FACE Magazine - 10th Anniversary Issue

AUGUST 2014

Lunch Box Yummies!

FO UN TA I N OF YOUTH

Face the Fidgets Tool Kit Steven-Johnson Syndrome Paige’s Story

JUMP for Kids Fashion

Benefits of Dance New Moms Guide Going Back to Work

Caroline Kennedy A rising young star with one movie already under her belt shows that anyone can do it all with the right passion, priorities and balance.

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115 WOMEN ON THE COVER

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Here’s to the next 10 years The gr atitude we h av e f or o u r loyal ad v ertisers and r e a d e r s is b e y o n d w o r d s.

CATERING PACKAGE ~ O N LY $ 8 9 ~ YOUR CHOICE OF TWO COMPLETE PARTY CATER PACKAGES Cater Krewe Cheese Sticks + 50 Wings + Wrap Tray — OR — Cater Spinach Dip + 50 Wings + Two Jumbo Pizzas

2017 SPONSORS

media lafayette

Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. Foundation • Stuller Trahan Real Estate Group LLC • Van Eaton & Romero Acadiana’s Party Machine • Allen Entertainment • Cajun Carts • Grillin’ Dillons Kentwood Water • Lafayette Coca-Cola Bottling Company • Mello Joy Raising Cane’s • Republic Services • Schilling Distributing • 3 Wize Monkeez Vision Video Production

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ON THE COVER JANUARY 2018 Vol. 10 | No. 6

16 10 YEARS | 115 COVERS FACE Cover Girls [ Then And Now ]

ONLINE

CONTENTS

www.FaceAcadiana.com www.facebook.com/FaceMagazineAcadiana www.issuu.com/FaceAcadiana

08 ACADIANA LIFE Lafayette General Foundation Gala

ADVERTISING & MARKETING DEPARTMENT Office: 337-456-5537 or ads@faceacadiana.com Lisa Kleimeyer – lisa.k@faceacadiana.com Cassie Swain – cassie@faceacadiana.com Monica Luke – monica@faceacadiana.com

ART DIRECTION | GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT

Lafayette Police Department 2018

Scholastics Competition 2018

New Year — Same You

LEF Finalists

Sharon Bruno | Bruno Design LLC

12 LIFE & LEISURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Don Short, Michelle Dunbar, Laurie J. James, Savannah Ludwig, Caitlin Marshall, Kailey Broussard

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Caitlin Marshall – editor@faceacadiana.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT Kailey Broussard – news@faceacadiana.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Penny Moore | Moore Photography Danny Izzo | Nouveau Photeau

Effective Communication

Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

14 MIND | BODY | SOUL The Inner Voice of Emotional Pain 26 FAMILY MATTERS Welcoming a Puppy Home 28 COMMUNITY Public Library Schedule

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Flint Zerangue, Sr. Info@faceacadiana.com

FACE Magazine is a trade name of: FACE Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 61096 • Lafayette, LA 70596 337-456-5537

© 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FACE Magazine is published 11 times per year and distributed throughout the Acadiana region of South Louisiana.

Please take one copy. Additional copies may be purchased for $2 each plus shipping and handling. Subscriptions are available for $40 per year.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the Publisher. The acceptance of advertising in FACE Magazine does not imply endorsement. FACE Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising if copy does not conform to editorial policies and/or standards. Published content does not constitute an endorsement by FACE Magazine.

faceacadiana.com | FACE 5

More than 600 physicians, healthcare workers, and local business leaders attended the sold-out event.

LAFAYETTE GENERAL HONORS LOCAL HEROES AT ANNUAL GALA The Lafayette General Foundation held its seventh annual gala in Parc Lafayette, where it honored heroic people and organizations in Acadiana healthcare for their continued service to the community.

More than 600 physicians, healthcare workers, and local business leaders attended the sold-out event to show their support for the philanthropic branch of Lafayette General Health.

Employees honored included the Emergency Department at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital,

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Cancer Center of Acadiana at Acadia General Hospital, Road To Good Health program at St. Martin Hospital, Urgent Care Clinic at University Hospital and Clinics, and CATALYS Precision Laser System team at Oil Center Surgical Plaza.

LHC Group received the Corporate Hero award for delivering quality services and aligning its commercial objectives to achieve a positive and lasting impact.

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and Southern Eye Bank received the Community Heroes award.

Milton Jolivette, Jr., M.D., received the Caregiver

award for demonstrating positive clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction, which is reflected in testimonials from patients, peers, and administrators.

Cian Robinson, Executive, LGF executive director, honored its presenting sponsors — The Lemoine Company and Cox Business. The gala, along with other donors, raised more than $440,000 for Lafayette General Foundation.

LAFAYETTE POLICE OUTLINE GOALS FOR NEW YEAR

By Kailey Broussard The Lafayette Police Department announced it will hire 10 new officers and create a new precinct dedicated to keeping the Hub City’s downtown and Simcoe areas safe.

Police Chief Toby Aguillard said the officers will be “specifically trained” to deal with area-centric issues such as homelessness, transit issues and downtown — specific business issues, as well as open drug use and violent crime.

“There are all sorts of things that are unique to our downtown and Simcoe areas that our officers don’t seem to face in other precincts,” Aguillard said.

officers. The grant covers about 84 percent of the cost and will bring LPD’s total to 277 officers.

The Entertainment Precinct is slated to go into effect in late summer.

The new precinct is one of multiple plans to increase police effectiveness. Other plans include the development of two substations in South Lafayette, a security plan for local churches, and a newly created social media investigator position. The investigator will comb the internet to detect crimes against children and possibly curb violent crimes before they occur.

The department saw a rise in homicides in 2017, increasing from 18 the year before to 26. Aguillard said the rise reflects a probable “uptick in crime” across the country. Deputy Chief of Police Reginald Thomas noted that all of this year’s homicides reported were successfully investigated.

Dubbed the Entertainment Precinct, the area will absorb parts of precincts one and four — areas where police say violent crime is more prevalent — and allow officers to concentrate their efforts in each precinct.

The Entertainment Precinct is slated to go into effect in late summer.

Aguillard said the department’s success is due in part to the community’s co-operation with LPD. According to the Chief, “When people trust you, they’re willing to give you information, certainly that helps our detectives every day when it comes to solving every crime, including the homicides ...

We enjoy a good relationship with our community in Lafayette, between the community and the police department. It’s something we’ve worked towards every day.”

Lafayette Police will continue to reach out to the community, whether through its plans to incorporate safety education programs in local middle and high schools or helping local pastors devise safety plans for their congregations in wake of recent violent attacks on churches across the U.S.

The project is funded through a grant from the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Community-Oriented Police Services, which awarded LPD $1,249,999 to hire

VAN EATON & ROMERO ACQUIRES COLDWELL BANKER PELICAN REAL ESTATE Van Eaton & Romero announced its merger with Lafayette-based Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate. The addition expands Van Eaton & Romero’s Lafayette area operations, adding more than 130 residential and commercial agents.

Coldwell Banker Pelican’s residential division will join Van Eaton & Romero, and its commercial division will join NAI Latter & Blum, both members of the Latter & Blum Family of Companies.

Richard Haase, Latter & Blum Inc. president, said the competing companies have a long-held mutual respect for one another’s agents and leadership abilities.

“Their success further strengthens our market position and our ability to provide more services for our clients. (This) announcement is also a milestone

in our efforts to create an even greater environment … I am very pleased to welcome them to our company,” Haase said.

The real estate industry, by nature, is fiercely competitive but that has not diminished the level of respect shared between Coldwell Banker Pelican and Van Eaton & Romero, William “Bill” Baqué, Van Eaton & Romero president, said.

“The primary reason for that, I believe, is our common commitment to being the best that we can be,” he said. “We’re very pleased at this opportunity to combine our companies, because, truly, there is no other firm in our market today that so closely mirrors our own values. We welcome them with open arms.”

(Front row, l to r) Richard Haase, Latter & Blum Inc. President; Steve Thomson, Coldwell Banker Pelican Managing Broker​; Lacey Merrick Conway, Latter ​​ & Blum Inc. Sponsoring Broker​; Gail Romero, Van Eaton & Romero Broker/Owner; Leigh Ann Bogran, Latter & Blum​Inc.​Director of Support Services.

(Back row, l to r) William Bacque’, Van Eaton & Romero President; Don Perron, Van Eaton & Romero Associate Broker and Director of Corporate Development; Karl Landreneau, NAI Latter & Blum ​ Director of Commercial Sales and Leasing​; and Troy Hebert, Van Eaton & Romero Vice President.

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ACADIANA LIFE

ATTENTION High School Students and Educators!

LAUNCH

CREATIVE IN

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FLIGHT

WRITING

FACE MAGAZINE’S 7TH ANNUAL SCHOLASTICS HIGH SCHOOL ARTS & WRITING COMPETITION ~ WILL SOON BE ACCEPTING ENTRIES! ~ THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTENDING PUBLIC, PRIVATE, CHARTER OR HOME SCHOOLS IN PARISHES OF LAFAYETTE, IBERIA, ST. MARTIN, ST. LANDRY, AND VERMILION.

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Competitors will be competing for prizes, college scholarships, and a chance to have their entry published in FACE Magazine.

For a complete list of rules and category descriptions visit www.FaceAcadiana.com and click the FACE Scholastics link.

FREE TO ENTER. The competition Includes multiple categories in Writing (Poetry, Essay, Non-Fiction) and Art (Painting, Photography, Drawing).

Hope to see your work soon!

NEW YEAR, SAME YOU

You have 24 hours every single day to try and better yourself. horse and trying again. Changing your whole life’s routine on the flip of a dime is harder than people give it credit.

You are going to fail, you are going to miss a day at the gym, you are going to overeat yourself into a food coma, and you’re going to spend too much money on something you really don’t need. But that’s okay. You know why? Because tomorrow is another day.

January 1st always follows December 31st and Mondays happen every week, no matter how much you hate them.

You have 24 hours every single day to try and better yourself.

You have 365 days in a year to try and make the “perfect you”. But not every hour of every day is going to be perfect, and you are going to have a bad day, a bad week, maybe even a month.

By Caitlin Marshall

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ET’S BE BRUTALLY HONEST HERE; January 1st is no different a day than December 31st.

Just because you tack on a new number at the end of the year at midnight, doesn’t mean you’ve magically transformed into a new, motivated, healthier and happier person.

The reality is, New Year’s Day is no different than any other day of the year. The only real difference is the stigma that a new year calls for you to make massive physical and

mental changes to yourself. My question for you is, why wait? Why start on January 1st when you could have just as easily started mid March or August.

Everyone is guilty of making a New Year’s Resolution but within the first month, you’ve already broken it and are back to your habits of eating unhealthy and your weekly cheat day has turned into a whole week of cheat days.

Many of us, after failing to keep up with the new healthy regime, give up completely rather than getting back on the

New Year’s Resolutions are nearly impossible to see to completion, and often end in us feeling worse than before hand. But that’s okay because a change of date shouldn’t be what gets you moving and inspires you to do better. Your own self love and desire to better yourself should be what motivates and fuels you day after day. Don’t let media and holiday propaganda trick you into thinking that “there’s always next year” after you break your resolution. Instead, think of it this way — there’s always tomorrow.

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LEF ANNOUNCES TOP 16 FINALISTS FOR 2018

The Lafayette Education Foundation announces it’s 16 finalists for the 20th Annual Teacher Awards.

Honoring outstanding educators K-12 throughout Lafayette, this event received over 1,400 nomination

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CATEGORY

MIDDLE SCHOOL CATEGORY

HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY

This year’s Elementary School category’s finalists are Becky Cade of J. Wallace James Elementary, Catherine Hartweck of J. W. Faulk Elementary, Julie Miller of Episcopal School of Acadiana, and Courtney Vincent of Broadmoor Elementary and Lafayette High.

The Middle School finalists are Jennifer E. Caillier of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Karl Comeaux of Edgar Martin Middle, Lisette Ringault- Henderson of Paul Breaux Middle and Early College Academy, and Arlecia Patrice Malveaux of Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy.

High School Category finalists are John Broussard and Philip Ryland of Acadiana High, Nicholas Credeur of Lafayette High, and Jacob Simon of Comeaux High.

Becky Cade | J. Wallace James Elementary

Jennifer E. Caillier | Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

John Broussard | Acadiana High

Catherine Hartweck | J. W. Faulk Elementary

Karl Comeaux | Edgar Martin Middle

Philip Ryland | Acadiana High

Julie Miller | Episcopal School of Acadiana

Lisette Ringault-Henderson | Paul Breaux Middle

Nicholas Credeur | Lafayette High

Courtney Vincent | Broadmoor Elementary and Lafayette High

Arlecia Patrice Malveaux | Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy

Jacob Simon | Comeaux High

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letters this year. Of the 782 educators nominated, the 16 finalists were chosen based off their reach, impact, and dedication promoting excellence in education.

The LEF Teacher Awards will be held on January 18, 2018, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. and the public is invited to join. Those interested can find tickets on

TicketMaster Outlets or purchased at the Heymann Center.

The 16 finalists are separated into 4 categories, each category consisting of 4 nominees: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and Inspirational.

INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY In the Inspirational Category, the finalists are Dana Rivera of Broadmoor Elementary, Lance Strother of St. Thomas More Catholic High, Beth Viator of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, and Chad Viator of LPSS Talented Program.

THE 20TH ANNUAL LEF TEACHER AWARDS IS PRESENTED BY Lafayette Education Foundation The Daily Advertiser Acadian Companies Capital One Bank

Jewelie’s 407 Rena

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Cox Communications Entergy Dana Rivera | Broadmoor Elementary

Horace Mann Giles Automotive Ntense Technologies 99.9 KTDY KATC-TV 3 Lance Strother | St. Thomas More Catholic High

FACE Magazine

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY IZZO/NOUVEAU PHOTEAU

Beth Viator | Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

Chad Viator | LPSS Talented Program

Lafayette

Jewelie’s 407 Rena

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LIFE & LEISURE

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION is a CALLing

Talking the talk is one thing, but walking the walk is something else entirely. When we make a concerted effort to improve the way we communicate, it can positively enhance everything we do. This resolution starts with one CALL, that’s all!

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CALLING is the most effective way to communicate.

Picking up a phone and contacting someone who happens to be on your mind will do wonders for both parties. Not only does it let the other person know that you’re thinking about them (which they will surely appreciate), but it will also help you get over the fear of picking up the phone in the first place! Isn’t it true that often times we avoid calling people because we fear bothering the other person?

In reality, most times, people want you to reach out and contact them. They may need to hear a friendly voice to help them deal with something they may be going through. (Hint: We’re ALL going through something!)

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ANSWER your phone! If someone takes the time to place a phone call, try to answer. If you prefer not to talk at that time, at least make sure that your voice mailbox is set up and available for leaving a message.

There’s nothing more infuriating than placing a phone call and hearing that the voice message box is full OR that it hasn’t been set up yet. Try to find someone who can help you with the technology of freeing up the lines of communication. You might just hear from someone that will positively change your life.

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LEAVE an articulate and complete message. If you call someone and reach their voicemail, be sure to leave a message that conveys what you wish to communicate AND with a clear callback number. This is not the time to be coy! Emphatically state the level of importance that is appropriate for the message. If you’re just checking in, state that also. Leave a callback number twice so that nothing is left to chance.

If you made the phone call by mistake, leave a quick message letting the person know. A lack of communication slows us down and interferes with our ability to enjoy all the rich gifts that this world has to offer.

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LEARN to follow up. If you took the time to call someone, there must have been an important reason. Following up with someone is important in the communication process, this way you can leave it all on the table.

There are several ways to follow up: Repeat phone call, email, text, Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn Inbox, etc.

#IntentionalPositivity

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ith every new year, we make resolutions of ways to improve our lives. Weight loss and getting into shape always top the list. Try taking a different path — one that will forever enrich your life and the lives of those around you. What would your life look like if you committed to effective communication efforts? Would that make a positive impact on your life, work, family, and free time?

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In the song, I’d Rather Be Sorry, Kris Kristofferson articulates these words: “I’d rather be sorry for something I’ve done than for something that I didn’t do.” This holds true for communication.

Reach out and follow up for the best results! Make this your best year yet! #CALL2018 Laurie J. James is one of 18 Master Career Directors globally. She co-founded and presided over the Professional Résumé Writing & Research Association from 2000-2004. PRWRA rebranded to Career Directors in 2005.

Laurie has created 10,000+ job-winning résumés in her 30-year career. She is a credentialed résumé and LinkedIn profile writer, seasoned public speaker and award-winning career image coach.

Gifts For

Royalty

2018 MARDI GRAS PARADE SCHEDULE LAFAYETTE PARISH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Bayou Mardi Gras Parade, New Iberia, 6:30 pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018 Carencro Mardi Gras Parade, Carencro, 11 am Krewe des Chiens Canine Parade, Lafayette, 2:00 pm Krewe of Carnival in Rio Parade, Lafayette, 6:30 pm

902 Coolidge Blvd. • Oil Center • 337-232-8827 www.piecesofeightgifts.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018 Scott Mardi Gras Parade, Scott, 1:00 pm

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 Krewe de Canailles Walking Parade, downtown Lafayette, 6:30 pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018

GAINED A FEW

Youngsville Parade, Youngsville, 11:00 am Children’s Parade, Lafayette, 12:30 pm Krewe of Bonaparte Parade, Lafayette, 6:30 pm

POUNDS FROM ALL THE FESTIVITIES? TRY THIS FOR 6 WEEKS!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 Queen Evangeline’s Parade, Lafayette, 6:00 pm

TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

CHOICES INCLUDE

King Gabriel’s Parade, Lafayette, 10:00 am Lafayette Mardi Gras Festival Parade, Lafayette, 1:00 pm Town Square Media Independent Parade, Lafayette, 2:00 pm

Choose from an all-inclusive

FRIDAY THRU TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9-13, 2018

need in your life!

Le Festival de Mardi Gras a Lafayette. Cajun Field, Lafayette.

Carnival rides & games, live music, food vendors, parades roll through festival grounds. Times vary.

program or just pick and choose what you feel you

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Fitness Program Prepared Meals Weight Loss Coaching Body Analysis Medication (to control cravings!)

Support Groups

~ Perfect for the Lenten Season ~

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MIND | BODY | SOUL

THE INNER VOICE OF EMOTIONAL PAIN

By owning up to our thoughts, feelings and actions, we become more in control.

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e all have relationships we deeply value, whether it is a close friendship or a life partner we made a commitment to through marriage. Trust is a significant part of all healthy relationships.

When this trust is violated, broken, the emotional pain one experiences can be extremely painful. For some, this can be an overwhelming and traumatic personal experience. The distress and anxiety caused by these events affects our physical health along with interfering with our day to day activities. Obsessive worrying prevents us from having a good night’s rest while feelings of hopelessness and helplessness rob us of our joy of living.

THE THREE CORES OF EMOTIONAL PAIN BETRAYAL/LOSS – When we lose the trust in a relationship, we lose the heart of the relationship. The feeling of loss can be overwhelming, opening the door for intense feelings of loneliness in a person.

SHAME – These are the feelings of negative self evaluation and social judgments coming from family members and others in the community.

FEAR – This can range from feeling unsettled to feeling terrified. These feelings can vary from day to day or week to week.

Our emotional pain can vary from day to day and even minute to minute.

Feelings of rejection and abandonment can create an overwhelming sense of personal loss. Our emotions create thoughts which can lead to an onslaught of negative scripting, anger and intense feelings of rejection. Certain people, places, words and objects become triggering. Anything that can be associated with the emotional pain of this traumatic event can serve as a trigger.

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How does one heal from these events? As a therapist, I’ve found some individuals have a very difficult time healing after this kind of hurt. They get stuck on trying to understand it from the other person’s perspective. They ask themselves, “I never could have done this to them, how can they treat me this way?” A lot of emotional energy is spent trying to make sense of it, but a satisfactory explanation is never found. A person, by result of this, can become stuck in an exhausting cycle of trying to make sense of things; feelings of intense anger, hurt and shame are common. This cycle goes on and on, day after day with no end in sight. We yearn for someone to feel and understand our hurt, our pain, but this never seems to happen. We feel stuck!

IN THERAPY One needs to process the core of their emotional pain. EMDR Therapy is very useful in doing this.

One needs to realize the person will NEVER understand the intensity of your emotional pain.

One needs to realize the triggers will always be there, but with EMDR, these triggers can be downgraded.

One needs to develop a process of letting go, creating healthy boundaries and forgiveness.

Our emotional pain is our responsibility. We should never make our emotional healing dependent on someone else. Healing will begin once we remove the toxic thoughts from our mind, increase positive self talk and develop healthy boundaries. By owning up to our thoughts, feelings and Don Short is a Licensed Professional Counselor actions, we become more (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in control. This journey of (LMFT), and EMDR Therapist. His practice focuses on clients with marriage, relationship and family healing can be difficult, but it issues. To learn more contact 337-781-4565 is not impossible. God bless or visit AfterHoursCounseling.com and I wish you well.

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STORY BOOK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Phone: 337.837.1855 www.memoriesbymoorephoto.com contactus@moorephotography.info

[THEN [THEN ANDAND NOWNOW ] ] WEDDING DAY SPECIAL $995 Call or Click For Details

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10 YEARS

MAGAZINE IT’S ABOUT P E O P L E

115 WOMEN Interviews and Articles By Caitlin Marshall

Each month, Face Magazine is read online throughout the world in countries such as Canada, Mexico, France, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Hong Kong, Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Vietnam, Austria, Bangladesh, Spain, Australia, and although they cannot figure out how or where – FACE has one loyal reader in the Russian Federation.

A COMMUNITY AFFAIR. The year was 2008. Lafayette received its first substantial snowfall in years, Hurricane Gustav made landfall, CNN listed Lafayette as one of the top 30 cities in the US to find a job, and Marcelle Fontenot was named co-anchor of KATC-TV3’s 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 o’clock news.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth “Beth” Guillot and a group of friends were planning what would become FACE Magazine, a local publication that would feature and showcase the many successful, inspiring, and talented women of Acadiana.

WITH ITS FIRST ISSUE published in early 2008, FACE quickly gained a loyal following as the community embraced the quality of its content along with the inspiring stories and raw emotion being shared through its cover articles. The stories these women, young ladies, and (yes) one man have (and continue to) unselfishly share have inspired, educated, and touched the hearts and lives of countless people throughout the region, country and yes, the world.

In 2012 the licensing and publishing rights to FACE Magazine were acquired by FACE Media Group of Lafayette. The acquisition was met with some resistance, but loyal advertisers and readers quickly realized that the new ownership was committed to upholding the integrity and original vision of the company. Since that time, FACE has experienced tremendous growth with its hyper-local mentality and multi-platform approach to disseminating its content and promoting their incredible advertisers who make it possible for FACE to remain a free publication.

According to company president Flint Zerangue, Sr., since 2012, FACE Magazine has donated more than $170,000 in cash and in-kind donations to non-profit and community organizations such as Healing House: Hope

for grieving children, Lafayette Education Foundation, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, LARC’s Acadian Village, Autism Society of Acadiana, Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana, The Oil Center Association, Miles Perret Cancer Services, Susan G. Komen – Acadiana, and the Junior League of Lafayette.

Additionally, FACE has donated time, resources and funding to countless private and public school programs along with granting College Scholarships to winners of its annual FACE Scholastics: High School Arts & Writing Competition.

These are the things we rarely talk about (says Zerangue), but they are important because Acadiana is a special place and its people make up a very unique demographic that is not common in other parts of the country. We clean up after storms, we help our neighbors, we care about the poor, the sick, the less fortunate, and the future of our children and community. THAT is why FACE continues to feature the most interesting, accomplished, and inspiring women of Acadiana. It’s their stories of overcoming failure, adversity, and misfortune that teach future generations about life and love of community.

THEN AND NOW. With 10 years and 115 issues under their belt, FACE is celebrating its Anniversary by revisiting a few of their past Cover Girls to see what they’ve been up to since they last graced the cover. In the coming months, FACE will continue to revisit past members of their cover royalty and looks forward to sharing those stories with you.

[THEN AND NOW ]

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FRAN HAMPTON F

ew cover stories have touched the hearts of our readers like that of Fran Hampton’s.

As she recounted, she was 15 years old and ready to start her Junior year in high school, when she learned she was pregnant. The year was 1974 and in those days teen pregnancy was not publicly discussed and the options for a young mother were limited. Faced with the reality that she did not have the wherewithal to properly raise her soon to be born son, Fran was forced with making one of the hardest, most selfless decisions a young mother could make, deciding if she should give up her baby for adoption. Making such a task perhaps more heart-rending was the policy that if Fran chose adoption she would not be allowed to hold her baby nor have any contact with him in the future.

Although agonizing, it was a decision she felt she had to make.

On February 11, 1975, Fran gave birth to a beautiful baby boy she named Michael Frances and, although it was forbidden, Fran knew in her heart that she had to hold Michael no matter what the consequences. Fran recalled, “I held him and I told him ‘You have to find me one day. I love you dearly.’”

As the years passed, Fran wondered, hoped, and prayed that she would see him again one day. She had always wanted to search for him but did not, as she felt it was not her place to interrupt his life.

Fast forward 35 years when Fran receives a certified letter from Catholic Charities asking her to contact a case worker with the organization. Knowing that Catholic Charities had handled the adoption process, she contacted them immediately. To her astonishment, she learned that her son (now named Stephen) had been searching for her for years, and in April 2010 they met in Baton Rouge for what can only be described as a life-changing moment.

Now, nearly 8 years after the reunion, Fran says her relationship with Stephen is stronger and healthier than ever. Her feelings of guilt and sorrow have eased and she finds great comfort in knowing Stephen has grown up as a fine man, as well as knowing that he was raised by two wonderful adoptive parents with whom she was able to connect with over the years.

Sadly, both of Stephen’s adoptive parents have passed since our original article, but Fran said she was lucky enough to be there for them in the end and

“Everywhere I go, I meet someone who has a connection to adoption in one way or another—what I do find of importance is adopted children knowing their birth parents,” says Fran. “It provides them a sense of closure they might not have known they NOVEMBER 2010

needed—sometimes, these children are conceived in traumatic ways and the mothers just can’t raise them.

But that doesn’t mean the mother didn’t want or love them. The age at which a person who was adopted should be allowed to search and contact their birth parent(s) is a bit of a controversy. In my opinion, the

SURVIVING FASHION

A local Survivor survivor lends his modeling skills

HOLIDAY SECTION

53 gifts for everysingle person on the list Can’t-miss festivals Amazing trees Easy (low cost) décor Super yum recipes

CUT IT OUT

Slash calories when eating anywhere (even at football stadium)

Fran HAMPTON

More than 35 years ago this Lafayette mother gave up her son for adoption.

Why she always knew they would meet again. And how a mother's love never fades no matter how long the road.

FACE Magazine 1

NOVEMBER 2010

COVER STORY | NOVEMBER 2010 help Stephen and his adoptive sister, Amy, through it all. Over the years, Fran has also been able to connect and bond with Stephen’s sister in a familial way. The two both lovingly refer to her as “Momma Fran” and they know they can go to her with anything.

older they are, the more they understand and the less angry they tend to be.”

There were those in the adoption community who completely disagreed with Fran’s assessment and after her 2010 article was published in FACE, several families reached out to her, telling her she was wrong.

She explains, “They didn’t agree with me. They don’t think the birth parents have the right to reconnect with the kids they had given up.”

Each adoption case is different and not everyone will feel the same because adoption is a very emotional process for all parties involved. Fran and Stephen’s

Stephen, now married, has a 1-year-old son named Covey. Sporting a large curl on top of his head like his grandmother, Covey looks just like Fran as a baby.

relationship is unique.

Fran had kept a box of trinkets and memories in hopes that one day she could share them with Stephen. Now, each year on his birthday she gifts him a few of these cards and journals that she’s accumulated over the years to give him a deeper look into her life.

we’re brother and sister.”

Fran credits her 2010 Cover Story in FACE Magazine for providing a platform to share her story. Since that time, she has had the privilege of speaking in front of various organizations such as America Adopts and the Catholic Life Center.

realizes how lucky the two of them are, how rare and

Adoptions are more common than most people think; unfortunately, situations like Fran and Stephen’s are a rarity in the adoption community. Fran believes knowing the circumstances of one’s adoption might help the child in the long run, as some children harbor feelings of abandonment by their birth family.

with Stephen and his family, children who have been

[THEN AND NOW ]

“It’s very rare,” said Fran, “Rare in the sense that we’ve become this close, this fast… It’s almost like

Fran believes their relationship came about through divine intervention. “There have been too many coincidences in both of our lives for this to have not been planned the way God wanted it,” says Fran. She special their reconnection and meeting really is. She wants others to have the chance to experience the same type of love.

It is Fran’s belief that, thanks to her years of growing placed for adoption should always try and reach out to their birth parents. The road might be bumpy, and hearts might ache but—at the end of the day—you just need to trust your instincts and heart and hope for the best. You might just get lucky and find a love like theirs.

Fran Hampton’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana 18 FACE | JANUARY 2018

RACHEL BROWN I

n January 2012, Rachel Brown was teaching at Lafayette High School, while at the same time studying to earn her Ph.D. A mother of two and educator of many, Rachel has spent the last several years of her life striving to further educate southern Louisiana residents about the immersive culture that is the deaf community in Acadiana. After earning her doctorate in 2012, Rachel continued to spread knowledge of the community to deaf and hearing people alike through more instruction, teaching and even writing a book.

Since we (FACE) last met with Rachel, her career has blossomed. She eventually left LHS and accepted the Middle School Assistant Principalship at the Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge. Surprisingly, as this article was being written, Rachel received an unexpected offer—an Assistant Principalship at Lafayette High School.

JANUARY 2012

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JANUARY 2012

“I haven’t even processed it yet,” Rachel said, with a smile. “It’s all very, very new…it’s so unexpected, but given how close it is to my home and how wonderful a job it is, I can’t pass up the opportunity.”

Jubilant for only a moment, Rachel—who is known by her friends as one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet—went right back to promoting her passion for educating the deaf community stating “Many people do not realize that southwest Louisiana has the second highest amount of deaf-blind people in the U.S. due to the prevalence of Usher Syndromes, a group of genetic diseases prevalent in the state’s Acadian population.”

Despite having a high number of deaf-blind residents in the state, interpreters are in short supply, yet in high demand in the Bayou State, as the few collegiate programs dedicated to sign language in Louisiana, have shuttered in the last 20 years. Rachel attended The University of New Orleans’ program, which closed its doors after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, further limiting Louisiana’s outreach and education opportunities for those interested in working with the deaf.

“We can’t train our own people in Louisiana,” Rachel lamented. “We have to get people to come to Louisiana to work in the field, and that’s hard to do because of our pay scale and education ranking.”

As such, Rachel is one of Lafayette’s many unsung heroes. Being the ever-humble woman she is, she doesn’t see her work with the deaf community as

COVER STORY | JANUARY 2012 being “worthy” of such recognition. In her eyes, her job is as simple as teaching a foreign language.

Something Rachel focuses hard on is sharing the idea that those who are deaf are not disabled. Instead, they are “diff-abled,” meaning they are perfectly functioning members of society—they just go about their day-to-day lives a little differently from those who communicate verbally.

She shared the heartbreaking reality that many families with a deaf family member don’t take the time to fully immerse themselves in the deaf community and culture. The deaf person often ends up being severely behind in fields of communication and language due to the barrier presented between child and parent.

Rachel is focused on guiding parents, friends, and families of deaf children through the development of a simplified guidebook that caters to the parents of newborn deaf children. She’s teamed up with Rachel Coleman, the tour de force behind Two Little Hands Production, a series of books, CDs, and videos dedicated to teaching babies signs. The series has been picked up by Nickelodeon and airs regularly on the company’s channel, as well as PBS. “(Coleman) has the background of a deaf parent who has worked with sign language in the avenue of little kids,” Rachel said. The book will serve as a

[THEN AND NOW ]

cross-section of advice —one section from someone with a child born deaf, the other from Rachel’s expertise from years in the field of education. Together, those opinions can help parents compare experiences, as many parents “don’t know where to start” when interacting with doctors or teachers or deciding which avenue their child should take.

“There are a lot of decisions that happen throughout their life,” Rachel said. Where to send them to school, how do we communicate with them, can they get a job? These are questions families are often unsure about, due to their lack of knowledge about the deaf community. “All these things that come up and people have no idea where to base their decisions and there are no resources out there (to teach them).”

Rachel’s vision for the world is that of Martha’s Vineyard, an island located off mainland Massachusetts where, in the 1600s, everyone signed instead of speaking, due to a large deaf population.

“It was so much part of the society that people didn’t know who was hearing and who was deaf because everybody signed all the time,” she explained.

Despite being busy with her two lively, energetic sons, commuting to and from Baton Rouge every day, and hosting weekly American Sign Language classes, Rachel still finds time to have fun and do things for herself. A few summers ago, she was lucky enough to go on a deaf cruise—a week-long reprieve where she was able to communicate solely through signing.

“It was so much fun. I didn’t hear my own voice for a week,” she said laughing.

Something people might not know about Rachel is that she is talent manager for Joshua Castille, a Lafayette native who is currently acting with Deaf West Theatre based in North Hollywood. Working with Joshua and his career has given her a lot of opportunities to travel with him over the years. The duo was able to meet with Academy Award Winner Marlee Matlin, one of Hollywood’s most renowned deaf actresses.

Now with plans to return to LHS, Rachel will be able to continue her goal of introducing people to the power of kinesthetic language (signing), or words in motion, a feat that spoken languages cannot inherently offer.

One thing’s for sure—Rachel has been in perpetual motion since 2012 and from all indications, she’s just getting started.

Rachel Brown’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana

faceacadiana.com | FACE 19

LORI MCGREW I

n 2008, Travis and Lori McGrew learned they were expecting their first child. The young couple and their

families were excited. They immediately named their little girl Madeline Nichole and began the normal phase of preparing for the new arrival. Then, during Lori’s routine 32-week ultrasound, the McGrew’s received

AUGUST 2012

disturbing news—their unborn baby had complications and several abnormalities. A few days later, the couple met with a specialist who ran additional tests and confirmed their worst fears—Madeline had a chromosome disorder called Trisomy 18. Then they heard the words no parent ever wants to hear, “Trisomy 18 is not compatible with life,” and on June 3, 2009, Madeline Nicole was born directly into heaven.

Devastated by the loss and burdened with unexpected bills, Travis and Lori’s family and friends rallied around the couple with help and support. It was a huge comfort for the couple, but Lori felt they needed to do something to honor the memory of little Madeline as well as something to help other women

LORI MCGREw

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COVER STORY | AUGUST 2012

and families who might suffer this same sort of loss.

“I absolutely love helping people find and sell their

Extremely grateful for the support they received, the

homes!” she exclaimed. “It allows me the opportunity

McGrews decided to “pay it forward” and began

to help others in a different way.”

Maddie’s Footprints, a non-profit organization that provides support to families coping with miscarriages,

Lori was recently elected to serve on the Realtor

stillbirths, or the loss of an infant.

Association of Acadiana’s Board of Directors. Her

It was August of 2012 when we (FACE) featured Lori on

began Maddie’s Footprints in order to help those who

our cover, Maddie’s Footprints was up and running and

have faced great pain and loss, and her real estate

Lori was gaining her stride and making a difference in the community.

daughters [ages 7 and 4], is a Realtor® with Keaty Real Estate, and Chairwoman of the Board for Maddie’s Footprints.

career is guided by her desire to assist people in

With Maddie’s Footprints, Lori explained, the obvious need for an organization like theirs excelled them forward, giving them the courage to start up the non-profit.

“Five years ago, Maddie’s Footprints was barely off the ground. It was being run strictly by volunteers and myself—today, the non-profit is flourishing and has grown exponentially,” says Lori.

Before the organization took off, Lori was unable to pay volunteers and was forced to do much of the work herself. Thankfully, with their feet off the ground, Maddie’s Footprints now has a full-time staff, keeping the ship sailing smoothly, allowing her to continue her career as a real estate agent. In fact, selling homes is one of Lori’s biggest passions.

exuberant passions for both careers are evident. She

making one of their life’s largest investments: a home.

Today, Lori tells us life is good. She has two beautiful

Lori wants people to know that they aren’t just dishing out money and sending these families on their way.

They keep in contact with and continue to provide any sort of emotional assistance they can.

“We have the resources now to truly help,” she shared.

And that’s exactly what they do. Expanding across 10 parishes in South Louisiana, Maddie’s Footprints has impacted over 1,000 families.

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Maddie’s Footprints now has a full-on support group that meets once a month and families have the option to pair up with other families for support. This type of buddy system keeps families from feeling isolated and alone during their grieving process. For those who don’t feel comfortable in a “support group” setting, they host a monthly dinner for the moms.

“When we lost Maddie, there was no one we felt we could turn to. My husband and I felt so alone,” Lori recalled.

Still today, Maddie’s Footprints is the only

“We didn’t come into this with a goal number” for obvious reason, Lori asserted, “but knowing we are able to help so many people? That’s what really matters.”

Maddie’s Footprints has many opportunities for residents to volunteer or support the organization: it holds two large events each year. Its fall event is a 5K run and a birthday party for all the babies; in the spring, Maddie’s holds a large silent auction and Spring Gala, which is its formal event and a large-scale fundraiser for the organization.

To some, the fall event might seem like it would be sad, but “when you drive by River Ranch’s Town Square, it doesn’t look sad at all!” Lori said. These are supposed to be events to bring joy into people’s lives—a day of remembrance, not of mourning.

Due to her busy schedule, Lori doesn’t always have a significant amount of free time, but she doesn’t let that hold her back from spending time with her two girls.

Something not many people know about Lori is that she loves to sing. “My girls and I have dance parties and concerts all the time,” she added.

to pay for a portion of funeral expenses for families in

With her family, Maddie’s Footprints and her real estate career in full swing, Lori looks forward to what is to come each day and —with her passion and drive— who knows what will come next.

need. Now, they are able to provide so much more.

For more information on Maddie’s Footprints visit

organization that focuses solely on helping and supporting families who have lost a child younger than a year old. In 2012, the nonprofit was only able

[THEN AND NOW ]

www.maddiesfootprints.org.

Lori McGrew’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana 20 FACE | JANUARY 2018

SARAH MONTGOMERY I

n 2013, Sarah Montgomery had recently graduated from Lafayette High School and was well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a professional race car driver. She and her Mazda race car (affectionately named Nemo) had been speeding through races, winning titles and continuing to make a name for herself in the racing world—all while beginning her college career at ULL. Nearly five years after our initial meeting with her [Sarah], now 23, has earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Despite her strenuous and demanding racing schedule, Sarah finished school in four years while maintaining good grades, happy friendships, and a healthy home life.

When we spoke to Sarah in spring 2013, she had yet to receive her professional license, but in 2014, after years of hard work, she clinched her certification. Sarah became Louisiana’s first (and only) female professional race car driver and to this day, still holds that title.

“It takes a lot of experience and name recognition to get a pro license, so it’s kind of an honor in itself,” Sarah admitted, beaming with pride over her achievements.

“You have to grow up very quickly,” Sarah explained. It is important to be well behaved and aware of social media, especially when she is in the limelight, representing different organizations and companies.

“You won’t find any unflattering photos of me on social media,” she added. Sponsors keep an eye on potential partners’ social media feeds. In fact, Sarah mentioned Lafayette Travel, a long-time partner, had watched Sarah’s accounts for a year before they ever made contact with her. “I had no idea.”

In 2017, Sarah participated in her first nationally televised race on CBS Sports. “It was so cool to finally see myself race on TV!” she said with a huge smile on her face.

Races are almost always live-streamed online, so people are able to watch from home. But Sarah said it’s much more exciting to be on the big screen for a change, even if the races are recorded in advance of broadcasting.

A few months after her television debut, Sarah was on track to mark the fastest time of the race when, in a heartbeat, she was involved in a crash that rolled her car several times and totaled her $40,000 car. “It was my first big wreck—I got banged up a bit.and, financially—it was a big blow.,” the racer admitted.

Despite the damage to the car and broken ribs, her determination and drive to get behind the wheel again never wavered. As soon as she was cleared to drive,

pushes ice cold water through a tube system to keep their drivers cool under their several layers of clothing and safety gear.

MARCH 2013

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COVER STORY | MARCH 2013 she was behind the wheel competing in a 25-hour race with a team of co-drivers. Sarah explained that the average racer can only handle being in the car for around 2 1/2 hours at most; during the 25-hour race, she volunteered to drive a 4-hour slot from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

“I don’t know what I was thinking,” she laughed, shaking her head. In order to prepare for races, Sarah said she reads a lot of books about strengthening her ability to remain focused and strengthen her mentality.

“You can’t daydream even for a second,” Sarah said heavily. “You’re going so fast, anything can happen in the blink of an eye.”

A little-known aspect of racing is the extreme physical and mental challenge racing presents. A race car driver’s average heartbeat matches that of marathon runners. “My heart rate is usually 160 in the race car, which is flying,” said Sarah. “You’re going well over 100 mph while cars on both ends are touching and bumping you as you all fight for the perfect position.”

While behind the wheel, a race car driver’s heartbeat naturally accelerates as the car does, as adrenaline levels send the driver cruising despite remaining physically stationary. Temperatures inside of race cars also reach excruciatingly hot temperatures. Many drivers often wear special shirts under their gear that

[THEN AND NOW ]

What now? Trading in her old racing car, Sarah has upgraded to an Audio RS3 LMS, which has more than double the horsepower and can reach maximum speeds of 160 mph. It is white and sports a vibrant red stripe which goes over the driver’s side door. “It’s a big step from what I was doing and I love it—my new car is badass!” she explains.

Later this year, Sarah will be competing in Dayton Beach, Florida, in the IMSA Continental Tire Challenge alongside a co-driver, Ashton Harrison, another female racer she has raced alongside before. However, this is the first time they will team up for a competitive race.

An all-female team is uncommon in the racing world and Sarah knows the two women will garner a lot of attention for that reason alone—but she isn’t worried because she’s in it to win it.

With around 10 racing weekends in 2018, Sarah is thankful for her many sponsors. She prefers to call them Partners, as they are the ones who provide her with the money necessary to keep racing.

Lemons of Love, a Chicago-based charity focused on helping and providing assistance to adults battling cancer, is one of her partners. Lemons of Love donates care packages containing lemon-based items to help soothe the pains post-chemotherapy.

At the end of the day, despite her countless accomplishments and growing fame in the racing world, Sarah is no different than the rest of us. When she isn’t racing, she is the sales and marketing manager at Fresh Air Systems Technologies (F.A.S.T. for short.)

“Even when I’m not racing, I’m thinking about it,” Sarah said. Her job at F.A.S.T. allows her to continue to work with the racing community, given the company works directly with race car driving. In the rare opportunity she has downtime, she loves binge-watching Netflix shows, her favorite show is The Crown.

As Sarah prepares to hit the asphalt, Acadiana is eagerly watching her career as she accelerates to the top. Geaux Sarah Geaux!!!

To follow Sarah Montgomery online visit www.sarahmontgomeryracing.com.

Sarah Montgomery’’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana

faceacadiana.com | FACE 21

JAN SWIFT hen Jan Swift graced the cover of FACE, it was

W

For Jan, creating Discover Lafayette was challenging,

the summer of 2013. She was heavily involved

but not as difficult as anticipated. After trying different

hosting a local community television show, and was the

her needs; and with an underwriting sponsorship from

online platforms, she found a website host that met

in multiple community projects, working as an attorney,

Lafayette Convention and Visitors’ Commission she was

Executive Director for Upper Lafayette.

JUNE 2013

In 2015, Jan made a run for the Louisiana House of

She hopes to eventually get on a local speaking circuit

Representative’s seat but realized sometime during

to educate and enlighten people about the many

the campaign that she wasn’t made for the world of politics. Although serving as a deputy secretary of state, working as a city-parish attorney, and lobbying, Jan found that politics was not her destined career.

“I know how things work—drafting laws, drafting ordinances—but I’m not a politician,” she concluded.

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Jan Swift Despite not obtaining the seat, Jan said she felt like the reason she had a good voting turnout was that her intentions to better Lafayette were obvious, and of course, those intentions are still relevant today.

Since that time Jan has chosen to make a few changes in her life—but that doesn’t mean she’s slowing down.

After nearly a decade with Upper Lafayette, Jan felt as though her heart was being pulled in another direction, so near the end of 2016 she stepped down from the Executive Directors position to pursue other communityrelated projects.

up and running.

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Driven by passion and purpose, this successful lawyer, civic leader, businesswoman and loving mom does it all with elegance and grace, while encouraging others to be living examples for positive change.

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COVER STORY | JUNE 2013 “When you really love something, you polish it up, you present it in the best light whether it’s your family, your business, your car,” Jan began. “My goal is to shine a light on our wonderful culture and people.”

To date, she has recorded some 25 or so episodes, with each episode featuring someone prevalent in the Lafayette community. Some of her more recent guests include Charlie Goodson of Charlie G’s and

wonderful things Lafayette and Acadiana have to offer.

“I’m doing it for me; it’s my passion,” she states. “I think you have to follow what drives you inside. It tugs at my heart, and I also want to keep on growing.”

“I’m 60 now, this is a place I never thought I’d be and I’m having so much fun,” she admitted. “It’s really a cool project and it’s all about the people I interview.

That’s why I can brag about it so comfortably— because it’s not about me; it’s about ‘let me just relax and let’s have a good time with the interviews.’”

Thus far, she’s received lots of positive feedback and praise for her Discover Lafayette podcasts and will soon begin a regular column with us in FACE Magazine recapping and promoting her new platform and podcasts.

Jan said she is looking forward to this decade of her life and considers herself a very happy woman who has grown a lot over the years.

Within a short period of time, she was full speed

Social Southern Table, Pastor Jay Miller of The Family

ahead with her newest project Discover Lafayette, a

Church, State Representative Nancy Landry, and

“I’ve had a real shift in awareness, and part of that has

podcast dedicated to the people, places, and culture

Lynn Guidry Architect and Historian of Lafayette.

come about through slowing down and trying to focus

of Lafayette, the gateway to South Louisiana and the region we call Acadiana.

Unlike live news or live radio, podcasts allow listeners to go back at any time and listen to an older episode,

on just “being” rather than doing,” she stated. “I’m still getting things done, but I don’t feel the drive that I had as far as pushing to get things done. By being more

Discover Lafayette focuses on the warm joie de vivre or

something Jan finds very important because it doesn’t

“joy of living” exemplified by our people, the delicious

limit the listeners. It also doesn’t hinder episode length,

food, the cultural traditions passed down generation

allowing Jan and her guests more time to share their

after generation, and the creative spirit of Lafayette. Our

stories. Her hope is that, along with locals, tourists and

community values family and is a compelling reason so

people thinking about moving to the area will listen and

If you know Jan personally, then you know she is one

many are proud to call Lafayette home.

learn what Lafayette and Acadiana have to offer.

of the most genuine and sincere people you’ll ever

“It’s a passion that I have to promote the people and the

Discover Lafayette can be found on her website

unique culture of it, not just Lafayette,” Jan said. “But I

www.discoverlafayette.net, Blubrry, Google Play, iTunes,

call it the gateway to South Louisiana, so Lafayette as

and most other media sources that host podcasts.

the gateway to South Louisiana.”

[THEN AND NOW ]

present every day, I’m actually getting more done that means a lot to me. (I’m) more effective in my actions and not as busy, and it’s a pretty good place to be.”

meet. Her talents and vast work experience along with her passion for life make her a person to keep an eye on in the future, as there’s no telling where and what she’ll do next. Chances are no matter what, it will be community-related and involve helping others.

Jan Swift’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana 22 FACE | JANUARY 2018

CAROLINE KENNEDY T

he town was abuzz when 12-year-old

“I mean, film can be both fun and funny, but theater?”

Caroline Kennedy of Lafayette nabbed a role in

Caroline said pointedly, “You can just go so many

Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Christmas” as Lucy McCoy

different ways with it. You can add more of your

(released in 2013). It’s not often someone so young

personality—be a bit overdramatic because that’s what

manages to land a role like this on her very first

it takes sometimes for the audience to get what’s going

audition for a movie, so one might expect that all the

on. With film, you can add so many special effects and

AUGUST 2014

attention and fame might get to someone’s head at

music... On a stage, you kind of have to be animated to

that age…but Caroline’s taken it all in stride and hasn’t allowed the limelight to change who she is as a person.

FACE featured Caroline as their cover story in the August 2014 issue. Now, four years later, Caroline is 16 and a Junior at Saint Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette.

get your point across.”

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differently than any other high schooler around town and when the topic of her acting career comes up,

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understands it’s time for focusing on her school work and maintaining high grades in order to prepare for college. “I’ve been particular about the auditions I take. I’ve been more serious about school, and it’s really paying off,” she shared.

Talking to Caroline was refreshing, seeing such a young girl putting her education first. According to Caroline, auditioning is a time-consuming commitment, especially when striving for high marks. Between school and traveling expenses, mailing audition tapes has been her best bet in vying for parts without having to put her personal life on pause.

A rising young star with one movie already under her belt shows that anyone can do it all with the right passion, priorities and balance.

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young actress is looking forward to college, where she can branch out and discover more of the world, even if that means leaving home for a while. And who can blame her? As for what she wants to study in college, the teen is still unsure.

“Something medical?” she said with a shrug, admitting she always assumed she would just follow her father’s footsteps, joining the medical profession.

But as for now, Caroline still has a year and a half left of high school and is currently dedicating all of her free time to her high school’s musical theater production of High School Musical.

“That’s so much easier than going in person,” Caroline stated, “especially since a lot of the stuff that comes in is from Atlanta and California and there’s no way we can just drop everything and go to an audition unless there’s the potential for a big opportunity.”

“I’m still really interested in acting, but I believe when I’m a little older I can better decide for myself whether I want to go that direction or not…Meanwhile, I’m keeping my portfolio and comp card updated just in case,” said Caroline.

“I got the part of Sharpay Evans! Practices start in January and the production hits the stage live in March. It’s a huge undertaking,” she explains. “It’s a lot of hard work but I’m really excited about it.

There’s a lot of good people in the production and I’m looking forward to meeting all of them and building new friendships.”

According to Caroline, when it comes down to it, she probably enjoys theater a little more, it’s more challenging than acting in front of a camera. Theater is

With that said, she admitted she would move in a heartbeat if the right opportunity presented itself. The

more interactive and in-the-moment.

[THEN AND NOW ]

my Christian Youth Theater. “That kind of sparked my desire for acting, especially musicals,” she said.

When she isn’t working on school musicals, Caroline

Caroline Kennedy

COVER STORY | AUGUST 2014

Already halfway through high school, Caroline

she was young, starting with a production put on

“They’re so much fun, and I love singing.”

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she remains humble, talking casually about her big-screen experience.

Her passion and love for being on stage ignited when

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According to her friends, she looks and acts no

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takes lessons at The Music Box for singing and piano while dancing at The Movement, a studio in Lafayette.

She’s also very involved with Saint Thomas More’s Campus Ministry and is currently helping the junior class in putting on Hopefest, a charity event run by the high schools junior class every year. She is also active in student government as a representative for her class, but her eyes are set on Class President for her senior year.

Since her cinema debut in 2013, Caroline has also been in a few commercials and fashion shows. She even emceed for a model and talent search event where she shared her “success story” with other aspiring actresses.

Ever passionate and humble, Caroline hopes she is able to inspire other girls and help them pursue their big dreams.

“I definitely am humbled by people coming up to me and wanting help to become a better actress or become a better singer; it makes me happy. But I don’t go around saying, ‘Oh, I was in a movie.’ It’s definitely a cool experience to share my story because it really does inspire people.”

It is always fun to tell the story of a young adult that is so talented and well grounded, especially when they’re from Acadiana.

So Caroline, keep up the good the great work and— Break a Leg!

Caroline Kennedy’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana

faceacadiana.com | FACE 23

SHARON MOSS S

Acadiana Center of the Arts, Hospice of Acadiana, the Wildcat Foundation, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, and Healing House: Hope for Grieving Children are just a few philanthropies Sharon has been involved with over the years.

ince her Cover Story ran in December of 2014, Sharon Moss has continued to thrive as the CEO of Moss Motors. It’s been nearly 30 years since she took over the reins after the passing of her late husband William “Billy Jack” Moss, where despite being a businesswoman in a male-dominated industry, Sharon was determined to make it work and never considered allowing anyone else to take over or run the company that her husband had built from the ground up.

Ask her friends and they’ll tell you Sharon is one of the most hardworking, determined and kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet. She also has one of the most recognized faces in Acadiana. You may not know her personally, but if you’ve lived in Lafayette for more than a week, you’ve most likely seen her face somewhere.

So what’s new with Sharon? Well take a sluggish economy and add Sharon Moss—what do you get?

Time to expand!

Take a little trip down “Auto Row” on Johnston Street and you’ll see Moss Motors has broken ground on a new $10 million Mercedes-Benz dealership. This dealership will be Louisiana’s one and only AMG Performance Center, which sells high-end, high-performance Mercedes-Benz cars.

At 35,000 square feet, this dealership will expand over five acres. Moss Motors Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Center is scheduled to open in early 2018 if all goes as planned.

“We will be the only one in the state,” Moss proclaimed.

“New Orleans doesn’t have it, Baton Rouge doesn’t have it. We’re going all the way!”

Moss Motors’ growth isn’t merely physical. In our first interview with Sharon, it was stated that Moss Motors employed 166 people throughout their franchise.

According to Moss, when opened, the new state-of-the-art dealership will allow us to hire even more employees.

From all indications, the new facility will be over the top with amenities never seen before in these parts. Sure, it will feature some of the finest luxury cars in the world and obviously, the design and décor will be second to none, and the services provided will be first class, but it’s the little things we (FACE) didn’t expect that put this little $10 million project over the top—to make your experience a little more luxurious, the walls will be perfumed—yes, perfumed.

DECEMBER 2014

PERFECT

HOLIDAY

COOKIES

MOSS

Fearless Business Woman.

Champion of the Arts.

Lafayette Icon.

Strategies to Eat Well and Not Gain Weight

Perfecting the Holiday Dinner Party

FaShIOn FORECaST: WInTER WhITE

Cold Weather Pet Prep

COVER STORY | DECEMBER 2014 Sharon said she has yet to decide on the perfume to be used; however, Mercedes-Benz’ brand of colognes for men and women provides an array of options and having the ability to switch perfumes will be handy to help her team optimize the customers’ experience.

“I am a woman, and women do things like that,” Sharon expressed with a laugh. As a woman, it’s only natural for her to take that extra step into making something more pleasing and inviting for her customers. “When you smell something great, like when you’re walking through the perfume aisle, don’t you just feel great?”

She compared her love for the little, pleasurable things to her passion for being involved with local events and non-profits around Acadiana. Sharon prides herself on the fact that she is a local businesswoman who not only runs her business in Lafayette but also lives in town.

When schools, businesses, or nonprofits ask her to donate or to be involved, Sharon, who is always eager to help, jumps on the opportunities as often as she can.

Although she was reared in Oklahoma, Lafayette is the place she calls home. Asked why she holds Lafayette dear, Moss responded: “We are the jewel of Louisiana.

We truly are.” She said a few of her employees are from Texas, and the warm, open-armed community of Lafayette blew them away when they first got here.

“You can’t get that anywhere else.”

[THEN AND NOW ]

Sharon said that Acadiana Animal Aid, a local non-profit, no-kill shelter that focuses on spaying and neutering, rehoming, and adopting out animals, is the latest organization to capture her heart. Her adoration for animals, her cat Carlton especially, was palpable in her voice. She described her black-and-white, green-eyed tuxedo cat as a “British Gentleman.”

“I’m Lebanese; I feed anything that comes near me.

You come near my house? You’re gonna eat!” Sharon exclaimed. Before becoming the lazy house cat he is now, Carlton would make frequent appearances at her back door. After feeding him enough times, he became an indispensable member of her family.

Sharon said she always gives 120 percent. She’s an all-or-nothing type of woman and believes if she, as the leader, does not show the heart and drive it takes to be successful, she cannot expect her employees to do the same. “A competitive spirit will take you far in life,” Sharon stated. And being competitive in the car business is a must, she added. For Sharon, competitiveness is more than skin deep; just because she likes to wear lipstick that matches her outfits doesn’t mean she isn’t ready to put up a fight when the going gets tough. It is difficult being a woman in a man’s business, she believes that if a woman proves her worth, men will be forced to take her seriously.

Although entering a male-dominated field may be intimidating for young businesswomen, Sharon stated that perseverance is key.

In fact, she believes if a woman excels and surpasses the expectations of her male peers, she will easily gain their appreciation and support. She relates this back to her being the only woman in Louisiana to have been nominated and win Dealer of the Year.

After 28 years in the car dealership business, Sharon has a few words of wisdom for any women trying to make their names known in the world of business— “Thick skin” and “never say die.”

“Sometimes you have to walk down that street all alone,” she admitted when faced with making hard decisions. Just because a woman might have to take the road less traveled doesn’t mean she should allow adversity to hold her back from achieving greatness.

Sharon Moss’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana 24 FACE | JANUARY 2018

ANGIE ECKMAN W

hen we first met Angie Eckman, it was the summer of 2015. Her company ADWORX was growing and she was deeply involved with multiple marketing and community development projects that would eventually help to shape the future of our community.

“When the Pony League started contacting us and asking to use our photos and videos to promote Youngsville to their national web-pages, I was blown away!”

Although her company ADWORX has ventured into unexpected territory, she said she could not be any

With a smile on her face and her heart full of love, Angie Eckman is the type of woman who enjoys helping others in her spare time. She admitted she is unable to do a single task without asking herself:

happier with the way business is going. The sports events that are taking place in Youngsville and Broussard are now providing countless advertising opportunities for both the local and the regional

“How can I help make this better?”

businesses in Acadiana.

Her passion for her work as an advertising manager is contagious and inspiring, and as you listen to the accolades she’s racked up over the years, it’s hard to not be impressed. She’s served as President of the Youngsville Chamber of Commerce, as Marketing Chair for the Broussard Chamber of Commerce, was elected to the UL Lafayette Alumni Council and in 2014, ADWORX was named as the Outstanding Business of the Year by the Youngsville Chamber.

More recently, Eckman & ADWORX was credited with the design for the face of Youngsville’s new Southside High School, with her rendition of the school’s shark mascot serving as the logo.

Since July 2017, the Youngsville Chamber of Commerce has opened next door to the Youngsville City Hall. The Chamber’s membership has doubled in the past two years and their monthly luncheons now host anywhere from 75-80 people—a big difference from the 35 or so members from previous years. She was instrumental in drafting the original Vision 2020 program for the Youngsville Chamber that is used to help guide Youngsville’s growth.

“Our mission is to keep the community growing and to keep people In Youngsville,” Angie said. Being so closely connected to Lafayette and being more residential than business oriented, residents tend to bring their money elsewhere when it comes to business.

In the last two and a half years, Angie Eckman has been instrumental in Youngsville’s leap into the national limelight with its new acclaimed Youngsville Sports Complex. Coming in at a whopping $20 million dollars, the complex hosts a plethora of sports, tournaments, for teams of all ages.

Make no mistake about it—although Angie’s list of accomplishments and accolades are vast, she is a humble and grounded woman. And when it comes to seeing her hard work and goals come true, she is more than ready to tell all about it and share her story in hopes of providing others with a lesson

COVER STORY | JUNE/JULY 2015 In August, the Pony Mustang World Series was held at the Youngsville Complex, which hosted baseball teams from all over the world. Angie said she was completely blown away by the amount of culture and diversity that was brought into the complex during the World Series and she hopes that future high profile events and tournaments will continue to provide similar economic growth for Youngsville and the Acadiana area, in addition to providing a worldclass sporting facility for the youth of the community.

From the moment the Youngsville Sports Complex opened its gates, their new programs have been at max capacity, topping off at nearly 1,300 members dispersed throughout their programs.

and advice so they can hopefully achieve their own goals and dreams.

What’s next for Angie Eckman? Well, according to Eckman and recent press releases, the Youngsville Sports Complex is slated to unveil four to five championship style sand volleyball courts. These state-of-the-art sand courts will be the first of their kind in Acadiana.

As for her personal life, Angie said she never takes a day off. As a huge lover of tourism and travel, even on her vacations, she finds herself wondering and researching the destination—imagining how she could get involved.

“My mind never stops,” she admitted. “This is my

The city of Broussard also celebrated the opening of the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park in July 2017. ADWORX was hired in August for marketing of this park as well. she hopes the new complex will also help the economic growth in the area and provide children and families with a great place to play and relax.

passion—helping people is my passion and there’s

“I never thought this would happen,” Angie said in

creatives working to succeed and find career

regard to how ADWORX has become so specifically

fulfillment—“Invest in your dreams and stay

involved with sports and the world of athletics.

authentic to yourself, and there is nothing that can

[THEN AND NOW ]

no turning my mind off.”

Passionate people are easily engulfed in their work. But sometimes, that’s the most exciting thing for a person with no off switch like Angie.

Angie has this sound advice to offer to burgeoning

hold you back.”

Angie Eckman’s original cover story may be read at www.issuu.com/faceacadiana

faceacadiana.com | FACE 25

FAMILY MATTERS

WELCOMING A PUPPY HOME Do your research, read labels and ask questions.

NOTHING IS MORE HEARTWARMING than the first warm nuzzle from a new puppy.

“Our passionate associates are available to help

With new pets, however, come new

bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can

responsibilities and opportunities, which

live more fulfilled lives.”

can often lead to New Year’s resolutions involving new furry friends.

To help puppy parents welcome their pets home – and keep New Year’s commitments – PetSmart,

“No matter the season, it’s always a moving

the largest specialty pet retailer across North

and emotional experience when a puppy

America, offers this expert advice on nutrition,

finds a new home,” said Eran Cohen, chief

socialization, essentials and health care to help

customer experience officer at PetSmart.

keep pets happy and healthy.

FIND A VETERINARIAN A veterinarian should be your first call if your puppy gets into something that could potentially harm him or her. Vets are also great resources to keep you up-todate on puppy care, like vaccination timing. Use a tool like the free askPETMD app, available in the Apple App and Google Play stores, to find a veterinarian near you.

ID YOUR PET While pets are getting acclimated to their home, and with people going in and out, it can be easy for them to slip out a door. Be prepared in case they embark on an unplanned journey around the neighborhood. To ensure you are reunited, outfit your pup with proper ID,

and allow them to chew safely, such as a Puppy Bone Starter Toy Kit. It’s also important to place household products like trash, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies out your pup’s reach.

GIVE PUPPIES THEIR OWN SPACE According to a survey commissioned by PetSmart and conducted by Wakefield Research, 47 percent of U.S. dog owners let their puppy sleep in bed with them seven nights per week. However, when it’s time for puppies to rest on their own, a puppy crate can perform double duty, providing puppies their own area away from stressors to nap and serving as a structure that promotes potty training.

including a personalized ID tag.

PUP-PROOF YOUR HOME Dogs love to chew, whether it’s on shoes or something more dangerous like wiring or extension cords.

To protect them and promote positive chewing experiences, use toys or treats to occupy their time 26 FACE | JANUARY 2018

GIVE YOUR DOG TIME TO ACCLIMATE Socialization is critical during a pup’s early years. While everyone may be ready to meet the new member of your family, consider introducing them to one or two people at a time, so the puppy can get to know them and warm up to their scent.

RESEARCH NUTRITION It may be tempting to feed a puppy human food, but they require specially formulated food and often have different eating schedules than an adult dog. Do your research, read labels and ask questions. Consider leading natural pet lifestyle brands, like Only Natural Pet, which offer formulas such as Puppy Power Feast food, as well as a variety of treats.

INVEST IN TRAINING Consistent training is an important responsibility of a puppy parent. Dogs crave love and praise, and a properly trained pooch will better understand what’s expected of him or her. If necessary, get help from puppy training experts to help ensure all family members are able to live happily in one harmonious pack.

Find more tips for welcoming a new pet into your home this year at PetSmart.com or download PetSmart’s mobile app, which tailors content to help guide pet parents based on your pet profile.

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Because we live in this community, too.

Committed to a healthier hometown.

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8th to 12th SUGAR MILL POND Ascension Episcopal School admits students of all races, religions and naaonal or ethnic backgrounds who meet the criteria for admission.

faceacadiana.com | FACE 27

Lafayette Public Library

COMMUNITY

LAFAYETTE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM TO HOST a Myriad of Events for the Public (so cool) OUT OF IDEAS ON HOW TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? Looking for

HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT (AN LRTRELATED PROGRAM)

WRITE WITH US!

something new and fun to do? Then check out these events being hosted by The Lafayette Public Library System over the next few months!

An afternoon of learning stations for Homeschooling Families revolving around different themes! Ages

instructors and get valuable feedback on your writing efforts.

5–12. Registration begins Tuesday, December 26.

January theme: Poetry. February theme: Health and

Wednesdays: January 24; February 28

LAFAYETTE READS TOGETHER (LRT) is a community-wide reading experience put on by the Lafayette Public Library, the Lafayette Parish School System and many local organizations. Visit the Lafayette Public Libraries libraries for a free copy of the book The Crossover by Kwame Alexander starting Wednesday, January 10, and join them for the following programs:

AN EVENING WITH KWAME ALEXANDER (AN LRT-RELATED PROGRAM) Author Kwame Alexander will share a bit of conversation, a dash of storytelling and a splash of performance from his recent children’s books, insights and worldwide experiences in Literacy, Empowerment, Action and Poetry.

Wednesday, January 10 Main Library, 6:45 – 7:25 pm Photo Scavenger Hunt (An LRT-related program) Earn points for photo challenges inspired by The Crossover by Kwame Alexander! Ages 12-18. Registration begins Monday, January 8.

Friday, January 26 Main Library, 4:30 – 6:00 pm Friday, February 23 East Regional Library, 6:00 – 7:30

TAKE THE 100 BOOK CLUB CHALLENGE! Read or listen to 100 books between January 1 and December 31, 2018, and you will become a member of the 100 Book Club. Earn cool prizes and bragging rights when you complete something few others will! Complete rules are available at LafayettePublicLibrary.org.

Registration begins in our libraries on January 3 and online January 10

FREE-THROW THURSDAYS (AN LRTRELATED PROGRAM) Step up to the free-throw line and shoot hoops in our virtual reality game! Open to ages 9 & up. No registration required.

January 4, 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22 Main Library, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Human Biology

Thursday, January 11 North Regional Library, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Wednesday, January 17 Main Library, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Wednesday, February 7 Main Library, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

QUILTED BLANKETS FOR SHELTER DOGS Help keep a shelter dog warm and learn a new skill. Join the Quilter’s Guild Acadienne and warm a dog’s heart!

Saturday, January 13 (2 sessions South Regional Library; 10:00 am – noon and 2:00 – 4:00 pm

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MYSTERY BOOK SALE Pick up a good mystery book at a great price and support the Friends of the Library!

Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20 Main Library,10:00 am – 4:00 pm

GET IN THE GAME (AN LRT-RELATED PROGRAM) Join community partners and test out ways to be healthy and fit − try a new food, check out some exercise moves − and get in the game!

Saturday, January 20 Main Library, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

3D PRINTING 101 Learn the basics of creating and printing on our 3D printers using Tinkercad. Ages 9 & up.

Registration begins Tuesday, December 26.

Tuesday, January 23 South Regional Library, 4:30 – 5:30 pm Friday, February 9 Main Library,1:30 – 2:30 pm Tuesday, February 20 South Regional Library, 4:30 – 5:30 pm

CINEMA ON THE BAYOU Cinema on the Bayou is an eight-day film festival held throughout Lafayette, aimed at advancing Cajun and Creole cultures through film screenings, panels and cultural exchanges. For more info, visit CinemaOnTheBayou.com.

Saturday, January 27 – Sunday, January 28 28 FACE | JANUARY 2018

South Regional Library, time is TBA

Explore creative writing with two UL Lafayette writing

South Regional Library, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesdays: January 31; February 28 Main Library, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

WORKING WITH POETICSOUL (AN LRT-RELATED PROGRAM) Discover the art of self-expression with spoken word artist and poetry educator Alex “PoeticSoul” Johnson.

Ages 9 & up.

Tuesday, January 30 East Regional Library, 6:00 – 7:15 pm

TRIVIA TIME Think you know trivia? Gather a team together then test your skills against other teams in a monthly themed trivia contest. Adults only, please.

Monday, February 5: Rom-Com Movies South Regional Library, 6:00 – 7:00 pm LRT Film Screenings (An LRT-related program) Louder Than a Bomb (NR, 2010, 99 minutes) Four Chicago-area high school poetry slam teams compete in the world’s largest youth poetry festival.

Wednesday, February 7 South Regional Library, 6:00 – 7:45 pm More Than a Game (PG, 2008, 105 minutes) Follow future NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his teammates as they dominate youth basketball in Ohio.

Saturday, February 24 North Regional Library, 2:00 – 3:45 pm

THE CROSSOVER: BOOK DISCUSSION (AN LRT-RELATED PROGRAM) Take part in a discussion of Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover which won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for children’s literature.

Tuesday, February 20 South Regional Library, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

A Taste of Jazz (An LRT-related program) A jazz trio of smooth sounds and warm vocals, just right for a Sunday afternoon with vocalist Patsy Bienvenu, keyboardist and vocalist Jill Merkl, and electric bass player Lincoln Landry.

Sunday, February 25 South Regional Library, 3:00 – 3:45 pm

faceacadiana.com | FACE 29

T OP G AD OR .

TO DS I OW K H US N PT AR DO A AT

LE

ABOUT ADOPTION

T

AdoptUSKids Presents

here are approximately

112,000 children in the U.S. foster care

system currently awaiting adoption.

These children need to find permanent families. Teens have a lower overall adoption rate and wait longer to be adopted than younger children.

MORE THAN 43% of all children available for adoption on AdoptUSKids.org are between the ages of 15

to 18

years old, but this age group repres ent s o nly 5 % o f

WHAT TO EXPECT

®

WHEN YOU’ RE EXPECTING A TEENAGER

all adoptions.

Teens need the love of a caring parent to support them during their teen and adult years—from their first date to their first job.

Remember, “you don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent” for teens in foster care—they’ll love you just the way you are.

To learn more visit AdoptUSKids.org

30 FACE | JANUARY 2018

Y

ou don’t have to be an expert in all-things-teen to be a perfect parent. Thousands of teens are looking for someone just like you.

Events & Entertainment | Community Affairs | Business & Industry

Coming February 2018