Thrive June 2016 Issue by Thrive Magazine

JUNE 2016

Summer Travel Best Gulf Coast Destinations for

TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU p38

June 2016

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

SWLA GROWING STRONG: IMPERIAL POINTE, CRYING EAGLE AND INDORAMA ANNOUNCEMENTS www.thriveswla.com

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 www.thriveswla.com

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June 2016

On May 18, 2016, CITGO Lake Charles celebrated the 60 year service anniversary of CITGO Payroll Supervisor Della Gary. CITGO representatives dedicated a conference room in Gary’s name and national, local and state elected officials, including the Louisiana Governor’s office, issued proclamations honoring her service record. Gary, a native of Iowa, Louisiana, began her career at the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery, then Cities Service, as a Mail Clerk on May 25, 1956. Soon after, she was promoted to a payroll clerk. She was later promoted to Payroll Supervisor and has kept that position since then. For six decades, Della has shown her dedication, accuracy and work ethic in the Payroll Division. She is currently the longest serving CITGO employee on record and has no plans to retire anytime soon. CITGO would like to extend its gratitude to Ms. Gary for her valuable contributions and continued service to our company and the Lake Charles community.

June 2016

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Contents

6 In This Issue

Regular Features

Wining & Dining

14 First Person with Doug Gehrig 26 Who’s News 46 Business Buzz 62 Happenings 66 Solutions for Life 67 McNeese Corral

6 Crying Eagle Brewery Opens in Lake Charles 10 SWLA’s Top 20 Restaurants 12 4 Cool Backyard Barbeque Gadgets Places & Faces

Escape Room 20 Celebrate Pop Culture at BayouCon 22 Plans Announced for Imperial Pointe 28 – 32 Cover Story: Best Gulf Coast Destinations for Home

Home & Family 34 Education Need Not Stop on the Last Day of School 36 Keep Plants Hydrated in the Heat 38 Pets on the Go: You CAN Take Them with You Money & Career 40 Be a Winning Team Member

Summer Travel Look for our special spotlighting local businesses...

coming in July!

42 Indorama Ventures

S tyle & Beauty 48 Rock the Summer Ponytail 50 Hot Eyewear Styles for Summer 52 Prevent Your Makeup from Melting

Mind & Body 54 Great Strides in Ankle Replacement

58 Allergic to Gardening? 60 Boxers vs Briefs: Does It Matter to Your Health DON’T JUST LIVE, THRIVE!

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 be successful in all areas of their lives – family, health, home and career. 4 www.thriveswla.com

Editors and Publishers

Kristy Armand Christine Fisher

Advertising Sales ads@thriveswla.com 337.310.2099

Creative Director

Barbara VanGossen

Submissions edit@thriveswla.com

Managing Editor

Angie Kay Dilmore

Business Manager

Katie McDaniel Stevenson

Assistant Designers

Shonda Manuel Kris Roy Mandy Gilmore

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

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

June 2016

The practice is

growing!

All our wonderful dogs are available for adoption through 4Paws Society.

For more than 11 years, Dr. Prestia & her staff have been committed to providing the best, most up-to-date care possible, and thanks to all of you, the practice is growing and thriving! To continue to offer you professional, compassionate, and timely care, Anne B. Griepsma has joined our staff as Nurse Practitioner. She is available for annual exams, routine primary care, and together with Dr. Prestia, new comprehensive weight loss services!

Call 287-3552 for more information and to learn about other programs that are available.

DOGGIES! All of these precious pups are looking for loving homes.

Call us for more information and to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Look at that head tilt! This sweet, affectionate and active girl is ready for a new home. She’s 2 years old and is a chimix.

Alice Babst Prestia, M.D. APMC Anne B. Griepsma, APRN, FNP-C 4150 Nelson Rd. Suite E - 3 Lake Charles, LA 70605 337.475.8949 ph · 337.475.8946 fax

Dolly

In Like Flynn! This oneyear-old maltese mix is adorable, but very shy. Flynn will need some Flynn TLC and patience, but deserves someone who is willing to try for him. Are you that someone?

INTRODUCING

A NEW STANDARD OF CLEAN

RYTECH OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

CARPET

Hero Precious! This two-year-old handsome fella is a little timid, but sweet as pie. What he really needs is a lap to cozy up in that’s as warm as this blanket. June 2016

We use the highest quality, most advanced equipment providing maximum cleaning capability without distressing your carpet or leaving residue behind.

AIR DUCT

We offer air duct cleaning services that will remove airborne contaminants and improve your indoor air quality.

377-477-8400 Thrive Magazine for Better Living

TILE/GROUT

Our process can be used on a variety of tile, including ceramic and porcelain, and is ideal for kitchen and bathroom floors, showers, countertops, and entranceways.

rytechofswla.com www.thriveswla.com

Wining & Dining

IN LAKE CHARLES TO OPEN IN JUNE by Kristy Armand, photos by Shonda Manuel

THE POUNDING OF HAMMERS AND THE SMELL OF SAWDUST WILL SOON BE REPLACED WITH THE SOUND OF HAPPY PATRONS AND THE ENTICING AROMA OF FRESHLY-BREWED BEER. CRYING EAGLE BREWERY IN LAKE CHARLES, IS IN THE FINAL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION AND PLANS TO OPEN ITS DOORS THIS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE COMPANYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, ERIC AVERY.

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June 2016

The brewery is located at 1165 E. McNeese Street in Lake Charles on 10.45 acres of land. The natural tree line was left in place, providing a scenic entrance to the 15,000 square-foot facility, which features a 7500 square-foot production space, a 4000 square-foot tap room, a 3000 square-foot indoor/outdoor mixed-use rental space, and an expansive outdoor beer garden. Crying Eagle will also offer tours, special events, live music, beer dinners featuring local chefs, a “brewers’ playground” for experimentation and customer feedback on new brew flavors, and many other activities for visitors to enjoy. Crying Eagle plans to offer a diverse portfolio of beer styles, and will launch production with three brews, Calcasieu Common, a steam beer; The Chuck, an American cream ale; and Ready to Mingle, a Belgian-style single. Initial distribution will be concentrated in the Louisiana market, with Crescent Crown serving as the distributor. Avery says the flavor portfolio will be expanded over time. The brewery’s brew master, Bill Mungai, is already hard at work in his “brewer’s playground” on the next release. “After years of research, planning, and construction, we are extremely excited to welcome the public to Crying Eagle,” says Avery. “We’ve brought the best of everything we’ve learned and combined them with our own ideas to develop a world-class brewery and entertainment center in Southwest Louisiana. There are very few facilities in the country that offer everything we will have, all in one location. Our goal is for Crying Eagle to become a destination location for the region.” Visit www.cryingeagle.com for additional information. Information and construction updates will also be posted on the company’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/ CryingEagleBrewingLA.

June 2016

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Wining & Dining

Tasterite Jamaican Restaurant An Authentic Taste of

the Islands by Mitch Thomas

8 www.thriveswla.com

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

June 2016

Heather Wade and Daemion Bailey

Homegrown herbs and spices. Authentically cooked meals based on years of experience. No pre-cooked, pre-prepared or processed ingredients. Freshmade spicy sauces. That’s how Heather Wade and Daemion Bailey of Tasterite Jamaican Restaurant like their food, and they won’t serve their customers anything less. “If it’s something you don’t like for yourself, don’t cook it for someone else,” Bailey said. “I cook [at the restaurant] just the way I cook at home.” What Bailey cooks is authentic Jamaican cuisine. Having once operated a restaurant back in Jamaica, Bailey and his wife moved to the United States for work in construction, but found Southwest Louisiana the best place to open a Jamaican restaurant, as the area reminded him most of home. And while here, Bailey and Wade are determined to provide real Jamaican flavors. “Whatever road we go down we’re doing it as a family,” Wade said. “And we’re here to provide the best authentic Caribbean food you can possibly get in the Lake Area and surrounding areas.” They start with the freshest ingredients. Wade and Bailey grow most of their herbs and vegetables in their backyard garden, as well as prepare their own spices. Bailey prepares his signature marinades and seasonings for his jerked chicken and pork or oxtail with Jamaican methods and ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers. Anything not found locally is imported from Jamaica. “We do try our best to grow as much as we possibly can so you’re getting a good home-cooked meal that’s cooked naturally. Nothing comes to us pre-done—we cook everything ourselves. Every day,” said Wade. Though it’s a big part of the quality, fresh ingredients are not the only things that make Bailey’s cuisine stand out. Bailey prepares a meal as it would be done in Jamaica, from garden to table. He says Jamaican culture and the methods of growing and preparing ingredients lend a unique June 2016

Pepper pork with rice and vegetables

for purchase. They also import Jamaican beverages. flavor to food. Tasterite Jamaican Restaurant is located at “Back home we don’t have much fertilizer 2305 Opelousas St, Lake Charles, and open because we cannot afford it so everything is grown 11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. They’ve naturally,” Bailey said. “Our herbs and spices, you’ll been in operation now for about 2 ½ years, and get them naturally.” they hope to keep growing. This results in flavorful Jamaican curry, oxtail, “We can’t complain,” Wade said. “With the love and a local favorite, jerked chicken, which Bailey and support of the community, we’ve been here and Wade often prepare on the spot at local still.” festivals like Downtown at Sundown. For those unfamiliar with jerked chicken or pork, Bailey says such NOW LEASING NEW LUXURY APARTMENT HOMES meals are not all that different from American barbecue. In Jamaica, the meats are marinated in sauces prepared with spices like Scotch bonnet peppers and then cooked in an oven in a “jerk pan” rather than on a grill. Bailey’s cuisine here in Lake Charles isn’t quite as spicy as you might get in Jamaica, • 1,2,& 3 Bedroom Luxury Apartment Homes though. “Here we don’t Voted • Granite Countertops & Custom Cabinetry make anything as spicy Best Apartments • 40” flat Screen TV Included in Every Home as if you were in the in SWLA by the readers • Up to 10 Ft. & Tray Ceilings Available of The Lagniappe island,” said Wade. “What • Enclosed Garages Available 2013, 2014 & 2015 • Washer & Dryer Included we do is we give you the flavor so you can really enjoy our way of seasoning. We let stuff marinate before we cook it so you get that good taste and good flavor down to the very 1330 WEST MCNEESE ST last drop of your bowl.” Bailey’s sauces and 337-478-8449 • WESTMAPTS.COM seasonings are available Thrive Magazine for Better Living

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Wining & Dining

Southwest Louisiana’s Fourth Annual

Top 20 Restaurants The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) held the fourth annual Top 20 Restaurants online voting contest in honor of National Tourism Week where individuals could nominate and vote for their favorite places to eat in Calcasieu Parish. Culinary delights are a major draw for tourism, and people love to know where locals like to eat. There were 197 restaurant nominations made by the public with 6,036 votes cast, beginning one month prior to National Tourism Week, May 1-7. The restaurant that received the most votes was Luna Bar & Grill. Second place went to Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake followed by Pat’s of Henderson for third place. Other restaurants that made it to the Top 20, in alphabetical order are 121 Artisan Bistro, Blue Dog Café, Buffi’s Peaux Boys, Casa Mañana, Darrell’s, Harlequin Steaks & Seafood, Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen, LaVoglia Ristorante Italiano, MacFarlane’s Celtic Pub, Mazen’s Mediterranean Foods, Restaurant Calla, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Seafood Palace, Southern Spice Restaurant & Grill, Texas Roadhouse, Tony’s Pizza and Walk-On’s. The contest was promoted through social media, on the CVB’s website, as well as through National Tourism Week marketing including print, radio and public relations efforts. “The CVB is excited with the amount of participation from the public for this campaign in honor of National Tourism Week and our culinary arts. We have so many fantastic restaurants in the area. We are pleased that this year garnered the most votes ever in the history of the contest. People are passionate about their food, and it’s great to have such a full and diverse list of local favorite restaurants,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director of the CVB.

No 1 Luna

For more information, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/Top20 or become a fan of the CVB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LakeCharlesCVB.

No 3 Pat’s of H enderson 10 www.thriveswla.com

s ’ l l i B t a o b m a e t S No 2

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June 2016

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Wining & Dining

Cool Gadgets to

Heat up

Your Backyard Barbeque

by Frank DiCesare

WITH THE ONSET OF SUMMER, SOUTHERNER’S FANCIES TURN TO GRILLING. BUT BEFORE YOU FIRE UP YOUR GRATES THIS MONTH, CONSIDER THESE FOUR ESSENTIAL GADGETS THAT WILL BOLSTER YOUR GRILLING FROM BACKYARD GREENHORN TO BUDDING PIT MASTER. Grill Wizard 18-inch China Grill Brush

Cleaning your grill’s grate between uses is a vital first-step to ensure your food is cooked properly. A good grill brush is the perfect tool to remove burnt food particles, seasonings and sticky sauces from your grates, which can bring unwanted flavors to your next meal. The Grill Wizard 18-inch China Grill Brush is an excellent choice for $31.50. More economical grill brushes come in various styles, priced as low as $5.

Cuisinart CSB-156 Wood Chip Smoker Box A common misunderstanding among backyard cooks is that grilling and barbequing are the same thing. They’re not. In order to barbeque food you must slow cook with smoke. But if you already own a standard grill, and have little use for a $500 smoker, you can still barbeque your food with a smoker box. For about $15, the Cuisinart CSB-156 Wood Chip Smoker Box is an excellent choice to turn your grill into a smoker. Soak two to three handfuls of wood chips in water for about an hour and place them into a smoker box. With your grill still cold, place your smoker box beneath one of the grill grates. Close your grill’s lid and preheat to the required temperature. After about 15 minutes, open the lid and you’ll see smoke rising from the holes in your smoker box. You’re now ready to begin barbequing.

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iGrill2 Meat Thermometer

An important aspect of successful grilling – and indeed all cooking – is the ability to monitor food’s internal temperature as it cooks on the grill. Thousands of grill thermometers are available on the market, ranging from about $10 to $70, and most do a good job. This year, however, Weber has brought temperature control into the 21st century with the iGrill2. Priced at $99.99, the iGrill2 is an “intelligent thermometer” that allows users to monitor their food’s internal temperature via a Bluetooth connection with an iPhone, iPad or iPad touch. To activate iGrill2, users must first download the free iDevices Connected app, available from either the App Store or Google Play Store. The iGrill2 comes equipped with four probe ports, two high temperature probes, magnetic mounting, and an illuminated digital face. The device also features a 150 foot line of sight and 200 hours of battery life.

Lodge Logic Reversible Pro Grid/Iron Griddle

Hotdogs and hamburgers are classic grilling fare. But what about foods that are too small or delicate to place directly on the grate? For grilling bacon and eggs for breakfast or Philly cheesesteak sandwiches for lunch, no griller should be without am cast-iron griddle. For $40, the Lodge Logic Reversible Pro Grid/Iron Griddle, which features two cooking surfaces (a flat side and a ribbed side) and 208 square inches of cooking space, is a great choice. So tap your inner pit master this summer. With these gadgets on hand, your backyard grilling (or barbecuing, if you choose that route) will impress all your guests and give your food that flavor that only comes from cooking outdoors.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

June 2016

Lake Charles Charter Academy Accepted into George Rodrigue Foundation of the Art’s Louisiana A+ Network. Louisiana A+ Schools is the first whole school artsintegrated reform initiative of its kind to enter Louisiana, and now Lake Charles Charter Academy will join a nationwide network that includes sixteen Louisiana schools and over 130 schools nationwide. The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts has selected Lake Charles Charter Academy (LCCA) to join the Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) network starting this school year. “These schools have been chosen through a competitive application process by demonstrating their commitment to innovative learning and the importance of the arts in every classroom,” says Jacques Rodrigue, executive director of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts. The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts founded by famed artist George Rodrigue in 2009, advocates the importance of the arts in the development of our youth through a variety of art educational programs through its partnership with the A+ Schools Program. LCCA is the first school in Southwest Louisiana to become part of the network. “We are very excited to have this opportunity to take our school to another level,” says Dr. Pamela Quebodeaux, Principal, Lake Charles Charter Academy. Now that LCCA has been accepted into the LAA+ network, an extensive three-year-long training process will begin. Starting in July, LCCA teachers will learn how to integrate the arts into their core curriculum using the resources provided through the LAA+ network. According to Quebodeaux, “We’ll learn strategies to help incorporate not only the visual arts — drawing, painting, etc. — but dance, music, theater, drama and creative writing so that it’s the whole package of the arts,” she said. According to Judge Gene Thibodaux, President, Lake Charles Charter Academy Foundation, Inc., “This program highlights what we are trying to do – allow teachers to do creative things in each and every classroom.”

GRFA Executive Director Jacques Rodrigue visits Lake Charles Charter Academy and creates artwork inspired by Art of George Rodrigue.

To learn more about the George Rodrique Foundation of the Arts visit, www.georgerodriguefoundation.org. June 2016

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Places & Faces

ou’ve likely been a customer of Doug Gehrig, whether you’ve met him or not — and if you’ve lived in Southwest Louisiana for any amount of time, someone in your household has probably been on the receiving end of a team sponsorship, non-profit fundraiser or other show of community support from him. Gehrig, of Lake Charles, owns the 10 McDonald’s restaurants in Calcasieu Parish. His business operations are extensions of his upbringing. His contributions throughout the area are, he says, part of a positive give-and-take made possible by the local support of his restaurants. The locations of Gehrig’s McDonald’s restaurants range from DeQuincy to Iowa. They include four in Lake Charles, Westlake, Moss Bluff and two in Sulphur. His Golden Arches story spans more than four decades. It includes most of his family — starting with his father, who moved south from Wisconsin to open his first McDonald’s franchise. “Along the way from 1975, I have had three siblings with ownership stakes in one or more of the restaurants,” Gehrig said. “As of 2003, I had purchased all of the other family members’ stores. Gerard Mack, my director of operations, is also a part owner.” So please pull forward for a conversation that’s as much about supporting the community as doing business in it. Here are excerpts:

first person with

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Doug Gehrig

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

by Brett Downer

June 2016

Your roots run decades-deep in Southwest Louisiana. My local roots started in 1975, when I moved here. In 1976, I had my first child and it really became home. I have not thought of it as anything else after that. Only last week, one of my friends asked me where I would move after I retired. The comment caught me off guard. Why would I want to live anywhere else? The Lake Charles area really is a wonderful place to live. How has that influenced your business activity and community efforts? That “home” feeling affects most things I do. I care what kind of visits my “neighbors” have in my restaurants. As much as profitability is essential in business, I want to be proud of what I offer and deliver. Living here — and planning to stay here — gives me the want and need to improve my community. Why would anyone live somewhere and not try to improve life for everyone? What are some of the most rewarding efforts and institutions you and the area McDonald’s restaurants have supported over the years? An impossible question for me to answer. Over just the past year, I have sponsored events or fundraisers for over 100

organizations, including McNeese Athletics, an engineering project, ten high school athletic programs, six youth sports leagues … Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the Lake Charles dog park, the Calcasieu Medical Society … Whistle Stop, the fifth-grade dance program … seminars and summer school programs for youth… Organizations that benefit our youth are dear to my heart. The funds I donate — to sports, for instance — make it easier for the children of local families to participate. There are so, so many worthwhile organizations in our parish — and we have people willing to supply the manpower if they can get help financing their organization. I think it would be staggering to total the hours of community giving, both in man-hours and dollars. I’m just proud to be part of the community solution. I can afford to do it because of the community support of my business, so I do it. It’s the right thing to do — to give back what you can.

Doug was awarded the Ronald McDonald Award in 2012 for his community and corporate contributions, and it is the highest honor the region gives to an operator. McDonald’s of SWLA and Billy Navarre are annual sponsors of the Calcasieu Soccer Club’s programs and services.

continued on p16

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Places & Faces What local people have been community inspirations to you over the years? Two stand out. As a business person, Willie King is so involved with the youth in our community. He is so benevolent, active and hard-working. If you think you’re doing enough, spend a day with Willie. Whether you may agree or disagree with him politically, as a public servant, Mayor Randy Roach is everywhere all of the time. He has shown a dedication to our community for many years now, and takes outreach very seriously. The Energizer Bunny has nothing on him. To what do you credit your success in business? We try to treat our customers the way we want to be treated — fast service, good hot food, served by friendly people. Easy, right? No. We do not always succeed, and actually we fail all too many times — not that even once a day is acceptable. But when you serve 10,000 people a day, some mistakes are made, and an order is occasionally too slow. We have all updated facilities. Every one of our restaurants has been remodeled or rebuilt within the last few years. [That] helps our customers feel good about us as well as helping our employees’ attitudes. Everyone likes “new.” I also believe in giving back to the community that supports us. That may sound trite — maybe it makes a huge difference in my business, or maybe only a slight difference — but I do believe in giving back to the entire community.

That is a wonderful gift if you can do that. The stronger our community — one with more people involved finding solutions and caring for others — the better a place to live, work and raise a family. And to individuals? Get involved in some organization. Whether it’s time or money that you give, get involved. Any involvement makes the community a richer place. Southwest Louisiana is poised for tremendous growth. What are the opportunities -- and challenges -- ahead? The whole area is a large opportunity for growth in my business. We are completely fresh and new, and we are ready for the influx of business to come. The largest challenge is staffing. We are already seeing the pinch in hiring — and it will not get any easier. We will also see the cost of labor going up. Minimum wage is not the consideration anymore; the question is what will it take to get a good employee and then keep them. Wages may be a consideration by the employee whether to take a job, but paying a higher wage does not guarantee good employee performance. But the higher the wage, the greater the expectation. It’s a system that takes both parties to bring the answer. It’s noon and you’re in a hurry for lunch. What do you order at the drive-through? Filet-o-Fish. Small fry. Large ice water.

16 www.thriveswla.com

SMALL FRY: Grew up in tiny Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, just north of Milwaukee. One of seven children. Father owned a small meat-packing plant and, later, a restaurant, A&W Root Beer drive-in and a car dealership. “My parents were extremely hard working,” says Gehrig. So was he, working at all of the businesses during the summer or after school.

ORDER UP: Worked at the snack bar of his dorm while at the University of Illinois in Urbana (where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering). Was perhaps too good for his own good; when he joined a fraternity, they made him the kitchen manager. As he puts it: “Food service seemed to follow me everywhere.”

SO GET UP AND GET AWAY: As his parents — having grown weary of the Wisconsin cold — moved to Lake Charles to open their first McDonald’s, he took an engineering job at General Electric. Within three years, however, he was convinced to come down and help with the family’s growing enterprise here.

YOU’VE WON A FOOD PRIZE: Has earned multiple national awards from the McDonald’s Corp. — including, three years ago, the regional Ronald McDonald award for community and corporate contributions, the highest such honor given to an operator.

LOVIN’ IT: Has three daughters and two stepdaughters — and, now at age 66, has six grandchildren.

What’s your message to other businesses on how they might give back to the community? All the business people I know do give back. I know that in addition to funds, many of our area businesses enlist their employees to give of their time as well.

All ten McDonald’s locations have been completely renovated. The Maplewood location in Sulphur held a ribbon cutting this year.

SIDES

McDonald’s of SWLA recently committed to a $10,000 title sponsorship of the Downtown Lake Charles Dog Park. Shown with Sara Judson of the Community Foundation of SWLA. Thrive Magazine for Better Living

June 2016

Break out that little red dress and prepare to run! The New Orleans Hash House Harriers will host their annual Red Dress Run on August 13 in New Orleans’ Armstrong Park. This charity event includes a 2 mile run (or walk, stroll, crawl . . . it is, after all, New Orleans), unlimited beer, great food, and hot entertainment by The Top Cats and The Mixed Nuts. The New Orleans Hash House Harriers are “a New Orleans drinking club with a running problem.” At last year’s Red Dress Run, they raised over $169,000 for 73 New Orleans charities. Nearly 600 people participated. Open to both women and men, the run route meanders through the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods. Don’t miss this fun event with a party atmosphere, all to benefit many good causes. To register, go to www.NOLAreddress.com. Must be 21 years old to participate.

NEW ORLEANS, LA

The New Orleans Hotel Collection As the Official Preferred Hotel Partners of the New Orleans Red Dress Run, the hotels of the New Orleans Hotel Collection offer preferred rates to Red Dress Run participants. All hotels offer complimentary in-room coffee, artesian bottled water, Wi-Fi, and local calls. Select hotels offer complimentary breakfast and a welcome drink. Book online at http://www.neworleanshotelcollection.com/red-dress-run/

Enter to Win a Trip to New Orleans! Thrive magazine will host a Red Dress Run Sweepstakes Giveaway on the Thrive Facebook page. Enter to win a two-night stay at the beautiful Whitney Hotel, a boutique hotel of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, located in the historic Metropolitan Bank Building of 1910, just steps from Lafayette Square. Accommodations include a deluxe corner suite, free wi-fi and complimentary bottled artesian waters. (Value $600. No cash value. Valid for the dates of the Red Dress Run August 12 and 13, 2016.) Come one night early and join the fun at the first “Red Dress Happy Hour” at the Bourbon O Bar on Bourbon Street. All you need for admission is a Red Dress! Should you chose to arrive on Thursday night, you’ll also receive two seats at the fabulous “Spanish Wine Dinner” kick-off party for the Running of the Bulls. This four-course dinner includes wine, entertainment, taxes and service fees. An extra night at the Whitney Hotel may be booked at a special discount of just $99. “Like” the Thrive Facebook page: facebook.com/ThriveSWLA and watch for details. The winner will be chosen on July 7.

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Call Crawford Orthodontics today to schedule a free consultation. June 2016

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Places & Faces

CAN YOU GET OUT? by Angie Kay Dilmore, photos by Shonda Manuel

Imagine you’re locked in a room with a team of friends. You have one goal . . . to escape in less than sixty minutes. You follow clues that guide you to codes that lead to keys that open locked props and doors into other rooms, providing more clues that will open that last exit door. Welcome to the world of Escape Rooms! This growing entertainment industry began in Asia around 2007. It spread to Europe and then Toronto. The first escape rooms in the United States opened a few years ago in larger cities like Seattle and New York. “The last year has been a time of acceleration,” says Tod Ardoin, owner of Escape Room Louisiana, located at 317 ½ Pine St., Lake Charles. “They’re really catching on and moving into all the markets.” The haunted house industry has played a role in the success of escape rooms by lending their expertise in set design and themed storytelling. The early escape rooms were not as immersive and interactive. Escape rooms today are realistic and sometimes include actors. Zombies are a popular theme. Ardoin operates Escape Room Louisiana with his wife Angie and 18 www.thriveswla.com

daughter Victoria. These Lake Charles natives have been fans of horror and haunted houses for years, attending conventions around the country. He saw the rise in popularity of escape rooms as early as two years ago and wanted to bring the concept to Southwest Louisiana. Last fall they began construction of their first room and opened for business this past February. Their first room simulates a biotech lab with an experiment gone horribly wrong. Participants must find the antidote before it is too late, or in other words, before their hour is up. The Ardoins recently opened a second room with a pirate ship theme. While this family enjoys horror, their current two rooms are not frightening, though they may consider this theme in the future.

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

June 2016

There are companies that sell prefab escape rooms, but at Escape Room Louisiana, Tod, Angie, and Victoria create all original rooms, including the themes, puzzles, clues, and set designs. They have visited numerous escape rooms around the country, studying the industry. Ardoin says, “They are additive. Once you’ve experienced one, you want to do more and more, always looking for that next cool room or interesting theme.” The escape room experience is best suited for groups of four to eight people. “Six people seems to be the sweet spot,” says Ardoin. “The best players aren’t always the most intelligent players. It’s about critical thinking, common sense, the ability to stay calm under pressure – all these come into play. And in a group, you always have a range of skills and abilities. Everyone contributes and helps you get out. Everything you need to solve the puzzles is in the room with you.” Escape Room Louisiana is open Friday 4:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Players make reservations through the website, escaperoomlouisiana.com. No walk-ins.

For OB/GYN appointments on your schedule, we deliver. For women’s services, including high-risk and general pregnancy care, preventive services and even obesity management, turn to Lake Area Medical Center’s new OB/GYN, James Barrow, M.D. He understands that whether you’re pregnant or just need a regular checkup, you want to be seen quickly. That’s why he offers the convenience of same-day appointments. Dr. Barrow is now accepting new patients. Call 337-562-3747 to ask about same-day appointments or visit LakeAreaPhysicians.com to learn more. James Barrow, M.D., FACOG Board Certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Obesity Medicine

4150 Nelson Road, Bldg. G, Ste. 6 • Lake Charles Member of the Medical Staff at Lake Area Medical Center.

June 2016

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Places & Faces

Celebrate Pop Culture at the 8th Annual

BayouCon by Felicite Toney

Are you a Star Wars fan? Can you speak Klingon? Do you like to dress up as your favorite anime character? Are you a fan of comics and graphic novels? Have you heard about BayouCon? BayouCon will host its 8th annual Pop Culture convention June 24-26th in Sulphur, LA at the West Cal Events Center. It’s a family friendly event that encourages people of all ages to explore the vast world of pop culture. Attendees can dress up as their favorite characters, participate in a cosplay contest, buy local art, get their favorite books signed, meet famous actors and actresses, and much more. Justin Toney, Executive Director of BayouCon, is on a mission to spread awareness of various pop-culture genres across Southwest Louisiana. “BayouCon is home to many different types of popular culture. We have panels that range from Science Fiction to learning how to get your work published. We also offer people the opportunity to meet their favorite stars in a personal environment.” This year, BayouCon welcomes media guests Taylor Gray, voice actor from Star Wars Rebels, Ann Mahoney from The Walking Dead, and many others.

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At BayouCon, you can expect tabletop and console gaming, a multitude of fan groups, panels on various fandoms and pop culture topics, and many discussion opportunities. For the second time, BayouCon will show The Rocky Horror Picture Show and encourages attendees to dress up and participate in the Time Warp. On Saturday evening, there will be a fan appreciation party at the host hotel with refreshments, bonus panels and entertainment. Toney is in the business of supporting local artists, businesses, and the community as a whole through BayouCon. Paper Heroes, Cerebro Gaming, and Tarver Automotive are a few local names that will attend this year. You do not need to have a favorite fandom to attend BayouCon! You can use this opportunity to meet celebrities and support artists from the Lake Area and beyond. At BayouCon, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. So remember, Live long and Prosper, and laissez les bon temps rouler! For more information, check out BayouCon’s website at www.Bayoucon.net

June 2016

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Places & Faces

Plans Announced for Imperial Pointe and Medical School New “village for healthy living” concept introduced

Developers revealed plans for Imperial Pointe in Lake Charles, Louisiana, last month. Area government officials and business leaders were in attendance to get the first look at the many different components, including the region’s first medical school, planned for this 75-acre development. Located at the corner of Nelson Road and Imperial Pointe Blvd., Imperial Pointe was designed to be the ultimate village for healthy living. “Our mission is not just to provide facilities for treating illness, but to create easily accessible services and resources to keep people – and our community – healthy, all in one convenient, well-designed location,” says Dr. John Noble, local orthopaedic surgeon and Imperial Pointe project leader. The principles of new urbanism have been artfully blended with the most advanced technological conveniences to create an experience for visitors and residents that can’t be found anywhere else in the region, possibly the entire state, according to Dr. Noble. The upscale architectural design of Imperial Pointe will have

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a mixture of French and Spanish influence. The buildings will be from one to eight stories with a mixture of brick and stucco. Critical attention will be given to architectural details and landscape. PLANS FOR IMPERIAL POINTE INCLUDE: • medical offices • wellness facilities • acute care hospital • retail space • professional offices • restaurants • a hotel • a variety of residential components, including apartments, a gated subdivision, independent living facility, assisted living/ memory care facility Dr. Noble says Imperial Pointe residents will have the convenience of being within walking distance to all the services and medical care they need as they move through different stages of their life, and they won’t have to leave their neighborhood to access it. Imperial Pointe is already home to several medical offices and businesses, including FNBD (First National Bank DeRidder), Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center, Center for Orthopaedics, Thrive Magazine for Better Living

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Wound Care, Hart Eye Center, Endocrinology Center and the Diabetes Education Center of SWLA, Rehab One, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency, and The Eye Clinic’s new main office, which is under construction and scheduled for completion at the end of the year. Lake Charles College of Osteopathic Medicine William Carey University (LCCOM – WCU) The plan for a proposed medical school on the Imperial Pointe campus was one of the most significant aspects of the announcement. Approximately one year ago, the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance contacted William Carey University (WCU) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, about opening a College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) campus in Lake Charles to meet the need for primary care physicians in the state. Louisiana is 50th in the country in overall health of the population and 42nd in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000. WCUCOM leadership has met with multiple parties locally and throughout the state, including Governor Edwards, over the past year and determined that there is strong interest in having an osteopathic medical school in Lake Charles. Letters of

William Carey University

June 2016

support have been received from the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association and the Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association. The SWLA Alliance introduced WCU to Imperial Pointe developers and CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. The parties have been in negotiations to form a partnership to develop an academic medical center campus on Imperial Pointe. “We are delighted that the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine is coming to Lake Charles and look forward to partnering with Imperial Health and WCU to train the next generation of physicians for the region,” said Donald Lloyd II, CHRISTUS Southwestern Louisiana President and Chief Executive Officer. WCU is planning to accept 80 students per year on the Lake Charles campus. An economic impact study conducted by Dr. Daryl Burckel at McNeese found that the initial construction project will create approximately 114 jobs, and the college itself will create approximately 224 new permanent jobs with an estimated sustained economic impact of $19,000,000 per year in the Lake Charles area. Gregg S. Silberg, D.O., M.B.A., R.Ph., has been chosen to be the Dean of the LCCOM –WCU campus. The college is optimistically targeting a start date of summer 2018, pending the securing of funding, as well as accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Commissions on College (SACSCOC). “The expansion of medical education into Southwest Louisiana is in keeping with the mission of William Carey University, to serve underserved areas of the Gulf South,” says Dr. Tommy King, President, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. “We will be pleased to partner with the Lake Charles medical community to alleviate the shortage of primary care physicians in the area.” Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine. Emphasizing a whole-person approach to treatment and care, DOs are trained to partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well. In addition to the medical school, Dr. Noble says the first Imperial Pointe projects slated to begin construction this summer are the hospital and the fitness center.

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June 2016

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Places & Faces

Sea Worthy McNeese Engineering Graduate Won an Ocean Exploration Trust Design Challenge and Gained Valuable Experience Aboard the Nautilus by Angie Kay Gilmore

In the fall semester of his senior year, Nathan Stratton’s mechanical engineering career took an interesting turn when his McNeese State University professor, Dr. Zhuang “John” Li, told the class about an interesting extracurricular activity; the 2014 Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus Engineering Design Challenge. Stratton and four classmates took on the task and entered the competition. The assignment? To devise a tool to help the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) Nautilus Exploration Program better sample volcanic formations from the seafloor. The goal of the competition was to encourage undergraduate engineering students to creatively design solutions to current ocean engineering problems. “I thought it was a cool idea and a way for me to get some practical experience doing design work,” says Stratton. The scientists at OET had originally attempted a jackhammer-type of tool to gather sea-bottom rock 24 www.thriveswla.com

samples. “But the recoil from the jackhammer kept pushing the ROV (remotely operated vehicle) away from the rock surface,” explains Stratton. “When they tried to use the robot’s thrusters to hold it in position, they had to use so much force to hold it steady, it kicked up so much dust from the ocean floor, they couldn’t see what they were doing to collect samples.” The team spent the fall 2014 semester designing the tool. Instead of designing a brand new tool from the ground up, Stratton and his team took another look at the failed jackhammer design and determined a cost-effective plan to make it work. “We designed a vibration isolation system to absorb the recoil from the jackhammer, which reduced the recoil experienced by the ROV over 97%. This allows the ROV to use minimum thrust to stay still while using the tool, so it would not kick up dust.”

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The McNeese team learned they won the competition in March 2015, which earned them the funding from OET to build the prototype and test it. Later that summer, they observed via livestream the Nautilus ROV Hercules’ initial test of the tool. The Nautilus is the vessel from which OET conducts its ocean research. The Hercules and the Argus are robotic ROVs operated from the Nautilus. Stratton says the tool would have worked fine, but unfortunately, they had some temporary technical issues with the Hercules’ hydraulic power. Serious Competition Team leader Stratton and his fellow students competed against teams from Stanford University, George Washington University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. They intend to further refine the design and eventually apply for a patent. June 2016

CITGO, a company with a long-standing relationship with McNeese’s College of Engineering, sponsored the competition, allowing the McNeese team to participate in this selective national competition. “CITGO has always been an advocate for STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) because of its importance to society as a whole and its particular role in preparing the new generations of professionals that our industry will need into the future,” said Tomeu Vadell, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. He added that partnership with OET allows CITGO “to positively shape the next generation of engineers, scientists and environmentalists and provide them with the skillset needed to protect our coasts, help prevent future damage caused by extreme weather and become more well-rounded professionals.” From Competition Winner to Engineering Intern Through Stratton’s work with the Engineering Design Challenge, he became aware of a ROV internship program aboard the Nautilus. “I thought that would be a pretty cool experience to be out in the ocean and get to work on one of these robots. So I signed up,” he says. Stratton flew to Victoria, B.C., (his first plane ride), and boarded the Nautilus, (his first time aboard a ship). He worked on and operated the Argus and did odd jobs on the Nautilus deck. “It was definitely an interesting experience all around.” Stratton graduated from McNeese with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 2015. He is currently employed by PPC Mechanical Seals in Baton Rouge as a project engineer. His future plans include getting some work

experience and possibly starting his own business eventually. And he’d like to earn his Professional Engineer (PE) license. In his free time, Stratton enjoys reading, video games, and “tinkering.” “I like making things. Right now I’m working on a robotic hand, just for fun, just to see if I can do it. “

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Places & Faces

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

George Named WCCH Employee of the Month Dr. Michael Turner Named Co-Editor of Medical Journal Dr. Michael Turner MD, FACC, FSCCT, preventive cardiology specialist with Cardiovascular Specialists, has been appointed co -editor for the new CT section of Dr. Michael Turner the international online journal Echocardiography, the official publication of the Society of Cardiovascular Ultrasound. Dr. Turner is a founding member and Fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular CT and is board certified in both Cardiovascular CT and Cardiology. He has over 45 years of experience in his field, and over the past decade has actively used advanced CT technology in his preventive cardiology practice. He recently successfully implemented a state-of-theart CT triage system to evaluate chest pain in the Emergency Room, the first program of its kind in Louisiana. He is a senior partner with Cardiovascular Specialists, an affiliate of Imperial Health, the largest multispecialty medical group in Southwest Louisiana. For additional information, call (337) 436-3813 or visit www.csswla.com.

Marty DeRouen Earns Chartered Financial Consultant Designation Marty DeRouen, Wealth Management Advisor, with Northwestern Mutual has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) Marty DeRouen professional designation from The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA. Candidates for the ChFC designation must complete a minimum of nine courses and 18 hours of supervised examinations. They must also fulfill stringent experience and ethics requirements. Over 50,000 individuals have been awarded the ChFC designation since its inception in 1982 and the credential is widely regarded as the highest standard of knowledge and trust for financial planning professionals. For more information, call (337) 436-8940. 26 www.thriveswla.com

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) recently named Priscilla George as its employee of the month for April 2016. As a unit secretary in the Emergency Department, Priscilla George George provides assistance to patients, visitors, clinical staff and physicians in the emergency medical setting and helps to prioritize daily workload to ensure a safe and efficient environment for all.

Angelle Receives Customer Service Star Award SOWELA Technical Community College is proud to announce the Spring 2016 recipient of the Customer Service Star Award, Chef Roy Angelle. Chef Angelle Chef Roy Angells embodies the true spirit of SOWELA in that he constantly puts students first, going above and beyond with activities outside his normal Culinary Arts courses, including tutoring outside of class, hosting a monthly cooking show, and offering weekend training. We appreciate you sharing his accomplishments with the Southwest Louisiana community.

IBERIABANK Names Mancuso as Business Banking Manager IBERIABANK is pleased to announce the recent naming of Matthew Mancuso as Business Banking Relationship Manager. Matthew Mancuso joined Matthew Mancuso IBERIABANK as an intern working closely with the Commercial Banking team. Mancuso is a graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in Accounting and serves on the Volunteer Center of SWLA board. He is located at 2911 Ryan Street in Lake Charles and can be reached by phone at (337) 312-7033.

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Raymond James financial advisor named member of the 2016 Leaders Council Tim Andreas with Andreas Global Asset Management Group, an independent firm, was named a member of the 2016 Leaders Council. Tim Andreas Leaders Council honors are presented only to those financial advisors who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to personal service and professional integrity. Members of the Leaders Council represent the top echelon of the firm’s financial advisors, which is a privilege, limited to a select few. Membership is based on prior fiscal year production and requalification is required annually. Andreas, who joined Raymond James in 2013, has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He offers full service financial planning and wealth management.

Janet Hagan Named Volunteer of the Year at Lake Area Medical Center Janet Hagan has been named the 2015 Volunteer of the Year at Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC). Hagan has been a Lake Area Medical Janel Hagan Center Volunteer since October 2014. From the first day on the job, Janet has welcomed patients in the Day Surgery waiting room and assisted those having surgery through the check in process while keeping family members updated on their loved ones status. Always seen with a smile, Janet has exceeded the Community Cares Culture that includes open communication, safety awareness and a commitment to her coworkers and patients. Janet always offers assistance and compassion whenever needed. For her unwavering loyalty to Lake Area Medical Center and support of the Volunteer program, congratulations to Ms. Janet Hagan as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year.

June 2016

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Best Gulf Coast Destinations for

Summer Travel Want to get away for a summer vacation, but not travel too far? With an easy three to seven hour drive from Lake Charles, the Gulf Coast offers an abundance of vacation options sure to delight you and your whole family, from Southeast Texas to the Florida Panhandle.

Beach Excursions For summertime, there’s nothing quite like a vacation to the beach. Galveston Island, Texas. offers countless options for play, learning, and relaxation. Stay in one of the beach hotels -- pools included at most -- located within steps of the sand. Accommodations are available for nearly every budget, and most offer discounted tickets for area attractions. Visit award-winning family restaurants such as Landry’s, Gaido’s, Rainforest Café, Bubba Gump’s, Fuddrucker’s, Fisherman’s Wharf, The Spot, and more. World-class attractions include the Moody Gardens Pyramids (Aquarium, Rainforest, and Discovery adventures within), Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Pleasure Pier with amusement rides, shopping, and more restaurants. Stroll the historic Downtown Strand Seaport and enjoy a stop by La King’s Confectionary, or Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. If you’d rather take a tour through history, there are plenty of opportunities. Once known as the Wall Street of the South, Galveston served as the second busiest U.S. immigration station behind Ellis Island. You can learn about Galveston’s history at its many museums such as the Texas Seaport Museum and 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, Lone Star Flight Museum and Galveston Railroad Museum. The island is also home to one of the largest collections of well-preserved Victorian architecture in the country. Stunning examples like the 1892 Bishop’s Palace and 1895 Moody Mansion are open for tours daily. Numerous other beach destinations beckon from the east. Experience Ocean Springs, Mississippi., a quaint small town with tree-lined streets dotted with eclectic shops, art galleries, and restaurants. For secluded peace, quiet, and remote natural beauty, visit nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore or Dauphin Island, Alabama The Florida Panhandle is famous for its “Emerald Coast,” a series of terrific beach towns. Destin offers plenty of entertainment if you don’t mind the crowds. If you seek a calmer beach experience, try Pensacola or Ft. Walton. 28 www.thriveswla.com

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photo courtesy of Justice Marketing Group

Amusement and Entertainment Parks Families and thrill seekers gravitate to amusement parks in the summer. Spend a few days at Kemah Boardwalk on Galveston Bay. You’ll enjoy the Stingray Reef and Rainforest Exhibit, midway games, an arcade, Speedboat Thrill Ride, Boardwalk FantaSea yacht cruise, and amusement rides like the Double-Decker Carousel, Ferris Wheel and Boardwalk Bullet. Grab a quick lunch or enjoy a leisurely dinner at any of the ten boardwalk restaurants. Other amusement park options along the Coast include Adventure Island, Orange Beach, Ala, and Shipwreck Island Water Park, Panama City Beach, Fla.

June 2016

Gardens of the Gulf Coast Some vacationers find pleasure strolling through verdant gardens. Just off I-10 in Orange, Texas. lies Shangri-La Gardens, a 252-acre, lush oasis of plant and animal life. Designed by the late H.J. Lutcher Stark, the garden first opened to the public in 1946. Tragedy struck in 1958 when a fierce winter storm killed the plant life and closed the gardens until their reopening in 2008. The main entrance leads visitors to a colorful landscape of palms, flowering shrubs and stately magnolias. Adams Bayou, Ruby Lake, and the gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water features add to the delightful setting. All ages will appreciate the interactive elements of the Nature Discovery Center and the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden. During warm months, children can peek into the busy world of the Demonstration Bee Hive. The Outpost Tour takes guests aged four and older aboard a pontoon boat for a 1.5-hour guided tour of Adams Bayou that includes a visit to the 1200-year-old Survivor Tree. With its signature view of nesting birds and waterfowl, the Heronry Blind is the epitome of the common theme of the gardens; to enjoy nature without disrupting its natural beauty. In Alabama, visit Bellingrath Gardens, the breathtaking 65-acre garden and historic home of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, near Mobile. The New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park was built in the 1930s by the Works Projects Administration (WPA) and showcases 2000 varieties of native and exotic plants in an Art Deco setting.

June 2016

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History Destinations America’s Gulf Coast is a region rich in history. If you enjoy experiencing bygone eras, stop at these three premiere historical sites to learn more about our country’s extraordinary past. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is America’s foremost place to learn about the war that claimed more than 60 million lives between 1939 and 1945. Located in the city’s Central Business District, the museum’s exhibits, first-person oral histories, and multimedia experiences offer visitors a first-hand account of the enormous sacrifices America’s greatest generation made to defeat tyranny and secure freedom in Europe and the Far East. The museum also houses more than 100,000 artifacts collected from veterans across the country, many of which remain on public display. Since its opening in 2000, the facility has been designated by Congress as the official World War II museum of the United States. Seafood lovers will enjoy a stop at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi, Miss. Tucked away just north of Beach Blvd., the museum offers exhibits on many kinds of maritime activities, including shrimping, oystering, net making, and marine blacksmithing. The museum also houses numerous photographs and artifacts that illustrate the region’s seafood history from its first Indian residents to its emergence as one the world’s leading seafood processing centers. For those interested in a day out on the water, the museum offers charters on its Famous Biloxi Schooners – “Glenn L. Swetman” and “Mike Sekul.” Another maritime must-see on the Gulf Coast is the Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum in Pensacola, Fla. Built in 1859, the lighthouse stands on board the Naval Air Station Pensacola, a base known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” Visitors can climb the lighthouse’s 177 steps to the top for beautiful views of Pensacola Pass, where Pensacola Bay connects with the Gulf of Mexico. The lighthouse’s top also offers views of three forts, Pensacola’s skyline and the Navy Yard. For a romantic evening, the lighthouse’s top offers couples its Toast of the Top Sunset, which includes ambient music, sparkling non-alcoholic wine served in keepsake champagne flutes, and light hors d’oeuvres. Visitors who arrive before 11:15 a.m. can watch the Blue Angels practice overhead from the lighthouse’s catwalk. Children must be at least seven years old or 44 inches tall to participate. Known as one of America’s most haunted lighthouses, the Pensacola Lighthouse also offers visitors a Ghost Hunt, complete with real ghost-hunting equipment, to see if its spirits want to greet any of their guests. These tours are recommended for children 12 years old and up. Reservations are required for all lighthouse events. For a trip back in time to the Antebellum era, consider a road trip to explore southern plantation homes. River Rd. in La. and Mobile Rd. in Ala. are well-known for plantation tours. In Biloxi, Miss., visit Beauvoir, the historic home of Jefferson Davis, former president of the Confederate States of America. 30 www.thriveswla.com

Shopping Excursions For some, no vacation is complete without a bit of shopping. Try Tanger Outlet Mall in Gonzales, Louisiana or Miromar Outlet Mall in Ft. Walton, Florida. For antique buffs, browse through Antique Maison in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Fans of arts and crafts will enjoy shops in Ocean Springs, Mississippi or Fairhope, Alabama.

photo courtesy of The National WWII Museum

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June 2016

Seek the Great Outdoors Much of the Gulf Coast region is considered a recreational “sportsman’s paradise.” Hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, bird watching, water sports – there is no end to the outdoor activity options. Go parasailing or rent a pontoon boat with Chute for the Skye, a company in Orange Beach, Alabama. Learn to windsurf with Gulf Coast Windsurfing in Pensacola, Florida. Get close to the water on a kayak or stand-up paddle board at Everything Kayak Rentals, Gulfport, Mississippi. The Gulf Coast is rich with the hidden jewels of coastal state park systems. Louisiana has five parks south of I-10 including Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Located on 6,000 acres in the Atchafalaya Basin, the natural beauty of the park invites visitors to picnic, fish, or bird watch surrounded by south Louisiana wildlife, cypress trees and waterways. The park offers waterfront cabins and tent or camper sites for those who want to stay a while. Day trippers may hike, explore the canoe trail, or splash in the water playground.

June 2016

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Food Adventures Part of the fun of any vacation involves the opportunity to delight the palate with new foods and fun restaurants. In New Orleans, don’t miss the muffalettas, red beans and rice, and other Creole classics. Of course, no trip to the Big Easy is complete without coffee and beignets at Café du Monde. Farther east, try ribs at The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and McGuire’s Irish Pub and Brewery in Pensacola, Florida for fun Celtic food. photo by Carl Purcell

No matter what your interests, excitement and good times await you this summer, just a short drive away along America’s Gulf Coast.

Photos provided by Leslie Landry/In the Click Photography & Katrina Stephens/Cajunkatphotos

32 www.thriveswla.com

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June 2016

3 0 7 , 2 4 7 , 2 5 2 number of recreational visitors to national parks last year

number of state parks in Louisiana percent of Americans who take a summer vacation percent of vacationers who travel to beach destinations

amount spent by domestic and international travelers last year in the U.S.

284 miles one-way average distance traveled on a summer trip

$2.62

percentage of road trippers who snack in the car

average cost of a gallon of gas nationwide last month

Sources: ustravel.org â&#x20AC;˘ huffingtonpost.com June 2016

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Home & Family

Education Need Not Stop on the Last Day of School by Sylvia Ney

Strategies to Keep Your Student Learning All Summer Long

Students look forward to summer fun and relaxation, but they can easily forget what they recently learned and fall behind academically. Learning need not stop when summer starts. With these tips, parents can help their children prepare through the summer months for a successful school year ahead. Summer Support If your child struggles with reading, writing, or math (or if they show an aptitude for those skills and want to progress) tutoring companies such as Mathnasium, The Tutoring Center and Sylvan Learning Center offer a variety of summer classes. “Kids should have mastery of those basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills,” says Martha Dalton, owner of the Lake Charles Mathnasium. “If they lose those skills they fall behind in any additional math abilities. Summer is a great time for them to practice, acquire new skills, and review without the pressure of other school time requirements.” Get Active with Your Kids Studies show students learn and retain skills better when they are active every day. Staying fit doesn’t need to be all about going to the gym. If you’re a busy parent with little time for regular classes or workouts at a gym, get active with your family. Take the kids with you on power walks or jogs, ride your bikes, or 34 www.thriveswla.com

throw on some rollerblades. It’s a great way to stay active while spending time together! Lift Mental Weights with a Game Like your physical body, your brain needs a regimented workout to achieve optimum alertness. Target your weak cognitive areas and work on them three to five times a week for at least an hour a day. A good workout will include memory, attention, logic/reasoning, auditory and visual processing and processing speed, as well as team work. You will feel your best with a faster, sharper brain. Use age appropriate games such as Uno, puzzles, I Spy, Connect Four, Bingo, Dominoes, Monopoly, Battleship, Story Cubes, Scrabble, and Chess to achieve these goals. Stay Sharp by Getting Creative Tracy LeMieux at The Art Factory, Lake Charles, encourages creative summer learning. “Students don’t want to feel like they are still in school.” Research shows that the simple act of creating art has emotional and physical benefits that reduce stress levels and promote both healing and cognitive abilities. Practicing new ways to think outside the box by exploring new materials and techniques can even help you at work and in daily decision-making. You can foster creativity through reading, drawing, writing stories, painting, building

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June 2016

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blocks, and assembling models of favorite cars or ships. Remember to limit technology during these times, and always express approval over the creations. You can’t grade creativity! If your child attends summer school, camp, or you are trying to structure a different study environment, here are some tips to foster learning and reduce stress in your home: Set Up a Study Area – this gives the brain the signal that it’s time to work. Make Materials Available - everything should be within easy reach. Remove the Distractions - such as technology and toys. Offer Guidance - but never do the work for them. Use an Agenda - so you don’t forget the instructions. Stay Informed - ask the teacher/director/counselor about upcoming work. Be a Role Model - do a little work, too! Offer Praise - everyone loves and responds to positive reinforcement! Watch Frustration Levels - sometimes you need to take a break. Set a Time Frame - for larger projects, set up chunks of time over multiple days to make work manageable. June 2016

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR OUR SUMMER ART CAMPS! BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS The Art Factory is all about growing a community of artists in a creative atmosphere of inspiration, collaboration and education. We want to nurture everyone from the beginner to the more seasoned artist and people of all ages. CAMP FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-16 Our half and full day art camps are full of learning, creating and having fun! Each camp is different, so your artist can come to one or come to all!

NEW CAMPS THIS YEAR:

NOTHIN’ BUT MUD CLAY CAMP ADVANCED ART CAMP SUPER HERO CAMP SCULPTURE CAMP THE MASTERS MEET DISNEY CAMP

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Home & Family

Keep your Plants Hydrated in the Heat by Trish Trejo

A Southwest Louisiana summer can be as hard on the landscaping as it is on residents. Eye-catching curb appeal and a pleasing backyard oasis take hard work and careful planning. Here are a few tips for keeping your landscape thriving during the upcoming months from Chad Everage, landscape horticulturist at Landscape Management in Lake Charles.

Planting

To keep an outdoor landscape beautiful in hot weather, begin with plant selection. • When selecting summer or perennial plants, choose those that are hardy to zone 8b if you live in the DeQuincy, DeRidder or Oakdale areas, or zone 9a for the rest of Southwest Louisiana. These zones are published on the U.S. Department of Agriculture web site. • Pay careful attention to a plant’s shadiness requirement: full shade, part shade or sun, or full sun. • Consider planting the Super Plants recommended by LSU AgCenter. They have been studied for hardiness and their drought and heat resistance. “It’s easy to get excited about refreshing your landscape when spring arrives,” says Everage. “But don’t let that excitement overtake the importance of planning ahead. You’ll save yourself a great deal of work and stress if you keep the summer heat in mind when you are planting in the cooler spring weather. 36 www.thriveswla.com

Pre-season Prep

The plants are selected and planted ahead of summer. What else can be done to get them ready for the heat? “To help summer plants retain moisture, mulch flower beds and other plantings in the spring,” says Everage. “Good materials to choose are cypress or hardwood mulch, pine straw or pine bark, but many other types of mulch are available. We’re happy to help and explain options.”

Mid-season Care

The work is just beginning with the first blooms. Now it is time to keep them hydrated no matter the weather. • Water plants thoroughly once dry, hot weather arrives. Everage says the soil should receive about one inch of water each time it is watered. This will allow the water to soak into the soil, encouraging deeper root growth. Doing this will also allow more time between watering.

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• Early morning is the best time to water since the water will dry quickly, discouraging the growth of mold and fungus.

Lessons Learned

“The best gardeners learn from experience and the advice of others,” says Everage. “Follow up during and after the summer with a landscape expert and other gardeners in the area on successes and challenges. Take notes and begin the list for next summer’s landscape!” For more information about summer landscape maintenance, call Landscape Management at (337) 478-3836 or visit their website at www. landscapemanagement.org. Seasonal tips are also posted regularly on their facebook page: facebook. com/landscapemanagementlakecharles.

June 2016

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Home is more than the place you rest your head at night, it’s the comfort and warmth you feel among neighbors. Walnut Grove celebrates the best things in life, but more importantly, it brings people together. Our traditional neighborhood development seamlessly blends Louisiana architecture, modern amenities, and the natural landscape of our green spaces. It’s a place where businesses, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of homes, creating a more connected community. This connectivity is the reason those who live, work, or simply visit here call Walnut Grove home.

Learn more about Walnut Grove -- a place where community is more than just a word, it’s a way of life. Call our sales office today at 497-0825 and ask for Abby Cagle, Community Sales Director.

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Call (337) 497-0825 for information on residential or commercial property in Walnut Grove.

June 2016

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Home & Family

Pets on the Go – You CAN Take Them With You by Austin Price

Vacations are all about relaxing, but it’s hard to stay calm when half your mental real estate is taken up by thoughts of your precious dog or cat lying on a concrete floor, whimpering for the next two weeks. If you feel you must bring your furry friends along, you’ll need to have a few essentials in order before you leave. Be sure to take your pet to a veterinarian for a physical before you decide to bring him along on your adventures. If your vet advises you not to take the pet with you, heed his advice: some pets are travel-adverse. They cannot handle large crowds, turbulent motion or are so old that merely toting them around presents a health risk. From there, your options and the specifics of your preparation depend on how you plan to travel. If you’re going by plane, check with your airline on age, breed and weight restrictions. Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection 38 www.thriveswla.com

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that confirms they’re fit for travel. Many lines will not allow you to take your pet along if you are not able to present a certificate issued within ten days. Most importantly, do NOT tranquilize your pets on such trips. This may seem like a good way to keep them calm, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, doing so actually increases the risk of heart and respiratory complications. Cruise ships pose more complications, as each individual business has very specific restrictions on what kinds of pets they’ll allow, where they can stay and when you can interact with them. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the only vessel that allows you to travel easily with your pet. While some trans-atlantic cruises do allow you to bring a pet, they often relegate animals to an on board kennel which is often less pleasant than if they were boarded at home with less restricted access hours. June 2016

If you can’t bear the thought of leaving Fido at home, make reservations at LEAST a year in advance and have at least $1,000 to spare. If it seems restrictive, realize that most bus lines will not allow ANY pets – only service animals – and though a bill has recently been passed that allows you to bring your fur babies along on Amtrak, it is still rather restrictive. Regardless of how you’re traveling, the Humane Society advises you bring enough food, water, and cleaning supplies for your buddy. It can be difficult to meet your pet’s dietary needs, depending on the region. Ensure your pet is properly restrained at all times and that you outfit him with a tag that has your permanent address and telephone number and another tag with the address and telephone number you’ll be using for the duration of your vacation. Finally, carry a list of veterinary clinics in the areas you’ll be visiting and their phone numbers in case something goes awry. June 2016

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Money & Career

Be a

WINNING Team Member by Kristy Armand

40 www.thriveswla.com

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June 2016

When it comes to choosing a candidate for a new job or a promotion, employers consistently say they want a team player, but what does that really mean in a business setting? How can an employee prove they are valuable to the team? Most people have probably been asked to join a project team at some point in time – whether it was back in school or on the job. Working with a group of peers can offer camaraderie and a shared sense of mission. But being a group participant can also be challenging, as individual strengths, weaknesses, personalities, work styles and goals come into conflict. Chauntelle LeJeune, MA, LMFT, LPC, therapist with Solutions Counseling & EAP, says workplace teams are usually created to achieve a shared company goal or solve a specific problem. “By taking advantage of a group’s collective knowledge, energy and creativity, the team can accomplish more in less time than a single person working alone. Hence the cliché, ‘There’s no I in team.’ Once you become part of a team, you have to shift your thinking from being self-focused to concentrating on what is best for the group.”

Follow these strategies to develop your “team player” skills: Know your strengths. Every team member has something valuable to contribute. Find a role within your team that allows you to do what you do well. Check your ego at the door. No one wants to be on a team with someone who considers himself the smartest person in the room. Be humble, contribute when appropriate and let your teammates discover your strengths on their own. Be flexible. Set aside – at least temporarily – your preferred work habits and adopt the work practices of the team. Learn to appreciate other work styles and how they may compliment your own. Adapt to change. Working with a group of people means that not everything will proceed smoothly. Don’t allow setbacks and altered plans discourage you. Adapt quickly and make needed adjustments.

participating through listening. Consequently, they’re often the most informed about details of the group project. Communicate and contribute. Be involved and active within the group. Share information and resources. Come to meetings prepared and ready to lend your skills and experience whenever possible. Be able to accept constructive criticism. Accept critiques and contradictory input graciously. Explore alternative solutions instead of being defensive. View this as an opportunity to learn and improve the end result. When offering critique to others, do so in a positive and respectful manner. Be positive. Don’t complain, delay or avoid the tough assignments. A positive attitude will help you and other team members stay focused and productive, and will establish your reputation for being an enjoyable person to work with.

Meet deadlines. When you are responsible for one part of a larger team project, your delay means a delay for the entire team. Don’t be that person who holds up progress.

“Teams are usually created to solve difficult problems, and being a good team player is not always easy, but it can be your chance to shine,” says LeJeune. “Look at teamwork as not only a challenge, but a great opportunity for your career.”

Listen. In a team environment, there will be competition to be heard. The best team members don’t always need to be heard; they’re comfortable

Solutions offers a wide variety of workshops dealing with workplace issues. For more information, call (337) 310-2822 or visit www. solutions-eap.org.

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Money & Career

Indorama Ventures to Invest in Ethane Cracker Project in Southwest Louisiana “The greenest building is the one that is already built,” architect Carl Elefante once said. While other industries in southwest Louisiana are expanding by building new facilities, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a world-leading producer of intermediate petrochemicals, is currently refurbishing a dormant 1942 ethane cracker facility on approximately 250 acres in Calcasieu Parish. “We plan to upgrade the facility utilizing the best technology and practices in our industry including a comprehensive inspection, repair and refurbishment

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of all existing equipment within the facility,” said Deepak Kedia, Chief Operating Officer of Indorama Ventures. With this project, Indorama Ventures will create approximately 125 new direct jobs and estimates the project will result in an additional 481 new indirect jobs and approximately 500 jobs during peak construction. According to Kedia, Indorama plans to locate its U.S. operations on Highway 108 in Westlake. “Currently, we are renovating an existing office building, formerly known as the “Blue Goose”, originally built by Cities Service. Refurbishing the dormant

June 2016

facility will have a significant positive economic impact on Southwest Louisiana.â&#x20AC;? Indorama chose the Calcasieu Parish site based on Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skilled workforce in the chemical industry, and its business climate advantages. Currently, the company has employed 44 regular, full-time employees to facilitate the initial project, and will be hiring more as reconstruction progresses. For Indorama, safety is a top priority. They are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to update the facility in a manner that is consistent with superior safety standards. Indorama serves as an industry leader in safety, having won numerous awards presented by the Occupational Safety and Health Organizations recognized world-wide. The company is also concerned about the environment. In addition to refurbishing an existing facility rather than constructing a new one, they also intend to meet or exceed all environmental regulations and will be installing new process

June 2016

selective catalytic reduction units (SCRs) on cracking furnace effluent gas. The company expects to be in operation by the third quarter 2017 and will produce ethylene and propylene with the capability of processing both ethane and propane. Indorama Ventures currently runs intermediate petrochemical manufacturing sites located in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Headquartered in Thailand, Indorama Ventures is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading petrochemical producers and is currently located in 21 countries. They are a leading global manufacturer of wool yarns. Its global sales and manufacturing presence can be seen in all highgrowth economies and industries. The products serve major players in diversified end use markets, including food, beverages, personal and home care, health care, automotives, textile and industrial. This company will serve as a vibrant new thread in the tapestry of southwest Louisiana industries.

Deepak Kedia and Dalton Landry study plans for the facility.

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Money & Career

Will Student Loans Affect Your Future Borrowing Power When Buying a Home? by Trish Trejo

The skyrocketing cost of college education means that most students consider student loans an appealing option to afford the education of their dreams. Does a decision to take on this debt affect a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s later ability to purchase a home? According to Lyles McDaniel, Senior Vice President with Lakeside Bank, differing statistical models from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System show a mixed answer based on the history of student debt and home ownership. The New York Fed reported in April, 2013, that home ownership among young people with outstanding student loans had fallen in 2012 to below the level of the same age group who had no student loan debt. However, in May of this year, the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington, D.C., conservative think tank, used more precise research from the Federal Reserve System. They reported that college educated student loan debtors continued to have higher home ownership rates than a similar aged population with no college education. According to this data, student loans do not adversely affect home ownership if the student completes a degree program. 44 www.thriveswla.com

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June 2016

“Research is ongoing on this issue, but it seems to support the fact that getting a college education remains one of the most decisive factors in future financial stability, and that includes home ownership,” says McDaniel. These are historical answers to the original question, but what about the precise answer for individuals preparing to apply for student loans today? McDaniel says students taking on college debt should study carefully the elements of credit scores since that score will ultimately determine the likelihood of qualifying for a home mortgage. Both FICO and Equifax reporting services list payment history as the number one determining factor of a credit score. A close second is the amount owed on a loan compared to the original amount. Therefore, the sooner a loan is paid down, the better the score will be. McDaniel says another part of the student loan equation is making the best possible choices for the loan itself. Forbes recently listed eight tips for sensible education borrowing on their website: 1. Limit the loan total to the expected first year salary.

In some public service jobs, such as a government organization (local,

2. L ook early in high school for scholarships and grants, aka

state, or federal), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Americorps or

“free money.”

Peace Corps) graduates becomes eligible after 120 qualified monthly

3. S tick with federal loans with fixed rates and a payment

payments and full-time employment in public service. Teachers in

deferment period.

elementary or secondary Title 1 schools may also be eligible.

4. When considering private loans, compare products carefully. 5. Consider a career that offers student loan forgiveness.

6. I f possible, begin college education at a less expensive community college or enroll there during summers. 7. Plan course load carefully in order to graduate in four years. 8. Stretch loan dollars by cutting costs elsewhere.

“If students are smart about how much they borrow, how much they spend and how quickly and faithfully the loan is repaid, having a student loan should not prevent them from home ownership,” says McDaniel.

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Call CSE today! Membership and Eligibility Required. Federally Insured by NCUA. June 2016

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Money & Career All you need to know to stay in the know! West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Honored by Two Independent Groups West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) was recently recognized by two independent organizations for scoring highly in the areas of safety and patient experience. The Hospital received a Grade ‘A’ Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries and infections within the hospital. A letter grade safety rating is applied based on 28 measures to more than 2500 hospitals nationwide.    WCCH has also received an Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades, placing it among the top 15 percent of hospitals nationwide. This award recognizes hospitals for providing outstanding patient experience based on 10 measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions.

Terrell & Associates Make Million Dollar Round Table Announcement

Student Ambassador Program Launches at SOWELA

L to R: Patricia Stroderd (student), Cynthia Nevills (student), Tiffany McCarter (student), and Dedria Walton (Student Ambassador Coordinator)

SOWELA Technical Community College recently launched its first ever Student Ambassador program. These individuals will represent the College at various community and college events and promote the mission and values of SOWELA among prospective and current students.

City Savings Banks Announces New Hires

Florence Fuselier Roland Terrell

Rhea Shields

Terrell & Associates would like to recognize and congratulate Roland Terrell and Rhea Shields on qualifying for the 2016 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) at the Court of the Table level, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Terrell & Associates has been established in the lake area since 1981 serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Terrell & Associates, LLC is located at 625 West College Street in Lake Charles. Securities offered through Questar Capital Corporation (QCC), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Questar Asset Management (QAM), A Registered Investment Advisor. GCG Wealth Management is independent of QCC and QAM.

46 www.thriveswla.com

Tina Bourgeois

City Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Florence Fuselier and Tina Bourgeois have joined its team. Florence Fuselier has been named Vice President and Commercial Lender. Fuselier specializes in working with area companies to grow their business through credit services and cash management solutions. Her office is located at 3881 Gerstner Memorial Drive in Lake Charles. Fuselier comes to City Savings Bank with 36 years of banking experience. Tina Bourgeois has been appointed Branch Manager of the City Savings Bank Lake Street location at 4850 Lake Street in Lake Charles. Bourgeois has extensive banking experience and has worked for Lakeside National Bank for 16 years and JD Bank for 20 years. For more information, call (337) 463-8661 or visit www.CitySavingsBank.com.

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New Chemical Laboratory Technology Degree Empowers Students to Blend Career Success with Love of Chemistry SOWELA Technical Community College will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Laboratory Technology beginning Fall 2016. The program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in a petro-chemical laboratory environment as a Chemical Laboratory Technician. The State of Louisiana classifies Chemical Technicians as a four-star (out of five) occupation based on high-wage, high-demand, and high-skill. Further, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lake Charles is included among the highest metropolitan areas with available Chemical Technician positions. For more information or to apply to the program, call (337) 421-6550 or visit www.sowela.edu/ academics/chemical-laboratory-technology.

FASTSIGNS Lake Charles Recognized for Franchise Performance Matthew Romero, President of FASTSIGNS Lake Charles, has qualified for FASTSIGNS’ Sell-abration trip in recognition of his center’s annual Matthew Romero performance. Of the more than 600 FASTSIGNS centers, Romero was one of just 76 franchise owners chosen for this recognition, based on the Lake Charles center’s achievements in 2015, which was also its first year of operation. FASTSIGNS Lake Charles offers digital graphic solutions and a wide variety of signage options. FASTSIGNS in Lake Charles is located at 1721-B Sale Road, adjacent to LCP, a printing company also owned by Matthew and Peter Romero. Call (337) 478-5232 for more information.

Lake Area Medical Center Welcomes Dr. James Barrow, OB/ GYN James Barrow, M.D., FACOG has joined Lake Area Physicians, Lake Area OB/GYN Associates and the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Dr. Barrow Center (LAMC). Dr. Barrow is board-certified in Obstetrics / Gynecology and June 2016

Obesity Medicine, and has returned to Lake Charles following six years in private practice in Shreveport, and as an instructor in academic medicine at the LSU Shreveport campus. Dr. Barrow provides a full spectrum of women’s services, including: high-risk and general pregnancy care, preventive health services, wellness exams, minimally invasive surgical procedures including robotic hysterectomies and obesity management. Dr. Barrow is currently accepting new patients and offering same day appointments at Lake Area OB/GYN Associates located at 4150 Nelson Road, Building G, Suite 6 on the LAMC campus. For more information or to request an appointment with Dr. James Barrow, visit www.LakeAreaPhysicians.com or call (337) 562-3747.

June 2016

Arts & Crabs Fest Date Announced, Sponsorships Available The Arts Council of SWLA is proud to announce that the 7th annual Arts & Crabs Fest will take place on Saturday, August 20, 5pm-8pm, at the Burton Coliseum. Arts & Crabs Fest is a homegrown Southwest Louisiana festival celebrating the ties between our seafood and culture – our region’s greatest national assets. Festival-goers sample from an extensive crab dish tasting featuring local chefs, each preparing a unique crab dish representative of their cuisine’s styles. Louisiana craft brew samples are offered as complementary additions to all dishes. Crab chefs battle for attendees’ votes in the annual Best Crab Dish award which is determined by the amount of tips each chef receives. Funds raised at Arts & Crabs Fest are reinvested back into the SWLA community through the Arts Council’s services and events. Sponsorships are now available, and the Arts Council invites area businesses to reach attendees during this unique culinary event through our various sponsorship packages. For details, visit www.artscouncilswla.org or call (337) 439-2787.

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Style & Beauty

ROCK THE

by Emily Alford

48 www.thriveswla.com

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June 2016

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Style & Beauty

Energetic Allure

Hot Eyewear Styles

Standing out from the crowd has never been easier this season with an array of wildly cool glasses and shades crafted for the most active go-getters. Spirited athleticism reigns supreme, allowing sportier styles with wearable appeal to shine through. Guys and gals alike enjoy a palette of daring colors - picture lava reds and oranges, lagoon blues, oceanic teals, apple greens and milkshake pinks - in glossy, frosted and metallic finishes, topped off with flashy lenses for extra pizzazz. Easygoing aviators, wayfarers and 1980s visors are key players for men, while bubbly rounds, squared-off shapes and powerful shields charm the female crowd. Rounding out the choices are pops of faux wood, ombré effects and Amazonian graphics reminiscent of otherworldly charisma.

for Summer

There’s never been a better time to wear glasses. Fashion designers and style icons now see eyewear as a must-have accessory that helps define a unique, personalized style. “Today’s eyewear is far from just functional,” says Chassy Miller, manager of Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic. “Many patients – both women and men – look forward to choosing new frames and often get more than one pair. Choosing a flattering eyewear or sunglass style is one of the best ways to play up your eyes and put the finishing touch on your summer look.” She adds that with all the frame styles available, there’s no reason to sacrifice style for function. “You can have both. There have never been more choices that reflect the current fashion trends. A qualified eyewear provider can make sure you get the lenses you need to best correct your vision, and a frame style you love – for prescription or uv protection - to showcase your style.” Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular frame styles this summer, according to the Vision Council:

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Reimagined Classics Always in season, these classic frames are so chic and dependable that they’ll have anyone coming back for more. Even-keeled, washed colors like dusty blue, sandy beige, soft lilac, misty gray and milky white adorn these well-loved favorites. Dashing rounds, teardrop aviators and dapper rectangles with minimal detailing are the ideal choice for men. For women, shimmery accents, hints of precious metals and tiny rhinestones grace stunning cat-eyes, gorgeous semi-rimless and smooth-edged profiles, making them prime pieces this season.

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June 2016

Wild & Whimsical Return to Romance Historical pieces permeate the digital age, giving way to categorically vintage frames with refined flair. Ladies time travel to an era when exquisite gemstones, lace appliques, retro prints and neutral cosmetic tones were all the rage. Must-haves for gentlemen include: geek chic rounds, revamped aviators and classical RayBan Clubmasters; delicate metal constructions in copper, pewter and gold; as well as clipon lenses and funky browlines. Updated color blocking, tinted and mirrored lenses, latticework details and leopard prints provide the perfect blend of antique and modern.

This season, it’s all about making a statement with bold shapes, such as hearts, futuristic rounds, extravagant cat-eyes and hybrid aviators, not to mention vivacious color, from electric violet to blood orange and neon blue. Men’s styles are embracing daring embellishment more than ever with animalistic prints, iridescent lenses, rubber and denim materials, and splatter motifs. Feminine frames mix sweet and frilly with industrial elements for a surprising contrast.

Optics Unlimited eyewear stores are located adjacent to all locations of The Eye Clinic in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder, Jennings and Moss Bluff.

Let

Beautiful Skin Shine all Summer Long Rejuvenating treatments and products from the Aesthetic Center can help restore and protect healthier, younger looking skin.

We offer: • Cosmetic Injections: - Botox - Juvederm - Voluma - Belotero - Sculptra - Kybella

• Chemical Peels • Microdermabrasion • Targeted Skin Care Treatments • Eyelid Surgery • Latisse for Eyelash Growth • PCA Home Care Products • Jane Iredale Mineral Make-up

Call 310-1070 for more information or to schedule your appointment. Treatments are provided under the medical direction of facial cosmetic specialist, Mark Crawford, MD.

facehealth.net • 310-1070 • 1717 Oak Park Blvd. June 2016

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Style & Beauty

PREVENT YOUR MAKEUP FROM THIS SUMMER

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by Emily Alford

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

Ever looked in the mirror after a day of summer fun to find your makeup melted like a crayon left in a hot car? You’re not alone. Sticky summer days mean a face full of runny foundation and smeared mascara for many women. But just because the weather heats up doesn’t mean you have to leave your cosmetics in the drawer. Here are a few tips for “summer proofing” your makeup routine. June 2016

Heating Up Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic has the hottest sunwear styles—just in time for spring and summer fun. Retro styles, aviators, oversized frames, colors, embellishments— we’ve got it all. Come in and see for yourself!

Save 25%

on designer sunwear now through June 30

Lake Charles • DeRidder • Sulphur Jennings • Moss Bluff

(800) 826-5223 | T H E E YE C L I N I C.N E T *Offer good for non-prescription sunglasses only. Some exclusions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other discount. Valid through 6/30/16. June 2016

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Mind & Body

Great Strides

in Ankle Replacement by Kristy Armand

Foot and ankle surgeons Dr. Tyson Green and Dr. Kalieb Pourciau, along with Dr. Matt McCabe from the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency Program, using the Prophecy Infinity System from Wright Medical.

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June 2016

Like arthritis in any joint, ankle arthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling. However, the symptoms are often more severe in the ankle because it is the smallest weightbearing joint. In order to walk, the small surface area of the ankle joint must absorb the body’s entire weight – exponentially more pounds per square inch. If the joint is arthritic, each step can be excruciating. Foot and ankle surgeons at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital are now offering new hope for people suffering from this debilitating condition. A new generation of ankle replacement, the Infinity system is restoring pain-free mobility for local patients. Dr. Tyson Green with Imperial Health’s Center for Orthopaedics explains that ankle arthritis often occurs after an injury, but can also result from other conditions such as degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankle instability, and more. Whatever the cause, the result is chronic inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage which make up the cushioning in the joint. “This is very painful, and the condition is permanent; cartilage does not grow back,” says Dr. Green. Conservative treatment for ankle arthritis includes bracing, orthotics, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, cortisone injections and activity modifications. If these conservative treatment approaches don’t provide relief, ankle fusion was the only surgical option. “In an ankle fusion, the bones making up the ankle joint are fused together to form one bone, resulting in no motion at the joint, and therefore no pain. The down side, however, is the same – no motion – which leads to altered gait, problems in other joints, and difficulty walking on hills or other surfaces. While ankle fusion remains a good choice for a certain patients, there is finally a viable alternative for many – total ankle joint replacement.” Dr. Green says ankle replacements have been around for decades, but until now, have provided unacceptable results. “The smaller size and increased load on the ankle, as well as more complicated range of motion and difficulty to access surgically, make the design of an implant very challenging. Even though we were trained in the June 2016

procedures, Dr. Kalieb Pourciau and I would not even consider using them for our patients.” The new Infinity system offers dramatic improvements, including the only patient-specific, customized CT-guided ankle replacement technology. “The combination of better materials with advanced design technology give us an ankle replacement that reproduces more normal ankle motion and helps the joint resist wear over time,” says Dr. Green. The Infinity’s instrumentation was designed in such a way that the implant could be placed more accurately in the joint, a process that is improved by the CT-guided system. This improved precision results in a significant reduction in operative time under anesthesia, which decreases the risk of complications. The ankle replacement procedure itself takes approximately two hours, with a two-to-three-day hospital stay. Once discharged, patients remain non-weight bearing in a splint, cast or boot for six weeks. Then they will begin bearing weight in the boot and attending physical therapy for the necessary amount of time. Dr. Green says the majority of patients who undergo ankle replacement report an immediate decrease in pain which lasts indefinitely. Most also report an increase in range of motion and improved function. They typically return to light forms of exercise such as walking, hiking, golf, cycling, low intensity weight training, yoga and swimming. Traditionally, ankle implants were not recommended for patients younger than 50 and above 250 pounds. However, Dr. Green says the improvement in the technology available with the Infinity is for expanded indications. “We also consider the patient’s overall health, desired post-operative activity level and occupation. The decision to have this surgery is one we discuss and make together with the patient.”

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Mind & Body

Stay Fit While Traveling Most people don’t consider diet and exercise while traveling. After all, vacations are a time to relax and have fun. Unfortunately, tourists often gain weight, or come home feeling more sluggish than when they left. Staying fit while traveling can be a challenge, even for health-conscious persons who enjoy exercise. Below, you’ll find several tips to stay fit and healthy while making the most of your vacation time. “My first suggestion would be to choose an active vacation,” says Ellen Papania, Fitness Manager for Christus Louisiana Athletic Club in Lake Charles. “However, simply planning a morning activity each day will work as well. Try something new such as checking out local activities where you are staying – yoga, pilates, bike riding, and tubing are all exercises which require little to no equipment and can be done anywhere.” Papania also suggests making a commitment to do these activities with

a friend, spouse, or sibling so you have support in staying active and healthy. Road trips can make weight gain a real part of any vacation. The inactivity and barrage of fast food drive-thrus are a virtual insurance policy towards weight increase. “Plan your stops as a time to get in some walking and stretching. Any movement helps you sit comfortably for the next stretch,” says Papania. “Make sure you eat enough, but never too much. Moderation is the key.” Flying can offer its own set of obstacles to a healthy and happy excursion. Cabin pressure and altitude can cause dehydration as well as circulation and muscle issues. “Frequent stretching is important,” Papania says. “Stay hydrated. That can ensure several trips to the bathroom (activity). During layovers, be sure to pace the gate area instead of sitting. Allow for as much activity as possible.

by Sylvia Ney

MORE WAYS TO AVOID WEIGHT GAIN AND INACTIVITY: Avoid stress when possible – you can control stress by smiling often, or simply closing your eyes while you take 3 – 5 calming breaths. Add activity – just ten minutes can improve your mood and energy level. Eat three colors at every meal – for example, vanilla yogurt, celery and a red apple. Eating at least two vegetables and two fruits every day provides a better diet (and fuller feeling) which improves your cardiovascular system. Add music – our favorite tunes invite positive feelings, relieve stress, and prompt movement. When in doubt, remember to make your life E.A.S.Y. E – Exercise at least 20 minutes a day. A – Always eat breakfast and a healthy snack. S – Sugar free beverages are best. Y – Yes to water, fruits, and vegetables when possible.

Your Kid. Your Choice.

Make the right one.

Your young athlete is one-of-a-kind. And you should know, you’re their biggest fan, behind them all the way. So when they have a sports injury, don’t stay on the sidelines. Take an active role in getting them back in the game and choose the region’s most experienced orthopaedic and sports medicine team: Center for Orthopaedics.

www.centerforortho.com Lake Charles • Sulphur • DeRidder

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Team Physicians: McNEESE ATHLETICS & 14 AREA HIGH SCHOOLS

June 2016

get focused on

Summer Fun Optics Unlimited at The Eye Clinic has the styles kids want, and the quality parents are looking for in children’s eyewear. Beat the back-to-school rush and schedule your child’s eye exam this summer at one of The Eye Clinic’s five convenient locations. We’re making it easy with these special offers:

routine eye exams 65 Kid’s eyewear packages $ starting at just 49

for kids

This offer is available on routine vision exams* for school-aged children at all locations of The Eye Clinic through August 31, 2016. *Contact lens exams and fittings require additional fees.

Lake Charles • DeRidder • Sulphur • Jennings • Moss Bluff | (800) 826-5223 • www.theeyeclinic.net June 2016

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Mind & Body

Allergic to Gardening?

by Kristy Armand

Gardening is a satisfying activity enjoyed by many, but seasonal allergies can make it difficult to allow your green thumb to fully express itself in the summer months. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever,” affects more than 35 million people in the United States. These allergies are caused by substances called allergens, airborne pollens and mold spores that commonly trigger symptoms beginning in the spring and continuing through the summer. During these times, sufferers experience symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and itchiness in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears. ENT and allergy specialist Bridget Loehn, MD, ENT, with the ENT & Allergy Clinic, says there are some simple steps you can take that will get your hands back in the dirt this summer. “Paying attention to what you grow and reconsidering the types of flowers and trees you are planting near your home can eliminate many allergy triggers.” She explains that different plants produce different levels of pollen, therefore producing different levels of allergic reactions. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma

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and Immunology (AAAAI) offers the following guidelines for minimizing the impact of seasonal allergies on your gardening activities: Native plants: These are advantageous for people with allergies because they require little effort, withstand the climate extremes in various regions of the country and do not need fertilizers, water or pesticides. Colorful flowers: Plants with bright, showy flowers are better for people who have allergies. Their pollen is large and because they are pollinated by insects, the pollen is seldom airborne. Plants that cause allergies usually have flowers that are small and insignificant looking and have no color for attracting nectar. They are usually wind pollinated and produce great amounts of pollen that is buoyant and without much surface ornamentation.

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The following trees, shrubs, and plants are less likely to trigger allergies: Alyssum, Crocus, Hosta, Narcissus, Snapdragon, Apple, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Pansy, Sunflower, Azalea, Dahlia, Hydrangea, Pear, Tulip, Begonia, Daisy, Impatiens, Petuni,a Verbana, Cacti, Dogwood, Iris, Phlox, Viburnum, Cherry, Dusty, Miller, Lilac, Plum, Zinnia, Clematis, Geranium, Lily, Roses, Columbine, Hibiscus, Magnolia, Salvia Avoid the following trees in your landscaping: Alder, Cottonwood, Olive, Ash, Cypress, Palm, Aspen, Elm, Pecan, Beech, Hickory, Poplar, Birch, Juniper, Sycamore, Box, Elder, Mulberry, Walnut, Cedar, Oak, Willow She adds that there are other steps avid gardeners can take to avoid the pollens and molds that cause sneezing, itchy eyes and other allergic reactions: • Antihistamines or nasal sprays can be used before outside activities. Check with your physician to find out which ones are right for you.

June 2016

• As soon as your outside work is complete, wash your clothes and hair to remove excess dust and pollen. • Do your gardening on days when the pollen count is low, or the day is cool, cloudy or less windy. • Instead of using straw, use black plastic mulch in its place. • Pollen exposure can be reduced by wearing gloves, goggles and masks. Also avoid touching your face and eyes while working outdoors. “If seasonal allergies routinely interfere with your enjoyment of outdoor activities, then you should consider seeing an allergy specialist for identification of your specific allergy triggers and an appropriate management plan for your allergies,” says Dr. Loehn. “There are many treatment options that can get you back behind a shovel, pruners or mower whenever the urge strikes you.” For more information about allergy symptoms and treatment, call Dr. Loehn at the ENT & Allergy Clinic, an affiliate of Imperial Health, at (337) 312-8564.

FAMILY MEDICINE At West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH), we’ve made family medicine a priority, partnering with trusted physicians throughout Southwest Louisiana. Your first line of defense in keeping your family healthy requires strong, experienced family medicine physicians and a hospital with a reputation for excellence and an unsurpassed tradition of caring. When it comes to your family’s healthcare, we deliver compassionate care focused on patient safety for an exceptional healthcare experience. That’s why the doctors you trust, trust us.

701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

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Mind & Body

Boxers vs Briefs – Does it Matter to Your Health?

by Austin Price

The world is rife with important either/or questions: Star Trek or Star Wars? Marvel comics or DC comics? Chicken or seafood gumbo? City or country? To be or not to be? Each is essential, each person’s answer deeply revealing of their personality, but perhaps none is so important for men as THE either/or question: boxers or briefs? Perhaps that sounds frivolous, especially to the ladies in the audience, but the fact is there is something crucial about this conundrum; something that has bothered men since the day they discovered they had to choose. Or at least since the day they watched a particular Seinfeld episode – “The Chinese Woman,” for those who missed it and are curious – and took to heart Jerry’s warning that wearing briefs too long actually lead to infertility. It was a brilliant moment in television history. The problem is that it was also complete nonsense. Dr. Farjaad Siddiq, a Lake Charles urologist, laughs at the question. “It does not matter. There really isn’t much else to add to the topic.” For all the conflicting advice out there, the fact is that there are no long-term studies to support the age-old myth that briefs pose any health risks.

What it really boils down to is your personal preference. Maybe you prefer the loose, comfortable feel of boxers; maybe you like the support and the consistency of briefs: you certainly never have to worry about them riding up. Perhaps you’re a style hound who worries about your aesthetic, even that element of it most nobody will ever see. In that case, you may want to settle for briefs, given that they’re the classical choice. Briefs tend to be seen as slobbish and goofy (though they’re preferable around the house). Regardless of what you do choose, though, don’t fret about the long-term consequences.

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One in three adults has some form of cardiovascular disease, and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. We use advanced, non-invasive CT technology and low-dose radiation to take an in-depth look at your heart and blood vessels to determine your level of calcium buildup. This calcium score can help your doctor determine if you are at risk, or have, coronary artery disease, even you are not displaying symptoms. Calcium scoring is painless and takes just minutes to get results that could give you an early start on beating heart disease. Call Imperial Health Imaging Center at 312-8761 to schedule your appointment today to take advantage of this special offer.

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(337) 312-8761 1747 Imperial Blvd. Lake Charles www.imperialhealth.com

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June 2016

24/7

three hundred and sixty-five

NURSING IS MORE THAN A JOB

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is honored to have a team of extraordinary nurses and support personnel to carry out our commitment of providing exceptional patient care to residents of Southwest Louisiana. Their unwavering skill and dedication is greatly appreciated. We congratulate this group of employees on being selected to receive these honors.

TINA NALBONE, RN RN of the Year

PAMELA BRUNEY, RN Home Health Agency Professional of the Year

EMILY CAMPBELL, RN Healing Touch Award

CARLA HARRIS, LPN LPN of the Year

JENNIFER BREAUX, CNA Nursing Assistant of the Year

NICOLE MORGAN Support Person of the Year

701 Cypress Street, Sulphur

wcch.com

June 2016

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Mark Your Calendar! Safe Sitter ® Babysitting Classes Scheduled at WCCH West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) will host three summer offerings of the Safe Sitter® babysitting class for girls and boys age 11 to 13. Classes are scheduled for June 28 and July 26 at Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Center in Sulphur and also June 14 at Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Center in Moss Bluff. The Safe Sitter® program is a medically accurate program that teaches young adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. The cost to attend is $35. To register your son or daughter or your child’s babysitter, call (337) 527-4361.

Art Camp & Playing in Mud The Imperial Calcasieu Museum will be offering 2 months of art camps. Sessions are one week long and class is from 9-11:30 each day with a mid-morning break and snack. Classes are open to students who have completed grades K through 8. Tuition is $60 for Museum Members and $75 for non-members. Please call to register, (337) 439-3797. June Theme – Comic Books June 13-17, 20-24, & 27

Bring your binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them. This will be a great workshop for those new to birding as well as experienced birders.

Monthly Bird Walk: Sam Houston Jones State Park The Gulf Coast Bird Club hosts a monthly bird walk at Sam Houston Jones State Park on the fourth Saturday morning of every month from 8-9am. The next walks are June 25, July 23 and August 27. Park Visitors and other interested persons from the local area are invited to attend. No experience is required. Meet at the Riverside Pavilion. For more information, call (337) 526-0837.

Seeking Farmer of the Year Nominations The Annual Farmer’s Appreciation Breakfast will be held on June 28 at 7am in the Welsh Community Center, 101 Palmer Street, in Welsh. The breakfast is hosted by the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Chamber member businesses. All farmers, ranchers and farm supply companies are invited. There is no charge to attend. Call (337) 824-0933 or email: chamber@jeffdavis.org.

Southwest Louisiana Music Studios and the Lake Charles Young Band Nation (LCYBN) are proud to announce the 5th annual LCYBN summer music camps for the summer of 2016 in Southwest Louisiana. The band camp is scheduled for July 18-22. These camps take students on a complete musical journey in just 5 days. Campers start with rehearsals and one on one instruction, move to recording in the studio with their band, and finally to playing a live show for friends and family on Friday. Ages 11-17 welcome with minimal experience. All band camps will be at the Tipitina’s Musician’s co-op, with a performance on Friday at Luna Live. For more information and a link to sign up for Summer Camp, go to brmusicstudios.com or call the studio at (337) 513-7905.

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS AT SHANGRI LA GARDENS AND STARK MUSEUM OF ART

July Theme - Surrealism July 11-15,17-22, & 25-29

EcoRangers at Shangri La Gardens

Gulf Coast Bird Club Announces Beginner Birding Workshop

Shangri La School of Magic and Mystery (Grades 3 & 4) July 5-8, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Young wizards will have a full schedule of classes learning about herbology, care of magical creatures, potions, and even astronomy. Begin by learning about proper woods for wands, and end by saving Shangri La from dark forces seeking to destroy the Luminous Forest. This is a story-based camp that will engage children’s imaginations.

The Gulf Coast Bird Club announces a free summertime Beginner Birding Workshop to be held at Tuten Park in Lake Charles. In this workshop, participants will explore the fascinating fun hobby of Birding. Three sessions will be held on from 6-7:30pm. The dates of the sessions are June 23, July 7 and July 21. All are welcome and grade school aged children are welcome with an adult participant. This is a family friendly activity.

Free Sailing Lessons Scheduled The Lake Charles Yacht Club will host free sailing lessons June 6-10, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Yacht Club in Lake Charles. Boats are provided. Please bring your own personal flotation device and towel. For more information, contact Ship to Shore at (337) 474-0730.

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Young Band Nation Announces Summer Camps

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Hidden Treasure at Shangri La (Grades 5 & 6) July 12-15, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Aargh, maties! Seeking to recruit the finest lot of swashbuckling pirates that can be found in these parts! The treasure of Shangri La is being threatened by the interloper Captain Stinkwater! During this week at the Gardens, salty pirates will learn about bayous, lakes, swamps, and all the plants and animals that depend on this precious water. Help conquer Captain Stinkwater and protect the hidden treasure. In the process, look to find some real treasure.

June 2016

Nature Engineers (Grades 7, 8, & 9) July 19-22, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. During this new offering, campers will observe nature, discover, design, engineer, and finally, build new creations based on the observations. Learn to use simple sketches and diagrams to plan inventions, and then use basic materials and tools to build them. Explore and attempt to recreate flight, the slithering nature of snakes, animal shelters, and so much more from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Campers will spend 50-70% of the time outdoors observing, questioning, sketching, and building. Approximately 30-40% of the time will be spent indoors building, testing, and refining the inventions. Knights of the Green Table (Grades 1 & 2) July 26-29, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lords and Ladies! Knights and Princesses! Seeking help to protect the Royal Gardens of Shangri La from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The

gardens are under attack by a dreadful villain, Sir Pollutesalot. During this week in the gardens, all royalty will learn about the different habitats, plants, and animals in the garden and how to forever protect them. Help conquer Sir Pollutesalot and protect the Royal Garden now and in the future!

Kristin Chenoweth Rescheduled for June 14 at the Lutcher Stage and screen star, Kristin Chenoweth was scheduled to perform at the Lutcher Theater in March, but with the Sabine River rising, the theater was forced to reschedule her date. She graciously agreed to reschedule for June 14, tweeting, “Keeping everyone down in Orange, TX in my prayers. @lutchertheater hope everyone stays safe with family and friends. See y’all soon!” As a result of these recent events, and in appreciation to its patrons for their generosity, the Lutcher Theater is teaming up with Kristin

Chenoweth to raise funds for the Humane Society of Southeast Texas to aide in recovery from this tragic loss. For every balcony seat sold for the June 14th Kristin Chenoweth performance, the Lutcher is donating $20 to the Humane Society. Further contributing to the cause, Lutcher Board Member, Scott Ballard and his wife, Rita have pledged to donate to the Humane Society, $5 for every balcony ticket sold and $10 if the performance sells out. Others who wish to pledge donations should contact the Lutcher Theater Box Office at boxoffice@lutcher.org.

2016 Keynote Speaker The extraordinary performing artist!

Phylicia Rashad! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 LAKE CHARLES CIVIC CENTER

8:00AM - 4:00PM Door Prize Extravaganza! 24 Workshops Market Place

www.womenscommissionswla.com (Registration Opening Soon!) June 2016

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Golden Nugget Lake Charles Announces Live Entertainment for June 2016 Golden Nugget Casino has announced the June 2016 live entertainment schedules for the Grand Event Center, Blue Martini, Rush Lounge, The Country Club at Golden Nugget and H2O Pool + Bar. GRAND EVENT CENTER June 3 Grand Funk Railroad June 4 Happy Together Tour June 17 The Guess Who June 18 Bill Engvall

8:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:00 PM

RUSH LOUNGE June 1 Electric Circus June 2 Electric Circus June 3 Electric Circus June 4 Electric Circus June 7 Matt and Katie June 8 Orphan Annie June 9 Orphan Annie June 10 Tricky Dickies June 11 Tricky Dickies June 14 Angel Garcia June 15 The FUSE June 16 The FUSE

8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM

June 17 June 18 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 28 June 29 June 30

The FUSE The FUSE Kris Harper 3-H-G 3-H-G 3-H-G The Strangers Big Daddy Big Daddy

BLUE MARTINI June 2 AfterParty/ DJ Jose Mata June 3 AfterParty/ DJ Jose Mata June 4 AfterParty/ DJ Jose Mata June 5 DJ Jose Mata June 9 Atomic/ DJ Jose Mata June 10 Atomic/ DJ Jose Mata June 11 Atomic/ DJ Jose Mata June 12 DJ Jose Mata

9 PM – 2:30 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 8 PM – 1AM 8 PM – 1 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 9 PM – 2:30 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM 8 PM – 1 AM

June 16 High Rollers/ DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 2 AM June 17 High Rollers/ DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 3 AM June 18 High Rollers/ DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 3 AM June 19 DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 2 AM June 23 Safira/ DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 2 AM June 24 Safira/ DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 3 AM June 25 Safira/ DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 3 AM June 26 DJ Jose Mata 9 PM – 2 AM THE COUNTRY CLUB AT GOLDEN NUGGET June 19 Rusty Yates 10 AM – 2 PM

9 PM – 2 AM 9 PM – 3 AM 9 PM – 3 AM 9 PM – 2 AM 9 PM – 2 AM 9 PM – 3 AM 9 PM – 3 AM 9 PM – 2 AM

H2O POOL + BAR June 4, 11, 18 & 25 DJ Jose Mata 1 PM – 7 PM June 26 DJ Jose Mata 2 PM – 6 PM

Music of the

July 9 • 6 pm

Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum They’re going to be livin’ it up at the Lake Charles Civic Center with the sounds of the Lake Charles Symphony and Jeans ‘n Classics. Jeans ‘n Classics faithfully interprets the music of legendary rock and pop albums and artists with their own signature flair. Sit back and enjoy that peaceful, easy feeling with music of the Eagles. For tickets, call 337.433.1611 or visit www.lcsymphony.com

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June 2016

Red, White, Blue and You Fourth of July Festival Kicks Off The Red, White, Blue and You Fourth of July Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. in the Contraband Room of the Lake Charles Civic Center when the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission presents the Southwest Louisiana Patriot’s Ball. The event includes dining, pageantry, and dancing and is the primary fundraiser for the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission. For ticket information contact 337- 433-4083 or the USS ORLECK Naval Museum.

Thursday, June 16 6PM–8PM @ BLUE DOG CAFÉ

in Downtown Lake Charles

Featuring work from artists in the Lake Area

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Solutions for Life

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

Letting Go of Standoffs - “I only did what I did because you did what you did!” - “Well, I only did that because you said what you said!” - “I’ll do my part when you start doing your part!” - “Well, I’ll start doing my part when I feel you are really committed to this relationship!” Welcome to the world of standoffs. I spend a lot of time here with clients, so I’m very familiar with this world. Here are some things you should know about this world: first, there are a lot of children and adolescents running around. And there are these other people that fool you – they look like adults, but they act like petulant kids. Let’s talk about kids first. Children are amazingly bright little manipulators sometimes. I have seen many families where the little people seem to be the boss of the big people. And standoffs are a regular part of the power play: “Well, I would be nicer to you if you’d let me _________ (insert your favorite: stay up late, date the inappropriate person I want to date, play the video games I want to play, etc.).” I spend a lot of time with the parents of these lovely creatures educating them on how to run their own households and teaching them how to take their power back. Somehow these parents lost their way and one of the main rules of life: rewards come only to those who do their part first. At the same time, I am working with the child to help them understand the same life rule, and to begin doing their part so I can go to bat for them to get some kind of reward (rarely the reward they wanted in the first place, though). Most interestingly, when the parents begin to set and keep boundaries/rules/consequences, the

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children typically settle down. One of the ways kids feel safe is when parents have control of the situation. Now on to the bigger children: the ones who look like adults. This whole concept of “I’ll do my part when you start doing your part” is ridiculous. If we all operated in “standoff” mode, nothing would ever get done. I understand, though, how this happens. Typically, one person feels like they have given and given in the relationship and have not received the same in return. Over time, the person giving and not receiving decides not to give anymore because it is hurtful to devote time and energy to something with no return on investment. It also could be that a person who was hurt in previous relationships has built a self-protective wall around themselves to avoid any further hurt. This “wall” includes not making themselves vulnerable and always taking an “I’ll match what you give” approach. Over time, the relationship has very little giving going on, and begins to suffer. One person begins to ask “is this all there is,” or somebody has an affair, or another person waits for the children to move out then announces the decision to leave the relationship. This is typically when the couple ends up in my office, trying to determine the viability of the relationship. The couple has to decide if there is too much hurt and pain, or if they are going to be able to put the past behind them and create a new, healthier relationship. If one person maintains the “standoff” stance, the work is that much harder.

regardless of what the other person is doing. Your goal is to look in the mirror every night before bedtime and be able to say, “I handled myself the way I should.” If you feel like you are giving more than you are receiving, you need to tell your partner just that. If that talk does not yield positive results, then you must decide what further steps you are willing to take. You must tell your partner (again) that the current situation is not working for you, and that you can feel yourself pulling away. If your partner indicates he/she would like for things to get better, take action: go to counseling, go to a couples’ retreat, and/or read a book on healing relationships together. Don’t wait on the other person to make the first move to see if he/she is “really serious.” You want to be able to say you did everything possible to salvage the relationship before giving up on it. Once you have done all you are willing to do, if things are no better you have 2 basic options: leave, or focus on other areas of your life that are more satisfying. Choosing to stay, be miserable, and live in Standoff World should not be an option. I promise, you are going to be happier and prouder of yourself if you take the first train out of Standoff World. You know, the train that is going to “I’ll do my part no matter what” world.

Conducting a relationship via standoffs is not only unhealthy, but also seals its fate of dying. You must do your part,

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June 2016

Willie Landry Mount Receives Honorary Doctorate McNeese State University conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Willie Landry Mount - a successful Lake Charles business owner, outstanding civic leader, a distinguished mayor and state senator and an ardent supporter of McNeese - during the 146th commencement ceremony on May 14, at the Burton Complex.

Mount received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from McNeese in 1974. She serves on the McNeese Foundation Board of Directors, is a recipient of the McNeese Distinguished Alumni Award and has been inducted into the McNeese College of Business Hall of Fame. “This is the highest honor that

the university can bestow upon an individual,” said Dr. Philip C. Williams, McNeese president. “Willie Mount is deserving of this honor for her outstanding contributions to both McNeese State University, the city of Lake Charles and the state of Louisiana.”

McNeese State University President Dr. Philip C. Williams, right, presented Willie Landry Mount with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during McNeese’s spring commencement ceremony on May 14 at the Burton Complex.

Softball Eliminated By ASU In 14 Innings After six years since its last NCAA Tournament, the McNeese softball team made its fourth overall postseason tournament appearance at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge for the opening round of the double elimination tournament. The Cowgirls made the most of it by picking up their second win in NCAA Tournament history with a 5-2 win over Arizona State. McNeese advanced to the winner’s bracket and played LSU with a 4-1 loss to no. 10 ranked LSU in a game that saw the Cowgirls fight until the end despite the loss. The Cowgirls were then off to play Arizona State again in the semifinal back draw.

June 2016

Thrive Magazine for Better Living

The historical season for the McNeese softball team came to an end nearly four hours after its game against Arizona State started. McNeese dropped the 14-inning game, one of the longest in program history, 3-2 to the Sun Devils in an elimination game in the Baton Rouge Region. The Cowgirls end their record-breaking season with a 43-14 record. In one of the gutsiest games displayed by the Cowgirls, McNeese definitely left a lasting impression in Baton Rouge on not only their opponents but to all the fans and this game will be remembered for years to come.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living

June 2016