PoV (September 2015)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2015 • VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 9

LOCAL VUE 52 WHO AM I?

Courtesy of Premier OB-GYN

53 FITLIFE 64 TELL ME WHY

Answers to Life’s Most Perplexing Questions

66 TAILGATING IN BAYOU COUNTRY

30

Must-gear for game day

68 BOBBY

HEAVY METAL TO HEAVY ARTILLERY

‘Cajun Cannon’ moniker born here

80 BEST OF THE BAYOU

3 days, 21 bands and more

36 LA 1 TOUR

A drive down Hwy. 1 to discover LA

42 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Felix Theriot

16 PIN KY

44 THE ART OF RESPECT

24 CHATEAU CHIC

48 UNDER THE SCOPE

30 HEAVY METAL TO HEAVY ARTILLERY

50 OH SNAP

Deaf artist makes her mark Home Tour

Larose native joins the Army

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The end of the “R” word Bus rides still memorable A visit to the bayou

ABOUT THE COVER

Larose native Staff Sgt. Josep Fontenot is the 2015 Army Times Soldier of the Year.

DANIEL WOOLFOLK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2015 • VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 9

OUR VUE

YOUR VUE

20 10 THE VUEFINDER

POV PICKS

Off to the Race

20 Not Your Father’s Root Beer 21 Orleans Home Fragrances

11 EDITOR’S NOTE

Lost and Found

12 12 IN TERVUE

14 THE OBSERVER

Say What?

Beignet Candle, KidScents Oil Collection, Little Black Tutu

EXPERT VUE

REAR VUE

86 84 LIVING WELL

A Lifetime wit Cast Iron

85 CHECK IT OUT

“Rules for Breaking”

86 BEHIND THE BREW

September: The Month for Oktoberfest

POVHOUMA.COM

View back issues, Web-only content and a full distribution list. SCAN HERE:

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98

87 A VUE FROM THE VINE

90 SMARTY PANTS

88 BON APPÉTIT

92 REN DEZVOUS

Whale of a ride

Austria’s Grüner a Sommelier Favorite Homemade Swiss Cake Roll

For When Your Thinking Cap Fails Where You Need To Be Around Town

94 SCENE IN

Look at ol’ so ’n’ so!

96 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

The Who and the Where

97 LOOK TWICE PUZZLE

Sponsored by Synergy Bank

98 THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

7 Reasons Google is the Digital King

NEWSLETTERS

Receive additional content and weekly events when you sign up. SCAN HERE:

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THE VUEFINDER PUBLISHER

MELISSA DUET

Brian Rushing publisher@rushing-media.com

Off to the Races

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shell Armstrong editor@rushing-media.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Gavin Stevens gavin@rushing-media.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

O

ver the last year, our sweet, furry beast of a Labrador Retriever has, for the most part, learned how to be obedient. He’s grown out of tearing carpet and whittling wooden dining room chairs into oversized toothpicks; in fact, we’ve progressed so much, he even offers his paw for a shake on most days.

But every so often, regression strikes and our furchild likes to give us a little taste of what used to be.

During dinnertime one night in late July, we decided to let the little guy go without a leash. Doing this is something akin to entering the self-checkout area at Wal-mart: your odds of making it out without embarrassing yourself are 50/50 but for some sick reason, you like to give it a whirl from time to time.

Just as we approached the door to go back inside, a carefully executed strategy involving military precision and a treat dangling near his nose, our pup spotted a plastic cup laying in the yard.

For most dogs, it would be nothing. For our dog, anything out of routine is like a giant neon sign blinking, “You Know You Want To.” Like a bullet from a gun, he was off, snatching the cup and sprinting for the left side of the house. Hitting a dead end at the fence, he darted across the street, truck tires squealing as the miniature Clydesdale hit the pavement at

Mariella Brochard Danielle Evans

SALES MANAGER

Deanne Ratliff deanne@rushing-media.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Brooke Adams brooke@rushing-media.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Point of Vue magazine is published monthly.

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

speeds only something mixed with an equine could produce.

As I watched him bounce from yard to yard, looking back mockingly to ensure my husband and I were indeed chasing after him, I just knew our little beast was gone. Without ID tags it would be hard to place him back with his owners and images of him shivering, ridden with mange and snooping strangers’ trash cans came to mind.

Finally, four houses down, my husband cornered the pup, nose pressed against a fence sniffing out what we could only suspect was a female friend. He tackled the 80-pounder and I clipped on his leash, the three of us panting in unison as we made our way back home.

We vowed never to let him out without a leash again. That lasted two days.

Call us crazy. We call it a challenge. POV

Melissa is a writer for Rushing Media. She believes the Kentucky Derby should consider adding large-breed dogs to the lineup.

MELISSA@RUSHI N G-MEDIA.COM

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHY

Shell Armstrong, Channing Candies, Misty Leigh McElroy, Pam Negrotto, Erica Seely, Daniel Woolfolk

WRITERS

Dwayne Andras, Keisa Arceneaux, Shell Armstrong, Lane Bates, Jaime Dishman, John Doucet, Melissa Duet, Dr. J. Michael Flynn, Casey Gisclair, Felicia LeDuff arry, Debbie Melvin, Janell Parfait, Bonnie Rushing, Becca Weingard

Copyright ©2015 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.

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EDITOR’S NOTE SHELL ARMSTRONG

Lost and Found

D

ays before the second leg of our LA 1 adventure (see page 36), I got the call from Pam Negrotto, our photographer and my close friend. Her nephew’s wife, Jillian Johnson, had been shot and killed in a Lafayette movie theatre. Suddenly, our priorities shifted.

When the LA 1 crew did return to the road – camerawoman/navigator Pam, driver (and my other close friend) Pam Schmitt and I – we were a bit more introspective, but ready to discover more about our state and its people. This trip didn’t disappoint.

This outing, we lost our way. I lost a credit card and souvenirs from the Bonnie & Clyde Museum. Pam Schmitt lost her phone. We lost our breath laughing. And the good news is we found everything.

Mr. Ralph at Mom ‘n’ Pops in Bryceland held on to the credit card and waited for us to backtrack to his place to retrieve it. Perry Carver, the museum curator, was waiting when I returned for the book and coffee mug. And the Quality Inn housekeeper gladly turned over the phone, which never stopped ringing!

Everything we lost, we found. Even hope.

And as amazing as the people were along La. Highway 1, none compare to the Military Times’ 2015 Soldier of the Year (see page 30).

Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Fontenot hails from Larose and is still well known for his days thrashing the bass with Acid Bath and Jacknife. Today, he is equally committed to the military.

A respectful, humble man, he is using his platform to champion suicide prevention – worthy cause from an exemplary leader. POV

Shell Armstrong is the editor of Point of Vue magazine.

EDITOR@RUSHI N G-MEDIA.COM

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INTERVUE

KATIE

AMBER Teacher

Executive Assistant

Production Operator

Front Desk Clerk

Number and name you’ll be sporting on the back of your football jersey this year:

I only have one jersey, and it is a Brees jersey, #9 of course

Scobee, #10 Go Jaguars!

Drew Brees, #9

No numbers, just teams. Saints

Brees, #9

Your go-to drivethru food or drink:

No drive-thru order is complete without a Diet Coke

Chick-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Starbucks Caramel Flan Latté

Taco Bell with Starburst Freeze

Coke and fries

One thing you learned from a grandparent:

My Pop taught me to work hard, love harder and give your time to those in need

Always find the goo in everyone

Don’t sweat the small stuff

They were right; I was wrong ... took 30 years to realize it

Tricks for building puzzles

No burger is complete without _______.

Cheese

Cheese

Fries

Mayo, grilled onions, bell peppers and a dash of A1 sauce

Mayo

If you could stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

28 has treated me well so far, but I hear your 30s are where it’s at

I would want to stay four because you have no worries!

29

21! No explanation needed!

25

What do you consider the most valuable thing you own?

Best things in life are free

My wedding ring

My children

Family, priceless ... next, my Go Pro

Pictures of me with my mom

If you could be a contestant on any reality TV show, which one would it be?

“The Voice”, just so I could meet Adam Levine because he is pretty

“Dancing With the Stars”

“The Amazing Race”

“Duck Dynasty,” Quack, Quack

“So You Think You Can Dance”

Marketing Associate

NEDRA

DEVIN

NICOLE

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THE OBSERVER JAIME DISHMAN

Whale of a ride L

ately, I’ve been laughing loudly. Sometimes on purpose, and sometimes because it just comes out. It started about two months ago, two days before my 35th birthday. I was beyond excited about turning 35. I can’t explain the rationale behind that, but I waited for it with the anticipation of a little kid turning to the next age. No dread of getting older, only a sense of excitement.

People who asked how old I was turning were answered with a peppy: “Thirty-five. Halfway to 70.” I can’t explain it, but it feels like something of a milestone. Halfway to 70. And what’s so great about 70? I have no idea. But 35 years from now, at the age of 70, I’m sure I will be happy to tell you.

But the laughter thing started when I was still two days shy of 35.

My niece was over, spending the night, and my husband and boys were out of town. So she came over and enjoyed a “girls’ night” with my daughters and me. I don’t know what girls’ night is supposed to be like, but ours always involves large portions of as much ethnic food as possible, nail painting and some shopping if we can squeeze it in.

I put my little girls to bed, and my niece and I planned on watching DVR’ed “Shark Week” episodes we had missed. A true girls’ night if ever there was one. But as we walked down the stairs, she asked one question that changed the way I laugh.

“Aunt Jaime, do you want to ride the pink whale down the stairs?”

I know what you’re thinking. At least I think I know. Either you’ve quit reading by this point, or you’re hoping for some logical explanation. There’s really none. Other than my 7-year-old daughter won a 6-foot-long stuffed pink whale during our summer vacation at Sea World. Instead of playing princesses with it or using it for her dolls, my kids ride the whale down the stairs. Because clearly, it’s so much easier than just walking down the stairs.

It’s a little dangerous, but other than a few bumps I’m just OK with it. So just keep reading and ignore the “I can’t believe she’s that kind of parent” thoughts you’re thinking. Pink whale riding is

fun and I’ll justify that decision until all the stuffing falls out of that whale. (Because their frequent stairwell whale riding has not boded well for the stuffed whale. I don’t think it’s really made for the intense level of play it suffered through this summer.)

Back to my niece and her question.

I had never ridden the pink whale down the stairs. I’m an adult. I have legs. And honestly, I considered it kid fun.

But I was about to be halfway to 70. So, I said, “Sure. I’ll try it.” The little ones ran out of their bed to watch, while my 13-year-old niece pulled out her ever-present iPhone to capture the moment on video.

I hopped on. (OK, I tenderly climbed on, trying to position myself as carefully as possible to avoid injury.)

And the stairs looked so much taller from on top that pink whale. But I pushed off the top of the stairs and went. I’m embarrassed to say I screamed loudly the entire way down. But when I bumped down to the last step and caught my breath, I couldn’t quit laughing. It was so fast.

And so fun. And I couldn’t quit laughing. So I did it again.

And screamed again. And laughed again.

And as I sat at the bottom of the stairs, listening to my own laughter and the laughter of my niece and daughters, I realized how long it had been since I laughed so hard and so loudly. And I promised that my 35-year-old self would laugh loudly and frequently. Because I don’t know when I started being a quiet laugher. Or an infrequent giggler.

But I’m halfway to 70, and I’m laughing louder and more frequently than I have in a long time. Because there are so many good things in my life. And somehow the loud laughing helps me see that a little better.

And when I turn 36, maybe I’ll ride the pink whale down the stairs again. POV

Jaime Dishman looks forward to laughing loudly well into her 70s.

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FELICIA LEDUFF HARRY CHANNING CANDIES

I P I PP I

K Y N K NN K

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Y K Y KK Y “I

Six months after she was born, Rosalyn Watson’s mother knew something was different about her youngest child, the one she had called “Pinky,” since she first laid eyes on her swaddled in a pink blanket.

would scream, whistle, clap, make all kinds of noise, but she wouldn’t respond or wake up, until I stomped the floor,” Gerina Victor said of Pinky, a nickname that has stuck with Rosalyn her whole life.

“Something’s wrong with my baby,” the Schriever mom thought, and asked her father to see if he agreed. Pinky’s grandfather tried the same noise-making antics, and confirmed that something was wrong with the baby, who would

respond to the vibrations made by her dad’s footsteps on the porch when he came home from work, but not to any kind of sound. Turns out, Pinky had been born deaf.

The doctor told Pinky’s family that she was not just hard of hearing, but totally deaf. The doctor ’s advice was not to do everything for the toddler, because that would make her an invalid. “So, I would make her talk when she wanted something, even milk,” Gerina said, although it was hard. “I would make her feel my throat so she could understand how to make sounds, and soon we developed our own version of sign language, and we got along.”

Gerina also taught Pinky to cook, and today, the daughter says she’s the cook in the family.

Eventually, Pinky learned the Rochester method of sign language, which she shared with her mother. The Rochester method is a system that uses finger spelling and speech.

When she was 10 and had been to West Park Elementary in Houma, Pinky was enrolled in the state school for the deaf in Baton Rouge, and Gerina said they had to leave her there with no contact for the initial three months, so she could get used to being there. “That was hard, too,” she said.

“She’s been on her own ever since,” Gerina said and Pinky grinned.

Early in her life, Pinky’s family knew she had a special gift for drawing and painting. She was a child whose early drawings resembled real objects; when she drew apples, they looked liked apples, they said. And when she colored, she stayed within the lines. Gerina said she soon realized Pinky was born to paint – and to be independent.

Pinky says she remembers drawing things like coins and wildflowers at an early age. Her artwork began getting local attention about eight years ago, when Pinky’s late sister, Derina, took acting classes at the South Louisiana Center for the Arts. Her connections got Pinky a show at the center and involved with Houma’s “Art After Dark.”

She also once painted a picture of St. Peter Catholic Church in New Orleans that was presented to Pope John Paul on his visit to the states, and she has a mural that still stands in a Baptist church POVHOUMA.COM 17

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in Baton Rouge. “That was a long time ago,” she reminisces.

For a while, Pinky just drew and painted for her own enjoyment and she took a housekeeping job at a hotel.

One day, Derina asked Pinky what she was going to do with her art. “I don’t know,” was her response, even though she knew she didn’t want to work at a hotel for the rest of her life. All the while, the paintings and drawings were piling up in the family home in Schriever, where Pinky did most of her work. People would still ask her to paint, she said, but then they wouldn’t have the money to pay her, even after she had bought all the supplies and completed the work.

After Derina’s unexpected death two years ago, Pinky said she realized she needed to do something other than clean rooms. She remembered the conversation with her sister, who suggested Pinky could become an art teacher and encouraged her to return to college.

Earlier this year, Pinky followed that advice, packed her car, drove to Washington, D.C., and re-enrolled in Gallaudet University. After an 18-year hiatus from school, Pinky is proud to report she’s on the Dean’s list. “I was worried about making it in school,” the 48-yearold said. “I’m older than the other students. But I made it.” She’s majoring

in art education and art therapy, well on her way to becoming an art teacher, which would be a dream job for her. It would combine creating art, sharing art, being with people and give her a steady income.

“My art teacher was amazed at me,” she said of Paul Johnson at Gallaudet.

When she first told him she could draw, he seemed skeptical, but when he saw her work, he was surprised. “He couldn’t believe how beautiful and neat my work was,” she said. Now Johnson, who has plans to retire next year, wants to give Pinky advanced one-on-one lessons, the first time he’s ever done that, she said.

In the individual sessions, student and teacher will focus on painting, pencils and airbrushing. “I’ve already learned so much from him, from his professionalism and the way he explains things and I am soooo excited about the lessons he’s going to give me this fall,” she said.

Pinky is a licensed artist and is also a graduate of the Louisiana School for the Deaf and the Louisiana Art Institute, both in Baton Rouge. While she’s still in school, she is teaching art at a group home in Maryland.

For the future, Pinky says she will graduate in 2019, and really wants to teach art, at any level.

“I am an artist,” she said. POV

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POV PICKS

Summerbee Woodworks FACEBOOK.COM/SUMMERBEEWOODWORKS

N

apoleonville resident Steven Lindley salvages wood from just about anywhere to shape into household items that are sure to be a conversation starter. Boxes, honey dippers, roux spoons … the designs carved from each piece are wildly intricate and represent life along the bayous of south Louisiana. Snag one of these beautiful pieces from Steven at this month’s Best of the Bayou Festival in Houma. POV 20 POINT OF VUE LOCAL VUE SEPTEMBER 2015

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POV PICKS

Pupsicles BOURGEOIS MEAT MARKET, THIBODAUX, 985.447.7128

H

ave you ever thought about sharing a piece of irresistibly delicious meat from Thibodaux’s iconic meat market with your pup? Now you can. The meat market introduced Pupsicles at the end of July and your furry friend is in for one big treat.

Lightly salted and smoked alongside Bourgeois’ sausage, these dog bones are the perfect thing to give to your four-legged friend for any special occasion or just because.

Baby Elephant Ears Neck Pillow THE BASKETRY, LULING, 985.785.8769

C

reated by a mother of four, pained by her second child’s inability to sit comfortably in a stroller, Baby Elephant Ears serve as a helpful pillow and as a ridiculously cute accessory for little ones. The design shapes to the contours of an infant’s neck and head, helping provide support in car seats, swings or at changing tables.

Southdown Plantation –

The House That Sugar Built SOUTHDOWN PLANTATION MUSEUM GIFT SHOP, HOUMA, 985.851.0154

S

ince arriving at Southdown Plantation in 2012, Executive Director Rachel Cherry has been hard at work uncovering and absorbing everything she could about the history of the iconic pink plantation home. Rachel put all those findings into a book that takes readers back to the site’s beginnings as a sugar refinery and its legacy as a fixture in Terrebonne Parish.

School Spirit Jewelry JUST FOR YOU FLORIST, HOUMA, 985.851.6012

W

ith football games, cheerleading competitions and band festivals on the calendar this school year, there’s no better way to show you support than with some eye-catching accessories. Necklaces, pins, bracelets and more – Just For You will have you looking your best no matter the event. POV

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CHATEAU CHIC BONNIE RUSHING ERICA SEELY

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eclaimed wood, hand-painted murals and a oneof-a-kind LSU-themed entertainment room are only a few things that make John and Robin Stevens’ home unique. After planning for two years to build their dream home, the couple enlisted the help of Elton Tootle with Coastal Homebuilders to realize their dream.

This 9,135-square-foot, sprawling French-inspired estate is both rustic and traditional. Featuring reclaimed beams in the foyer, dining and great rooms, as well as reclaimed wood walls in the dining room, the new space has instant character.

Most of the flooring throughout is reclaimed antique pine, while other areas are travertine and slate. The kitchen features polished and leather granite, an open floor plan and top-of-the-line appliances. Windows along

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C the rear of the home reveal the backyard, which features a custom pool with rock slide, a koi pond and outdoor kitchen. Upstairs, guest bedrooms and the LSUthemed entertainment room occupy the space. A custom mural by Hans Geist spans an entire wall and sets the tone for the festive decor. LSU-themed furnishings, recreational games and a bar complete the room and make it a favorite space for entertaining family and friends. POV

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E F

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

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Coastal Homebuilders Landscape Logistics Pleasure Pools Hans Geist for custom paintings LCR Ken’s Plumbing Valley Supply Quality Electrical Installations Blouin Fence Supreme Ornamental

A Kitchen B Dining Room C Living Room D Sitting Area E Entertainment Room F Bar G Pool 28 POINT OF VUE LOCAL VUE SEPTEMBER 2015

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SHELL ARMSTRONG DANIEL WOOLFOLK/MILITARY TIMES

HEAVY METAL TO HEAVY ARTILLERY

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M

usic was Joseph Fontenot’s first love.

Around fifth grade, the Larose native took up the bass, playing in garage bands and perfecting his chops.

“He began playing around with his friends,” Joseph’s mother, Joyce, recalls.

“We thought it was just a phase and he’d grow through it. We figured it was just a temporary thing.”

By the early 1990s, Joseph was deep into heavier music with Acid Bath.

Frontman Dax Riggs once described the Houma band’s sound as “death music” because of the lyrical content of its set list. Following the band’s demise, and a short stint in a band named Shrüm, Joseph found his groove as the bassist with Jacknife a thrash/groove metal band.

Where Acid Bath found fame around south Louisiana, Jacknife ignited the country.

It was on a Jacknife tour that Joseph’s life turned 180 degrees.

“This kid’s probably 19 years old and probably has more direction than I did when I was 30 years old,” Joseph told Military Times of his chance encounter with a National Guard soldier following

Army Lt. Gen. Gary H. Cheek, left, Army Times Managing Editor Tony Lombardo, and Donald E. Graham, chairman of the board of Graham Holdings Company, present Army Staff Sgt Joseph Fontenot with the 2015 Military Times Soldier of the Year award during a ceremony held July 21 in Washington, D.C. Alan Lessig | Military Times

a Jacknife show. “When we got home, I decided I wanted to join the Army.”

It was difficult news for his parents Larry and Joyce.

“He was very quiet, a loner and very meticulous as a kid,” Joyce recalls. “He was not a person to just jump at things.

I was in a state of shock at the news. It’s still not easy.”

But the Fontenots knew their son; once his mind was made up, he would stay the course.

“My parents did decide to support my decision,” Joseph told PoV. “They felt if they supported me fully that would probably give me a better chance of coming back alive.”

At age 31, Joseph embarked on a new career path: soldier.

In January 2006, he reported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for one-station unit train-

ing and then he was off to join the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. Over the next decade, Joseph served tours in Baghdad, Iraq and in the Arghandah River Valley, one of the most dangerous stations in southern Afghanistan. Along the way, he’s served as a drill sergeant and, later, at the Drill Sergeant Academy.

The meticulous focus Joseph directed to projects as a child has carried over to his Army career. From the time he stepped onto base at Fort Sill, Joseph was determined to become a leader.

“I believe to this day that each soldier is a product of his leadership,” he says.

“For me, I had outstanding NCOs coming up through the ranks. Staff Sgt. Milo Metz and guys like him are the reason that I am the soldier I have become.”

Today, Staff Sgt. Joseph Fonentot, 41, is a field artilleryman assigned to 3rd POVHOUMA.COM 31

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Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, the famed Rakkasans based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Joseph is also, most notably, the Army Times’ Soldier of the Year.

The Military Times honors five “Everyday Heroes” annually – a soldier, Marine, sailor, airman and Coast Guardsman – who demonstrate pride, dedication and courage beyond what is expected.

Recipients show concern for their fellow service members, communities and the country, and it is the highest award for non-combat bravery.

Established in 2001, this is the 15th year the awards have been given by Sightline Media Group.

Winners receive an all-expenses paid weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., leading up to a formal awards ceremony, as well as a scholarship award from Kaplan University.

Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian, commandant of the Drill Sergeant Academy, nominated Joseph for the honor. “(Joseph’s) definitely one of the quality individuals we try to bring here,” he told Military Times. “He’s just one of those guys that you want in every formation, the quiet professional, a source of information you can go to.”

Joseph said he initially didn’t give his nomination a great deal of thought, believing winning was a long shot. When he learned he was among the top three fina ists, he got excited. “I just couldn’t believe that I was in the company of soldiers with pretty amazing stories,” he says.

Then the call came. He’d been selected.

“In one way, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but at the same time, I feel like I was just doing my job and just being me. It’s humbling to think somehow or other someone saw it as going above and beyond.”

In addition to his military service, Joseph started an Adopt a Highway effort while at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, provided blankets and slippers to hospitalized veterans, volunteered at a homeless children’s shelter and Camp Kemo, for youngsters battling cancer.

He also pulled a young man to safety after his vehicle flipped on the side of the road in Columbia, South Carolina.

Joseph jumped into the below-freezing water and mud to save the man from the smoking car.

Also, as a self-described gym rat, Joseph continues to train daily and lead help sessions for fellow soldiers.

“It’s been millions of interviews and questions,” Joseph said of his time since being named Soldier of the Year.

Upon his return from Washington, D.C., Joseph and his wife Stephanie –

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also an Army soldier, who intends to be a radiology specialist – returned to Louisiana for the funeral of his sister, Kim. Fresh off a month-long training, Joseph understands the opportunity his newfound platform provides to shed light on soldiers’ lives. He is bringing to the forefront soldier suicides.

“A lot of focus needs to be turned to helping soldiers returning to the (United) States better cope internally with what they’ve endured,” Joseph explains. “I lost several of my friends after we came home from Afghanistan.

“Nobody ever asks us to unfeel what we feel or to unsee what we have seen,” he says. “In fact, it is all part of being a soldier.

But the experience is different for each person, and a lot of the problem has to do with a person’s resiliency.”

The Army’s ASSIST program is designed to help soldiers in trouble, “but when you are in your darkest hour, you don’t think about those things,” Joseph says. The program trains those on the front lines to identify those who may be having thoughts of suicide.

“I am not expecting everything to 100 percent be changed,” the Soldier of the Year says. “But this gives me an opportunity to speak one-on-one to people who can convince others to start focusing more on ASSIST. Honestly, all I can do is tell exactly what I see. This platform gives me the opportunity to be able to help.”

The quiet, meticulous Larose boy is today a focused leader.

PoV extends our thanks to Staff Sgt. Joseph Fontenot for his service to our county. God speed, soldier. POV 34 POINT OF VUE LOCAL VUE SEPTEMBER 2015

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SHREVEPORT

BASTROP MINDEN

EPORT

RUSTON

MONROE RAYVILLE

MANSFIELD JONESBORO

WINNSBORO

D

T H E L O N G A NWINNFIELD D W I N D I N G R O A D NATCHITOC NATCHITOCHES MANY

D

id you know La. Highway 1 is the longest numbered highway of any class in the state? In all, it’s 436 miles, beginning at the Arkansas-Louisiana-Texas border and heading south to Grand Isle.

The second leg of our trip picks up in Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish), a beautiful college town. Established in 1714, Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.

With its European influences, horse-drawn carriage tours and replica of the 1732 French colonial fort, the charming community is reminiscent of New Orleans, minus the big city feel.

There is plenty to experience in and around the city and, as you’ll see, it’s well worth the drive.

Enjoy!

JENA

MANY

FERRIDAY

ALEXANDRIA

SHELL ARMSTRONG AND PAM NEGROTTO

LEESVILLE

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RUSTON DRISKILL MOUNTAIN HIGH Turn southeast at Bryceland and travel another 5.3 miles and you’ll reach Louisiana’s highest natural summit.

Driskill Mountain – or as our friends in the Rockies would probably say, nice try – peaks at 535 feet.

A sign near the grounds of the Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church and Driskill Memorial Cemetery is the only indicator that you’ve arrived at the scenic spot.

The summit’s namesake, James Christopher Driskill, was born in Georgia and eventually relocated his family to Louisiana. He purchased 324 acres in Bienville Parish, including the mountain. The Civil War dealt the Driskills a rough hand – the eldest son died at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia and another disappeared after he left the Bayou State to fight.

JONESBORO

VILLE

MONROE Official , a nearby trail leads to a large pile of rocks marking the high point, but pipeline construction kept visitors away this particular day. Still, it’s a beautiful viewpoint atop Driskill Mountain, and a great reminder of the state’s diverse environs.

WINNFIELD

NSBORO

TCHITOCHES FERRIDAY

JENA

BEAUTIFUL BEAU JARDIN Natchitoches’ newest feature, Beau Jardin, has already been dubbed the most romantic spot in the city’s historic District.

The man-made water feature and garden area – located on the downtown riverbank in Virginia Baker Park, along the banks of the Cane River –

has been the venue of many a wedding, rehearsal dinner or setting for any intimate outdoor event. The space was designed and built by Alexandria’s Steve Zaorski.

The staircase is surrounded by a series of waterfalls flowing down into a series of smaller waterfalls and

eventually flowing into a stream that deposits into the Cane River. Quaint wooden bridges criss-cross from one section of the garden to another. Native plant and flowers adorn the walkways.

At night, an “up lighting” system spotlights Beau Jardin’s beauty. The view – day or night – is breathtaking.

ALEXANDRIA

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MINDEN SHREVEPORT

RUSTON

N

MANY JONESBORO

ANSFIELD WINNFIELD

NATCHITOCHES HEROES OR OUTLAWS?

Clyde Chestnut Barrow and Bonnie Elizabeth Parker were Public Enemy No. 1 between 1931 and 1935.

Their murderous robbing spree ended early May 23, 1934, on La. Highway 154, just south of Gibsland.

Authorities unloaded a hail of bullets into their stolen Ford Deluxe.

The Barrow Gang is believed to have killed 13 people, including nine police officers. The gang also robbed banks, stores and rural gas stations.

A cement marker on La. Highway 154 celebrates the spot where the pair died. The local chamber, police jury and the Authentic Bonnie &

MANY

Clyde Festival Committee year ’s later erected a bronze marker nearby to honor lawmen responsible for ending the couple’s crime spree.

In Gibsland – population 985 – the building that once was the town’s furniture store and mortuary has been converted into the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum. The very spot where the couple’s bodies once lay under guard protection now includes photographs, newspaper articles and video about the gangsters.

Also, a replica of the Ford, aka the “death car,” displays the ambush

A

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MONROE NATCHITOCHES

ON

RAYVILLE

J

MANY

WINNSBORO

ALEXANDRIA

LEESVILLE bullet holes. The Gibsland vehicle was used in the 1967 movie starring Warren Beaty and Faye Dunaway.

Curator Perry Carver remembers the original car well. His parents were friends with Bienville Parish Sheriff Tom Hinton, who stored the Ford at his home for years. As a youngster, Carver played cops and robbers in the vehicle. Today, the tan Ford V8 sits behind glass at a Primm, Nevada, casino.

Carver may well be one of the nation’s most knowledgeable Bonnie & Clyde experts. He’s befriended the Barrow, Parker and Hinton families – outlaws and authorities.

“This one puts Romeo and Juliet to shame,” Carver says of Bonnie and Clyde’s love affair. Despite her marriage to another, the pair was madly in love.

The morning the two met their end, Bonnie and Clyde visited Ma Canfield’s Café in town.

DERIDDER

JENA

HEROES OR OUTLAWS? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK AT POVHOUMA.COM.

ALEXANDRIA

“Bonnie had a BLT and Clyde had a Gibsland Special – a fried baloney sandwich,” Carver reports. “He took his with him and (police) recovered it still in its brown bag on the back seat. He never got to eat it.”

Authorities hid in the woods for two days waiting for Bonnie and Clyde. As they approached up the hill, officers unloaded their automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns. In all, more than 100 bullets were fired: 51 reportedly hit Clyde; 53 struck Bonnie. The aftermath was captured on 16mm film with a camera provided to one of the lawmen by a Dallas newspaper.

Each May 23, Gibsland re-enacts the “ambush.”

The day also includes a parade, complete with an Elvis impersonator and museum tours.

“I believe death is the wages of sin,” Carver says, “but by the end of their lives, Bonnie and Clyde had turned into Robin Hoods, helping others along the way.”

FERRIDAY

O

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NATCHITOCHES

N

MANY

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AL #NUTHOUSE IS A GREAT HOUSE!

The billboard promising pecans ahead is easy to spot. There’s little else along the stretch of La. Highway 1 leading to Cloutierville.

Natchitoches Pecans nonchalantly sits among a grove of pecan trees.

We missed the sign, but smelled the freshly made pecan brittle from the road. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)

Manager Linda met us at the door with a sample of the brittle and a tour of the shop.

Of course, the store carries every imaginable edible pecan concoction, but it also celebrates local artists – including Melrose Plantation’s famous folk artist, Clementine Hunter.

Mrs. Hunter ’s stylings are a bit out of Natchitoches Pecans’ price range; however, her grandson, James Hunter, has many works on display. James lived at the plantation with Clementine for 12 years, and soaked up everything. James picks up where his grandmother left off; her colorful, detailed works are reflective in his artwork.

LEESVILLE

LASYONE’S: SIMPLY THE BEST

Ask anyone within miles of Natchitoches who serves the best meat pies and the answer is the same: Lasyone’s!

Papa James Lasyone, who died in June, ran a small butcher shop in the 1960s. He began experimenting with meat pie recipes. Eventually, James found the perfect blend of spices, ground meat and pork fried in a delectable pastry shell, which he began

selling over the counter at the Live Oak Grocery.

Lasyone’s Meat Pie of Natchitoches opened in 1967 next door to the grocery. Today, James’ daughters, Angela Lasyone and Tina Smith, continue to serve the hand-rolled meat pies at the soulful Louisiana Creole restaurant and online.

Can’t wait for the Cane River Cream Pie to begin shipping.

DERIDDER

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NATCHITOCHES JENA

J

FERRIDAY

MANY YESTERYEAR SHOPPING TODAY

Step inside the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile store in Natchitoches and you’ll find yourself transported to 1863, when Jewish Prussian immigrants Adolph and Harris Kaffie first opened.

The Civil War was raging, and the only way to reach customers was by horse-drawn wagon.

Plantation wives bought household items and dry goods from the door-to-door salesmen on a regular basis. It didn’t take long for the Kaffie boys to set down roots on Front and Trudeau streets. Thirty years later, they paid $1,616.29 for the land and construction of the two-story building at 758 Front St., which still houses the mercantile more than 150 years later.

Louisiana’s oldest operating store remains mostly unchanged – although product lines have come and gone.

Ownership has also shifted from the Kaffie’s offspring to the third generation of Fredericks. Titus Frederick joined the staff in 1920 as a floor sweeper, worked his way to vice president and general manager and, by 1956, became a full-fledged partner in the company. Luke Frederick and his wife run the store today.

Staff still use the family-run business’s first cash register – a hand-cranked beaut encased in wood and purchased in 1917. The antique tops out purchases at $99.99, and tallies sales

ALEXANDRIA

ALEXANDRIA

LEESVILLE

DERIDDER

JOIN US NEXT MONTH WHEN WE CONTINUE POV’S LA 1 ADVENTURE HEADING SOUTH TOWARD ALEXANDRIA.

OPELOUSAS

ST. FRANCISVILLE

of Radio Flyer wagons, kitchen gadgets of every sort, home décor, electrical goods and the classic toys that line the shelves. And in tribute to Kaffie-Frederick, products from days long gone by line the wall displays.

“We see a lot of families from the area return items their grandparents or great-grandparents may have purchased here years ago,” our cashier, Lynne says, pointing toward a 1948 Cubmobile Derby car race trophy winner on a shelf. POV

ZACHAR

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O B

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Felix Theriot Terrebonne Parish Good Samaritan Food Bank

F

or most, retirement means sitting back and relaxing with little to nothing on the “to-do” list most days. For Felix Theriot, it means getting the opportunity to help out the community on a flexible and enjoyable schedule.

As a 40-year veteran of the oilfield, ha d work flowed th ough his veins and he wouldn’t let retiring slow him down.

“About a week later, I was just bored,” Felix remembers. He turned in his notice a little more than five years ago. “I picked u a few little jobs but decided I just wanted to volunteer. It’s good. It keeps me busy. It helps me and it helps them. Everybody benefits.

These days, Felix is virtually a full-time volunteer. Two days a week, he helps out shoppers at Thibodaux’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore and almost every other day, he’s working behind the scenes at the Terrebonne Parish Good Samaritan Food Bank.

There, you’ll find him organizing inventory in the warehouse, handing out meat and eggs or interviewing clients who fill the Houma food bank’s lobby on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

It’s hard work, Felix admits, but he loves feeling like he is helping in whatever way he can.

Although everyone he helps holds a special place in his heart, the influx of older people wh can’t survive on Social Security benefits alone and the littl ones coming in with their parents are the folks that stick with him the most.

“It makes you feel good ... They get a lot of groceries. We’re able to help these people out that have four kids or just lost their job. I go home feeling really, really good. Most times I sit back and say, ‘Man, that was great.’” POV

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The Art of

Respect MELISSA DUET

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C

ommunication is the key to any good relationship.

Whether between co-workers, family or neighbors, being able to express one’s self is essential to fostering positive, healthy relationships and communities.

The ability to communicate in a creative, inviting space is the motivation behind the second annual Art of Respect Program sponsored by The South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (SCLHSA), which is responsible for overseeing and performing functions related to the care, training and treatment of those with addictive, mental and emotional disorders. The program, held in conjunction with Terrebonne ARC, Assumption ARC, St. Charles ARC, St. Mary ARC, Lafourche ARC, Special Education District No. 1 – The Center, St. James ARC, St. John ARC and Brittany’s Project in Franklin, will be held throughout September and invites those with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities to create art projects as a means of expression.

Celebrate the unique gifts we all have at this month’s Art of Respect Programs: SEPT. 2 - Patterson Civic Center (Patterson)

St. John Arc (Laplace)

SEPT. 3 - Grenier Industries and Lafourche Arc (Thibodaux) SEPT. 9 - Special Education District 1 The Center (Cut Off SEPT. 16 - Assumption Community Center (Napoleonville) SEPT. 17 - Dumas Auditorium (Houma) For more information, to volunteer or sponsor a program, call 985.876.8805.

“The main motivation is to bring community awareness to issues affecting developmental and disabled populations,” SCLHSA Developmental Disabilities Director Wesley Cagle says of the program. “It also gives an opportunity for disabled individuals in the community to express themselves in regards to issues that are important to them.”

At six strategic locations spanning seven parishes, those participating in ARC programs will create paintings, drawings and other artwork based on reflections of the words “acceptance,” “inclusion,” “unity,” “friendship” and “respect.” Those words will serve as inspiration for works showcasing this year ’s program theme, “Superheroes are Different! Our Differences are our Superpower!”

“One of our team members with South Central who’s involved with the libraries saw that they had a summer reading project dealing with superheroes,” Wesley explains of the theme. “They talked about the fact that some of our participants are really into superheroes and it evolved from there. A POVHOUMA.COM 45

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THIS YEAR’S THEME:

Different!

Superheroes are Our Differences are our Superpower! group of us that worked on the project last year and are working on it again this year started kicking around the theme and we thought it was appropriate.”

Reflecting on uplifting words and themes also encourages community members to speak more positively in regard to those living with disabilities. The local program is inspired, in part, by the larger national Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies and various supporters to inspire respect and acceptance by eliminating offensive speech, like the use of the word “retardation,” in today’s society.

Wesley says having a place where those with disabilities and the public can express more positive language plays a large part in changing the way those living with disabilities and the issues they face are portrayed.

“While we were there [last year], it allowed us to really talk about getting rid of the ‘Rword’ and replacing that word with respect,” Terrebonne ARC Marketing and Business Development Director Erica Null Pellegrin says.

“It’s about being mindful of the language we use and how that language can hurt others.

The language and the words you use can be a negative or a positive thing and we prefer to use more positive language.”

“I think it is a good way for them to express themselves, even more so after having gone through it last year,” Wesley adds. “Asking these folks to demonstrate what respect means to them, I was blown away at some of the artwork that was created.”

And the program won’t be exclusively for those with disabilities. SCLHSA is also encouraging high school students throughout the seven participating parishes to get involved in an essay contest, which will be held closer to national Spread the Word the End the Word events in February 2016. Students will be encouraged to write about family members or people they may know with disabilities and how their differences contribute to everyday life.

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Following each event, the winning artwork and essays, both of which will be judged by a community artist, will be displayed at libraries and various other public places for locals to appreciate. The rest of the artwork will be used to create a large composite piece of art that will travel through area communities for Art of Respect shows and receptions.

“It was very eye-opening,” Erica says of last year ’s event in which Terrebonne ARC gathered with Terrebonne High School students to participate. “Some of them, their talents really blossomed through the project. Now we have some of those same people doing more and different kinds of art. It’s definitely a way for them to express themselves, especially for those that may have some difficulty with speech or a physical part.”

Five hundred and fifty individuals participated in last year ’s program. Wesley says SCLHSA hopes to encourage just as many to come out and be part of the celebration this year. With more participation comes more change, and with more change comes more opportunities for everyone to support each other in positive, encouraging ways.

“In my position, I don’t get a whole lot of face-to-face contact with our consumers, so volunteering for these events, and other folks shared the same sentiment, was such an awakening,” Wesley explains. “It makes you aware of and take into consideration things you assume or take for granted. Talking about people being uniquely different with disabilities, it ranges the whole spectrum. Everybody gained something from participating in the event and an appreciation. You get to see this by spending time with those individuals and everybody communicates in their own way.

You come away with things that you don’t necessarily think about unless you are living with somebody with a disability or very close to somebody with a disability. Everybody has something to say. Everybody has a story.” POV

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UNDER THE SCOPE JOHN DOUCET

Some Fusses about School Buses, Pt. 2 It’s

funny how memories from childhood days can be so strong and vivid. For instance, I remember only a little about the bus I rode to college, but I can tell lots about my elementary school bus.

My school bus driver ’s name was Mack. Bus drivers like Mr. Mack often had tough-sounding names with letters that could win you lots of points in a game of Scrabble, like Mack (12 points) or Rocko (11 points). This was wholly appropriate in a kid’s view of the world because bus drivers were tough men. With those really big steering wheels twice the size of a basketball hoop, bus drivers were the only mortals who could command those big roaring engines behind those mean looking engine grilles. Only they could negotiate those tight, 90-degree turns from street to highway just enough to tilt you into thinking the whole bus would tip over. And then, when the bus bounced down from the curb, righted itself, and you were saved, they became heroes as well.

Mr. Mack’s driver friends along the dismissal bus line had other rugged-sounding names as well. Some were named after prominent amphibians and reptiles. Others were named with some words that back then I only knew as Cajun French.

Nowadays, I know what those names mean in English, but it’s not appropriate to say them in public. And like their names, the men’s faces were ruggedized, too. Their faces showed scars from war or oil field work, showed permanent heavy wrinkles from summer trawling in the hot sun, and showed mouths squeezed into a pucker as if specially fitted to insert an unfiltered Camel cigarette.

Whenever a kid was misbehaving, was too loud, or standing while the bus was moving, Mr. Mack would shout in his pinched, gravelly voice “Sit down, Bozo!” Bozo, of course, was the name of the famous TV kid’s clown that none of us watched when we got home because we were either way too cool or way too terrified by clowns. Like every other kid riding that bus, one day I earned my Bozo moment.

Being a fledgling scientist, I decided to see for myself how the stop signs popped out the side of the bus during a stop. So, the next time Mr. Mack stopped on La. Highway 1 to let kids

out, I stood up, and put my head outside the window to see what I could see. “Sit down, Bozo!’ came the charge. But with that scolding, Mr. Mack did me a huge favor. I had been sitting on and poked my head out of a window on the right side of the bus. I was Bozo’d back to sitting before any of the other kids realized that what I was looking for only popped out of the left side of the bus. Mr. Mack saved me from a decade of intellectual shame at the hands of my peers.

Mr. Mack is gone now, as well as the drivers named for prominent reptiles and amphibians. Buses pass away, too, but sometimes not so easily. I can’t confirm whatever happened to my old elementary school bus, but I may have seen it on the evening news recently when Obama announced normalization of relations with Cuba. I think my old elementary school bus is now a library bookmobile in Havana.

Why are school bus experiences so memorable? Is it because of the relationships we’d built while riding in them? Is it because the August-September heat emblazoned memories in our minds while the only rotary fan available was pointed at the bus driver? Or maybe it’s that unmistakable glossy yellow that brightly paints all our school time memories. When I was a bus-riding kid in the ‘60s, I remember asking my dad why buses were painted all yellow. He explained that it was important for society to use one special color on school buses to separate and protect kids from the other people who painted their buses in all colors and often with flowery or paisley designs.

Regardless of their paint jobs, however, all buses benefit society with one important common service. Sporting some of the biggest windshields and biggest engine grilles on the road, buses benefit all of us and our cars and trucks by helping to reduce the lovebug population. Keep that in mind this September when you find yourself mouthing choice Cajun French incantations while caught in a line of traffic behind Mr. Mack. POV

John Doucet is the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Nicholls State University.

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OH SNAP Morning Glory A paupiere at sunrise on Bayou Dulac in Lower Dulac MISTY LEIGH MCELROY MISTYMACPHOTO.COM

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WHO AM I?

Courtesy of

You might think you know everyone

in the area, but some of our hometown's most upstanding citizens (those you would know) sure have changed!

Who Am I? • I was a competitive baton twirler and won Miss Majorette in junior high.

• I went to London and danced in a completion representing H.L. Bourgeois High School.

• As a little girl, I would help my father deliver Little Debbie cakes and came to be known as the “Little Debbie of Terrebonne Parish.”

• I played the saxophone as a child.

Check next month’s issue to learn my identity. Good luck!

Last month’s mystery young’n:

Roosevelt Thomas

Terrebonne Parish School Board President

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fi life 54 WARM UP

Fuel Up with Fruits and Veggies

56 FITMIND

That’s What Friends are For

57 THIBODAUX REGIONAL

September is National Prostate Health Month

58 RISING UP

Getting Grounded with Root 2 Rise

62 WHAT’S SHAKIN’

How You Can Roday Around Your Community POVHOUMA.COM 53

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WARM UP

Fuel Up With Fruits and Veggies

How Much Do You Need Daily?

W

hen it comes to fruits and vegetables, more matters. With so many processed, not-so-good-foryou products making their way to store shelves, it can be hard to pick an apple or carrots over sweet snack cakes, puddings or cookies.

Fruits and vegetables contribute essential nutrients for the human body, lowering the risk of chronic diseases and maintaining a healthy weight, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Through phytochemicals, the variety of compounds found in every fruit, vegetable, bean, grain and plant, get the job done by fueling the body with aids like beta-carotene, which is good for the bones, skin and vision, or lycopene, which makes the heart work

more efficiently.

Roughly 90 percent of adults and children, however, don’t eat the right amount of beneficial foods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says.

With obesity in the United States a major concern, eating more of the stuff that comes straight from the earth could turn things around. The Produce for Better Health Foundation, which raises awareness of healthier eating, says incorporating better choices during mealtime doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply focusing on filling about half your plate with fruits and vegetables, adding in whole grains, fat or low-fat milk, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs or nuts for meals that taste great. It will make you feel great, too. POV

FRUITS:

Girls 9 - 13 y/o: 1 cup Girls 14 - 18 y/o: 1 1/2 cups Women 19 - 30 y/o: 2 cups Women 31 y/o+: 1 1/2 cups Boys 9 - 13 y/o: 1 1/2 cups Boys 14 - 18 y/o: 2 cups Men 19 y/o+: 2 cups

VEGGIES:

Girls 9 - 13 y/o: 2 cups Girls 14 - 18 y/o: 2 1/2 cups Women 19 - 50 y/o: 2 1/2 cups Women 51 y/o+: 2 cups Boys 9 - 13 y/o: 2 cups Boys 14 - 18 y/o: 2 1/2 cups Men 19 - 50 y/o: 3 cups Men 51 y/o+: 2 1/2 cups *Source: United States Department of Agriculture

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FITMIND DR. J. MICHAEL FLYNN

That’s What Friends are For T

hirty years ago, the talented Dionne Warwick sang a song written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Baker Sager. In 1985, at a benefit for the American Foundation for Aids Research, Dionne shared the stage with Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder to sing it. “That’s What Friends are For” was created as a charity single and more than $3 million were raised for the cause.

Like many songs, the lyrics share a wonderful message. Warwick introduced the song to the audience by saying it is the art of loving, giving, caring and sharing that keeps us smiling and shining. The thought is that you can always count on friends to be on your side.

We have the opportunity every day to be friends. Building and maintaining trust is special to every friendship. Stephen Covey, who wrote the bestseller “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communications. Trust is the foundation principle that holds all relationships.”

There is a great confidence that comes with friendship and in being trustworthy and trusting. The confidence allows you to trust yourself and always cope and adapt “come what may.” How many times do we see people beating themselves up emotionally and being their worst critic when they could choose to be their own best friend?

Leading experts identify three emotions that breed a lack of confidence – hurt, worry and fear. Allowing these issues to fester can be crippling. Every parent wishes that children are never hurt, but it is an experience that few, if any, are free from.

If you want to keep smiling, make an effort every day to break bad habits; choose to be a lifelong learner; read; understand the importance of good nutrition in your diet, drink plenty of water and get proper rest; be conscious of your posture and your attitude; move more, laugh more.

We influence our lives with our thoughts, decisions and actions. Opportunities are there for us each day – to seek, find and bring joy into your life and to look for the beauty in yourself and in every friend. It is said that to be beautiful means to be your authentic self. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to first accept yourself.

Confidence is the ability to feel beautiful without needing someone to tell you, but smiling when someone does.

A new school year is beginning – a time for students to smile and make new friends. Another favorite quote goes like this, “Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow.

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

Keep smiling – keep shining. POV

Dr. J. Michael Flynn practices at the Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic in Houma.

He is available to “talk health” with your organization or club—call 985.855.4875 or visit WWW.DRMIKEFLYNN.COM.

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WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE LAURA GROS, RN, CBCN

September is National Prostate Health Month A

hhh September, the air is just a touch cooler, school is back in full swing, and every weekend is filled with football and more football … such a great time of year. What most of us usually don’t think about is that September is also National Prostate Health Month.

This is a time health care providers focus on raising awareness of prostate cancer and encourage men to have conversations about screening with his doctor.

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in American men. Despite the fact that this cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 220,800 American men in 2015 and will lead to the death of approximately 27,540 men, there is no universally agreed-upon plan for its detection, diagnosis and manage-

ment. Screenings, however, can offer an opportunity to catch the disease in its early stages when it’s potentially curable or when less aggressive treatments can be used possibly eliminating some of the expected side effects.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men, beginning at 45 for high-risk men and in their 50s for average risk, have a discussion with a physician who can review the pros and cons of testing and make a decision based on individualized risk. If a man decides to screen it is important for him to know that screening is not a diagnosis; it is a test only. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests and the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) provide valuable information to men and their doctors, but these tests are not a conclusive diagnosis. Abnormal

results are a “red flag” that a prostate biopsy may be needed to check for prostate cancer. If treatment is needed, there are several options available and the risks and benefits of each option should be discussed in detail with a physician. It should also be stressed that getting enough exercise, eating a well-balanced healthy diet and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use can aid in reducing cancer risk in general.

Encourage the men in your life to talk with their doctor about scheduling a prostate screening; together we can tackle prostate cancer. The Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional will offer free prostate screening PSA tests during the third full week in September. Please call (985) 493-4008 for more information or to register for the screening. POV

Laura Gros, RN, CBCN, is the Patient Care Coordinator for the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional.

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Rising Up 58 POINT OF VUE FITLIFE SEPTEMBER 2015

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MELISSA DUET CHANNING CANDIES

It might not look like much now, but Houma yoga studio and juice bar Root 2 Rise is well on it’s way to bringing approachable, enjoyable health and wellness options to the bayou region.

Work has already begun on the 605 Barrow St. location, and owners Shantelle Abshire and Leah Porche are eager to get the place up and running. But that hasn’t stopped them from teaching classes in the meantime.

Small groups gather throughout the week at the site, laying out yoga mats under exposed roof beams, the street noise filling the space like earthy background music. The raw atmosphere is a fitting backdrop as the first stage of a spot that will soon offer guests a chance to refresh and refocus.

Over the past year, Shantelle, former executive director of Anela’s Yoga and Wellness, met Leah, a certified dietitian, during a Bayou District Dietetics Association meeting. The two immediately hit it off. Shantelle dreamed up the business name one night and, before long, the idea took on a life of its own.

By July, a Facebook page was created announcing the venture and work began on the multi-room facility. It will feature a yoga room outfitted with heating elements for muscle relaxation and detoxification, a kid’s yoga room, juice bar, dining area and Internet cafe.

“In yoga, one of the cues is root down to rise,” Shantelle says. “You have to get grounded in your core to rise up, but POVHOUMA.COM 59

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Want to rise up with Root 2 Rise? Weekly class schedules and studio progress are shared at facebook.com/root2risehouma you can use that in so many areas in life.

We are rooted in this, but you have to go through some of the mess to rise above it ... This process has really bonded us. It hasn’t been easy. Every other day, there was a bump in the road and we’ve just had to stay in our greatness. We’ve really had to just keep focusing on how Houma can be a part of this, even people that are reserved about it. We’ve really had to just push for it – bring the knowledge, bring the understanding.”

When the studio is officially up and running sometime in October, Shantelle, Leah and a team of approximately eight yoga instructors will lead three to four classes per day. The sessions are rooted in the elements of Baptiste Yoga, named for creator Baron Bapiste, who evolved a practice founded by his father, Walt, into a method that is accessible to everyone. Beginners and

advanced yogis can practice together and the style is all about leading and assisting people in doing each move in proper form and in a way that makes them feel good.

“When we are teaching, we’re leading to find what your body can do,” Shantelle explains of the practice, which eliminates mirrors and music from the environment to truly focus on building a better mind, body and spirit. “What Leah can do and you can do may be two different things, but we can bring you to proper form and alignment and educate you so you know how to listen to yourself and know what you need that day.

Maybe you do feel tired or overwhelmed, but where can you get in your space to get comfortable in the uncomfortable?

It’s a lot of self-reflection and giving you the tools and empowerment of the mind. We’re leading you to go and think

within, think bigger.”

When participants are done with their class or in need of a nutritious breakfast or lunch, the studio’s juice bar and cafe will offer fresh-pressed juices and options such as spinach salads that can be enjoyed there or on-the-go. Fallon Chauvin, a culinary student with expertise in gluten-free living, and Matthew Greathouse, an organic farmer, man the kitchen area. Leah says most of what is used will be repurposed to get the most out of every product – using carrot pulp from juices for muffins, for instance.

Cooking demonstrations and other educational workshops are also in the works to impart the skills necessary to live a well rounded lifestyle at the studio and at home.

“We’re making it easy and combining it with our southern culture,” Leah explains. “You can eat your comfort foods

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and your home-cooked meals that your grandma made but let’s just do this little thing [to make it healthier.]”

Shantelle and Leah hope to eventually become an affiliate studio for Baptiste Yoga, offering teacher training to attract people from other areas to Houma to learn and grow. That outreach will also increase by working with Houma’s Sowing Seeds Community Garden to introduce local harvest.

Through a karma team, the studio will alsot allow those who can’t afford yoga classes to earn free classes in exchange for work around the studio.

The ability to reach more people is at the heart of the Root 2 Rise mission. Shantelle and Leah envision the space becoming a place where friends and family can gather in the name of a more positive, energized life.

“We’ll be there for people who need to go to work early, people who have time for lunch, people with an early dinner time, people who eat later,” Leah explains. “We want to make it where if you are going to spend an hour doing something, this is something for everyone.”

“It’s more than just coming and being fit. It’s not about having the perfect body,” Shantelle adds. “It’s about clearing the junk so you can have your greatness.” POV POVHOUMA.COM 61

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WHAT’S SHAKIN’

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT IN OUR CALENDAR? Shoot an email to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM and we’ll help spread the word.

St. Bernadette Panda Meander

Alligator Stomp 5K

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, FUN RUN: 8:30 A.M., 5K: 9 A.M.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, HALF-MILE: 9 A.M., 5K: 9:10 A.M.

WHERE: St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma

WHERE: Bridge Park, Luling

DETAILS: Dash to the finish line in support of the elementary

school at this annual half-mile fun run and 5K. Registration and packet pick-up begins at 8 a.m. Fee is $10 for either race.

CONTACT: IMATHLETE.COM

Bayou Bell Ringers 5K SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 9 A.M.

DETAILS: Run or walk along the Mississippi River Trace pathway during the Alligator Festival. Following the race, participants receive free entry to the festival and post-race refreshments.

T-shirts are given out on race day to pre-registered entrants first, followed by race-day registrants as supplies allow. Adult registration is $20 through Sept. 18 and $25 after; youth registration is $15 through Sept. 18 and $20 after.

CONTACT: NOLARUNNING.COM

WHERE: Bayouside Park, Lockport

DETAILS: Race to the finish line in support of the organization, which plays the hand bells at various community performances. Following the race, white beans, jambalaya and hamburgers are served. Fingerprinting for children and health screens are also available. Registration is $30.

CONTACT: BAYOUBELLRINGERS.ORG

The Macho Man Tri at the Y SUNDAY, SEPT. 20, 6:15 A.M. WHERE: Bayouland YMCA, Houma

DETAILS: This triathlon promotes health and fitness with a 200-

yard indoor swim, 12-mile bike and 2-mile run. Participants are divided by age and the transition area opens at 6:15 a.m. in the YMCA parking lot. Individual registration is $40; relay teams (2-3) are $90. Early registration is through Sept. 8 and late registration is through Sept. 18. The triathlon benefits the YMCA’s fitness efforts and improvements to the facility’s pool.

CONTACT: RUNSIGNUP.COM, 985.209.7397

Doc’s Dash 5K SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 1-MILE: 7:30 A.M., 5K: 8:05 A.M. WHERE: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge DETAILS: Participants of all ages are welcome in this 5K and

1-mile fun run to benefit research at the Baton Rouge facility. 1-mile fun run registration is $15; 5K registration is $25 through Sept. 13; $30 through Sept. 23; and $35 on race day.

CONTACT: DOCDASH.PBRC.EDU

Tipitina’s Foundation Rhythm and Blues Run SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 5 P.M. WHERE: Tipitina’s Uptown, New Orleans

DETAILS: The Tipitina’s Foundation hosts this run and outdoor festival in support of the iconic New Orleans music venue.

The course begins at Tipitina’s Uptown, taking participants along Tchoupitoulas Street and finishing back at Tipitina’s.

Registration is $30 for adults and $20 for youth through Sept.

20.

Contact: RUNNOTC.ORG

Cajun Reebox 5K SUNDAY, SEPT. 27, 11 A.M. WHERE: Downtown Houma

The newest addition to the Best of the Bayou Festival, the race runs through the heart of the Houma music festival. Awards are given to top finishers and participants get free items. Don your fanciest shrimp boots for a chance to win a prize. Registration is $30.

CONTACT: CAJUNREEBOX5K.RACEWIRE.COM

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TELL ME WHY JANELL PARFAIT

We

start asking “Why?” at a very young age. And, frankly, we never seem to grow out of the habit. So ... in the spirit of being inquisitive, we decided to keep on asking and searching for answers to some of life’s most perplexing questions.

Why do our stomachs growl?

Contrary to popular belief, stomach rumbling does not mean that your body is so starved that it is eating itself. The sound that resonates from your digestive system is actually a result of peristalsis, a series of contractions that carries food throughout the digestive path. As food, liquid and stomach acid make their way through the intestines, the mixture of contents turns into a gooey blend called chyme. Like bread dough, chyme has pockets of air and gas that, when squeezed, create the sound we commonly hear as a growl or a rumble. As for your empty stomach, your brain is simply telling your digestive system to restart the cycle. The vibrations from an empty stomach are more intense this time, eventually making you feel hungry.

Why do paper cuts hurt so badly?

Compared to the rest of our body, your fingertips have the most nociceptors, or nerve fibers.

With such heightened sensitivity, cuts on your fingertips feel significantly more painful. In addition, a paper ’s edge is very dull and flexible compared to a knife or other sharp object, making the cut more jagged and uneven. Plus the cut is so shallow that the nerves on your fingertips won’t even bother to ask your brain to ease the pain. The paper cut is so shallow that, without much blood to scab over the wound, your nerves will be exposed to the air for much longer than a deeper cut.

Why are they called Buffalo wings?

Ah, Buffalo wings, a staple for every Super Bowl party and a legitimate excuse to go to Hooters. While the inventor of Buffalo wings is debatable, historians agree that the dish originated in Buffalo, N.Y., in the 1960s. In one account, bar owner Teressa Bellissimo improvised an appetizer for her patrons by cutting fried wings and serving them with bleu cheese sauce. In another account, Chef John Young served his breaded wings coated in “mambo sauce.” By the 1980s, the least popular part of the chicken had become a culinary treasure across the United States. POV

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Tailgating in Bayou Country It’s

back! Burgers are on the grill, your lucky jersey is out of the closet and the roar from the crowd electrifies the air inside stadiums across the country. Football season is here and PoV wants to help you get tailgate ready. Here are our five picks to take game-day preparation to the next level.

Customized Stadium Seats THREE STITCHES, THIBODAUX, 985.446.3358 Sit pretty in one of these stadium seats from the local embroidery and gift shop.

Comfortable and easy to carry to the stadium, these are a must-have for watching your favorite player hit the field. The seats come in a variety of colors and team names or logos for high school or collegiate schools may be added. Support legs for tailgate party relaxation are sold separately.

The Companion

by Holland Grill EMILE’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES, THIBODAUX, 985.446.7555 If you want the grill that can do it all, this is the one. Compact and portable, this tailgate necessity can fit into any space and takes up minimum room for outdoor parties. The exclusive design prevents flare-ups and an expanded cooking grid provides plenty of room to cook your pre-game feast.

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Yeti Tank RICHARD’S RESTAURANT SUPPLY, HOUMA, 985.868.9240

Tub Cooler OUTSIDE AND IN, HOUMA, 985.876.7809

Team Sports Aprons POUR MOI, HOUMA, 985.655.3500 Cooking before the big game isn’t complete without a LSU or Saints apron for the grillmaster. With plenty of pockets, chefs can store all their cooking utensils in one spot and wear their favorite colors with pride. Pour Moi also has coasters, mugs, koozies and more to make your tailgate the place to be before each game.

With the ability to fit into even the smallest tailgate spaces, this cooler is just what you need to keep your drinks ice cold all afternoon. The nylon, insulated tub holds 72 cans and is constructed with a leak-proof liner to avoid mid-party messes. Set up and fold down in minutes for instant pre-game refreshments.

This hard-working ice bucket will keep your specialty pre-game punch chilled to perfection and it looks good doing it. Created with the same indestructible and insanely insulated materials Yeti’s ice chests are known for, these 45or 85-gallon buckets suit family gatherings or block parties equally. Before heading to the stadium, twist the company’s Vortex Drain Plug for quick cleanup. POV

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CASEY GISCLAIR FACEBOOK / THE HEBERT FAMILY

Hebert’s mystique began as underdog prep quarterback at South Lafourche

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To avid football fans around the state, the name Bobby Hebert conjures up images of one of two things.

T

he first would be Hebert’s time as the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints – a gig he held successfully throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. At the time, that period in Saints history was the most successful run – a time when the Dome Patrol ruled the city.

The second would be Hebert’s postNFL career as the opinionated radio voice of the Saints – the hand-picked replacement for the late Buddy Diliberto. Hebert can be heard throughout the week on WWL, but he’s in rare form before, during and after Saints games.

He tells it like it is – take it or leave it.

Hebert doesn’t have a filter, and likely never will. That’s why he’s so good at what he does.

But hop in a car and drive south to Hebert’s hometown of Galliano in the marshy plains of southern Lafourche Parish, and ask the natives for a quick story or two about the famous local legend. You might be surprised at what you hear. They won’t tell you about his time with the Saints. The radio gig? Nah, they likely will skip that part, as well.

The locals will tell you about the night Hebert led the South Lafourche High POVHOUMA.COM 69

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School football team to the State Championship in the 1977 season. During the story, they’ll inevitably also tell you about a play known in these parts as “the deflection” – the play that the Tarpons used to win the game, which is now widely regarded as one of the best in the history of high school football in the Houma-Thibodaux area.

It was the night the Cajun Cannon was officially born and started on its two-decade trek, which saw collegiate and pro success – both as a member of the USFL and then, of course, with the Saints.

Cajun Cannon Starts as Typical Cajun Child

Bobby Hebert isn’t known as the Cajun Cannon where he was born and raised.

No matter how famous the quarterback gets, he’ll always be known as “Bobby J” – the name his parents and closest friends have called him for his whole life.

The nickname is a mixture of a couple

things. For starters, the Cajun Cannon is Bobby Jr. – the son of Bobby Sr. and Paula Hebert. The father and son’s middle names are also both Joseph, which is also in part where the “J” comes from.

To his mother, young Bobby could do no wrong. The local legend has joked in multiple interviews that when he’d get fussed by his father, his mom would often smooth over the punishment or try to cover up his infractions.

“She’d let me get away with anything,” Bobby said, laughing in a 2008 interview at a South Lafourche practice. “I got to do pretty much whatever I wanted.”

But away from the typical boyhood mischief, Bobby Sr. said he always saw innate leadership characteristics in his son. Bobby J wasn’t the best athlete the world’s ever seen, nor the biggest.

He grew to be 6-feet, 4-inches and 215 pounds at his peak, but as a child, he was the same size as everyone else.

The way Bobby stood tall at that time

wasn’t through physicality, but through being vocal and having a natural ability to lead and motivate children throughout the neighborhood.

His father remembers watching it from afar and observing that strength in his son.

“When he was growing up, he was always in charge. He had to be in charge,” Bobby Sr. said. “He had to be the captain of the team in the neighborhood. He knew the game and he was very competitive. He wasn’t the greatest athlete, but he was competitive and he worked hard at it.”

The Makings of a Special Season … If a Quarterback Emerged

Walk inside the double doors of the South Lafourche football field house and you immediately see that the school honors and respects its’ storied past.

Giant photos on the concrete walls pay

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Colonels ready to begin turnaround under Rebowe

2015 Football Schedule (0-12 IN 2014; TIM REBOWE, HEAD COACH) SEPT. 12

@ UL-MONROE

SEPT. 19

@ INCARNATE WORD

SEPT. 26

@ COLORADO

OCT. 3

VS. MCNEESE STATE

OCT. 10

@ STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

OCT. 17

VS. HOUSTON BAPTIST

OCT. 24

@ SAM HOUSTON STATE

OCT. 31

VS. NORTHWESTERN STATE

NOV. 7

@ LAMAR

NOV. 14

VS. CENTRAL ARKANSAS

CASEY GISCLAIR

T

here’s a new sheriff in town in Thibodaux, and he has the Nicholls State University football team excited about what’s to come.

The Colonels are going to play their first season under first-year coach Tim Rebowe this fall.

Nicholls has a lot of work to do to become competitive again. Rebowe is the first one to admit that. But he believes that the Colonels will reestablish their winning ways under his watch.

“We want to make this a football program that the people in this community can rally around and be proud of,” Rebowe said. “I think our players have been very receptive to the things we’re teaching, and I love the energy that we’ve shown in practices. I think we’re off to a good start.”

Offensively, the Colonels have had just three 1,000-yard rushers in school history. Two of those three are in the backfield this fall.

Rebowe said quarterback Tuskani Figaro and halfback Michael Henry will be major weapons in the Colonels spread attack, which will utilize heavily the running game.

Rebowe is a defense-first guy, and he said that Nicholls can keep opponents out of the end zone if they do two things.

“We need to be aggressive and run to the football – that’s the first thing,” Rebowe said. “And second, we have to avoid the big play. We can’t give up so many big plays.”

The Colonels open the 2015 season Sept. 12 at UL-Monroe.

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tribute to the dozens upon dozens of All-District players who have played for the prestigious program since its inaugural season in the mid-1960s.

Sitting on a wall by itself is a poster honoring the Tarpons’ 1977 team – the last in school history to ever win the State Championship.

A Hollywood writer couldn’t have better scripted the story. It was fate in the purest form, and probably should be retold in a movie.

The Tarpons had high expectations that year, and were fresh off a 10-2 season. Bobby wasn’t well known to anyone at the time. He wasn’t the star of the team, nor the All-Everything quarterback. In fact, Bobby J didn’t even play offense. He was a starting defensive back for the Tarpons in his sophomore and junior years. He knew that he had an arm, but never complained. He was content to play defense.

“He loved to hit,” Bobby Sr. said.

But when 1977 came around, the Tarpons needed a quarterback because 1976’s starter Boogie LeBlanc had graduated from the team.

Bobby wasn’t a shoe-in replacement for Boogie. In fact, he wasn’t even named the team’s starter out of summer camp.

But after opening the season with a 1-1 record and an offense that was struggling to score points, legendary Tarpons coach Ralph Pere gave Bobby the position in the third game of the season.

Bobby J took the bull by the horns and started every game for the rest of his prep career.

South Lafourche made the playoffs in 1977, but they were far from dominant along the way. With three losses in the regular season, many wondered exactly how far Bobby could take the team when it mattered most.

Defense wasn’t the problem. The Tarpons were dominant on that side of the ball. But the team’s offense sometimes struggled against top-flight competition.

But as Bobby got more and more experience, he found a groove. South Lafourche opened postseason play with easy wins over Landry and Bogalusa.

No biggie. They were supposed to win those games on paper.

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by quarterback and eventual pro John Fourcade. Riding that momentum, they trumped Bogalusa in the semifinals to set up a winner-take-all Class 4A Championship Game with powerhouse Bonnabel.

The Bruins were fierce that season, and everything about the flow of the game pointed to them walking away with the trophy. Bonnabel led 20-14 late in the fourth quarter, and the Tarpons’ luck was running out in a hurry. South Lafourche got the ball into Bruins territory, but stalled. It was fourth and goal and there was barely any time left.

Bobby had one play left to make something happen.

What happened next was the birth of the legend that is the Cajun Cannon.

Cajun Cannon is Born

Because we know where Bobby is in life today, it might be easy for one to predict the ending to this story. Of course, the Tarpons score the touchdown and win the game powered by Bobby’s right arm.

But place yourself into the shoes of a Tarpon fan at the time it was happening, and you can see why there was a huge cause for concern.

Bobby has a big arm, yes. But no one really knew that then.

South Lafourche ran a Wing-T offense that utilized running plays over the pass on probably 85-to-90 percent of its snaps.

Standing in the huddle on this gamesaving fourth down play, Bobby stared into the eyes of his teammates having completed just 2-of-14 passes on the night.

To those not familiar with football statistics, Bobby was not having a very good game.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you throw it,” Scott Bouzigard, a senior split end on that 1977 team, said. “It’s what you accomplish with what you throw that matters.”

Remember Scott’s name. He’s about to become a huge part of our story.

Bobby got under center and surveyed the defense. He looked to his left and then his right.

The snap is delivered to his hands. He drops back to pass. The Tarpons needed too many yards to run the ball and get them all on one play.

No one is open.

The defense is barreling in.

Still – no one is open.

They’re getting closer. A few are now within striking distance of the quarterback.

Bobby sees a chance to make a play. He fires a pass into the end zone.

A Bonnabel defender sees the same

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thing Bobby sees. He jumps the route and deflects the football into the air – a play that 999,999 times out of 1 million would end the game and clinch the title for the Bruins.

But on this night, fate wouldn’t have any of it. The leather ball caromed off the defender ’s hand and then headed south toward the ground. Before it got there, Scott got under it and squeezed it and then fell into the end zone.

The pass wasn’t intended for Scott, who is now the principal of Holy Rosary School in Larose, but he was the recipient of it.

The referees in the end zone placed their hands in the air to signify 6 points.

The miracle play the Tarpons needed was complete. It was a touchdown, and it was the beginning of a party throughout the South Lafourche community, which stretches from Larose to Leeville.

After a game-winning extra point, Bobby and the Tarpons were now State Champions.

And the Cajun Cannon was born.

“You never expected them to do what they did, but it happened,” Hebert Sr. said looking back on the story often told by fans in the area. “I remember me going on the field and jumping over the railing. It was something that you couldn’t believe.”

“That moment in time was probably one of the greatest moments in both of our lives because of what it meant to the school, what it meant to the community,” Scott added. “It’s a storybook ending no one could have ever predicted.”

Because of his athleticism and powerful arm, Bobby was offered a scholarship by Northwestern State. The smaller schools stayed away, because he didn’t have great stats in the Tarpons’ run-happy offense.

Given a chance to throw the ball more often, Bobby thrived and became one of the best Demons quarterbacks in history.

He was drafted by the USFL in 1983 and played in the league in 1985. He signed with the Saints in 1985 and was a member of the team until 1992. He finished his career with the Falcons from 1993-96.

Today in addition to his radio responsibilities, Bobby is a partner in Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon – an eatery and bar located at 4101 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie.

He’s a big shot – no doubt. He’s a Louisiana celebrity, for sure.

But to those back home, he’s still Bobby J. They’ll happily tell you where the nickname Cajun Cannon came from.

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3

The number of times that the New Orleans Saints play in primetime – all of the games will be in the Superdome. The Saints will face the Cowboys in Week 4, the Falcons in Week 6 and the Lions in Week 15 – all at 7:30 p.m.

5

The number of 2014-15 NFL Playoff teams that New Orleans will square off with during the slate. The Saints will face the Cardinals, Panthers (twice), Cowboys, Colts and Lions throughout the 16-game slate.

69

The number of passes Las Vegas projects Saints second-year receiver Brandin Cooks to catch in the 2015-16 season. Cooks caught 53 passes as a rookie in 10 games. He’s been a big threat in the preseason.

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4

The 2015-16 season will be a historic one for Drew Brees – assuming he stays healthy. The veteran quarterback needs four touchdown passes to get 400 in his career. He also needs 63 completions for 5,000. For a bad stat? He’s six interceptions shy of 200 for his career, as well.

Nov.

16-28 These would be the best days to plan a wedding or vacation in the fall, as the Saints take their bye week after a Nov. 15 game with the Redskins and then don’t play again until Nov. 29 against the Texans.

Both games are on the road.

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BEST OF THE BAYOU T

hree days, 21 acts, a number of food and craft vendors and a fantastic venue – that’s at the heart of the Best of Bayou.

The festival poster, a celebration of Sportsman’s Paradise painted by local artist Mike Slage – is printed. The signature cocktail is being judged as we go to press. Cuisine from the area’s top chefs and eateries, local art and handmade crafts are being readied for purchase. And the bands are tuned to play.

After a rainy start, the festival has Marc Broussard and Voodoo Bayou back for a mulligan (golf term for do-over, dear readers). Cajun, zydeco, soul, funk and country – all genres are covered.

MARC BROUSSARD

S

inger-songwriter Marc Broussard of Carencro has been active in the music world all his life, starting when he was sitting in with his father ’s band at the age of 5. Armed with just a guitar and his soulful R&B voice, he has managed to produce six studio albums and one live album in his 13-year career. Marc has made guest appear-

THE REVIVALISTS

T

his New Orleans-based group consists of seven members on a variety of instruments, including a horn section. The Revivalists’s genre cannot be defined in one word: this self-described “rock hybrid” band derives its sound from rock, soul, funk, country, roots and folk. Rolling Stone magazine

ances with the likes of Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, Willie Nelson, O.A.R., Bonnie Raitt and LeAnn Rimes. With such diversity in genres, his style cannot be defined as simply folk or soul. Rather, Marc calls his style “bayou soul,” hybridizing the “born on the bayou” lifestyle with blue-eyed soul.

describes The Revivalists’ live performances as “a Crescent City-rhythm spin on jam-band jubilee.” Don’t expect a straightforward set list that adheres to their albums; these guys are prone to jamming and vocalist David Shaw’s antics will keep the audience alive and engaged.

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BABY BEE

BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION

ouma brothers Joe and David Stark are the masterminds behind that raw garage sound.

ed by trombone powerhouse Big Sam Williams, the Nation is a fusion of jazz improvisation and funk. Their live performances can be described as “high voltage.”

he All-Stars are a rag-tag group of Cajun musicians with one common goal: to preserve south Louisiana’s zydeco heritage.

CORPORATE AMERICA

DULAC SMACK

GOOD FEELIN’

H

N

ew Orleans-based outfit with rock, R&B and funk roots.

L

H

ouma-based quartet with rock, blues and Americana feel.

CAJUN MUSIC PRESERVATION ALL STARS

T

J

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DON’T MISS THESE ACTS MAGGIE KOERNER Pop; Shreveport

LIL NATHAN AND THE ZYDECO BIG TIMERS Zydeco; Lafayette

NONC NU AND DA WILD MATOUS Zydeco, blues, rock, country; Thibodaux

SWEET CRUDE BAND Indie rock; New Orleans

JO-EL SONNIER

C

ajun country recording artist from Westlake

KELLY WILLIS

S

inger-songwriter combines rockabilly with country

PONTCHARTRAIN WRECKS

Rock, Americana; New Orleans

TERRI & THE FELLAS

Country; Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes

TRAVIS MATTE & THE KINGPINS Zydeco; Scott

WAYLON THIBODEAUX

Cajun, Zydeco, swamp pop; Houma

KRISTIN DIABLE

S

inger-songwriter fuses soul and Americana

LOUISIANA LEROUX

S

elf-described “musical gumbo” of blues, R&B, jazz, rock, funk and Cajun

VOODOO BAYOU

Rock, country, swamp pop; Houma

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LIVING WELL DEBBIE MELVIN

A Lifetime with Cast Iron N

othing lasts forever. But if you have a cast iron pot, you may doubt that statement. Cookware made of cast iron has been around for hundreds of years and there are many reasons as to why it is still popular even today.

The material is durable, distributes heat evenly and retains heat well. It sears meat beautifully and admittedly makes the best fried chicken and seafood.

Raw cast iron is reactive, meaning it can react with acidic foods, such as tomato-based products, and alkaline foods, like dry beans or corn. With the reaction, iron is leached into these foods. This can be a good thing if you want to enrich what you are cooking, but it can also elicit a metallic flavor and discolor the finished product.

My experience has taught me that okra cooked in cast iron will turn black or an unsavory gray.

If you have acquired an old iron pot, it is probably slick and impermeable because it has become well-seasoned with repeated use. This type of seasoning occurs as oil absorbs into the metal and forms a barrier. This also makes the pot naturally nonstick. Some manufacturers of cast iron cookware market it as preseasoned, and in many cases this may work quite well. I have had cornbread muffins stick, however.

There is a certain mystique about cleaning cast iron to keep this patina intact. If you use the pot often, simply wipe it out after each use. Unfortunately, if the oil coating turns rancid before you use the pot again, foods cooked in it will taste bad. There is a better way. You may have read that you should never wash cast iron with detergent. But some foods demand a more thorough cleanup. While the pot is hot, fill it with wate . You can let it soak briefl , but never let it sit for hours or put it in the dishwasher. Once cool, use a plastic scrub pad to clean it well. Another idea is to just dry it, and rub it with coarse salt to remove anything that might have cooked on. It is very important that the pot be completely dry before storing. Place it in a hot oven or on the stove top and heat it until it begins to smell.

If the pot has a lid, dry it the same way and store it separately.

If you come across cast iron cookware at a garage sale, snatch it up and bring it home to recondition it yourself. Even the grungy ones are often salvageable, and can usually be had at a good price.

If the old cookware appears to have years of caked-on burned food, a prominent cast iron cookware manufacturer recommends coating the pot or skillet inside and out with oven cleaner and placing it in a garbage bag. It can take a few days and may require more than one application.

Follow with a 30-60 minute 2:1 water and white vinegar soak to neutralize the lye. Scrub with a steel wool pad, rinse and dry on the stovetop. The pot must be seasoned immediately to prevent rusting. Here are two options: • Place the cleaned dry skillet upside down in a 250 degree oven for 15 minutes. Increase the temperature to 500 degrees and let the skillet heat up for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven. With care, since the skillet will be very hot, rub vegetable shortening all over the inside and outside using paper towels. Rub off excess with paper towels so it just appears wet. Return the oiled skillet to the oven, upside down, and let it cool while the oven cools. Repeat oiling after 30 minutes. After one hour, it should be seasoned and ready for use.

• Coat inside and outside of cookware with vegetable oil, using about 2 tablespoons. Place cookware in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 ½ hours. Remove from oven and cool thoroughly before storing. I have even re-seasoned a cast iron skillet while I was using the oven for something else.

Some people say you can clean neglected cast iron in a selfcleaning oven, but given that high heat can warp or crack cast iron, I would be afraid to try it.

The best way to build up a good layer of seasoning on cast iron? Use it. With proper care and use, cast iron cookware can last nearly forever. POV

Debbie Melvin, M.S., C.F.C.S., is a former extension agent for the LSU AgCenter.

She specializes in nutrition.

DMELVI N @AGCTR.LSU.EDU

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CHECK IT OUT KEISA ARCENEAUX

Rules for Breaking A

shley Elston, a Louisiana native, delivers again in her newest book “Rules for Breaking.” It is the follow up novel to her debut “Rules for Disappearing.”

“Rules for Breaking” picks up just a few weeks after the events of “Rules for Disappearing.” Anna Boyd’s family has decided to remain in Natchitoches. This allows Anna to remain close to her friends and her boyfriend, Ethan. Her family is beginning to adjust to a life outside of witness protection, they have assumed their real identities, her dad has a new job, her sister is becoming more social and her mom is in rehab getting the help she needs. For those who are close to Anna, everything appears fine and they believe the danger is gone. However, Anna is hiding a secret; she knows Thomas, the assassin hired to kill her, is still out there watching her.

It is not long before the FBI discovers Anna’s secret and they are back in her family’s lives. Before the threat can be eliminated, Thomas kidnaps Anna, her sister Teeny, and Ethan and brings them to New Orleans. While trapped at the Ursuline Convent, they realize the only chance they have of surviving is by being cautious and relying on one another. While in New Orleans, she meets up with a couple of individuals she never thought she would see again. This sparks the realization that those she believed she could trust are the very individuals that have betrayed her and her family. Leaving her to wonder who she can really trust with the knowledge that even after they escape they cannot run forever. She knows that in order to protect those she loves she will have to take a chance by risking a deal with the very person hired to kill her.

Though the idea of three teenagers outwitting a professional assassin without much adult assistance may be farfetched, Elston manages to create a successful story. This fast-paced story filled with suspense, attention to detail and local history and relatable characters will appeal to young adult readers. POV

Keisa Arceneaux is the acquisitions librarian for the Terrebonne Parish Library System.

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BEHIND THE BREW DWAYNE ANDRAS

September: The Month for Oktoberfest A

fter reading the title of this month’s column, you may think I must’ve been drinking a few too many beers prior to writing, but nope ... that is not the case. September is the month for Oktoberfest – a 16-day German festival, which ends the first Sunday of October.

Many craft beer lovers may recognize Oktoberfest as a popular style of beer released in the early fall. The origins of the real Oktoberfest dates back to Oct. 12, 1810, when the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese were wed in Munich, Germany. At that time, the festival was only a five-day celebrated event highlighted by a horse race (the last such race was held in 1960).

Oktoberfest is an anniversary celebration that has continued to expand since 1810, although it has been cancelled 24 times over the last 200-plus years because of wars and cholera outbreaks.

In 1896, the first beer halls originated and were sponsored by the breweries, similar to the modern-day beer tents, and highlighted by Oktoberfest beer!

Oktoberfest is a style of beer called a Marzen.

It is characterized by containing up to 6 percent ABV, is bottom fermented, and has to be lagered (stored and aged in a cool environment) for at least 30 days. Historically brewed in March in Germany, the beer was allowed to age over the summer and drink in the fall, usually beginning in September. This predated the invention of modern refrigeration. Oktoberfest is usually a darker, strong beer compared to most traditional German beers.

It is brewed in accordance with strict German standards – the Reinheitsgebot, which have been in effect since 1516. The standards by law require the four ingredients allowed in the brewing of beer: barley, hops, malt and yeast.

In recent times, only six Munich breweries are allowed to sell beer at the Oktoberfest celebration: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. They are represented among the multiple large and small tents and various beer gardens in Munich. In 2014, seating for more than 98,000 guests was erected. The beer is sold and served in Maß, a 1-liter mug. To work the event, waiters and beermaids must be able to carry 10

of these mugs at one time. No easy task to say the least!

There are an ever-growing number of breweries that brew very solid Oktoberfest beer. I suggest you try a variety of Oktoberfest beers. Samples are available from Louisiana brewers as well as others, and make an interesting comparison to traditional German Oktoberfest beers. It is easy to detect the four simple ingredients present, and the variety evident with the same beer type. Notice the aroma, color, carbonation, the thick feel in our mouth and the taste of the various Oktoberfest beers.

Beginning this month, enjoy Oktoberfest. You don’t have to wait until October! POV

Dwayne Andras is a home brewer and selftaught beer expert in continuous search of the perfect pint. Chat with him about your favorite brew at DWAYNE.ANDRAS@GMAIL.COM.

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A VUE FROM THE VINE LANE BATES

Austria’s Grüner a Sommelier Favorite T

his month we will review the most famous wine from Austria, Grüner Vetliner – Grüner for short. Although a lesser-known variety since it is not widely grown around the world, Grüner is the showpiece wine in Austria and one of the world’s best white wines. Grüner is a white grape that yields concentrated, harmonious wines that have lots of finesse and style and drink well when young, but can also age well for several years – even longer for some wines. Grüner is also widely planted in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. There are also quite a few California and Oregon wineries that grow it in small amounts. Here are a few current selections:

Domaine Wachau Grüner Vetliner Federspiel Terrassen 2014, $15.99

This Grüner comes from one of the most renowned wineries in Austria. The wine is produced from steep, terraced vineyards and offers enticing aromas of tropical fruit, pepper, spice and hints of apple.

The wine has good body and texture with firm, crisp acidity that mingles with fruit and spice for a long-lasting finish. A superb, textbook example of Grüner that is drinkable now or over the next several years.

It’s a perfect wine to pair with fish and seafood, which makes it great for south Louisiana cuisine.

Laurenz Singing Grüner Vetliner 2014, $14.99

The Laurenz family brings us another great example of Grüner. This dry white offers aromas and flavors of lime, lemon and grapefuit. On the palate, there are some herbaceous flavors balanced with bracing acidity, for which Grüner is known. The acidity sails on to a crisp, clean finish with mild spice notes. POV

Lane Bates is the wine and spirits specialist at Cannata’s. Feel free to visit him to find out mo e.

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BON APPÉTIT BECCA WEINGARD

Homemade Swiss Cake Roll MAKES 2 ROLLS

I

get out of bed to unravel the mysteries behind a homemade swiss cake roll. Lost to the testing process, I escape to a utopia of chocolate and vanilla clouds dancing across my tastebuds.

Texture, flavor and nostalgia, married into a spiral of pillowed perfection.

Eggs, give me a beaten egg any day.

Whip them into a self-rising, mountainous leavening agent, or beat them into a protein rich breakfast burrito. Can I get a “heck yeah!” from the vegans? Not so much? … crickets. It’s OK, vegans. No judgement.

It’s a bit craft-intensive. And let me confess, my spiritual gift is not slanted in the artistic direction. Many a baker made this look much better than I. Which is to say, y’all got this.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR CHOCOLATE CAKE:

8 oz. chopped bittersweet chocolate 1 cup heavy cream 7 room temperature egg whites 2 T. sugar 1/2 cup melted milk chocolate Cooking spray

FOR CREAM FILLING:

1 stick softened butter 2-3 cups sifted powdered sugar 1/2 t. vanilla extract 1/4 t. salt 2 T. heavy cream

HOW TO MAKE IT Line two 9x13 sheet pans with parchment paper, lightly spraying it. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Set up a double-boiler, melting chocolate together with heavy cream, whisking until uniform in color and texture. In a bowl, beat egg white on medium high speed until stiff but not dry, slowly adding in sugar.

Whisk one-quarter of the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture.

Gently fold chocolate mixture back into the egg white mixture and blend until smooth. Pour two cups of batter into prepared pans and bake for 12 -13 minutes.

Place pan on cooling rack and remove cake when cooled.

For the filling, whip butter until light and fluffy, add powdered sugar, salt, vanilla and heavy cream until smooth and light.

Divide filling in half and generously flop heaping portions onto cake. Beginning with the long side of the cake, use the parchment paper to roll the cake into a spiral, peeling back the paper as you move along and applying light pressure to secure the roll.

Melt milk chocolate, pour a single line down the top of the roll and spread it out using a spatula. Let set. Cut each log in half, then cut those pieces into three or four. POV

A catfish out of bayou wate , Becca Weingard shares adventures and recipes from her Cajun/ Italian kitchen in Washington, D.C., on her blog:

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SMARTY PANTS NO GOOGLING!

1

“In the Hall of the Mountain King” was composed by what Norwegian composer?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

3

5

[A] [B] [C] [D]

4

6

Welcoming visitors to his new site Standing in front of an elephant enclosure Testing his camera Swallowing a live goldfis

Zuni Iroquois Apache Hopi

Which of these languages, spoken in Nordic countries, is not actually Nordic?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

8

[C] 1880 [D] 1857

Which Native American tribe is not indigenous to the American Southwest?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

Crosby, Stills, & Nash Blind Faith The Yardbirds Cream

Upon its launch in 2005, the first YouTube video to be uploaded on the site featured its founder:

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world and it is still being expanded. What year did the railway’s construction start?

[A] 1916 [B] 1891

Lucius Verginius Rufus Pliny the Younger Giovanni Giocondo Marcus Aurelius

Which of these 1960s bands became known as the first rock supergroup?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

7

Johan Svendsen Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen Edvard Grieg Ennio Morricone

Who was the sole surviving eyewitness to record the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

2

Icelandic Danish Finnish Swedish

The Roman Coliseum was constructed under the reign of which emperor?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

Augustus Caligula Tiberius Vespasian

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Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury changed his name from:

[A] [B] [C] [D]

11

13

[A] [B] [C] [D]

12

14

Pendletones The Sandy Bottoms Sunrise Huey Lewis & the News

Whiskey Vodka Gin Triple Sec

Who played lead guitar during the recording of the Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps?”

[A] [B] [C] [D]

Isaiah Elisha Elijah Ezekiel

Before they became known as the Beach Boys, the California musicians went by which name?

Which of these ingredients is not included in a Long Island Iced Tea?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

Shark tears Meteors made of salt continuously fall into the ocean Vents on the sea floor elease salts from the Earth’s crust Acid rain falls to the Earth and erodes rock which releases ions that are carried to the ocean by run off

Which biblical prophet asked God to send two bears to maul the children who mocked him?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

15

Frederick Merkuro Alfred Marshall Farrokh Bulsara Fereydoun Mofi

The ocean is salty because of ________.

[A] [B] [C] [D]

10

John Lennon George Harrison Paul McCartney Eric Clapton

What animation technique was used to produce Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

Rotoscope Hand-drawn Motion capture Stereoscope

Well, How’d You Do?

# CORRECT IQ

YOUR PANTSYNESS:

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?

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

9

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RENDEZVOUS Shrimp and Petroleum Festival

Jeepers for the Creatures

SEPT. 3 - 7

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 11 A.M. - 4 P.M.

WHERE: Downtown Morgan City

WHERE: Lawrence Park, Morgan City

DETAILS: Pass a good time at this annual event

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 9 A.M.

DETAILS: Enjoy a fun-filled day with family and your animals at this fundraiser supporting local shelter animals. Sponsored by the South Louisiana Jeep Association, the event includes face painting, food and drinks, field day games, an auction and raffle, kid’s zone and pet adoption. Music is provided by Old Soul and DJ Brad Duplantis. Special guest Joey Busbice Jr. from A&E’s show “Country Buck$” will also be on hand. Franklin Animal Shelter and Animal Advocates of St. Mary Parish are supported through the fundraiser. This event is pet friendly; all pets must be on a leash per city pet laws.

WHERE: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Larose

CONTACT: FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/JEEPERS-FOR-THECREATURES

that shows support for those who work in the seafood and petroleum industries. The festival kicks off Thursday with the Artist Guild Unlimited Show and Sale from 1 - 4 p.m., followed by a weekend packed with live music, carnival rides, food and more. Highlights include a live painting by Lafayette artist Tony Bernard on Saturday and the blessing of the fleet and water parade on Sunday.

CONTACT: SHRIMPANDPETROLEUM. ORGZ

Pushing Paddles for a Cure DETAILS: Take to the bayou in memory of Dillion

Schicksnider, a Cut Off native who passed away in 2010 from muscular dystrophy. Registration begins at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 7 a.m. and paddling begins at 9 a.m., ending at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off. Food, drink, live music and more are available at the Cut Off Youth Center until 4 p.m. Proceeds are donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All paddlers must provide their own boats. Registration is $25 and can be completed on event day or before at Sublime Impressions Tattoo Studio in Cut Off. CONTACT: 985.632.2044

Best of the Bayou Festival SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 11 A.M. - 11 P.M., SUNDAY, SEPT. 27, 11 A.M. - 7 P.M. WHERE: Downtown Houma

DETAILS: Houma’s free two-day, two-stage event returns for a non-stop weekend of music, food and fun. Entertainment includes Carencro native Marc Broussard, New Orleans sevenpiece band The Revivalists, iconic ‘70s-‘80s Baton Rouge band Louisiana LeRoux and New Orleans staples Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Kristin Diable. Food, drinks and other activities are also available throughout the weekend.

Arsenic and Old Lace

CONTACT: BESTOFTHEBAYOU.COM

SEPT. 11 - 20

Annual Pops Concert

WHERE: Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, Houma DETAILS: Mortimer Brewster must deal with his

insane family, which includes two homicidal aunts and a brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. Comedy ensues as Mortimer tries to figure out just what has happened to his family. Tickets are $15.

CONTACT: HOUMALITTLETHEATRE.COM

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 6:30 P.M. WHERE: Southland Mall J.C. Penney Court,

Houma

DETAILS: The Houma-Terrebonne Community

Band presents this journey through the last four musical decades from The Beach Boys, The Eagles and more. This concert is free and open to the public.

CONTACT: HTCB.ORG

Want us to include your event in our calendar?

Shoot an email to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM and we’ll help spread the word.

Newsletters Receive additional content and weekly events when you sign up. SCAN HERE:

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SCENE IN A Thibodaux Regional Medical Center

and Synergy Bank employees show off their donations to Synergy Bank and United Way of South Louisiana’s Pack the Bus school-supply drive.

B Best of the Bayou committee members

Paul Labat, Janel Ricca and Billy Foster show off the 2015 festival poster with artist Mike Slage.

C Joe Stark rocks out with pint-sized mu-

A B

sicians during the Baby Bee Rock camp held July 16-19 in Houma.

D Houma artist Patrick Whetsell and

members from the Fourchon Oilman’s Fishing Rodeo unveil the rodeo’s first event poster, designed by the artist.

E Jadyn Robicheaux, battling acute

lymphoblastic leukemia, raised money at KoKo Fit Club in Houma on July 15 for her friend Zeblin Pearson, who is battling the same condition.

F During Roast, Toast and Boast: A

Tribute to Sidney Triche on Aug. 6, the Larose insurance agent and Lafourche Parish Water District president was honored with a street sign bearing his name. The street leading to the Larose Regional Park has been renamed Sidney Triche Way. POV

C

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A D

E F

C

Taking in the scene around town?

#POVPICKME

your interesting, cute, fun pics and we might feature you in PoV’s Scene In! Don’t forget to include the who, what, when, where, and why and a daytime contact number.

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX ADVERTISER

PAGE

Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel........................ 3

Mitchell Family Eye Care................................ 87

Deep South Oil & Vinegar.............................. 73

Norby Chabert............................................... 49

Denham & Lillich Wealth Management.......... 33

Old Estate Art Gallery.................................... 43

Dermatology Clinic, The................................. 13

Physicians Medical Center............................. 49

Designs by Two.............................................. 89

Pour Moi........................................................ 32

A&G Refrigeration.......................................... 77

Digestive Health Center................................. 89

Powerhouse Gym.......................................... 63

A&H Paint........................................................ 9

Dishman Flooring Center............................... 29

Premier OB-GYN........................................... 52

Aaron Pools................................................... 76

Divinity Home Health Services....................... 83

Raising Cane’s............................................... 47

Acadian Total Security................................... 77

Donner-Peltier Distillers.................................. 15

Robichaux Ford........................................66-67

Allstate - Brian Mustin.................................... 96

Double Oak Garden Center........................... 83

Royal Room, The........................................... 23

Ameriprise Financial....................................... 42

Ellender Orthodontics.................................... 23

Salty Dog Vapor............................................. 43

Art After Dark................................................. 45

Emile’s Furniture and Appliances................... 73

SLMA Health Clinic........................................ 90

Bar Roussell................................................... 18

Farm Bureau.................................................. 23

South Louisiana Bank.................................... 89

Basketry, The................................................. 34

Felger’s Footwear.................................... 56, 91

South Louisiana Financial Services.................11

Barker Buick GMC......................................... 35

Flynn Clinic of Chiropractic............................ 63

Southland Dodge........................................... 71

Barker Honda................................................ 75

Gastroenterology Center of the South............. 5

Southland Mall............................................. 100

Bayou Black Electric Supply.......................... 93

G.D.C. Programs............................................ 32

Spahr’s Seafood............................................ 92

Bayou Playhouse........................................... 21

Gold’n Gifts & Bridal Boutique....................... 77

St. Matthew’s Episcopal School.................... 47

Beasley Pest Control..................................... 73

Ground Pat’i Grill & Bar, The............................ 9

State Farm (Carreker, Brue, Bednarz)............ 13

Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse........................ 93

Haydel Spine, Pain & Wellness....................... 85

Stire Office World........................................... 47

Blanchard’s Refrigeration............................... 19

Headache and Pain Center............................ 87

Supreme Ornamental..................................... 15

Bueche’s Jewelry........................................... 96

Heavenly Scent.............................................. 61

Susan Crochet............................................... 61

Budget Blinds................................................ 33

Heidi Broudreaux............................................. 9

Synergy Bank................................................ 97

Busy Bee Clinic.............................................. 46

Houma Digestive Health.................................. 7

Terminix......................................................... 34

Cannata’s................................................... 4, 35

Houma OB-GYN Clinic.................................. 43

Terrebonne Allstate Group............................. 99

Cannibas Solutions........................................ 93

Houma-Thibodaux Spine & Rehabilitation........ 7

Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society . ..... 15

Cardiovascular Institute of the South............. 21

Iberiabank & Mortgage.................................. 19

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.........27, 57

Carmouche Insurance................................... 76

Jones Dermatology........................................ 43

Trapp Cadillac Chevrolet................................ 21

Chateau Terrebonne...................................... 49

Junior Auxiliary of Houma................................ 9

Valley Supply...................................................74

Cindy Price.................................................... 64

Just for You Flower & Gift Shoppe..................11

Vintage Company, The................................... 19

Clearwater Pools............................................ 75

La Chique Maison.......................................... 85

Waggin’ Tails.................................................. 75

Coastal Home Builders.................................. 83

Lil’ Sweet Pea’s Boutique.............................. 13

Wishing Well, The.......................................... 75

Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom............. 33

Live 4 Sports.................................................. 63

Workout Co., The........................................... 55

Corporate Centre............................................. 5

Louis Mohana Furniture................................. 19

Courtyard Marriott......................................... 29

Made in the Shade......................................... 23

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LOOK TWICE

Win a $50

Gift Card

Find the six diffe ences in this photo from our Hwy. 1 feature on page 36. Drop off our answers along with your name and daytime contact number at the PoV offices, 6160 . Park Ave., Houma. Stuck at the office? Fax it, 985.873.9009, or email it t us, EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM. A winner will be picked by random drawing SEPTEMBER 16.

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

CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLLYN USÉ FOR WINNING LAST MONTH’S CONTEST.

Courtesy of

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 2 3 4 5 6

Star missing Creature facing wrong direction Blue area now yellow Extra leaves Grapes missing “Grass” larger

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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

7 Reasons Google is the Digital King It’s

hard to imagine a time before Google. How did we ever figure out how to unclog a drain, soothe a crying baby or fix a cranky Internet connection without it?

Turning 17 this month, Google is bigger and better than ever and what better way to show appreciation to the digital

lifesaver than with Google Commemoration Day on Sept. 7, the day co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page received their first check made out to Google Inc. In the spirit of celebration, let’s take a look at a few things you might not know about the go-to knowledge bank.

1

2 Manual Labor

Always There

Google allows goats to graze on its California headquarters lawn instead of using mechanical mowers.

More than 2 million Google searches are done per second.

3

4

Where’s Google When You Need It?

Work?

What Work?

Google Zerg Rush and prepare to waste the rest of your day.

The co-founders misspelled the math term googol and the error became the company’s namesake.

5

A Cave for Geniuses

Just like Steve Jobs, the co-founders operated their fledgling company in a garage at its inception

6

Name That Newbie

New Google employees are deemed Nooglers.

7

A Prized Possession

Stanford, where the co-founders met, showcases the original Google storage drives that were protected by a LEGO case. POV

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