Thrive February 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

BLACK

HISTORY

Special Sections NATIONAL HEART MOnth

MONTH first person

STITCH GUILLORY

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Rehabilitation Hospital

of Jennings

DIAgNOSeS THAT we TReAT

• Brain Injury

• Hip Fractures

• Strokes

• Osteoarthritis/DJD

• Amputations

• Neurological Disorders

• Burns

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Major Multiple Trauma

• Congenital Deformities

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Systemic Vasculidities

• Joint Replacements

Others who can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation are postoperative patients, accident victims and cancer patients.

24 Hour Nursing Care • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring Case Management Call for a free assessment today.

One Hospital Drive, Ste. 101 • Jennings, LA 70546 • Phone: (337) 821-5353 • Fax: (337) 821-5355 or 5366 jenningsrehab@yahoo.com • www.jenningsrehab.com 2

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

we get to the

heart of the matter.

Heart health is vital to your overall well-being. By exercising regularly, choosing healthy foods, controlling stress as much as possible, and monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, you are on the right path for a strong, healthy heart.

As we celebrate American Heart Month in February, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is committed to healthy hearts now, and all year long. From health and wellness checks to our own Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers, we’re your team for good heart health.

701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com

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Contents In This Issue Money & Career

14 Busines Buzz 52 Who’s News

6 - 13 SPECIAL SECTION:

Mind & Body

Regular Features

17

NATIONAL HEART MOnth

16 - 26 SPECIAL SECTION:

Wining & Dining

28 - 36 Valentine's Day Guide

BLACK 38 - 51 SPECIAL SECTION: HISTORY MONTH

Places & Faces

31

42 first person with Stitch Guillory 56 Putting Petals to the Metal - Experiencing the Rose Parade

Style & Beauty

58 DIY Blowouts 60 All Aboard Denim Trends

Home & Family 62

46

68 Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates 45 Years of Service

@thriveswla | thriveswla.com Thrive is designed for people focused on living a happy, healthy life, one that is balanced, full of energy and contentment. Thrive readers want to make the most of every day and to be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career.

Submitted articles and photos are welcome. Thrive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not guarantee any submissions.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Managing Editor Editors and Publishers Creative Director Design and Layout Business Manager Advertising Sales Submissions

Angie Kay Dilmore Kristy Como Armand Christine Fisher Barbara VanGossen Barbara VanGossen, Austin Rains, Bethany Parker Katie McDaniel Stevenson katie@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099 edit@thriveswla.com

COMMITTED TO SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA. COMMITTED TO HOME.

723 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 www.coxcoxfilo.com | 337-436-6611

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Money & Career

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, approximately 1.2 million Americans operate a business with their spouse. For many, the notion of working with a spouse sounds, at best, dangerous, and, at worst, like a direct path to marital calamity. But for a growing number of couples, running a business together offers the best of both worlds: pursuing a professional dream with someone you love and respect, while getting an opportunity to spend more time together.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re featuring several local sweethearts who are not only partners in life and love but are business partners as well. These corporate couples share the ups and downs of working side by side with their spouse and how they strive for that tricky work/life balance. Ultimately, each couple comes to the same conclusion – they wouldn’t want it any other way.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Vic & Marwa Vicknair Bayou Services Moving and Storage Reliable Document Storage & Shredding

Vic and Marwa Vicknair co-own two businesses: Reliable Document Storage & Shredding and Bayou Services Moving and Storage. The couple met at a mutual friend’s destination wedding in Mexico in 2015. Marwa was living in Rhode Island at the time, and Vic was living in Houston, Texas. “We dated long distance for one year,” says Vic. “I moved back to Lake Charles to open Bayou Services Moving and Storage, and Marwa moved here in 2016. We got married in July 2017 in Mexico.”

The Vicknairs established Reliable Document Storage & Shredding in August 2020, just before Hurricane Laura. “Earlier that year, we received a phone call from a large law firm in Lake Charles asking if we could store all of their boxes of documents locally in Lake Charles,” explains Vic. “We already had stored some for another firm. Marwa and I discussed the idea, and after confirming there wasn’t anyone else locally providing that service in Lake Charles, we jumped at the opportunity, put a plan together, and set it in motion.”

Marwa says she and Vic each have unique strengths that they bring to the business table. “It is pretty amazing to see a vision turn into reality. Together we navigate challenges and celebrate victories to create a blend of professional success and personal fulfillment.”

Their challenges lie in dividing up responsibilities and making sure everything that needs to be done is completed. They strive to find a harmonious balance between professional collaboration and maintaining a healthy personal relationship. “Boundaries between work and home life can sometimes blur, and we do the best we can at separating them, but it can be very difficult,” Vic adds.

“Balancing work and personal life, navigating different working styles, and managing potential disagreements can be challenging when working with your spouse,” says Marwa. “We set clear boundaries, and this allows us to avoid a lot of conflicts.

Communication is key.”

And for the Vicknairs, the benefits of business partnership surpass the struggles. “We have had an opportunity to build our dream together, shape our vision into reality, and share the triumphs as a united team,” Vic says. “And we are finding it most rewarding succeeding and helping the people of Southwest Louisiana.”

INJURED? What Now? Richard Law Firm was founded by attorney Ron Richard with one goal – to be an aggressive advocate for victims. Over the past 26 years, his firm has done just that. He and his team of experienced legal professionals are committed to uncompromising representation that has resulted in not only a reputation for success, but justice and better lives for their clients.

The Richard Law Firm focuses on helping victims of: CAR ACCIDENTS TRUCK ACCIDENTS WORKPLACE INJURIES SEXUAL ASSAULT Choose a personal injury attorney with a proven record of success in getting results for their clients.

330 Alamo Street, Lake Charles | (337) 494-1900 | RichardLaw.com Licensed in Louisiana & Texas

LA-23-15520

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Money & Career Michael and Shelly Migues met in

high school at Hamilton Christian Academy.

They started dating in 1991, married in 1995, and have two grown children. Shelly was born with entrepreneurship in her blood; she and Michael have owned six businesses over the years. Their first was a hair salon opened in 2001. Her father established Bare Wood Furniture in 1981, and sold it to Michael and Shelly in 2003. The business is now owned by their son and called Real Wood Furniture.

The couple opened Great Harvest Bread Company, their most recent venture, in 2016.

They first discovered Great Harvest while attending their son’s soccer tournaments in Lafayette and searching for healthier lunch options. The decision to open the bakery café took nearly five years of contemplation and prayer. But ultimately, they knew it was meant to be. Shelly says, “The Lord opened every door in some pretty clear ways, so we knew His blessing was on it.”

The Migues’ work relationship starts at the point of idea conception. “Generally, I have the vision and Michael has the tenacity and hard work ethic to make that vision a

viable business,” Shelly says. “And neither of us is afraid of hard work.” She also describes their work relationship as balanced. “I prefer to work in the mornings and have the afternoons off, and he prefers to get his workout in early and head in for lunch through closing. I prefer the office work and he prefers to be out front with the customers.

He jokes around more with employees and I’m more serious, but more maternal and sensitive.” Michael stirs in respect for each other to the mix, and adds that communication, compromise, and humor are vital in any healthy relationship. “Gotta keep it light!”

On “shop talk” at home, Micheal says refraining is impossible. But it’s a goal. Shelly adds, “We have to remind each other that work stays at work.

It took us some time to stick to that rule.

When we go out to dinner with friends, no work talk. Vacation, no work talk.”

Ultimately, Michael and Shelly feel fortunate to be able to work with their best friend. “I like the teamwork aspect of it,” Michael says. “It takes both of us to make Great Harvest as successful as it is. We are award-winning within the franchise. It takes both of us to foster the environment with the employees. That’s what you “feel” at Great Harvest. It starts with a healthy relationship between me and Shelly.”

mike & shelly migues Great Harvest Bread Company

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

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Money & Career

nathaniel & alexis allured The Grounds Guys of Lake Charles

In 2011, Nathaniel Allured worked in the wine distribution business. As part of market outreach, he taught a McNeese Leisure Learning Wine 101 class. At that time, Alexis Black had recently graduated with a degree in pharmacy and moved back to Lake Charles. A friend invited her to attend Nathaniel’s wine class, and that’s where the couple met. “There was instant chemistry, but it wasn’t the right time, so we went our separate ways,” Nathaniel says.

A couple years later, Nathaniel was on a wine trip to Italy. He posted a photo of himself in front of a café Alexis had visited years before, and the two reconnected. “We arranged to meet for dinner at Luna Downtown the evening I returned,” he says. “The rest is history.

We were married on Labor Day, 2015.”

Out of a passion for business and a desire to beautify our community, the couple founded The Grounds Guys of Lake Charles in 2018. They support each other by dividing key business activities – Alexis handles marketing and general administration; Nathaniel oversees general management, including the sales and operations departments. “Alexis has been with the company full-time for a little over two years now, and we’re really starting to hit stride in workflow and delegation of tasks,” he says. “She’s brought much needed stability to the marketing and administrative functions of

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

the business, and it’s awesome to have your most-trusted partner, your spouse, by your side, developing and shaping the future of the business.”

Despite working hard and often long hours, Nathaniel and Alexis feel fortunate that their business gives them flexibility to be present for their son and family. They strive to separate their work and personal lives, but Nathaniel says that’s probably a stretch. “Try as we may to contain work to business hours only, it’s nearly impossible to keep work from creeping into normal conversation from time to time. That said, we’ve been working on scheduling dedicated time to focus on our personal relationship where shop talk is not allowed.”

Nathaniel says owning a small business is not for the faint-ofheart. “However, with the right person by your side, and faith that God will provide the right opportunities at the right time, anything is possible.” He cites 2 Corinthians 9:8. "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

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Money & Career The Selfs met in 1983 after Cindy taught Claiborne’s brother how to fly airplanes.

She was an instructor pilot at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, Louisiana. at the time. He was a freshly-unemployed oil field mud engineer after the oilfield crashed in 1982-83. They were essentially business partners even before their March 1984 wedding. Cindy helped Claiborne open his first business venture, a Blockbuster Video store, while they were still dating. “We worked together to open many businesses over the years,” Claiborne says. “I come up with crazy ideas and she brings the sanity to the table!”

In addition to Blockbuster Video, the Selfs have also owned Palm Beach Tan, Aarons Rent to Own, a Ford dealership, a yogurt shop, loan stores, Next Day Access, a bookstore, and a photo processing business. Currently, they own CC’s Pawn Superstore (opened in 2015), Waxing the City (2018) and most recently, Chicken Salad Chick (2022) all located in Lake Charles.

As business partners for over 30 years, the Selfs have a comfortable, easy-going working relationship, collaborating on decisions and divvying up the tasks as each are best suited. “We each have strengths in different areas, but together we are a pretty tough team!” Claiborne says. “And now that we are empty nesters, we work more closely together than ever. Regarding keeping their work and personal lives separate, he adds, “We have been working together for so long we don’t know when one stops and the other starts.”

Claiborne and Cindy love being partners in business and in life. “I wouldn’t know how to do it differently,” says Claiborne. “I think it has made us closer over the years. It’s a true lifetime partnership.”

The Selfs are proud to say that all three of their Lake Charles businesses have been voted Best of the Best SWLA 2023!

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

cindy & claiborne self Chicken Salad Chick, Waxing the City, CC's Pawn Shop

Tim and Tammy Andreas met in 2005, thanks to an

introduction by a mutual friend. “Both of us worked at the Capital One Tower downtown on different floors and used different elevators, so our paths hadn’t crossed until that introduction,” Tammy says. “We were married November 18, 2006.”

The couple started Global Asset Management Group in 2013. Tim had been working for the Wall Street/Bank Owned Brokerage Business model for 12 years. “The longer I worked there the more it was focused on the firm’s stock price instead of the clients,” he says. “After a period of contemplation, marked by prayer and seeking God’s guidance, Tammy and I decided to transition into independence, allowing us to establish a business dedicated wholeheartedly to our clients’ financial well-being, with a focus on personalized and clientcentric strategies.”

To make their dream become reality, Tammy and Tim focused on effective communication, clearly defined roles, and a shared commitment to their vision. “We leveraged each other’s strengths, supported one another through challenges, maintained a collaborative approach and dedicated time to seeking God’s guidance for direction and timing,” Tim says. “I started getting calls from other firms and headhunters. That’s when we knew God was opening the door. We prayed over the decision and Raymond James, our Independent Broker Dealer today, seemed to be where God was leading us.”

The Andreases recall the challenging months after Hurricane Laura, when their office space in the Capital One Tower was destroyed. Thankfully, their home was not damaged, so they moved their work team and business operations into their home and continued business as usual, assisting clients with no down time. Tammy recalls that period as a time of teamwork, bonding, and laughter. Tim adds, “Remarkably, in every challenge, we experienced God’s provision, surpassing previous circumstances.

His strength and wisdom sustained us, fostering not only resilience but also deepening client relationships, transforming them into a cherished extended family.”

Tim says their work and personal lives are intricately woven together, driven by love, strength, and understanding. “This connection is evident in our relationships with clients and our team. It naturally intertwines with the fast-paced nature of the markets and the continual growth of our business. During moments of quiet reflection together, our shared love becomes a guiding force as we strategize for the future, envisioning the path of the firm for the future. These heartfelt discussions not only strengthen our professional bond but also deepen our personal connection, creating a balance blend in both aspects of our lives.”

“We find joy in working together and cherish the moments of shared laughter and having fun,” Tammy adds.

“Our love and God-centered faith form the unshakable foundation that makes this dual commitment not just feasible but fulfilling. It might not work for everyone, but for us, it comes together seamlessly.”

tim & tammy andreas Global Asset Management Group

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Money & Career

Lake Charles Memorial Health System Awarded on Newsweek’s America’s Best-InState Hospitals 2024 List Lake Charles Memorial Health System has been awarded on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on October 25th, 2023, and can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

Proximity and access are of the utmost importance when choosing between top hospitals. The America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024 ranking was created to identify the top hospitals at the state level. Hospitals from all US states were eligible for the ranking and included in the nationwide survey. The 25 states with the most hospitals according to the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) were surveyed individually. The remaining states were grouped into 4 regions: Northeast, Midwest, West, and South. Leading hospitals from these states were considered accordingly.

Lake Charles Memorial, the community’s health system, is proud to be recognized on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024.

Sasol Scholars Program applications open for Calcasieu Parish students Applications for scholarship awards through the Sasol Scholars Program are now available to seniors in Calcasieu Parish Schools (CPSB) who are pursuing two- or four-year degrees after graduation. Sasol has committed $100,000 to community scholarships at its partner schools nationwide, including graduating seniors in CPSB. The Sasol Scholars Program will provide $2,500 annual stipends to recipients, as well as opportunities to network with professionals 14

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

and tour business and site operations. Students also receive special consideration for Sasol internship and recruitment activities.

The Sasol Scholars Program builds on the company’s commitment to meaningful community investment and helping local students achieve success. Sasol’s education programs support students from classroom to career, beginning with employee mentorship of elementary students through its Partners in Education program and extending through college and career preparation.

Sasol Scholarship Program applications for high school seniors graduating in 2024 will close February 19, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified of their awards, which will be announced in the spring.

Sasol partners with Scholarship America to develop, administer and continually improve the program. Scholarship America provides third-party evaluation and selection of applicants to ensure equitable delivery of scholarship awards.

Scott Law Firm Announces New Location in Lake Charles The Scott Law Firm, a premier immigration law firm based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is excited to announce their new location in Lake Charles, LA. This new office will accommodate their expanding team and better serve the local community.

The Scott Law Firm is dedicated to defending the rights of their clients in the legal areas of immigration, criminal defense, and personal injury. The new location will help the firm to specifically assist individuals who live in Lake Charles and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Scott was born in a small hospital in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. At two years old he and his mother moved to Louisiana, where he was raised. The Scott Law Firm also has attorneys, paralegals, and other staff members

who immigrated to the United States from a number of different countries and speak English, Spanish and Portuguese.

The Lake Charles office is located at 3430 Common Street, Lake Charles, LA 70607.

The phone number for that location is 337214-1731. Attorney Stephanie Buehler and Legal Assistant Brenda Martinez, who speaks Spanish, will be based in the Lake Charles office.

For more information about The Scott Law Firm and their new office location, please visit their website at www.pwscottlaw.com or contact their office at 337-214-1731.

Visit Lake Charles Launches VLC-TV Prepare to embark on a visual journey as Visit Lake Charles unveils its new YouTube series, VLC-TV. VLC-TV will capture and showcase the best of Southwest Louisiana to educate viewers and promote our region.

VLC-TV invites viewers to immerse themselves into the experiences at the heart of Louisiana’s Playground. In its first season, episodes will be released once a month. The series will spotlight everything from lively Mardi Gras celebrations to the scenic beauty of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.

Viewers can also look forward to discovering the charm of downtown Lake Charles and the local cuisine, including an episode on crawfish.

Kathryn Shea Duncan, senior director of social media/communications, will host the series, guiding viewers through each episode with Brady Renard, director of content/video marketing, skillfully capturing every moment behind the lens.

CELEBRATING INSURANCE CAREERS MONTH!

Located in DeRidder, LA, AMERISAFE has been providing specialty workers’ compensation insurance for more than 30 years. Operating in 27 states, we serve small and mid-sized employers in high hazard industries like construction and trucking.

why JoIn us?

Driven by our understanding that success comes from the people who work for us, we encourage both personal and professional growth through continuous development opportunities.

AMERISAFE is committed to taking care of our own. We provide full benefit packages, including: • Medical • Dental • Vision • 401k • Life Insurance • Wellness Initiatives • and more

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START YOUR CAREER TODAY! amerisafe.com/careers

#InsurancecareersMonth thriveswla.com

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Mind & Body

NATIONAL HEART MOnth One person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the United States. That’s 1 in every 5 deaths. And nearly half of all American adults have at least one major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

From heart attacks and strokes to high blood pressure, the threat of cardiovascular disease touches almost every family in our country.

As heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, we applaud (posthumously) President Lyndon B. Johnson, who issued the first proclamation declaring February American Heart Month in 1964. This designation prompts us to give our tickers some consideration.

The articles you’ll find in this special section provide information and tips on how you can best take care of your heart.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Local Heart Foundation Helps Families of Children with Heart Diagnoses

by Angie Kay Dilmore

On August 20, 2022, Courtney Wilks and her fiancé Andy Gremillion welcomed a beautiful baby girl they named Townes, in memory of the country music artist, Townes Van Zandt. “I always knew my firstborn child, regardless of gender, would be named Townes,” says Wilks.

At three weeks of age and perfect in every way, Townes was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. According to the National Institutes of Health, 40-50% of babies born with Down Syndrome also have congenital heart disease. For this reason, Townes’ pediatrician referred her to pediatric cardiologist Dr. Mudar Kattash. After thorough testing, it was determined that Townes had several heart abnormalities, including holes between the heart chambers called ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), patent foramen ovale (PFO), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart.

In many cases, these holes will close on their own as a child grows, and it seemed that Townes was on that track. By age 14 months, her heart holes appeared to be closing.

But Townes’ situation was complicated by another issue that had been present since her birth – pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs.

This condition forces the heart to work harder to deliver blood to the lungs and if not addressed, can permanently damage the lungs. It was this latter problem that prompted her doctors to recommend open heart surgery quickly to completely close the holes in her heart, in hopes that would correct the pulmonary hypertension.

Townes had surgery last month on January 5. She was at Texas Children’s Hospital for three weeks and returned to Lake Charles January 19. Wilks says Townes is doing very well. “She’s a ball of energy. She has either a very high pain tolerance or a great temperament because I haven’t seen Townes in pain since her surgery. She’s smiley and

giggly and just wants to be loved on. You’d never know she recently had surgery.”

It is stressful for families any time a loved one is in the hospital, especially a child. But Wilks and Gremillion were helped immensely by the Local Heart Foundation (LHF), a nonprofit organization that assists families who have children or other loved ones suffering from any type of heart illness. The couple were initially introduced to LHF mid-2023 when Townes was having some issues and needed to see a gastro-intestinal specialist in Houston. “They set us up with a hotel for that appointment,” Wilks says. “Afterwards, we kept in touch with Local Heart. Last October, when we discovered Townes would need surgery, Stacie (LHF Executive Director) called me right away and told me not to worry. We had a good mom-to-mom talk about life in general and our children and how brave and strong and resilient they are. Local Heart took care of our lodging in Houston, provided travel expenses and meals if we needed them. They checked in on us and I spoke with Stacie nearly every day. Their support allowed Andy and I to be comfortable while Townes was in the hospital.

It’s been a blessing, for sure. I don’t know what we would have done without their help.”

Wilks is grateful not only for Local Heart Foundation, but also for her daughter, who changed her life in ways she could not have imagined. “Townes is so bright, so joyful, so determined and resilient.

It’s infectious. Nothing holds her back – not a diagnosis nor surgery. I can’t believe she is my child and I get to be her mom. I’m blown away.”

Wilks, Gremillion, and Townes’ team of physicians won’t know for another 6-12 months if the surgery was successful in lowering the pressure in Townes’ lungs. But one thing they know for certain – Local Heart Foundation will be there for them when needed.

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OUR HEARTS HELPING OUR

Community’s Hearts.

The Local Heart Foundation began as a dream just 7 years ago, and with the help from our community, has grown into an organization that touches the lives of local heart patients each day.

Local Heart Foundation Co-Founders, Tim and

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the lives of their neighbors dealing with heart from heart-felt support, encouragement, and providing resources for overwhelming and treatment for heart disease.

Visit the Local Heart Foundation on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with local heart patients, event announcements, and more.

Executive Director: Founders: You can also visit their website at www.localheartfoundation.org.

Stacie Adams Tim & Tammy Andreas The Local Heart Foundation currently only accepts Applications for Assistance from cardiologist’s office’s. If you are receiving treatment for heart disease and need assistance, please contact your cardiologist.

Scanning the QR code allows you to support the Local Heart Foundation, assisting heart patients of all ages right here in

337.419.0033 • Lake Charles, LA www.localheartfoundation.org

other organizations, 100% of your donation stays local to help families in our community.

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Mind & Body NATIONAL HEART MONTH

Menopause and estrogen

can Affect Heart Health

When researchers in the Netherlands recently compiled data from 32 studies involving more than 300,000 women, they reached a disturbing conclusion.

Women who experience early menopause – before the age of 45 – face an increased risk for heart disease and premature death.

“This is why women who go into early menopause need to pay special attention to their lifestyle choices and habits,” says Mache Seibel, M.D., a leading American expert on menopause. Those same women also should explore the possibility of taking estrogen, which in addition to its other benefits, can help reduce the risk of death from heart disease, he says.

Estrogen therapy, typically used to minimize menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, and weight gain, has been controversial. More than a decade ago, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) advised menopausal women to stop using estrogen because of a reported increase in breast cancer, strokes and heart attacks. Since then, flaws and limitations with the WHI study have come to light, reversing some of the thinking in the medical community.

“Estrogen is safe and beneficial for the majority of women if taken in the estrogen window,” Seibel says. The “estrogen window” represents the ideal time to begin estrogen replacement. In fact, estrogen, if taken in the estrogen window, can lower the risk of death from heart disease. The window opens the moment a woman enters menopause.

Exactly when it closes is more difficult to determine, Seibel says. Generally, it’s a 10-year time frame, but that can vary, and women should have ongoing discussions with their physicians, he says. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women so it’s critical that they and their doctors understand the role estrogen plays in reducing that risk, Seibel says.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

A FEW FACTS WOMEN NEED TO KEEP IN MIND: AGE IS NOT THE DECIDING FACTOR. It’s not a woman’s age but rather how many years since she went through menopause that determines whether estrogen will be protective or potentially harmful.

“Unfortunately,” Seibel says, “even with the current thinking, some doctors are unaware that estrogen is beneficial in preventing heart disease or simply don't have enough time to adequately explain this to patients.”

WOMEN’S SYMPTOMS DIFFER FROM MEN. When men experience a heart attack, they often have crushing chest pain or radiating pain down the left arm, and sometimes right arm. While women can have those symptoms, Seibel says, they are more likely to feel profound fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. They may also notice neck, jaw, back or upper abdominal pain. Women who have persistent symptoms such as those should tell their doctor as soon as possible.

OVERALL LIFESTYLE MATTERS. Regardless of whether a woman chooses to take estrogen, Seibel says, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Women who smoke should quit because smokers have two to six times the risk of heart attack as non-smokers. They also should exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, watch their weight and reduce stress.

“The important thing,” Seibel says, “is for women to educate themselves and understand that there are proactive steps they can take to remain physically and mentally healthy and thrive beyond menopause. Time spent on you isn't lost; it's invested!”

Mache Seibel, M.D.is a leading American expert on menopause and author of The Estrogen Window (www.EstrogenWindowBook.com).

You only have one heart.

We only have one purpose: to keep it healthy and strong.

At CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana, we never stop working to make heart care better. With us, you have easy access to innovative diagnostics, rehabilitation, and the latest in heart care – delivered with thoughtfulness and compassionate care by our skilled cardiology team. To learn more about one of the area’s most comprehensive heart care programs, visit CHRISTUShealth.org.

thriveswla.com

21

Mind & Body NATIONAL HEART MONTH

prevention and Management of Peripheral Artery Disease

DON’T LET

pAD RAIN ON YOUR PARADE!

You may be familiar with celebrating Mardi Gras by lining the streets and waiting for floats throwing candy and beads to pass. Because of the crowds of people, it can sometimes be challenging to walk down the street to meet friends and family, and the floats usually move at a slow pace.

Imagine your arteries coming from your heart like a parade route, carrying blood throughout your body. When the accumulation of cholesterol and fatty deposits known as “plaque” build up along the edges of the artery, it leaves a narrow path for blood to flow freely. It becomes difficult for blood to travel from your heart throughout your body. This can eventually, when left untreated, lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease. This restriction in blood flow to your body’s extremities (legs, feet, arms, hands, etc.), is called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

While lower-extremity PAD is more common (legs and feet), upper-extremity (arms, hands, fingers) still affects about 10% of the population. The most common symptoms of lower-extremity PAD are cramping, fatigue, aching, pain or discomfort when exerting oneself more than normal, for instance, climbing stairs or walking. The pain will usually subside after resting and returns when an activity begins again. If the blockage remains for a long period of time in the peripheral arteries, the color of the skin may change and total loss of blood circulation could mean having to amputate the limb in extreme cases.

Prevention, early diagnosis, and initiating treatment soon in managing this condition are key.

While lifestyle changes, like increasing physical activity, healthy eating patterns, controlling cholesterol, and lowering Body Mass Index (BMI) Continued on p24

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Moss Bluff 277 N. Hwy. 171

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WOMEN:

Take good care of your heart.

It's your No. 1 health risk.

Heart disease strikes nearly 1 in 3 women.

Risk Factors that increase a women’s risk for HEART DISEASE: 55 or older or postmenopausal. One reason is the decline in the hormone estrogen (which offers women some heart protection) that occurs after menopause.

High blood pressure. This damages the heart's arteries. In addition, women are more prone to heart disease if they had high blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as pre-eclampsia.

High cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol (the bad kind of cholesterol) in the blood can clog arteries in the heart, triggering a heart attack.

Diabetes. Or if you have its precursor, prediabetes.

Family history of early heart disease. If your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55 or your mother or sister had one before age 65, your risk rises too.

SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK. • • • • • •

Chest pain or discomfort Discomfort in other areas of the body. These can include one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach Shortness of breath Breaking out in a cold sweat Nausea Syncope (feeling faint or light-headed)

Overweight or obese. Extra weight is hard on the heart.

Call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices. These include eating unhealthy foods, smoking or not exercising.

Talk to your doctor about your personal risk for heart disease and how to lower it.

lcmh.com/heart

Helping to ensure healthy hearts across SWLA. Heart and Vascular Physicians with Lake Charles Memorial Health System proudly support HeartiGras.

Ahmad Awan, MD

Edward Bergen, DO

Karl Duncan, MD

Kurt Duncan, MD

Clay Hammett, MD

Gregory Lugo, MD

Christopher Thompson, MD

Kevin Young, MD

To learn about

scan the QR code. thriveswla.com

23

Mind & Body NATIONAL HEART MONTH

Prevention and Management of Peripheral Artery Disease, continued from p22

can help improve conditions, along with medications, sometimes a cardiologist may recommend a procedure called an “angioplasty.” During this procedure a physician may inflate a small, medicated balloon into the artery to flatten the plaque along the walls of the artery. They may also insert a small mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery from narrowing again. Think of this as a barricade that’s placed to keep crowds from restricting traffic flow at a parade.

“Unfortunately, many people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else and can go undiagnosed until the case is severe and greatly impacts one’s quality of life,” says Dr. Ahmad Awan, an interventional cardiologist with Lake Charles Memorial Health System.

“The good news is that PAD is diagnosed in a simple and painless way.

It’s my goal to help a patient manage PAD with lifestyle changes and medications before it gets too far.”

During American Heart Month, it’s a great time to reevaluate lifestyle choices and be aware of any risk factors that may lead to unfavorable heart conditions down the line. Risks are higher in individuals who have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and those who smoke.

In Louisiana, Mardi Gras is just one of many celebratory seasons. When it comes to celebrating, you want to feel your best. Don’t let your health prevent you from jumping for beads at the next parade. Let this Mardi Gras season be a heart healthy “Hearti Gras.”

Sources: American Heart Association

CHRISTUS Ochsner SWLA Foundation Announces Children’s Miracle Network

CHAMPIONS

Jacilynn, the 2023-2024 National CMN Champion

Gia, the 2024 local CMN Champion

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

by Tori Hebert

For 41 years, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals have raised over $8.5 billion dollars to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. There are 170 member hospitals in the organization, including the CHRISTUS Ochsner Hospital System in Southwest Louisiana.

“In 1988, CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital was chosen to be the CNM hospital in SWLA,” explains Cheyanna Glyenn, Children’s Miracle Network director and annual event manager with the Foundation. “Today, the CHRISTUS Ochsner SWLA Foundation oversees the local philanthropic efforts for CMN that support advanced pediatric surgical and treatment equipment to both St. Patrick and Lake Area Hospital locations.”

Every dollar raised through the Foundation for CMN stays in SWLA to create local miracles for children like Jacilynn Courville, the Foundation’s 2023-2024 National CMN Champion.

Jacilynn underwent surgery to repair a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis at just one month old. After serious complications during the surgery at a non-local hospital, she went into septic shock, followed by seizures that led to a stroke. When she returned home to SWLA, Jacilynn began specialized therapy with the CHRISTUS Ochsner Pediatric Therapy Kids Team.

Now age four, Jacilynn can speak a few words, eat soft foods on her own, roll over, prop herself up on her elbows and interact with her toys.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Jacilynn’s specialized therapy team has the equipment they need to help her strengthen her muscles, learn new skills and thrive,” says Glyenn.

CMN funds are also used for special services and grants for custom family needs. The Polito family received a wheelchair ramp at their home for Gia, the 2024 local CMN Champion.

“Gia was diagnosed with spina bifida myelomeningocele around 29 weeks in utero,” says Deveni Polito, Gia’s mother. “Gia had her first spinal cord surgery within 36 hours of her birth.”

Gia received many tests, evaluations and physical therapy while in the NICU at Texas Children’s Hospital, also a CMN hospital. Once she and her family returned home, she began long-term physical therapy workouts. Today, Gia uses a wheelchair for long distances to keep up with her peers, and a walker once she arrives to her location. She continues to work hard with her physical therapist both in and outside of school to help her be successful in any environment.

“An investment in the CMN is an investment for all children in Southwest Louisiana like Jacilynn and Gia to have access to critical life-saving treatments, healthcare services, innovative research and medical equipment,” Glyenn says.

To become a Miracle Maker or for information on hosting a CMN fundraiser, visit www. christusochsnerswlafoundation.org or email cheyanna.glyenn@christushealth.org.

We are so grateful to the generous donors who help to strengthen our community’s health care

facilities and enhance access to advanced technology and equipment. You help us to ensure that

every individual experiences God’s healing presence and love,as we strive daily to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

SAVE THE DATES MIRACLE MAKER BBQ Family Day & NICU Reunion

March 15, 2024

March 17, 2024

April 27, 2024

April 27, 2024

Grace Gardens Brick Dedication and Blessing Ceremony

Shamrocks and Champagne bingo Brunch

Earn the title of “Miracle Maker BBQ Cook-Off Champion”

cmn family day & NICU reunion

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (337) 430-5353 or scan this QR code

thriveswla.com

25

Mind & Body NATIONAL HEART MONTH

Hot Topics in Heart Health HEALTH TRENDS COME AND GO AND THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AND INNOVATIVE. SMARTWATCHES, AI, AND THE POTENTIAL LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ARE RECENT NEWSWORTHY TOPICS AFFECTING HEART HEALTH.

Smartwatches have revolutionized the way we monitor and manage our health, particularly concerning heart health. These devices, equipped with advanced sensors and technologies, offer a myriad of features that can significantly contribute to improving heart health through early detection, prevention, and management of cardiovascular issues.

Continuous heart rate monitoring.

Smartwatches can track your heart rate continuously throughout the day, providing valuable insights into your heart health patterns.

They can detect irregularities or fluctuations, alerting users to potential issues and prompting them to seek medical attention if necessary.

Activity tracking. These watches encourage physical activity by monitoring steps, distance, and active minutes.

Regular exercise is crucial for heart health, and smartwatches motivate users to achieve daily activity goals.

Advanced smartwatches come equipped with electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities.

Users can take on-demand readings, which can detect irregular rhythms like atrial fibrillation. Early detection is key in potential heart issues.

Health reminders and alerts.

Smartwatches can promote heart healthy habits by reminding users to take medication, drink more water, or get moving if they’ve been inactive for too long.

Integration with health apps. Many smartwatches sync with health apps, allowing users to monitor their heart data comprehensively. The data can be shared with healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown tremendous promise in early detection and diagnosis of heart disease through innovative tools and techniques that significantly improve the process.

Sleep tracking. Adequate sleep is linked

Medical imaging analysis. AI algorithms

to better heart health. Smartwatches analyze sleep patterns, helping users understand their sleep quality and duration.

can analyze medical imaging data such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays with remarkable accuracy. In cardiology, AI helps detect abnormalities in these images, such as structural issues or arterial blockages in the heart, aiding in early diagnosis.

Stress management. Some smartwatches feature stress-tracking capabilities by monitoring factors like heart rate variability. They provide insights into stress levels throughout the day and offer guided breathing exercises or mindfulness prompts to help manage stress.

26

ECG and heart rhythm analysis.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Predictive analytics. AI models can explore vast amounts of patient data, including medical history, lab results, lifestyle factors, and genetic information.

By identifying patterns and risk factors, AI can predict the likelihood of developing heart disease, enabling proactive interventions, and monitoring.

ECG analysis. AI-generated algorithms can interpret ECG readings more efficiently than traditional methods. They can detect irregularities or subtle changes in heart rhythm that might indicate cardiac conditions. remote monitoring. AI-driven wearable devices continuously collect and analyze real-time data including heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns. They can alert both individuals and healthcare providers if there’s a problem.

COVID-19 is still very active, and an infection can affect the heart long after the usual symptoms are gone. Regular follow-ups to monitor the heart for long-term complications is crucial, especially for those who experienced severe illness or cardiac complications during the illness.

Myocardial inflammation. This condition, also called myocarditis, can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms.

Cardiac damage. This virus can directly damage heart cells, causing issues like cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart), potentially leading to other heart issues in the future.

Blood vessel damage. COVID-19 has been associated with blood vessel inflammation and clotting disorders, potentially causing thrombosis or vasculitis, which can affect the heart’s blood supply and increase risk of heart attack or stroke.

“Long COVID” sufferers experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These can indicate ongoing heart issues and may significantly impact heart health and quality of life.

WE’RE

CENTERED AROUND YOU

The Center for Orthopaedics provides national-level sports medicine expertise right here in Southwest Louisiana.

Our team of doctors and support staff offers experienced, hands-on care to tackle the toughest musculoskeletal injuries.

We’ll also help you develop a game plan to prevent future injuries.

Whether you’ve been injured on the field, at a gym or in your own back yard, trust the CFO team to give you an accurate diagnosis and get you safely back in action.

CenterForOrtho.com | (337) 721-7236 | Lake Charles | Moss Bluff thriveswla.com

27

Wining & Dining

SWLA

Guide Here in Louisiana, Valentine’s Day often gets overlooked in the shuffle of that bigger party called Mardi Gras; especially this year, with Fat Tuesday falling on February 13! But after all the parades and general merriment, don’t forget about your sweetheart and the annual day of LOVE. And Thrive is here to help! In this special Valentine’s guide, you’ll find suggestions on great places to take your date to dinner, unique Valentine’s gifts, and sweet-treat alternatives to the nice-but-notunexpected heart-shaped box of chocolates.

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Thrive Thrive Magazine Magazine for for Better Better Living Living •• February February 2024 2024

Meanwhile, in case you were wondering...

• Up to 52% of consumers celebrate Valentine's Day • Around 224 million roses are grown specifically for Valentine's Day • Roughly 6 million people get engaged on Valentine’s Day. • That heart-shaped box of chocolates first came to be in the 1860s. As an advertising tactic, Richard Cadbury first came up with the idea to boost sales of the product. Talk about a marketing strategy with staying power!

• Number of candy conversation hearts sold in the 6 weeks leading up to Valentines Day – 8 billion!

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BONERAMA thriveswla.com

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Wining & Dining

Dining

DESTINAT ONS

Worthy of LOVE

by Matt Dye

When it’s only the best for your special someone, check out these fine dining options. Each estabishment has some interesting Valentine’s Day specials planned.

Cupid's Kiss

If you’re looking to get started with a quality cocktail, head over to Pat’s of Henderson for their special Cupid’s Kiss, a peach and dragonfruit martini with a candied sugar rim. While you’re there, try their other new specials, like the Bacon-Wrapped Alligator – seasoned gator meat and applewood smoked bacon atop a drizzle of root beer glaze.

Mazen’s is also offering a special Valentine’s Day cocktail – their Sparkling Cherry Blossom, made with Yuzu liquor, strawberry puree, Sparkling Luxe Brut Rose, garnished with a strawberry. You’ll also find Veuve Cliquet Champain for $75 a bottle or $20 a glass, as well as Frangelico Crème Brulé for dessert.

Downtown at Luna Bar & Grill, they’re serving up a special Redfish Hebert for the occasion – grilled redfish and jumbo Red

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Thrive Thrive Magazine Magazine for for Better Better Living Living •• February February 2024 2024

Royal shrimp, topped with a lemon seafood cream sauce, and paired with one of their delicious sides. This is sure to leave any seafood loving partner smiling at the end of the meal.

Speaking of seafood, 121 Artisan Bistro has two special dishes planned – Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops as a specialty appetizer for the Lobster Ravioli day, and Lobster Ravioli in a spicy plum tomato sauce for dinner. They intend to add more features as Valentine’s Day draws closer.

The James 710 is bringing back its own Specialty Scallops dish for Valentine’s Day, as well as getting their décor into the festive occasion. They’ll have white tablecloths indoors or outdoor patio seating, and roses on every table, inside and out. For dessert, they’ll offer Dark Chocolate Raspberry cake by the slice.

Bodega Wine Dive is planning a special dinner with different levels of wine pairing. The dinner consists of a three-course meal highlighted by Parmesan Crusted Grouper with charred baby vegetables and maple glazed heirloom potatoes. For dessert, they’ll serve a Chocolate Mousse Cake with coffee liqueur and toffee crumbles. They do require a deposit first though, so visit their Facebook page for more information and pricing.

Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp & Scallops

Bacon Wrapped Alligator

1910 will also offer a three-course meal for Valentine’s Day, but the exact details are not yet determined at the time of this writing.

Similarly, Villa Harlequin plans on making your Valentine’s Day a special experience, but at time of this writing, specifics are pending.

If you can’t do Valentine’s Day in the middle of the week, the Lake Charles Symphony has you covered with their 6th Annual Valentine’s Dinner & Concert on February 16 at Treasure’s of Marilyn. You’ll be treated to a candlelit dinner with both piano and classical guitar provided by the talented musical couple Lina Morita and Jay Kacherski. They have a limited number of Private Tables for Two, which includes dinner, wine, roses, and chocolate. Visit the symphony’s website at www.lcsymphony. com for more information.

Redfish Hebert

Specialty Scallops

Join us & #getdowntownlc SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10 AM-2 PM MONDAY: CLOSED LUNCH: WED–FRI: 11 AM-2 PM DINNER: TUES–THURS 5-9:30 PM & FRI–SAT 5-10 PM

Lobster Mac & Cheese

324 Pujo Street, Lake Charles | (337) 436-6251 thriveswla.com thriveswla.com

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Wining & Dining

HEARTS, Roses

& All Things RED Whatever your heart may desire this Valentine’s Day, shop local first!

by Katelynn Mouton

For many along the Gulf South, this time of year is focused on celebrating all things purple, green and gold, but with Valentine’s Day coming in on the heels of Mardi Gras in 2024, mixing in a little red, pink and white is a must!

While roses and other floral arrangements remain a mainstay gift on this holiday for lovers, local retailers are gearing up to offer some additional unique gift options perfectly suited for your special someone.

Accessory Zone If a sweet smell speaks to the heart of your Valentine, Accessory Zone is home to the Bridgewater Candle line, featuring the go-to Sweet Grace scent. Sweet Grace combines the scents of full-bodied fruits, sparkling tea and classic patchouli to create the crowd favorite. Sweet Grace is available in candle form and other room refreshers. Accessory Zone also carries a variety of accessories, apparel, home décor and other gift items.

2801 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Bux Kajun Korner This downtown corner store is known for daily lunch specials and a variety of gift options fit for each holiday. With more than 40 local vendors, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind gift.

Bux makes their own candles, soaps, bath salts, whipped soaps and linen sprays in house. For Valentine’s Day, be on the lookout for gift baskets featuring their blackberry magnolia scent. Valentine’s Day themed home décor items and candy bouquets are also available.

729 Ryan St., Lake Charles

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Thrive Thrive Magazine Magazine for for Better Better Living Living •• February February 2024 2024

Expressions If holiday themed drinkware is on your list, stop by Expressions for Swarovski Crystal Glassware arriving just in time for your romantic, candlelight dinner. This locally owned gift shop also features Swig Life Drinkware with appropriately themed designs. Accessorize your Valentine with selections from the Ayala Bar spring 2024 jewelry line or fill their home with the sweet smell of Nest candles and diffusers.

Be sure to check out the new Indian Jasmine scent.

3204 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Gordon’s Drug Store From jewelry and other accessories to hand towels, drinkware, makeup bags and more, Gordon’s Drug Store has a wide array of gift options suitable for any Valentine. Local artwork and Tyler Candle products in scents like Diva are also ideas to consider. Locally authored children’s books are perfect for younger Valentines while the Lemon Lavendar line of self-care products is perfect for tweens and teens. For a little something spicy this Valentine’s Day, swing by Gordon’s to pick up a bottle of Calcasieu Hot Sauce. Bottled locally, this sauce promises “a little heat, a little spice and a lot of flavor,” Bottlers say it “dances on the tongue like a Cajun waltz.”

2716 Lake St., Lake Charles

Navarra’s Jewelry and Gifts While engagement rings are always in style for Valentine’s Day, according to Navarra’s, this local favorite also carries the Charles Garnier line that is a perfect option for married couples, or those who may not quite be ready to put a ring on it. The Charles Garnier’s line features gold over silver, giving it a high end look in a more reasonable price range. Navarra’s also carries the Julie Vos line of jewelry out of New York.

This line is a perfect consideration for someone looking to gift their special someone with jewelry that is a little more fashion-oriented in style.

1025 Ryan St., Lake Charles

SERVING UP FINGER-LICKING FOOD FOR THREE DECADES

& SPORTS BAR

N

DARRELL’S TO-GO

EW

YaYa & Company Opened in May 2023, YaYa & Company is one of the newer gift shops in town. They stock a wide variety of gifts and seasonal items for women, men, and children. For Valentine’s Day, YaYa offers apparel such as heart motif fashion sweaters, pajamas, socks and slippers. You’ll also find love-themed ornaments, delicate plates, sweetheart headbands, and more.

5685 Nelson Rd. Suite C, Lake Charles

DELIVERY AVAILABLE THROUGH

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

337

Wining & Dining

Sweet

Treats

for Your Sweetheart

by Stefanie Powers

We’re all aware of the long-standing tradition of giving your loved one a heart-shaped box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. It actually dates back to the 19th century, when Richard Cadbury, son of Cadbury Chocolates founder John Cadbury, decided to create what he called “fancy” boxes of chocolates to increase sales. Thus, the first heartshaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day debuted in 1861.

But it’s 2024, so let’s think outside of the (heart-shaped) box and see what other sweet delights are available for that special someone!

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS If you want to make a big impression, Edible Arrangements has so many choices! Check out the “Eternal Love Bakeshop Platter” that comes with strawberries (both plain and dipped in chocolate), brownies, cheesecake with strawberry swirls, fresh grapes, and oh yes, more chocolatedipped strawberries topped with sprinkles. If you like, you can add a bouquet of flowers or balloons. And speaking of bouquets, “You’re the Sweetest” is a beautiful bouquet of fresh fruit that comes in three different sizes. A delicious gift that’s also good for you!

Edible Arrangements, 4110 Lake St. Lake Charles, (337) 602-8622

TWANIE’S TERRIFIC TREATS, LLC Antwan Pettis of Twanie’s promises us a menu that includes Ravishing Red Velvet Cookies, along with other Valentine-themed treats. Their brookies (brownie/cookie combos) will satisfy any sweet tooth, and their bread pudding is on the menu daily – and that’s a party in itself!

Twanie’s Terrific Treats, 206 11th St. Lake Charles, (337) 202-1211

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Thrive Magazine Magazinefor forBetter BetterLiving Living •• February February2024 2024 Thrive

CYPI’S CAKE BOX Cypi’s offers a special Valentine’s Day cheesecake, along with praline gift bags, assorted cake balls and cupcakes, and gourmet apples and strawberries. The couple’s cakes are perfect for the two of you to share, and there are larger cakes if you’re throwing a party or treating the office! It’s a good idea to call in your order in advance if you know what you’d like.

Cypi’s Cake Box, 520 W. McNeese St. Lake Charles, (337) 478-0269

CRAVE COOKIES OF LAKE CHARLES Crave Cookies bakes individual 8-inch heart shaped decorated cookie cakes (you can also get them decorated any way you’d like) and red velvet cookies are also on the Valentine’s menu. Their cookies are so moist that customers often wonder if they’ve been fully baked. Yes, they have – and the cookies go through thorough temperature checks to achieve that gooey middle that Crave prides itself on . . . and their customers love!

Crave Cookies, 4407 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles (337) 990-5250

PRONIA’S DELI AND BAKERY Pronia’s Deli and Bakery is a longtime Lake Charles favorite that has always offered delicious desserts. Valentine’s Day is no exception, so expect a variety of special treats for the occasion. Their personalized cookie cakes are big hit, and if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, try a champagne cake with strawberries or a white chocolate raspberry cake. And don’t forget their cannolis and baklava!

Pronia’s Deli and Bakery, 3101Kirkman St. Lake Charles (337) 478-0785

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EDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or gender in admission of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs. thriveswla.com thriveswla.com

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Wining & Dining

COOL JOBS

Coloring Their

Community,

One FLOWER at a Time

by Angie Kay Dilmore

H

annah Richard opened Blissful Blooms flower shop in 2014, along with her mother, Dana Decuir, and sister, Alanna Russell. Initially in the wedding business since 2010, they catered, decorated, coordinated, and planned these special events. The mother/daughter trio chose to become florists as a means to generate daily revenue, but still remain in the wedding industry.

In Louisiana, florists are certified by the state and shops undergo yearly unannounced inspections. Prior to opening Blissful Blooms, Dana and Alanna attended floristry design classes at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and took the certification test through the LA Horticulture Dept.

Hannah later took the classes, along with a younger sister, Mikaela; but the state requires one only person to be certified in a flower shop, so there was no need for them all to take the exam.

Hannah is a “floral designer” and she appreciates the artistic nature of the floral industry. “I love being able to use my creativity to bring people joy.”

Hannah says a typical day at Blissful Blooms varies from day to day.

“I have some days where I beg for the phone to ring. Other days I beg for the phone to stop, and we don’t eat lunch until 4:00 p.m. We make deliveries and work on orders throughout the day. We wash buckets every two days to reprocess the

, Alanna, Dana and Ha

Left to right: Mikaela

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

nnah

flowers in the cooler. And we’re constantly cleaning the floor. We have a saying here – if the floor is clean, you’re not working.”

The florist business isn’t always a bed of roses, Hannah admits. She says it’s often a struggle to balance work life Hannah with Blissful Blooms and family time. She homeschools her three sons and often takes them with her to the shop. “I am a people pleaser who can put my own time, worth, and family on the back burner to grow my business or to accommodate customers. Another challenge is managing customer expectations and educating them on proper floral and plant care. I also need to realize that sometimes I can’t make everyone happy, and that is okay.”

But with challenges come rewards. Hannah says she finds joy in the relationships she builds with customers. “I love to make someone’s day turn completely around with a delivery of flowers.”

According to Hannah, Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for their business, but Valentine’s Day is a close second. They sell 700-800 red roses for this day dedicated to sweethearts. For those not fond of roses, they also sell quite a few tulip arrangements. Blissful Blooms also offers mixed flower arrangements, chocolates, teddy bears, and balloons.

After three location moves between 2014 to 2017, Blissful Blooms is now located at 246 N. Main St. in Jennings, La. They currently share a storefront with Betty’s Flowers, owned for 41 years by Betty Breaux.

Hannah says, “Since the merger, both our businesses have grown and improved over the years.”

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Places & Faces

BLACK HISTORY MONTH In 1976, as part of the United States Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. This celebration serves as a time to recognize the achievements, contributions, and cultural richness of African Americans throughout history, as well as showcase the accomplishments of various individuals in a variety of fields.

In this special section, we celebrate people of color who have exemplified this robust spirit and made significant contributions to history, or who are history in the making...or both! People like local lawyer Derrick Kee, young athlete and Olympic hopeful Lina Mills-Zacapa, Sheriff-elect Stitch Guillory, artists, restaurateurs, businesspersons. This section is dedicated in gratitude to our vibrant Black community and the vital roles they play in our collective day to day lives.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

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Places & Faces | Black History Month

Black-Owned Businesses

Bring Value and Vitality to Southwest Louisiana

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Southwest Louisiana boasts a legendary history of Black-owned businesses and their owners who made important contributions to the colorful tapestry of our regional culture. For example, Reginald McWilliam Ball, Sr. was an entrepreneur who had his hand in a wide variety of business ventures during the mid-20th century. In 1947, he founded Ball’s Industrial Institute,

the first Black trade school for WWII veterans, in a building he had erected on Lake Charles’ north side. When those services were no longer needed, he converted the school into an entertainment venue, Ball’s Auditorium, which became a mecca for top-notch Black entertainment in the 1950s to 1960s. He also opened Ball’s Café – the original Ball’s Fried Chicken – and Ball’s

Hotel, Ball’s Apartments, Ball’s Tropicana, and Ball’s Drive-Inn. And don’t forget Pryce’s Pharmacy and Mayo’s Grocery, just to name a few! This legacy of entrepreneurship continues today with countless Black-owned businesses across the Lake Area and beyond.

Here, we feature a small sample of the wide variety of businesses you’ll find in Southwest Louisiana.

possibly a new bridge to be constructed.

Housing construction is on the rise, as well as demolition needs. New schools need to be built. We desired to capture an opportunity to subsidize our income and possibly start a small business venture for our family’s next generation.

We purchased one new truck in 2015, then another in 2019. In November 2023 we added two additional 2024 models.

We decided the time to grow is now.”

Selena serves as the company’s CEO and Frank is the Manager. He says F & S Trucking is committed to providing customers with the highest quality of

service, always keeping safety in mind.

“We work for you and your satisfaction is of the upmost importance.”

Frank says they plan to add more trucks to their fleet and hire more staff as demand dictates. “We want to create an environment where all employees feel significant and know they work at a place where safety is emphasized and people care.”

F & S Trucking F & S Trucking provides dump truck hauling for all types of construction projects within a 100-mile region of Lake Charles La. – from Beaumont, Tx. to Leesville, La. Established in 2015, the company is owned by Selena and Frank Clemons. They provide services to contractors and developers on largescale projects, such as I-10 interstate and pipeline construction; and they also provide services for smaller homeowner projects. “We haul aggregates, topsoil, fill dirt, asphalt, milling, sand, demolishing, broken concrete, and most things in between,” says Frank.

The couple started their company because they saw a shortage of large capacity dump trucks in the area.

“Southwest Louisiana has a history of plant expansion and area growth,” Frank explains. “We talked with the SWLA Chamber of Commerce, noting local LNG Plant expansion, I-10 Hwy. lane addition,

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

The Clemons encourage dump truck drivers with two or more years of experience to join their team. Contact them at 337-496-3764 or see their website, www.fandstrucking.com.

Tasterite Jamaican Restaurant

Foodies and fans of delicious cuisine in general rejoiced last December when Tasterite Jamaican re-opened after a three-year hiatus. This tenacious business opened their new doors at

1850 N. Martin Luther King Hwy, Lake Charles.

The new menu includes all the same goodness patrons came to know and love, with entrees such as jerk chicken and pork, goat curry, oxtails, and of course rice and beans, fried plantains, and more.

Tasterite is a family business, with Daemion Bailey as head chef, his wife, Heather Wade, assisting in the kitchen, and their two collegeage kids tending to customers. They opened their original restaurant in a small, unassuming building on Opelousas St. in 2013. Three years later, they moved into a larger location on Kirkman St. Sadly, that site was destroyed by

Hurricane Laura. Wade says they lost everything in the storm, but they were determined to revive Tasterite. “We are making the dream together.”

Wade says she and Daemion are proud of their Jamaican heritage and that pride shines through with dedicated attention to detail and quality ingredients in the dishes they serve. “Tasterite Jamaican Restaurant is extremely excited to be a part of this community and bring a little piece of the island to Lake Charles and surrounding areas.”

For more information, find Tasterite Jamaican Restaurant on Facebook.

The Griffith Financial Group Tonya Griffith is a Senior Private Client Wealth Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors with 23 years of experience in Lake Charles. Driven by a passion for helping the community achieve financial goals, her career journey began in 2001. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and is an accredited asset management specialist concentrating in wealth management, offering comprehensive services including investment allocation, wealth transference, insurance, and holistic financial planning.

Griffith offers clients an individualized approach to wealth management: She emphasizes the importance of tailor-made financial plans, recognizing that each client’s situation is unique. “I focus on understanding clients’ needs, goals, and expectations to develop effective financial strategies,” she says, acknowledging the evolving nature of financial planning and the need for adaptable strategies.

Her role as a fiduciary advisor requires her to ensure that each client’s interests are at the forefront, maintaining transparency and trust.

“I involve my clients in the planning process, making sure they understand and agree with the proposed strategies,” Griffith says. “This commitment highlights the continuous nature of financial planning, adapting to changes in clients’ lives and financial landscapes.”

Griffith continues to be driven by a love for helping people and empowering them through financial literacy and management. She says her business goal is to be “a beacon of financial expertise and community support, especially during Black History Month.”

Griffith Financial Group is located at Walnut Grove. 2070 E. Walnut Suite 101, Lake Charles, Louisiana. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 337-794-8150.

Diversity Hair Salon & Spa Amanda Moore owns and operates Diversity Hair Salon & Spa. Her career journey began at Stage One The Hair School in 2013. She returned to Stage One as an instructor in 2016 and continues in that role today. From 2014-2021, Moore also worked consecutively at the salons in JCPenney and Ulta.

Moore opened Diversity Hair Salon at 608 W. McNeese St in 2021. She says her motivation for opening her own shop was the need for inclusivity. “Many salons cater to only one demographic. My vision was to create a space for everyone regardless of hair texture, skin tone and skin type.” In addition to cutting and styling hair, Moore is an esthetician and cosmetologist.

Her services include steam treatments, hair coloring services, protective styles, custom

facials, eyelash extensions, and full body sugaring.

Moore’s client, Austin Rains, first met her while she was working at JCPenney. “Our connection ignited from the moment I sat in her chair,” Rains says. He followed her throughout her career and has been a loyal customer for nearly a decade. “Not only is she an extremely talented cosmetologist who gets it done right every time, she is also one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. As long as she is still in Lake Charles, she will continue to have my support.”

To make an appointment at Diversity Hair Salon and Spa, call 337-292-0817.

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Places & Faces | Black History Month

first person with

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff-Elect

STITCH GUILLORY

by Kristy Como Armand

How do you feel about making history as the first African American Sheriff in Calcasieu Parish?

Gary “Stitch” Guillory began his law enforcement career as a 21-year-old rookie in 1983, working patrol, with the Westlake Police Department. He was promoted to numerous positions, moving up through the ranks in the department to Assistant Chief of Police before being appointed interim Chief of Police in 1997. The following year, he was elected Chief of Police, and in 2002, he was re-elected without opposition to serve another four years.

In July 2004, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso selected Stitch to serve as his Chief Deputy, a position he held until being elected Sheriff in November of last year. When he takes office in July, Guillory will make history as the first African American sheriff in Calcasieu Parish.

Thrive recently spoke to Guillory about his 40year law enforcement career and plans as sheriff.

When did you first become interested in law enforcement?

At a really young age. I grew up in low-income housing in Lake Charles and we often looked at the police as the enemy there, sometimes because of the way that they treated people in our neighborhood. I knew it shouldn’t be that way – didn’t have to be that way – and that is where my interest began. In the years right after high school, I worked two jobs; one at the Lake Charles Country Club, as a waiter and bartender, and the second at a gas station servicing cars in Westlake.

Both jobs gave me great experience in serving others and learning how to deal with all types of people, but I wasn’t really sure what my next step was going to be. The Westlake Police Department was a customer of the service station I worked at, and I often had conversations with the chief and other officers. The chief encouraged me to apply for an opening, and I did.

What do you enjoy the most about working in law enforcement?

Giving back to the community. I love working with our team and other organizations to make our community better. I got into law enforcement to make a difference, and that’s the reason I show up every day. I know the work we do best is helping people in our community, whether it’s by responding to a crisis or working with kids in programs like DARE.

pleasure to volunteer and serve in leadership positions with a variety of organizations that do great work helping those in need.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done with young people across our community, of training and mentoring young officers, and in helping It’s an honor and something I don’t take lightly. the victims of crime regain control of their lives. I’m exceptionally proud to be part of the I owe a debt of gratitude to those who came CPSO and the team of leaders who work every before me and paved the way and who didn’t day to strengthen the trust that is vital for have the opportunities I’ve had to advance in our continued positive relationship with our my career. If I can be a role model for younger community. people of progress and opportunity in our community, I’m proud to do that.

What is the best advice you ever received?

To treat people how you want to be treated.

I heard that often from my parents. Very few households in my neighborhood growing up had both parents like I was fortunate to have. My parents were both hard workers who treated everyone with the same level of respect, regardless of their circumstances.

That’s a lesson I learned from them at a young age that I’ve taken with me through life.

What are the strengths of CPSO? Our employees are our biggest strength, along with our relationship with the community we serve. We have some of the most dedicated people I’ve ever had the honor to work with here at CPSO. You know, you see in the news about problems and conflicts in other parts of the county between law enforcement and the community. We don’t have that here. We have a great relationship with our community because that is our priority.

What changes will you focus on as Sheriff?

Retention and hiring are the biggest issues facing law enforcement everywhere and this is true here too. We’ll be working to hire 70 correctional deputies to get the prison reopened in the fall. We must make sure we can pay our deputies competitively and provide them with the training and equipment they need to do their jobs well. I’ll also be focused on opening up lines of communication even more between our office and the community.

I think we do a great job of that now, but we will always work to improve this. Technology in our field is evolving rapidly and I want to make sure our team has access to these advances to protect our citizens. I am thankful for the trust the community expressed in me by electing me sheriff and I’m hard at work during this transition phase to put our leadership team and plan in place. Our job is to ensure a safer and stronger community and that level of leadership starts at the top, with me.

What are you most proud of in your career up to this point?

Being able to be part of organizations that serve our community well and being involved in making Southwest Louisiana a safer, better place to live through not just my job, but by getting involved in many other ways. I’ve had the

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Places & Faces | Black History Month

Derrick Kee, Esq.

– Ambassador for Justice

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the 1980s-1990s, the middle child of six being raised by a single mother, Derrick Kee saw lawyers as champions of truth and ambassadors for justice. “I’ve always admired how they historically made meaningful contributions to progress and making the world a better place,” he says. Even at a young age, Kee honed the skills necessary – reading, writing, speaking – to one day follow their paths.

Kee studied hard in school, excelling in academics as well as athletics. He dreamed of becoming a Major League Baseball player, but when he missed that call (literally), instead he made a move to Louisiana and attended Grambling State University, majoring in political science and playing baseball. He graduated magna cum laude after three and a half years and returned to Chicago, briefly working as a special education teacher. But Louisiana called him back. He attended Law School at Southern University. As President of the Student Bar Association, he graduated in 2005 and moved to Ruston, La. to begin his law practice. To achieve his goal, Kee overcame the challenges of poverty and lack of resources through a persistent passion to succeed, fueled by a burning desire to provide for his young family.

While at Grambling, Kee met his lovely wife, Chasity, and that is how he came to live in Lake Charles in 2011. Upon arriving in Lake Charles, he worked diligently as a former indigent defender for Calcasieu Parish.

He left the public defender’s office to embark on private practice, before

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

becoming a founding partner at the Hawkins Kee Law Group in Lake Charles. In 2021, he became a district judge of the 14th Judicial District Court in Calcasieu Parish. In that position, he presided over both criminal and civil cases. He took his role as judge seriously, saying it was humbling and a joy. But something was missing.

As a judge, Kee says he relished the privilege of deciding cases that had a substantial impact on the lives of real people, facing real problems. “But as a private attorney, I have the fulfillment of vigorously advocating my client’s cases before local judges and other judges across the state. “The rigors and promise of aggressive and effective advocacy is personally fulfilling and rewarding, in my view.”

In 2023, Kee was hired as a trial lawyer with the Cox Law Firm. He has a deep passion for the clients he represents.

“People come into my office, and they have a wagon full of problems...hurt, pain, and they drop it at my desk,” he says.

“They leave with the confidence that I’m going to manage it. I feel the weight of that. But these clients I serve are so grateful, and I have the joy of being a part of someone’s success, opportunity, the lifting of that weight.”

There are many facets to Kee’s role that remind him every day why he became a lawyer. “I have the opportunity to get maximum recovery for those who have been injured.

Whether I’m handling serious criminal cases or being able to get misdemeanor charges and traffic violations dismissed that would have put people in positions where they couldn’t work, or lose their jobs, I am doing impactful work for the people in the community. I contribute to creating taxpayers, not tax burdens. I also handle civil rights cases, representing citizen rights to obtain appropriate justice for themselves and families.

Kee is particularly ardent about second chances and rehabilitation for criminal clients. “It’s about grace, mercy, and opportunity. The purpose of the criminal justice system is not only retribution, punishment, and restitution. It’s also rehabilitation, which is a gift an offender can give himself by becoming a better person and a greater contributor to society. I’ve been a part of that by helping so many people over the years.” Kee is a bona fide ambassador for truth and an advocate for justice. He received the Louisiana State Bar Association Citizen Lawyer Award in 2015, and was selected to the 2023 Top 100 National Black Lawyers list.

Kee resides in Lake Charles with Chasity and their four children. “It’s a great place I chose to raise a family. And serving Calcasieu Parish is my way of giving back and making a positive difference in my community by providing

The Kee Family

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Places & Faces | Black History Month

Lake Charles Gulf Coast Mural:

Public Art Tells the Stories of a Community

by Madelaine Brauner Landry

When people’s stories are recognized, it does something. It creates possibilities.

-John Powell With every stroke of the brush, the Lake Charles Gulf Coast Mural at Broad Street in Lake Charles became more powerful. The history of the North Lake Charles community became public art, transcending time and offering a visual timeline. Murals link past to future in a celebration and embrace of the people where it is located. Murals also elevate communities in the present, providing inspiration that points to what could be. Through their craft, muralists portray and preserve the identity and history of local residents.

Gulf Coast Murals Creative Director Dayna Reggero had a bold idea: With sponsorship from the Sierra Club, six cities were chosen as sites for murals that would depict the stories of marginalized communities that have been negatively affected by industry. When Lake Charles was chosen, business owner and resident Tasha Guidry agreed to be Project Manager. She assumed responsibility for

hiring artists, securing a location, purchasing supplies, marketing and advertising, and planning the unveiling ceremony and reception. With the hiring of artists Shannon Dejean and Derrick Thornton, she knew this mural could marry the past to a brighter future for North Lake Charles (NLC).

‘We shared an idea from inception,” notes Guidry. “We would include depictions of historical places like Pryce’s Pharmacy, our only Black-owned Pharmacy; Mayo’s Grocery; Ball’s Fried Chicken; the fruit and vegetable stand on Moeling Street, which was around until Hurricane Laura; and Shattuck St. Park and Recreation Center. In our ongoing conversations, we agreed we wanted to illustrate a community that once thrived with businesses and things to do, but also no longer exists. We also shared the hope for North Lake Charles, one that could hold a future with a cleaner environment and increased positive economic development.”

With their team in place, the three assumed the challenge of planning and painting. None had previously done murals.

They were all graduates of Washington Magnet High School and longtime NLC residents. Guidry recalls appreciating the creativity and synergy that were evident early on in their collaboration. “Derrick had just completed an art show at the Black Heritage Gallery; he had a clothing brand named Accidental Genius. Shannon

L - R, artists Shannon Dejean and Derrick Thornton, and project manager Tasha Guidry

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

owns Buku Designs, which produces promotional items – customized T-shirts, cups, banners, digital flyers, etc. Shannon also paints and draws.”

As plans unfolded, Dejean and Thornton agreed that the artwork must visually remind the community of what once was, while inspiring it to imagine what it could be again: United. Vibrant. Productive. Although they initially worked independently, they produced completed mural drawings over one weekend, via phone calls and emails.

“Derrick and I had worked on other projects prior to the mural. So when it came to the mural, our ideas, vision, and work came naturally. Two easily became one on this mural project.”

Meanwhile, Guidry scouted a highly visible location. Heavy traffic on Broad Street was one consideration, but the chosen site was also an area where many Black-owned businesses were decimated by the 2020 storms and couldn’t rebuild. “Currently, little is being done to revitalize the area,” she says. “Residents feel they are purposely being neglected. We do not intend to let the mural’s message be ignored.”

After two months of planning, the artists started painting. “Local residents stopped by often to offer love and support,” added Guidry. “The mural became something that truly belonged to them.”

Unveiling-Community Day arrived

Find this Gulf Coast Mural at the intersection of Broad and Shattuck St.

in November 2022. It was a day of festivities, with invitations extended to public officials.

City Council members Craig Marks and Ronnie Harvey, Police Jury member Mike Smith, and City Marshall Nathan Keller attended, but Guidry says the community felt slighted that local government Thornton sketches mural details. hadn’t sent more representatives to acknowledge the unity the mural had inspired.

National attention, however, was forthcoming. Regerro mentioned the colorful mural in her award-winning documentary, Gulf Coast Love Story. “This mural was a beautiful collaborative effort by the community,” she says. “And as Thornton says in my new film, ‘this mural is a seed of hope.’”

Ironically, one of the mural’s messages is “stop the violence.” This was of greatest importance to artist Thornton. Tragically, he was killed in a random robbery just months after the mural was completed; a victim of juveniles who were randomly looking for someone to rob.

“Derrick and I really wanted this mural to reflect the North Lake Charles that we grew up in,” says Dejean. “We also envisioned what it could become with the help and motivation of the community. The mural team does not want his life and art to have been in vain.”

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Places & Faces | Black History Month

112 Years of Sizzling Success Family Barbeque Business Continues to Ignite Taste Buds with Timeless Tradition

by Sadie Atha

There’s a faded black and white photo hanging proudly on the wall in the back of a restaurant, displaying a line of people eager to get barbeque from the son of Jackson “Jack” Patillo.

Like the people in the photo, the restaurant has withstood the test of time, from pandemics, floods and hurricanes, and has still managed to have a successful business for over a century.

This restaurant, Patillo’s Barbeque in Beaumont, holds the esteemed title of the

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

oldest Black- and family-owned restaurant in Texas. Jack Patillo, founder of Patillo’s Barbeque, had a passion for cooking, and when he started infusing Louisiana-inspired taste into his Texasstyle food, he knew he’d leave a legacy. By 1912, the business was officially established, and patrons were eager to order Jack’s famous links.

Fast forward to today, and fourth-generation owner, Robert Patillo, is at the helm. Having dedicated his life to the family business since the age of 13, Robert embodies the traditions and values instilled by his predecessors. The heartbeat of the kitchen, general manager and cook, Quincy Akers has been an integral part of the establishment since 2007, attesting to Robert’s commitment to preserving the business’s legacy.

While Robert runs the business, he trusts his staff to treat the food and the business as if they were family. Most of the staff have been working here from 17-30 years, and they brag about the way Robert instills family values into the restaurant. Despite the change in

location, Patillo’s prides itself on preserving the original flavors and techniques that have made it a community favorite for generations.

Akers touts the traditions set into the quality of the food and service. In fact, there are no written recipes, only techniques and routines to practice over and over again while Robert teaches the way that his grandfather and greatgrandfather did. Akers added that is what has kept him here for seventeen years, the familial bond that Robert instills in his cooking, his staff, and his customers.

“The people who come in and their grandparents were already coming in before,” said Akers. “They bring their kids because their grandparents brought them, so it’s just pretty much like that over and over. Everybody who comes you can pretty much tell what they want. It’s almost like the same people every day.

And you’d be amazed. You’d be like, well, this person came yesterday. And they’ll come back tomorrow for the same thing and eat it every day. And it’s just amazing that people do it.”

Even with the success of the brick-and-mortar restaurant, the company started selling their

own Patillo’s seasonings in 1946, so patrons could bring a little of Patillo’s back home with them. They use a mixture of this homemade seasoning along with TexJoy, another century old company based in Beaumont, to season their meats. Today, the seasoning business is run by Robert’s nephew, which makes it a fifth-generation business.

At Patillo’s, it’s more than a restaurant; it’s a family. Whether bound by blood, sweat from dedicated staff, or the hunger of eager customers, there’s always a familial embrace awaiting you at Patillo’s Barbeque, where Cajun flair meets traditional excellence.

Patillo’s Barbeque is located at 2775 Washington Blvd., Beaumont, Tx. For information on hours and prices, visit www.patillosbbqtx.com. For more information on Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Beaumont area, please visit: www. beaumontcvb.com/ things-to-do/blackhistory-and-cultureitinerary Sadie Atha is the Marketing Manager at the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Celebrating Trailblazers

ToddClemons.com 1740 Ryan St, Lake Charles

Todd S. Clemons thriveswla.com

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Places & Faces | Black History Month

on the road to Success Lina Mills-Zacapa Aims Her Sights on the 2028 Olympics When Lina Mills-Zacapa was a young girl, she drew a picture of herself with a shiny Olympic medal around her neck. Now at age 17, this enthusiastic young woman is on a path to potentially make that dream a reality.

Lina is a senior at Leesville High School. With a GPA of 4.1, she’s a star student who also excels athletically. She’s number one in Louisiana for the one-mile and cross country, and is on the swim and tennis teams. She’s a certified small boat sailor in the Sunfish division. But more recently, Lina has taken an interest in triathlon. Having already made a name for herself on the state level for swimming and running, she was noticed by USA Triathlon-Certified Coach Mark Pellerin, a native of Lake Charles.

“Coach Mark” recognized Lina’s potential and spurred her to pursue something a bit more challenging. Lina and her younger sister Juliana train with Pellerin every Tuesday. “He is determined to help us be successful,” Lina says.

Last month, Lina signed with Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina (presently #2 in the country for triathlon), where she will compete in track, cross country, and triathlon. This July, Lina will participate in the USA Triathlon Junior National Championship in Des Moines, Iowa. Her goal is to compete in triathlon in the 2028 Olympics, to be held in Los Angeles.

The daughter of Edward Mills Jr., a 28-year Army 1st sergeant veteran, and Katia Zacapa-Mills, a painter, Lina has lived in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Hawaii, Colorado, and now Leesville, Louisiana. The military lifestyle instilled in her a sense of discipline and exposed her to different cultures and climates. Her energetic mother encouraged her to try new things and learn new sports. Lina credits these experiences as helping her come this far in her quest.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Though she does not plan to follow her father’s footsteps into the military, Lina is currently Leesville High’s JROTC Battalion Commander. “I like this program because it’s a great way for ‘cadets’ to practice leadership and communication skills,” she says. We participate in service projects such as Toys for Tots and Veteran’s Day ceremonies.

Being near a military base, we have a lot of students moving in and out of the school. JROTC a great way to make new friends and help them to discover talents they didn’t know they had.”

Lina says her days are full, with school, multiple sports practices, and homework. Admittedly a multitasker, she says “Student comes before athlete.” Lina plans to major in interior design and architecture at Queens University.

“I’m an artistic person. I love to read and write; I play the piano. I try to do my best in all I do. God is the source of my strength. Knowing that God gave me talents, it’s my job to use those skills to the best of my ability and do what I can to be successful.”

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Places & Faces

Movers and Shakers in Southwest Louisiana...

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

Shelley Johnson Steps Down After 35 Years of Leadership on Creole Nature Trail Board After more than 35 years of dedicated service, Shelley Johnson, a committed supporter and advocate of Southwest Louisiana, has stepped down from her role on the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway District Board of Commissioners.

In her letter to the Board, Johnson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to promote the natural beauty of Southwest Louisiana and Shelley Johnson advocate on behalf of the Department of Interior, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Scenic Byways program.

Throughout her tenure, she committed to showcasing the value of the trail and building lasting relationships with community professionals and stakeholders.

Johnson was pivotal in promoting the Creole Nature Trail, known as “Louisiana’s Outback,” which boasts 180 miles and encompasses four wildlife refuges. The trail holds the prestigious designation of being one of only 57 national scenic byways recognized as an All-American Road in the United States.

CSE Chief Human Resources Officer Graduates from Leadership SWLA CSE Federal Credit Union is proud to announce Chief Human Resources Officer Kasey Cormier has graduated from Leadership SWLA within the class of 2023 through The Chamber SWLA and SWLA Alliance Foundation.

Leadership SWLA is a program created by The Chamber SWLA and the SWLA Alliance Foundation to develop future leaders in Kasey Cormier Southwest Louisiana. Each year, around 30 individuals from various sectors are selected to receive training from recognized leaders in areas that impact the region.

Cormier joined CSE in 2008 and notes that one of the keys to her success is building professional relationships within the working environment at CSE and within the community. She is an SWLA native who graduated from McNeese State University and worked in the financial industry for 15 years. In addition, she is certified in Professional Human Resources through the National Human Resources Institute, certified as a National Human Resources Professional through Society for Human Resources and certified in National Human Resources Management. She is a member of the Calcasieu Parish 4H Foundation Advisory Council, Society for Human Resources Management and Imperial Calcasieu Human Resources Management Association.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

If you would like more information about CSE, contact Marketing Communications Specialist Morgan Martel at 337.562.3161. CSE is insured by NCUA. Membership and Eligibility required.

JD Bankshares, Inc. and JD Bank Appoint Guillory JD Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: JDVB) Dan L. Donald, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of JD Bancshares, Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Guillory Oil President Michael A. Guillory to the Board of Directors effective December 19, 2023. The addition of Guillory to the board reflects JD Bancshares’ commitment to fostering growth in Louisiana and enhancing Michael Guillory corporate governance. Guillory will serve on the boards of both JD Bancshares, Inc. and JD Bank.

Guillory brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization with a distinguished career in the fuel and lubricants industry. Throughout his career, Guillory has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. He has a proven track record of steering his company towards success in a dynamic and competitive landscape.

Cameron Fultz

New Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA Executive Director Announced The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is proud to announce the appointment of Cameron Fultz as their new Executive Director.

Cameron began with the AHC in January 2022 as Project Coordinator and took over as Interim Director in July of that year. During his time as Interim Director, Cameron oversaw the return of Chuck Fest, the beloved annual music, art, food, and culture festival to Downtown Lake Charles in

October 2022.

Cameron, a Sulphur, Louisiana native, has worked tirelessly to grow Arts Council events, such as Live @ the Lakefront, Spring Art Walk, and Chuck Fest 2023 since, and continues to embody the values of the Arts & Humanities Council. Outside of working for the AHC, Cameron spends his spare time performing in local theatre productions at ACTS, referees soccer both locally and regionally, and considers himself a very amateur Do-It-Yourself home renovator.

Matt Young

Emily Treme

Morgan Dodd

Visit Lake Charles Announces Team Updates Visit Lake Charles (VLC) announces Matt Young's role change from director of association sales to director of public relations and welcomes two new sales team members, Emily Treme and Morgan Dodd.

Matt Young – Director of Public Relations Young joined Visit Lake Charles in March 2023 as director of association sales. He transitioned to the marketing team as director of public relations on Dec. 1. Before Visit Lake Charles, Young served as both the director of cultural affairs and the public information officer for the City of Lake Charles. Young is a Louisiana Tech University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications, political science and public relations.

Lisa Guerrero Announced as Executive System Director of Marketing and Communications at LCMHS Lake Charles Memorial Health System is proud to announce the promotion of Lisa Guerrero to Executive System Director of Marketing and Communications. Lisa has a wealth of experience in healthcare marketing—in which over 20 years were leadership positions. Since July 2021, she has spearheaded Memorial’s Lisa Guerrero community-focused marketing initiatives, leveraging her extensive expertise to drive growth and engagement.

Her innovation and creativity are the key drivers behind the growing success of increasing market share awareness and implementing a fresh, modernized branding approach for the health system. Most recently, under her leadership, Memorial’s marketing team was awarded a Golden Pelican Award by the Louisiana Hospital Association for “Team of the Year.”

Emily Treme – Director of Association Sales Treme has joined the sales team as director of association sales, replacing Young. She will concentrate on boosting convention sales and expanding business for association group meetings and tradeshows. As a seasoned event planning professional, Treme is returning home to Southwest Louisiana from Colorado, where she was recently employed as the sales and operations coordinator at RMC Destination Management Group. During her time there, Treme showcased skills in crafting, organizing and overseeing both largeand small-scale events. Treme is a McNeese State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in general studies.

Morgan Dodd – Meeting Sales Manager Dodd joins the sales team as meeting sales manager. In her new role, Dodd will lead efforts to promote Lake Charles as a destination for social, military, education, religious, fraternal and corporate meetings. Prior to VLC, Dodd served as the senior sales executive at Medical Diagnostic Laboratories. She is a McNeese State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance. As a former Mardi Gras Southwest Queen, she remains active in carnival season, serving as the board’s pageant chairman and overseeing marketing and social media for the pageant.

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Places & Faces

JUST

IMAGINE ENHANCING DOWNTOWNS

SWLA COMMUNITY PLANNING

THROUGH COLLABORATIVE A Conversation with Lauren Bynum

This month, we chatted with Lauren Bynum, the assistant director of Planning & Development at the City of Lake Charles. We delved into the essential elements contributing to a strong downtown to showcase the impact of collaborative planning.

One of the five key topics integral to the Just Imagine SWLA vision is Collaborative Community Planning. This vision is critical to transforming downtown areas into vibrant, walkable spaces. Two catalytic projects address this topic: Strong Downtowns and the Nellie Lutcher District.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Exploring the characteristics of a Strong Downtown prompts the questions: How can we classify it, and what key features are essential for its success?

Bynum explained that a strong downtown must be walkable. The street is the backbone of a successful walkable, pedestrian-oriented environment. The streetscape and sidewalk amenities need to support walkability by providing a safe space for the public to linger, gather, and engage with businesses.

Creating barriers from vehicular traffic with landscaped areas and street trees helps the pedestrian feel safe and protected from the street traffic. Even on-street parking provides an additional layer of protection for the pedestrian and slows the traffic. Cars are no longer speeding by businesses but are subconsciously forced to slow down and can see the shopping

opportunities, boosting economic activity.

Downtowns provide a unique experience for pedestrians. Once the streetscape has been addressed, activating storefronts, supporting mixed-use developments, and creating engaging public gathering spaces and art opportunities keep the public’s attention. All of which contributes to a healthy, strong downtown with a vibrant economic environment.

Unpacking the concept of “street calming,” how can we define this term? Furthermore, in what ways does the Nellie Lutcher District serve as an illustration of “street calming?”

Bynum said that, like the conversation surrounding strong downtowns, the Nellie Lutcher District utilizes the same elements and approaches.

Currently, the five-lane roadway only serves to move cars quickly through, which we know does little to support local businesses or provide a safe and walkable environment. Likewise, the current traffic counts in the area don’t support the large street section. Utilizing traffic calming methods, we can reimagine the streetscape of

An example of porous pavement

Enterprise Boulevard. This allows us to slow the traffic down and provide a more pedestrian-friendly and walkable experience.

Enterprise Boulevard would be transformed into a three-lane road with bike lanes, street trees, and larger sidewalks. These changes would effectively “calm” the vehicular traffic and ultimately support the vision of the Nellie Lutcher District as an arts and culture hub and a reimagined gateway along I-10 supporting economic development.

Simply put, faster traffic is not always best. This area is a great example of how An example of porous traffic calming measures can be utilized to support a neighborhood. pavement Bynum added that in Collaborative Community Planning, planners focus on bringing identified visions to life, saying: “When we talk about Collaborative Community Planning, I think about how we, as Planners, can support the visions that have been identified. There are many ways to support these visions through zoning changes, overlays, streetscape and beautification projects. The vision created, the Just Imagine SWLA 50-Year resilience master plan, becomes the roadmap for us as planners to work towards and support, ultimately realizing the community’s imagined changes and projects.”

An exa extension with

An example of a curb Porous pavement is one way greener infrastructure can be introduced as a streetscape extension with native planting project.

Allowing water to drain through the pavement can help reduce flooding. More information about porous pavement can be found in the appendix.

A 50-YEAR RESILIENCE MASTER PLAN FOR CALCASIEU AND CAMERON PARISHES

Curb extens initiativ streetsca

DECEMBER 2022 Meeting Date

A Good Example

DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE, SC

• The transformation of Greenville’s Downtown began in the 1970’s when four lanes of traffic were redesigned with green medians, angled parking, and wide sidewalks • In 2010, Greenville completed their Downtown Streetscape Master Plan to incorporate Complete Street elements • Consistently listed as one of the “Best Downtowns” and travel destinations

Porous pavement is one way greener infrastructure can be introduced as a streetscape project. Allowing water to drain through the pavement can help reduce flooding. More information about porous pavement can be found in the appendix.

A 50-YEAR RESILIENCE MASTER PLAN FOR CALCASIEU AND CAMERON PARISHES

Curb extensions are another opportunity for introducing green infrastructure into streetscape initiatives. Site-specific vegetation filters and transpires stormwater, while enhancing the streetscape. Underdrain also ensures the proper drain-down of stormwater infrastructure.

DECEMBER 2022 Meeting Date

Catalytic Projects / Strong Downtowns

• The most successful tool used for construction costs has been utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which allowed the City to utilize property tax revenue increases within a defined district for redevelopment and revitalization efforts

Barriers and trees to protect patrons

Signage, curb bump-outs, and diagonal parking are elements of complete streets Catalytic Projects / Strong Downtowns

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Places & Faces

Putting Petals to the Metal

Local volunteers have once-in-a-lifetime experience at the

ROSE PARADE

by Kristy Como Armand

This exquisite float, Explore Louisiana, represented our state in the Rose Parade.

Kristy Armand and Patricia Prudhomme help prepare the float.

Kristy and Patricia with Sean Ardoin at the Lt. Governor's reception.

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The floats that captivate visitors at the annual Rose Parade aren’t created by design professionals alone. Every year, thousands of volunteers spend hours painstakingly gluing seeds, fruits, vegetables, dried florals and, of course, fresh flowers on the floats. I was one of those volunteers for this year’s award winning Explore Louisiana float. It was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end.

This was the third consecutive year the Louisiana Office of Tourism participated in the famed parade. After last year’s event, I read an article about volunteers helping to decorate our state float. I thought it sounded like a fun and interesting experience and a great way to help promote our state. I looked into the process and added my name to a list so I’d be notified for this year’s float. When I got the email asking for volunteers to register, I completed the application and asked my friend, Patricia Prudhomme, if she’d be interested. We were notified with details and planned our trip to Pasadena.

We arrived on Thursday, December 28, in time to attend Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser’s Rose Parade Welcome Reception at the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium. We toured the venue and got a preview of the parade performances from Grammynominated Zydeco musician Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and guitarist James Burton.

We worked shifts on Friday and Saturday in the Fiesta Parades Float Barn in Azusa, just outside of Pasadena. We learned there are four different companies responsible for designing and building the 40 floats in this year’s parade.

It’s a year-long process with thousands of volunteers arriving from across the country to help finalize the decorating in the week leading up to this annual New Year’s Day parade. In addition to the Louisiana float, there were four other floats being assembled in our float barn.

The Rose Parade’s elaborate floats have evolved since the first parade 135 years ago, but the event has stayed true to its floral beginnings. Every inch of every float must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. The most delicate flowers, including roses, are placed in individual vials of water, which are set into the float one by one.

The best way to describe the setup when we arrived in the barn was organized chaos, with the emphasis on “organized.” The float builders and professional staff definitely knew

what they were doing. It was a process to get all our volunteers assigned to the right places, but everyone was patient during the wait and we were overwhelmed by the scope and scale of the operation. The float was still under construction with welders and builders up on scaffolding. We experienced sensory overload, with rows and rows of flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables, seeds, sculpted float parts and supplies all around us. Staffers continuously brought in more materials for each float.

We met volunteers from across the country; some were first-timers like us and others made the journey every year to help. Many volunteers were part of local and national civic organizations, and in the Louisiana volunteer crew, there were also festival queens and tourism staff members helping to bring our float to life.

The theme for the 2024 Rose Parade was “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Louisiana’s float featured a largerthan-life jester surrounded by second-line umbrellas and fleur-de-lis in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.

Our primary task was to cut and glue corn husks along the base of the Louisiana float.

Some of our friends attached pieces of seaweed to the edges of the float’s fleur-de-lis and along the wrought iron balcony. Others applied rice powder to the jester’s hat. An experienced floral team inserted the larger floral stems. Activity was frenetic, yet focused. It’s impossible to fully describe the painstaking attention to detail and the level of creativity involved in the creation of the floats. It was a fascinating process and a challenge to not be distracted by all the activity around us as we worked on our assignments.

The culmination of our volunteer experience was attending the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day and seeing the completed “Explore Louisiana” float roll before us with our incredible musical performers. We were not surprised to learn our state float won the Showmanship Award for the second consecutive year. This award represents entertainment and showmanship. As Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said, “Louisiana is a perfect fit for the theme of music. Music is a part of our culture, from Mardi Gras to our festivals, to our daily lives.”

Patricia and I are so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this year’s awardwinning production, even in our small way.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we will never forget!

Crying Eagle Brewing Company Breaks Ground on Second Location

Something new is brewing on the Lake Charles Lakefront. An official groundbreaking took place last month along Lakeshore Drive for Crying Eagle Brewing Company – the Lakefront’s new restaurant and microbrewery.

This will be a second location for Crying Eagle, representing a $12 million investment for the region.

The company’s founder and President, Eric Avery, was joined by public officials, his development team, employees, family and community leaders to celebrate the beginning of construction of this new destination attraction on the scenic lakefront.

“We are incredibly excited to mark the beginning of construction,” says Avery. “We first announced this project four years ago, never imagining it would take this long to get to this milestone, but we also could not have imagined the challenges we would face – and overcome—during that time. This groundbreaking is more than just a ceremony to celebrate the start of a construction project. It’s a testament of the resilience of the Southwest Louisiana community. We are so proud to be a part of it and to begin this exciting new chapter in our city’s history.”

Avery gave special thanks to Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and the city’s administrative team for working with them to make the project possible. He also expressed his gratitude to the Southwest Louisiana legislative delegation for the successful passage of Senate Bill 450, which removed the obstacle of transferring finished product between breweries of the same

ownership, making a second location possible for Crying Eagle.

Avery says the Lakefront location will incorporate all the features their fans love most about Crying Eagle, along with some new, unique features:

 Over 12,000 square feet of dining

and entertainment space across two floors  Full-service restaurant with incredible lakefront views  Seafood-inspired menu  Microbrewery delivering a unique selection of lager-focused beer offerings  Full bar service for wine, spirits, cocktails  Waterfront to-go ordering station  Indoor & outdoor entertainment venues Randy Goodloe, AIA, APAC, is the architect for the project and PERC Development is the contractor.

Visit www.gantic.io/crying-eagle-lakefront or www.cryingeagle.com for additional information on Crying Eagle.

The original Crying Eagle opened in 2016 near McNeese State University and has become a tourism staple in Southwest Louisiana, welcoming over 200,000 visitors annually and offering unique craft beers, award winning cocktails, elevated pub food, entertainment and brewery tours.

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Style & Beauty

DIY blowo

by Kerry Andersen

The best part of going to the salon for a cut or color service is knowing you’ll also receive a professional blowout. When experts style our hair, the result is always fuller and more polished and just seems to last longer. With a bit of know-how, it is possible to recreate a salon blowout at home by utilizing a few tips and tricks from the pros.

Signatures Salon owner Cortney Blalock says the secret to a beautiful blowout starts before you even turn the hair dryer on. “Using the right foundational products customized to your hair type and texture makes all the difference and that starts with a good heat protectant to shield your tresses from heat damage and to prevent

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

frizzing.” She adds, “If you’re looking to pump up the volume of your hair, start by layering on a thickening product and work it fully into your strands. Be sure to apply styling products evenly and don’t forget the back of your hair.” (Blalock recommends Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray and Go Big Treatment).

The critical next step to duplicating a salon blowout is to section your hair off into smaller pieces using clips to hold hair up at the crown, back, and sides. From there it’s all about patience and using these key techniques: •U se a round brush to dry just one small section at a time.

• Always work from front to back drying the most visible sections first.

• Start by aiming the air flow at the root and pull up and away from the head for a voluminous and bouncy look.

• Be patient and fully dry each section before moving on to the next. If you leave moisture behind, your hair will fall flat later.

• Look for a blow dryer with a ‘cool shot’ button to set your hair as you go.

uts

Blalock says it’s important to use your dryer on full power and high heat for best results which make the heat protectant step so critical. Using the nozzle tip on your blow dryer will keep hair from getting too close to the heat. Pro tip: As soon as you finish blow drying, wrap your hair around rollers – Velcro rollers are easy to use and don’t require clips. Remove the rollers when your hair is completely cool for easy full volume and soft waves.

The final step is to set your style with hairspray to make it last longer. Signatures uses Oribe’s Thick Dry Finishing Spray for an extra voluminous

look. Blalock recommends booking a consultation with your favorite stylist to find the right hair care routine for your specific length and texture so you can keep your crowning glory looking beautiful between hair appointments.

Find Signatures Salon at 803 W. McNeese Street, Lake Charles. Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Follow Signatures on Instagram @signaturessalon, online at www. signaturessalon.biz , or 337-478-4433.

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THURS., FEB. 29 5 – 7 P.M.

Light hors d’oeuvres & complimentary wine provided.

LC RACQUET CLUB 870 W. Bayou Pines Dr.,

RSVP: tori@ehealthyimage.com thriveswla.com

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Style & Beauty

Hop On These 2024 Denim Trends

by Kerri Cooke

With the new year comes new goals and resolutions. But the early months of the year are also a perfect time to reevaluate the denim in your closet. Maybe it’s time for a spring cleanout to make way for some fresh, trendy jeans.

Good denim never goes out of style. But you can also date a photograph with good accuracy depending on what specific wash and silhouette the people in the image are wearing. Here are some of the top denim trends set to dominate store shelves in 2024.

Pleated Denim

Jeans are now acceptable workwear in many offices— something that would’ve been unthinkable only a few decades ago. But if you haven’t been able to make the transition to jeans as workwear and prefer sleek and chic dress pants, 2024 might have just the trend to help you experiment.

Tailored denim, complete with pleats, a solid wash and zero distressed elements, will add elegance to the everyday essential.

Out with Skinny Jeans, in with Looser Fits

While there is a portion of the market still dedicated to skinny jeans (some women refuse to give up the skinny silhouette due to early aughts wide leg jeans trauma), wide leg jeans and baggy jeans are all the rage again.

For a subtle effect, straight leg jeans will be the safest route this year. Calvin Klein has even relaunched his ‘90s version of straight leg jeans.

If you want to push the envelope a little further, barrel leg jeans (aka balloon pants) are set to be the breakout star of 2024. Barrel leg jeans are fitted at the hips, billow out on the legs and come back in to hug the ankles. This silhouette gives jeans a very distinct, boho look to them.

If you are a bigger risk taker, go grab a pair of baggy jeans from your favorite boutique. Styles range from an average baggy style to jeans with a low-slung waist and extremely baggy silhouette. Baggy jeans give the perfect “I stole my boyfriend’s jeans” look.

Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the forecast. You don’t want to wear puddle pants on a rainy day.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Cargo Jeans

Cargo pants have become popular the last few seasons. However, the trend hasn’t fully jumped over into the jean pool until now. Expect to spot a range of utility jeans on the streets this year as fully functional pockets, perfect for your car keys or snacks for a toddler, enter womenswear. After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged that women love pockets on their clothing.

Flared Jeans

Bell bottoms are back! Whether you prefer a slight flare or a full-on cowboy flare at the hem of your jeans, there will be ample options to fit your preference in 2024. Flared jeans always bring an element of fun with them and are perfect for a day out with friends.

Confirming that these trends are trickling down to SWLA, representatives from Mimosa Boutique say, “Our best sellers are a high waisted cropped flare style and a high waisted wide leg.”

All In the Details

While some people prefer light wash jeans and others prefer dark wash jeans, there is a movement toward dark wash jeans this year. A darker wash can give a pair of jeans a refined look, while cuffs at the hem (also a returning trend) will add a casual air to an outfit. Seam details and embellishments will also be a popular feature on jeans to add a bit of pizazz.

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Home & Family

Children's Dental Health Month

When it comes to dental health and kids, the good news is that 75% of U.S. children ages 1–17 received preventive dental care in the past year, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Center. The bad news is, Louisiana was one of four U.S. states with the lowest percentage (73%) of children “with teeth in good or excellent condition.” That means more than 1 in 4 kids in Louisiana are in dire need of dental care. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth and more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

WHAT CAN PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS DO? For Babies • Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.

• When teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small bristled toothbrush and plain water.

• Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot signs of problems early.

• Talk to your dentist or doctor about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

For children younger than 2, consult first with your doctor or dentist regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste.

For Children • Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Help your child brush their teeth until they have good brushing skills.

If your child is younger than 6, watch them brush. Make sure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out rather than swallow.

• Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate.

• Drink tap water that contains fluoride.

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

Dr. Eric A. Sanders

Dr. Saima Khan

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

2620 Country Club Road • Lake Charles, LA 70605 • (337) 433-kids (5437) W W W. S A N D E R S P D . C O M 62

Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

Put the life back in your landscaping!

Transform your old, damaged or overgrown landscape with a renovation from Landscape Management.

Landscape renovation is the process of improving and modernizing an established landscape to give your outdoor space a fresh, new look.

Give us a call to learn more!

(337) 478-3836 BEFORE

AFTER

SEE YOUR PLAN COME TO LIFE, VIRTUALLY.

5005 Cobra Road, Lake Charles landscapemanagement.org

BOOK FOR SPRING COLOR NOW! thriveswla.com

63

Home & Family | Children's Dental Health Month

What Age Is Best for Braces?

Straight Talk About Early Orthodontic Treatment

by Kristy Como Armand

Most people associate braces with the teenage years but today, children are more likely to get braces at an earlier age, according to orthodontist Craig Crawford, DDS, with Crawford Orthodontics. “While orthodontics can improve a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment, and in many cases, this time period is when a child is in their pre-teens.”

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. Dr. Crawford says by this age, most children have a good mix of baby and adult teeth, which enables orthodontists to make a good assessment. “By no means are we saying that most children need braces at this early age. Braces are not usually recommended until most of a child’s adult teeth have erupted. But this initial exam will allow us to spot any potential problems that may exist, even if your child’s teeth appear straight. Many orthodontic problems are easier and less complicated to correct earlier, rather than later.”

For example, orthodontists can direct extractions of baby teeth which may allow adult teeth to come in straighter, possibly preventing the need for braces altogether. As a child gets older, regular examinations may be recommended to monitor growth and development, with any needed treatment recommended at the appropriate time.”

In addition, there are some situations in which young children do require orthodontic treatment. “This is referred to as ‘interceptive orthodontics,’ and typically involves interventions that begin before a child starts first grade,”

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explains Dr. Crawford. “At this age, tooth development and jaw growth have not been completed, so certain conditions are easier to address.” He says interceptive treatment can be used to create room for crowded, erupting teeth, create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth, reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, preserve space for un-erupted permanent teeth and reduce treatment time with braces, among other benefits.

Dr. Crawford uses an advanced 3-D imaging system that is extremely helpful with interceptive orthodontics.

“This imaging technology and modeling system provides us with very accurate and complete images for diagnosis and

treatment planning, without the more cumbersome – and messy – dental impressions. The system allows us to not only see current alignment and teeth, but also to more precisely predict limits of tooth movement and bone support. It also enables us to perform 3-D treatment simulations, eliminating a lot of the guess work in treatment planning.”

When braces are needed in younger children, Dr. Crawford says the process today is more kid-friendly and fun, with brightly colored alastics, the tiny rubber bands that hold the wires to the braces. “Kids can choose alastics to match their favorite colors, school uniforms, team colors, a holiday color scheme, etc,” says Dr. Crawford. “This helps keep the kids excited about the treatment.”

For some younger teens, invisible aligners may also be an option. These are made of a medical grade clear plastic, which are custom-made for each patient and move teeth incrementally, in a process similar to conventional braces. Dr. Crawford says the aligners are not only more aesthetically appealing to teens but are also often a better fit for their typically busy lifestyles.

The good news is with earlier treatment, older teens will not only have a great smile, but also one less thing to worry about in their high school years.

For more information about braces at any age, call Crawford Orthodontics at (337) 478-7590 or visit www.drcrawfordorthodontics.com.

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Home & Family | Children's Dental Health Month

Good Food Leads to Healthier Teeth Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in children’s dental health, influencing the development of their teeth and overall oral wellbeing. The relationship between what children consume and the health of their teeth is intricate, with dietary choices impacting not only the prevention of dental issues but also the maintenance of strong and resilient teeth.

One of the primary negative factors in dental health is the consumption of sugary and acidic foods. Sugars serve as a source of energy for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the production of acids that can erode tooth enamel. This process contributes to the formation of cavities, a prevalent issue in children. Candies, sodas, and sweet snacks are often culprits, and limiting their intake is crucial in preventing tooth decay. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of the frequency and timing of sugary food consumption, as prolonged exposure to sugar increases the risk of dental problems.

In addition to sugars, acidic foods and beverages can also pose a threat to dental health. Acidic substances, such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks, can weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Encouraging a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is important, but moderation and proper oral care are key to mitigating potential negative effects.

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Conversely, a well-balanced and nutritious diet contributes to the development of strong teeth and gums. Essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are crucial for the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth. Calcium, for example, is a key component of tooth enamel, and its adequate intake supports the strength and integrity of teeth. Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods are excellent sources of these essential nutrients.

The role of water in dental health should not be overlooked. Water helps to maintain proper hydration, which is essential for saliva production. Saliva plays a vital role in neutralizing acids, re-mineralizing tooth enamel, and washing away food particles and bacteria.

Encouraging children to drink water regularly, especially between meals, can contribute significantly to oral health.

Educating parents and caregivers about the importance of a balanced diet and proper nutrition for children’s dental health is key. Establishing healthy eating habits early in life sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. Dental professionals often provide guidance on age-appropriate nutrition and can offer personalized advice based on a child’s specific needs.

The impact of diet and nutrition on children’s dental health cannot be overstated. By promoting a diet rich in essential nutrients, limiting the intake of sugary and acidic foods, and emphasizing good hydration practices, parents and caregivers can play a significant role in safeguarding their children’s oral well-being. Regular dental checkups, coupled with a nutritious diet, contribute to the overall health and longevity of a child’s smile.

CITGO E-RECYCLE DAY SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024 8A.M.-11A.M.

LAKE CHARLES EVENT CENTER - 900 LAKESHORE DRIVE Each year thousands of computers, TVs, cellphones and other electronics are discarded. Such “e-waste” contains recyclable materials and can be hazardous if disposed with regular garbage.

RECYCLE YOUR ELECTRONICS ELECTRONIC ITEMS ACCEPTED: • COMPUTERS • PRINTERS • FAX MACHINES • KEYBOARDS • PHOTOCOPIERS • TVS • VCRS • STEREOS • HOME & OFFICE PHONES • CELLPHONES • HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS • TABLETS • GAMING CONSOLES MERCURY ITEMS ACCEPTED: • THERMOSTATS • THERMOMETERS • LAMP BULBS (I.E. FLUORESCENT, NEON, MERCURY VAPOR, & METAL HALIDE) ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: • SMOKE DETECTORS • FIRE ALARMS • DEHUMIDIFIERS • BATTERIES • LARGE APPLIANCES (I.E. REFRIGERATORS) • MICROWAVES • MEDICAL EQUIPMENT UNITS WITH LIQUIDS

NO OUT-OF-STATE DELIVERIES

FOR DETAILS, CALL THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES AT (337) 491-1451.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WASTEWATER DIVISION

thriveswla.com

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Home & Family

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA Celebrates 45 Years of Service

by Kerry Andersen

As Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana CEO Erin Davison looks back on the organization’s 45 years of mentoring youth in the region, she can’t help but feel a bit reflective about how much the agency has grown in more than four decades of service.

What is now the region’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network has come a long way since those humble early days in 1979 as a sponsored program of Family & Youth. Then in 1984 it became established as an independent agency with one driving core belief – inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.

Davison took the helm in 2017 of what was at the time a small organization with a shrinking footprint. It wasn’t long before she faced what she terms ‘the apocalypse’ – the pandemic plus a series of natural weather events that challenged her leadership in ways she never anticipated. Against daunting odds, she found creative ways to financially sustain mentoring programs, introduce innovative technology for enrollment and mentoring practices, implement efficiencies with BBBS service and delivery, and create MentorU, an innovative curriculumbased group mentoring and 1–1 program in Calcasieu Parish.

“We’ve overcome great challenges since 2020 but through it all we remained laser focused on the knowledge that our youth who participate in mentoring programs achieve proven positive outcomes including better grades, higher

2022 Board of the Year for Small/Mid Affiliates

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

graduation rates, and an increased belief that they can say no to drugs, violence, and skipping school,” says Davison.

In 2022, a surprise phone call led to a transformative $1.1 million donation from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation. Davison used the billionaire philanthropist’s unexpected donation to seed an endowment she named the Big Defender Fund, an initiative she highlights as one of her proudest achievements as CEO. “The uncertainty of the last few years highlighted the need to diversify our funding and create sustainability,” said Davison. She adds, “The Big Defender Fund provides that mechanism. Using the funds to future-proof our organization from disruptive natural disasters and other prospective threats to our youth mentoring programs was at the top of my priority list from day one.”

The nonprofit has marked notable growth and achievement since inception 45 years ago including: • Supporting more than 9,000 youth with over 216,000 hours of mentoring.

• Grew staff from five to seventeen employees including Lake Charles and DeRidder satellite office.

• Expanded programming into seven parishes.

• Named 2022 Board of the Year for Small/Mid Affiliates by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

• Diversified and strengthened the agency’s financial portfolio.

• Launched Bigs with Badges in partnership with the DeRidder Police Department and Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office.

• Named 2023 Nonprofit of the Year by Fusion Five.

• Launched Operation Big in partnership with Fort Johnson/JRTC in Vernon Parish.

As Davison looks ahead to the next 45 years of working to help area youth achieve their full potential, she is filled with gratitude for the companies, donors, volunteers, employees, board members, and other community stakeholders who have given their time, talent, and dollars to support the programs that have a direct and lasting positive effect on the lives of young people in Southwest Louisiana. While large corporate donations are critical to funding mentoring programs, Davison is always quick to note that no donation of time or dollars is too small.

2023 BLOTY Big Angi Little Jenna

“Every year I receive a handwritten card from an anonymous young donor with a $5 bill tucked inside and it tugs at my heartstrings like nothing else.” She adds, “Although the donation is small in size, it is a huge driving force in reminding our team that youth remain at the core of our mission and I want the person who sends it to know how much it means to us.”

In January, BBBSSWLA held its annual Big Defender Luncheon to recognize donors and volunteers and announced they are renaming the Big Brother of the Year award after Ben Terry, KPLC’s beloved meteorologist who lost his battle with cancer last year. Ben was a Big Brother volunteer and an enthusiastic supporter of the organization.

Fusion Five's 2023 Nonprofit of the Year

You can support BBBSSWLA by donating to the Big Defender Fund via the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana and by attending these upcoming fundraisers: Bags & Brew on March 23 hosted by Crying Eagle Brewing, Bowl for Kids’ Sake on August 17 hosted

by Petro Bowl, and Cornhole for Kids’ Sake on October 19 in DeRidder.

2023 BLOTY Big Jose Carlos Little Jaun Carlos

SOUTHSIDE MACHINE WORKS is your ONE STOP SHOP for Machinists, Millwrights, Welders... and BBBS Bowlers and Cornholers!

Congratulations Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana

on 45 years of service & dedication to the community.

500 Leger Road, Lake Charles, LA 70607 • (337) 478-1096 • southsidemachineworks.com thriveswla.com

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FEBRUARY 2024

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024