Thrive August 2023

SPECIAL SECTIONS: National Wellness Month

The Justice League

Raising Kids Today Fall Fashion

FAMILY WORKS: Davis Decorative Hardware

first person Kathleen Kay

States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division

United

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 to be successful in all areas of their lives –family,

Wining & Dining Johnny Sánchez Restaurant Opens Inside L’Auberge Casino Resort

Celebrity Chef Aaron Sánchez brings his passion for authentic Mexican flavors to Southwest Louisiana

by Kristy Como Armand

L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles has proudly opened its newest dining outlet, Johnny Sánchez. This is the second Johnny Sánchez location for celebrity chef and co-owner Aarón Sánchez. The space tells the story of Chef Aarón’s family and culture through tattoo murals, tilework, and other design details.

“The whole team here is excited for our guests and locals to walk down our hallway and see the impressive new restaurant. With its large bar expanding out into the promenade, it’s hard to miss,” says Harold Rowland, vice president & general manager of L’Auberge.

Aarón Sánchez is an award-winning chef, TV personality, author and philanthropist. He grew up in the restaurant business and is passionate about preserving his family’s legacy through food and encouraging diversity in the kitchen. He began cooking at an early age, helping his mother prepare traditional Mexican foods for her catering business in El Paso, Texas, and then at her acclaimed restaurant, Café Marimba, in New York. At age 16, Sánchez’s mother sent him to New Orleans to spend the summer working with Chef Paul Prudhomme, who would become his mentor.

Today, in addition to being the chef/owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans, and now Lake Charles, Sánchez serves as a judge on FOX’s hit culinary competition series MasterChef and MasterChef Junior. He has starred in multiple Food Network shows, most notably as a judge on Chopped and Chopped Junior. He was the host of Cooking Channel’s Emmy-nominated series, Taco Trip, and has appeared on numerous other television programs, including Iron Chef and Best Thing I Ever Ate. He has won the James Beard Award for Television Studio Program and was recognized by the Hispanic Federation with the Premio Orgullo Award for being a leader in the Hispanic community.

Sánchez has followed in his mother and grandmother’s footsteps (they’re both published cookbook authors) and is a thirdgeneration cookbook author. He has published two cookbooks: La Comida del Barrio and Simple Food, Big Flavor. He has also published a

memoir, Where I Come From: Life Lessons From a Latino Chef.

With its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, Johnny Sánchez inside L’Auberge embodies the warmth of traditional Mexican cuisine while utilizing the freshest Louisiana ingredients. One of the highlighted features of the restaurant is a fully automated tortilla machine. This specialized piece of equipment is able to churn out 900 fresh tortillas per hour.

“The Johnny Sánchez team is thrilled to be part of the Lake Charles community, which is located midway between what I consider my two homes – Texas and New Orleans,” says Sánchez.

“The team here at L’Auberge has been incredible to work with and I’m excited to share our passion for food, authentic Mexican flavors, and my cherished family recipes with our guests.”

Diners at Johnny Sánchez have the option to dine indoors or on the expansive patio overlooking the Lazy River. Both indoor and outdoor areas have their own spacious bars.

For up-to-date hours and menus, visit the Johnny Sánchez page of the L’Auberge website here: https://www. llakecharles.com/ dining/johnnysanchez.

Celebrate the

The inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival is a showcase of Louisiana’s unique culture and heritage, with some of the most talented chefs and best restaurants from around the entire state and throughout the south. Live music, artisans, celebrity guest chefs and renowned varieties of beverages Lake Charles for four-days!

Guest celebrity chefs participating in the festival include: John Currence, City Grocery Restaurant Group, Oxford, MS; Edgar “Dook” Chase, Chapter IV, New Orleans, LA; Meg Bickford, Commander’s Palace, New Orleans, LA; Ryan Hacker, Brennan’s New Orleans, LA; Amanda Cusey, The , Lake Charles, LA, David Rose, TV Personality, Chef , Atlanta, GA.

of Louisiana’s Creole & Cajun Culture and Heritage

The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival

September 14–17, 2023, in Lake Charles

by Taylor Trahan Henry

Louisiana’s Best Week of Food & Drink

September 14 - 17, 2023

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Benchawan Jabthong Painter, recently named 2023 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Texas will be joining the festival’s Grand Tasting line-up on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Bord du Lac Park, in Lake Charles, LA. Chef Painter, also known as “Chef G” at her restaurant, Street in Houston, TX will also be appearing on the Rouses Cooking Demo Stage at the festival on Saturday. Guests will get to sample over 300 varieties of wines, beers & spirit tastings with a souvenir crystal wine glass and delicious Louisiana cuisine from over 40+ restaurants – all included with ticket! The festival offers a wide variety of events for all tastebuds and budgets, from wine dinners and tasting events, to intimate master classes. Here’s a sample of some of the events:

The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival is a showcase of Louisiana’s unique culture and cuisine, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to its artisans and live music. Enjoy a variety of all-inclusive food and drink tasting events with celebrity guest chefs and hundreds of varieties of wine, beer and spirits.

Celebrity Chefs ParticipatingMore to Come!

John Currence City Grocery Restaurant Group Meg Bickford Commander’s Palace Edgar “Dook” Chase IV Chapter IV

David Rose

Television Chef/Author Ryan Hacker Brennan’s Amanda Cusey Louisiana Seafood Queen

Presented by hosted By PARTNERS

Thursday, September 14

“Louisiana’s Celebrity Chefs Wine Dinner”, presented by Explore Louisiana, Louisiana Seafood, Performance Food Group and Taste of the South magazine.

6:00 pm Reception, 7:00 pm Dinner, SOWELA Technical Community College

A gourmet food lover’s experience with a lavish reception by the chefs and students of SOWELA and a six-course dinner, featuring a host of Louisiana’s most celebrated chef John Currence, Edgar “Dook” Chase, Meg Bickford, Ryan Hacker, Amanda Cusey and Rebekah Hoffpauir - each course expertly paired with the perfect wine from Jackson Family Wines

Friday, September 15

“Louisiana Inspired Master Classes”

10:30 am - 2:30 pm at SOWELA Technical Community College;

3:30 - 5:00 pm, Bayou Rum Distillery

A series of interactive and intimate sessions with guest celebrity chefs, cookbook authors, beverage experts, tastemakers, artisans and more.

Friday, September 15

“Fire on the Lake”

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Bord du Lac Park, Lake Charles, LA

Enjoy unlimited tastings from some of the south’s most celebrated Pitmasters, chefs and grill masters - wine, beer, and spirits tastings with a souvenir glass, along with live music from Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express Cajun & Zydeco Band, along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Charles.

Saturday, September 16

“Louisiana Food + Wine Festival, Grand Tasting” 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Bord du Lac Park, Lake Charles, LA

A fun afternoon of culinary and beverage tastings, with live music and artisans in the beautiful surroundings of the Bord du Lac Park. Tickets are all-inclusive for food and beverage tastings, including a souvenir glass for unlimited tastings from hundreds of wines, beer and spirits and 40+ restaurants. Experience the “Taste of Louisiana Alley” with the Louisiana Cookin’ Demo Stage, the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild Craft Brews Alley, live music from the Flamethrowers, Rouses Markets Cooking Demo Stage and more!

Sunday, September 17

“Sunday Jazz Brunch”

11 am - 1 pm; 1 pm - 3:00 pm, Coffee:30/Southlake Theater

A lively Louisiana Jazz Brunch will be one like none other before – with an all-inclusive priced ticket featuring unlimited beverage tastings with a souvenir glass, live music, a lavish brunch with a Louisiana Seafood Raw Bar, sumptuous Cajun and Creole cuisine, carving stations and more. A variety of the festival’s official beverage partners will participate with an impressive Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosas, sparkling wines, sprits, wine and beer and more. A fantastic festival finale event!

If you want to attend several events and you’re looking to save even more, check out the festival’s great bundled ticket packages with savings of over $100+ per person. Several hotel and casino accommodations options are also available from the festival’s host partners, including the newly renovated Horseshoe Lake Charles Hotel & Casino

The most up to date festival information is available on the festival website and the festival’s social media channels Facebook and lnstagram. Official festival charity partners are the United Way of Southwest Louisiana and SOWELA Technical Community College

Make your plans to attend now!

The Tale of Two Two One Wine Bar

by Taylor Trahan Henry

Elegance A Sip of

In the heart of Jennings’ downtown historic district, an intoxicating transformation has taken place. The vibrant charm of the newly revitalized area now boasts a gem that has become the talk of the town: Two Two One, a wine bar that marries contemporary elegance with a mid-city feel. Alex LeJeune and her husband, Josh, are undoubtedly movers and shakers in the Jeff Davis Parish scene. With one successful commercial and residential insulation business under their belt, they undertook the dream of turning an old space into a swanky lounge fit for business and celebrations alike.

For the last several years, Jennings has seen incredible growth throughout the city, especially in the downtown area. “In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Alexa approached me with her idea,” says Henry Guinn, mayor of Jennings. “My first thought was, would Jennings support an endeavor like this? She was undeterred and focused. They have renovated a once abandoned building into what is now one of the most elegant atmospheres in South Louisiana.”

“I’ve always enjoyed seeing people come together to discuss business, celebrate life, or just unwind over excellent food and drink,” says Alexa. “The Jennings historic downtown is the perfect place to bring that vision to life.” The story of Two Two One is a testament to commitment and a shared vision. When the LeJeunes started the renovations, it did not take them long to find out that the process would be a long one. With unwavering determination, they rolled up their sleeves and embarked on a journey that would breathe new life into the historical bones of the structure. “I had a vision and thankfully Josh had the means to make it happen,” says Alexa. “We changed our minds a hundred times and, even now that we’re open, I’m still finding ways to improve the look, feel, and functionality.”

The interior is an exquisite fusion of contemporary aesthetics and vintage charm. Exposed brick walls, carefully preserved from yesteryear, stand alongside sleek golden fixtures, giving guests the best of both worlds. Alexa, with her penchant for interior design, ensured that each corner of the bar exudes an inviting ambiance. Plush velvet couches offer comfort for patrons to unwind and savor their favorite drinks. Dimmed chandeliers cast a warm glow upon the space, making it perfect for any occasion.

The wine list, curated with care and expertise, boasts an impressive selection of reds, whites, and sparkling. With each glass poured, the LeJeunes passion for sharing quality libations shines through. And it’s not

just the wines that steal the spotlight at Two Two One. They’ve also crafted an excellent menu of cocktails. For a refreshing spritz, The Heywood knocks it out of the park - delicious blend of muddled strawberry, vanilla vodka, lemon, agave, and a splash of citrus soda. No cocktail menu is complete without an Old Fashioned, smoked to boot. For a twist on that classic, try the Smoked Tequila. The Cucumber De Stress does exactly as it says. The taste of muddled cucumber, gin, elderflower, citrus, and orgeat will have the worries of your day fading away. For those who prefer a chilled beer or traditional mixed drink, the full-service bar also offers a selection domestics, imports, seltzers, and liquors.

“Crafting our cocktail menu was so important to us,” says Alexa. “We prioritize using high quality liquor and other ingredients. I am so thankful for our relationships with local distributors that allows us to get our hands on the best for our customers.”

In South Louisiana, no gathering is complete without a little something to eat, at least. At Two Two One, light hors d’oeuvres grace the menu. From the classic winepairing favorite, charcuterie, to more savory options like hummus garlic spread, the food perfectly complements the beverage selection.

Two Two One has become more than just a wine bar in its short time open. It has grown into a melting pot of cultures and connections. As a testament to their commitment to community, Alexa and Josh look forward to regularly hosting live musicians, wine tastings, and events featuring local talents, transforming the wine bar into a stage for shared creativity and a place where doers come together to grow the community.

Two Two One is a tale of dreams materialized, of how an old building found new life, and a historic district embraced the warm embrace of modernity. It symbolizes the beauty of small businesses that enrich the very fabric of a town like Jennings and the passion of a couple who poured their hearts into creating a place of sophistication and charm.

So, the next time you find yourself in the enchanting downtown historic district, be sure to wander into the embrace of Two Two One. Lift a glass and savor the moment!

Two Two One is located at 221 Main Street in downtown Jennings. For more information on hours, menu, and specials, visit them on Facebook at Two Two One Wine Bar.

Mind & Body NATIONAL Wellness Month

This month, Thrive joins in celebrating National Wellness Month, where we embrace the art of living well and wholeheartedly. As we navigate through our busy lives, we lose sight of the essence of prosperity – to nurture our well-being both physically and mentally.

We caught up with several local practitioners to explore health and wellness, recognizing that it extends beyond just physical fitness. From the basics like yearly exams and nutrition to cutting-edge technology available right here in Southwest Louisiana, we help you with the tools to live a more vibrant, balanced life. Let's celebrate this National Wellness Month by empowering ourselves to thrive in unison—mind, body, and spirit.

HOW MUCH SLEEP DOES YOUR CHILD NEED?

The amount of sleep needed varies depending on your child’s age, activity levels, and individual needs The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests the following guidelines:

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) require 10-13 hours of sleep

School-age children (ages 6-12) need 9-12 hours of sleep

Teenagers (ages 13-18) need 8-10 hours of sleep

To avoid potential sleeping difficulties, encourage children to avoid the following the hour before bedtime:

TVs

Computers and laptops

Cell phones

Handheld video game devices

Other electronics that emit blue light

Giving up devices before bed might be difficult for some children. Suggest alternative forms of relaxation, such as reading or journaling

The Importance of a Yearly Wellness Exam

by Christine Fisher

People may associate going to the doctor with being ill. Van A. Snider, MD, internal medicine physician at the Community Health Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) says a yearly wellness exam is beneficial for many reasons to keep a patient in optimal health.

“Our goal is for patients to maintain good health,” Dr. Snider says. “We want to help you avoid serious conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease as well as educate you on ways to reduce the risk factors that can lead to these.”

Visiting a primary care provider for regular preventive care is one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they worsen. These visits can also help track progress toward health goals.

“When a patient comes in dealing with a health issue, whether it’s the flu, pain, or an injury, we focus on that particular problem,” says Dr. Snider. “If we see something that needs immediate attention, we will address it. However, the patient doesn’t always tell us of other things they are dealing with. A yearly wellness exam gives us the opportunity to look at the overall health of our patients.”

“We prefer to order annual blood tests prior to the wellness visit,” he says. “This allows us to discuss the findings with the patient face-to-face. Often, annual blood work will look at electrolytes, kidney function, liver tests, and blood count as well as cholesterol and triglycerides. We also will check a PSA for prostate health as men get older. During the visit, we can discuss any health changes noticed since a prior visit, and changes in family history.”

“It’s a good time for us to talk about vaccines, such as flu, shingles, and pneumonia, and answer any questions,” explains Dr. Snider. “We also listen to the heart and lungs, check lymph nodes, look for swelling in hands and feet and do a general health assessment. The health check is tailored to our patients, depending on their age and overall condition.”

Keeping up with routine cancer screenings can help detect cancer in the earliest stages when it’s most treatable. A physician will consider the age of the patient and any risk factors during the annual wellness visit and may recommend cancer screenings such as colonoscopy, mammogram, or additional prostate screening.

During a wellness visit, patients can better understand how to manage chronic conditions they may have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Disease management aims to improve quality of life through advice from the physician, making sure any medication adjustments or treatment recommendations are clearly understood.

One of the most helpful aspects of a wellness visit is the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have with a physician. “We want to establish relationships with our patients, seeing them at least once a year gives us the opportunity to talk through things like alcohol or tobacco use, any feelings of anxiety, depression, or perhaps medication changes because of unwanted side effects. Everything is fair game to discuss and we’re here to provide help. If it is outside our scope of care, we can recommend a specialist for further help,” Dr. Snider says. “Caring for you can be

Nutrition for Healing & Wellness

A nourishing diet and regular physical movement are two undeniable factors that greatly contribute to achieving optimal wellness. However, it’s during those moments when we feel less than our best that our entire wellness foundation begins to crumble, and our health rapidly declines. Fortunately, by the transformative partnership of nutrition and physical therapy, we can rebuild and rejuvenate our overall well-being. By embracing both of these aspects, we establish a strong support system that promotes healing, prevents future injuries, and paves the way for long-lasting vitality.

According to Claire Lalande, Thrive Nutrition Coach at Thrive Physical Therapy, the key to overall health lies in a well-balanced approach. “Nutrition plays a significant role of 80% while exercise plays 20%,” Lalande says. This highlights the importance of nurturing our bodies with nutrient-rich foods, a well-balanced diet, prioritizing hydration, and practicing mindful eating. Proper nourishment forms an essential partnership with enhancing your immunity, energy levels, and aiding recovery during physical therapy. Preserving muscle mass is crucial, particularly when recovering from injuries or illnesses. “At Thrive Nutrition Counseling, we recommend adding protein shakes, greek

instrumental in achieving this. Flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon are excellent food sources of omega-3s. “You can simply incorporate these into your diet by including walnuts to trail mix as a snack, adding flax seeds in smoothies or yogurt, and eating salmon weekly,” says Lalande.

Foods rich in vitamin C provide support to the immune system and aid in collagen synthesis, reducing the risk of post-surgery infection. “Additionally, vitamin C serves as an antioxidant, minimizing cellular damage and accelerating the healing process, making it crucial for chronic pain patients,” Lalande says. Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers and kale are among the top sources of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. Consider including these into your diet to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin C rich foods.

needling, soft-tissue mobilization, and joint mobilization can be used to relax muscles and reduce tenderness. It is important to us at Thrive to develop a specialized treatment plan that is unique and works for you, whether you need to implement it during your workday or at home.

Remember, your journey to optimal health starts with nourishing your body from within. Thrive Physical Therapy and Claire Lalande are dedicated to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Thrive Physical Therapy now offers complimentary 20-minute wellness consultations to patients through Claire Lalande, Thrive Nutrition Coach, available virtually or in-person at Thrive Crowley.

Dr. Alice Monroe Babst

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Alice Monroe (Prestia) Babst practices obstetrics and gynecology at Ochsner Health. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended LSU School of Medicine. She graduated in 2000, and she moved on to her residency there in Obstetrics and Gynecology, which she completed in 2004. She then moved to Lake Charles and began private practice. She joined the Ochsner staff in 2020. In the past, she has served two times as the chief of staff at Lake Area Medical Center as well as the department chair. She worked to develop the James W. Gardiner Breast Center and is the chief medical officer there. She specializes in pregnancy care, hormone replacement, gynecologic laparoscopic surgery and general gynecology. Dr. Babst is welcoming former and new patients.

Dr. Alice Monroe Babst

“Awesome service and staff!” KATIE S.

NATIONAL Wellness Month

A Healthier Tomorrow How Bariatric Surgery is Bringing Total Wellness to Patients

by Taylor Trahan Henry

Obesity is a prevalent health concern affecting millions worldwide, with adverse effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41.9% of adults in the United States are obese. Obesity increases the risk of developing more than forty other diseases and health conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. It also has a significant impact on quality of life, mobility, and mental health. Fortunately, obesity does not have to be a permanent state. Of course, a healthy diet and exercise routine can help many people lose weight and keep it off. But what happens when traditional avenues are not working despite adherence and consistency?

Bariatric surgery offers a glimmer of hope to those seeking an effective solution to their weight struggles. Weight loss (bariatric) surgery has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity and could be a solution for anyone that has struggled with obesity when traditional weight loss methods have

not worked. Bariatric surgery promotes significant weight loss which can lead to improvement of weight related health conditions and emotional well-being, increased energy and self-confidence, and overall better health, making it easier to perform specific tasks and participate in certain activities.

The CHRISTUS Ochsner Bariatric Center of SWLA and Dr. Matias Nauts offer a premiere choice for patients seeking weight loss surgery, featuring a team-based treatment program designed to help patients navigate pre-operative preparation and support post-operative recovery. The Center offers comprehensive education, follow-up care, and monthly support group sessions to assist in maintaining healthier habits.

“This surgery is a safe and effective option for patients who meet the criteria,” says Dr. Nauts. “The reason it’s so well-regarded is because it is increasing life expectancy, reducing the dependency on prescription medications to manage disease, and giving people back their quality of life.”

Unlike traditional open surgery, robotic bariatric procedures involve smaller incisions, leading to reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, less risk of infection, and quicker

recovery times. Patients can return to their daily routines faster, armed with renewed energy and determination. “Most patients go home the next day,” says Dr. Nauts. “At the three-month mark, most are looking at 60 to 70 pounds lost.” The robotic system enables Dr. Nauts to perform surgery with enhanced precision and control. This translates to improved safety during the procedure, minimizing the risk of complications and promoting better long-term outcomes.

Patients who undergo bariatric surgery often experience significant and sustainable weight loss. “Of course, we all want to look and feel great,” says Dr. Nauts. “But this procedure isn’t cosmetic, it’s medical. Patients are regaining control of their health and overall wellness.” Weight reduction, combined with lifestyle changes, can lead to a range of health benefits, such as improved blood pressure, better blood sugar control, and reduced risk of obesity-related diseases.

Beyond the physical changes, many patients report improved mental and emotional well-being following successful bariatric surgery. Increased self-confidence, reduced depression, and enhanced social interactions contribute to a newfound zest for life.

While bariatric surgery offers transformative benefits, it is essential to ensure that the right candidates undergo the procedure. Eligibility for this surgery is typically determined based on various factors, including:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): Candidates with a BMI of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues, may qualify for surgery.

• Past Weight Loss Efforts: Patients should have previously attempted weight loss through non-surgical methods without achieving sustained results.

• Age: Patients must be between 18 and 65 years of age.

• Commitment to Lifestyle Changes: Prospective patients must demonstrate a willingness to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, including dietary modifications and regular physical activity, to ensure the long-term success of the procedure. Additionally, patients must be willing and able to participate in lifelong follow up.

• Overall Health: Candidates must be in generally good health to undergo the surgical procedure safely.

At CHRISTUS Ochsner Bariatric Center of SWLA, patients can rest assured that their health and well-being are in the hands of experts. The center’s commitment to providing top-notch care starts from the initial consultation and extends long after the surgery is complete.

Dr. Naut’s commitment to excellence, combined with the wonders of robotic bariatric surgery, has transformed lives. “The stories of patient success are plenty, but one stands out in mind,” says Dr. Nauts. “This particular patient was a woman in her 60s. After bariatric surgery she is down over 65 pounds, takes no medications for chronic diseases, runs, and boxes. It’s incredible.” With a focus on safety, efficacy, and personalized care, CHRISTUS Ochsner Bariatric Center of SWLA has become a beacon of hope for those seeking a healthier and happier tomorrow. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 337-475-4170 or visit https://www.christushealth.org/locations/ southwestern-louisiana-bariatric-center online.

Matias Nauts, D.O.

Robotic-Assisted General, Bariatric, and Colorectal Surgery

Dr. Nauts performed the first robotic-assisted gastric sleeve surgery at CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital and is the only surgeon in the region currently performing robotic-assisted weight loss (bariatric) surgery. He has been serving patients of Southwest Louisiana since 2015 and is board certified in general surgery. He graduated from California State University at Fullerton and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Nauts completed his surgical internship and residency at Rowan School of Medicine in New Jersey. His expertise includes robotic-assisted bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve and bypass), and other general surgery procedures such as robotic assisted hernia repair and colorectal surgery. His passion for robotic surgery has lead him to become the medical director of robotic and bariatric surgery and has also been instrumental in the robotic training of many other surgeons in the Southwest US.

The CHRISTUS Ochsner Bariatric Center of SWLA offers the only premiere choice for patients seeking weight loss surgery in SWLA, featuring a team-based approach designed to help patients navigate pre-operative preparation and support post-operatively.

Dr. Nauts is available for weight loss surgery consultations at our CHRISTUS Ochsner Bariatric Center of SWLA. Visit www.christushealth.org/locations/southwestern-louisiana-bariatric-center to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Farhana Akther, MD

The Villages of Imperial Pointe Opens for Residents

by Kristy Como Armand

The first residents have moved into their new homes at the Villages of Imperial Pointe, a uniquely designed independent living community in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The Villages hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting event to mark the milestone with business leaders, elected officials, and community members interested in learning more about the elevated living experience at The Villages.

The community offers enhanced, spacious apartment living for adults aged 55 and older. A variety of resort-style amenities are provided for residents to enjoy, including multiple dining options, a fitness center, cabana area and pool, movie theater, business center, schedule of activities, event center, vegetable garden, salon and barber shop, 24-hour security, and so much more.

Dr. John Noble, managing partner of The

Villages of Imperial Pointe, explains that this first phase of the project includes 129 units, with plans for future expansion. “This development is a project we have been planning for several years and we are excited to see our first group of residents enjoying all The Villages offers. The interest and support have been overwhelming.”

“The need for this new type of community in Southwest Louisiana was evidenced by the incredible attendance at the grand opening event,” says Leah Miller, Vice President of Sales with Frontier Management, the management partner for The Villages. “It was amazing to see so much energy, buzz, and fun – a great measure of what residents can expect here. We can’t wait to watch this stunning community grow!”

The Villages of Imperial Pointe is located within the more extensive Imperial Pointe

development at the corner of Nelson Road and Imperial Blvd. in Lake Charles. Imperial Pointe is designed to be a village for healthy living spread across 75 acres and is already home to several medical offices and businesses. “Our mission is not just to provide facilities for treating illness, but to create easily accessible services and resources to keep our community healthy, active and thriving, all in one convenient, well-designed location,” says Dr. Noble. “Other planned components for Imperial Pointe include an assisted living and memory care facility, multi-family residential complex, a gated subdivision, wellness facility, restaurants, retail space, office buildings and more.”

Apartments are already filling up at The Villages of Imperial Pointe. Those interested in learning more should call 337-549-7100 or visit www.thevillagesofimperialpoint.com

THURSDAY,

Our mi ion is to empower women with the knowledge and con dence to make informed health care and well-being decisions for themselves and their loved ones. To provide events to help educate women on the need for a healthy, body, mind and spirit.

Money & Career Staying Healthy with Health Savings Accounts

It seems like medical expenses are always on the rise, and for those with high-deductible health plans, or HDHPs, the sting of healthcare costs can be harder to bear. More and more people put off seeking treatment – even for more urgent problems – because they simply can’t afford to pay outof-pocket costs for care.

Individuals with HDHPs usually pay lower monthly insurance premiums, which seems attractive until you have to pay for costly medical expenses until your deductible is met. The IRS defines a high deductible to be at least $1,500 for an individual or $3,000 for a family. The higher the deductible, the longer it takes the reach it.

A recent study by University of California-Berkeley and Harvard University found that people with HDHPs spend on average 42% less on health care before meeting their deductibles, but it’s primarily because they don’t seek treatment due to costs, not because they shop around for a better price. “That’s where Health Savings Accounts come into play,” said Diane Bauer, Branch Manager and Lender at First Federal Bank’s Westlake Branch.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are uniquely designed to help those with HDHPs by putting aside money into a special savings account that can only be spent on medical related costs. “It’s more helpful than a typical savings account, which we can access at any time for any expenses,” added Bauer, “That means we are always tempted to dip into our savings account to help pay for a new car, vacation, or big ticket item, but an HSA only allows you to use that money for qualified medical expenses.”

In 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act created Health Savings Accounts to help mitigate rising costs in the healthcare field. Contributions made into this account are

tax-deductible, and when you use the HSA to pay for a qualified medical expense, the money you pull out of the account is tax-free.

“HSAs also typically have a higher interest rate, so you can earn more on your balance than with a typical savings account,” commented Bauer. “We just raised the interest rates on First Federal Bank’s HSAs to help our customers get the medical treatment they need.”

The primary requirement for applying for an HSA is to have a qualified HDHP, and the owner of the account can contribute on their own or have contributions made by their employer or another person on their behalf. Those with an HSA can also request a debit card to be used at the doctor’s office, and you use the card just like a normal checking account debit card.

“Sometimes going to the doctor for wellness exams is seen as a luxury, but it’s essential for a healthy life,” said Bauer. “The HSA account can help families visit their healthcare providers more regularly for preventative care, not only when someone has the flu or breaks a bone.

To learn more about Health Savings Accounts, contact Diane Bauer at (337) 439-3062 or visit her at the First Federal Bank Westlake Branch at 2214 Sampson Street. Please consult your tax advisor.

CONNECTING LOUISIANA

THROUGH FIBER

The word “gumbo,” in addition to referring to the classic Cajun favorite dish, is often used as a metaphor for the mix of cultures that exist in Louisiana. But, GUMBO is also an acronym for the “Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities” grant program from ConnectLa aimed to help providers facilitate the development of broadband service to underserved and unserved areas of the state of Louisiana.

The initial round of grants was distributed in summer of 2022, with more than $170 million awarded to projects in 50 different parishes, and more than 80,000 locations to be served. One of those private providers awarded was AOP, locally-owned and operated in Southwest Louisiana for more than 30 years. They received a $3,000,000 award to offset a total fiber optic project cost of $3,750,000 to service areas in Calcasieu and Jeff Davis parishes within an 18-23 month timeframe.

“Our business began with office equipment and document solutions, Advanced Office Products,” said Brandon Greene, president & CEO of AOP. “It has now grown to include custom technology solutions and fiber internet for businesses. We are a Tier 1 internet service provider, with fiber speeds starting at 500 Mbps and increasing up to 20 gigs.”

And, while AOP has provided internet services to businesses in Louisiana for more than two years now, this project marks their first expansion into widespread residential service.

ability to adapt to future needs.”

The GUMBO grant program defines underserved as those with download speeds lower than 25 Mbps and uploads speeds lower than 3 Mbps. AOP fiber will bring them and those previously without internet access to the latest in today’s technology, with speeds available up to 5 Gbps. What does this mean for these communities? Digital equity.

Fiber internet works similarly to existing internet, but with a faster, more reliable network—50x the speed provided by cable internet. It involves the use of fiber optic cables buried underground, that include strands of glass that transfer data using light signals, resulting in transfer rates that approach the speed of light.

“The approximate 1,465 unserved and underserved households of more than 14,000 residents in AOP’s designated zones throughout the two parishes are going to get fast, reliable, weather-proof, limitless fiber with symmetrical upload and download speeds, without any data caps or throttling at a low-cost rate of $79 per month,” said Greene. “Households will be enabled to work from home, stream HD video seamlessly from multiple devices, participate in multiplayer online games and more. Plus, from a scalability perspective, our infrastructure has the

Through the partnership with AOP, Governor John Bel Edwards believes this is a step toward improving health outcomes, growing our economy, increasing access to educational opportunities and enhancing quality of life for Louisianans.

“Technology is ever-changing and there is a growing demand for affordable high-speed internet,” said Brett Dering, CTO of AOP. “AOP is willing and able to rise to the challenge to ensure that critical infrastructure like internet access is up to speed and widespread. If someone doesn’t have it—whether business or residential—it’s because they don’t want it.”

AOP is nearing 50% completion of installing the nearly 57 miles of underground fiber optic cable and is on track to finish the project by Q3 of 2024.

To learn more about AOP, visit their website at https://www.aopinc.com/

For more information on the GUMBO grant program, visit https://connect.la.gov/

AOP awarded GUMBO Grant for Calcasieu & Jeff Davis Parishes. by Haley Armand Tarasiewicz

The Justice League

In every corner of Southwest Louisiana, the profound impact of legal heroes echoes loudly. From defending the rights of the voiceless to ensuring fairness in the face of adversity, they have exemplified the true essence of empathy and compassion. Whether in the courtroom or through pro bono services, their unwavering commitment has left a mark on countless lives, illuminating a path towards a brighter future.

Throughout the pages ahead, we celebrate local firms who have shown a dedication to justice in their work. We will learn how they turned adversities into opportunities and challenges into triumphs. By shedding light on their tireless efforts, we hope to inspire and ignite a spark within our readers to make a positive impact, no matter how small.

Our goal at Lakeside Bank is to provide our customers with the BEST possible banking services every day. Lakeside’s excellent performance has been recognized year after year by national banking organizations, but nothing means more than our community trusting us and choosing us as BEST Bank in Southwest Louisiana. We are honored to be in the TOP 5 of the American Press People’s Choice Awards and ask you to please take a moment and vote for us online at the address below or by using the QR code on your smartphone.

American Press People’s Choice of SWLA Award

Toughest Cases

by Katelynn Mouton

Mr. Fred Rogers, while advising his preschool audience once upon a time, shared the advice his mother once gave him, always look for the helpers. Whether it’s a complex civil matter or a criminal matter, the helper you are looking for just might be behind the door of a local law firm.

Four local attorneys share stories of their most memorable cases in this edition of The Justice League.

feeling to win for someone who thought all along, based on her situation and social economic status at the time that she was going to lose, but who loved her children and would never stop fighting for them.”

The challenge of a case like this can prove to be rewarding beyond measure for the client and the attorneys stepping into the courtroom.

“My family and I lived this case with the client for four years, it brought us closer together, and made us more grateful for the small things,” Johnson adds. “We had to help this client because what DCFS and the State were trying to do simply wasn’t right. We worked pro bono because of how passionately we felt about her case and her innocence.”

A case like this can offer a solid affirmation of why any attorney chooses the legal profession.

“I grew up watching my dad, an outstanding lawyer, fight to help people every day for the right reasons. I also watched my dad practice his faith in his work every day and put it into action. I loved watching him help people and be a friend and a zealous advocate to those in need— that’s why I chose to become a lawyer too. And I really do get to do that as part of my criminal practice every day—to be a friend to those who are in desperate need of a friend at often their lowest point in life—at a time where others might not want to be their friend or associate with them.” Learn more at www.johnsonfirmla.com.

Adam Johnson has been practicing law for 13 years and is currently a partner at The Johnson Firm.

When a mother had all four of her children taken away by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) due to an injury to one of her children, Johnson felt called to be a helper.

“Criminal charges were simultaneously brought against her related to the same incident, but the injury was the result of an accident—plain and simple,” says Johnson. “She was guilty of no crime and DCFS should never have taken her children away. What was unique about this case, aside from having to defend two cases at once (against DCFS and the State), was how aggressively DCFS pursued the case against her and how aggressively they influenced the State to do the same.”

The jury in the criminal case returned a verdict of not guilty very quickly, but DCFS continued to pursue their case against the mother, according to Johnson.

“We went to trial again, this time against DCFS. We won and the Judge ordered the children returned to her immediately. It was a magnificent

Lee Hoffoss, managing partner at Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers, LLC, has been practicing law for 19 years, fighting for many clients along the way, but one case in particular stands out.

“Our medical billing class actions are the most memorable,” reflects Hoffoss. “It was a novel theory of liability against hospitals and ambulance companies refusing to accept a patient’s health insurance when that patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by the fault of another driver.”

In this case, the hospitals

The Johnson Firm

Hoffoss Injury Lawyers, LLC

and ambulance companies attempted to collect the full charge rate from the patient instead of filing on the patient’s health insurance and accepting a reduced billing rate paid by a health insurer.

“Our firm was lead counsel in numerous cases filed against hospitals and ambulance companies around the State,” explains Hoffoss. “Cases were fought against some of the largest companies in the country, across eight district courts and argued in four Louisiana Courts of Appeal and four times at the Louisiana Supreme Court.”

Ultimately, Hoffoss and his team were able to stop these companies from engaging in these illegal practices and stop the overbilling that had been taking place for more than a decade.

“The most rewarding part of this case was getting patients reimbursed millions of dollars in medical bills unlawfully collected,” Hoffoss reflects. “Regardless of whether it’s a car accident or hurricane claim, it is always about David fighting Goliath—making sure the little guy has a strong voice against big insurance

“Lately, that has been primarily in hurricane litigation,” Brasher says. “Each of these cases tells an individual story of loss, resilience and hope. It’s a pleasure to watch my clients get the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

Brashear says that each of these cases offers the opportunity to see his clients become empowered to be their own hero. “We see them standing up for themselves and working hard to take back what they lost. It is extremely rewarding to be part of this journey with them.”

These cases also help make a positive impact.

“We help our clients through some really significant problems, whether that’s recovering lost wages, paying medical bills, dealing with physical pain and suffering, or putting a roof back on their house,” Brashear explains. “It matters because our work helps change lives in our community.”

Learn more at www.brashear-law.com

Justin Brashear has been a practicing attorney for a decade and is currently CEO at Brashear Law.

Serving clients in Lake Charles since 1980

Brashear Law

SWLA Injury Attorneys opened recently, but Michael J. Williamson has been a practicing attorney for 17 years.

One memorable case is that of an 82-year-old client who was driving home from a doctor’s appointment when an armored truck pulled out in front of him.

“There was heavy traffic at the time and the driver was rushing to complete his pickups, my

Williamson took on the case, even though it would prove to be difficult. “Ultimately we learned that this armored trucking company had a poor safety record and a history of scheduling too many pickups for drivers to safely complete during their shifts. The company also had a history of ignoring serious driving infractions documented by the onboard computers.”

Williamson successfully proved that the reckless safety culture of the company caused the crash, and not his now deceased client.

“At first glance our client seemed to have responsibility for the crash, but an in-depth analysis proved otherwise,” adds Williamson. “This case taught me that cases, like people, should not be judged from afar.”

Williamson says helping the family, who lost its patriarch, was rewarding. “Before he died, I got to know him on a personal level, helping me to understand why it was so important that he not be blamed for the crash. I truly believe we helped right a wrong, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of our profession.”

This case spoke personally to Williamson and reaffirmed his chosen career.

“I come from a working class family that has always had to fight for its place in society, instilling a strong desire in me to fight for regular people,” Williamson explains. “Too often those with power and money dictate the rules to regular people, but the legal field is specifically designed to level the playing field, holding big corporations and insurance companies

Mike Williamson | Rachel Couvillion | Jason Bell

Thou Shall Not Steal

Stealing an alligator (LA RS 14:67.13) or stealing crawfish (LA RS 14:67.5) are high crimes in the Bayou State. Depending on the value of the stolen goods, penalties for each of these egregious offenses range from as little as six months to upwards of ten years, plus fines. It’s probably best you just keep on your best behavior and get yourself an invite when your neighbor cooks that sauce piquant or etouffee instead of stealing his catch.

Battery with a Bite

We know that assault is frowned upon regardless, but did you know that false teeth could land you in real trouble?

According to Louisiana’s aggravated battery law (LA RS 14:34), if you bite someone with your natural teeth it is simple assault but if you bite someone with false teeth it is aggravated assault. The reason? Those carefully crafted pearly whites are categorized as a dangerous weapon.

A Promise Made is a Promise Kept

In the South, many will take you at your word if you deliver it sincerely. And here in the boot, you better mean it. False swearing (LA RS 14:125) is defined as “intentional making of a written or oral statement, known to be false, under sanction of an oath or an equivalent affirmation, where such oath or affirmation is required by law.” Breaking your word carries a fine of up to $500 and one year in jail.

No Reveling Reptiles

In New Orleans, it’s best to leave all your cold-blooded pets at home when you’re ready to pass a good time. According to the city’s municipal code (Sec. 34-21), no reptiles shall be allowed within 200 feet of a Mardi Gras parade route. The law even goes further to set time limits, stating that all reptiles must be removed two hours prior to the start of the parade and cannot return until one hour after the end of it.

Kathleen Kay was born and raised in Lake Charles as the sixth child of Lewis and Louise Harrop Kay. A product of local Catholic schools, Immaculate Conception School, and St. Louis High School, Kathleen eventually settled in Lake Charles and raised her two children here alongside her husband, Scott McPherson. After deciding on, and completing, law school, a series of events would lead her to sixteen years of service as a Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court. An honor considering that, at any given time, there are only a little over 500 people in the entire country serving in that role. As she prepares for retirement in 2024, Thrive caught up with Kathleen to get a glimpse into her career, life, and plans for when she hangs up her robe.

Was there any experience or influence in your early years that gave you an inkling you’d be in law one day?

I truly had no idea what I would do when I “grew up.” Even when I started college, I was unfocused, at one point stopping my college career until I could figure it out. I was working for attorneys as a secretarypositively the best experience one can have for a future in law – when the idea sparked. According to one of my former employers and dear friend, C.A. King, II, I looked at him one day and said “Hey – if you can do this then so can I.” Initially, I thought I would be a paraprofessional. It didn’t occur to me at the beginning that I could go for the brass ring. But then one of my older sisters, Carolyn, said “why in the world would you think you can’t do that? Geaux for it!” And I did.

first person with

by Taylor Trahan Henry

Kathleen Kay

United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana Lake Charles Division

Tell us about your formal education in law and your time as an LSU Tiger. What were your favorite parts of studying law?

I received my bachelors in 1982 from LSUtwo years behind a normal schedule due to the aforementioned sabbatical - and started at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU in the Fall. Anyone who has been through the experience will agree that the first semester is terrifying –there are no tests during the semester, and you live and die by your final. You go through an entire semester not really knowing if you “get it” or not. Fortunately for me, and thanks in large part to the practical experience I got from being a legal secretary, I did “get it” and did very well. I was invited to join the Louisiana Law Review, an honor, at that time, reserved for the top of the class.

Even during that first terrifying year, I had a blast. I was extremely fortunate to have some of the most awesome professors to walk the halls at LSU. Namely, Professor George W. Pugh, Professor Saul Litvinoff, Professor “Wild Bill” Crawford, and Professor W. Lee Hargrave. I met some of the most wonderful people, fellow law students, many of whom remain friends to this day. We worked and studied hard but, as no surprise to anyone who knows me, we found time to have a lot of fun as well. I will always remember law school as being three of the best years of my life.

As time went by and we started our family, things changed and so did the type of law in which I specialized. My husband traveled often for work and thus my ability to travel was less. The market for maritime work in Lake Charles had dried up - pun intended - significantly and insurance defense work became problematic for small groups for reasons no one would find interesting. So, I began to focus on family law. Family law was local, and it allowed me to deal with real people. From then on, family law was basically all I did until I closed my private practice.

Tell us about your appointment to Magistrate Judge and what that process looked like for you.

had the opportunity to work with very skilled counsel. I have seen some top-notch litigation that has been a real joy to watch from my perch, if you will.

As you mentioned, you’re nearing retirement with a beautiful grandson and plenty of sports to take in. What are you looking forward to the most?

I truly cannot believe the time is here. My husband, who retired several years ago, and I look forward to travelling – both planned travel and “hey let’s go to __ tomorrow” kind of travel – to visit friends and family. We are so lucky that our two children are grown, responsible adults now with lives and loves of their own. Our daughter and her husband gave us the greatest gift of all 15 months ago – the most awesome, intelligent, and handsome grandson two grandparents could possibly have. We have already had the pleasure of traveling and visiting with our kids and the families of their chosen ones and look forward to more of that.

How

did your career begin? What type of law did you start out in?

I was fortunate enough to be invited to clerk for the Honorable Earl E. Veron, United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, and that’s how I came to be back in Lake Charles. I was unattached at the time and hoping one day to be able to settle down and start a family but mistakenly thought I needed to be outside of Lake Charles to do that. As soon as I got home, I began dating a really great guy from the Pacific Northwest – he was smart, had a college degree and a great sense of humor. And suddenly settling down in Lake Charles seemed like the right idea. It was not long before a local firm showed an interest in me and hired me to work for them when I completed my clerkship. My primary field of work at the beginning was insurance defense work, much of that in maritime. I really, really enjoyed that. One of the things I loved best about that type of work is that, to effectively represent my clients, it was important to become immersed in how the client’s business or industry worked For example, I’d learn what happens on the floor of a drilling rig so that I could understand how an accident happened or how seismic activity worked so I could understand how or whether seismic activity could crack mortar or brick. I met and was tutored by so many wonderful people.

In the mid-2000s, I had the opportunity and applied for the position of United Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana. Magistrate Judges are appointed by active and senior status Article III, or district, judges - those that are appointed for life following nomination by the President and confirmation of the U.S. Senate. The process is long and tedious but, at least in my case, well worth the effort. Appointments for Magistrate Judges are a term of eight years. I am nearing completion of my second term and will be retiring effective 1/2/2024. I am so grateful to the judges of the Western District of Louisiana for the confidence they showed in me and very appreciative of the assistance and support they have given. They, as well as my fellow Magistrate Judges, are a wonderful group of caring people. I am so lucky to have worked with them all, past and present.

What do you enjoy most about the job you’ve had for the last 16 years? What keeps the fire for justice burning?

I was very concerned when I accepted this appointment that I might become bored with doing the same things repeatedly. In hindsight, I need not have worried. This job has given me the opportunity to return to a more academic mode. Unlike the role you serve as a litigator, where you are advocating for a particular position, as a judge it is your role to consider both sides and determine, to the best of your ability, what result the law requires given the circumstances presented. The job requires a totally different tool set than does litigation, but it is one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have

I am also keenly interested in ramping up my personal contributions to the Southwest Louisiana area. While serving in my role, the Code of Conduct for United States Judges does limit the type of work that I can do and the role I can play in any organization. In retirement, I’ll have more freedom to get involved in different capacities. I’m hoping to continue working with the SWLA LSU Alumni Association, Home Fest, and whatever other opportunities become available.

Places & Faces

In this month’s cover story, Thrive shines the spotlight on three of Louisiana's most revered football teams: the McNeese Cowboys, the LSU Tigers, and the New Orleans Saints. Get ready for a thrilling ride as we delve into their anticipated seasons, players to watch, schedules, and predictions that will have you ready to break out the gumbo pot and turn on the game!

The Cowboys are gearing up to showcase their prowess in the collegiate realm. With a roster brimming with young talent, McNeese aims to leave their mark on the gridiron. Join us as we follow their journey to success and keep an eye on standout players poised to make headlines this season.

Known for their electrifying energy, the Tigers are ready to roar once more! As they clash against fierce rivals, LSU's determination to triumph under Coach Brian Kelly’s direction is unparalleled. From their relentless defense to the explosive offense, we dissect the team's strengths and weaknesses, while highlighting players set to dominate the field.

The anticipation is palpable as the Saints march back onto the NFL battleground. With the Who Dat Nation rallying behind them, the team's ambition to conquer the league is tangible. We analyze their strategies, spotlight key players, and delve into the matchups that will define their path to victory.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious observer, this special section promises to immerse you in the enthralling world of Louisiana football. Get ready to witness unforgettable touchdowns, awe-inspiring plays, and a riveting display of passion and dedication. The countdown to kickoff begins!

CHEER FOR CHEMISTRY CHEER FOR CHEMISTRY

Football would not be possible without the chemicals produced by our industry. Petrochemicals and petroleum are everywhere in football, from the construction of stadiums to the protective gear worn by players. Whenever you are cheering on your favorite team this football season, remember that petrochemicals and petroleum are the real MVPs!

Protective Padding

Great tackles wouldn’t be possible without our players’ protective padding, and polyethylene, from ExxonMobil, is a crucial ingredient.

Bleachers

How could we watch the game without a place to sit? Bleachers are made of aluminum and Atlantic Alumina is the state’s main producer.

Grass Field

Field Paint

There couldn’t be a game without the field lines! The paint for these lines are made with acrylic polymer emulsions, produced by Westlake Chemical.

Football Helmet

So many chemicals go into protecting a player’s head! Polycarbonate plastic and PVC are used on the helmet’s outer shell, produced by Formosa Plastics, Shintech Louisiana, and OxyChem, and polyurethane foams, made by BASF, are used on the inside.

Jersey

How do we know which player is which? Our favorite team jerseys are made possible thanks to synthetic fibers, made by BASF, that allow moisture absorption and elasticity!

Jet Fuel and Gas

Thanks to companies like Phillips 66, CITGO, and Shell, players can go from city to city to play—and we can enjoy an exciting away game!

Artificial Turf

Polyethylene and polypropylene make up the synthetic turf for many fields. ExxonMobil produces these important chemicals.

A beautiful grass field can’t be maintained without fertilizers and water purification (sulfuric acid). Companies Cornerstone Chemical, Phillips 66, and Nutrien keep the fields green!

BUILDING MOMENTUM

Gary Goff and the McNeese Cowboys are more than ready to show Lake Charles and the rest of the Southland Conference (SLC) what they’ve been building in the off-season.

Year one was rough for Goff and the Cowboys, starting the season 1-6 before finishing the season on a three-game win streak. Now, with a new season comes a completely different team that Goff finds himself coaching, with 57 newcomers, most through the transfer portal.

“It’s lightyears difference from a year ago,” Coach Goff said. “I think my staff did a great job going out and signing some talent with experience, who have already bought into the program and the culture, and we’re excited to get out on the field with them and see what we’ve got.”

The quarterback battle will be that of new faces with experience. Nate Glantz is a junior out of Iowa who was named Junior College Offensive Player of the Year in leading Iowa Western to a national title. Last year, he was a back-up at Iowa State before transferring to McNeese to battle Tre Simmons, a transfer out of Tusculum, in Tennessee. At Tusculum, Simmons put up big offensive numbers, leaving ranked seventh in their history books having only played two seasons.

Coach Goff admits that picking a starter is going to be a hard decision. “That’s the first question I get, and the only question anyone wants answered,” he says.

Whomever Goff goes with, he should excel in Goff’s Air Raid offense. For that Air Raid to work, McNeese also needs wide receivers, which like other key positions, have come through the portal. Some names to watch are Marcus Peterson, a three-star transfer out of Cincinnati. He joins promising transfer such as Aalah Brown, Jonathan Harris, and a number of freshmen all vying to be the go-to guy.

The running game will also be firing on all cylinders behind D’angelo Durham and a strong group of backs. Durham was off to a monster start last season before being derailed by injury. Now, he looks more than ready to run behind a big offensive line, and by big, we mean really big.

McNeese has a total of 21 lineman (13 O-line, 8 D-line) weighing in over 300 lbs. In addition, 13 linebackers and defensive backs have bulked up to over 200 pounds, with eight receivers hitting 190. Last

by Matt Dye

year, McNeese only had one guy on defense that wasn’t a lineman over 200 pounds.

Bigger is better, but McNeese is also younger, with only four seniors on the team. “We will be young, but that’s not a bad thing,” Goff says, “It could be dangerous.”

The Cowboys are ready to go and get back to their winning ways after three straight losing seasons. However, finishing the season on a threegame winning streak shows the grit and determination that Coach Goff and his culture has created at McNeese.

“We’ve got no quit in us,” D’angelo Durham said. “We’re going to fight to the end.”

Linebacker Brayden Adams, one of the leaders on defense, agrees. “The key is everyone playing together, being on the same page, with the same attitude and mentality to motivate you throughout the season to be successful.”

McNeese’s season starts on September 2nd at home against Tarleton State before a Week two trip to Florida to play the Gators in the Swamp, the first game of a three-game road trip.

The Cowboys then start conference play at home against Nicholls on September 30th, which should give us a real litmus test for how the Cowboys will fare the rest of the season.

Predicted to finish third in the SLC, McNeese has every opportunity to win the conference, though they’ll face some stiff competition in their toughest match-up, on the road at Southeastern on November 4th.

Nearly every game this season will be available via ESPN+ or ESPNU, so you can easily watch the Pokes when they’re on the road.

To see the Cowboys in person, season tickets are still on sale at the ticket office by calling 337-562-4678 or online at McNeeseSports.com. Single game tickets are not on sale yet.

McNEESE BREAKS GROUND

McNeese State University broke ground on a new press box for Cowboy Stadium last month. In 2020, Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated Southwest Louisiana including the Cowboy Stadium press box.

“Having the press box groundbreaking is a positive message to the Southwest Louisiana and McNeese communities that recovery from Hurricane Laura is continuing,” said Dr. Daryl Burckel, president of McNeese.

The new facility boasts 25 suites, a 1,700-square-foot sky club and an open patio-type area. The top two levels extend goal line to goal line. Football operations will be on the second level.

“Today is a monumental day for Southwest Louisiana! This new press box is simply a game changer. The number of premium suites, the amenities and the functionality of this press box will be second to none,” exclaimed Heath Schroyer, director of athletics at McNeese. “There has been a great deal of work done by several people behind the scenes to make this day a reality.”

FOR NEW PRESS BOX AT COWBOY STADIUM

Visitors to McNeese for sporting and other events added approximately $4.3 million to the economy of Southwest Louisiana in 2021. Suites in the new press box will provide McNeese football fans with a premium venue for watching games with friends, family and business associates, drawing more visitors to the region. Sales for the suites will bring in millions of dollars for McNeese.

“The press box signifies the commitment to not only our football program but also to McNeese athletics! It will usher our athletics department into the future and help us reach our aggressive goals,” Schroyer said.

McNeese is the proud home to 14 NCAA Division 1 athletic teams. Last year, total attendance at McNeese ticketed sporting events was 132,225, of which 44,790 were for football.

“This is a state-of-the-art facility allowing McNeese football to compete at any level. This is just the first of many projects that will transform the McNeese campus for years to come,” Burckel said.

McNeese Schedule

Wk 1 Sept. 2 vs. Tarleton State

Wk 2 Sept. 9 @ Florida

Wk 3 Sept. 16 @ Alcorn State

Wk 4 Sept. 23 @ Eastern Illinois

Wk 5 Sept. 30 vs. Nicholls

Wk 6 Oct. 7 @ Texas A&M-Commerce

Wk 7 Oct. 14 BYE

Wk 8 Oct. 21 vs. Incarnate Word

Wk 9 Oct. 28 vs. Northwestern State (Homecoming)

Wk 10 Nov. 4 @ Southeastern

Wk 11 Nov. 11 vs. Houston Christian

Wk 12 Nov. 18 @ Lamar

Breaking ground on the new press box at Cowboy Stadium. Pictured left to right are John Cardone, City of Lake Charles; Dr. Wade Rousse, executive vice president of McNeese; Dr. Daryl Burckel, president of McNeese; Heath Schroyer, director of athletics; Johnny Fife, Arkel Constructors; Coach Gary Goff, McNeese head football coach; Mayor Nic Hunter, City of Lake Charles; Sam Gil, McNeese Student Government Association president; and Curtis Laub, architect Multistudio.

Brian Kellyand the Sophomore Slump?

by Matt Dye

LSU enters year two of the Brian Kelly era in a lot better shape than anyone would have guessed coming out of the end of Orgeron’s tenure.

Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding and reloading year, and after an opening game loss to Florida State University, many Tiger fans were worried that maybe Kelly wasn’t the right direction to have gone.

But, LSU went on a tear, winning four in a row and nine of their next 11 games, including a home overtime victory against rival Alabama, which vaulted LSU into the SEC title game.

They’d lose to the eventual national champion, Georgia, but would go on to play in the Citrus Bowl against Big Ten Champion Purdue, whom they routed 63-7, giving Kelly a double-digit win total in his first season in Death Valley – a far cry from the expectations that first game birthed.

Now in year two, Kelly has LSU even more loaded with talent for today and the future.

It’s worth nothing that this is the last year with only four teams playing for the national championship, as next year the college football playoff expands to 12 teams, and Kelly has LSU poised to be in the tournament year in and year out.

Though this year will not be without it’s challenges. It is going to be perhaps the most brutal year Kelly’s Tigers will face, as teams in the SEC continue to get better. Add in mounting pressure to be the third in a trio of Scott Woodward hires to secure the top title in year two and you’ve got a recipe for an exciting season.

Currently, the team will be led by Jayden Daniels at quarterback. A fifth year senior, Daniels should be the best QB in the conference, but he’ll need to get off to a

strong start to keep the job from back-up, Garrett Nussmeier. Daniels last season had a rocky start before finding a bit of consistency with games against Florida and Ole Miss. If he can continue to make the right reads and run the ball effectively, he’ll keep the turnovers down and LSU’s record heading in the right direction.

Taking some of the pressure off Daniels will be a running game featuring Notre Dame transfer, Logan Diggs, who will be reuniting with Coach Kelly, and his familiarity with Kelly’s offense will be key. Behind him are backs Noah Cain and Trey Holly, both of whom carried the rock in LSU’s Spring Game. Fan-favorite running back John Emery, Jr. is still serving an academic suspension and may not be back on the team.

LSU has long been dubbed wide receiver U, and this season should be no different. Malik Nabers will be one to watch, putting up 72 catches last season for 1,017 yards. He should be an early contender for the Biletnikoff Award and Daniels’ favorite target. Playing opposite him is Kyren Lacy, who had an up and down season last year but appears ready to breakout following some impressive catches in the Spring Game. Brian Thomas should also be a big end zone target.

On defense, LSU noticed a bit of a drop-off last year, letting some opponents run away with a game early. Most notably, the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. The good news is, LSU gets Maason Smith back, who they lost early last season to an ACL tear. If Smith is

back to 100% with Mekhi Wingo, the pass rush should be more than up to par. At linebacker, there’s argument that Harold Perkins is the best in the game right now. We’ll see how that all pans out, but joined by Oregon State transfer Omar Speights, the Tigers should be just as strong against the run without having to load the box.

The biggest question mark for the Tigers comes in the secondary, which will be manned by transfers. It’s too soon to see how they work out, but if they do, this might be another LSU defense for the ages. If not, LSU could find themselves in a few shootouts. Looking at the schedule, LSU opens with a revenge game against Florida State before hosting Grambling and then heading to Mississippi State to begin conference play. Like the past 15 seasons, much of LSU’s success will be determined by their November 4th match-up against Alabama, which will be played at Bryant-Denny and only increase the difficulty. Not only that, but the Tide are going to be looking for revenge to punctuate that the Saban era isn’t coming to an end.

Otherwise, LSU plays the majority of their rivals at home, hosting Auburn, Florida, and Texas A&M. The bottom line always comes down to how well you can move the ball. LSU was 10-1 when they ran the ball for 140 yards last season, and 0-3 when they didn’t. If they can continue to have that type of success, it should be another doubledigit win season for Brian Kelly and the Tigers.

lsu Schedule 2023

Wk 1 Sept. 3 FSU (in Orlando)

Wk 2 Sept. 9 vs. Grambling State

Wk 3 Sept. 16 @ Mississippi State

Wk 4 Sept. 23 vs. Arkansas

Wk 5 Sept. 30 @ Ole Miss

Wk 6 Oct. 7 @ Missouri

Wk 7 Oct. 14 vs. Auburn

Wk 8 Oct. 21 vs. Army

Wk 9 Oct. 28 BYE

Wk 10 Nov. 4 @ Alabama

Wk 11 Nov. 11 vs. Florida

Wk 12 Nov. 18 vs. Georgia State

Wk 13 Nov. 25 vs. Texas A&M

The Derek CarR BOMB

by Matt Dye

The first year of the Dennis Allen era didn’t go exactly as planned, with the Saints finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs. Much of that can be attributed to the hole Drew Brees’ exit left and that Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill tried to fill.

Add in the ongoing Alvin Kamara drama which, at the time of publication, will finally be resolving from a legal standpoint, and Michael Thomas again missing most of the season, and the offense for the Saints was a sore spot.

Enter Derek Carr, now in his 10th season in the league and coming off one of his worst seasons last year with the Raiders. So far, it appears that New Orleans might be the place to revitalize Carr’s career, in much the same way Matthew Stafford did a couple seasons ago with the Rams.

Kamara may still face a suspension from the league, but having his charges reduced to a misdemeanor will shorten that. Just in case, the Saints signed Jamaal Williams, the league leader in rushing touchdowns last season, as well as drafted rookie Kendre Miller.

At the wide receiver spot, a hopefully healthy Michael Thomas will join second year standouts Chris Olave, who had 72 receptions on 119 targets for 1,042 yards last season, and Rashid Shaheed to give Derek Carr plenty of options to toss bombs. Even the tight end position is somewhat stacked, with Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and, of course, Taysom Hill. On top of that, the Saints just resigned Jimmy Graham, who may not have much left in the tank, but certainly played his best ball in the Superdome.

The defensive side of the ball experienced a bit of shake-up in the offseason, with a new defensive coordinator being installed in Joe Woods. That said, while the defense still has a lot of talent with Cameron Jordan leading the way on the front line, in some ways this is a rebuilding season for the Saints.

Demario Davis still leads the linebacking core while the Honey Badger and Marshon Lattimore will have the secondary shored up. Though, it may

be midseason before this defense looks like it’s close to competitive. That is not a terribly concerning factor, because the Saints have the second easiest schedule in the NFL.

Most of this is due to the fact that if the Saints are rebuilding, the rest of the NFC South is overhauling and praying. All three other teams are looking to start a new quarterback in 2023, as well. With Tom Brady retired, the Bucs turn to commercial actor Baker Mayfield to lead them back to the promised land. The Panthers are turning to either the rookie Bryce Young or the red pellet gun in Andy Dalton. Lastly, the Falcons are pinning all their hopes on Desmond Ridder to start the season.

The Saints play the now Jordan Love led Packers at Lambeau in September when the weather is perfect for football. Additionally, one of the NFC South’s crossover divisions is the AFC South, which is just as putrid, with teams like Houston and Indianapolis looking for new life.

This Saints team could easily start 4-0 with a week five match-up in New England being a good barometer of how they’ll compete going forward. If the Who Dat nation makes it through that, there’s a chance the Saints could be 9-0 heading into a rivalry game in Week 10 at the Minnesota Vikings.

Realistically, winning the division and making the playoffs should be a safe bet as long as the injury bug doesn’t arrive in New Orleans and Derek Carr doesn’t implode under the lights of The Big Easy.

How deep the Saints go in the playoffs will come down to Carr though, and if he can keep drives alive when all the chips are on the line and

make throws into tight pockets against what should be much better teams across the rest of the NFC. So here’s to the Derek Carr Bomb becoming the official drink of nervous Saints fans everywhere. Bottoms up!

saints Schedule 2023

PRE-SEASON

Wk 1 Aug. 13 vs. Kansas City

Wk 2 Aug. 20 @ L.A. Rams

Wk 3 Aug. 27 vs. Houston

REGULAR SEASON

Wk 1 Sept. 10 vs. Tennessee

Wk 2 Sept. 17 @ Carolina

Wk 3 Sept. 24 @ Green Bay

Wk 4 Oct. 1 vs. Tampa Bay

Wk 5 Oct. 8 @ New England

Wk 6 Oct. 15 @ Houston

Wk 7 Oct. 19 vs. Jacksonville

Wk 8 Oct. 29 @ Indianapolis

Wk 9 Nov. 5 vs. Chicago

Wk 10 Nov. 12 @ Minnesota

Wk 11 BYE

Wk 12 Nov. 26 @ Atlanta

Wk 13 Dec. 3 vs. Detroit

Wk 14 Dec. 10 vs. Carolina

Wk 15 Dec. 17 vs. N.Y. Giants

Wk 16 Dec. 21 @ L.A. Rams

Wk 17 Dec. 31 @ Tampa Bay

Wk 18 Jan. 7 vs. Atlanta

fantasy

football football football football football football football football football football football football football football football football football football football football

Even if you’ve never watched a game of football, you’ve probably heard of Fantasy Football. Maybe you’ve always wanted to play, but you didn’t know how. Or, you didn’t feel like you had enough knowledge to be a part of the game.Well, don’t fear! Fantasy Football doesn’t require as much prowess as you might expect.

So, if you see your friends calling for an extra player in their fantasy league on Facebook, or if your work has an office league you’ve always been too intimidated to join, take a minute and relieve your worries as you settle into your new favorite pastime, Fantasy Football Manager.

Joining a League

The easiest way to join a league is to tell a friend that you know who plays that you’re interested in playing. Many leagues are gearing up as we speak, so this is the time to let people know you’re interested. If you see someone you know posting on Facebook about it, hit them up. Many leagues often have turnover and are looking for new players, or they may expand to allow more teams in. Either way, it’s more fun to play with friends, and sometimes mentioning your interest to the right friends could result in the creation of an entirely new league!

If none of your friends or co-workers have an opening and you still want to play, it’s easy enough to get started. While there are a number of platforms to choose from, the most common are Yahoo!, ESPN, and NFL.com. Just create an account and go!

Pre-Draft Shenanigans

Even if you’re not a big fan of the NFL, getting ready for your team’s draft is easy. The first thing to do is look at your league’s settings and understand how the scoring works. Most leagues will follow a standard scoring system, but sometimes, especially in more established leagues,

by Matt Dye

scoring may have been modified. If you aren’t sure about it, don’t be afraid to ask. Most leagues have message boards and chat groups just for that sort of clarification.

Whichever platform you’re playing on tends to have players pre-ranked for you, so you don’t have to have knowledge of every team. But you should know how many of each position you need. Ideally, you want a bench player to replace each starter on your team, in case of bye weeks and/or injury.

Be aware of how many teams are in your league as well. A league with only eight teams means that there are more players to spread around versus being in a 12-team league.

It can also be helpful to mock draft, which will give you good practice for the actual day of. Plus, it’s another reason to cook a good meal and have a few drinks with friends.

Draft Day

There are a lot of philosophies you can subscribe to when it comes to drafting a team, but the one that seems to be constant is that you want to draft running backs early. Of course, this will depend on the make-up of rosters in your league, but don’t be surprised if you’re taking a running back twice before you draft a quarterback.

When in doubt, fantasy is more fun when you’re drafting players from teams you like. If you’re a diehard Saints fan, then you’ll likely enjoy fantasy more drafting the Saints receiver than a Cowboys receiver, even if the Dallas player is higher ranked. If you’re totally lost for a pick, go with the player on a winning team. Winning teams tend to have the ball more, and therefore have more opportunity for your players to score points for you.

people across all walks of life become managers of their own football empire.

The Season

Once you’ve got your team drafted, Fantasy Football comes down to how much time you want to devote. At minimum, be sure to set your line-up every week and change out players due to injuries and/or bye weeks.

If you want to level up your experience, you can go deeper down the rabbit hole and get into the Waiver Wire, where you can exchange players who aren’t performing on your team for ones who are available in the undrafted player pool. If you’re feeling really confident, you can engage in a little friendly trash talk in the chatroom after your team comes from behind to win after Monday Night Football.

However you decide to approach it, you’ll soon feel the pull of Fantasy Football as Thursday night approaches and you’ve got a head-to-head match-up with your friends or coworkers.

The Tailgate Kings, a (somewhat) weekly podcast hosted by Matt Dye is available on Spotify.

McNeese Foundation: A PILLAR OF STRENGTH

by Taylor Trahan Henry

How It's Structured

Offices of University Advancement

McNeese Foundation

McNeese Athletic Foundation

Banners at McNeese

Lake Charles and the surrounding areas are fortunate to have McNeese State University at the heart of the community. Not only does the presence of a university present academic opportunity for local students, but it is also an economic driver, employer, and cultural epicenter. It’s beneficial for every citizen and worthy of support, no matter your connection. McNeese alumni, local businesses, and community residents alike benefit when McNeese succeeds. So, in steps the McNeese Foundation. Since it’s inception in 1965, the McNeese Foundation has been cultivating resources to support the successful education of both undergraduate and graduate students, and to provide operational assistance to serve faculty, staff, donors, employers, community members and other constituents. The goal is simple – advance McNeese State University and the community that supports it. Although this goal is simple, it is multifaceted and touches nearly every part of the university.

In recent years, restructuring has broadened the scope of the Foundation and allowed for increased opportunities to engage stakeholders throughout campus and Southwest Louisiana. The Offices of University Advancement now house the Foundation, the McNeese Athletic Foundation, the McNeese Alumni Association, and Banners at McNeese.

How does the McNeese Foundation support the university and the community?

So, how exactly is the McNeese Foundation accomplishing its mission to advance both the University and the surrounding community? “We’re fortunate to have a hand in many projects,” says Laura Bowers, director for university advancement operations and special events. “Scholarships are what we tend to be known for on the outward facing, but the McNeese Foundation is also heavily involved in capital improvements, real estate

investments, and awarding professorships for faculty advancement.”

Annually, the Foundation awards over 500 scholarships to more than 800 students, totaling an impressive $1.9 million. Similarly, to improve educational opportunities and develop a world-class faculty, 112 professorships totaling approximately $650,000 were awarded to Cowboy faculty for research projects, classroom equipment, professional development, and student enhancement.

One of the most current and notable capital improvement projects includes the loaning of funds for a new student union. “This project will be reimbursed through student fees for a number of years,” says Bowers. “The students voted on and ultimately approved this fee. It’s going to be an incredible space for our students, staff, and community to collaborate, innovate, and celebrate!”

Perhaps the most important, and the most unseen, duty of the Foundation is investing in real estate around campus to expand the footprint of the University and improve facilities. This requires foresight for expansion. “Several years ago, the McNeese Foundation acquired nearly five acres of property adjacent to the campus that was formerly the site of the Charles Cinema,” says Dr. Wade Rousse, McNeese executive vice president and vice president for university advancement. “This property was purchased with the intention of expanding the McNeese campus and for economic development.” This fall, the ground on those five acres will be broken for the building of the McNeese LNG Center for Excellence; a state-of-the-art facility that will provide classroom instruction and continuing education to support Southwest Louisiana’s booming liquid natural gas industry. Another property on Common Street also awaits a new student housing development.

Past projects that have come to fruition include

McNeese Alumni Association

Fuller Farm and Dripps Farm, both fully functioning farms that play a pivotal role in the university’s agriculture curriculum. The Foundation also owns a meat processing facility, Center for Advancement of Meat Production and Processing (CAMPP). CAMPP also operates a retail store in Gayle Hall, allowing for the sale of meat from animals raised and processed entirely on university property.

In addition to providing scholarships to area students and assisting with our students on-campus needs, the Foundation recently opened an urgent care facility in partnership with Ochsner CHRISTUS Health. The Oschner CHRISTUS Health Urgent Care facility, located on Ryan Street, now houses McNeese Student Health Services, McNeese Counseling Services and Ochsner CHRISTUS Urgent Care. The urgent care not only serves as a needed point of access to healthcare for McNeese students, but also serves the public. “We utilized a land swap for this particular project,” says Bowers. “We received the former JD Bank building, which sustained damage in Hurricane Laura, and JD Bank got a portion of our land behind the bank building. This project also resulted in a lease agreement with Raising Cane’s. Raising Cane’s will lease part of our land for additional drive through lanes. This alleviates traffic on Ryan Street and maximizes their efficiency and service.”

How can you support the efforts of the McNeese Foundation?

“There are so many ways to support the Foundation,” says Bowers. “There are both financial and non-financial ways to show your blue and gold pride. One of the most unique things about giving is that, if you choose, you can direct your support to a particular area of campus. Nearly every campus entity has an account within the Foundation.” For example, if you have fond memories of being in the band, you can donate to the Pride of McNeese Marching Band.

When it comes to scholarships, there are several ways to establish. Endowed scholarships start with a $15,000 investment that can be paid over five years. Money is invested and the interest earned after one year is what is expended as the scholarship award. In/Out scholarships are not subject to the one-year interest earning period - they operate like a checking account. Contributions are given, an award is made, and the scholarship balance is reduced by the award amount. Awards can be made immediately instead of waiting one year like an endowment. Additional contributions to

either type of scholarship can be made at any time.

Designated endowments are another way to support a cause directly. “Donors can establish an endowment for a specific area or sport,” says Bowers. “That department or sport would then use the interest earned for their immediate needs. For example, an endowment for the Burton College of Education can be used for classroom equipment.”

Joining the McNeese Athletic Foundation allows you to support the Cowboys and Cowgirls as they compete in a myriad of sports. Become a MAF member for $150 and receive special access to MAF tents at Friday night block parties and home games as well as special seating in the south end zone at Cowboy Stadium.

Memorial and tribute gifts allow you to donate in memory of a loved one in lieu of flowers. The donation can be directed to an area of choice or to a certain scholarship specified by the family. Donations can also be made in celebration of those still living. Popular occasions include weddings, anniversaries, graduations, baptisms, and holidays. For both “in memory of” and “in honor of” an individual, a special card is sent to the honoree or their family.

Planned giving is a gift made after a donor’s lifetime as part of their estate plan. By choosing to include the McNeese Foundation in your will, you become a member of the 1939 Living Oak Society. Planned gifts can be made through a will, living trust, life insurance policy, retirement plans, IRAs, donor advised funds, or charitable gift annuities. Those wishing to include a planned gift to the McNeese Foundation should call the Foundation office at 337-475-5588.

Like all gifts to the Foundation, you donors can designate an area for their donation to be directed.

“One of the biggest things we emphasize is that you don’t need ‘big money’ to be a ‘big supporter,’” says Bowers. “There are so many inexpensive or free ways to show your support and advance our mission.” Non-financial ways to support both the Foundation and the

University include Geaux Blue Fridays, where local businesses, schools, or organizations can dress in blue and tag the university’s social media accounts. McNeese flags and memorabilia are also a great way to show your Poke Pride. Area businesses can join the upcoming campaign to “Roll Out the Blue Carpet” by painting windows or decorating store fronts in blue and gold. “Lastly, your attendance at university events means the world to us,” says Bowers. “Having the community come out and support our students, faculty, and staff is the single best indicator of community buy in. We are so fortunate to be in this community.”

The Foundation relies on a dedicated staff, with over 40 years of combined experience, to carry out its many initiatives. Jennifer Leger, Gift Planning and Donor Research Specialist celebrated 16 years with the Foundation this year. Jessica Pousson, Administrative Assistant, will hit the seven-year mark. Shelley Shaw and Cheryl Smith, who handle accounts payable and receivable will celebrate 11 and nine years, respectively. Bowers is the most recent addition to the staff, joining the team in November of 2022. “This staff is incredible, loyal, and dedicated to the mission of the Foundation,” says Bowers. “Prior to my role here, I spent a lot of time working independently. I prayed for a team to grow with and learn from – I hit the jackpot!” The Offices of University Advancement are under the direction of Dr. Wade Rousse, PhD, Executive Vice President.

Ways to Support the McNeese Foundation & McNeese State University

• Monthly donations as little as $10

• Endowed scholarships

• In/Out scholarships

• Joining the McNeese Athletic Foundation

• Designated endowments

• Memorial or tribute gifts

• Kroger Community Rewards – Code: MR226

• Planned giving

• Geaux Blue Fridays

• Decorating your windows or storefront

• Showing up and supporting university events

JUST IMAGINE SWLA MCNEESE AREA RESILIENCE DISTRICT

The McNeese Area Resilience District focuses on growth, development, and enhancement of the McNeese State University campus and surrounding areas. Projects relating to infrastructure, community planning, housing, and economic development are key components to improve quality of life and foster community strength. Bundling projects together as a resilience district helps target potential funding and gives a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the area. These improvements to campus and the surrounding neighborhoods will make McNeese feel like a more distinguishing factor of the community.

There are many projects around the perimeter of campus already underway. Expansion to the west side of Ryan Street has begun with the construction and opening of the state-of-the-art Ochsner CHRISTUS Urgent Care that services both the Lake Charles community and houses McNeese’s Student Health Services. The westward expansion will continue into the fall with the LNG Center of Excellence, which will be a hub for research, workforce development, and safety. The center will partner with McNeese and SOWELA to offer courses and training for students and LNG employees. Both the Urgent Care and LNG Center are funded by the McNeese Foundation.

Expansion on the north side of East Sale Road also continues with the university’s acquisition of the Wesley Center, to be transformed into the new McNeese State University bookstore.

This location will allow ease of access to McNeese merchandise to the community and maintain ease of access for students. Looking to the east side of Common Street, expansion is also in progress. The intent for the site is the construction of a mixed housing project anticipated to serve students, faculty, staff, and the community. This development will most likely take two years, and for now, the site will be enhanced into green space. The Just Imagine plan recommends transforming this section of Common Street to calm traffic, along with the addition of green infrastructure and safer pedestrian access creates a community-friendly environment.

An integral part of this project also includes Contraband Bayou, a portion of Bayou Greenbelt. The land around campus and in this area of Lake Charles is low and subject to flooding. To address this, phase I of the Contraband Bayou improvements, located near the southern boundary of campus, were completed in 2022. In addition to taking advantage of a natural water shed, the improvements included cleanup of the bayou, terracing the borders, and installing both a gathering space and a walking bridge connecting Student Central and the adjacent dorms to the main campus.

“The momentum that surrounds the expansions and projects for the growth and future of McNeese is tremendous. The entire campus will be transformed, and I think that

the community will be proud of the work that everyone is doing for the betterment of the university and quality of experiences and opportunities for students,” says Dr. Daryl Burckel, president of McNeese.

McNeese State University continues to expand its footprint and connect with the community. This also includes linking the university to downtown Lake Charles. An example of this is Rolling Out the Blue Carpet, a collaboration with McNeese, the City of Lake Charles, Visit Lake Charles, and the Lake Charles Downtown Business Association to welcome students and their families back to the community. As students and teachers are coming back to campus for the first two weeks in August, downtown is geauxing blue with Poke specials and welcoming messages.

Be sure to explore downtown Lake Charles and enjoy the inaugural Rolling Out the Blue Carpet: “The goal is to create synergy with MSU and the downtown area so that students feel welcome and connected to the community on a deeper level. By accomplishing this, we cultivate a desire for students to stay and work in our growing region,” says Anna Strider, with Visit Lake Charles and the Downtown Business Association.

To learn more about the McNeese Area Resilience District and other projects as part of the Just Imagine SWLA resilience plan, log onto www.justimagineswla.org.

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana...

Who’s News? You tell us! Send press releases to edit@thriveswla.com

Lake Area Adventures Hires Director of Marketing and Business Development

Lake Area Adventures has hired Heather Hidalgo as the Director of Marketing and Business Development for all of its business operations, including Lake Area Adventures' Family Entertainment Complex at 1337 Country Club Road, boat and kayak tours and rentals, lakefront operations and several future operations currently in construction.

In her role, Hidalgo will direct and oversee all the marketing, event and public relations efforts for Lake Area Adventures. On the business development side, she will work with businesses on corporate memberships for employees, corporate event planning and private event catering by Chef Amanda Cusey with The Terrace Restaurant at Lake Area Adventures. She will also coordinate group rates for large groups who want to enjoy their facilities.

Hidalgo comes to Lake Area Adventures from CHRISTUS Ochsner, where she has been the Director of Marketing and Communications for 17 years. Prior to that she worked in Business Development for CHRISTUS St. Patrick. For information on Lake Area Adventures Corporate or Group events, contact 337.842.7301 or heather@laastaff.com.

Baton Rouge, LLC. He has lived in the Baton Rouge area since 2002. Dr. Yegge has been a member of Investar Bank's Board of Directors since May 2017.

Fahad Lodhi, MD Joins Lake Charles Memorial Health System

Lake Charles Memorial Health System is pleased to welcome nephrologist, Fahad Lodhi, MD to its medical staff.

Dr. Lodhi received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from F M H College of Medicine and Dentistry in Shadman, Lahore in Pakistan. He then furthered his medical education by completing an Internal Medicine Residency at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Lodhi continued with a Nephrology Fellowship at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, where he served as Chief Fellow. Dr. Lodhi is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, with a subspecialty in Nephrology.

Dr. Lodhi has family in Lake Charles. He will join his brother and fellow nephrologist A.A.K. Lodhi, MD, along with Abdel F. Abu Shamat, MD and staff treating patients at The Kidney Clinic in Lake Charles.

Investar Holding Corporation Appoints Three New Board Members

Investar Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: ISTR), the parent company of whollyowned subsidiary Investar Bank, National Association ("Investar"), announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors.

Anita Fontenot is a Lafayette, Louisiana, resident and has served as President of Southwest Fidelity Corporation since 2001. Southwest Fidelity Corporation is the holding company for nine finance companies in Louisiana's Acadiana region that manages real estate, rental properties, other investments, and a full-service independent insurance agency. She is involved in numerous civic and non-profit associations and has been a member of Investar Bank's Board of Directors since May 2017.

Julio Melara is the President and CEO of Melara Enterprises, LLC, which publishes the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, 225 Magazine, inRegister Magazine, Daily Report online news, 1012 Industry Report, and other specialty publications. He is also the President and CEO of StudioE, a content, communications, and creative studio. He serves and has served on numerous boards of directors, including the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, National Alliance of Area Business Publishers, Tiger Athletic Foundation, and the Joe Burrow Foundation. Mr. Melara has served on Investar Bank's Board of Directors since July 2020.

Dr. James Yegge is a board-certified nephrologist at Renal Associates of

Heather Hidalgo

Dr. Fahad Lodhi

Anita Fontenot Julio Melara

Dr. James Yegge

Home & Family RAISING KIDS TODAY

As parents, caregivers, and mentors, we are constantly looking for the best ways to address the many hurdles that come with raising children. In the age of technology and instant gratification this has become increasingly challenging. Beyond academic and athletic achievements, the goal is to create well-rounded children who will eventually

be successful adults. The irony – to teach our children to live independently and move on from us.

Amidst the joys and challenges of parenthood, Thrive encourages you to embrace the enriching journey of raising compassionate, curious, and confident kids. Together, let's celebrate the magic of childhood and equip our

little ones with the love and tools they need to flourish in today's world. Expert advice and heartwarming anecdotes will guide you in nurturing the happiness and well-being of your children. From encouraging creativity and emotional intelligence to cultivating resilience and mindfulness, we remain mindful that we are raising the future leaders of Southwest Louisiana.

FOSTERING A

CHILD’S WELFARE

When a child suffers from neglect or abuse, it is often necessary for the child’s wellbeing to remove them from the situation and place them in the protective custody of the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). In this potentially traumatic transition, kids can be vulnerable and scared. They need unconditional love, support, and understanding. Foster parents welcome these children into their homes and care for them until it is deemed safe for them to return to their families, or they can be adopted.

As of May 2023, there were 4,313 children in the Louisiana foster care system. Most of them are placed in foster homes, but far too many still await placement. While DCFS and their pool of foster parents do the best they can, the need for more foster parents cannot be overstated.

Fostering requires a love of children, a big heart, and the emotional ability to let their foster kids go after loving and caring for them. While fostering might ultimately result in adoption, placements are intended to be temporary arrangements, ranging from a single night up to a year. The primary goal of most foster cases is reunification with the biological parents or a close relative. This can be one of the biggest hurdles of foster parenting – to bring children into their home, care for them, form close relational bonds and eventually say goodbye. One anonymous Louisiana couple who currently cares for four foster children says, “We’ll just love them as much as we can for as long as we’re needed.”

Minimum

• At least 21 years old

• Single, married, divorced or widowed

• Financial stability

• Good physical and mental health

• Enough space in your home for another child

• Background check clearance

• Participation in pre-service training

•Successful home study

Louisiana foster mom Rachel Goode and her husband knew they wanted to help children who needed a safe home before they even started dating. They’ve fostered 19 children over the past four years for varying lengths of time. They also have three biological children, ages six, five and two. Goode understands firsthand the challenges that come with fostering. She initially struggled to set boundaries and stand by them: for example, with the biological parents, DCFS workers and others. Children entering a foster home might have cultural differences from those of the foster family. They may be accustomed to different foods and have different habits. Foster children often have physical delays, medical ailments and mental health issues. A foster parent’s daily schedule

by Angie Kay Dilmore

may become hectic with doctor appointments, various forms of therapy, parent/teacher meetings and diligent recordkeeping.

While fostering is a big commitment, the rewards of making a positive impact on a child’s life can make it worth the effort. Goode says she finds it gratifying to help children overcome personal struggles, i.e., communication skills, emotional regulation or physical delays. “It’s definitely hard work, but so rewarding when you finally have those breakthroughs.”

For more information or if you are interested in becoming a foster parent, call Louisiana Dept. of Children and Family Services, Lake Charles Region, 337-491-2470.

Louisiana Foster Care louisianafostercare.com

Louisiana Foster Care and their Ambassadors connect foster parents with support and resources. See their website for more info.

Fostering Hope Louisiana

FHLouisiana.org

Fostering Hope Louisiana (FHL) addresses the oral/dental and mental health needs of youth in foster care with the support of orthodontists, mental health professionals, and the community. By offering braces, FHL improves the physical appearance and self-esteem of foster children while recognizing that healing unseen scars is often more difficult but equally as important.

For more info, call Leslie Lacy, Executive Director, M: 225-963-0603, O: 225-263-3938.

Trinity Baptist Church Foster & Adoption Ministry

2300 North Kingswood, Lake Charles, 70605

Serves as a support to DCFS and their foster families to meet particular needs. They host an annual Foster Family Celebration in May (National Foster Care Month), and host foster parent night outs. If foster parents ultimately adopt a child, they can apply for an Adoption Blessing – a gift ranging from $500 - $5,000. For more info, call Kelly Berryhill, 337-274-0044.

Helping little smiles grow up to be big, healthy smiles!

We provide specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a “child-friendly” environment and where parents are more than welcome to accompany their child to the treatment room.

Dr. Eric A. Sanders Dr. Saima Khan

Foster parents are not alone in their efforts to help kids in foster care. The following are a few of several organizations in Louisiana that assist these families:

FEEDING HEARTS, BUILDING MINDS

In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, finding moments of connection with our kids can feel like grasping at straws. As parents, we yearn for meaningful ways to nurture their mental health and overall well-being. One delightful and effective approach lies right within our own homes: the cherished tradition of family mealtimes. Beyond the delicious food that graces the table, family meals play a vital role in shaping the emotional and psychological landscape of our children’s lives. Research has shown that regular family dinners offer an array of benefits, weaving an invisible tapestry of love and support that underpins their growth.

“There are numerous academic studies highlighting the positive benefits of shared family meals ranging from better academic success - higher test scores, better vocabulary and reading skills, better grades - to more

positive peer and parental relationships, healthier eating habits, and less stress,” says Megan Musso, MA, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, owner of Magnolia Pediatric Therapy in Lake Charles. Children with regular shared family meals have also been found to be more likely to confide in their parents regarding social pressures and be more emotionally content.”

Around the dinner table, children find a safe space to share their thoughts, triumphs, and struggles. Engaging in open conversations during meals fosters emotional resilience as kids learn to express their feelings and empathize with others. Parents can encourage such discussions by asking open-ended questions like “What was the best part of your day?” or “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about?”.

“Use this time to engage with each other, ask about each other’s day,” says Musso. “A great option is to play ‘cherry and the pit’. Talk about

by Taylor Trahan Henry

our favorite part of the day – cherry - and a not so great part of the day - pit. This allows kids to discuss their accomplishments and struggles, and their feelings and interactions with others. Possibly just as important, it allows them to hear that adults, too, have these feelings, and how we handle difficult situations in daily life.”

From building vocabulary to storytelling skills, the conversations and discourse your children are exposed to at dinner can lay the foundation for future success inside and outside the classroom. Research shows that children learn more words from family dinner conversations when compared to shared book reading. “It truly is so much more powerful than we give it credit for,” says Musso. “But please keep reading to your children!”

“Another key skill that is learned through shared family meals is storytelling,” says Musso. “When we discuss our day around the table, we are teaching our children how to tell a story with a beginning, middle and end; research shows preschoolers with strong storytelling skills have higher reading scores ten years later. Parents naturally probe during children’s stories asking higher-level questions such as ‘why’ or ‘how’ which in turn allows the child to expand on their own thoughts and ideas.”

To further foster positive outcomes around mealtime, allow children to actively participate

in meal preparation, whether by setting the table, mixing ingredients, or suggesting recipes, they experience a sense of achievement and responsibility. This involvement creates confidence and nurtures a positive self-image, allowing them to feel valued as contributing members of the family unit.

One of the keys to making family mealtimes work best for you is to set realistic goals. “If schedules don’t allow everyone to sit down together for dinner, try a shared family meal at a different time of day,” says Musso. “Breakfast is just as important and can be a great way to connect with our children before they head out the door to school.”

In the same vein as setting realistic expectations about when and how often your family can be together, set expectations about the meals themselves. “Shared family meals do not always have to be home cooked meals,” Musso says. “There is nothing wrong with getting takeout if that is what your schedule allows. The most important part is carving time out of our busy schedules to have meaningful conversations around the table together.”

The main goal is to be present in each other’s company and to prioritize meaningful interaction between all members of your family. Continual exposure to this practice will yield results that will last a lifetime.

Magnolia Pediatric Therapy is located at 3501 5th Avenue, Suite A in Lake Charles. For more information visit www. magnoliapediatrictherapy.com or call 337-419-0086.

Make a BIG Difference

Create a lifetime impact with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA is committed to igniting the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships. By matching community members with the leaders of tomorrow, the organization believes youth can achieve their full potential, reach higher aspirations, develop greater confidence, build better relationships, avoid risk behaviors and accomplish educational success.

Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has over 35 littles, like these two, ready to be matched with a Big. charles, 8 years old • Waiting for 328 days

Charles loves basketball, drawing, all things Spider-Man, and making new friends. He has three sisters and is ready for a Big Brother of his own! He would love a Big Brother who can help him with reading and math so he can have a great school year. When he grows up, he wants to be a firefighter or policeman.

derrell, 12 years old • Waiting for 436 Days

Derrell is an intelligent and funny Little who would love a Big Brother who can take him around the community and introduce him to new experiences. He’s excited to have someone around he can look up to and try new things with! He’d love to have a Big Brother who enjoys doing things outdoors –camping, going to the park, and especially playing football, baseball, and basketball.

Apply today to become a Big.

Being a mentor is about being present and creating special moments that last a lifetime.

www.bbbsswla.org

4135 Common Street, Lake Charles 1509 N Pine Street, DeRidder 337-478-5437

TIPS FOR RAISING INDEPENDENT CHILDREN

Fostering independence in toddlers and children is an essential aspect of their growth and development. Here are 10 quick tips for creating spaces and opportunities in your home that do just that!

Teach your toddlers and children ageappropriate self-help skills, such as dressing themselves, putting away toys, and setting the table. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence.

Create a child-friendly home by organizing toys and everyday items at a level where children can reach them easily. This will empower them to explore and take initiative without always relying on adults.

Offer children choices within reasonable limits to help them build decision-making skills. For instance, let them select between two outfit options or choose what they want for lunch.

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When your child faces a challenge, encourage them to brainstorm solutions independently. Avoid immediately jumping in to solve the problem for them. Instead, ask guiding questions to help them think critically.

Assign simple household chores to children based on their abilities and age. Having responsibilities and contributing to the family routine will instill a sense of independence and responsibility.

Routines provide predictability and structure, helping children understand what is expected of them. Encourage them to follow routines for morning, bedtime, and other daily activities.

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Allow ample time for unstructured play. Free play fosters creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving skills as children explore their interests without rigid guidelines.

Add a learning tower to your kitchen and a step stool to the bathroom to bring kids up counter top level.

Acknowledge and praise their efforts and achievements, even if they don’t get everything right.

Remember that fostering independence is a gradual process. Be patient with your child as they learn and make mistakes. Offer support and encouragement, letting them know you believe in their abilities.

By implementing these tips, you can create an environment that nurtures independence and empowers your children to develop essential life skills from an early age.

BOOK IT NOW!

Landscape Management Services is proud to have examples of our work across neighborhoods in Southwest Louisiana.

In addition to a full range of landscaping, design and maintenance services, we offer a fully stocked retail nursery and landscape supply center. You can pick up from our location, or we can deliver for your convenience.

Give us a call us today to book your fall color or landscape consultation.

At Lakeside Bank, we know life is stressful. That’s why we offer so many stress-free banking services, like online banking, our mobile app and convenient ATM locations, along with the area’s best personal service. Now, we’re giving you another way to stress less and leave your worries behind, with our incredible

August Sweet Escape

• 50-minute Relaxation Massage

• Skin Perfection Facial

• Essential Pedicure

• Gift Basket

October

Relax & Renewsations

• 80-minute Relaxation Massage with Aromatherapy

• Signature Facial

• Deluxe Pedicure

• Moisturizing Manicure

• Eyebrow Wax

• Make-up Application

• Lunch

• Gift Basket

You can get away from it all without having to travel very far! Each month through November, we’re giving away a luxurious spa treatment package to Scarborough’s Salon & Day Spa.

September

Revitalizing Retreat

• 80-minute Relaxation Massage

• Signature Facial

• Essential Pedicure

• Eyebrow Wax

• Gift Basket

November

Ultimate Experience

• Chocolate Mousse Body Treatment

• 80-minute Relaxation Massage

• Signature Facial

• Deluxe Pedicure

December-Grand Prize

One lucky winner and a guest will be whisked away for the most relaxing, worry-free getaway imaginable:

an all-expense paid, escape for two at one of the top-ranked destination spas in the United States:

This lavish spa giveaway is valued at $13,000 and includes air fare, transportation, luxury accommodations, and spa package for two at Miraval Resort.

If you’re ready to stress less, stop by any Lakeside location to register for our Great Escape Spa Giveaway, and ask about all of the stress-free banking services we offer to make your life easier.

• Moisturizing Manicure

• Eyebrow Wax

• Make-up Application

• Lunch

• Gift Basket

If you’re ready to stress less, stop by any Lakeside location to register for our Great Escape Spa Giveaway, and ask about all of the stress-free banking services we offer to make your life easier.

STRE SS

Dr. Parker LaVigne, Cardiologist

Imperial Health is proud to welcome cardiologist Parker LaVigne, MD, to our medical staff.

Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. LaVigne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, and his Medical Degree from Louisiana State University Health in Shreveport. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency at LSU Health in Shreveport and a Fellowship in Cardiology at HonorHealth Heart Group in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. LaVigne will be joining Drs. Fastabend, Turner, Mulhearn, LeBeau, Foster, Goodwin and Sugathan in the Cardiology Department of Imperial Health.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. LaVigne, call (337) 312-8281. Accepts all major insurances and Medicare.

FAMILY WORKS: Davis Decorative Hardware

A Legacy of Craftsmanship & Family Values

by Taylor Trahan Henry

The Davis family laid the foundation for their hardware emporium in 1982, with a vision to provide high-quality, stylish, and functional hardware solutions for both residential and commercial projects. From the jump, Davis Decorative Hardware – formerly Davis Sales Co.was a father-son venture. John F. “Jack” Davis Jr. was an engineer and Bert was recently out of Millsaps College with a business degree. When Bert decided to return home, he and Jack started selling sandpaper to cabinet makers in the Baton Rouge area. They quickly saw a need for additional functional hardware products, such as glue, drawer slides, hinges, and screws. As the business expanded into southeast Mississippi and New Orleans, they saw an additional need for decorative hardware that could be sold directly to homeowners along with residential home builders, particularly custom home builders. What started out as two men has now grown to a 15-member team and four showrooms across South Louisiana – two in Baton Rouge, one in New Orleans, and one right here in Lake Charles.

Bert’s son, Walker, joined the Davis Decorative Hardware team after graduating from LSU and currently serves as the Branch Manager for the Lake Charles location. “Our core values are customer commitment, honesty and integrity, professionalism, teamwork and continuous improvement,” says Walker. “We believe that family is important, and we treat our customers like family. We have built long-lasting relationships over the past 42 years and will continue to build those relationships well into the future.”

As you can imagine, a lot has changed over the four decades the Davis family has been in business. Today, there is so much commerce happening online that many showrooms are obsolete. But that’s not the case in the company’s four locations. “We’ve put extra effort into making our in-store experience special,” says Walker. “We know that people can get hardware from a variety of places, but we strive to take the ‘hard’ out of hardware. When a client comes to our showroom, they deal with a staff member who is trained in attention to detail.” Experience gained through years of working on project after project is the key to making customers’ experiences seamless. “Most consumers don’t realize all of the information they need to purchase the correct hardware,” he says. “Our team knows the questions to ask, the

information to provide, and has the resources to get the order right the first time. If there is a problem, we solve the issue. These are services that you simply don’t get online.”

The success of Davis Decorative Hardware was not without its challenges. Like any family business, they faced their share of ups and downs. Fluctuations in the economy mean that, over the years, projects have ranged in size. However, the Davis family stayed true to their roots, focusing on their unique strengths – personal touch, expertise, and a curated collection that reflected the evolving tastes of their customers. “Sometimes the rate of new home construction goes down and we have to refocus on more home improvement,” says Walker. “We are appreciative of every customer and have always available for whatever job size and scope they needed.”

Moreover, the sense of community that Davis Decorative Hardware fosters is unparalleled. The family believes that their customers are an extension of their own family, and this philosophy is reflected in every interaction. From small DIY projects to large-scale commercial ventures, they treat each inquiry with equal enthusiasm and dedication. Many customers have become lifelong friends, returning time and again to experience the warmth of the Davis family.

Investing back into the communities they serve is a priority for the Davis family. “We believe community is important and the Lake Charles community has been exceptionally inviting to us,” says Walker. “Recently, we’ve sponsored LA MOO University being held at McNeese. We have also provided hardware for the St. Jude Dream Home in Lake Charles. In other parts of the state, we participate in sponsoring holes for golf tournaments, giving to high school athletics programs, and a variety of other nonprofit organizations.”

In the fast-paced world of commerce, Davis Decorative Hardware stands as a testament to the power of passion, craftsmanship, and family values. With their roots firmly planted in the past and their eyes set firmly on the future, they have not only survived but thrived, leaving a mark on their community and the industry they love.

To learn more about Davis Decorative Hardware visit their Lake Charles showroom at 5111 Common St., Suite 200 or visit them online at www.davisdecorativehardware.com

Style & Beauty Fall Fashion

As the temperatures begin to dip, and the excitement of football season fills the air, we invite you to indulge in the latest and greatest fall fashion trends that will have you looking chic both on and off the gridiron. Thrive pulled together a list of what’s new, what’s tried, and what’s true when it comes to game day gear.

Football season in Louisiana isn't just about cheering for your favorite teams; it's a chance to showcase your unique style and team spirit through game day fashion. Before you know it, you’ll be lighting those candles, making a roux, and getting ready to have friends fill your home for football fun.

Game Day

Fashion Where Style Meets Spirit

In Louisiana, football is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. With the arrival of crisp fall days, the air buzzes with excitement as football season is just around the corner. Game day isn’t just about the touchdowns and rivalries; it’s also a showcase of spirited fashion and unapologetic team pride. Let’s dive into the trends, accessories, and musthaves that define game day gear in the heart of the South.

When it comes to dressing up for game day, creativity and originality will score extra points. Fans don’t shy away from embracing their team’s colors, and each university has its unique traditions and iconic hues. Whether it’s the deep purple of the LSU Tigers, the true blue of the McNeese Cowboys, the spicy red of the Ragin’ Cajuns, or the glittering gold of the New Orleans Saints, boutiques across South Louisiana are stocking their shelves with the essentials for your wardrobe.

Gone are the days when game day fashion meant wearing a bulky, oversized jersey. Today, fashion-forward team jerseys have become a staple. Tailored fits, stylish cuts, and

by Taylor Trahan Henry

embellishments cater to the diverse tastes of fans, making them feel both comfortable and chic as they cheer on their team.

Graphic tees are a versatile and trendy option for both men and women. With quirky slogans, artistic designs, and creative interpretations of team logos, these tees add a touch of fun and personality to game day outfits. Louisiana favorite Queen of Sparkles will be one to look to for the latest in comfort and style.

Denim is a casual option that can be dressed up or down. Shorts, skirts, pants, and the newly popular jumpsuit are all up for grabs. Paired with team-colored tops or stylish blouses, this casual yet chic combination is perfect for a long day at the stadium.

Accessories play a crucial role in elevating any game day outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Beaded headbands, big earrings, and stylish tennis are popular options for adding a touch of personal flair.

Hats make for another cute, and practical, accessory. From baseball caps and trucker style

team mottos to sleek felt hats, it’ll keep you shaded from the sun during those long hours of tailgating and ensure an easy hair day!

While style takes center stage, comfort is also a significant consideration when spending those long days on campus celebrating. With plenty of walking and standing involved, comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. Fans often opt for stylish sneakers, comfortable sandals, or cowboy boots – three things you’ll easily find in boutiques as the fall kicks off.

If you’re one to support your team, rain or shine, you may want to consider a monogrammed raincoat or team-themed outerwear. Custom painted denim jackets and oversized crewneck sweaters are both popular for keeping warm while looking cool. Don’t forget a pair of ankle-high rubber boots for those muddy days sloshing across campus.

For fans attending games at stadiums with clear bag policies, transparent bags that comply with the regulations are essential. Luckily, there are various chic options available that are both compliant and fashionable. Even better, there are many options for bag straps that can easily be changed out to show your pride no matter the team.

In the South, game day fashion is more than just an outfit; it’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and cherished traditions. With a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of team spirit, and a whole lot of style, fans confidently embrace their game day looks, uniting to cheer on their teams with unwavering passion and impeccable style!

Photos courtesy of Louise Lane Boutique