Thrive Magazine July 2020 by Thrive Magazine

JULY 2020

LEGAL

LANDSCAPE of Southwest Louisiana

first person

Alfred Palma Jr.

hool c S o t k c Ba

GUIDE

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Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients. 24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today. One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Because Louisiana has it ALL... ...GET

THE SHIELD!

60 years

...

Shielding what’s near and dear in Louisiana!

EXTERMINATING

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Contents In This Issue

Regular Features

Wining & Dining

40 Business Buzz 60 Who's News 61 Solutions for Life

6 All About the Dogs 8 Ice Cream Round-Up 10 Family Fun and Kids Eat Free

Mind & Body

12 14 15 16

Perfect your Posture Caring for the Caregiver Summer Allergies Put the Science of Luck to Work for You

Money & Career

18-39 Special Section:

Home & Family

LEGAL LANDSCAPE of Southwest Louisiana

chool S o t k c a B

42-51 Special Section:

GUIDE

52 Real Estate Rebound 54 Landscape Mistakes to Avoid

Places & Faces

56 First Person: Alfred Palma Jr. 58 Space Center Houston

Style & Beauty

62 How to Clean your Make-Up Brushes 64 At-Home Pedicures

@thriveswla | thriveswla.com 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; family, health, home and career. Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living â&#x20AC;˘ July 2020

58 Managing Editor Angie Kay Dilmore Editors and Publishers Kristy Como Armand Christine Fisher Creative Director Barbara VanGossen Design and Layout Sarah Bercier Business Manager Katie McDaniel Stevenson Advertising Sales katie@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

WE STAND TOGETHER

for

EQUALITY Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the unrest and feel the discouragement across our nation. But here in our community, we are standing together to make things better. We are listening and learning, respecting one another and making our voices heard. We are uniting, not dividing. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re blessed in Southwest Louisiana to have a great community we all love.

Thank you to everyone who is working peacefully for change.

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Wining & Dining

Dogs!

ALL ABOUT THOSE

Kristi Woolridge and Weenie Dawgz customer Mike Beer. Breenie Dowies Photography

by Breenie Dowies

July is National Hot Dog Month and it’s time to celebrate! Visit these Lake Charles establishments that specialize in making the best hot dogs you can imagine. You’ll find Botsky’s in the heart of Downtown Lake Charles at 104 Pujo St. near the Charlestown Hotel. They’ve been serving a variety of premium hot dogs since 2013 and offer over 35 different toppings to choose from. Imagine the possibilities! Their Chili MacDaddy Dog topped with a crisp piece of bacon is a hometown favorite. Outdoor and indoor seating as well as curbside pickup available. Lake Area Runners meet at Botsky’s on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Member Josh Fontenot describes Botsky’s as a gourmet hot dog place with a down to earth atmosphere. “I have tried several menu items at Botsky’s but my favorite is the ‘Duck Norris,” he says. “The combination is both sweet and salty but it makes it great!” Have you heard of “The Hot Dawg Lady”? Kristi Woolridge, owner of Weenie Dawgz Food Truck, has been in the hot dog business since 2011. It all started with her hot dog cart. She waited outside popular hangouts such as Cowboys, OB’s, or On the Rocks and filled hungry stomachs and told funny jokes while serving her popular hot dogs. Woolridge has branched out with her business to several locations over the years and keeps getting better. Currently, Weenie Dawgz has gone mobile with a food truck. You can find Woolridge at 1210 3rd Street, Lake Charles, next to Freshko Food Service Inc. “I love making food that makes people happy,” she says. “I love my customers, and I love the amount of support they have given me for years and are still loyal. I love making comfort carnival type food as well as new twists on old classics like the Monte Cristo and Cuban.” Follow “Weenie Dawgz Food Truck” on Facebook to stay updated on hours and days. Get your friends and kids together and support our local hot dog businesses during the month of July for National Hot Dog Month. Social distancing is still encouraged but these business owners make it possible for you to dine out if that is your wish.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Above & Below: Photos courtesy of Botsky's

We’re ready for the next storm. We want you to be ready, too. At Entergy Louisiana, preparing for storm season is a year-round commitment. That’s especially true during these uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to storm season this year, but we are prepared to ensure we have the people and resources needed to safely restore power as quickly as possible. No matter what the future holds, you can always depend on Entergy to be ready for the next storm. Learn how you can stay prepared at entergystormcenter.com.

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CEL

Wining & Dining

RATE B E

NATIONAL

Maplewood Flavors

Ice Cream Month! by Angie Kay Dilmore

What better time than July – the peak of summer – to celebrate one of America’s favorite desserts . . . ice cream! Fortunately, Southwest Louisiana has no shortage of great places to find this cool, sweet treat.

BMBX Mary-Berry

BMBX Sharp-Dressed-Mint BMBX Eyes-Without-A-Fraise Butter Pecan Gelato at Pizza Artista

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

BOOMBOX Frozen Pops and Ice Cream, formerly known as Pops and Rockets, was founded in 2014. The business was started by two friends in a home kitchen, making pops to sell at the local farmer’s market. Their brand is centered around a love for the 1980s and every product is named after a song from the era! They decided to expand operations in 2016 and move to their current location in downtown Lake Charles. The retail shop is located at 104 W Pujo Street and is also where all their products are made with quality ingredients. With over 16 ice cream flavors (including seasonals), 16 different frozen pops, homemade waffle cones, floats, shakes, and malts on the menu, there is surely something to satisfy every sweet tooth! Ice cream first debuted on the menu in 2017 and has been in high demand ever since. Their ice cream is classified by the dairy industry as “super-premium” ice cream (a creamier, smoother and richer product). To receive this title, the ice cream must be made with at least 14% butterfat and significantly less air than most ice creams. BOOMBOX has created five new ice cream flavors in 2020 alone! Those flavors include: Sharp Dressed Mint (mint chocolate chip), Lem On Me (lemon mousse with shortbread), Dough You Want Me (chocolate chip cookie dough), Mary Berry (mixed berry cheesecake), and Eyes Without a Fraise (classic strawberry). BOOMBOX also has two new locations that are soon to open. The Baton Rouge location, set to open in the next month, is near LSU campus at 4410 Highland Rd. The South Lake Charles location will be opening soon next to CC’s Coffee House on Country Club Road.

Winkydoo's Malt Shop

Maplewood Burgers on Nelson Rd. in Lake Charles may be known for sandwiches, but they also offer Blue Bell ice cream in a variety of flavors. Try their malts and shakes. Watch for their opening in Moss Bluff soon. Pizza Artista at Prien Lake Mall, Lake Charles serves tantalizing Italian gelato in a wide variety of colorful flavors. One of their newest flavors is raspberry sorbet. Winkydoo’s Malt Shop, 2701 Ruth St. in Sulphur, is a classic, old-fashioned ice cream shop. They serve Blue Bell and Shoep’s brand ice creams in 38 flavors, as well as floats, shakes, malts, sundaes, and smoothies.

Maplewood Cone

Maplewood Milkshake

SERVING UP FINGER-LICKING FOOD FOR THREE DECADES

& SPORTS BAR

DARRELL’S TO-GO

We are now available on Eats 2 Go, Gubers & Waitr!

119 West College Street, Lake Charles | (337) 474-3651 | darrellspoboys.com Monday – Thursday: 11am–10pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm Closed Sunday | Happy Hour 4–7pm

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Wining & Dining

KIDS EAT

FREE at Local Restaurants

by Rachel W. Jones

Families bond over delicious food in Southwest Louisiana; whether at a backyard barbecue, weekend brunch or casual summer night out to eat. As many of our favorite restaurants have reopened their dining rooms during COVID-19 recovery, they’ve also resumed their signature Kids Nights where kids can eat free or at a discount. Alex Duplechin, manager of Casa Mañana on Ryan Street, said the community’s support has been incredible during the pandemic. Kids eat free Monday nights at Casa Mañana (two free kids’ meals per adult entrée). “All the regular faces that have been die-hard fans for years flocked to us when we re-opened our doors and have been very accommodating with longer wait times, especially on Monday nights,” Duplechin said. “We hope, once we get past these first couple of phases, to get face painting and the magician back in so our Kids Night can be great again, but right now we definitely appreciate all the support.” Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is another family-owned restaurant that offers kid-friendly specials every day in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff. Pit Boss Rebecca Curtis said the daily promotion differs from Dickey’s Corporate, where kids eat free on Sundays. “We figured offering it every day makes the kids happy and helps the parents out, especially during this crazy time,” Curtis said.

p du

Family Fun &

roun

s d i K l L oca Night

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Every day, kids get one free kids’ meal per adult meal. Minimum $10 purchase. Kids 12 & under. 1736 W. Prien Lake Road; Lake Charles, LA 70601; 337-419-0088 227 US-171; Moss Bluff, LA 70611; 337-419-0084 Casa Mañana: Kids eat free Mondays 4:00 p.m. to close: Two kids’ meals per adult entrée. Kids 12 and under. 2510 Ryan Street; Lake Charles, LA 70601; 337-433-4112 Que Pasa Taqueria: Kids eat free Tuesdays 4:00 p.m. to close: Two kids’ meals per adult entrée. Kids 12 and under. 4080 Nelson Road; Lake Charles, LA 70605; 337-310-7272 Casa Olé: Tuesdays, dine-in only: Kids eat for $0.99. 1700 Ruth Street; Sulphur, LA 70663; 337-528-2141 4058 Ryan Street; Lake Charles, LA 70605; 337-477-1151 Mr. Gatti’s Pizza: Mondays 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: $0.99 kids’ buffet with the purchase of an adult buffet. Kids 10 and under. 3522 Ryan Street; Lake Charles, LA 70605; 337-474-6625 Rotolo’s Pizzeria: Mondays: Kids eat for $0.99 with any regular menu purchase. 4201 Nelson Road, Suite 500; Lake Charles, LA 70605; 337-478-1996 Stonefired Pizzeria – Mondays: Kids get a free one-topping pizza with the purchase of a regular size pizza. 3710 Common Street; Lake Charles, LA 70607; 337-477-3020 O’Charley’s: Every day, kids get one kids’ meal for $0.99 with the purchase of an adult entrée. 1780 W. Prien Lake Road; Lake Charles, LA 70601; 337-478-9927 Texas Roadhouse – Mondays 3:00 p.m. to close: Kids eat for $0.99 with the purchase of an adult meal. Kids 10 and under. 3431 Nelson Road; Lake Charles, LA 70605; 337-478-7244 *Please note this may not be a comprehensive list.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Family Meal O pt i on s When COVID-19 prevented families from dining in at all, some locally-owned restaurants like Southern Spice chose to add family-style meals to their menus. Southern Spice in Moss Bluff (277 US-171, Suite 1; 337-855-0010) was still offering family-style options in June, General Manager Brandon LeLeux said, because they were still receiving many to-go orders. “All of our family meals are items we have on our menu; it’s just the option to get it at a better price in a larger quantity,” LeLeux said. “They come with two large sides and serve about four people. Our best seller is probably our fried fish.”

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601 S. Pine Street • DeRidder, LA 70634 • (337) 463-7442 www.thriftyway.com • thriftyway2@thriftyway.com

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Mind & Body

Straight Talk A B O UT P O STU R E Remember when your mother told you to stand up straight? She was right. Your posture – good or bad – has a big impact on your life, affecting your health, your mood and how people perceive you. Dr. Joseph Kulaga, co-founder of Lake Charles Chiropractic and Functional Medicine, says it’s easier to work on maintaining your posture once you have a better understanding of what “good posture” means, exactly. “Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. If you don’t maintain a healthy posture and the muscles that control it, your body is more susceptible to injury and degeneration.” Normally, we do not consciously maintain normal posture. Instead, certain muscles do it for us, and we don’t even have to think about it. But when these muscle groups aren’t functioning properly, problems can develop. “The effects of poor posture are many, and it has the potential to be quite serious, ranging from headaches, shoulder, neck and back pain to muscle strain, decreased mobility and even injury,” explains Dr. Kulaga. Multiple factors contribute to poor posture-most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, work conditions, incorrect working posture, unhealthy sitting and standing habits, and frequent wearing of high heeled shoes. Your posture may be affected by an injury, and some aspects of poor posture may even be genetic.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

by Kristy Como Armand

You may be wondering at this point if you have a posture problem. Dr. Kulaga says there are many signs to look for, including hunched or rounded shoulders, rounded upper back, forward head position, arched lower back, and neck and back pain. The good news is you can improve your posture, regardless of your age. “Long-standing postural problems may take longer to address, but you can achieve improvement,” says Dr. Kulaga. “Awareness is the first step. Pay attention to your posture as you sit, stand or lie down.”

Sitting: Don’t cross your legs. Keep both feet on the floor or a footrest. Your back should be supported. If your back is not touching the back of the chair while you sit, add low back support.

Standing: Keep your knees slightly bent, relax your arms and pull your shoulders back.

Lying: Choose a good quality mattress and pillow that provide support. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. When sleeping on your side, put a pillow between your legs.

Chiropractic care can also help individuals regain a healthy posture. “People often come in because of pain in a specific area, and in many cases, after we evaluate them, we are able to determine the underlying cause is poor posture – which is not a bad thing because we have a variety of treatment options to correct this problem,” says Dr. Kulaga. In addition to in-office treatments, he says stretching and strengthening exercises, particularly for the neck, back and core muscles, may be prescribed. “We’ll also discuss the individual’s lifestyle and factors that may be contributing to their posture problem, such as sleep positions, work area set-up, stress, lack of exercise and diet changes, and make recommendations for needed modifications.” Dr. Kulaga says improvements are often experienced after just a few sessions. “Once your body is in alignment and your posture is improved, you will feel more energetic, healthier, and happier. Your body is an intricate machine and when one part isn’t functioning as it should, it affects all the other parts.” For more information about treatment for posture problems, call Dr. Kulaga at Lake Charles Chiropractic and Functional Medicine at (337) 240-6619 or visit www.lakecharleschiro.com.

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Water Lightens the Load That’s why I chose Hope Therapy Center!

Supportive, healing and restorative; these are just a few of the qualities found in the aquatic therapy program at Hope Therapy Center. We maximize therapeutic progress in our heated indoor pool so that people of all ages, therapy levels and goals can achieve success. Thanks to the buoyancy of the water, those who are injured, disabled or otherwise not capable of comfortably or safely performing exercises on land can easily do so in water. Our HydroWorx Aquatic Therapy Pool is the only one in the area and provides: • Variable speed underwater treadmill and cameras giving real-time feedback. • Unique myofascial water massage hose allows for more comfortable soft tissue mobilization for injuries and mastitis. • Faster recovery for athletes with resistance training.

Adults and children Pre-surgery and post-surgery

HopeTherapyCenter.net | 478-5880 thriveswla.com

Mind & Body

Who is Caring for the

CAREGIVER by Christine Fisher

Caregivers may need to take a little of their own advice. As they care for their loved ones, it’s easy to lose a sense of themselves in the process. “They’re busy making sure things are just right for their loved one, they forget to check in with themselves,” said Anne Welch, administrator of WCCH’s Home Health Agency. The number of people who care for a chronically ill, disabled or aging family member is astounding: more than 65 million, or almost 30 percent of the U.S. population. They spend an average of 20 hours per week caring for their loved one, which can include: buying groceries, running errands, managing medication, going to the doctor, bathing, feeding and grooming their loved ones, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Persons. The same Alliance for Caregiving also reported the value of the services that family caregivers provide for free to older adults is estimated to be $375 billion a year. Caregiving, no matter how noble the intention, can be stressful. “It often falls on one person to manage the needs of the older adult; this could range from their daily meals to providing emotional support. There are times when it is physically and emotionally draining,” said Welch. “Home health care can ease the burden when it comes to medication management, teachings, and disease management processes. In addition to a tailored plan of care, physical, speech and occupational therapy services are available to assist with returning patients to the activities of daily living. It gives the caregiver a little respite. For those without home health services to rely on, caregivers should be aware of the potential problems that often occur in the process of caregiving.”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Caregiving can often be rewarding for the caregiver, as they selflessly work to make life better for one they love, but it can also be a time of high stress. While many factors contribute to this, the amount of energy the caregiver puts into maintaining his or her own health plays a significant role. “Many caregivers end up being stressed out, frustrated and dealing with their own health issues,” Welch said. “Stress is often a result of continuous caregiving when there aren’t boundaries set in place.” Stress symptoms can be varied, depending on the person. Common signs of chronic stress include:

• Anger • Body aches • Recurring colds and flu • Trouble sleeping • Fatigue and exhaustion • Over-reacting • Frequent headaches If the stress is not dealt with, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease or depression. A sense of sadness and burden is also frequently cited among caregivers. “Caregiving can be consuming. It can take every minute you have, but we all need a respite. Caregivers need to take time off and know their loved one is in good hands, whether it’s another family member, a friend, a home health agency, or someone in their church. You have to take time for yourself so you can enjoy your life and have something left to give back to your loved one,” Welch said. It’s important to relax, enjoy time with friends, and ask for additional help so that one person isn’t shouldering the burden alone.

HERE ARE TIPS TO HELP CAREGIVERS:

• Stay as organized as possible, from

medications to doctors’ appointments. Writing everything down on a calendar or a notebook will help you stay on schedule and hopefully avoid a stress-inducing crisis. • Ask for help, more than once. People are often willing to help, but they don’t know what to do and they don’t want to create more work for you. Caregiving can be done in many different ways: cooking several meals, chauffeuring to the hairdresser, managing finances, etc. Let interested parties know how they might help. • Do something you enjoy. Whether it’s a long walk, getting a massage, reading a book or getting coffee with a friend, schedule time for yourself every week, if possible. It will give you something to look forward to. • Attitude is everything. Approaching your caregiving tasks with the right attitude can make a significant difference. If you’re low on energy, you’ll be more easily frustrated, which can lead to stress. The main thing is to remember that caregivers also require care. If you are providing consistent care for a loved one, remember to take time for yourself. It’ll help you maintain your mental and physical health as well as providing the best care possible for your loved one.

SUMMER ALLERGIES

Full Bloom

When it comes to allergy season, Louisiana doesn’t necessarily play by the rules. Although most people believe that springtime is the peak season for allergy symptoms, Louisiana residents are exposed nearly year-round to some of the most common allergy triggers.

“Allergy-causing pollens bloom in our backyards in virtually every season except winter,” says Dr. Bridget Loehn, ENT and Allergy Specialist with Imperial Health. “Louisianans suffer through ragweed from August to October, then tree pollens from April to June, and finally, allergy-causing grasses from May to September. When allergy-causing pollens aren’t blooming, we still have to deal with other allergy pests that flourish in Louisiana’s climate, like dust mites and mold.” Dr. Loehn says for many people in the region, spring and summer are the peak seasons for sneezing, sniffling, itchy eyes and more. “In this area, tree pollens are very high and are a very common allergy trigger. Grass pollen levels peak in the summer, and mold spores, animal dander and dust mites are always present.” Airborne pollens and mold spores are almost impossible to avoid, according to Dr. Loehn. She says allergy sufferers can help control their symptoms by checking pollen and mold counts in the area. These counts can be found on several allergy websites, such as pollen.com, and there are apps you can download to make tracking even easier. “If you know pollen and mold counts are high, it might be a good idea to stay indoors and purchase a good air filter to reduce your exposure,” advises Dr. Loehn. “For people very sensitive to airborne pollens, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect your skin when spending extended periods outdoors.” She adds that you can reduce your exposure to dust mites by covering your mattress and pillow in a dust mite proof cover, vacuuming frequently, dehumidifying, and spraying dust mite killing agents on carpeting and furniture upholstered with fabric cloth.

by Kristy Como Armand

“And if you have an allergy to an animal, try to keep your animal outdoors or at least out of your bedroom,” says Dr. Loehn. “Nasal rinses with saline are helpful in washing out allergic particles from your nose if you have had extended exposure to outside pollens and mold spores.” High indoor humidity can trigger mold growth. High humidity could be caused by poor construction or inadequate air exchange. In warm climates, such as Louisiana, air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems can pull warmer air inside. It’s also crucial that homeowners have their HVAC systems maintained regularly. Dr. Loehn says even avoidance won’t stop allergy symptoms for some people. She explains that there are several categories of allergy medications: antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, steroid sprays, and decongestants, along with eye drops containing antihistamines for those with severe eye itching and tearing. “Some over-the-counter medications work for some people; others may require stronger, prescription medication.” For people who fail to get significant relief with allergy medications, Dr. Loehn says allergy testing and desensitization therapy may be recommended. “The key is identifying the cause of your allergy and pinpointing the right treatment for you. If you suffer with allergies that make you miserable and keep you from enjoying your normal activities, see a qualified doctor for help in managing your allergy symptoms.” For more information about allergy testing and treatment, call Dr. Loehn’s office to schedule an appointment at (337) 419-1960.

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Mind & Body

Put the

SCIENCE OF

LUCK

to Work for You Most people consider luck to be superstition or wishful thinking— which makes sense if you believe good fortune is determined by rabbits’ feet, horseshoes, and fourleaf clovers. But recent research in the field of Positive Psychology suggests it’s time to rethink that stance. The data show that our luck (or lack of it) is firmly rooted in scientific cause and effect. Luck is far less random than we think. Although there’s a small component of luck that’s due to chance, the majority of what we call luck is the combined result of factors completely within our control: our actions, attitudes, and associations. Even the part that looks like chance is often the delayed result of actions put into motion in the past—weeks, months, or even years ago. So, the great news is that you can significantly improve your luck by being conscious about your core beliefs and your daily behavior.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

by Carol Kline

Here are three science-backed techniques you can use to be luckier:

1. Become a “cockeyed optimist.” One of the biggest determinants of good luck is the conviction that you are lucky and that you deserve to be lucky—in other words, optimism. Lucky people expect good things to happen to them and they expect to succeed. Research indicates that “lucky thinking” results in more openness to opportunities, higher performance, and more persistence and follow-through, even in the face of setbacks.

2. Be adventurous—in ways large and small. Numerous studies show that trying

new things—including varying your routine, saying yes to new ideas and methods, and tackling activities you normally fear—is an important catalyst for increasing luck. Lucky people don’t spend their lives operating on autopilot. They mix it up and venture outside their comfort zone, thereby maximizing their opportunities to win. So, make a habit of going for it—especially in ways that stretch you. It’s not a coincidence the Romans advised that “Fortune favors the bold!”

3. Find the luck in every situation—even challenging ones. Resilience and

gratitude are the cornerstones of good luck. When things don’t go their way, lucky people tend to press on, learn from their mistakes, and remain positive. If you want to increase your luck, stay focused on the big picture. Don’t quit or give in to defeat. This doesn’t mean being relentlessly cheerful or suppressing your feelings. Instead, the next time something bad happens, let yourself feel whatever comes up and then in the spirit of tremendously gentle inquiry, ask yourself, “Can I be grateful for this, too?”

This will automatically change your perspective, allowing you to explore all aspects of the situation with less emotional charge. From this more open vantage point, it’s rare not to find at least one aspect of your experience that could be considered positive. Even a small dose of authentic gratitude instantly relaxes the vice grip of victimhood and sets you on the path of more proactive thinking and action, which can’t help but lead to better luck.

Now offering a new Primary Care membership plan for those without insurance or high deductible plans Ages 18-35 $50 per month Ages 35-50 $75 per month

Ages 50 & older $125 per month Includes two office visits or Telemedicine visits per month

Remember, all conscious change begins with willingness. Be willing to be luckier than you’ve ever been before and then incorporate these proven steps into your daily life. With time, your confidence and feelings of empowerment will increase, and this will naturally steer you toward more good fortune and success. Carol Kline is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include Happy for No Reason, Love for No Reason, five books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and the upcoming Conscious Luck: Eight Secrets to Intentionally Change Your Fortune, co-authored with Gay Hendricks. Learn more at consciousluck.com. executivemedicalclinic.com • 337-210-1260 • 2002 W. Walnut St., Suite 1A, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Dr. Enrique Mendez Joins the Center for Orthopaedics

Enrique A. Mendez, MD, FACP, FACR, has joined the Center for Orthopaedics. Dr. Mendez, who has practiced medicine in Southwest Louisiana since 2001, specializes in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous and a wide range of other rheumatology related disorders. Dr. Mendez earned a medical degree from Universidad Salvadoreina Alberto Masferrer (USAM) in El Salvador, then completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Vernon Hospital, an affiliate of the New York Medical College in Mount Vernon, New York. Dr. Mendez also completed a rheumatology fellowship at Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans. He is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology.

Call 312-8617 for more information on Dr. Mendez’s services or to schedule an appointment.

1727 Imperial Blvd., Bldg. B. | (337) 312-8617 C ENTER F OR O RTHO . COM

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Money & Career

LEGAL

LANDSCAPE of Southwest Louisiana

What a year 2020 has been so far . . . and we’re only halfway through! A major pandemic that affected both our physical and economic health, race relations that have resulted in needed reforms, an active storm season predicted, and an important election coming up in November.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

While sometimes under the radar, lawyers and the law impact most every facet of our lives. In this special section, you’ll see how law firms throughout Southwest Louisiana serve their communities, as well as a brief 2020 Louisiana Legislature Session update, details on upcoming elections, and more.

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Fuerst, Carrier & Ogden was created with the purpose of catering to families, and is believed the be the only Lake Charles law firm who dedicates more than 90% of its practice to family law. Our attorneys provide over 50 combined years of family law specific experience. FCO is truly dedicated to the practice of family law, but any family law attorney knows that the law is only part of the process. Our real purpose is to help achieve positive, practical solutions to the difficult realities encountered with divorce, custody, support and other family issues.

FCO’s attorneys are highlighted on the next page, but the firm wouldn’t be capable of advocating for hundreds of families every year without our extremely competent and talented paralegals: Tanya Camel, Virginia “Crissy” Damerell, Kristy Belaire and Robin Reed. The paralegals at FCO are the lifeblood of the operation, which is organized and run through the management of Diana Burnworth (office manager) and Gabrielle Murillo (Asst. office manager).

If you encounter any family related needs FCO will advocate for your interests every step of the way while providing you with the emotional support you need.

OUR WEBSITE IS BELOW IF YOU WISH TO LEARN MORE OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.

130 KIRBY STREET, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601 • W W W.FA MILY F UERST.COM • 337-436-3334 20

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Randy J. Fuerst

MEET THE LAWYERS Randy J. Fuerst is the Founding Partner of Fuerst, Carrier & Ogden, practicing solo for over a decade before bringing on Jeffrey Carrier and Scott Ogden as partners. Randy is a past Chairman of the Family Courts Committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association and the American Bar Association Family Courts Committee. He assisted in bringing a system of Family Courts to the State of Louisiana. Randy has been a guest lecturer at Louisiana State University Law School, Loyola Law School, American Bar Association, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts CLE Seminars. Randy has three children, Leah, Rachel, and Jonathan, and two grandchildren, Ruby and Iles. He is an active member of Temple Sinai and the Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles. Randy received his B.A. from Washington University and his J.D. from Loyola Law School in New Orleans.

Jeffrey A. Carrier has practiced law for 14 years, with 2 years spent focusing primarily on bankruptcy law/creditor’s rights, and with the past 12 years spent focusing primarily on all matters related to family law. He also currently handles legal matters relating to estate planning, probates and successions, and personal injury. He has practiced in Alexandria, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. Jeffrey is a member of the SWLA Bar Association and presently serves on the board of the Louisiana State Bar Association-Family Law Section. Jeffrey was born in Columbus, Mississippi but moved soon thereafter to Lafayette, Louisiana where he was raised. Jeffrey attended Comeaux High School in Lafayette, then received his degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biochemistry from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky where he played collegiate soccer with All-American honors and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He received his J.D. from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, and joined FCO as partner in 2018. Jeffrey is happily married to Courtney Estes Carrier, and considers downtown Lake Charles as his home. M. Scott Ogden, Jr. Joined FCO as a partner in early 2018, and routinely handles all types of family law cases, with a small focus on business issues, probate, and personal injury. Scott has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017-2020 in the field of family law. He has also been named among the 10 Best Attorneys by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys from (2016-2020), Top 10 Attorneys under 40 by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (2017-2019), Top 10 Family Law Attorneys by Attorney and Practice Magazine (2018-2020), and Acadiana Profile’s Top Lawyers (2019-2020). Scott was born and raised in Baton Rouge, and earned his Juris Doctor and business degree from LSU, graduating Cum Laude from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He continued his education through Harvard University’s HBX Business program in 20182019, and has lectured at multiple CLE’s. Scott has kept a spot on the SWLA Young Lawyers Board since 2018 and is actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he met his little brother DJ. Kadence R. Haskett joined FCO as an associate in 2019. She practices family law and all facets relating to families. Kadence also dedicates a portion of her practice to clients who have suffered a personal injury. Kadence was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas until she moved to Louisiana. Kadence attended Louisiana State University where she graduated in 3.5 years and earned her degree in Political Science and a minor in Religious Studies in 2015. Kadence then attended LSU Law School where she earned her Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law in 2019. Kadence is admitted to practice law in Louisiana and the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

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Zealously Protecting Your Legal Rights

Todd Clemons and Associates provides superior legal representation in several areas. “We’re best known for criminal defense because of the success we have had in some very high-profile cases. However, we also provide aggressive advocacy in family law, personal injury, and civil litigation,” explains Todd Clemons, attorney and founder. Clemons is a former state and federal prosecutor and District Judge Pro-Temp. He has practiced law for over 30 years and he is most passionate about defending citizens who have been accused of criminal activity. With extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts, he has litigated well over 100 jury trials with a 95% success rate. Along with Clemons, attorneys Janet D. Madison and Bradley T. Rasile complete the legal team of Todd Clemons and Associates. Madison graduated with honors from Louisiana State University, then earned her law degree from Southern University Law Center, graduating magna cum laude. Rasile is a graduate of Louisiana State University and the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. For more information visit ToddClemons.com or call (337) 477-0000.

Your Team for Justice Family Law Personal Injury Civil Litigation Criminal Defense

TODDCLEMONS.com | 1740 Ryan Street, Lake Charles 22

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Scofield, Gerard, Pohorelsky, Gallaugher & Landry is the area’s oldest law firm. From its inception in Lake Charles more than 140 years ago, the firm has provided effective representation to local, regional, national and multinational clients. In addition to our breadth of trial experience and appellate practice, we proudly own and operate Lake Area Title, a Louisiana licensed title insurance agency. Lake Area Title offers a full range of title and settlement services for real estate transactions throughout Southwest Louisiana and beyond. Our title insurance agents have overseen the issuance of title insurance policies insuring well over $1 billion in value and involving properties ranging from singlefamily residences to hotels and restaurants to large timberland tracts stretching across multiple parishes.

OUR CLIENTS

OUR SERVICES

We strive to provide our clients with efficient, quality service no matter how large or small the transaction. Our clients include: • National, regional, local and internet-based banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders • Commercial and residential property investors and developers • Title companies • Contractors and builders • Single-family residential property buyers and sellers • Individual real estate title holders • Families with probate title transfer interests • Oil and gas interests

• Conducting title searches • Ordering and reviewing abstracts of title • Ordering and reviewing surveys • Providing attorney’s title opinions • Issuing title commitments and reports • Conducting title curative work • Producing title insurance policies for lenders and owners

Scofield Gerard

OUR CLOSING, SETTLEMENT, & ESCROW SERVICES: • Drafting purchase agreements and addendums • Preparing Closing Disclosures, HUD-1 Settlement Statements, and ALTA Settlement Statements • Ordering mortgage payoff quotes and securing lien releases • Issuing closing protection letters • Scheduling and conducting closings • Providing notarial services at closing • Escrowing and disbursing closing funds • Preparing and recording deeds, mortgages, and other legal instruments • Processing mortgage packages and executed documents in accordance with closing instructions

Pohorelsky, Gallaugher & Landry A T T O R N E Y S

901 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 900

•

A T

Lake Charles, LA 70601

L A W

•

Phone: 337-433-9436

•

Fax: 337-436-5205

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Money & Career | LEGAL LANDSCAPE of SWLA

20203

ELECTION DATES (and other things to know)

Election Date: Tuesday, Nov. 3 Polls open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Deadline to Register to Vote In Person/ by Mail – Monday, Oct. 5 Deadline to Register to Vote Online/ Geauxvote.com – Tuesday, Oct. 13

Early Voting Dates: Tuesday, Oct. 23 - Tuesday, Oct. 27 (closed Sunday) 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily Lake Charles – Calcasieu Parish Courthouse Moss Bluff – Calcasieu Parish Library Sulphur - West Calcasieu Business Center

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Runoff Election: Saturday, Dec. 5

Polls open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Deadline to Register to Vote by Mail or In Person – Wednesday, Nov. 4 Deadline to Register to Vote Online/ Geauxvote.com – Saturday, Nov. 14

3 K E N D R I C K J.

GUIDRY FOR

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE DIV. H

COMMUNITY • INTEGRITY • EXPERIENCE

Early Voting Dates: Friday, Nov. 20 - Saturday, Nov. 28 (Closed Sunday, Nov. 22 and Thursday, Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Day) 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily Lake Charles – Calcasieu Parish Courthouse

ELECTION: NOVEMBER 3, 2020 EARLY VOTING: OCTOBER 20 - OCTOBER 27

Moss Bluff – Calcasieu Parish Library

WWW.KJGUIDRYFORJUDGE.COM

337-794-1106

Sulphur - West Calcasieu Business Center For more information, call the Registrar of Voters at (337) 721-4000.

KJGUIDRYFORJUDGE@GMAIL.COM

A PROVEN PROSECUTOR. A SERVANT LEADER. M Y CO M M I T M E N T TO YO U :

Full-time Judge Improve Court Efficiency Focus on Prevention & Protection

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The Lawyer You Deserve

PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAWYERS

Thrive Magazine for Better Living â&#x20AC;¢ July 2020

How are we different? • WE ARE SELECTIVE- We don’t take every case we can get our hands on. We represent good people with real cases. • WE STAY IN TOUCH- Our clients never have to wonder what’s going on with their case. We stay in touch and keep our clients informed. • WE WORK FAST - We only take a limited number of carefully selected cases. This allows us to push our cases harder and we never stop working until it’s over. • WHAT WE DON’T BELIEVE- We don’t believe people are entitled to money just because they’re hurt. We don’t promise “quick checks” or accept cheap settlements. • WHAT WE DO BELIEVE- We believe people and businesses have the right to work hard and make a living, but they also have an equal responsibility to be safe.

Check out our new website: www.BroussardWilliamson.com

OUR TEAM OF ATTORNEYS Steve Broussard + Rachel Couvillion + Jason Bell + Michael Williamson + Aaron Broussard

BROUSSARD & WILLIAMSON, LLC 1301 COMMON ST., LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 337-439-2450

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As the largest and one of the oldest law firms based in Southwest Louisiana, we remain committed to providing the best legal services possible to our clients, whether in litigation, personal or business law transactions, including healthcare, industry, insurance, employment and real estate law. Continuing a tradition of excellence since 1934, our 28 attorneys and more than 40 staff members take pride in serving the needs of our clients and being involved in the Southwest Louisiana community we call home.

(337) 436-9491 • One Lakeside Plaza, 127 W. Broad Street, Lake Charles • www.ssvcs.com

OUR PRACTICES REAL ESTATE TITLE OPINIONS - REAL ESTATE LAW DOMESTIC - FAMILY LAW - DIVORCE - ADOPTIONS WILLS, TRUSTS & SUCCESSIONS PERSONAL INJURY - WRONGFUL DEATH - MEDICAL MALPRACTICE 3801 MAPLEWOOD DR. SULPHUR, LA 70663

(337) 625-9077 www.schrumpf-law.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

OUR LAWYERS Oliver “Jackson” Schrumpf • Stacy Saltzman Charles Schrumpf • Heather Key

Personal Injury - Criminal Defense - Business Law Successions and Estate Law - Family Law - Environmental Law

When you need legal counsel, you deserve an attorney you can trust to treat your case with the utmost importance. At Fitz-Gerald, Hebert, & Delouche, LLC, you will feel valued, heard, and supported from the initial moment you seek our services, throughout the legal processes, and until we have achieved a satisfactory outcome on your behalf.

We are a firm comprised of local attorneys with more than 80 years of combined experience. We provide the same expansive legal resources as the “big-name guys” with a personal approach they simply cannot match. With us, the names on the sign are the actual attorneys working your case, taking your phone calls, and meeting you face-to-face.

GET IN TOUCH!

LAKE CHARLES

WESTLAKE

DEQUINCY

BATON ROUGE

1 LAKESHORE DR. SUITE 1895 LAKE CHARLES, LA 70629 (337) 494-1200

2306 SAMPSON ST. WESTLAKE, LA 70669 (337) 439-1177

703 E. FOURTH ST. DEQUINCY, LA 70633 (337) 786-2737

3233 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD. SUITE 108-A BATON ROUGE, LA 70816 (225) 408-3334

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Money & Career | LEGAL LANDSCAPE of SWLA

STATE

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Work Hard for Constituents The Louisiana Legislature proved productive in their 2020 Regular Session, which adjourned June 1, by passing 370 bills. Here are a few highlights of their hard work. As COVID-19 has affected our lives in myriad ways, it was also a topic of concern in the Legislature. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed two COVID-19 liability bills into law that will protect businesses from lawsuits and litigation in the wake of the pandemic. HB 826 by Rep. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport) ensures that liability protections are in place for individuals and local or state governments that operated in accordance with public health guidelines during the COVID-19 crisis. SB 491 by Sen. Sharon Hewitt (R-Slidell) limits liability for businesses and individuals who provided relief or recovery equipment or services during the pandemic.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living â&#x20AC;˘ July 2020

NEW MAGISTRATE JUDGE POSITION FOR 14TH DISTRICT JUDICIAL COURT Legislation creating the position of magistrate judge for the 14th Judicial District Court (Calcasieu Parish) has completed its trek through the Legislature and will go to the governor for his signature. House Bill 285 by Rep. Dorothy Sue Hill (D-Dry Creek) was approved 87-1 in the House, 35-1 in the Senate, and the House Wednesday voted 89-0 to accept Senate changes to the bill. Rep. Ronnie Johns (R-Sulphur) handled the measure in the Senate. He said the magistrate will replace ad hoc judges who have been handling district court cases. Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John F. DeRosier says our community needed an individual to handle misdemeanor and felony arraignments, some misdemeanor trials, and certain administrative tasks. “This frees up the judges who handle the divisions to focus on more serious felonies. It’s a benefit to our community to allow that to happen.” The magistrate judge will be a full-time position and the person elected will serve a six-year term. The magistrate would be prohibited from practicing law. Rep. Stephen Dwight (R-Moss Bluff ) said the state Judicial Council believed the magistrate position is needed and it had to be a permanent position. The magistrate judge will be an elected position in the fall of 2020 and the term will begin Jan. 1, 2021.

SPORTS BETTING NOW IN THE HANDS OF LOUISIANA VOTERS The Louisiana House of Representatives voted 7323 in May to approve legislation that puts legalized sports wagering before state voters this fall. After the chambers pass each other’s legislation — and the bills are similar — the issue goes to Gov. John Bel Edwards, a proponent of sports betting, for his signature. Louisiana will become the third state to have sports betting on the November 2020 ballot, after South Dakota and Maryland. But even if voters approve in Louisiana, it will be some time before gamblers can place a wager. The bill requires the legislature to pass state laws “providing for the licensing, regulation, and taxation” of sports betting.

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Money & Career | LEGAL LANDSCAPE of SWLA

STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS Work Hard for Constituents continued...

TORT REFORM COULD LOWER AUTO INSURANCE The Louisiana Senate approved sweeping tort reform legislation, which supporters promise will lower the price of auto insurance in Louisiana. SB 418, aka the Omnibus Premium Reduction Act of 2020, dramatically changes how people injured in car wrecks can seek – and receive – recompense through Louisiana courts. Gov. John Bel Edwards, who is supported by lawyers who represent injured plaintiffs, has spoken against parts of the bill but favorably for other parts. Opponents of the bill fear it will only benefit businesses and insurance companies, and could potentially lead to higher premium costs. If Edwards were to veto SB 418, the legislature could override with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. Louisiana has among the highest auto insurance rates in the nation, which business and insurance blame on the state civil justice system being out of line with the rest of the country. They claim the system makes it too easy to file lawsuits for minor injuries.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

LAW EASES RESTRICTIONS ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA Lawmakers made it easier to access medical marijuana by passing HB 819 by Rep. Larry Bagley (chair of the House Health & Welfare Committee) and loosening the rules dictating which doctors can recommend the drug to patients and why. Previously, to access medical marijuana, patients had to find a doctor licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners. The doctor could only “recommend” marijuana rather than prescribe – a distinction aimed at protecting doctors from penalties – for a list of diseases like cancer, AIDS, seizure disorders, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others. Intractable pain was added in 2018. Now, doctors can recommend marijuana to patients for any condition they consider “debilitating to an individual patient and is qualified” to treat. Plus, doctors must only be in “good standing” with the Board of Medical Examiners, instead of having to obtain a license. While restrictions on medical marijuana have eased, Edwards and most lawmakers remain opposed to recreational marijuana.

Every Case is Personal 55 years of combined experience in personal injury, criminal defense and family law practice. Vamvoras Antoon Attorneys at Law is a dynamic law firm that blends traditional values with high-quality client service, applying modern legal strategies and technology. Clients of our firm are represented by attorneys who are at the forefront of their practice areas. While each of our lawyers possess a unique, focused talent, we regularly work together, blending these talents to provide the most effective representation for each client’s needs and goals. Whether you have been seriously injured in a wreck or accident, face criminal charges, or are going through a divorce or child custody dispute, our highly skilled attorneys are ready to make your case personal. To arrange a free, initial consultation call our office at 337 433-1621 or visit our website www.vaswla.com.

1111 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA

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thriveswla.com Michael Antoon | Alyson Vamvoras Antoon | Glen Vamvoras

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Money & Career | LEGAL LANDSCAPES of SWLA

COX COX FILO CAMEL & WILSON

Committed to Southwest Louisiana. Committed to Home. The Lake Charles law firm of Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson L.L.C. is rooted in the best American values: • • •

The idea that the everyday person can stand toe-to-toe with big corporations The idea that carelessness and negligence are not rights, and must be eradicated The idea that justice isn’t justice unless it applies to us all Founded in 1969 by brothers James and William Cox, the law firm took risks, speaking up in the civil rights movement and providing strong support to unions. These risks irritated some, but they earned the loyalty of many more, and our law firm flourished. Today we are widely regarded as one of the most successful personal injury firms in the state of Louisiana, and a national leader in mounting class actions. We only represent plaintiffs - people who have been injured. Why so one-sided? Because siding with the injured party is what’s in our hearts. Some people are born to defend insurance companies, banks, and Fortune 500 entities. We at Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson were put here to stick up for the average person.

PRACTICE AREAS

723 Broad Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 | 34

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Motor Vehicle Accidents Workplace Injuries Catastrophic Injuries Class Action Mass Torts Claims Disputes Phone: 337-800-8888

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living â&#x20AC;˘ July 2020

AUTO ACCIDENTS • WRONGFUL DEATH ACTIONS • ADMIRALTY & OFFSHORE ACCIDENTS EXPLOSION & BURN VICTIMS • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Barrett Law Firm

FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS Leadership. Experience. Commitment. That’s what the Barrett Law Firm offers its clients. Founded by attorney Tom Barrett in 2000, the Barrett Law Firm has earned a reputation of providing excellence in legal representation in a variety of litigation areas. Tom grew up in Sulphur, Louisiana, and is a long-time resident of Cameron Parish. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. After establishing his firm, he also began working as an Assistant District Attorney for Cameron Parish. During his 30-year career, Tom has represented numerous public bodies, including the Cameron Parish Police Jury, Cameron Parish School Board, the cities of Sulphur, Jennings and Lake Charles, McNeese State University, Jefferson Davis Police Jury, the State of Louisiana and the Calcasieu Parish School Board, among others. Committed to his community, Tom is very active in local organizations. He is a member of the Cameron Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, SWLA Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association and the Louisiana District Attorney's Association. He is the former president of the Young Men's Business Club and former member of the Boy Scouts.

W. Thomas Barrett, III

3401 Ryan Street, Suite 307 • Lake Charles, Louisiana 70605 337 474-7311 | tombarrett@camtel.net

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Money & Career | LEGAL LANDSCAPE of SWLA

LOUISIANA’S

Civil Legal Aid Organizations Offer Free Legal Services for Pandemic-Related & Other Civil Legal Needs

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

In addition to health and economic concerns, many Louisianans are facing legal issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Louisiana’s civil legal aid organizations continue to provide free legal services to low-income and other vulnerable people for legal needs arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and other civil legal matters. Louisiana’s civil legal aid organizations, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS), have seen a steady flow of requests for critical civil legal needs and expect to see a dramatic increase in the coming months. Though the nature of this disaster is different than a hurricane or flood, civil legal aid remains a critical and necessary component of the recovery process. Many Louisianans are “newly poor” and have never experienced poverty or the disaster-related legal issues that accompany poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a steady increase of legal issues such as hardships related to stable housing, safety from domestic violence, access to unemployment benefits and consumer debt collection issues. Louisiana’s civil legal aid attorneys are working diligently to respond to the immediate needs, while preparing for an expected dramatic increase in the coming weeks and months. Legal aid programs throughout Louisiana remain open to help, whether the legal problem is related to the current pandemic or not. While their offices may be temporarily closed and in-person meetings limited to only emergency matters by appointment only to comply with social distancing, legal aid attorneys are busy working remotely and continue to represent clients in court through virtual hearings. Even outside of court, legal aid programs continue to help clients through technology such as videoconferencing, hotlines, virtual legal clinics, phone calls and emails. In the past month, approximately 1,000 individuals have visited the Louisiana Law Help website each day to access legal help and newly created information on hot topics developed by legal aid attorneys. Go to: https://louisianalawhelp.org.

Louisiana nonprofit civil legal aid programs have a long history of coordination which has strengthened their ability to collectively respond to this pandemic. Residents in Southwest Louisiana should contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, with offices in Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Lake Charles and Lafayette. See their website at: https://www.la-law.org/. The Louisiana State Bar Association assists its more than 22,000 members in the practice of law. The statewide association, as part of its multi-faceted mission, promotes and maintains access to justice initiatives for the state’s residents, assists the Louisiana Supreme Court in its regulation of the practice of law, upholds the honor of the courts and the profession, and supports programs that increase public understanding of and respect for the law.

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Money & Career

CSE RECEIVES DIAMOND AWARD CSE Federal Credit Union (CSE) was recently honored with a Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The award was presented by the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council, a national network comprised of over 1,200 credit union marketing and business development professionals. CSE won the Annual Report category for its entry, entitled “A Cut Above the Rest- 2018 Annual Report.” The report served as financial literature for CSE’s 75th Annual Meeting and provided information regarding financial stability, growth of membership, community initiatives and achievements during CSE’s 75th year of service. For more information on the Diamond Awards or to view the entire list of winners, visit this link https://www.cunacouncils.org/eventscalendar/mbd-awards/ CSE Presented with Local Outstanding Landscape Award The Lake Charles Garden Club presented CSE Federal Credit Union’s (CSE) Main Branch in Lake Charles with the Outstanding Landscape Award for June 2020. This award is presented on a monthly basis to a Lake Charles establishment that exhibits exceptional efforts to keep their property well-landscaped and litter free. CSE was particularly recognized for keeping grounds in such beautiful shape as it encourages other local businesses to do the same. WCCH Utilizing UV Light Against COVID-19 Recent studies show that ultraviolet cleaning reduces hospital transmission of superbugs by up to thirty percent. The use of ultraviolet light to enhance room disinfection is an emerging method in reducing the relative risk of colonization and infections in hospitals. Since 2013, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) in Sulphur has been using UV light technology to expand and enhance the effectiveness of their disinfection methods, which continues to be helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

The UV light disinfection system is used to ensure all areas of the Hospital, especially in our operating rooms, labor and delivery unit and any patient isolation areas, are properly disinfected. More recently, the UV light is used in any room that housed a COVID-19 patient. UV light disinfection does not take the place of standard wipe downs. It is simply an added layer of protection. Once the system is programmed “on”, the operator walks out of the room, closes the door and sensors detect when it is safe to start cleaning. UV cleaning sessions take a maximum of 15 minutes, killing more than 30 viruses, bacteria and fungus. The UV light turns itself off automatically when it is done cleaning. This is just one more tool in our arsenal to fight infection and keep our patients, visitors, and employees safe. New Nonprofit to Grant Funds for COVID-1 Relief Efforts Mae’s Mission, a new granting nonprofit in Southwest Louisiana, will be raising funds to help reimburse local relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be awarded to area nonprofits through a grant program, and applicants must have aided the community during the COVID-19 crisis. The grant program will go live on July 1 and applications will be accepted online through July 31. Only Southwest Louisiana nonprofit organizations with an annual operating budget of $75,000 or less or those that employ no more than five fulltime employees are eligible to apply. Four grant categories are available and relate to how the applying organization has aided the community during COVID-19. Grant awards will range from $500 to $2,000, and applicants will be reviewed and scored by a community review panel. Applications will be available online at www.maesmission.org on July 1. Mae’s Mission was founded in 2019, and its mission is to provide fundraised dollars to local small nonprofits through an annual grant program. For more information, visit www.maesmission.org or connect on Facebook.

Phillips 66 Donates Hazmat Gear to Westlake Police Department Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex was pleased to donate hazmat protective clothing to the Westlake Police Department. The donation included Tyvek suits, gloves, boot covers, purifying cartridges and respirators, which were issued to all officers on staff. “It’s important that we have hazardous material training and know how to select the proper personal protective equipment when responding to potentially hazardous situations,” said Westlake Police Chief Chris Wilrye. “Our current hazmat gear expired in 2014 so this donation helps keep our personnel safe in some of the hazardous situations we find ourselves in due to the nature of our job. We are thankful to the longtime support of Phillips 66 and this hazmat gear will ensure safety for our officers.” “Phillips 66 believes in improving lives as we provide energy in our community. The safety and protection of our first responders is critical,” said Richard G. Harbison, Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex general manager.

DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS

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Top 200

The way banking should be.

Named One of

Healthiest Banks in the USA

& Only Bank in Louisiana

Lakeside Bank has once again been ranked one of the 200 healthiest banks in the United States in DepositAccounts’ “Top 200 Healthiest Banks in America” annual report. Lakeside was awarded an A+ rating and is the only bank in Louisiana included in the 2020 top 200 list.

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Home & Family

o t k Bac l o o h c S

GUIDE School begins in Southwest Louisiana next month and at the time of this writing, we can’t say for certain what learning will look like this year. But we do know one thing – our children need an education. School districts across the country as well as here in Southwest Louisiana are making plans and striving to determine the best decisions for our youth. However school might take place this fall, we have some tips to make your year positive, productive, and successful for both children and their parents. Read on.

42 Thrive Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Back to School Survival Guide Sylvan is right there with you. Whatever the new school year holds, Sylvan will be there to support you and your student. We know there may be many uncertainties this year, but we can help your child navigate it with all the necessary academic skills. Sylvan is available for

IN-CENTER and VIRTUAL TUTORING.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a good time to test your child to see if they are ready for the school year.

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Home & Family |

Back to School Guide

The Educational Impactof COVID-19 How Classrooms Might Look Different this Year

Ask any teacher, student, administrator, or parent of school-aged kids, and they’ll tell you that school looks a whole lot different than it did prior to March of this year. Millions of students traded classrooms for homeschooling and Zoom chats, and educators at nearly every level have struggled to adapt to a completely new way of educating young people. The impact of COVID-19 on education systems around the world has been stark – and we’re not certain yet what this coming school year might look like. As the new school year approaches, educators may be wondering what their classroom routines will look like, and about the effectiveness of online education curriculum, tools, and instructional theory before classes resume. While we may not know exactly what to expect next month here in Southwest Louisiana, there are predictions that can be made based on trends put into place last spring that may affect our national education system. Eric Oldfield, an expert in online education trends and a father of two school-age children, has compiled five predictions for the future of learning in a post-COVID world. “To say that these are unprecedented times is an understatement,” Oldfield said. “Even as we all grapple with the only constant in this environment being change, there are some very clear trends that have the potential to fundamentally shift the way we educate people of all ages around the world.”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

ONLINE LEARNING IS HERE TO STAY:

Already seen as a major trend even before the pandemic, online learning tools and tactics, while not perfectly operationalized yet, have shown to be effective at increasing lesson retention and to provide flexibility for students to learn at a pace more efficient for them on an individual basis. Look to see these practices integrated into traditional in-classroom learning in a bigger way than ever before.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING:

A byproduct of remote education, self-directed learning will provide students the ability to guide their own educational journeys, work at their own pace, go back and better absorb previous material, and accelerate beyond material they already understand well.

GAMIFICATION OF LEARNING WILL INCREASE:

The challenges of maintaining a student’s attention grow significantly in a remote education setting. In order to keep students engaged, online lessons will become more interactive or gamified. This has already shown to increase engagement and motivate learning and will become more prevalent as traditional classes move online.

USE OF NON-CLASSROOM RESOURCES:

Embracing a hybrid on-and-offline education program will mean introducing educational resources not available in the classroom. Online tools like Brainly and Coursera, which offer supplemental instruction options will work hand-in-hand with traditional classroom curriculum.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP WILL BECOME A PRIORITY SUBJECT:

To fully embrace online learning, students must also learn to become good digital citizens. Much in the way we currently teach civics and social studies lessons to inform children how to be engaged citizens in the real world, so too will we have to teach them how to be engaged citizens in the digital world. These are just a few of the ways COVID-19 may impact the short and long-term evolution of education online and offline.

“Nurturing All Children and Achieving Academic Success in the Spirit of Christ”

St. Margaret is working diligently to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for all who attend. We look forward to opening our doors on August 13, 2020!

Excellent Student/Teacher Ratio Participant in Education in Virtues Program Diverse Student Body Morning, Noon, Afternoon Prayer & Weekly Liturgy Special Education Services

Pre-K 3 – 8th Grade • Extended Day Care 2510 Enterprise Boulevard | Lake Charles, La. 70601 | (337) 436-7959 | stmcs.com

St. Margaret Catholic School welcomes all children regardless of race, creed, or nationality.

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Home & Family |

Back to School Guide

Dealing with

BULLIES Each school year parents try to figure out who’s in which classroom with all the fervor of a fantasy football draft, hoping their kids haven’t been assigned to a group, team, or classroom with “those” kids—the mean, the cliquey, the ones who dictate the terms of how the year will go. Kids know who they are, and so do parents. We all know but we don’t really stop the problem. We talk around it.

There are three misconceptions about social cruelty and bullying that Caroline Maguire, a social skills coach and mother, hears from parents time and again.

This year, don’t wait for social snafus to start the conversation with your child, with other parents and at the school. Step in and step up:

• “Kids will be kids and all kids can be mean.” This sentiment

overlooks the level of cruelty dealt out by some, which is markedly different and hurtful. • We should wait to talk to the teachers, the school or the parent of a child who treats others this way, hoping time will resolve the problem. • Parents of a child who bullies, as well as parents of children who are victims or silent bystanders, have little or no influence over their child’s behavior and there is nothing they can do. Maguire says the idea that kids will just figure it out on their own—that they need to do so—has a long, miserable and misguided history. When we believe “there’s nothing we can do,” we leave children to bear the burden. They need help. Every child needs to believe that change is possible. And they need the social skills to do it. Bullying, cliques, and exclusive behavior doesn’t come from a few bad apples, and it’s not just a fact of life. It’s the result of kids having been bullied themselves, suffering low self-esteem, lacking empathy, or lacking the emotion regulation skills they need to manage their feelings and impulses. Children aren’t born bullies, victims or uncaring bystanders. Problematic social behavior is a sign that a child needs help, not harsh judgment. Adults can teach kids to develop empathy and ways to manage their feelings in situations that make them feel helpless, scared or defensive. Stronger social skills provide them with healthier coping strategies in social situations and a sense of agency as they choose how to interact with others. The skills to thrive socially and with kindness are teachable if only someone takes the time to teach them. 46

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING. Call out meanness or bullying when you see it. Bring your concerns to a teacher, recess monitors, bus drivers, administrator or the parent of a child whose behavior is concerning to discuss how the situation can be addressed. Actively advocate for inclusion.

FOCUS ON CALM, KIND, CONSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION.

It’s important to keep your cool (emotion regulation) in conversation with any child, parent, teacher or others. Problem solving calls for a collaborative tone and intention. Don’t gossip about other kids or parents. Engage for change.

• Share from personal experience a time when you

COACH YOUR CHILD AND THEIR FRIENDS IN SIMPLE KINDNESS, EMPATHY AND BASIC SOCIAL SKILLS.

It’s easy to focus on the failings of others—kids and parents alike. Coach yours to treat others fairly and kindly, and to expect the same for themselves. Some simple starters:

• Talk to your child about the behavior she sees. Ask her

what she thinks is happening and what factors might be contributing to it (personalities, time, place, or other pressures). Problem solve with your child and her friends to help them find how they can navigate the situation.

• Ask your child to practice taking another person’s point

of view—step into someone else’s shoes—and consider that child’s feelings. How do you think James might feel in this situation? What could be going in May’s life that she would behave this way?

• Discuss how social skills don’t come easy to everyone,

and practice social smarts that help kids connect or be kinder. What could you do to be helpful in that situation? What would you want someone to say to you if you were feeling that way?

weren’t as empathetic as you might have been, why you try harder now and why it matters to you. When your child uses a snarky look or comment that disrespects another child, talk about it. Make inclusion a core value in your family and don’t just say it—teach your kids through your own example.

We’re quick to tell kids to stand up to bullies, to intervene and call others out on the playground or elsewhere when bullying and cliquish behavior occurs. Kids are getting the message: be upstanders, not bystanders. But it’s up to us to show them how to do it. Walk the walk, and remember that we are our children’s first and most powerful teacher and coach for upstander behavior. Caroline Maguire, ACCG, PCC, M.Ed. is a personal coach who works with children with ADHD and the families who support them. She consults with schools and families internationally and has been co-leading social skills groups for over a decade.

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Back to School Guide

Make Backpack

SAFETY a Priority This School Year

For parents, the time is nearing to organize and re-establish daily routines. A major component of this transitional period is the purchase of school supplies and the perfect backpack to carry these items. Unfortunately, all too often children struggle to put on their backpack, or they are bent forward/ arching their back while carrying it. Bearing too much weight in a backpack, or wearing it the wrong way, can cause problems for kids such as backaches, neck and shoulder pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms and hands? It can also weaken muscles and hurt their posture in the short and long term, according to Ochsner CHRISTUS primary care provider Edward Myers, FNP-C. A good rule of thumb is to never load a backpack more than 15% of the student’s total body weight (i.e. for a 100-lb. student, this means the fully loaded pack shouldn’t weigh more than 15 lbs.). Backpacks come in a variety of sizes for different ages and choosing the right one for your child can be overwhelming. By investing time to find the best pack, you strive toward a healthier outcome for your child. How to wear the backpack correctly and the relationship between proper wearing and injury prevention should be the focus.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

TIPS TO PURCHASE THE BEST BACKPACK:

• Look for a lightweight pack that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your child’s load and is appropriate for your child’s size.

• The height of the backpack should extend from approximately two inches below the shoulder blades to waist level or slightly above the waist.

• Select a pack with wide, well-padded shoulder straps and one that has a padded back to protect your child from being poked from objects carried inside the pack. • Multiple compartments help distribute the weight more evenly.

TIPS TO PROPERLY WEAR A BACKPACK:

• Load heaviest items closest to the student’s back (back of pack near shoulder

straps) and arrange books and materials so they don’t slide around by using all compartments. • Distribute weight evenly by wearing both straps. Wearing a pack over one shoulder may seem like a cooler trend, but it can cause a student to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort. • Adjust the shoulder straps so that the backpack fits snugly on the back. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. • Encourage your child to pick up their backpack the right way to avoid back injuries; bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting the pack to the shoulders. • Determining backpack weight is important and students should learn when the backpack exceeds the 15% rule so they can remove items. Persuade your child to use their locker frequently throughout the day instead of carrying the entire days’ worth of books in their backpack. Above all, urge your child to tell you if they are in pain. For more information about primary care services at Ochsner CHRISTUS Health Centers, or to schedule an appointment, call 337-656-7876 or visit oschner.org.

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Back to School Guide

LISTEN UP, Parents ! by Haley Taraseiwicz

Back-to-school hearing screenings should be on every parent’s checklist as they prepare for their child’s new school year, according to Dr. Heidi Sorrells, doctor of audiology with Acadian Hearing Services. If hearing problems go undetected, the child loses out on valuable developmental milestones. Louisiana law mandates a newborn hearing screening before they leave the hospital. Infants who don’t pass the screening are referred to an audiologist for further testing. If parents neglect the follow up screening, hearing loss in children is often unknown until between the ages of two and four, or sometimes later. “As children grow, ensuring they can hear well is a vital part of their development,” said Dr. Sorrells. “Waiting until it’s discovered later on means valuable time has already been lost.” Even mild hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to speak and understand language. Hearing loss is not a common birth defect, but does affect one out of every 1,000 babies in the United States. Dr. Sorrells said it’s important to have regular screenings throughout their childhood. According to the Center for Disease Control, hearing loss affects five per 1,000 children ages three to 17. “Hearing loss can be caused by infections, trauma, and excessively high noise levels. Getting routine hearing evaluations is a good idea to ensure there are no damages to the child’s hearing” she explained. Parents and grandparents are usually the first to notice hearing loss in children. “Even if your baby passed the infant hearing screening, you should continue to have them screened and look for signs that indicate he or she is able to hear well.”

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN INCLUDE:

• Limited or poor speech • Frequent inattention when being spoken to • Difficulty learning • Increased volume of electronic devices • Failure to respond during conversations • Easily frustrated when there is a lot of noise

During a hearing evaluation, audiologists use several types of screenings depending on the age and maturity level of the child. Behavioral tests are a common way to evaluate hearing. “In babies, I watch their eye movements in relation to sound. Toddlers will turn their heads toward sound and preschoolers will follow spoken directions for games and toys. School-aged children can follow audio instructions. If there are problems in any of these screening methods, we have more in-depth tools to get a more detailed diagnosis,” Dr. Sorrells explained. Hearing loss in children can be temporary or permanent. Sometimes, medical problems can cause temporary hearing loss, whether it’s an ear infection or even excessive earwax. If the hearing loss is permanent, many children benefit from hearing aids. They are individually fitted for comfort and durability. Research shows the earlier children with hearing loss start getting services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. “Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills,” said Dr. Sorrells. If you suspect your child has hearing loss, trust your instincts and speak with their doctor.” For more information or to schedule a hearing evaluation, call Acadian Hearing Services at (337) 436-3277, or visit their website www.acadianhearingservices.com.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

BACK TO SCHOOL

n o i t i s n a Tr Tips Southwest Louisiana students will head back to school next month. For many kids starting school for the first time or attending a new school, the transition isn’t always an easy one. How can you make it easier for your children?

CHILD PSYCHIATRIST DR. VINAY SARANGA OFFERS THESE TIPS: ASK YOUR YOUNG KIDS HOW THEY ARE FEELING:

For children going to school for the first time or those starting at a new school, the transition can be difficult and filled with anxiety. Sometimes kids won’t express their emotions. Parents need to ask them what they are feeling. Help them feel reassured and know that having mixed emotions of happiness, fear and even confusion are all normal and that many other kids feel the same way.

HELP YOUR KIDS GET EXCITED ABOUT SCHOOL:

Kids will model the behavior of their parents. When you talk about school, be upbeat and excited about it. Share some of the better memories you have from your school days or funny stories that portray school as a positive experience. Be real with your kids and let them know you were nervous in the beginning, but talk about all the good things like making new friends, learning to read and more.

IF POSSIBLE, TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE SCHOOL FOR A TOUR AND TO MEET THEIR NEW TEACHER PRIOR TO SCHOOL STARTING:

This helps eliminate the unknown for your children. When they see the classroom, meet their teacher, and see where they will spend their days, the familiarity will help reduce anxiety on the first day.

START LEARNING BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS:

Encourage your children to get back into reading, writing and math studies before the first day. Pull out some of their work from last year and review it or download learning apps to make it more fun for your kids. This helps ready the mind for learning and begins the transition from summer play mode to learning mode so it’s not a big shock on day one.

START ADJUSTING SCHEDULES EARLY:

Chances are, your kids probably stayed up a little later and slept in over the summer. Don’t wait until the first day of school to wake them up earlier. Start having them go to bed a little earlier and waking up a little earlier in the morning a couple weeks prior to school beginning so it’s not so difficult on the first day of school. Most kids do better with structure, so plan before and after school schedules so your kids know what to expect.

GET SCHOOL SHOPPING DONE EARLY:

Rushing around at the last minute to get all those school supplies adds to your children’s stress and anxiety. Start back-to-school shopping early. Involve your kids and let them pick out their own backpacks, lunchboxes and notebooks in their favorite colors and patterns. Let them pick a new outfit for the first day of school that makes them feel confident and comfortable.

FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE OF GOALS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR:

Work with your kids to set realistic goals for the new school year. Straight A’s, for example, is a great goal to have, but it might be unrealistic for some kids. If the goal is too far out of reach, your child will feel overwhelmed and defeated. If it’s too easy, he or she will become bored.

TEACH YOUR KIDS AGE APPROPRIATE REALITIES: As your children get a little older and further along in school, they’re going to have to learn some lessons about life. As parents, you can help make the transition easier for your children by sharing advice around some of these topics such as bullying and being teased, life not always being fair, the importance of sharing, saying no to drugs, learning from their failures, helping others, inclusion and equality, how to get along with difficult people, letting their voice be heard and more. Vinay Saranga M.D. is a child psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry. www.sarangapsychiatry.com thriveswla.com

Home & Family

Housing Market in SWLA:

REBOUND OR RETREAT? by Kristy Como Armand

Although COVID-related challenges remain and are unpredictable, realty industry experts are saying the nation’s home-buying market likely hit its low point in mid-April as new listings and median prices began to recover at the end of May (the last month for which data is available), according to a new report from Realtor.com.

The real estate industry faced some very challenging circumstances over the last several months, but according to the report, there are marked signs of improvement and growth. With historically low interest rates, even with the pandemic, the pent-up demand to purchase a home was unleashed and the supply of previously-owned homes remained quite limited, continuing the sellers’ market. Sellers may be more apprehensive about the state of the economy than buyers, but even before the pandemic, the nation’s low housing inventory made it a tight market, even for eager buyers. This is good news for home builders, since they have a captive audience of people looking to buy who are finding few options amid existing homes.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

In Southwest Louisiana, the news – at this point – appears to be even better. “The local housing market was well-positioned to weather this crisis due to the ongoing economic growth in the region, even though no one could have predicted this type of event,” says Tobie Hodgkins, Associate Broker/ Owner with Century 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. “Our office numbers have held fairly steady and compared to April, our pending sales are up 40% for May, with June numbers even higher.” Inventory of single-family homes currently listed in Southwest Louisiana have stayed virtually the same, not just from April to May, but more importantly, when compared to inventory counts last year. Median sales prices are also consistent over the same time period.

“Our agents have stayed extremely busy during the COVID crisis,” says Hodgkins. “We had to adjust our business model slightly, but we had the technology in place to make that a seamless process. Communication between us and our agents, and our agents with their clients, was critical during this time. We were fortunate to already be using a great deal of online technology in our dayto-day operations, so it was not a difficult transition. These include secure e-signature, digital documents, virtual tours and more. We switched our weekly sales meetings to online Zoom meetings and we all worked hard to stay connected.”

She says another factor key to success over the past few months were the changes made by lending and title companies in the region. “The companies we work with for our clients made changes for online processing and even ‘drive-up’ closings so contracted properties were able to close while still following COVID-related business operation guidelines.”

According to Hodgkins, reports from the National Association of Realtors’ economist when all this started indicated that nationwide, there was a growing demand for housing resulting from lower interest rates, and the expectation was that the market would re-bound quickly. “From all indications so far, this appears to be the case in our area. With our inventory levels staying steady and our pending sales rapidly increasing, we feel our local real estate market is going to get back to pre-COVID levels sooner, rather than later. While we don’t believe we will hit the overall numbers we saw last year, we still believe the year will end up strong.” Call Century 21 Bessette Realty Inc., at (337-474-2185 for more information about home buying or selling or visit www.century21-bessette.com

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Home & Family

Avoid Common LANDSCAPE

Mistakes by Kristy Como Armand

There’s nothing more appealing when you drive up to a home than a well-landscaped yard. It’s beauty can be deceptive, leading you to think this is a simple process – just buy some plants, a few bags of mulch, a good mower and some yard tools and you’re all set. If only it were that simple.

“Whether you’re a first-time landscaper or have been doing it for years, getting the results you want is typically not as easy as you think it will be, and there’s always more to learn,” says Chad Everage with Landscape Management in Lake Charles. “A big part of landscape success is recognizing your mistakes and learning from them.” Everage provides a closer look at some of the most common landscape mistakes they see and how to make sure you avoid these: Cutting your grass too low. How tall or short you cut your lawn may seem to be a matter of personal preference. Many people cut it as short as their mower will allow in hopes to stretch out the time between mowing. Everage says this is a mistake. “Mowing your lawn is not just about keeping up appearances; it’s about the health of the grass.” He explains that when grass is too short, too much of the leaf surface is removed, hurting its ability to perform photosynthesis. Short grass also produces weak, unhealthy roots that have difficulty absorbing nutrients. “For best results, never remove more than one-third of total grass blade length at a single cutting. For warm weather grasses, 3 inches is an ideal cut length. Be sure to keep your mower blade sharp. A dull blade rips the grass, providing an opening for diseases.”

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Bad pruning habits. Correct pruning encourages and controls strong new growth and is a necessary part of landscape maintenance, but it’s easy to do incorrectly, according to Everage. “This can damage plants and give your landscape an unbalanced and/or unhealthy look. In most cases you shouldn’t prune more than about 10-15% of a plant at one time. More than that can cause damage and inhibit growth.” For most plants, he says it’s best to do pruning in winter months while the plant is dormant, but spring and summer pruning can be done sparingly. Avoid pruning during the fall as plants might not have time to recover before winter. Make sure you’re pruning with a sharp pair of gardening shears and making clean cuts through stems and branches. Never cut the tops off of trees. It weakens them and leads to irregular growth. Overwatering. Water is crucial to the health of your landscape, but too much of a good thing can have a negative impact. “People tend to overwater their landscape, and they underestimate the hardiness of trees and plants. Unless they’re exhibiting symptoms of dehydration—yellow/ brown colors, wilted leaves, slow growth, etc.—much of your landscape probably needs little or no extra water unless your area is not getting regular rainfall,” says Everage. “This is just a general rule, and many plants like annuals and tropical plants can require constant watering. This is one more reason to have a plan for what you are planting and know how to care for it.”

Putting plants in the wrong spots. You shouldn’t put a plant somewhere just because it looks nice. While that’s part of the decision, Everage says you also have to consider its needs: How much sunlight does it require? How much water? What will its mature size be? Will it be healthier in dirt beds, rocky beds, or with mulch? “If you don’t consider its needs, the plant might not reach its full potential, or may not survive at all. And keep in mind that most landscapes look best in spring, but you’ll want to choose plants that’ll look great during other seasons, too,” he adds.

Everage says the key to long-term landscape success is working on it regularly and having a good understanding of what your plants need—and what they don’t. For help with landscape planning or care, visit Landscape Management in Lakes Charles, or on their website, www.landscapemanagement.org

Not planning. Creating a sustainable, healthy, beautiful landscape doesn’t happen overnight. It takes careful planning with consideration given to climate, available space, threats from pests, color patterns, water needs, functionality, and much more. The right plan will come from both what you want and what your landscape foundation can support, along with plant choices and hardscaping that work together. Everage advises starting with a few beds and continue adding to your landscape over weeks, months and even years, rather than trying to do everything at once.

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Places & Faces Alfred Palma LLC.’s founder is a hardworking and resilient civil engineer who discovered his life’s passion in construction. Growing up watching and assisting his father, a Sicilian shoemaker, he learned the value of both craftsmanship and hard work. Palma has not only watched the growth of Lake Charles and the Southwest Louisiana region through the years, he’s put his touch on a great deal of it. Many of the structures we’ve come to know and love as iconic parts or our community were built by him and his company. He notes the many challenges they’ve seen through the years but have been able to overcome through tenacity and keeping a strong bond with his employees. He is the embodiment of the cliché, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”

first person with

56 Thrive Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Alfred Palma Jr.

by Kristy Como Armand

Mr. Palma sat down with Thrive to discuss his 60 years in the local construction field. Tell us about how you grew up and how your family ended up in DeRidder. I was born in Liberty, Texas. My mother was from DeRidder, and my father was from Italy. His family in Italy were also shoemakers, so he was inclined to do that as well. He knew people in Liberty, so he settled there initially. I spent a lot of time with him, working in his shop and shining shoes. We stayed in Texas until the end of my 10th grade year, and then we relocated to DeRidder, to be closer to my mother’s family when my father retired. I finished high school at DeRidder High, and then I completed my first two years of college at Northwestern State. I transferred to LSU, which was my original plan, but back then, if you were from a small town, going to a big school just wasn’t what you did. I didn’t quite finish there, and I ended up graduating in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering from Southwestern in Lafayette. There, I met my wife, whose hometown was Lafayette.

What did you do after graduation?

I graduated and went to work the very next day. As a civil engineer, I had the option to work for the highway department, but that’s not what I wanted to do. A company here in Lake Charles, Bartley, Inc. hired me before I graduated. I did various projects for them, and I feel that really was the best choice I could have made. The company was run by brothers who were both civil engineers, and even though I wasn’t practicing civil engineering, I was able to easily apply that to my construction work. That got me on the path that led to the eventual opening of my own construction company.

Speaking of your company, tell us that story.

I had moved up to management for Bartley, running the Lake Charles office. In the mid80s, they consolidated the Lake Charles office with New Orleans location. They gave me the option to buy, but I felt I was ready to go out on my own, so that’s what I did. The Bartleys were supportive, and I’ve always appreciated that. I established Alfred Palma, Inc. in 1986. This turned out to be a very tough year to open a new business as the economy wasn’t the best at that time, but we made it through and learned a lot from those early struggles.

You’ve had a very successful career – what are some projects that stand out in your memory?

The Powell Building which used to house the Chamber originally – and is now the Gold Building – is a favorite. First Federal Bank, the 9th grade campus at Sulphur High, Hanger ‘H’ at Chennault, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Building (originally built by Bartley, Inc.- then APLLC later added two floors to the original structure)– these are all projects I’m proud of and that challenged us in different ways. I was very involved in the press box construction at the McNeese football stadium. That was extremely challenging; everything had to be done by crane and from the backside, and we put two stories on top of the existing structure. We also did the original Lakeside Bank, which was another very challenging one. We were probably the first to use a tower crane in Lake Charles in a situation where it had to be jacked from floor to floor as the building went up. It’s something special to drive around and see projects that you built, and people are working in them. It’s humbling. These structures will stand the test of time and be used for generations.

Is that the reward of being in this business?

I think it is. I’ve enjoyed it all. Many ask me when I’m going to retire, and I say, ‘Why would I want to retire? I’m enjoying what I’m doing.’ If I were to retire, I would just stay home. I never took up golf or any other hobby, really. I do fish and hunt, but I just enjoy what I do. That is my hobby.

What do you think has been the key to your success?

We were able to stay on top of the problems that we might have had over the years. Technology has been one of our biggest challenges, but we’ve stayed abreast of it and have been able to adapt with each change. We made the commitment early on and that helped us stay competitive.

Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?

Not really. I’ve been satisfied watching the growth of the business throughout the years, even through the struggles. My son, James, is essentially leading the company now, and I feel good about the future. He’s a good leader, and we are able to pursue a lot of good projects.

You’ve seen many changes in Lake Charles throughout your career. What’s your perspective?

Lake Charles has progressed immensely. It’s unbelievable to see what the LNG plants have brought to our community. In the past we would talk in millions of dollars, and now it’s billions because of the growth we’ve seen in the region. We’re fortunate – and proud – to be a part of it.

What advice you would give to someone just starting a business?

Don’t run out and spend money on frivolous things. Hang in there, believe in yourself, and maybe one day it will be time for you to go out and buy a big boat.

Work hard, right? Right.

See more of the projects completed by Alfred Palma General Contractors at www.apalmainc.com. thriveswla.com

Places & Faces

Space Center Houston:

t u O s ’ Itof This d l r o W

A new era of human space flight began on May 30 of this year, as U.S. astronauts once again launched a rocket from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off on a Falcon 9 rocket for an extended stay at the space station—and lifted the hearts of a nation at a time when it was much needed.

With a renewed interest in space exploration, we are fortunate to have Space Center Houston, the official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, just a few hours west of Southwest Louisiana. Like all tourist attractions across the nation, it had been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Texas eases restrictions, the Center has re-opened for the general public as of July 1. Following state, local and CDC guidelines, the Center assures their visitors that additional health and safety measures will be in place. Guests must book a timed admission ticket for entry to the museum in advance, and daily capacity will be limited. New protocols include social distancing practices, self-scan turnstiles, sanitizing stations, plexiglass shields at ticket counters, and a onedirectional experience through the galleries. Guests and employees are asked to wear face masks.

58 Thrive Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

by Stefanie Powers

Exhibits The newest permanent exhibit is the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It’s displayed outside the center, and you can walk around and underneath the first-stage booster that spans more than 156 feet. It is the only Falcon 9 on public display outside of SpaceX’s headquarters, and is the same type of rocket that launched NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30. You can also tour the spacious Independence Plaza exhibit, where you can walk inside a shuttle replica mounted on top of the historic shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905. The center plans to reopen with one of its most popular experiences, the NASA Tram Tour. In addition to a timed admission ticket, you can reserve a free virtual boarding pass to book a time to experience the tram. It takes guests to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where astronauts train for current missions, and Rocket Park, where an actual Apollo Saturn V rocket is on display. Don’t miss it! Following current state guidelines, the theaters will be temporarily closed. But new live shows in open spaces have been added.

Educational Complex and Space Museum The Center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, and theaters related to America’s human space-flight program – all for one admission price. It has the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view. Note: All Space Center Houston experiences are subject to change while the Center continues to monitor state and local health and safety guidelines for reopening. Space Center Houston: 1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston 77058. (281) 244-2100. www.spacecenter.org. Ticket information: Kids three and younger get in free; ages four to eleven, $24.95; adults, $29.95; seniors (65+), $27.95. Annual memberships are available.

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

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Matthew Welsh

Anne Welch

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Announces New Leaders Anne Billeaudeaux has been named Executive Director of the WCCH Foundation. Anne will continue to serve as Director of Business Relations and Physician Development. As Foundation director, Billeaudeaux will be responsible for the management and execution of all fundraising efforts, developing and implementing strategic project improvement measures, managing all donor stewardship and cultivation, and coordinating with the Foundation’s board of directors. Thea Tran, RN, MBA, has been promoted to Director of Risk Management & Compliance/ Privacy Officer. Her areas of responsibility will include: risk management, compliance, section 1557 coordinator, ethics liaison and provide assistance with regulatory surveys. Tran holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration from McNeese State University. Additional competencies and certifications include: Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM).

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Anne Welch, RN, BSN, has been promoted to Administrator for the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Home Health Agency. Welch will be responsible for the overall management and oversight of the Home Health Agency program including: patient care, staff development, community outreach, and all performance improvement measures with over 22 years’ experience in the management of acute and home health patient care. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from McNeese State University. Matthew Welsh, MS, has been named Director of Marketing and Communications. He brings over 17 years of marketing and community relations experience to the Hospital. In his new role, Welsh will be responsible for managing all marketing strategies, advertising, service line promotion and development, media relations and internal/external communication efforts for the Hospital. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from McNeese State University. BBB of SWLA Names Operations Manager The BBB of Southwest Louisiana recently welcomed Liz Rentrop Trahan to their management team. Trahan has been named Operations Manager at the BBB of Liz Rentrop Trahan SWLA. She brings 30 years of marketing to her new position and has an extensive background in graphic design, advertising, event planning and social media. She was with Healthy Image Marketing for the last several years as a graphic designer and previously held the position of Communications Specialist for CSE Federal Credit Union.

In addition to working with businesses to reach and maintain BBB accreditation, Trahan will be managing the BBB’s social media channels and the overall operations of the organization. Bobby Broussard Joins Lakeside Bank as Senior Vice President – Commercial Lender Lakeside Bank has announced the addition of Bobby Broussard to their senior management Bobby Broussard team. Broussard brings over 40 years of commercial banking experience to his new position of Senior Vice President – Commercial Lender at Lakeside. Broussard is a graduate of Westlake High School and McNeese State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He has also attended and completed courses at various banking schools, including Louisiana Bankers School For Supervisory Training in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Throughout his banking career, Broussard has worked primarily with commercial clients and held executive commercial lending positions at local banks. Lakeside Bank is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Since it’s opening in 2010, the bank has grown to five locations in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake and DeRidder.

Solutions

for life

from Solutions Counseling & EAP by Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, LPC, LMFT, CEAP

Getting Happy – at Work! (Part 2) Earlier this year we discussed the need to make work one of your “happy places” – a place of comfort and peace. As I pointed out, there are many factors that tend to increase job satisfaction which are out of our control: an empathetic boss, job security, opportunity for growth, etc. However, being “happy” at work is actually something we have a lot of control over. I encouraged you to begin to take breaks during the day to help you stay focused and sharp. Also, we discussed the impact self-talk has on our happiness. And we wrapped up last month by talking about self-care. This month, I want to continue discussing the topic – what else can you do to be happier at work? Here goes: Get outside! Studies show that spending time outside for two hours per week (no more and no less) boosts happiness. This “nature bathing” can be broken up for any amount of time, just as long as you get to the 120-minute mark each week. So, have a picnic, play some tennis, or take a walk on one of those breaks we just talked about! Your mind will be sharper, your mood will be elevated, and your batteries will be recharged. Change the scenery inside. Take a look at your workspace. Is it organized? Do you have pictures of people and places you love? You spend a lot of time in this place. If it looks like a hurricane hit it, you’re not going to want to be in it. Or you’re going to be distracted by the mess and not be productive. You also need to personalize your space.

If it feels sterile, your mood is going to be automatically darker. Make your space, no matter how small, clean, neat and welcoming – you deserve it! Use a reward system. We are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Most of us love a reward for a job well done. After you complete a task, or a portion of a big task, give yourself some kind of payoff. The trick is to reward yourself only after you reach that goal, not before or during. We also tend to respond to small rewards as much as large ones. So, you don’t have to take yourself on a vacation, or to an expensive restaurant when you accomplish that goal. You can treat yourself to a pedicure, frozen yogurt, call your friend, or spend time watching a favorite TV show/reading an article/scrolling through social media (whatever your pleasure) and get just as much benefit. Decide ahead of time what the reward is going to be; it will increase your motivation if you’re truly looking forward to it. Choose optimism. I’ve written on this topic before. Are you a “glass half empty” or “glass half full” person? Studies indicate optimists scale the career ladder higher than pessimists. We have to work at not being pessimistic. We are hardwired for survival, which means we are always trouble-shooting (or looking for what is wrong with a situation). This “negativity bias” is in place to keep us safe. And it is effective. If we didn’t have the ability to think about what could go wrong in a situation, we would likely not survive long.

So, while looking for what could potentially go wrong is helpful to keep us alive, it is not helpful in keeping us happy. It takes three positive thoughts to counterbalance one negative thought. For our topic, choosing what you focus on in situations is the key. Are you focused on the problem (how the problem occurred, why the problem occurred, how horrible it is that the problem occurred), or are you able to assess the situation and move quickly to potential solutions (“This is not what I planned to happen, but here I am. What are my options?”)? The more time you spend bemoaning the situation, the less likely you will be able to see possibilities and the worse you will end up feeling about yourself. Additionally, the ability to find the good in bad situations is a big predictor of success. Finding the “silver lining” allows you to move forward more quickly with less intense negative feelings. For example, “I didn’t get that promotion, so now I don’t have to work all those extra hours and take time away from my children.” This doesn’t mean you are okay with not getting the promotion; it means you are going to be able to recover much more quickly. Next month, I will wrap up this very important “Happy Workspace” discussion with even more great tips. See you then!

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Style & Beauty YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR

g n i n a e l p C u e k a s e M h s u r B by Emily Alford

Just a few years ago, most of us were still applying makeup with triangle sponges and the tiny applicators that came along with a three-color eye shadow palette. But as the beauty industry has boomed, offering more products than ever before, many have adopted makeup brushes as the superior way to evenly apply and blend all cosmetics, from foundation to eye shadow. However, even though we’re shilling out major bucks for better brushes, washing and maintaining them isn’t always a high priority. But it should be.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Washing makeup brushes not only extends the life of the brush, it also does wonders for the face. Brushes can trap oil and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts if they’re not washed regularly. Even if skin seems to be fine, makeup often looks muddled and brownish when applied with dirty brushes. Follow these tips to get your makeup brushes sparkling clean. How often should you wash? If you’re using your makeup brushes every day, most experts recommend cleaning them once every seven to ten days. However, if you only wear makeup occasionally, you’re probably good washing them after every third or fourth use. When you’re not using them, it’s important to store makeup brushes in a drawer or airtight container, because just sitting out, exposed, can lead to a buildup of germs on brushes.

Start with a gentle cleanser There are special soaps and sprays designed specifically to clean makeup brushes available at most drug and beauty supply stores. However, you don’t necessarily need a soap dedicated purely to makeup brushes. A gentle shampoo, unscented, mild soap, or even facial cleanser can effectively clean the gunk off your brushes. To start, wet the brush completely in the faucet, then dab no more than a peasized amount of cleanser onto the brush. Gently rub the bristles around on the palm to get all the pigment out and rinse until water runs clear. Remember to dry It can be pretty annoying to spend time washing makeup brushes only to find they’re still wet the next time you want to use them. And wet makeup brushes make for streaky, uneven application of cosmetics. Leaving brushes to dry in the sun generally works fairly quickly, and in a pinch, blasting them with the blowdryer can be a useful time saver. Some newer tools make the process a bit less time-consuming. Washing makeup brushes isn’t fun, which is why most of us put it off. But some beauty supply stores, like Sephora, sell special wet wipes made with makeup brushes in mind. While these products don’t take the place of a good soap-and-water scrubbing, wiping down brushes every day can extend the time between washes by a week or so. Washing makeup brushes is absolutely a time-consuming chore, but nothing beats the fresh look of purely pigmented cosmetics applied with a pristine brush!

SCLEROTHERAPY SPIDER VEIN TREATMENT MINIMALLY INVASIVE MINIMAL PAIN PERMANENT RESULTS

5656 Nelson Rd, Suite C-1

(337) 508-2559

BOTOX | SKIN REJUVENATION | FILLERS

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Style & Beauty

D.I.Y.

Expert Tips for the Perfect SUMMER PEDICURE

by Emily Alford

Getting a professional pedicure is excellent for self-care, not just because it’s super relaxing, but also because there’s just something that feels put-together about perfectly polished feet. However, just because you might be staying at home this summer doesn’t mean you can’t have a pretty pedicure. Here are some tips for getting your feet sandal ready from the comfort of your own home.

Be patient

A professional pedicure takes a while, so it shouldn’t be different just because you’re at home! First, prep your nails by removing old polish. Start by soaking a cotton ball in nail polish remover and pressing it against the nail for 10 seconds before wiping old polish away. Next, soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in warm water with a scoop of kosher or bath salt. Once the skin is nice and soft, use a pumice stone to scrub away dead skin and callouses.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

Trim and shape

Once dead skin is filed away and the warm water has made nails a bit soft, trim your toenails with nail clippers. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect; just cut them straight across and avoid digging in and cutting around the sides, which can cause ingrown toenails. After clipping, use a nail file to give toenails a smooth, rounded shape. Then, use a nail buffer to get the tops of nails smooth and shiny. Rub the base and sides of each nail with cuticle oil and let it soak in for a few minutes. Finally, massage a bit of lotion into your feet.

Prep and paint

Using toe separators can help those who worry about a sloppy paint job, and applying a clear base coat to each nail before using color is also a great way to get a professional look. After the base coat is dry, apply color, painting one thin coat, waiting three minutes, and applying a second coat. Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up skin around the nail. Finally, add a clear topcoat for a pedicure that lasts and then—wait! Don’t ruin your hard work by running around before polish is completely dry. Using a hair dryer for just a few minutes can help set polish faster if you’re in a hurry.

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THE WATER WE DRINK CITY OF LAKE CHARLES WATER SYSTEM Public Water Supply ID: LA1019029

We are pleased to present to you the Annual Water Quality Report for the year 2019. This report is designed to inform you about the quality of your water and services we deliver to you every day (Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien). Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water. OUR WATER SOURCE(S) ARE LISTED BELOW: SOURCE NAME

SOURCE WATER TYPE

WELL SW#3

Ground Water

WELL #C2 (T)

Ground Water

WELL G14 WEST PLANT

Ground Water

WELL CH2 (#2A)

Ground Water

WELL M2 (V)

Ground Water

WELL SW#1

Ground Water

WELL C1 (S)

Ground Water

WELL G#8-RR WEST

Ground Water

WELL G#9-RR EAST

Ground Water

WELL CH1 (#1A)

Ground Water

WELL M1 (U)

Ground Water

WELL #3 - MCNEESE (M3)

Ground Water

WELL SW#2

Ground Water

WELL #11 WEST PLANT

Ground Water

WELL #C3 (W)

Ground Water

WELL G#10 WEST PLANT

Ground Water

WELL #13 WEST PLANT

Ground Water

HEALTH INFORMATION The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: • Microbial Contaminants - such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. • Inorganic Contaminants - such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. • Pesticides and Herbicides - which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. • Organic Chemical Contaminants – including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. • Radioactive Contaminants – which can be naturallyoccurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

susceptibility rating of ‘MEDIUM’. If you would like to review the Source Water Assessment Plan, please feel free to contact our office. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you have any questions about this report, want to attend any scheduled meetings, or simply want to learn more about your drinking water, please contact Charles Guillory, Water Division Technical Supervisor, at 337-491-1479. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. CITY OF LAKE CHARLES WATER SYSTEM is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. The Louisiana Department of Health routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The tables that follow show the results of our monitoring during the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT A Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) is now available from our office. This plan is an assessment of a delineated area around our listed sources through which contaminants, if present, could migrate and reach our source water. It also includes an inventory of potential sources of contamination within the delineated area, and a determination of the water supply’s susceptibility to contamination by the identified potential sources. According to the Source Water Assessment Plan, our water system had a

TEST RESULTS In the tables below, you will find many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms, we’ve provided the following definitions:

Our water system tested a minimum of 90 samples per month in accordance with the Total Coliform Rule for microbiological contaminants. With the microbiological samples collected, the water system collects disinfectant residuals to ensure control of microbial growth.

Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/L) – one part per million

DISINFECTANT

DATE

HIGHESTRAA

UNIT

RANGE

MRDL

MRDLG

TYPICAL SOURCE

corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000. Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter (ug/L) – one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000. Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) – picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water. Treatment Technique (TT) – an enforceable procedure or level of technological performance which public water systems must follow to ensure control of a contaminant. Action level (AL) – the concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. Maximum contaminant level (MCL) – the “Maximum Allowed” MCL is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) – the “Goal” is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to human health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety. Maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) – The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. Maximum residual disinfectant level goal (MRDLG) – The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Level 1 assessment – A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. Level 2 Assessment – A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

CHLORINE

2019

1.5

ppm

0.11 - 2.3

Water additive used to control microbes.

During the period covered by this report we had the below noted violations. COMPLIANCE PERIOD

ANALYTE

TYPE

No Violations Occurred in the Calendar Year of 2019

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • July 2020

In the tables below, we have shown the regulated contaminants that were detected. Chemical Sampling of our drinking water may not be required on an annual basis; therefore, information provided in this table refers back to the latest year of chemical sampling results. To determine compliance with the primary drinking water standards, the treated water is monitored when a contaminant is elevated in the source water. SOURCE WATER REGULATED CONTAMINANTS

COLLECTION DATE

HIGHEST VALUE

RANGE

UNIT

MCL

MCLG

TYPICAL SOURCE

BARIUM

11/20/2019

0.5

0.2 - 0.5

ppm

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits

FLUORIDE

12/18/2019

0.2

0 - 0.2

ppm

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

TREATED WATER REGULATED CONTAMINANTS

COLLECTION DATE

HIGHEST VALUE

RANGE

UNIT

MCL

MCLG

TYPICAL SOURCE

No Detected Results were Found in the Calendar Year of 2019

SOURCE WATER RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

COLLECTION DATE

HIGHEST VALUE

RANGE

UNIT

MCL

MCLG

11/18/2019

1.9

0 - 1.9

pCi/l

GROSS ALPHA PARTICLE ACTIVITY

11/20/2019

2.59

0 - 2.59

pCi/l

Erosion of natural deposits

GROSS ALPHA PARTICLE ACTIVITY

11/20/2019

2.59

0 - 2.59

pCi/l

Erosion of natural deposits

GROSS ALPHA, INCL. RADON & U

3/23/2015

0-4

PCI/L

GROSS BETA PARTICLE ACTIVITY

12/2/2019

3.26

0 - 3.26

pCi/l

Decay of natural and man-made deposits. Note: The gross beta particle activity MCL is 4 millirems/year annual dose equivalent to the total body or any internal organ. 50 pCi/L is used as a screening level.

COMBINED RADIUM (-226 & -228)

Erosion of natural deposits

TREATED WATER RADIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

HIGHEST VALUE

COLLECTION DATE

RANGE

UNIT

MCL

MCLG

TYPICAL SOURCE

No Detected Results were Found in the Calendar Year of 2019

LEAD AND COPPER

DATE

90TH PERCENTILE

RANGE

UNIT

COPPER, FREE

2017 2019

0.1

0 - 0.3

ppm

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS

SAMPLE POINT

TOTAL HALOACETIC ACIDS (HAA5)

209 HELEN STREET

TOTAL HALOACETIC ACIDS (HAA5)

2437K ORY ROAD

TOTAL HALOACETIC ACIDS (HAA5)

4260 INDIGO PLACE

TOTAL HALOACETIC ACIDS (HAA5)

4908 DESOTO STREET

TTHM

209 HELEN STREET

SITES OVER AL

AL 1.3

TYPICAL SOURCE

PERIOD

HIGHEST LRAA

2019

3.5 - 6.7

2019

RANGE

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives

UNIT

11/18/2019

0.01

0 - 0.01

MG/L

0.2

CHLORIDE

12/2/2019

222

24 - 222

MG/L

250

IRON

11/20/2019

11.7

0.01 - 11.7

MG/L

0.3

MANGANESE

11/20/2019

0.52

0.14 - 0.52

MG/L

0.05

11/18/2019

6.91

6.22 - 6.91

8.5

SULFATE

12/18/2019

0-4

MG/L

250

COLLECTION DATE

HIGHEST VALUE

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection

TREATED SECONDARY CONTAMINANTS

4-8

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection

No Detected Results were Found in the Calendar Year of 2019

5 - 5.6

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection

2019

4.9 - 8.3

ppb

By-product of drinking water disinfection

2019

12.8 - 23.6

ppb

By-product of drinking water chlorination By-product of drinking water chlorination

2437K ORY ROAD

2019

11.9 - 28.9

ppb

2019

12.9 - 19

ppb

By-product of drinking water chlorination

TTHM

4908 DESOTO STREET

2019

16.6 - 28

ppb

By-product of drinking water chlorination

UNIT

SMCL

DUE DATE

RANGE

UNIT

SMCL

GOT A QUESTION? NEED SOME ANSWERS The numbers below are provided if you have questions or problems with your water service.

Unresolved significant deficiencies that were identified during a survey done on the water system are shown below. FACILITY

CODE

ACTIVITY

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

CC17

GWR ADDRESS TT45 DEFICIENCIES

7/12/2019

LAC 51:XII.344 - Protection of Water Supply/Containment Practices

CC17

GWR APPROVED CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

4/30/2020

LAC 51:XII.344 - Protection of Water Supply/Containment Practices

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

ALUMINUM

RANGE

TYPICAL SOURCE

4260 INDIGO PLACE

03/21/2019

HIGHEST VALUE

MCLG

TTHM

03/21/2019

COLLECTION DATE

MCL

TTHM

DATE IDENTIFIED

SOURCE SECONDARY CONTAMINANTS

DESCRIPTION

Billing/New Service Meter Problems Main Breaks Rusty Water/Odor Distribution Department Production/Plant Info 24 Hour Number For Plant Tours

491-1307 491-1522 491-1487 491-1554 491-1494 491-1479 491-1483 491-1487

Unregulated contaminants are those that don’t yet have a drinking water standard set by USEPA. The purpose for these contaminants is to help USEPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. Source Water UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS

COLLECTION DATE

AVERAGE CONCENTRATION

RANGE

UNIT

Bromide

5/22/2019

Total Organic Carbon

5/22/2019

<155

ND - 373

ug/L

<725

ND - 1030

ug/L

AVERAGE CONCENTRATION

RANGE

UNIT

alpha-BHC

UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Chlorpyrifos

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Dimethipin

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Ethoprop

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Merphos-Oxone

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Oxyfluorfen

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Permethrin

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Profenofos

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Tebuconazole

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Butylated Hydroxyanisole

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Quinoline

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

O-Toluidine

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

n-Butanol

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

2-Methoxyethol

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

2-Propen-1-ol (allyl alchol)

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Germanium

5/22/2019

ND - ND

ug/L

Manganese

5/22/2019

3.89

0.76 - 7.8

ug/L

*ND = Non-detect, which means that the laboratory result is below the adjusted reporting limit. +++++++++++++++Environmental Protection Agency Required Health Effects Language+++++++++++++++ Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who ave undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800–426–4791). There are no additional required health effects notices. There are no additional required health effects violation notices. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thank you for allowing us to continue providing your family with clean, quality water this year. In order to maintain a safe and dependable water supply we sometimes need to make improvements that will benefit all of our customers. We at the CITY OF LAKE CHARLES WATER SYSTEM work around the clock to provide top quality drinking water to every tap. We ask that all our customers help us protect and conserve our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life, and our children’s future. Please call our office if you have questions.

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