural shape, but it’s worth it when you’ve got your whole, natural brow to work with.

If you’ve got scars or just places where your eyebrows no longer grow, Bodin suggests taking a thin brow pencil that matches your brow color (go lighter if you have to, never darker) and fill in the sparse areas. “Use a sharp pencil in short, quick strokes that mimic the look of natural hairs.”

To get movie star perfect brows, you’re going to need a spoolie brush, according to Bodin. “A spoolie is just a clean mascara brush; you can buy them in bulk or just grab a handful next time you’re at the sample counter. After you’ve filled in brow gaps, brush brows straight up to blend the pencil and make brows look fuller.”

“If your brows are long when you brush them upward, trim the tips with angled brow

April 2015

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53

Mind & Body

Sorting through

Spring Allergy Myths

Spring is in the air, and that means 93 million seasonal allergy sufferers in the U.S. will be sneezing, itching and wheezing their way through the next several weeks.

Even with all of the information available on seasonal allergies and treatment options, many people are still confused about allergy suffering and relief. “Patients frequently blame the cause of their symptoms on the wrong thing, which often leads to the wrong treatment,” says ENT and allergy specialist Dr. Brad LeBert, with the ENT & Allergy Clinic in Lake Charles. “It’s important for patients suffering from allergies to find out exactly what is triggering their symptoms in order get the right treatment. It’s easy to be misled by myths and misinformation, but knowing the difference between allergy facts and fiction can mean the difference between misery and relief from spring allergy symptoms.”

Dr. LeBert addresses some of the most common spring allergy myths to help eliminate confusion: MYTH: Pollinating flowers are a leading allergy irritant.

FACT: It’s probably not blooming flowers that are causing your runny nose and itchy eyes. Allergies are primarily caused by wind-pollinated plant, and flowers are generally pollinated by insects. Tree pollen is spread through the air, where is can be breathed in by humans and cause those allergic reactions. Dr. LeBert says this myth likely originated because flowers have pollen that is highly visible, but that pollen does not become airborne and there are not high concentrations of it in the air, like the pollens from trees, grasses and ragweed.

MYTH: Eat the local honey and you won’t get seasonal allergies.

FACT: This idea makes sense. Honey is made by bees and bees are carriers of pollen, so bits of pollen may get into the honey. Eat the local honey and you may build up a tolerance to those allergens, as a whole. But experts say this is wishful thinking. Honeybees pollinate larger flowers which produce large sticky grains of pollen that adhere to the bee. Large sticky grains of pollen don’t get in the air we breathe, so they don’t cause allergies (see response to the first myth above). So even if local honey had enough pollen in it to desensitize your allergies, it would be the wrong kind of pollen.

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Dr. LeBert says clinical trials have found no effect of unpasteurized locally made honey on allergies.

MYTH: Over-the-counter (OTC, or non-prescription) oral antihistamines are just as effective as prescription medicines in controlling a stuffy nose.

FACT: OTC antihistamines can help control some allergy symptoms, but they have little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or the inflammation that often occurs with allergies. They also can cause drowsiness. Allergy specialists can prescribe more effective anti-inflammatory medications as well as identify the trigger, rather than just treat the symptoms.

MYTH: OTC decongestant nasal sprays are addictive.

FACT: OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not technically addictive. However, Dr. LeBert says people who overuse them may think they are because they need more and more to get relief from the congestion.There is also a phenomenom called rebound congestion. This is due to the fact that most over-the-counter nasal sprays work by causing blood vessels to constrict or close. This in turn leads to decreasing congestion because it causes the lining, or mucosa, of the nose to shrink when the blood vessels decrease their size. The problem comes when the blood vessels open once again and all of the toxins that have built up in the tissue are released back into the nose; causing greater congestion then before. This in turn, leads to reaching for the nose spray to get breathing relief again. To combat this, OTC decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used more than three days in a row. Also, an allergist can prescribe a nasal spray containing a steroid, which may be more effective.

MYTH: A blood test is the best way to diagnose allergies.

FACT: Actually, skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests. In skin allergy testing , the skin on the inside of the arms or the back is pricked with a tiny bit of an allergen. If the person is allergic, the site will become red and swollen within 20 minutes and usually clear in an hour or two. This tells us how the body actually responds to a given allergen.

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by Kristy Armand

MYTH: Only take medication when showing symptoms of an allergy attack.

FACT: Most allergy medications work best if they are already in the person’s system or immediately after exposure, even if the person has shown no allergic symptoms. Allergy management is more about long-term control for the truly allergic patient. Often by the time the patient is showing symptoms, the allergy pathway is already in full swing and most allergy medications will not be as effective.

MYTH: Allergy shots require too much time and are more expensive than taking medicine to relieve symptoms.

FACT: Depending on how irritating the allergies are, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may actually save money and improve quality of life. In fact, a recent study found that immunotherapy reduced total health care costs in children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by one-third, and prescription costs by 16 percent. The shots are similar to a vaccine, exposing the recipient to a tiny bit of allergen at a time, to build up a tolerance to it.

As tolerance increases, allergy symptoms will be significantly lessened and may even go away. That can save sick days and money spent on medications over time, and are likely the only chance for a “cure” from allergies.

MYTH: Allergy shots only work in children.

FACT: Allergy shots can offer relief at any time.

The shots contain just enough of an allergen to stimulate the immune system, but not enough to cause an allergic

April 2015

reaction. The peak incidence of allergies is actually in the early to mid-thirties, but can continue throughout the patient’s life span.

MYTH: If you didn’t have allergies as a child, you’re in the clear as an adult.

FACT: Even if you’ve lived an allergy-free life, you can develop allergic reactions in adulthood.

New exposures may trigger allergic reactions to allergens. Sensitivity to allergens can also change with time, which might provoke more or less of an allergic reaction in the body.

“The bottom line is that no one should feel they must just suffer from spring allergies,” says Dr. LeBert. “Knowing the facts, getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment will enable anyone with allergies to to see symptom improvement and feel like they get their life back from this very life- altering problem.”

THE INSTITUTE FOR NEUROPSYCHIATRY Welcomes Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner The physicians and staff of the Institute for Neuropsychiatry are proud to welcome Paula Kline, APRNPMH, PMHNP-BC, to our clinical staff.

Originally from Lake Charles, La, Paula has more than 25 years of experience in the mental healthcare field.

Her credentials include: • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University • Master of Science in Nursing, APRN-PMH from the University of Alabama (Mobile) • ANCC Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner • Has advanced certification in psycho-pharmacology • Circuit speaker for mental health issues including PTSD for soldiers and their families and bullying

Paula specializes in children and adolescents and is now accepting new patients.

Call 477-7091 for an appointment or to make a referral.

For more information about allergy testing and treatment, call the ENT & Allergy Clinic at 312-8564.

Information is also available at www.entandallergyclinic.net.

2829 4th Avenue #150, Lake Charles

April 2015

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Mind & Body

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April 2015

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Mind & Body

Women: 5 Ways to Work-out Your Arms Do you have a little pinch of flab that dangles from your arms—also known as the “jiggle”? Or maybe you don’t have any extra flab and you just think your arms look underworked and limp, and you want to get some bump.

Perhaps neither is the case and you just need to know a good arm workout to bring your fitness to another level.

Whatever the reason, the arms deserve a workout.

Here are some tips to get you started: BICEP CURLS. Want to slim your arms? Focus on those biceps. It’s simple: Get some small weights, straighten your back, and hold the weights at your sides with your palms facing forward. Then curl each hand to your shoulder. If you’re a beginner, start with five-pound weights and work your way up.

HAMMER CURLS. This is very similar to bicep curls, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference direction makes. Turn your palms inward instead of forward and keep your elbows near your body. Now lift. This is a hammer curl, and it’s designed to work both your biceps and your forearms.

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PUSH-UPS. Yep, push-ups are a great way to work the arms. You probably hate them. Most people do. But never fear—you don’t need to do the full-on push-up to get the most bang for your buck. To exercise your arms, all you need is a modified push-up, which is done on your knees rather than your toes. This makes it easier for you to extend your arms and push.

BE A WINDMILL. Hold your arms straight out to either side of you and make circles. That’s it. Start with small circles, then make bigger ones. Try doing this for five minutes, then reverse direction and go for another five minutes. This can be done with or without weights.

SHRUG. Get your dumbells. Stand with your arms out to your sides. Lift your right shoulder to your ear. Continue for about 30 reps then switch shoulders.

No matter what, keep both arms up throughout the exercise.

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April 2015

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59

Mind & Body

Is Technology a Pain in the Neck?

You never stop to think about it, but your neck carries around about 12 pounds of head weight. Now you’re thinking about it. That’s 12 pounds when your neck, or cervical spine, is in an upright, straight position. If you bend your neck forward and down, that weight begins to increase. At a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds, at 30 degrees it’s 40 pounds, at 45 degrees it’s 49 pounds, and at 60 degrees it’s 60 pounds.

That’s the burden that comes with staring at a smartphone — the way millions do for hours every day, according to new research published in Surgical Technology International.

Over time, researchers report, this poor posture, frequently referred to as “text neck,” can lead to early wear-and-tear on the spine and even more serious problems.

“Just look around you – and you’ll see people everywhere with

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their heads down looking at their phones, iPad or even laptops. It’s a very common habit that is contributing to problems we are seeing in our office,” says Dr. Bill Lowry, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Center for Orthopaedics.

Smartphone users spend an average of two-to-four hours per day hunched over, reading e-mails, sending texts or checking social media sites. That’s 700 to 1,400 hours per year people are putting stress on their spines, according to the research. And teens might be the worst. The study found they potentially spend an additional 5,000 hours in this position.

Dr. Lowry says the symptoms associated with text neck are chronic headaches, neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, increased curvature of the spine and early onset of arthritis. Young people could develop permanent damage to their spine, and research has shown that the prolonged poor posture that comes from the use of wireless devices can also reduce lung capacity by as much as 30 percent.

“Text neck does not occur only from texting,” says Dr. Lowry. “People have always looked down to read, but the problem with new technology is that we never look up. We go from texting to email to reading to watching a video to working and never look up. We can do everything we

April 2015

need to do, whether it’s work or entertainment -- or both – right there on the same device that we’re looking down at.

Before you know it, you’ve had your head bent down at an angle over your device for literally hours.

This happens day after day.

Over time, that’s a lot of extra stress on your neck.

As with most overuse-type injuries, Dr. Lowry says prevention is key. “While it is nearly impossible

to avoid the technology that cause these issues, you should make an effort to look at your phone and other devices at eye level, with a neutral, or straight, spine. Be conscious of how much time each day you are spending hunched

over a device and

try to minimize that time to minimize the potential damage.”

He also advises taking frequent breaks during your technology time, and moving your head from left to right, and rotating your shoulders back often to alleviate stress on the neck, shoulder and back muscles.

“Awareness of the problem will actually help a great deal,” says Dr. Lowry. “It is possible to take advantage of all the benefits technology offers without doing permanent damage in the process.”

For more information about any musculoskeletal problem, call Center for Orthopaedics, an affiliate of Imperial Health, at (337) 721-7236 or visit www.centerforortho.com.

April 2015

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Mind & Body

Shift work could be breaking your heart

by Erin Kelly

If you work the graveyard shift instead of nine-to-five, you could be at increased risk for heart attack, according to recent research.

Although the heightened risk isn’t fully understood, research from the University of Western Ontario and Harvard Medical School have linked shift work—including night shifts, rotating shifts, split shifts, and other non-daytime schedules—to higher blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and diabetes.

“Further research needs to be done to get more information regarding the underlying factors contributing to this link , but there are several theories as to why it exists,” says cardiologist Thomas Mulhearn IV, MD, FACC, with Cardiovascular Specialists.

Researchers said it’s possible that shift workers engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and unhealthy eating, and might be less likely to exercise regularly; however, the risk remained elevated even when those factors were eliminated, according to researchers.

It’s also possible that irregular schedules disrupt the sleep cycle, which could ultimately affect overall health.

“The body is biologically programmed to wake at sunrise and sleep at night. When that cycle is interrupted, it can create sleep and health issues,” Dr. Mulhearn says.

Researchers with the University of Western Ontario found that the risk is particularly heightened in the first 10 or 15 years on the job. Compared with people who worked during the day, shift workers were 23 percent more likely to have a heart attack, they noted.

The most recent study—from Harvard Medical School— tracked 22 years of data from about 75,000 nurses nationwide and found that people who worked rotating night shifts for more than five years had an 11 percent increased risk of death from heart disease and other adverse health conditions.

Researchers also found that the risk of death from heart disease was 19 percent higher in those who worked these shifts for six to 14 years, and 23 percent higher for those who worked shifts for 15 years or more.

“Research is ongoing to help us understand more about the relationship between shift work and the risk of heart disease and other health problems, but it’s clear that shift workers need to be give particular attention to their personal health and habits,” Dr. Mulhearn says.

Make a Healthy Shift to These Habits

Dr. Mulhearn provided these heart disease prevention tips for shift workers to help reduce their risk factors:

Get regular health exams. Be diligent about routine healthcare, especially if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease.

Visit your physician at least once a year for an annual check-up—more if needed.

Improve your diet. Busy schedules can sometimes breed unhealthy eating habits. “For people on the go, it may become habit to go through the fastfood drive-through on the way to work then hit the same spot on the way back,” Dr. Mulhearn says. “But each fast food visit has potential negative consequences on your health, especially if it’s part of your regular routine.” Eat more fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of fast-food and junk food. Choose water instead of soda.

Take regular breaks. Make a point to dedicate ten or fifteen minutes to yourself in the first and last half of your shift.

Don’t smoke. “This goes without saying,” Dr. Mulhearn says. “Smoking is the single worst decision a person can make for their personal health.”

Exercise. Try to get more daily physical activity—even if you have to start in small doses. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Don’t park so close to the front door.

For additional information about heart disease and risk factors, or to schedule a heart risk evaluation, call Cardiovascular Specialists, an affiliate of Imperial Health, at (337) 478-3813, or visit www.csswla.com.

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April 2015

Sleeping Against the Clock?

United States employers lose around $18 billion in productivity due to sleep loss each year. Shift Worker’s Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is common in those who work non-traditional hours, usually between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

SWSD can lead to an increase in accidents, work-related errors and sick leave, not to mention the direct health risks to the suffer. Increased irritability or mood problems and increased stroke and heart disease risk along with a higher likelihood of weight gain are just a few of the side effects of sleep deprivation.

Do you work shift work and suffer from the following?

DIFFICULTY SLEEPING EXCESSIVE TIREDNESS DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING HEADACHES LACK OF ENERGY

Call us today to put your sleep to rest.

Change your sleep.

Change your day.

Change your life.

Sleep Specialists Jana P. Kaimal, MD Phillip Conner, MD Michelle Zimmerman, NP

4820 Lake St. • Lake Charles, LA 70605

(337) 310-REST (7378) • (877) 597-REST (7378)

www.sleepdisordercenterofla.com www.facebook.com/SDCofLA

April 2015

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63

Mind & Body

Fast and Easy Ways to Fitness

by Erin Kelly

Creating a healthier lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially with a hectic schedule.

It’s not always possible to fit-in a work out or cook a healthy meal and some of the hottest fit foods can be expensive or inaccessible.

Here are some simple and quick tips that you can start today for a healthier lifestyle.

FITNESS ON-THE-GO:

1. Book 20 minutes in your daily calendar

for a walk. Treat it just as you would a work meeting.

2. Hydrate. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Replace a cup of coffee or diet soda with water.

3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

4. Avoid the closet parking spot and opt for one further away.

5. Moderate your alcohol intake by viewing

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each glass by calories. That tasty cocktail may be like drinking a cupcake.

April 2015

FOODS TO START EATING NOW:

1. An apple a day does keep the doctor away. They are great natural and healthy source of energy. Ditch the energy drink and grab an apple instead.

2. Berries are filled with antioxidants. The darker berries

contain the highest amount of nutrients.

3. Choose whole grain bread and cereal. The complex carbs in whole grains provide protein and longer lasting energy than other bread-based carbs that offer a fading energy burst.

4. Bananas offer high amounts of potassium that not only helps to reduce anxiety, but also hydrates the body.

5. Carrots are low-calorie

and are packed with complex carbs

that provide energy and potassium to

control blood pressure and build muscle.

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Mark Your Calendar!

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Event Scheduled

On April 11, men from all walks of life will walk one mile inside Prien Lake Mall in women’s high-heeled shoes to protest rape, and sexual assault. The event begins with registration at 8:00 am. The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) coordinates this event. The registration fee is $30 per person. For more information or to register, call (337) 302-7679.

The Children’s Theatre Company to Perform Matilda Matilda, directed by Kerry A. Onxley and Associate Director Abigail Guillory, will play for area schools on April 30 at 10:00am. Matilda is a children’s novel by British author Ronald Dahl. The novel was made into film in 1996, directed by Danny DeVito. The school performance will be held at the Central School Arts & Humanities Center located in downtown Lake Charles. Tickets are $7.00 per person. Schools interested in booking should contact the theatre at mail@childrenstheatre.

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Camp Smiling F.A.C.E.S. Offers Fun for Developmentally Disabled Children

Camp Smiling F.A.C.E.S., a camp for developmentally disabled children ages 4-12, will be held June 15-19 at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center.

Camp will be held from 8am–noon each day at the center on 886 Landry Lane in Sulphur. Cost to attend is $75. For registration information, please call (337) 625-3972.

Date Announced for Mac Burns Golf Tournament

The Mac Burns Golf Tournament to benefit the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Foundation will be held on May 9 at Frasch Golf Course in Sulphur. The tournament will follow a 4-man scramble format with a double shotgun start at 8:00am and 1:30 pm. Entry fee per team is $400. Various levels of sponsorships are available. For more information or to participate in the tournament, please call (337) 527-4241.

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Growing for Profit Workshop Scheduled

The Partnership for a Healthier Southwest Louisiana and The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance will host a workshop titled Growing for Profit, May 6-7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the SEED Center in Lake Charles. $20 fee includes workshop and materials.

Participants will learn basics of how to grow crops effectively and possibly make a profit from it. This is a unique opportunity for beginning and backyard growers, small farmers and those interested in learning about how to sell what they grow. For more information or to register, call (337) 478-4822.

Pop Up Galleries and Art Battles at Spring Art Walk

Downtown Lake Charles will celebrate Southwest Louisiana’s vibrant community visual artists during the Arts Council of SWLA’s annual Spring Art Walk on April 24, from 5-9:00pm. This free event

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focuses on artist exposure by concentrating the region’s talent into a few square blocks within the Charleston Cultural District. Interested artists wishing to participate in Spring Art Walk can contact the Arts Council at 337-439-2787 to register. For details on the Spring Art Walk’s venues, artists, and activities, visit www.artscouncilswla.org or call (337) 439-2787.

Golden Nugget Lake Charles Announces Headliner Performances

Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino has annonced a dynamite entertainment lineup coming to Lake Charles. Area-residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of performances that will please everyone including popular artists from today’s generation, classic rock and tributes to cultural heritages.

APRIL April 12 Asian Show April 25 Styx MAY May 1 Better Than Ezra May 9 BJ Thomas & Gary Puckett May 15 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band JUNE June 19 Oak Ridge Boys Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. On the day-of each performance, guests can purchase tickets from 2-8:00pm at the Golden Nugget Box Office.

Nutrition Bootcamp Offered Fit2Geaux in Sulphur is offering a Nutrition Bootcamp. Session 1 will be Friday, April 17 at 6:30pm. Our ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness and Sports Nutrition, Juli Wylie, will share her secrets to eating healthy. If you need to learn what to eat and when to eat, this beginner class is for you. This will be a one-hour classroom style learning experience. The cost is $20 per person.

Fit2Geaux is located at 1301 E. Napoleon Street in Sulphur. Call (337) 884-2824 for information or to register.

April 2015

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!

Solutions for Life

from Solutions Counseling & EAP

by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP

Stay in the Room It’s hard to breathe in my office right now. My client is in pain - so much pain that it’s palpable. The air is thicker, heavier. There is so much I want to say: “You will make it through this.” “You are stronger than you know.” “Look back and realize you’ve already dealt with so much that you thought you couldn’t possibly handle.

You will handle this too.” And it’s all true. But I don’t say any of that. This client can’t hear those words yet, and it would come off as trite. So we sit.

And I let the client cry, saying nothing.

But I am here, fully present, with this person who needs me right now.

“Staying in the room” is what I refer to as being willing to be with someone even when they are not at their best. I stole it from a movie a few years back. The movie was about relationships and their longevity.

When asked how one couple had stayed together so long, the husband said “I always stayed in the room.” Staying in the room means being fully present in the relationship. It’s easy to stay in the room when people are happy and times are good. Not so easy when pain is dripping down the walls.

Emotional pain is tough. It’s trickier. Since you can’t see it, you’re never exactly sure what is going on – sometimes what looks like a step backwards is actually the opposite.

And vice-versa. Sometimes what appears to others as being “in limbo,” is the first time this person has not

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allowed himself to be forced into making a hasty decision. And what looks like a person “doing great” is actually a person in denial.

Conversely, emotional pain is similar to physical pain in some aspects. The healthier you are, the faster you heal. If you were already weak and unstable, your recovery time will be longer. That’s why two people can live through the same experience and have two completely different outcomes. The one who struggles longer and more intensely probably was already struggling on some level.

Over the years, I have been allowed to be in the room for some horrible tragedies – children dying, physical and sexual abuse, terminal diagnoses, relationships gone awry.

Each has been devastating in its own way. It is just wrong for parents to have to bury a child. It is so hard to wrap your head around how someone could abuse another person. There are no words to fix being told you have six months to live. Hopes, plans, dreams no longer have a home when a marriage dies.

It is difficult to stay in the room in these situations. Anyone’s tendency would be to try to find a way out, either physically or psychologically.

I’ve had to work hard to stay focused and not let my mind wander to my “to do” list, or excuse myself to get a drink of water, just to take a break from the pain. I can understand why

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this client’s friends and family are finding it hard to be with her. Her pain naturally oozes over to anyone around.

So, why “stay in the room?”

Plenty of people don’t. Just go to nursing homes and ask how long it has been since many of the residents have had visitors. Many people just decide they are not going to subject themselves to uncomfortable or painful situations. However, I know the power of staying in the room. I know that by staying, and by being with this client in her pain, I am helping her wade through the bogs that could otherwise drown her. Just by being with her, I am sending the message that she is worth another person’s time and energy, and that there is hope. And by being with her, I am increasing the likelihood that I will, at some point, get to say all those things I am thinking that I mentioned in the beginning of this article.

I recently had an unexpected death in my family, and the pain of the remaining half of the couple is almost more than I can bear. I am trying to stay in the room as much as possible. I don’t have answers, and I know there are no magic words that can take the pain away. And so I sit. I wonder if there is someone in your life who needs you to be in the room with them as well. I invite you to have a seat, get comfortable, and stay for a while.

April 2015

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McNeese Engineering Students Win National Competition

A team of McNeese State University mechanical engineering students won the 2014 Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus Engineering Design Challenge, beating out teams from Stanford University, George Washington University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Texas A&M – Corpus Christi.

The McNeese team designed the winning tool that will help the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) Nautilus Exploration Program better sample volcanic formations from the seafloor. This new rock-sampling device will be integrated into the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations on the Exploration Vessel Nautilus this summer.

Horse and Rider Statue Winner

McNeese Donation from Judge D. Kent Savoie

McNeese State University President Dr. Philip Williams accepted a $120,000 donation to create two scholarships for students studying in the areas of chemical engineering and environmental science. The funds were part of a legal settlement - Cy Pres Award from the Chem Waste Class Action Settlement Fund - signed in December by then 14th Judicial District Judge D. Kent Savoie.

L to R: SHRM member Jo Waite, Gaspard and Jennifer Leger, planned giving and donor research specialist with the foundation.

Brett Gaspard is the winner of the 4-foot horse and rider statue that was raffled to support endowed scholarships at McNeese State University through the McNeese Foundation. The McNeese student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management helped sell the raffle tickets during home football games for the statue, which was designed for McNeese by Bernadette Navarre.

L to R: Wells Watson, one of the attorneys for the plantiffs, McNeese State University President Dr. Philip Williams, Savoie, state Sen. Ronnie Johns and Robbie Morgan, special master who provided pre-trial and trial assistance to Savoie as well as with research and distribution of funds to affected parties.

L to R: CITGO Vice President and General Manager Tomeu Vadell, Dr. Ning Zhang, Sandesh Thapa, Garrett Soileau, Pawan Yadav, Nathan Stratton, Daniel Decareaux, Dr. Zhuang Li and Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, dean of the College of Engineering.

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