January 2017

FREE

January 2017 Vol. 11 • Issue 1 povhouma.com

2

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

LEANN RIMES

JANUARY 14 COMMODORES FEBRUARY 18

Back!

Take me

CypressBayou.com Tickets can be purchased at Bizzute’s Gift Shop or Ticketmaster.com.

Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any promotion without notice.

Must be 21 to enter gaming and entertainment venues. Pavilion concerts are smoke-free and feature assigned seating.

Game Responsibly. Need Help? Call (877) 770-STOP (7867).

4

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

povhouma.com

5

Contents

JANUARY 2017 • VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 1

Columns: 10

Editor’s Note Love Where You Live

On the Cover: 52

Intelligent Investing

56

We Support a Healthier Future

57 58

11

Numerology

12

The Vuefinder

14

The Vue from the Trenches

16

A Vuetiful Life

Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial Sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

FitMind Which One Will You Be in the New Year?

Bon Appetit Smoky Red Bean Hummus

What’s Your Number?

The Stranger Sandwich Who Farted?

Armond Cheramie infuses his passion for south Louisiana into his musical creations.

Life’s Soundtrack

Juliana Pennison 60

A Vue from the Vine A Reasonably Priced Sip

Visit us online:

60

Behind the Brew

povhouma.com

62

Rendezvous

The Secret of Beer

Facebook: /povmagazine

Where you need to be around town

18

Intervue

20

PoV picks Expert Picks to enhance your life

Twitter:

22

The Observer

@povmag

38

Oh Snap

Instagram:

Say What?

@povmag

Moments, Memories & Mistakes

Pinterest: /povmag

Admiring the Vue

Issuu: /rushing-media

Check out our newsletter:

44

Under the Scope Resolutions & Soft Shell Crabs

64

Smarty Pants

66

Scene In

71

Look Twice

For when your thinking cap fails Look at ol’ so ‘n’ so!

Sponsored by Synergy Bank

Receive additional content and weekly events when you sign up.

TINYURL.COM/POVNEWSLETTER

Royal Treatment.

In-town delivery.

*

Delivery on Special Orders.

Call 985.873.9119 for details.

Over 60 varieties shipped anywhere.

povhouma.com

7

Contents

JANUARY 2017 • VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 1

Features:

24

Living Relics

46

The Row Less Traveled

Lafourche Live Oak Tour

Cheramie Swamp Music

30

Chateau Chic Home tour

41

Local Vue

54

Cheers!

Coach Ed Orgeron

How to start the new year off right

You Gotta Eat.

FeedMeHouma.com Bayou Delight Restaurant Cajun and Creole Cuisine

EMERALD

Boudreau & Thibodeauʻs

TAILGATERS

The Vintage Café LLC

MENUS, HOURS, LOCATIONS, PICTURES AND MORE! povhouma.com

9

Editor’s Note

Love Where You Live

We Louisiana is a special thing. all know living in south

We have our own way of cooking, eating, talking, thinking and all of that combined makes for one remarkable way of life.

Many days, however, we take that remarkable way of life for granted. Not intentionally, but when you’re so busy with the day to day, you don’t often stop and think about how truly unique it is that some stores still do business on a handshake, your grandparents live down the street, or that you can snag a frozen after-work concoction from a drive-thru window.

Recently, during a conversation with Louisiana residents living just 88 miles from Terrebonne Parish, I realized that our situation, from food to how we build working relationships, is something you just don’t find anywhere else and more importantly, something we should constantly appreciate.

Throughout the pages of this month’s issue, you’ll meet several folks who were born and raised along the bayous of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes and who wear their pride for their hometowns proudly on their sleeves.

Their pride is so evident that it is

10

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

directly reflected in their craftsmanship and careers.

For Armond Cheramie, he infuses his love of Louisiana into the truly one-of-a-kind creations he crafts as part of Cheramie Swamp Music. His instruments, the most popular of which are crafted from crawfish paddles, are quintessential Louisiana, and customers are lining up to own one of Armond’s originals. Each is fashioned with vintage odds and ends and are created to work just like its traditional counterpart…with a little south Louisiana flare, of course. Take a peek at his creations on page 46.

William Guion brings that same passion for the place he calls home through his camera lens. His Lafourche Live Oak Tour, a passion project evolving from his 30-year foray into photographing live oaks, tells the stories of the people, places and events that have made these historic trees all that they are. The tour, which will continue to take shape over the next few months, is outlined online, creating an easy-to-follow tour that can be taken no matter where you are along Bayou Lafourche. Find out why Bill’s passion for these precious oaks is so deeply

rooted on page 54.

Finally, the man who embodies the spirit of south Louisiana so much that he bleeds purple and gold, Coach O, finally gets a chance to show his stuff in the role he’s always dreamed of having: head coach of the LSU Tigers football team. Affectionately known as Bébé around his hometown of Larose, Coach Ed Orgeron is fired up to be taking the reigns and his friends and family are elated as well. Find out what the man himself, along with his mother and lifelong friends have to say about the bayou boy’s latest role as part of this month’s Local Vue on page 41.

No matter if you’re from Chauvin or Cut Off, Larose or Little Caillou, the pride for our southern heritage runs deep. The notion to love where you live is no more evident than right here along this place home and we should all take a moment each day to say thanks for just how blessed we are to call these bayous home. POV MELISSA DUET is the editor of Point of Vue Magazine.

She can’t imagine a day when Bayou Lafourche doesn’t paint the backdrop of her daily life.

Publisher

Numerology

Brian Rushing

Editorial

400 The approximate number of live oaks beautifying Lafourche Parish

Melissa Duet EDITOR Mary Downer Ditch MANAGING EDITOR Jonah Giroir STAFF WRITER

Creative

Danielle Harrelson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rachel Lambert GRAPHIC DESIGNER Taylor Pellegrin GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Photography Jose Delgado, William Guion, Misty Leigh McElroy, Juliana Pennison, Erica Seely

Staff Writers Casey Gisclair

Contributing Writers Dwayne Andras, Lane Bates, Jaime Dishman, John Doucet, Dr. J. Michael Flynn, Bonnie Rushing

20

2

Advertising

The day this month the country will usher in its 45th president

Furry felines who make a special appearance in this month’s Chateau Chic

25

9

Deanne Ratliff SALES MANAGER Harold Cancienne, Linda Dupre, Jamie Mazerac, Martha Naquin, Linda Pontiff, Elizabeth Porche, Rusty Talbot delicious ingredients needed to whip up this month’s Bon Appetit recipe, Red Bean Hummus

Years since LSU saw its last Louisiana head coach, West Monroe native Jerry Stoval. Larose native Ed Orgeron now takes the reigns.

Circulation Manager Michelle Ortego

Customer Service Kathryn Holloway, Michelle Ortego

Accounts Receivable Jessica Gifford

Contact Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: melissa@rushing-media.com Sales: deanne@rushing-media.com Circulation: michelle@rushing-media.com

Subscriptions

Roughly the amount of years Armond Cheramie has been sharing his love of traditional south Louisiana music with the world

34

Office Manager Ashley Thibodeaux

Point of Vue magazine is published monthly.

Subscriptions are available for $36 for 12 issues. For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com

5

Picks to start your 2017 off on the right foot, on page 20

Copyright ©2017 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.

Business address: 6160 West Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515 Point of Vue magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.

povhouma.com

11

The Vuefinder

The Stranger Sandwich

Bthat I am, I’m not the one to throw

eing the neurotic organizer/planner

a bunch of clothes in a bag hours before my flight leaves, sprint through security and still manage to find a good seat on the airplane. For years, I’ve tried to be that perfectly poised person who glides

by TSA without so much as a glance at the rules and regulations posted at every turn. I take my shoes off as soon as my boarding pass is signed and I’ve managed to cut my time spent gathering my belongings post-security screening down to mere seconds.

When it comes to boarding and the actual trip, however, I haven’t quite managed to quell my panic. There’s that signature stagnant recirculated air smell, the fear that someone’s rolling suitcase will tumble from the overhead compartment and knock me unconscious, the anxiety-ridden task of finding one of the last few available seats because you never spring for the upgrade, and the peculiarities of the people you get the joy of spending the next two hours sandwiched between.

On a recent flight, I found myself one row behind my husband and two rows to the left of a local sports anchor. My husband spent the full 1 hour and 35 12

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

minutes making conversation with the guy to his left, talking about work, where they were from and the best restaurants in New Orleans. Sports guy fielded questions from those that recognized him, giving his predictions for the game in two days. Me? I spent those 95 minutes with my elbows pressed against my sides and my face buried in a book, praying the nice people to my left and right wouldn’t try to strike up a conversation. On the flight back, I got the pleasure of listening to a muted version of “Cowboy” by Kid Rock on repeat from the gentleman to the right’s speaker and leaning ever so slightly to the left to remain safely out of the Bud Light splash zone.

There’s the germs, the ones who forego socks despite everyone else’s sideways glances, the loud chewers and the closer talkers. There’s the ones that fill the open spaces between the seats with everything they were legally allowed to bring on board, leaving me panicking that I might not be able to find my floatation device should the plane turn into a cruise ship. There’s those that choose to shed their outer garments after everyone has taken a seat, those that rifle through book pages

a little too loudly, those that take their tiny dog out of its carrier and wrap it up inconspicuously like an infant to fool airline attendants, and those that continue to use their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 despite being banned for potentially igniting in flames mid-flight.

But there’s also the veteran taking a red-eye to make it home for their child’s graduation, the little ones eagerly talking about seeing Minnie and Mickey for the first time, and the guy I should have talked to about that Earth, Wind & Fire autobiography he was reading.

In retrospect, I realize how appreciative I was that one time someone told me how to set up the on-board WiFi so why should I not return the favor each time I find myself nestled between two strangers? The nature of air travel is taking you out of your comfort zone.

Next time you find yourself in a similar situation, do what most of us don't and start with a simple hello to your neighbor in the seat next to you. POV MELISSA DUET is the editor of Point of Vue magazine.

She has "Keep Your Head to the Sky" queued in her Kindle reading list.

Enjoy Broadway Your Way:

• Stimulating and Fun Activities • Field Trips • Fresh and Local Meals • Rehab to Home Programming • Long-term Care • Hospice Care • Alzheimer’s Support and Resource Specialist

(985) 532-1011

7534 Hwy. 1 Lockport, LA 70374 www.thebroadwayelderliving.org

povhouma.com

13

The Vue from the Trenches

Who Farted?

H

appy New Year! I know I don’t have to give you some great introduction to what the subject of this column is…

Resolutions! It’s just natural that as we begin a new year, we want to start fresh.

We set goals and strive throughout 2017 to keep them. My goals for 2017 have been inspired by a certain toddler who affectionately refers to me as Mama.

Play more. While I’m one of the lucky ones that truly enjoys coming to work each day, I also know that I need to make time for play. Let loose, run free, swing on the swing set, go down the slide one more time before dark. Being an adult doesn’t always have to be so serious. Have fun!

Don’t give up. Toddlers are very good at this one. They often fixate on one single thing and keep asking and asking until you either give in or they throw themselves down in a fit of feverish fury. While I don’t plan on throwing

14

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

a fit anytime soon, I do plan to be more tenacious in my quests for that which I desire. Sometimes we need less dreamers and more doers. And I won’t give up!

Slow down. Sure. Some mornings it seems like his tendency to move at a glacial pace will surely result in losing my religion…but other times I admire his ability to not be shaken by the speed at which the rest of us live our lives. We live in a world of instant gratification; we want it all, now. He is content to sit and play with his trucks for hours. His little imagination carries him far away and it requires my slowing down to his pace to fully enjoy the moment.

Love without condition. Kids and puppies, I swear. They don’t care that you don’t know what you’re doing. They just love you all day, every day, just for being you. The world could use more love, without us expecting something in

return.

Be honest. You never have to question who farted in my household. The culprit is sure to erupt in a fit of giggles shortly after the offending bodily function is released. There’s no passing the blame.

If he breaks something, a loud “Uh-oh” is going to follow the offense. Honesty is the only policy in our house. It’s important to remember this no matter where you are. Please just remember to say “excuse me” if you are owning up to the poot.

Eat dessert first. This one doesn’t need to be interpreted so literally. While yes, having ice cream before your dinner might be a fun trend to start, I’m setting this goal to mean enjoy the little things.

Life is uncertain. We truly never know what each day holds in store for us.

Sometimes you just have to eat dessert first. POV

MARY DOWNER DITCH is the

managing editor of Point of Vue magazine. Despite her positive outlook, she’ll be over 2017 by Jan. 2.

povhouma.com

15

A Vuetiful Life

Life’s Soundtrack

WWant for Christmas Is You” that hether it’s Mariah Carey’s “All I

jolted you into the holiday spirit this past year or a chorus of family and friends singing you “Happy Birthday” for your big day, there’s no denying that those songs had a significant impact on your feelings at that moment. The same can be said for everyone in attendance when the piano begins playing “Here Comes the Bride” at any wedding.

Recently, I’ve become rather obsessed with Brett Eldredge’s song “Wanna Be That Song,” and it’s made me reflect on all the songs in my life that take me back to a certain time and place. For instance, Chicago’s “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” will always take me back to the makeshift concrete marching field at Ellender Memorial High School. This was the first of many field shows that would come in my marching career, but the music from the field show will forever hold a special place in my heart.

But it doesn’t stop there! “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” by Brantley Gilbert 16

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

stands out as the song I realized that my now fiancée and I were meant to be together, and “A Thousand Years”

by Christina Perri will now be the soundtrack to the memories of the night I dropped down on one knee and asked her to marry me.

On a less sappy note, there are several songs that I associate with some of the most fun road trips that I’ve had as well. A few issues back, we asked our Intervue participants what was their favorite song to blast while driving with the windows down. My answer for that question would quite possibly be Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble,” which was played every hour on the hour during one of my drives down to Disney World. Maybe it was the excitement of the trip or maybe it was the delirium kicking in, but we never got tired of the song and sang it at the top of our lungs each time it came on.

The part of “Wanna Be That Song” that has always stuck out to me is “When you’re searching the horizon/ When you’re eyes look back/ When you’re

standing in the moment every life has a soundtrack.” We all have those songs that have significant impacts on our lives and become part of a soundtrack of sorts because they are now associated with these events. Maybe one of yours is “Halftime” by Ying Yang Twins because it made you “stand up and get crunk” during that magical Saints Super Bowl run. Maybe it’s the opening jingle to your favorite TV show or the main theme to a movie that’s made a significant impact on your life.

Whatever those songs are that you’ve collected over the years and added to the soundtrack of your life, appreciate them and allow them to take you back to those significant moments. I definitely like to use mine whenever I need a pick me up. POV JONAH GIROIR is a staff writer for Point of Vue Magazine. He would like to thank Pandora Radio and a deadline for helping him to write this column.

povhouma.com

17

Intervue

Cornetta Manager

Office Manager

Salon Owner/ Hairstylist

Finally buy a new cell phone.

Better my relationship with God.

Stop wasting time. Use each minute of each hour of each day wisely.

Enjoy life.

Bald Eagle, because America.

Tiger. They have courage and are bold.

Horse. They are strong, able to function alone well or as part of a team.

A lion. They’re strong and beautiful.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?

Grant Gustin

Fantasia

Anna Kendrick - She’s funny, beautiful, & talented.

Candace Bure

What would be the title of your debut album?

Are You Not Entertained?!

Breakthrough

Physically Present, Mentally Absent

Rebecca

What are you looking forward to most in 2017?

All of the amazing movies coming out

Bringing my kids on three vacations

Seeing what life brings to me!

Spending time with my husband and little girl

In 2017, I will

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

18

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Courtney

Rebecca

Brent

Credit Analyst

povhouma.com

19

Picks

The Happiness 100-Day Planner anthropologie.com

It’s a new year - make it a habit to think positively in 2017. This planner features daily uplifting quotes along with prompts to encourage reflection on things you are excited about, thankful for and focusing your efforts on. A weekly reflection section also allows for a look back to examine your progress.

Popsicase

popsicase.com

We know the struggle: you can’t seem to get the perfect selfie without taking 10 test photos because your finger keeps shaking as you try to press the button. Popsicase solves that problem with a handle, integrated discretely into the cover. Each case is also crafted with discarded fishing nets from along the Mediterranean coastline. The nets are chopped up, melted down and crafted into durable, sleek cell phone cases.

MantraBand mantraband.com

Happiness, love, peace, strength - it’s the things most of us spend our lives striving for. These made-in-the-U.S.A. bracelets are elegant reminders that look great and shine as a symbol of positivity whether during a stressful work day or prior to that big interview.

20

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace

www.etsy.com/shop/TinLizzieApothecary

Essential oils have long been known to sooth a variety of ailments. Carry the power of these concentrated liquids with you and reap the benefits throughout the day. This necklace features a gemstone of your choice plus a wooden bead in which you add 1-2 drops for all day calm.

Baby It’s Cold Outside Hand Warmer urbanoutfitters.com

Chilly temperatures are upon us and the last thing you want to get caught doing is standing on the parade route or at that backyard party with no gloves. Stash this mitten-shaped hand warmer in your pocket or purse and cup your hands around it for instant warmth on the go. POV

povhouma.com

21

The Observer

Moments, Memories & Mistakes Syear, new times, new president, new o it’s January, and there’s a new

changes. But really, a lot of things are still the same. Same kids, same house, same job, same schedule.

There’s a Facebook advertisement screaming at me to subscribe to some five-step guide to “your best year ever.”

I do want my best year ever, because there’s a whole lot of 2016 that doesn’t really scream that I’m winning this.

There’s this refocusing happening for us this time of year. The desire to do things better, to get it right.

So I ask: Has there ever been a year where you’ve looked back with no regrets? If you’ve said yes, look me up and tell me your tips. I’m not subscribing to screaming Facebook guy, but if you’ve got real advice, I’m all ears.

The idea of conquering a year feels impossible, but making each day count feels a little more manageable. To do one thing each day for the people in my house to make them feel loved.

So this morning, I braided my oldest girl’s hair, weaving hair in and out and trying not to lose my grip on her smooth

hair. Trying not to lose my grip on these moments that are so precious.

She questioned her choice of what she was wearing for pajama day at school.

“What if no one likes it?”

I can’t promise they’ll like it. But I can promise that in this moment, you are loved, and I think your cow pajamas are adorable. I spoke to her, as she sat smiling on the bathroom counter, staring at her own reflection in the mirror.

I wonder if she sees what I see when she looks in the mirror. Or if she’s finding all her faults.

Wear your cow pajamas for pajama day at school and remember that it’s always the things people can’t see that matter the most.

If I’m looking at myself in the mirror, I think: How many days have I wasted these five minutes together? Help me speak a little life at every opportunity.

Make this day count. Build them up with my words. Encourage more, nag less.

The next one comes in with a comb and hair that has a part as crooked as the line on a heart monitor.

“Is this good?” he asks.

Put us on your route!

985-785-8769 • www.thebasketry.com

22

January 2017

12337 Highway 90, Luling

Point of Vue Magazine

I smile and say, “It’s very good. Pass me the comb.”

We straighten the part, and he looks into the same mirror.

Does he see what I see? Or is he wishing for something different when he looks in the mirror?

I say it softly, only for his ears. Your part isn’t what matters. Crooked parts can be fixed, but crooked hearts aren’t so easily straightened. Love others as though you may never get the chance to love them again.

I don’t know how this year will end. I do know that I want every day to count.

Big goals broken down into manageable moments. So this new year becomes 365 new days. Countless opportunities to start over, correct mistakes, and speak life. I get to start over 365 times this year. And for that, I’m so thankful. POV

JAIME DISHMAN blogs at gratefullybroken.com. She is grateful for the small moments and is trying to find ways to make the most of every one.

povhouma.com

23

LIVING

RELICS Jonah Giroir

William Guion

24

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

“Etell.” Thus is the basis behind very old oak has a story to

Thibodaux resident William Guion’s current project, the development of The Lafourche Live Oak Tour. The driving tour, carefully curated from his deep rooted love for the place he was raised, aims to take travelers on a journey through the history of the area no matter where along Bayou Lafourche one begins the trip.

Lafourche Parish holds a special place in Bill’s heart as he was raised in Thibodaux and did not leave the area until he completed college. Over the next several years, Bill spent most of his career working for large companies like

McGraw-Hill, Hallmark, and Charles Schwab in New Orleans and other big cities. He’s also spent about 30 years honing another skill, photography, as a parallel career.

Bill perfected his photography skills through classes in college, workshops, and self-teaching along the way.

“The thing that got me started photographing oak trees was one of my workshops early on. One of my teachers responded to a question I had about how to make stronger, more meaningful photographs,” he explains. “He told me to find something that you love and care about and photograph it over and over and over. Start a series and let it take

you wherever it takes you.”

This sage advice allowed Bill to learn the technical aspects of photographing these trees under different conditions and explore his feelings about the oak trees and show those feelings through photography.

“That was about 30 years ago that I got that advice, and I don’t see any sign of stopping that particular series. It’s not the only thing I photograph, but it’s the main focus,” he says.

After Hurricane Katrina, Bill began to seriously document these live oaks and the history behind them. At the time, he was working for Hallmark in Kansas City, Missouri, and he made a trip down povhouma.com

25

to the area only to be saddened by the disappearance of some of the old trees he had become so familiar with during his youth.

“That particular trip made me very aware of how quickly we’re losing the old live oaks,” Bill remembers. “I became very alarmed, and since nobody seemed to be doing a lot of keeping track of the old trees that were left, I figured I’d make that a focus. I started on a project that I called The 100 Oaks Project, started a blog about it, and have been focused on hunting down and documenting the oldest oaks in Louisiana.”

In his hunt for the oldest oaks in Louisiana, Bill has been using The Live Oak Society’s registry as a starting point.

However, these registered oaks were registered several years ago, and with changes in ownership, these oaks are 26

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

not kept up with. Furthermore, there are several oaks in the area that are not registered, so Bill’s hunt has not been easy, nor has it been a quick process.

In fact, 2015 marked 30 years since Bill began photographing live oaks and 10 years since he began The 100 Oaks Project.

That milestone year also marked the time Bill decided to end his career of working with large agencies and move back to the bayou to focus on photographing and learning more about these precious oaks. Fortunately, Bill was able to find a house for rent with one of the live oaks he was looking for right on the property.

Since moving, Bill came across and applied for a grant from the Lafourche Area Convention and Visitors Bureau targeted at projects that would either

attract visitors to the area or enhance their experience. Fortunately, the folks at the Convention and Visitors Bureau took a liking to the idea of this tour because of its uniqueness and they agreed to fund the project.

“I had an idea knocking around for several years about creating a selfguided tour of historic trees, and I presented the idea to them about how it might give visitors a different perspective of the history of the area by looking at it through the location of the historic trees,” he says.

Lafourche Parish alone is home to more than 400 trees that are registered with the Live Oak Society, with around 100 of them being more than 100 years old. Bill is also planning to include several ones that are between 400 and 500 years old to this tour.

povhouma.com

27

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY at liveoaktour.com.

Since receiving the grant, Bill has hit the ground running with preparing the history of the area associated with each tree and developing ways for visitors to navigate this self-guided tour.

Signs will be posted at each location, brochures are currently in the works, and a comprehensive website is up and running. By next summer, Bill hopes to have approximately 40 locations mapped out throughout the parish.

In developing this project, Bill has made several discoveries, but one of the most interesting to him is the number of live oaks in the area that are unregistered.

“The people who are connected with local garden clubs are the people who usually register their trees.

A lot of country people don’t care 28

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

about registering their trees, so I have found some really old trees that were completely off the grid,” he explains. “…

In 2015, I focused on looking for all of the oak trees that were 30 feet or larger in circumference. I found almost 25 oak trees around the state that are close to 30 feet or larger, and the significance of those trees are that those are trees that are probably 350 years old or older.

Those trees are really a cultural resource.

I have documented those trees, and I’m still finding trees that large that haven’t been registered.”

Though the process has taken longer than Bill could have ever dreamed, the experience has been, in a word, rewarding. It’s the attention to detail, time spent, and the uncovering of area history that has turned this labor of love

into something much greater.

“Most of the project, I’m doing by myself, so it’s a lot of hands-on work.

Fortunately, the folks at the Convention and Visitors Bureau are patient and can see the progress I’ve made,” he says. “I’m really hoping that people will begin looking at the trees in our area a little more seriously and will begin to think in terms of live oaks as being significant cultural and historical living parts of our history. If that can occur, if people can begin to pay more attention to trees as a real resource rather than a green thing growing out in a field, then I’ll feel like I accomplished what I started out to do.” POV

povhouma.com

29

Chateau Chic Bonnie Rushing Erica Seely

30

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

A

povhouma.com

31

B

C

Wit became increasingly difficult to maintain his home

hen a local designer began to travel more for business,

and garden and downsizing was the perfect solution. As the owner of BRAVO Graphic Design and Home Staging, Philip Toups sold his downtown home and opted for a gated apartment community that suited his professional and personal lifestyle.

Once he decided on a three bedroom, two bath apartment, he approached the space in an unconventional way. By transforming the designated living areas to suit his needs, Philip put a unique spin on the space. The living room became a dining room, outfitted with a custom table from Rebirth Custom Woodwork that’s suitable for large dinner parties, while the dining room became a sitting area that faces the galley kitchen that is perfect for serving cocktails 32

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

povhouma.com

D

33

E

F and appetizers. Finally, the third bedroom became the living room, complete with sofas.

An extensive collection of local and personal art adds personality and color to the neutral space. In the master suite, metallic silver and gold canvases painted with X's and O's by his niece and nephews hang above a chest of drawers. Also on display throughout the space is a collection of oil paintings from the estate of Daniel Breaux and Michael Gauthier.

Now nestled into his new space, Philip is enjoying the company of new neighbors as well as the comfort of his new home. POV

34

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

From common colds to regular check-ups, the care you need is close to

h me.

Count on convenient primary care.

Whether you need a routine physical, immunization, a 3D mammogram, treatment for illness or help managing a Gregory Morris, MD Charles Faucheux, MD Elena Mann, MD Natasha Goss, MD Kellin Reynolds, MD chronic condition, here for youMD – right around theMDcorner. And, our Goss, experts care, pain Morris, Charles Faucheux, MDwe’re Gregory Elena Mann, Natasha MD in women’s Kellin Reynolds, MD (GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) for whatever (OB/GYN) management, emergency care and other specialties will have you covered comes your way.

PRIMARY CARE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Locations:providers to deliver WhenMD you a routine check-up you’re feeling under theNatasha weather, trust our compassionate Gregory Morris, MD Charles Faucheux, MD Elena Mann, MD Natasha Goss, MD Kellin Reynolds, MD Gregory Gregory Gregory Morris, Morris, Morris, MD MD MD or Elena Charles Charles Charles Faucheux, Faucheux, Faucheux, MD MD need Elena Elena Mann, Mann, Mann, MD MD MD Natasha Natasha Goss, Goss, Goss, MD MD MD Kellin Kellin Kellin Reynolds, Reynolds, Reynolds, MD MD MD (GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) the best care.

(GYN) (GYN) (GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) Ochsner Women’s Health (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) Center – Raceland COUNT ON CONVENIENCE 104 Acadia Park Drive Locations: Locations: Locations: We have walk-in, same-day and next-day appointments available making it easy forLocations: you to see a provider when it's Raceland, LA 70394 convenient for you.

985.537.3211 Ochsner Women’s Health

Ochsner Ochsner Ochsner Women’s Women’s Women’s Health Health Health

(OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) (OB/GYN) CONNECT(OB/GYN) WITH EASE Center Center Center Center –––Raceland –Raceland Raceland Raceland Ochsner Specialty Health 104 Acadia Park Drive Make your next appointment online at ochsner.org. If you’re an Ochsner patient, use104 your MyOchsner account to 104 104 Acadia Acadia Acadia Park Park Park Drive Drive Drive Center – Cut Off Raceland, LA 70394 Raceland, Raceland, Raceland, LA LA LA 70394 70394 70394 schedule appointments, access test results, manage your medications and communicate your physician. th 102with West 112 StreetVisit 985.537.3211 985.537.3211 985.537.3211 985.537.3211 my.ochsner.org.

Cut Off, LA 70345

985.632.1070 BETTER OPTIONS Ochsner Specialty Health Ochsner Ochsner Ochsner Specialty Specialty Specialty Health Health Health When choosing a primary care provider, you also choose a health care system. It's good to know that Ochsner Center Off Center Center Center –––Cut –Cut Cut Cut Off Off Off is ththth th th renowned for excellence. With an Ochsner location close to you, it is easier than ever 102 before to connect to the Street 102 West 112 Street Street Street 102 102 West West West 112 112 112 IT’S All ONLINE: With you can schedule your next Cut Off, LA 70345 most advanced care available.

Cut Cut Cut Off, Off, Off, LA LA LA 70345 70345 70345 appointment and communicate with your OB at anytime.

985.632.1070 985.632.1070 985.632.1070 985.632.1070 Visit my.ochsner.org.

Call 985.537.CARE (2273) or visit ochsner.org to schedule an appointment.

IT’S All ONLINE: With you can schedule your next IT’S IT’S IT’S All All All ONLINE: ONLINE: ONLINE: With With With you you you can can can schedule schedule schedule your your your next next next ND_Choose a birthplace close to home AD.indd 1 IT’S All ONLINE: With you can schedule your next ND_Choose a birthplace close to home AD.indd 1 appointment and communicate with your OB at anytime. appointment appointment appointment and and and communicate communicate communicate with with with your your your OB OB OB at at at anytime. anytime. anytime.

Visit my.ochsner.org.

Visit Visit Visit my.ochsner.org. my.ochsner.org. my.ochsner.org.

8/19/15 6:40 PM 8/19/15 6:40 PM

povhouma.com

35

G E

I

F

36

January 2017

H

Point of Vue Magazine

CHIC PEEK DIY

/

E N H A N C E YOU R S P A C E

COREtec Waterproof Flooring IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU INTERIORS 13322 US-90F BOUTTE 985.308.0234 COREtec is waterproof and built to last, with a commercially rated wear layer, making it the perfect product for any high foot traffic space.

A B C D E F G H I

Dining Room Sitting Room Living Room Dining Room Detail Guest Bedroom Guest Bedroom Detail Master Bedroom Detail Master Bedroom Vivian & Cayenne

/

MO DE RN I Z E

/ R E N O VA T E Y O U R R O O M S

e Hosm weet Home

Garage Storage TAILORED LIVING OF LAFOURCHE 985.262.2737 TAILOREDLIVING.COM/LAFOURCHE Maximize your garage storage with custom cabinets and wall storage solutions.

Mardi Gras Decorations GREEN ACRES THIBODAUX 985.447.6771 Specializing in Mardi Gras & all your holiday needs! povhouma.com

37

Oh Snap Admiring the Vue The beauty that is south Louisiana is admired from LUMCON’s lookout point.

Misty Leigh McElroy mistymacphoto.com

38

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

povhouma.com

39

This New Year,

start Þreaming of New Floors!

Beautiful floors and more begin at

We do hardwood floors, tile, natural stone, & custom showers

40

985.857.9347 • 4633 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA • DISHMANFLOORING.COM January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

VUE L O C A L

Casey Gisclair

Jose Delgado & Courtesy

COACH ED ORGERON

TEd Orgeron, which is the long form o the college football world, he’s

version of his more commonly used name – Coach O. He’s that brash, veteran coach with the incredibly Louisiana-sounding voice – the guy who made a cameo in the movie "The Blind Side".

Zoom in a little bit and focus just on the Southeast and Coach O is more known as the guy who was axed as the

head coach at Ole Miss, but then got a second chance. He took over LSU football when Les Miles got fired this past fall and then did well enough in an interim position to earn the job full-time.

He’s revered for his work with the Tigers, but it’s a cautious optimism to many outside of the state. Many rival foes don’t think Coach O can sustain that success into the future – in part

because of what happened at Ole Miss.

But travel down to the bayous of southern Lafourche Parish and none of that water cooler talk matters. On those marshy plains, that whole “Coach O” thing fades away pretty quickly. To folks down there, Coach O, a Larose native, is known simply as ‘Bébé,’ which is a name he adopted from his father – a word that’s pronounced ‘bay-bay’ and is Cajun French for the word “baby”. povhouma.com

41

His nickname is a direct reflection of his personality and upbringing. Bébé is a Cajun man through and through.

Folks locally are mostly prideful and happy for Bébé, who signed a five-year contract in November to be the Tigers’ full-time sidelines general.

Those close to him indicate that his hiring marks the icing on the cake in a life that’s been dedicated to hard work and perseverance.

“It is just such a wonderful thing,” Bébé’s mother, Cornelia Orgeron, says.

She, too, has a nickname. Folks in her hometown call her ‘Coco’. On the Sunday after Bébé’s hire was announced, Coco was the star of the day. She was recognized during mass by the pastor in the community’s Catholic church.

She was given a standing ovation in the middle of proceedings. It meant so much to her that her eyes welled with tears.

“He will work hard for those people,” 42

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Coco adds. “He will do everything in his power to make LSU proud. In our house and in our community, we are already so proud.”

For Bébé, football is rooted in his DNA. He grew up rolling around in Lafourche Parish grass – never the best athlete, but always one of the fiercest and most physical.

“He was always tough as nails,” Tommy Gisclair, Bébé’s longtime friend, says.

“He always had that fight in him.”

That ‘fight’ made Bébé a remarkable player – a stalwart defensive lineman for the Tarpons of South Lafourche High School during the school’s glory years in the 1970s.

In 1977, the Tarpons won the State Championship – thanks, in large part to a dominant, physical defense that Bébé was a member of.

A year later, Bébé was named a unanimous member to Louisiana’s AllState team, which led to his signing with

Louisiana State University – a place he said he always loved.

But it didn’t work.

Bébé grew home sick and left.

He was out of football for a year. Now over 18, his father, Edward Orgeron Sr. (also known as Bébé), didn’t let him off easily.

The younger Bébé worked hard. He dug ditches for the area’s telephone company.

“Those were some of the hardest times of my life,” Bébé said this past season looking back. “I always said to myself, ‘I’m going to get back there. I’m going to get back to LSU”.

Thanks to help from Bobby Hebert, Bébé left the ditch-digging business and returned to the field at Northwestern State University, where he dominated for several seasons before graduating.

He then got into coaching, starting at his alma mater and then moving up the ladder to programs like McNeese State, Arkansas, Miami, Syracuse, USC and then eventually to the head position at Ole Miss.

Upon his dismissal there, Bébé coached with the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee and then back to USC. Every place, he said he had the same mindset: gather information and prepare for the big prize.

“I was readying myself for that opportunity,” Bébé said.

It came.

Les Miles hired Bébé in 2015 to be LSU’s defensive line coach.

When Miles was fired, Bébé was asked to lead the team through the season.

He wasn’t expected to be considered for the full-time position, but after going 5-2 in the final seven games, he got the nod – a cause for celebration for many in the area.

Finally, LSU has a coach who sounds and acts like the people he represents.

Finally, LSU is led by a Cajun – a bayou boy through and through.

“He loves those people he works for,” Coco says with a smile. “He’s going to make everyone happy. He aims to please.” POV

LOADING 2017

AFFORDABLE PRICES. CATERING CHOICES. PROFESSIONAL STAFF.

91%

For events big and small, business and casual, impress your guests in 2017.

BOOK YOUR DATE TODAY

CALL 985-850-4657 OR VISIT HOUMACIVICCENTER.COM

povhouma.com

43

Under the Scope

Resolutions & Soft Shell Crabs Safter-Christmas dinner at a fine

o, there I was preparing for a nice,

restaurant, pondering what changes I could make in the new year to improve my life. You may have done the same thing. In fact, people have been making resolutions for ages. Babylonians made new year promises to return what they’d borrowed during the year. Medieval knights would reaffirm vows of chivalry at the end of the Christmas season.

And ancient Romans made promises to their god, Janus, for whom they named the first month of the year, much to the dismay of Februs.

No one in any of those civilizations, however, experienced the same epiphany about such things that I did late last month. With a huge, finelyprinted menu before me, my mind teetered between resolutions and the image of one particular menu item.

Those two thoughts ping-ponged between my ears for what seemed like five minutes but which was probably less than one, as the waiter asked if I was ready to order only three times.

After frightening the table of guests with my rapid eye movements between the menu and thoughtful air space, I expressed my revelation: For humans, whether pledging to spend the upcoming year consuming less, spending more time and less money, or finally learning to play ukulele, making and keeping resolutions has more in common with the tender version of local blue crabs than they can possibly imagine—until today. Here’s how: • Soft shell crabs are poised for growth.

A crab will molt and slough off its rigid, non-expandable shell so that it can 44

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

grow and develop. In a very similar way, a human will declare one or more resolutions in an effort to motivate personal growth and development.

• With a soft shell, a crab will hide.

A soft-shell is a delicacy to even the weakest fish jaw in the water. When a human makes resolutions to better himself, he too has to face vulnerability.

For instance, if he resolves to eat healthier, it’s based upon the admission that he’s vulnerable to doing otherwise.

And sometimes that’s in an effort to survive as well.

• Soft shell crabs are often trapped.

Soft shell crabs are not the ones that swim up to the chicken neck dangling from your trot line in low tide. In an effort to hide its vulnerable body, a soft-shell will often go into a fisherman’s trap, thinking it’s a safe and secure place. Similarly, a human can feel trapped by his resolutions, and this often results in his giving up on them.

But like a crab in a trap, a human can fulfill a common resolution by spending more quality time with family.

• A crab will become soft-shelled about 20 times during its lifetime. In his teens, a human is too untuned to his well-being to want to make resolutions.

In his 40s and in the midst of growing a professional career, he has no time to bother with keeping resolutions. In his 50s, he can be prescribed medicine to compensate for lack of resolve. And in his 60s, he can no longer do those things he needed to resolve against.

So, like crabs, humans have about a 20-year window for making meaningful, effective resolutions.

• After a crab becomes soft-shelled,

it drinks a lot. Crabs swell their tissues with water so that the new shell can form around a larger body. Since New Year’s resolutions are often made around a New Year’s Eve party, there’s a similar bit of imbibing in the human situation as well.

• To get from one place to another, a crab will walk sideways. Although it can turn its body to either face a meal or back away from a threat, a blue crab will lift its claws, drag its swimmerettes, and use its walking legs to pull its body left or right. This is sometimes called “sidestepping.” When faced with a tough resolution, a human will often sidestep as well but only on two legs.

• When unable to free itself from a molted shell, it’s not always a bad thing for a crab. A molting crab can get caught in its old shell, which severely restricts its freedom and makes it even more vulnerable. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, considering that such crabs are known to eat less, to drink less, and to stop smoking—the three most frequently made resolutions by humans.

So, following that fateful, revelatory after-Christmas dinner, here’s what I decided to resolve to do in 2017: In addition to doing as the ancients would do—returning what I’d borrowed and reaffirming a vow of chivalry—I resolve to avoid big moons and low tides, to beware of humans carrying large nets, and to be more crabby. Let’s see if that lasts until to February. POV JOHN DOUCET is the dean

of the College of Arts and Sciences at Nicholls State University.

povhouma.com

45

46

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Jonah Giroir Juliana Pennison

povhouma.com

47

Tmusical style. A blend of influences as unique as

here’s no one word to describe Armond Cheramie’s

a bowl of gumbo, the Thibodaux resident is taking the music and instruments so iconic to Louisiana sound and giving it a whole new look as Cheramie Swamp Music.

After working on the retail side of the music industry, Armond became overwhelmed with the amount of products offered by companies within the field. This clutter led Armond to studying those he grew up on with intense curiosity and ultimately the creation of nontraditional instruments.

“I was making canjos, a can on a stick basically,” he remembers. “I got into that idea of starting from scratch and making music in the most primitive way possible.

Once you start doing stuff like making cigar box guitars, you start thinking out of the box and you start to realize that anything can be an instrument as long as it makes noise when you strike it, pluck it, or blow in it.”

The idea for arguably Armond’s most popular product, slide guitars made from crawfish paddles, came from this new way of thinking about instruments.

“One day I had a leftover paddle from a crawfish boil and thought that I could improvise an instrument out of it,” he says of the idea. “I made two of them just to see if I could do it, posted it on Facebook, and people liked it and wanted to buy it.”

Since his first experiment with repurposing crawfish paddles as musical instruments, Armond has moved on 48

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

from store bought paddles to cutting his own. Over that time, repurposing crawfish paddles has become more of an art form because the paddle, in Armond’s eyes, is a symbol for the place he calls home.

“We always need to use paddles for something in Louisiana. We need them for floods or to cook with or anything of that nature. It started off as a crawfish paddle, gumbo paddle, or stir paddle, but I look at it as the paddle symbol,” he explains.

Looking further into his repurposing, Armond uses old strainers and door plates for the centerpieces and old hinges to give the impression of a guitar. At first glance, the instruments come off as simple guitars, but a closer look reveals the antique nature of each creation.

“I keep all the old paint and rust on it and just enamel it so they don’t keep chipping. I don’t know what will match, but I have a large pile of pieces and piece the guitars together as I go. The stressed, ragged look is what I’m going for.”

Considering the spontaneity of Armond’s repurposing hobby, it comes as no surprise that the parts for these instruments come from several different places.

povhouma.com

49

“The only real guitar parts are the strings and tuners. The door plates are antiques because you can’t go to Lowe’s to buy these antique pieces,” he says.

“I’ve used Victorian pieces from around the 1870s. I go to a lot of shops like Habitat for Humanity, The Green Project in New Orleans, and even online from people that have remodeled houses. I look for it because you can’t fake that rust or wear and tear”.

Through shopping around for antique pieces, Armond has found some unique aspects for his guitars and become a door plate collector of sorts.

time working in the music industry.

“Being in the music industry, I found that people rely too much on technology and presets. These things did it for you instead of you having to make music with your hands, as it’s supposed to be,” he says. “Technology took over and you had to have less physical playing ability and more computer knowledge. I think that a more hands-on approach gives you a different perspective on how to make music, and you realize that it’s a little harder than sitting in front of the computer. I like the physical and visceral exertion to playing music as opposed

“I WANT TO GO FARTHER AND MAKE MORE INSTRUMENTS. I HAVE A LOT OF PROTOTYPES IN MY MIND BECAUSE I DON’T WANT TO JUST BE THE PADDLE DUDE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE..."

It’s a process that has caused him to develop a sense of when each antique piece has been made and tie it into the nontraditional instrument creation.

Aside from being astonishing decorative features, these guitars also have a functional aspect to them. In fact, they can be plugged in and electrified to provide a bluesy, New Orleans sound. And developing that sound has been a part of Armond’s life for more than 25 years.

“I’ve been playing guitar for over 25 years and I taught lessons for about 12 years. It’s always kind of been there, and I’ve tried to escape it a few times, but the urge to play always comes back.”

About midway through his guitar playing, Armond picked up the slide guitar and began exploring the early blues musicians that were completely self-taught. That concept of improvisation fascinated him because these musicians were able to make it work without having the top-of-the-line instruments.

Combining his appreciation for the self-taught blues musicians and his passion for turning everyday objects into musical instruments has allowed Armond to escape from the video game-like nature of music production these days. Simplicity is at the center of Armond’s musical philosophy, and that idea became rooted in him during his 50

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

to the technological and mechanistic approach.”

Armond adds that prior to making his crawfish paddle slide guitars, he had spent time working with synthesizers and banjos and mandolins.

Unfortunately, these two spectrums did not mix well and he had to make a choice as to which way he would take his career. Naturally, Armond went with the sound that has inspired him the most.

“I found with the synthesizers and the drum machines that I just sat there all day turning knobs. I thought that I wasn’t making music; I was playing a video game. I wanted to get back to making music with my hands,” he says.

With that New Orleans sound and the southern Louisiana aspect of the crawfish paddle, Armond has seen success in sales at New Orleans markets.

So much so that he is in the process of moving his shop to the Big Easy with many ideas in his head to continue his bare bones approach to making music.

“I want to go farther and make more instruments. I have a lot of prototypes in my mind because I don’t want to just be the paddle dude for the rest of my life. Opening a shop in New Orleans is a good place to learn, and I hope to expand my working knowledge.” POV

povhouma.com

51

Intelligent Investing

New Year, New Rules On April 6, 2016, the Department of Labor issued new "conflict of interest" rules regarding financial advice as it relates to retirement plans and IRAs. The new DOL rules generally hold financial professionals to a fiduciary standard if they receive compensation for providing investment advice to retirement plan participants or IRA owners, which means they must act impartially and in their clients' best interests. Here are answers to some basic questions about the new rules.

Will Sales Commissions on Investments be Eliminated?

Financial professionals can continue to receive compensation via commission on investment products. Under the new rules, however, certain requirements must be followed if advice provided relates to retirement plans or IRAs, including rollovers to IRAs. There are also required disclosures on fees and charges, and on commissions and other transaction-based payments.

What is a "Fiduciary"?

Fiduciary is a term for an individual who has a legal or ethical duty to act for another's benefit. When a financial professional provides investment advice or recommendations to an IRA owner or an employer-sponsored retirement plan participant, and in doing so receives compensation, the new rules generally hold the financial professional to a fiduciary standard. In other words, the financial professional must put the client's best interest ahead of his or her own. To that end, the rules are designed to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.

Will Anything Change if a Financial Professional is Paid a Flat Fee? The impact of the rules may be much less obvious if a financial professional is compensated based on a fixed percentage of the value of assets, or on a set fee that does not change based on the particular investments recommended. However, there will be some additional documentation requirements, particularly when any discussion involves a potential rollover of funds to an IRA.

52

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

What about General Educational Materials?

The new rules do not change or limit the ability of financial professionals to provide

general investment, financial, or retirement education materials. That includes newsletters; general marketing materials; research reports or news reports prepared for general distribution; and educational pieces on concepts such as risk and return, effects of inflation, and estimating future retirement income needs.

Do the New Rules Apply to Advice on Accounts That Aren't Retirement Plans or IRAs? No. The rules only apply to advice as it relates to IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans. Existing rules will continue to govern the advice provided by a financial professional relating to taxable accounts.

When Do The New Rules Take Effect?

Most of the major provisions in the final rules do not take effect until April 2017. Some of the provisions relating to detailed disclosures, policies and procedures, and contract requirements do not go into full effect until Jan. 1, 2018. The rules can be found at dol. gov/ebsa/regs/conflictsofinterest.html. POV

FREE ESTIMATE & CONSULTATION 985.872.1431 1000 Barataria @ Tunnel Blvd., Houma www.valleysupplyco.com facebook.com/pages/Valley-Supply-Co

povhouma.com

53

Cheers!

Caside from college football and the Rose Bowl Parade, is eating black-eyed peas

heers to a new year, PoV readers! One of the key traditions for New Year’s Day,

and cabbage for good luck and prosperity. However, these are not the only foods that are supposed to bring types of good fortune when eaten on New Year’s Day. Check out these eats and the meanings behind them to help you prosper in 2017.

Also visit our Pinterest page for complementary recipes.

POMEGRANATES Smash a pomegranate on the floor (and then use a different one for your meal). In Greece, when the new year turns, a pomegranate is smashed on the floor in front of the door. When the pomegranate breaks open, it reveals the seeds that symbolize prosperity and good fortune. The more seeds, the more luck.

PORK

BLACK-EYED PEAS

GRAPES

Lots of people consider pork to be the luckiest of all foods to eat on New Year’s Day. Why? Pigs are rotund, representing prosperity, and they “root forward” with their noses, symbolizing progress. There are many ways to eat your lucky pig, but we recommend trying it pan roasted.

Black-eyed peas are customary on New Year’s Day in the south. Here, black-eyed peas are considered auspicious based on their resemblance to coins. Try out this black-eyed pea salad to bring you good luck in the new year.

The Spanish and Portuguese eat twelve grapes as the clock chimes twelve times for midnight to symbolize the twelve months of the new year. Incidentally, this is not as easy as it sounds.

Treat yourself with pie with grape and black-pepper compote. POV

You Gotta Eat.

FeedMeHouma.com 54

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

povhouma.com

55

We Support a Healthier Future

By Chrisy Myhand, RN, BSN, Director of Wellness Services

Find Time for Your Health & Fitness Weutes in a day. Whether you’re all wish we had more min-

a professional, an entrepreneur or a busy stay-at-home parent, eating well and working out are critical to living a healthy, productive life. We can’t perform at our very best without fueling our bodies with healthy food and remaining active with exercise.

Plan in Advance and Reward Yourself

If you’re the techy type, set reminders in your phone. If you prefer paper, grab the closest notebook and make a list.

All days may not go exactly as planned, but having a general idea of your goals and fitness plan can change your life.

Meal plan to make grocery shopping and healthy eating simple. Prep meals to freeze for the week or the night before to make breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner more streamlined. Prep your

workout gear and bag in advance. If you’re a morning person, start your day with a quick workout for energy and motivation. If you’re an evening person, use your quick workout to de-stress and complete your day.

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential to good health, but during a busy day you may forget to get your daily dose of H2O. To help you stay hydrated, try adding fruit to your water, having a glass of water after each bathroom break, drinking a glass of water before a meal, using an app on your phone to track your progress, eating foods with a high water content or using marked water bottles.

Choose Healthy Options When Eating Out

Whether it’s a business lunch or a jammed-packed day, being busy means some days you may have to eat out. Your

diet doesn’t have to suffer if you eat a meal that’s not made in your kitchen.

Many restaurants have healthy options you can select so you don’t have to settle for greasy, unhealthy foods. During happy hour limit alcohol and choose grilled options over fried foods, which adds calories to your diet.

Workout with Friends

After a busy day, it may be hard to find the motivation to work out. Working out with a friend holds you accountable to your fitness plan or a personal trainer can provide an expert approach that saves you time and gives you confidence that each minute of your workout is safe and effective. Group exercise classes led by certified fitness specialists can provide variety to your workout. These three methods provide motivation, encouragement and accountability. POV

For more information, contact the Fitness Center of Thibodaux Regional at 985.493.4950.

More Moms Choose Us! Recently named an America’s Best Hospital for Obstetrics

56

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine » A Better You

FitMind

Which One Will You Be in The New Year?

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” ~Michelangelo

Itare three kinds of people in this

is commonly thought that there

world: those that make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those who wonder what just happened?

As we start another new year, there are those who will not make any goals because they believe “that stuff doesn’t work” or “why waste my time thinking about making a goal that I know I won’t keep”. Others will start the year with the right intention of setting goals, but will soon abandon them. One guess would be these groups might be “lacking” something called ambition, passion, discipline, or persistence.

There is one young man that is not lacking in any of those attitudes. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian in history. He competed in his first of five consecutive Olympic games at the age of 15, where he did not medal. Over the next four Summer Olympics he won 28 Olympic medals, 23 of which were gold. In Rio, at the age of 31, he won five gold medals and a silver. This quote by him is revealing, “I like to think of myself as a normal person who just has a passion, has a goal and a dream and goes out and does it. And that’s really how I’ve always lived my life.”

There will be others who will put

some thought into their goals. They are not aimless. Their passion will help determine how close they come to achieving or exceeding their goals. They will make things happen!

In answering the question of “why have goals,” you might appreciate what the legendary expert on human character development Earl Nightingale said, “We are at our very best and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey towards the goal we’ve established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.”

If you don’t want to wonder what happened or watch what happens, how about putting the effort into making some good things happen for you and those you love in the new year? Think about what you want to achieve this year and write them down. Goals that are written and not just thought about will provide the influence to reach the success you desire. Your goals should motivate you and you should practice visualization. In your mind’s eye see yourself accomplishing the goal. One of the best motivational speakers I ever heard was Zig Zigler. He could often be heard saying, “some folks think motivation does not last. Well neither

does bathing. That is why I recommend both daily.”

Among your goals for the new year should include to be healthier and happier. Being fit in body, mind and soul is not a destination, it is a way of life. The price is putting in the effort with the determination and discipline to succeed. Pay the price and reap the rewards!

Take a hard look at your attitude in life. Thomas Jefferson, put it this way, “Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving their goal; nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude.”

Attitude is defined as a way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, that is reflected in a person’s behavior.

Gratitude is a valuable attitude. Be grateful that no matter where you are in life you can, by choice, make goals to improve your life. When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry and despair, give life a thousand reasons to smile and be hopeful. Be that someone who “goes out and does it.” POV

DR. J. MICHAEL FLYNN

practices at the Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic in Houma.

Call him at 985.855.4875 or visit DRMIKEFLYNN.COM. povhouma.com

57

Bon Appétit

Smoky Red Bean Hummus WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• • • • • • • • •

1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped 1 t. + 1/2 cup Non-GMO canola oil 1/4 cup garlic, chopped 4 cups red beans, cooked, but firm (if using canned, drain and rinse) 1/2 cup tahini paste 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 T. hot sauce 1/2 t. cayenne pepper 1 t. smoked Himalayan pink salt

HOW TO MAKE IT

On medium-high heat, cook onion in 1 teaspoon oil until well-browned, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Place remaining ingredients in food processor - process until smooth. Serve immediately with fresh raw veggies, corn chips, or whole-grain crackers.

Place leftovers in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to a week.

Per serving: 190 calories, 13 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 270 mg sodium, 15 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar (0 added sugar), 6 grams protein POV

58

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine » A Better You

LEAH PORCHE, RDN, LDN, is the co-owner and operator of

Root2Rise Café and Juice Bar. She wants to share her real food love with Houma by showing the community that eating can be healthy and delicious when you start with the right ingredients!

povhouma.com

59

A Vue from the Vine

Behind the Brew

A Reasonably Priced Sip

The Secret of Beer

Tpriced Pinot Noir from California. Pinot Noir has

O craft beer movement in the United States has been un-

his month we will review some great and reasonably

always been one of the most finicky and difficult grapes to grow. That being said over the past couple of decades, growers in California have really honed in on which regions and appellations it grows best in and quality and consistency have risen greatly during that time.

Hahn Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2014 $24.99 Hahn has long made one of the best under $25 Pinot Noirs with their regular bottling but the Santa Lucia bottling takes the quality up a couple of notches. This Pinot Noir is plush in texture with flavors of cherry, spice, and leather. A concentrated, layered, Pinot with a long, lingering finish.

About as good a value as you will find.

Landmark Overlook Pinot Noir 2013 $21.99 This Pinot Noir made with grapes from Sonoma and Monterey is medium bodied with raspberry, cherry, and spice. On the palate, the wine is very balanced with soft tannins and a long finish. A great Pinot to drink now or over the next 3 to 5 years.

Cherry Tart Pinot Noir 2014 $17.99 This Pinot Noir is and entry level priced pinot from one of California’s best winemakers, Jason Woodbridge. The wine starts with aromas of raspberry and smoke that are accompanied on the palate with flavors of raspberry and cherries. An easy drinking style pinot with nice forward fruit style and light tannins.

LANE BATES is the wine and spirits specialist

at Cannata’s. Feel free to visit him to find out more. Or call 985.209.9762 or email him at LANEBATES@CANNATAS.COM. 60

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

ver the last 20 years, the exponential growth of the

precedented. In 1996, there were 1,000 breweries. Now there are more than 5,000 breweries. In fact, you may have seen the liquor sections of supermarkets and bars transform into a sometimes overwhelming selection of craft beer choices.

The market share of craft beer has continued to grow year after year. The most popular style across the U.S. remains the IPA (India Pale Ale). Monthly, new beers are introduced to try and expand the creative talents of the more than 5,000 brewmasters, and breweries are looking for ways to set themselves apart from one another. Many succeed, yet unfortunately many also miss the mark.

It has not been all cheers. There have been lawsuits over names, the font used on packaging, and other business related issues. There have been many unnecessary social media rants and personal attacks about the craft beer scene.

To some craft beer drinkers, it has become a contest to try and find and drink limited craft beers for tally purposes only. Although not surprising given the rapid growth, this remains a disappointment to myself and other long-time homebrew and craft beer enthusiasts.

That leads me into what I feel is the secret of beer…it’s not really about the beer at all! Yes, that's right. I typed it …IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BEER. The secret of beer is what lies behind the brew - the stories, the friends and the memories we share and create with the beer. It is about getting to know the people working at the local craft brewery. It is about celebrating those special life milestones - a birth of a child, a wedding, a graduation, a weekend at the camp or just one of those lazy winter nights around a fire with friends. How much fun can it be to drink the best beer in the world without sharing the experience with those you care about? So remember the secret of beer - while we may love and enjoy craft beer, it’s not about the beer in the end. POV

DWAYNE ANDRAS is a home brewer and self-taught

beer expert in continuous search of the perfect pint. Chat with him about your favorite brew at DWAYNE.ANDRAS@GMAIL.COM.

We welcome Kyle Coleman, MD Board Certified Dermatologist available for all of your cosmetic and general dermatology needs.

• Skin Cancer Detection and Treatment

• Acne • Botox & Fillers

404 North Acadia Road • Thibodaux, LA jonesderm.com • 985.447.3889

41,000 CATARACT SURGERIES and counting

Quentin Falgoust, MD Cataract and LASIK Surgeon Richard Arceneaux, MD Cataract and LASIK Surgeon

ADVANCED EYE INSTITUTE

VACHERIE 225.265.8555 HOUMA 985.879.2393 22140 HIGHWAY 20, SUITE B

268 CORPORATE DRIVE

THIBODAUX 985.446.0506 1101 AUDUBON AVENUE, SUITE N-5

WWW.FRIENDLYEYECARE.COM povhouma.com

61

Rendezvous Want us to include your event in our calendar? Shoot an email to melissa@rushing-media.com and we’ll help spread the word.

An Evening Soiree for Women

Mutzie

Join Root2Rise and Womens Inspirational Network with Knowledge for this casual evening of networking, shopping and fun. Light refreshments are served and several attendees will receive door prizes from one of the women entrepreneur exhibitors. The evening also includes a scavenger hunt. Admission is $5.

Enjoy a delicious meal and lots of laughs as comedian Mutzie returns to Fremin’s. Mutzie has appeared on several television comedy shows and was named “New Orleans Entertainer of the Year” twice. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 each.

Thursday, Jan. 12

Where: Root2Rise, Houma Contact: facebook.com/

events/239203656497077/

Virtual Academy of Lafourche Education That Works! Gala Friday, Jan. 13, 6-10 p.m.

Join administration from Virtual Academy of Lafourche for this second annual benefit for the school, which provides online curriculum and onsite instruction as a type 1 public charter school. The evening includes food, drink, entertainment and an auction.

Tickets are $25 for individuals, $45 for couples and $180 for a table.

Where: Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium, Thibodaux

Jan. 20-21, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m.

Where: Fremin’s Restaurant, Thibodaux

Cardinals Running with Rhythm 5K

United Way SOUPer Bowl

Jan. 21, Kid’s Run: 8:15 a.m., 5K: 8:30 a.m.

Walk, run or jog your way to the finish line at this third annual fundraiser to support the E.D. White Catholic High School Cardinal Music Program. The race begins at the corner of Cardinal Drive and E. 7th St. and ends at the school’s stadium. There is also a kid’s run for those ages 10 and younger. Cost is $25 with a shirt through Jan. 5 and $20 without a shirt through race day. Cost for students is $20 with a shirt through Jan. 5. Awards are handed out to top finishers.

Where: E.D. White Catholic High School,

Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport, and RV Show

com, 985.446.2000

Where: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma

Contact: southernlouisianaboatrvshow.com 62

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Contact: firstgiving.com/blessedbydowns/ Conference

Thibodaux

Explore the region’s biggest boat and RV sales event during this 19th annual event. On Friday, spend quality time with loved ones during Family Day. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children 15 and younger with a paid adult.

Where: Carmel Inn and Suites, Thibodaux

Contact: 985.449.0333, fremins.com

Contact: valcharter.org

Jan. 20-21

parenting, sibling to sibling, and selfadvocating. Following the workshops there will be a Mardi Gras Extravaganza from 5-11 p.m., complete with a meal, a meet and greet with VIPs, live music and more. Registration is free for those with Down Syndrome and immediate household families.

Contact: edwhite.org, edwband5K@gmail.

Celebrating Down Syndrome State Conference & Celebration Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Louisiana’s first state conference centered around Down Syndrome is hosted by Blessed by Downs. During this day-long event, attendees will get updates on the ABLE Act, advocating information, learn about Catholic and alternative inclusion educational programs, medical updates, and more.

There will also be Q&A sessions on

Saturday, Jan. 28

Join United Way of South Louisiana at this annual benefit which helps the non-profit organization continue to create change in ensuring all residents have the fundamentals of a better life.

In the morning, teams will craft their best gumbo, soup and chili dishes and throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to sample more than 20 selections. Cost is $5.

Where: Courtyard Marriott, Houma

Contact: 985.879.2461, amerlos@uwsla. com, achampagne@uwsla.com

The Orchids Law Enforcement Benefit Concert Sunday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m.

Relive the 50s, 60s and 70s with The Orchids and friends at this concert and dance to support law enforcement in Lafourche Parish. Along with the hits played by the band, there will also be a special appearance by Jimmy Clanton. Dan Borne’ serves as master of ceremonies. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will be evenly distributed between the parish’s three law enforcement agencies..

Where: Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium, Thibodaux Contact: ticketmaster.com POV

A & H PAINT, INC. FLOOR COVERING Flooring

Paint Blinds/Shutters And More

985.448.1148 751 W. BAYOU RD. THIBODAUX, LA 70301

povhouma.com

63

Smarty Pants No Googling!

1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on Monday, Jan. 16 this year. What is Martin Luther King, Jr’s actual birth date?

A B C D

3

5

7

64

6

Albany, New York Orlando, Florida Miami, Florida Hamilton, Ontario

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

J. K. Rowling J.R.R. Tolkien Stephen King Mark Twain

What rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Famer was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on Jan. 8, 1935?

A B C D

8

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Orange Bowl Tulane Stadium Rice Stadium

Which of the following authors was born in January?

A B C D

Lather Rinse Repeat None of the above

WWE held its fi rst Royal Rumble match on Jan. 24, 1988. Where did this take place?

A B C D

4

War Celebrations Beginnings Resolutions

Lizzie McGuire premiered on Disney Channel on Jan. 12, 2001. Ethan Craft, known for having nice hair, said skipping one step of the directions was his secret. Which step did he skip?

A B C D

The fi rst Super Bowl took place on Jan. 15, 1967 between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. Where was the game hosted?

A B C D

Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 15 Jan. 18

Named by the Romans, the month of January was named after the Roman god Janus. Janus is the god of?

A B C D

2

Chuck Berry Elvis Presley Jim Morrison Janis Joplin

Which of Disney’s Magic Kingdom “mountain” attractions had an opening date in January?

A B C D

Space Mountain Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Splash Mountain Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

A B C D

11

15

12

“Moana” “Sing” “Secret Life of Pets” “Trolls”

Which school activity was part of the Olympic Games lineup until 1932?

A Rope Climbing B Hopscotch C Red Rover D Marbles

Oakland Raiders Dallas Cowboys San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams

14

The thirteenth day of January happens to fall on a Friday this year. Which actor played Jason Voorhees in the fi rst “Friday the 13th” fi lm?

A B C D

Justin Timberlake, born Jan. 31, 1981, serves as the music executive producer for which animated fi lm released in 2016?

A B C D

Ron Chernow Lin-Manuel Miranda Andrew Lloyd Webber Stephen Schwartz

Which of these NFL teams, set to relocate to Los Angeles by next season, previously resided in the City of Angels?

A B C D

13

10

Alexander Hamilton was born on Jan. 11, 1755.

Recently, he’s become a pop culture sensation thanks to the success of “Hamilton: An American Musical”. Who wrote this Broadway musical?

Which animated Disney classic was released on Jan. 29, 1959?

A B C D

Ari Lehman Richard Brooker Kane Hodder Ken Kirzinger

“Cinderella” “Peter Pan” “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” "Sleeping Beauty”

Which movies holds the record for biggest box office opening weekend in January?

Well, how’d you do?

A B C D

11-15

160 Pants on Fire

6-10

110 Smarty Pants

1-5

50

Pants on the Ground

0

3

Did You Forget Your Pants?

“Kung Fu Panda 3” “Cloverfield” “Ride Along” “American Sniper”

# Correct

IQ

Your Pantsyness:

Answers

1) C 2) A 3) C 4) B 5) C 6) B 7) D 8) A 9) B 10) D 11) A 12) C 13) A 14) D 15) D

9

povhouma.com

65

Scene In A Visit to Santa’s Land/ ReindeerRowe Stuart Percle and Peyton Chiasson of Johnny’s Men Shop show off the latest in men’s apparel during Thibodaux Service League’s annual holiday marketplace, ReindeerRowe, held Dec. 3 at the Warren J. Harang Municipal Auditorium.

Thibodaux Service League gathers on Dec. 3 for a photo during A Visit to Santa’s Land, the league’s annual children’s holiday event.

Gingerbread House Workshop Geaux Create hosted gingerbread decorating workshops to usher in the holiday season in Lafourche Parish. On various days in December, children, families and adults gathered to put their artistic touch on houses baked by The Cake Shop.

66

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Downtown Houma Christmas Festival Photos by Channing Candies

Hundreds gathered on Dec. 3 during Houma’s inaugural Christmas Festival to witness the magic of the holiday season transform the city. Following the day-long event, attendees lined the streets for the much-anticipated parade.

povhouma.com

67

Scene In 10,000 Lights of Hope Dozens gathered with Relay for Life of Terrebonne Parish for 10,000 Lights of Hope on Dec. 8 at the Downtown Houma Courthouse Square. The event lit up the downtown area as a beacon of hope for those battling cancer.

Brooke’s Sno-World’s Annual Christmas Giveaway Santa made two special trips to Brooke’s Sno-World during December to hear the wishes of boys and girls throughout Terrebonne Parish. He also handed out coloring books, candy and more to those who visited with him.

68

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Reindeer Run Girls on the Run Bayou Region Council wrapped up its 2016 program with the annual celebratory Reindeer Run on Dec. 5. Hundreds of participants, supporters, and sponsors hit the streets for a run through Houma and enjoyed post-race celebrations at Southdown Plantation and Museum.

povhouma.com

69

70

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine

Look Twice Win a $50

Gift Card

Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 46. Drop off your answers along with your name and daytime contact number at the PoV offices, 6160 W. Park Ave., Houma. Stuck at the office? Fax it, 985.873.9009, or email it to us, melissa@rushing-media.com.

A winner will be picked by random drawing January 13.

The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank.

Congratulations to Dora Levron for winning last month’s contest.

Courtesy of

Answers to last month’s contest 1 2 3 4 5 6

Knob color white to pink Moss rock removed Rope shorter Bath salts green to pink Latch on case missing Exclaimation point missing from sign

povhouma.com

71

72

January 2017

Point of Vue Magazine