Acadiana Lifestyle June 2020 by Wick Communications

JUNE 2020

Porch Portraits Of the 2020 Women Making a Difference What was the worst storm our readers remember? Meet two locals with surprising hidden talents This issue is brought to you in part by

2nd Generation, Locally Owned, Family Business.

Your Local Supplier & Installer of Automotive, Residential & Commercial Glass Replacement! Automotive Windshields Window Tinting

ResidentiAl

Regular, Beveled & Antique Mirror Decorative Mirror Frames Framed, Semi-Frameless and Frameless Shower Enclosures Glass Shelving Decorative Glass Cabinet Glass Window Glass Replacement Vinyl Window Replacement Insulated Unit Window Replacement Window Tinting

CommeRCiAl

drew Patout, owner

Storefront System Installation Curtain Wall Installation Full Heavy Glass System Installation Commercial Door Repair & Replacement Window Tinting

Now Installing COVID-19 Compliant Glass Partitions & Cough Guards.

Call for a free quote today! (337) 560-1211 1425 Iberia St. | New Iberia, LA 70560 | info@armentorglass.com | www.ArmentorGlass.com 2 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 3

Welcome Home | Find us at www.acadianalifestyle.com

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU Publisher Shanna Dickens shannap@acadianalifestyle.com Graphic Designer Robert Frey Sales Coordinator Carol Messinger carolm@acadianalifestyle.com Account Executive Damian Beaugh damianb@acadianalifestyle.com Contributing Writers Patrice Doucet Amelia LaFleur Wynce Nolley

What Our Staff Is The Most Excited About In This Month’s Issue

THINGS

WE LOVE It’s Essential I Page 12 When we give appreciation to the essential workers serving on the frontline of the COVID19 pandemic, our minds immediately go to those working overtime in hospitals. But there are a cast of other industries that were deemed essential. We look at how two of those have adapted.

Contributing Photographers Lee Ball Sarah Soprano Editorial Board Ryan Boudoin, Karen F. Bonin, Angela Trappey Cestia, Geri Frederick, Larry Hensgens, Cathy Indest, Phyllis Mata, Wendy Parich, Paul Schexnayder

Season’s Greetings I Page 18 Hurricane season that is. Honestly, the last thing anyone wants to think about in 2020 is hurricane season, but it’s here if we like it or not. No matter how stressful it might be to think about, preparation is key. So we created an easy (and pretty cute) prep guide for you.

Delivery Personnel April Dooley, Yvonne Romero, Contact Us 124 E. Main Street, New Iberia, LA 70560 337-365-2222

Oil Center Italian I Page 33

That stuff legal makes us say ©2019 by Wick Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of Acadiana Lifestyle, including articles, advertising or artwork may be reproduced in whole or partly without the written consent of the publisher.

This month our dining profile takes us to Antoni’s Italian Cafe in the Oil Center. The back story (which doubles as a love story) is as interesting as the menu items. Find out how Antoni’s has gone from hidden gem to hot spot while maintaining great taste and even better service.

Find More Of Our Favorite Stories On These Pages

ON THE COVER JUNE 2020

Porch Portraits

Focus............................................... 6

Meet Me On Main.........................30

Uncovering Hidden Talents............ 36

Personality Profile........................... 8

From Scratch.................................. 32

Women in Business...................... 41

Social Talk...................................... 20

Dining Profile................................. 33

Social Lights.................................46

Women Making a Difference ....... 23

Of the 2020 Women Making a Difference What was the worst storm our readers remember? Meet two locals with surprising hidden talents This issue is brought to you in part by

With social distancing in full swing we took advantage of the popular porch portraits to capture our 2020 Women Making a Difference honorees. On the cover is honoree Spring Viator photographed at her home by Sarah Soprano.

4 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

MEET OUR SPONSOR JD BANK

PUBLISHER’S COLUMN

Now for the Talent Portion Seeing the “what’s your hidden talent” question on any questionnaire stresses me out more than most major life decisions. I can do spot-on impressions of maybe five people, and I exhibit surprising agility on rope courses. Also, I haven’t been near a rope course in 20 years, but if memory serves - I rocked it. This is probably why I’m so mesmerized by the countless hidden talent stories I learn about people in our community. Especially, because it tends to be the case that the person being discussed was impressive enough before I knew they had said hidden talent. Once I brought up this notion of hidden talents, the suggestions kept coming. A doctor who is a classically trained pianist, a business owner with a knack for photography, a government official moonlighting as an artist, an art collector who can barbeque like no other, and on and on. So we are introducing a new monthly section titled “They do What?” Each month we will sit down with two locals who have surprising talents or hobbies that you might not have known about! If you have someone whose secret talents you would like to expose, email me and let me know. Publisher Shanna Dickens

FOR YOUR “KING OF THE GRILL” THIS FATHER’S DAY!

GRILLS & ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE

Grill, Bake, Smoke, Roast, Braise & BBQ with Traeger® Wood Pellet Grills. Taste The Traeger® Difference! Built To Last.

New Iberia’s Traeger Dealer Wood Fired Flavor Made Easy Best Selling Wood-Pellet Grill In The World Corner of Admiral Doyle Dr. and Jefferson Island Rd., New Iberia 365-6657 | www.freminfurniture.com 9am-5:30pm Mon-Fri • 10am-3pm Sat

We see extraordinary courage. We see a culture of resilience. We’ll make it through the tough times, we always do. And Blue Cross will always be here to support you. bcbsla.com 01MK7320 04/20

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 5

Focus | Your guide to recent community news APPLAUSE

» In April, Cox Communications donated 20

were delivered with notes of thanks and recognition of their nominating sponsor from Pennsylvania to Oregon as well as Acadiana.

Chromebooks to Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana for members who want access to their new virtual Club program services. In accordance with Gov. John Bel Edward’s Stay At Home Order, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana has temporarily closed their five Club locations and has shifted to online programming to keep kids and families connected to resources and activities while at home. These Chromebooks will be made available to Club members with an immediate need and will continue to serve the organization once Clubs are able to reopen.

» Gregory J. Inzerella, Chairman of the Board of

» After COVID-19 was declared a public health

Alliance announced that it had been awarded the USDA Rural Business Development Grant, which is aimed to evaluate and support the cattle and beef industry in Vermilion Parish. VEDA began speaking with individual producers and the boards of both the Vermilion Cattleman’s Association and Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau last year in anticipation of the grant deadline. The $30,000 is funding two phases: 1) a survey of existing cattle producers, and 2) turning over the results to an analyst. In this phase, survey responses and statistical information will be used to evaluate the programs, funding and infrastructure improvements necessary to preserve the rich tradition of Vermilion’s cattle industry.

emergency, Festival International de Louisiane made the difficult decision to cancel its physical festival in April. However, the festival’s organizers decided that the show would go on by making the Festival go virtual. Festivalgoers tuned in to its curated, online program from April 24 - 26 for a weekend packed with shows from around the world on Facebook Live and AOC. The schedule included intimate concerts, nostalgic blast from the past videos, and an ‘International Collaborative Surprise.’ Merchandise left over from the 2020 FIL as well as merch from years past is still available at www.FestivalInternational.org.

» The Iberia Parish Library is offering patrons in

quarantine an opportunity to view its Journey Stories online exhibit. Journey Stories is an educational poster exhibition that explores how movement has shaped the nation. It takes a broad look at American expansion and migration, from the earliest European settlers and Native American displacement, to the effects of transportation advancements on modern mobility. The posters and other materials can be found on the library’s website: www.IberiaLibrary.org.

» In April, Cane River Pecan Company suggested

their customers recommend a family member or friend working tirelessly on the front lines fighting the coronavirus/ COVID-19 pandemic. In turn, 25 first responders, medical professionals and frontline workers were recognized with personal gifts from the company shipped across the nation on Monday, April 13. Requests for nominations of family members resulted in submissions from coast to coast. The company says it plans to follow up this first shipment with more nominations and additional acts of appreciation. Shipments of Cane River Pecan cookies

6 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Directors of Community First Bank, announced that Patrick Norris has been elected as the newest member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Norris and his wife, Lisa co-founded Norris International Services, a local manufacturing and tubular threading company located in New Iberia. He is also President of Norris Tubular Systems of Houston, Texas which is co-founded with his three sons.

» In April, the Vermilion Economic Development

» In April, Ms. Kelley L.

Moore, a social studies teacher at New Iberia High School in Iberia Parish, was awarded the 2019-2020 Horace Mann/ Louisiana Association of Principals $1,000 Aspiring Principal Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is presented every year to a teacher, counselor or curriculum coordinator who has an interest in becoming a principal or is currently working toward their principal certification. The scholarship can be used to defray expenses for college tuition, continued professional growth, registration fees to state or national conferences, or textbook expenses. Kelley is currently working on her Master’s of Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University - Shreveport. She is on track to complete her Master’s in August of this year.

» On April 23, the Lafayette Parish School System

and the Southside High School Fine Arts program launched a virtual showcase to recognize the hard work their students have put into this school year. The work these students have done is truly impressive and you can appreciate their talent by visiting their virtual showcase. The showcase can be viewed online at www. Sites.Google.com/LPSSOnline.com/SouthsideArts.

» In May, JD Bank announced a $100,000 donation to meet the growing need of food insecurity in

the communities they serve. Working through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, JD Bank will be able to support 46 food pantries, meal programs and residential shelters in Calcasieu, Evangeline, Iberia, Jeff Davis, Lafayette and St. Landry Parishes, as well as Second Harvest’s COVID19 response and emergency food distribution efforts. Second Harvest works with local organizations to fight hunger by providing food access, advocacy, education and disaster response.

» In May, the national

non-profit School Nutrition Association named Tammy Belaire, foodservice technician at Early Learning Center, as the Southwest regional Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees, ones who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve. SNA also recognizes the compassionate efforts of school nutrition employees as frontline heroes, ensuring students continue to have access to healthy meals. Belaire has worked in the same district for 23 years, building positive relationships with students and fellow school nutrition professionals.

» In May, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced Katie Guidry of Lafayette will join its 2020 class of Dole Caregiver Fellows – 30 military and veteran caregivers who have been carefully selected from across the country to represent those Americans caring for a wounded, ill or injured service member or veteran at home. Guidry will serve as a leader, community organizer, and advocate for the nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members and friends who provide more than $14 billion in voluntary care annually to someone who served.

JUST IN

» In April, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce and One Acadiana partnered to compile an Economic Recovery Toolkit for local small businesses trying to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s economic restrictions. Both organizations advise businesses to consult their financial advisor, accountant or attorney in order to determine which loan(s) will be best for their business. The toolkit is available online at www.IberiaChamber.org/EconomicRecovery-Toolkit.

» South Louisiana (SOLA) Giving Day was held

on Thursday, May 7, and raised $852,607 with 2,553 donations to 95 organizations. SOLA Giving Day is a 24-hour online fundraising event for 93 nonprofit organizations, churches and schools that serve Acadiana. The COVID-19 crisis has impacted

Focus | Your guide to recent community news organizations. Many of them canceled their Spring fundraising events. Some organizations have shifted their work to focus on COVID-19 response and relief efforts by providing free meals to families, children and the elderly. Organizations are providing free medical support for those with mental illness and physical disabilities. Several schools are raising funds to help students with the cost of tuition for the Fall semester due to parents losing their jobs.

» In May, the Lafayette-based Spoonbill Watering

Hole & Restaurant received a finalist nomination for the 2020 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant Design (with 75 seats and under). The full list of finalists were announced on Monday, May 4, via livestream on Twitter by the James Beard Foundation. In November 2018, Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant opened its doors in the heart of downtown Lafayette. Each detail of the restaurant was carefully crafted to create a unique and memorable experience for guests, from the food and beverage menu to the décor and atmosphere.

» In May, the Office of the Governor and the State

communication, notifications and helpful guidance via email from the State Fire Marshal’s Office specific to their business type as Louisiana moves into the first phase of reopening the economy.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

» In April, JD Bank

announced the promotion of Jerica Foster to Mortgage Loan Originator in the Lafayette market, and the appointment of Craig Boudreaux as a Mortgage Loan Originator in the Lake Charles market. Foster is a Baldwin native who began her career in banking as a teller at the age of 18. Foster joined the JD Bank team in 2015 as a Mortgage Loan Processor. A Lake Charles native, Boudreaux attended Barbe High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from McNeese State University. He began in commercial finance and developed expertise in heavy equipment and office equipment, turning that into a 15-year home lending career throughout Southwest Louisiana. Foster works in the Verot School Rd. branch in Lafayette. Boudreaux works in the Big Lake branch in Lake Charles.

» U.S. Navy Chief Fire Controlman Joshua Gaudin,

from Lafayette, serves aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy. The Normandy remains at sea in the Atlantic as part of the certified Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, ready for tasking in order to protect the crew from the risks posed by COVID-19, following their successful deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. Keeping HSTCSG at sea in U.S. 2nd Fleet, in the sustainment phase of OFRP, allows the ship to maintain a high level of readiness during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

» In April, Lafayette Travel President and CEO Ben

Berthelot was named to the Resilient Louisiana Commission Hospitality/Tourism Taskforce. Gov. John Bel Edwards created Resilient Louisiana as a state commission charged with examining Louisiana’ s economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic and making recommendations for more resilient business-related activities and commerce in the coming months. The commission has a taskforce structure enabling the study of impacts and solutions in fifteen critical sectors.

Fire Marshall established www.OpenSafely.LA.gov for local businesses to register to receive updated

Meet Your Community Banker PATRICK LANDRY, NEW IBERIA LENDER A New Iberia resident, Patrick’s 18 years of banking experience helps to guide his customers in the right direction making smart financial decisions for their future. He is proud to be involved with New Iberia Optimist Club and Jeanerette KC Club.

“I’m here to help you succeed.” cfirstbank.com New Iberia (337) 365-6677 / 1101 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. / 403 Emile Verret Rd. / 2919 W. Old Spanish Trail | Breaux Bridge (337) 442-6320 / 1805 Rees St. | Broussard (337) 735-3400 / 801 Albertson Pkwy. Loreauville (337) 229-8000 / 302 N. Main St. | St. Martinville (337) 394-4049 / 2300 N. Main St. | Youngsville (337) 856-7866 / 2821 E. Milton Ave. |

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 7

Personality Profile | Finder of Lost History

The True Story of Desire Leonard Smith III- filmmaker, videographer, photographer, historian, genealogist By Patrice Doucet

his past February 15, a private showing at the Jazz and Heritage Hall on Rampart Street in New Orleans featured a documentary titled “A Place Called Desire.” It tells the story of Desire, a lost community in the Ninth Ward that was the largest and last public housing project to be built in New Orleans. It was also one of the first neighborhoods in the country to have designated private homes for returning

GI soldiers - and the place where Leonard Smith III grew up. It was an important project for the New Orleans native who had moved to Maurice with his wife in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, to be near their daughter and ended up staying. “It’s meant to tell a story that people not familiar with the Ninth Ward area could appreciate; a story of struggles and challenges that in spite of, people

Evangeline Optical is open for business!

Among the many awards Leonard has received are an AVA Platinum Award, Hermes Gold Award and Bronze Telly Award. still lived on; a story of close-knit families and community. We’re losing neighborhoods and communities and when you talk to cousins, they don’t understand the struggles that people went through to get them where they

are today. Our relatives wanted better for us and I want children to appreciate the people who ‘paved the street that we walk on today.’ There needs to be some appreciation for those who set the path.” The making of “A Place Called

We are taking all precautions to make sure we are compliant and being as health conscientious as possible. We will be limiting the number of guests, sanitizing between customers, and cleaning continuously. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!

(337) 365-4893 306 N. Lewis St. • New Iberia www.evangelineoptical.com

8 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Personality Profile | Finder of Lost History Musician you would most like to see at Jazz Fest? Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Herlin Riley Dream genealogy project: The Reconstruction Era - 1863 - 1877 Favorite comfort food: Fresh Shrimp Poboy with Leidenheimer French Bread Most admired historical figure: Louis Armstrong. (I played trumpet at Carver- one of the largest bands in NO.) Desire” involved interviewing over 50 people covering history from 1945 through present day. “I could have interviewed successful people who have come from Desire, like Pam Jiles, the Olympic-winning sprinter and Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Cruises, but I wanted to interview the everyday people because they have stories as well – and, they turned out to be great storytellers,” says Leonard. The stories describe Desire as being a swampland area at one time, where trappers and shrimpers lived. There were mixed races living there in the 40s. Fats Domino was a blues singer back then who got his start at the Hideaway Club in the Ninth Ward. There were people among the interviewees who stand out in Leonard’s mind still today. Mr. Malvin Cavalier shared the story about he and his wife helping in building St. Philip Church, which was made from army barracks from the Jackson Barracks in Chalmette. Cavalier’s wife was nine months pregnant at the time and within a couple of weeks of the church’s opening, she died during childbirth. The baby survived, leaving a father with four young children. Leonard also won’t forget Mrs. Elmer Ellis Dequir, who is blind and nearly 100, and her description of the muddy streets of Desire. The Desire documentary was a project long in the making for Leonard, who is a film and documentary maker, photographer, historian and genealogist. For 12 years, he’d collected seven plastic bends of historic photos, with the help of his mother. He lost all but

one bend to Katrina’s flood waters. When he and his wife evacuated to Maurice, he brought very little besides that one remaining container of photos. What he did bring to Acadiana was a wealth of experience. Since 1975, Leonard has been involved in historical research, technology (having worked at The Eastman Kodak Company) storytelling, film-making, music - and photography, having taken photos of musicians the likes of Ellis Marsalis, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Carlos Santana and Sting. His first film in 2007 was a documentary about his high school music teacher, Yvonne Busch, who was a child prodigy with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. Photos of Ms. Busch were in the salvaged bend, along with the Ninth Ward photos, which Leonard saw as a sign that he should produce the two documentaries. “The Life Story of Ms. Yvonne Busch” premiered at Dillard University to a packed house and went on to receive an AVA Platinum Award, Hermes Gold Award and Bronze Telly Award. Among the other documentaries

Leonard’s interest in genealogy can be “traced back” to when he was a young boy watching the TV series “Roots.” Leonard is proud to have produced - many of them award winning - is the story of Herlin Riley, drummer for Wynton Marsalis. In 2008, Leonard opened LS3 Studios providing clients throughout the U.S. image and audio editing,

production of broadcast quality videos, custom photography and web development. Through his work, Leonard says he also hopes to “set history straight” and dispel myths about underprivileged Continued on page 10

BEST STAFF EVER!

The Management & Staff at Azalea Estates New IberiaYour Trusted Source of Caring For Your Loved Ones

Voted #1 Best Assisted Living Community (again) in the 2019 Best of the Teche

New Iberia’s Trusted Source for Senior Living for Over 24 Years azaleaestates.com 1318 Andre’ St., New Iberia Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 9

Personality Profile | Finder of Lost History Continued from page 9

neighborhoods like the Desire area of the Ninth Ward. He points out, “Many outside of the Ninth Ward don’t know that there was an upper and a lower section; Desire was in the upper Ninth Ward.” He also cites the shootout in the 70s between the police and the Black Panthers as an incident that happened one day but unfortunately went in the history books, marring the community’s reputation.” “A Place Called Desire” was a finalist for Best Documentary in the San Diego Black Film Festival, and as of this writing, Leonard waits word to hear if it placed in the San Francisco Film Festival. A researcher at heart, Leonard’s interest in genealogy can be “traced back” to when he was a young boy watching the TV series “Roots.” “The movie prompted me to ask my grandmother some questions about my family,” he recalls. That one spark of curiosity evolved into his expertise in genealogy providing research to clients across the country and speaking at numerous seminars on the subject.

“A Place Called Desire” tells the story of Desire, a lost community in the Ninth Ward that was the largest and last public housing project to be built in New Orleans. “We must nurture our roots;” Leonard says “people need to know where they come from. It’s not easy for African Americans to know their origins because of slavery. There are a lot of heroes who lived before us and in my work with genealogy I’m focusing on those ancestors who made a difference.” To help people maneuver through the methodology of genealogical

GE 5K BTU AC AHV05LZ

$159

GE 6K BTU AC AHQ06LZ

$219

GE 14K BTU Smart AC AHY14LZ

GE 24K BTU Smart AC AHY24DZ

GE 12K BTU Heat/Cool AEE12DT

GE 18K BTU Heat/Cool AEE18DT

$499

$579

10 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

$649

$679

research, Leonard provides custom genealogy worksheets and has coproduced a six-part ancestry TV series called “Roots of Faith,” which runs on CatholicLife television in the Baton Rouge area. Research into his own family tree revealed that Leonard is a descendent of the Canary Islanders. Currently, he is working on completing research –

Frigidaire 12K BTU AC FFRA1211U1

$329

Crosley 28K BTU AC CAME28A2

$749

GE 24K BTU Heat/Cool AEE24DT

$749

500 plus pages – on the history of the Canary Islands with plans to write a book, paired with a documentary. A self-proclaimed Renaissance Man, Leonard also finds time to produce websites for clients like Tulane University and Automatic Data Processing Inc., where he was once a programmer and an implementation specialist. For the past six years, he has managed to make time to sit on the board of The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a foundation he holds dear, and is proud of the Virtual Festival 2020 that was viewed around the world. Leonard Smith has tried – and achieved – to live his life the exact way he encourages today’s youth to do. To a younger generation living only for the “now,” his message is this: “If you have a better understanding of history, you can appreciate what we’re going through now and how to get to the other side of it. The past comes back again; know yourself and know your history to know your potential.”

GE 12K BTU Smart AC AHY12LZ

$399

Crosley 18K BTU Heat/Cool CAMHE18A2

$679

Frigidaire 18K BTU Heat/Cool FFRH1822R2

$749

The Best Mask That You Can Wear Is A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM!

Proudly keeping New Iberia in Good Hands

Living in New Iberia can be expensive, but I’m here to help you find ways to save. I’ll help you find the right amount of coverage specific to your needs to keep more of your hard-earned money in your wallet. Give me a call today.

Jimmy Champagne 337-365-0914

Build Immunity With Natural Supplements. • Wellness Immune Remedy • Elderberry • Zinc • Olive Leaf • Oregano Oil • Astragulus

• Echinacea • Oral Silver • Nasal Sprays • Throat Sprays • Vitamins A, C & D • Essential Oils • More Available

11641056

1550 E. Admiral Doyle New Iberia

The most qualified candidate for District Judge with a history of making a difference in the communityeveryday.

Natural Nutrition Center YOUR Health Food Store

712 E. Admiral Doyle Drive • New Iberia Across From Auto Zone

365-9037

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1985

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Natalie Broussard Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 11

Feature Story | Unsung essential workers

The Other Shoulders to Lean On

Less mentioned essential workers of the pandemic By Patrice Doucet

e’ve either heard it or said it ourselves many times now: “I’m sick of hearing about this coronavirus. Enough!” But the fact is, countless people NEED to talk about it to work through it, and they’re turning to counselors – many for the

One of the many drive-through funerals held recently at Martin & Castille. first time. With the rise in mental telehealth, counselors must remain steady ships in a storm that will leave mental devastations long after it has passed. Breanna Spriggs, licensed professional counselor at The Family

Tree, began receiving calls from clients suffering from anxiety, some of them panicked, around the end of February, “I can’t think of any client who isn’t concerned about some aspect of the pandemic,” she says. And, at the time of the stay-at-home

order and social distancing directive, counselors were working through telehealth, speaking face-to-face from remote locations for 30 minutes to an hour. Springs is receiving seven to nine new calls a week on her line alone, most clients living in Acadiana.

1Seafood Restaurant

Boiled Shrimp

Oysters

Seafood Platter @seafoodconnectionone

2 Thumbs Up! Now Serving

BOILED CRAWFISH & CRABS Appetizers • Po-Boys • Salads • Soups • Seafood Dinners Certain Seafood available during seasons only

Family Owned & Operated Serving Acadiana For Over 50 Years!

Fried Fish Dinner

Gumbo Super Shrimp Dinner

SEAFOOD CONNECTION FULL DINING RESTAURANT 999 Parkview, New Iberia • 365-2454 Open 7 Days a Week • 4pm - 11pm

12 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

DINER - EXCLUDES BOILED SEAFOOD 1120 Center St., New Iberia • 364-1254 Open 7 Days a Week • 10am - 9pm

Feature Story She is speaking to clients from 14 years to adulthood with a range of concerns. “I’m counseling married couples who have been in close quarters longer than normal or who are experiencing the added stress of a job loss. Several clients who were already dealing with depression or anxiety are more anxious than ever because this is something outside their control and it increases the anxiety already there. Children and teens separated from their friends are experiencing depression and anxiety. Children go through the same thing as adults without the understanding or information.” Essential workers (of which she is one) she says are especially at risk for anxiety because they are in a routine and often don’t feel the emotional effects. She recommends they should reach out for guidance routinely. At the end of the day, Spriggs is no different from her clients in that she needs to decompress to be fresh for the next wave of calls. “I limit access to news -as I advise all my clients; I take walks; I spend time, quality time, with my family; I focus on being grateful (another piece of client advice); and, I lean heavily on my faith. I normally talk to people I work with when I meet a challenge or become overwhelmed, and confiding in my colleagues during this time has been of paramount importance.” The Family Tree promotes self-care with “feel good” Fridays via Zoom and regular staff meetings talking about struggles and high points. Spriggs adds, “The administration has been Continued on page 14

’

Gordy s Paint & Body shoP 1st Place, 2019 Best of the Teche - Best Auto Body Shop! • Over 36 Years Experience

FREE ESTIMATES Southern Farm Bureau Preferrred Shop

Gordy Babineaux 1104 Twenty Arpent Rd. New Iberia, LA

337-365-9054

State Farm Select Service Center

The Mission of CASA of the 16th JDC, Inc. is to recruit, train and engage community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the 16th Judicial Court System. Serving Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary Parishes

www.casa16jdc.org 337-359-9016

Breanna Spriggs, licensed professional counselor at The Family Tree.

Louisiana

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 13

Feature Story | Unsung essential workers Continued from page 13

overwhelmingly caring and considerate as we take care of the community. At this time, they are trying to bring in babysitters for mothers when we reopen.” While Spriggs can’t give her clients guarantees about the virus, she does know the ill effects brought on by anxiety. “Anxiety puts us more at risk for illness. The same body and mind that has to fight sickness is the same that has to stay mentally healthy,” she says. And, Spriggs reminds that there’s another emotional aspect of the virus’s toll: “a magic wave of grief.” “For families not being able to be in hospitals with their family members or bury them properly, adds another dimension to our work as counselors. The emotional effects are torturing people more than the physical ones.” From Counselors to Consolers It’s true, the scene is vastly different in funeral homes across Louisiana, but especially eerie in South Louisiana where a two-day visit, night wake and church service are a large part of our culture. And while funeral home employees deal with death routinely, the circumstances of the coronavirus have changed the way they do business making them work harder than ever to

Trying to incorporate tradition, Emily Castille stands at the entrance of a drive-through funeral recording names. create a meaningful last goodbye. “We’ve had to relearn how to care for families,” says Kenneth Pellerin, Manager of Evangeline Funeral Home in New Iberia. The protocols for a funeral home required a 10-person limit at one time. Pellerin says employees sanitized the building from the start and

A HUGE ‘THANK YOU’

to All of Our Front Line Workers Thank You to all of our customers for your continued support. Ask About 6 Months Interest Free Financing

TUNE UPS • SHOCKS • BRAKE JOBS • OIL CHANGES BATTERIES • ALIGNMENTS • A/C WORK Through it all, we’re here to Serve You! M-F 7:30am-5 Sat 7:30am-12noon 406 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.

closed off certain areas. One room for wakes. Chairs spaced 6 feet apart. “We focused on what we could do, instead of what we couldn’t,” says Pellerin. As the case at many funeral homes that has included: streaming funeral services -and some wakes - live on Evangeline’s Facebook, and offering

drive-through sympathies. Pellerin says they are open to doing anything to make the service a “healing experience” as long as it is within their guidelines set by the Governor. “Having served Iberia Parish for 79 years, we know most of these families. Many of them have told us they will arrange a memorial service later,” he says. Until they can operate status quo, Pellerin says they are coordinating service arrangements through web conferences with families. There is also a lot of time spent on the phone for those who can’t FaceTime and a surprising number of face-to-face meetings within the recommended distancing and wearing of masks. “It’s stressful, of course to see clients choose which 10 members will attend a service. It’s not any easier even though the families know their limitations. This is where our training really comes into play,” says Pellerin. A few of the changes due to the pandemic may start to trend in the funeral home industry. Members of one smaller family told Pellerin they found surprising intimacy in a smaller service. They were able to pray and concentrate on their loved one at the wake, instead of visiting with numerous people. “It made me think this could be a possible trend of smaller families,” Pellerin says. Emily Castille, funeral director at

MOVING SOON? We’ve Been Moving Families & Businesses for Over 15 Years

Services: • Home and Office Moving • Packing and Unpacking • Furniture Rearrangement Inside the Home • Office Furniture assembly and installation • Fragile items: Fine Art, Antiques, Pianos, Etc. • Gun Safe Delivery and Installation

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. We appreciate your business and the confidence you place in us. Owners: Tony and Meredith Clay

Local, family owned and operated.

364-1746 bonintire.com

LPSC #8233 Licensed, Insured & Bonded

14 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Feature Story Martin & Castille in Lafayette says she can see the benefits of streaming live on Facebook starting a trend, especially for seniors or relatives out of state unable to attend. In the case of one of their funerals, over 1,000 people watched a graveside funeral live on Martin & Castille’s Facebook. “Funerals look different right now, but have the capacity to be beautiful and healing,” assures Castille. “This pandemic has pushed us to be a better company. During times of restriction, we have accommodated two wakes a day, with 10 visitors from one side of a family in the morning and 10 relatives from the other family in the afternoon, completely cleaning down the room and all the common areas in between that time.” While drive-by funerals probably won’t be one of the allowances now that trends – because of traffic interference – it is a creative alternative that Martin & Castille Lafayette also offers and tries to make the most of. “The first drive-through we offered was for a fiveyear-old girl,” Castille recalls, her voice saddens. Trying to incorporate as much of what was done before, she has stood at the entrance of the driveway recording visitor names with the keepsake guest book. Families have gotten creative as well, purchasing handkerchiefs to wave out the car windows. At the funeral of a well-known, local man who passed in May – a past Mardi Gras King in the Krewe of Gabriel - former kings and board members of the krewe paid their respects as they stood in line, six feet apart, against the gate outside the cemetery. Trying to honor the deceased as best they can has been a challenge to their training, says Castille. “One customer told me he had to FaceTime to see his wife unplugged from life support. Another told me, ‘I’ll never get over the fact that he had to die alone.’ It urges us to work harder to help these families.” Castille says having the support system from coworkers is a must. “The entire staff leans on one another and talks about what’s on their minds and hearts. Even our competition has come together to see how we can best handle this.”

We’re Back and Our Doors are Open!!

Thank you to our valued friends and customers for your continued support, especially during these past few months. Come in & see us, we’ve missed you!

Walteen Broussard, Owner

Come In, call, or message us! Now offering PayPal Curbside Pickup available Temporary Store Hours: TUES-FRI 10am-4pm Follow Us on Facebook for special offers including #WatchUsWednesday

20 OFF %

~ An Eclectic Mix of Old & New ~ 220 WEST MAIN ST. DOWNTOWN NEW IBERIA

337-364-5222

Any One Regular Priced Item Excludes Floral Arrangements and Custom Designs. Expires June 30, 2020

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 15

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COLLECTION

1700

AND UNLOCK REBATES UP TO

VIA PREPAID CARD BY MAIL WHEN YOU PURCHASE SELECT KITCHENAID BR AND APPLIANCES

VIA VIA PREPAID PREPAID CARD CARD BY BY MAIL MAIL WHEN YOU YOU PURCHASE PURCHASE SELECT SELECT WHEN KITCHENAID BR BR AND AND APPLIANCES APPLIANCES KITCHENAID

January 1– July 11, 2020

Januar Januar yy 1– 1– July July 11, 11, 2020 2020

*See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a KitchenAid brand Visa® prepaid card by mail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2020 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. D191485KMA.

Ask Us About Interest Free Financing and Free Local Delivery

AND UNLOCK UNLOCK REBATES REBATES UP UP TO TO AND

*See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a KitchenAid brand Visa®® prepaid card by *See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a KitchenAid brand Visa prepaid card by mail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2020 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. D191485KMA. mail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2020 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. D191485KMA.

Magic Video

AppliAnces & electronics 912 S. Lewis St. New Iberia • 367-8287 • 365-9569 magicvideoonlinestore.com• Open Mon – Fri. 8:30– 5:30

16 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Locally Owned & Operated by the St. Upery family for over 50 Years

Hook Dad Up With a Gift From Ask About PANOPTIX

ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv Without Transducer

PART NUMBER 010-02342-00

899

ECHOMAP™ UHD 63cv PART NUMBER 010-02330-01

49999

MARINE ENTERTAINMENT - Find Your Tunes and Your Tuna

Standard Mapping® Louisiana One Classic MicroSD™/SD™ Card

PART NUMBER: 010-C1162-00

29999

Magic Video

AppliAnces & electronics

Huge selection of Garmin Marine Equipment Including GPS/Chartplotters, Fish Finders, Radars, Hand-Helds, Autopilots

INSTALLATION AVAILABLE Maps, Antennas & Other Marine Accessories Also Available

912 S. Lewis St. New Iberia 367-8287 • 365-9569 magicvideoonlinestore.com Open Mon – Fri. 8:30– 5:30 Ask Us About Interest Free Financing And Free Local Delivery

HURRICANE

P R E P A R A T I O N G U I D E • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Emergency Plan

Evacuation

Contacts Keep an updated list of contacts.

You can download a Family Emergency Plan online.

• Develop, discuss and document an emergency plan with your loved ones. • Have a care plan in place for pets • Determine how emergency warnings will be received • Have a shelter plan • Discuss evacuations routes

• Local Law Enforcement • Local Public Safety • Local Hospitals • America Red Cross • Local TV Stations • Family • Emergent Management Offices • Property Insurance Agent

• Review the FEMA Evacuation

Guidelines • Allow for enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home • Follow instructions issued by local officials • Leave immediately if ordered

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hurricane Categories Understand what each category means. Category • Sustained Winds (MPH) • Damage

1 2

Matches

Supply Kit Flashlights

Backup Cell Phone Chargers Manual Can Opener

Water – 1 gallon/person for at least 3 days 18 Acadiana Lifestyle, LifeStyle, June June 2020 2020

Food – 3 days/non-perishable food

96-110 (MPH)

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.

111-130 (MPH)

131-155 (MPH)

155+ (MPH)

First Aid Kit

Extra Batteries

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Prepare A Basic Disaster Supply Kit

Hand Crank or Battery-Powered Radio

74-95 (MPH)

Devastating damage will occur.

Catastrophic damage will occur.

2020 Atlantic Tropical Storm Names Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gonzalo

Hanna Isaias Josephine Kyle Laura Marco Nana

Omar Paulette Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred

DR. JILES LEBLANC, DC Chiropractic Physician Disc Decompression Therapy Auto-Injuries Massage

A MODERN APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE: Neck & Low-Back Pain Relief + Natural Medical Solutions

318 Bertrand Drive (Across from Deanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) | CALL NOW: (337) 889-5820

BRAND NEW STATE OF THE ART FACILITY!

DR. FRANCESCA MARINO LEBLANC, DC, DNM Board Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner & Childhood Allergy Expert Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 19

Social Talk | Hurricane Season

What is the Worst Storm that you Remember?

I reciprocated the calls as it headed to those same people and tore up my hometown!!

e asked our readers what they would say was the worst storm they have ever experienced. Here’s how the votes brokedown: Andrew........................................... 31 Audrey............................................. 7 Katrina............................................. 4 Hilda................................................ 4 Rita................................................... 4 Camille............................................. 1 Danny............................................... 1 Lily................................................... 1 Here’s what they had to say. Be sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to weigh in on future Social Talk topics!

Amy Lord Pharr Andrew My dad and I always tracked storms on our maps together and I distinctly remember getting coordinates and looking at him and saying “It’s right on the dot for New Iberia”! My brother and his family lost everything that night. I was 7 months pregnant and went to work (at a bank) in shorts and T-shirt’s for probably two weeks.

Margaret Trahan I believe Andrew because it tore up Florida and came back in the gulf Mexico and hit Louisiana directly and tore it up. We have had other bad hurricanes that did a number on Louisiana beginning with Audrey, Hilda and so many more .

Kathleen May Andrew by far, So many people lost everything, it was devastating

Kitty Minvielle Einsmann Hurricane Andrew - August 1992!! I was living in Miami at the time. It tore up our home, flattened neighbors, devastated S. Florida, then headed out to the Gulf. One day I was fielding calls from family & friends in Louisiana who were concerned with this CAT5 MONSTER! Two days later

James Edmunds Audrey, when I was about 6, was the worst storm. But in terms of personally affecting me, when I was a homeowner, it would be Andrew. Also quite scary, even more so than Rita.

Boiling? Frying? Cooking? BBQ? Come inside and find everything you need for almost any type of good Cajun cooking!!

Have your cylinders requalified here!

• Cookware • Grills • Burners • Cooking Accessories • Propane & Natural Gas Supplies, Equipment and Service available Be Safe! Always test your cooking equipment before using.

20 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Take Advantage of Special pricing this Father’S Day on ALL Grills!!

LassaLLe Gas Co., InC.

~ SINCE 1922 Corner of Dale & Eden ~ New Iberia ~ 364-4558 ~ 364-7161

Social Talk Darlene Boudreaux Hargett Andrew. We were without electricity for 10 days in New Iberia... 1992... I saw trees that were so huge and old come right out of the ground. The ground literally looked like it was breathing before the tree uprooted!! Very scary!

Donna Lasseigne Definitely Andrew, will never forget it, because we stayed in our house and the roof came up!

Adrienne Turner McCarthy Andrew. It interfered with my wedding plans. We still got married on August 29th but nearly everything had to be rearranged.

Jeff Fuchs Based on local damage, I’d say Andrew. But we all are thinking Katrina.

Wendy Parich I was 5 years old when Audrey hit in 1957. We stayed home until we found out just in time that the surge was coming in...as we drove off... you see the surge coming so my dad drove faster and we beat it. In 1964 we left for Hilda but the water tower fell on city hall and killed 8 of our emergency people..one person escaped. Several worked at our school. It was a devastating time.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

Pay for 2 months and get the 3rd month FREE!! New Units Now Available

Store It Safely & Securely With Us!

Store it with us!

• Accessible 7 days a week • On-site managers • Climate-controlled units • Spacious, convenient & affordable

369-STOR(7867)

CLIMA SECUR STORAGE Climate Controlled Inside Self Storage

M O V I N G

F O R W A R D

F O R

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

405 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia • 369-7867 2829 S.E. Evangeline Thrwy, Lafayette • 289-0403 storage@climasecur.com • www.climasecur.com

G R E A T E R

H E A L T H C A R E

Surgical Care with a Home Field Advantage AT FRANKLIN FOUNDATION HOSPITAL, WE BELIEVE in providing patients with skilled surgical care that combines the benefits of inpatient care with the convenience of an outpatient setting. Our surgical and wound care team has a home field advantage, allowing patients with same-day surgery and wound care needs the luxury of receiving many of the services, treatments and procedures they need right here, close to home, without an in-hospital stay. For more information on our surgical and wound care capabilities, please call our Outpatient Surgery Department at 337-355-1389.

Susan Segura Hammer Hurricane Hilda 1964 in New Iberia. No electricity for a week, no money from the government, everyone helping each other to survive. The good ole days.

Marti Harrell I have very vivid memories of Audrey (1957) and Betsy (1965). VIVID, even today. :-(

Kennan Buechter, MD General Surgery

Jen Meaux Katrina. But my parents would talk about Camille and Audrey

Kayla Granger Lily was the worse one with so much trees down in my neighborhood

1097 Northwest Boulevard • Franklin, Louisiana 70538 337-828-0760 • FranklinFoundation.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 21

YOUR ONE-STOP FOR A

ious Enjoy Delic ty Home S le ing Cajun Cook

Crawfish Boil!

NChES PLATE Lu r u Deli, from o unday. Monday – S

FrEMIN’S

wfish a r C e v Li Store n i e l b Availa

Ready To Grill!

Enjoy Our Ready-To-Cook Patties! W RUP NE NO SY

PE JALA URGERS B

1/3 lb. 1/2 lb. P or att Availabl ies e

Available in 100% Beef, Chicken, Pork or Turkey Regular: 1/3 lb size

Fits Regular 4” Size Buns

Large: 1/2 lb size

Fits Large 5” Size Buns

1/3 lb. – 10 per Pack or 1/3 lb. – 30 Pack Box or 1/2 lb. – 6 per Pack 1/2 lb. – 18 Pack Box

We Have Great Gift Ideas for

FATHER’S DAY!

Fresh, Hot Pork & Chicken Cracklins Available Monday - Sunday 22 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

CrAwFISh ExPrESS

Boiled Crawfish

wednesday – Sunday 3PM to 8PM Sundays 11AM to 8PM

365-6657

Ext

GREAT FOR THE GRILL!

Fremin’s Fresh Sausages Pork • Beef • Chicken • Turkey • Duck • Rabbit • Alligator • Farm-Raised Venison AVAILABLE IN: Italian • Green Onion • Garlic • Jalapeno • Syrup Cajun • Cheese • Hot Pepper Cheese

SPECIALTY MEATS: Stuffed Chicken Breasts & Thighs • Stuffed Pork Chops • Stuffed Quail • Stuffed Turkey Wings • Stuffed & Seasoned Roasts • Shish-ka-bobs

Corner Admiral Doyle and Jefferson Island Rd.

www.fremins.com

OPEN: Mon.–Sat. 6:30am–8pm & Sun. 7am–2pm

365-6657

A OMEN

s we do every year at this time, we honor women nominated by their peers, friends and family

for their extraordinary contributions to their communities. This month, we

MAKING

DIFFERENCE By Patrice Doucet | Photos by Sarah Soprano

feature six exceptional women — a theatre enthusiast, pharmacist, sales manager, a retired teacher’s aide, stay-home mom and a bookkeeper. Each one of them has made a significant impact on others’ lives and speaks about their communities with obvious pride. It’s time to bring the spotlight on these behind-the-scenes volunteers.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 23

Teresa Courtois

fter battling what was diagnosed as pneumonia at the beginning of the year, but what she now suspects was coronavirus, Teresa Courtois used her experience to educate others by recapping corona-related press conferences on her Facebook that soon developed a following. A bookkeeper with a New Iberia CPA firm, Teresa says she “will never give up on her town” and encourages others not to. You’ve been volunteering for a long time; what have you been involved with? Yes, since 2012. I’m a Berry Queen and an alternate for the board. I’ve worked the Gumbo cookoff, Habitat for Humanity and the Sugar Cane Festival. Last year, I proposed (and coordinated) the new candy toss parade that replaced the boat parade the Friday night of the festival. My husband and I are involved with On Tap, networking with business owners. I work their events like Movies in the Park and Downtown Business Hopping. And, at the beginning of the year, I joined The Optimist Club. What’s been your part in New Iberia’s downtown revitalization? I help coordinate and attend every event promoting the revitalization. The area is so historic and so much work has been done to make it look fresh and yet keep the historical integrity. It’s meant to be a venue to come together as a community and get to know one an other. You pushed to get the open-air farmers market back up. Yes! It opened up again at the beginning of May. I’m working to get more attendance; I’d like to get a restaurant downtown to serve a $5 breakfast at the market on Bouligny Plaza to entice people. What do you like best about New Iberia? I love the family culture. It’s a homier place to raise your children and is deeply rooted in tradition. I love that the community is so close that if I needed, there’s someone I could depend on other than my family. If you could have lunch with any living woman, who would it be and why? My grandmother, who was the mother in my life. She is beginning to show signs of dementia and the last two years she hasn’t been fully coherent. I only get to visit her every three years. She grew up in the Great Depression and she and my grandfather traveled the world. I would love to sit with her again, with her fully aware, and reminisce about their lives and mine growing up.

Eva Lewis

his New Iberia native may be retired, but she’s busier than ever. A former paraeducator (teacher’s aide) at Anderson Street School for over 20 years, Eva Lewis is a strong advocate for the youths of New Iberia’s West End. Modest when it comes to her achievements, she says she has a box of awards and recognitions somewhere, which includes a Virtuous Woman Award and Influential Pacesetter Award and numerous church awards. How long have you been volunteering? All my life, I just didn’t know I was volunteering (chuckle). I’ve been constantly at it for the past 10 years. My work with the West End Council of Neighborhood Associations (WECNA) is important to me. It’s a nonprofit organization that works to make four neighborhoods within the West End a better and safer place to live, work and play. I help organize the summer camp; we recently repaired the home of an elderly woman; I recommended sites where handicap ramps were needed; and I coordinate sponsors and facilitators for teen summits. I also work with youths at First Church of God and Christ in New Iberia. If you get young children thinking about something else, it keeps them away from crime and drugs. When I’m not working with WECNA, I enjoy reading the bible to patients at Iberia General and visiting the residents of the nursing homes in New Iberia. What do you like best about New Iberia? I love the cohesiveness that we have. It’s small enough to get together as a big family. What would you like to see for the West End? I want its residents to come together like they did before. I want it to be the peaceful place it used to be, where everyone respected the elderly and sat on their porches until dark and nothing bad happened. If you could have lunch with any living woman, who would it be and why? I would definitely like to have lunch with Meghan Markle. She and I would have an interesting, long conversation. As a young woman, I saw how she planned her wedding and did things never allowed. To me, she is a brave individual who spoke to the world about love in its purest form. We would discuss what made her challenge the status quo, how she handled the pressure. I admire how she is not afraid to speak truth to power.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 25

Spring Viator

hree years ago, when a fellow church parishioner asked Spring Viator to attend the first board meeting of the new Unexpected Pregnancy Center in New Iberia, little did she know she’d end up on the board of directors. While she’d worked in the nonprofit sector for a decade, the last 10 years had been spent as a stay-home mom. But life puts you where you’re most needed and last June, Spring took over the director position. What does your work at the Center involve? We provide services for unexpected pregnancies: pregnancy tests, ultrasound, prenatal vitamins, parenting and birthing classes. We’re a pro-life center that provides women with their options. What is your most favorite part of that job? When a mom has a baby and she returns to visit us and I see how happy she is – which happens pretty often. How do you convince young women that they are strong and beautiful? A lot of the moms who come to our Center don’t have moms to teach them self-respect and love. We show them that they’re worth something and their baby will bring them joy. What advice do you have for young women making any major decisions in their lives? Pray and God will show you the right way. How do you decompress? It’s hard. I talk to my office manager when I have a hard case; sometimes we cry together. I love to cook and be home with my children. My home is my sanctuary and fortunately my job allows me to work from there. Any recent proud moments? Aside from this one, my family was recently named Family of the Month by The Knights of Columbus Council 1208. If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and why? Mother Teresa. The Center’s foundation is the Mother Teresa Foundation. She inspires us at the Center in everything

26 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Savitra Collins

s the owner of City Pharmacy in Jeanerette, Savitra Collins came to realize the extent of her responsibility as a pharmacist during the virus pandemic. Although not one to focus on awards, Savitra has received the Martin Luther King award from the Magnificent Men Organization, the Jeanerette Trail Blazer Award, the First Church of God in Christ Pacesetter Award and the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “The things that I’ve been able to do was because of the support of others.” She is busy these days bringing groups together – especially the younger generation - to grow New Iberia and Jeanerette. How did the pharmacy business change during the coronavirus outbreak? The patients didn’t have easy access to physicians or other health care professionals, so they asked me everything health related - and some not health related. They expected that I know up-to-the-minute information on the virus. You’ve been active in both New Iberia and Jeanerette? Yes, I’ve been a member of the Chamber of Commerce in both communities for several years, trying to bring change. We try to recruit chamber members who do a lot of public service - citizens who want us to grow and develop. With the chamber, I’ve worked on the Taster’s Luncheons and the Outstanding City banquet. I’m part of a beautification group to keep Main Street pretty. We started interacting with Jeanerette High School, getting students involved in activities so that they might become a minority leader, doctor or a pharmacist one day. I’m also a member of the Historic Preservation Society in Jeanerette, and an alumnus of the New Iberia Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which does a lot for the community, like Relay for Life. I am the physical/mental health care liaison for the sorority. If you could have lunch with any living woman, who would it be and why? Katharine Drexel. She shared so much of her wealth to start schools and one of my college scholarships was based on her foundation. I would like to thank her. What advice would you give a young woman wanting to make a difference? Don’t be a follower; dare to walk a different path than your peers. In other words, don’t get caught up with what’s popular, but do what’s right. Being diverse is key to everything - especially diversity in thought. Defend your beliefs respectfully, with humility and confidence. Learn from your mistakes and if you make a bad decision, own it.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 27

Hope Cleveland

fter the last of her three children graduated from high school three years ago Hope Cleveland found herself needing something to do, when her husband, a commercial diver, was away. The sales manager for Great Outdoor Advertising in New Iberia quickly dove into volunteer work to enrich the lives of the communities where she lives and works. So, how have you occupied your time in more fulfilling ways? As a Berry Queen for two years now, I was named the “Pay it Forward” Queen for 2019-2020 after I personally raised $5,541 for Habitat for Humanity. But I’m also a volunteer for the Gumbo Cookoff and the Sugar Cane Festival. Twice a month, I serve food at St. Francis Diner in New Iberia. As an Abbeville native, you do quite a bit of volunteer work there. Yes, I’m a member of the Junior Auxiliary in Abbeville where I’m on the committee for Project Backpack, which provided over 120 backpacks last fall to Vermilion Parish students needing school supplies. I also help with JA Jewels, which collects prom dresses and accessories for girls who can’t afford them for junior and senior prom. And, I love my work at the Boys and Girls Club in Abbeville. Twice a year, I collect food for the less fortunate in Vermilion Parish through Food Drives for Christian Service Center. Last year, I collected over 100 Christmas gifts on behalf of Children’s Treasures in Vermilion Parish. Why is community involvement important to you? I love to give back and I especially love to watch the smiles on the kids’ faces when they receive gifts. They are so appreciative of what we do for them and that touches my heart. I’m trying to teach my three children to make time to help others. If you could have lunch with any living woman, who would it be and why? Ellen DeGeneres because she is kind and caring and always puts others before herself. She really goes out of her way to change the lives of strangers she’s never met. If you could try a profession completely out of your comfort zone what would it be? A veterinarian; I love animals, but I couldn’t “put one down.” What is your wish for New Iberia? I would love to see New Iberia grow into one of the best places to shop, dine out or go out for fun. New Iberia is a beautiful place; it just has a bad name.

28 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Wendy Parich

y now, anyone coordinating an event in New Iberia knows to pick up the phone and call Wendy Parich for help finding everything from sound equipment and musicians, to choirs and political dignitaries…. If you need a fire eater, Wendy’s your girl. A resident of New Iberia for 45 years, she says she “wouldn’t live anywhere else.” How have you involved yourself in the community over the years? Oh! (she laughs) My love of the community began with my volunteer work at Catholic High. Since then, I’ve been part of Iberia Performing Arts League from the start, more than 20 years ago; I’ve been on the board for six years and am the liaison for everything. In fact, I’ve been involved with several initiatives from the start, like the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, helping find actors for live performances of books like “Divine Secrets of the Ya- Ya Sisterhood” and “A Gathering of Old Men,” complete with music - I love music more than anything There are so many projects near and dear to my heart, like Beneath the Balconies, for which I’m on the planning committee. When The Shadows on the Teche puts on Shadows Balcony, I get the sound and stage ready. There’s the Bayou Teche Museum’s annual fundraiser where I bring in entertainment. I want to bring back the annual cemetery tour through St. Peter’s cemetery, where I join some writers and other actors in performing a short reenactment of a person’s life or of their meeting St. Peter in heaven. What are you most proud of professionally and personally? Personally - my 12 grandchildren. Professionally- In my first year of Beneath the Balconies, they wanted someone to impersonate Edwin Edwards for a fundraiser event. I asked, “Why not get the real thing?” And we did! That’s what got me excited in doing all of this coordination. What’s the biggest misconception about New Iberia? The idea that there is a divide of classes. I think people in town stick together and do things for their community, and it doesn’t matter where you came from. You’re looked at for the gifts you have. If you could go into a profession completely out of your comfort zone, what would it be? (without hesitation): An opera singer, a journalist or a farmer What are you passionate about these days? Outside of babysitting my grandbabies for the past 20 months, putting the community in the light that it deserves. Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 29

Meet Me On Main | The homes and businesses of New Iberia’s Main Street

Suzanne Vuillemot Sloan A 133-year-old-home gets a new resident

How long have you been living on Main Street? I’ve been living on Main Street since mid-March, right before the quarantine was issued. What is the history of the house? My house is 133

years old. It was built in 1907 for the first Postmaster of New Iberia, Thomas Morse and his family. Captain Morse was appointed to Postmaster by President McKinley, and was an important figure in New Iberia’s history. Were any renovations needed? Luckily, there were

no renovations needed. The previous owners had done it so all I had to do is move in, and the house is in perfect condition inside now.

30 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

What’s your favorite spot in the house? Definitely

the sun room. I can see my entire garden from there. In the yard, we have two large trees that are a couple hundred years old. I think - I have not measured them yet to figure out their exact age, but that is on my to-do list. I also have quite a few comfortable rooms in my home to read, which comes in handy during a time like this. How will you make this house your own? I am

a master gardener, and I can’t wait to turn this garden into a beautiful masterpiece. I’m already in the process of adding and expanding the existing gardens. When I moved here from Mandeville, I took several hundred of my plants with me. I’ve been a master gardener for almost thirty years, and I’m

excited to tackle this big job. How do you like living on Main Street? Oh, I love living on Main Street! Absolutely love it. Everyone is very friendly. I like sitting on my front porch and talking to people as they walk or bike by. It is also a wonderful place to walk around and look at the pretty trees and the scenery. They have a lot of beautiful homes that, you know, when I lived here as a teenager, I didn’t really notice them. I knew two people who lived on Main Street and went to their houses. But you know, when you’re a kid, a house is just a house, and you don’t really notice anything special about them. And there’s so much history now that I appreciate.

MIN

O GS

A PUBLICATION OF

Health & Wellness ACADIANA 2020/2021

RESOURCE GUIDE

Acadiana 2020 / 2021

Freeze Your Home’s Assessed Value Now State law allows certain home owners to freeze the assessed value of their homes. This could result in significant future tax savings for you.

HOME VALUE FREEZE PROGRAM

Rickey J. Huval, Sr. CLA Assessor Iberia Parish Assessor’s Office

Courthouse Annex • New Iberia, LA 70560

You may qualify for this program if you are: • Totally Disabled • Partially Disabled Veteran • 65+ Years of Age You must also: • Currently Claim Homestead Exemption and • Have an Adjusted Gross Income of less than $77,030.34

Health & Wellness Resource Guide be on the lookout for our annual Health & Wellness Resource Guide. this complete, comprehensive and convenient guide includes contact information for local health care facilities, doctors’ offices and all things health and wellness related. Available soon.

A PublicAtion of

For more information call: 369-4415 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 31

From Scratch | Where Acadiana’s own get cooking

Honey Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribeye Summer is the time for pool parties, suntans and grilling! While you’re lighting up the grill this month, Chef Johnnie’s Honey Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribeye recipe can give your dish a sweet and sultury twist!

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

Step 1. First, prepare the glaze. Combine the honey, brown sugar, bourbon, mustard, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer and simmer for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2. Preheat the grill over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Season chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Step 3. Place pork on grill for 8-9 min., turning once halfway through, glazing with honey bourbon sauce until internal temperature is 145°F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the glaze:

• Pork ribeye

• 1/2 cup honey

• Salt and pepper

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• Glaze honey sauce

• 3 tablespoons bourbon

• Pork Ribeye

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1/4 cup orange juice

32 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Step 4. Remove pork from the grill, tent with foil and rest for 3 min.

Dining Profile | Antoni’s Italian Café

MUST HAVE DISHES

PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA

Antoni’s pizza crusts are made in-house daily and topped with the freshest ingredients. Meat lovers adore the Ave Antoni – pepperoni, Italian sausage (made at Took’s with Antoni’s special recipe), mushrooms, onions and red peppers with red sauce. Other sauce choices include Garlic & Herb, Pesto Sauce and Pecorino Romano Cream. Watching your carbs? Try the cauliflower crust pizza, a fave with fitness fanatics.

The American T Dream in the Oil Center From waiting tables to owning the restaurant -- that’s just what Holly and Eli Cure did at Antoni’s Italian Café. “It’s like the American dream,” Holly gushes. By Lisa Hanchey

he two started in the service industry while studying at UL Lafayette. While attending college, Eli worked at Don’s Seafood Hut, where he honed his skills as a bartender and oyster shucker. In 2003, he became an assistant manager – then manager two weeks later - at Blue Dog Cafe, where he met UL Lafayette English major Holly, who had been waiting tables there since 2001. At first, the servers were friends...then things heated up after Eli invited Holly to his hometown of Atlanta for Christmas. In 2008, Holly went to work at Antoni’s, then-owned by Lynda and Bruce Cart. “I liked the idea of working for a small business,” she explains. Later that year, Eli joined her at the cozy café as a waiter/ bartender. The couple married on March 12, 2011. Over the next few years, Holly moved up from waitress to bartender/manager at Antoni’s. For four years, the Carts would teasingly ask her, “When are you going to buy this place?” In June of 2013, the Carts approached the Cures about buying the restaurant. “They Continued on page 34

CHICKEN OUT The Basil Chicken Salad is a lunchtime favorite. Made with diced grilled chicken blended with pesto, pine nuts, celery, Romano cheese and mayo, the tasty treat is served on Antoni’s house lettuce mix with Roma tomatoes and Focaccia bread. Delicious and satisfying, ladies love it – but men like it, too.

CHOCAHOLIC Antoni’s most popular dessert is the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake – chocolate cookie and nut crust with a rich chocolate cream cheese filling and sour cream topping. Holly and Eli swear by it – so it must be good!

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 33

Dining Profile | Antoni’s Italian Café Continued from page 33

NOW SERVING

BOILED CRAWFISH & CRABS! CAJUN STYLE HOURS: Check Our Facebook Page For Modified Hours

(Call for Availability)

WE’RE OPEN! Limited Seating No Reservations

Crawfish Etouffee Seafood Gumbo Dungeness Crabs Hamburger Steaks

Specializing in

FRESH BOILED, FRIED & GRILLED SEAFOOD 6308 Hwy 90 W • New Iberia 337-365-7596 12 Miles From Lafayette • 6 Miles From New Iberia (Exit Hwy 88, South onto Frontage Road) randmsboilingpoint.com

Check Facebook for Upcoming Specials!

6 ft.

Going further to set the standard even higher.

didn’t want to sell to anyone who didn’t want to keep the concept,” Holly shares. “We are very gracious for the things they did for us.” On August 5, the Cures officially became Antoni’s owners. When the twosome bought the restaurant, they underwent a slew of licensing renewals and inspections, resulting in tedious repairs, replacements and renovations. “We degreased every single ceiling tile,” Holly recalls. After a week-long hiatus, the Cures officially reopened Antoni’s as their own. The Cures kept most of the Northern Italian-influenced menu created by Linda. Gradually, they added some richer, Southern-Italian dishes like Chicken Parmesan and Veal Parmesan, and their own version of Alfredo -Romano Cream Sauce – a white sauce made with sheep’s milk Romano cheese aged for over five months. The Cures also expanded daily specials, offering salmon, rabbit and lamb on weekends. On the appetizer side, the Cures added an Antipasti Plate – seasonal assortment of meats, cheeses and pickled vegetables, served with house-made Focaccia bread. For the main course, they conceived “Create Your Own Pasta” where patrons can choose from a variety of traditional and gluten-free pastas and sauces, including marinara, rosa cream, pesto and Bolognese. You can also add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, grilled quail or a slice of veal scaloppini to any dish. Antoni’s most popular items include Basil Chicken Salad, which is “killer” at lunch, Eli says. Other fan favorites

include the Meatballst, Chicken Parmesan and Eggplant Parmesan. And, of course, the calzones and pizzas, with house-made dough and fresh ingredients, are always a hit with customers. All salad dressings and sauces are made in-house, and the Cures try to use as much locally-sourced produce as possible. For the popular Classic Luciano, Antoni’s version of the pizza Margherita, the Cures use fresh, hydroponically-grown basil from Thy Bounty Farms. For the future, they hope to add fresh lettuce to their own bounty. Be sure to save room for dessert – all made in-house –including Tiramisu, Foccacia Bread Pudding and Lemon Tart. This author’s favorite is the Italian Cream Cheese Ice Cream – cream and cream cheese whipped and frozen, served with a drizzle of blueberry or raspberry reduction and cookie wafers. It’s light, satisfying and big enough to share. In 2017, Antoni’s added the Jennings Room, formerly occupied by a jewelry store next door. Named after treasured family friend Blaine Jennings, who helped the Cures during the renovation process, the Jennings Room accommodates parties up to 30. You can also dine on the newly renovated outdoor patio, where Holly recently planted colorful flowers and plants. Like the restaurant, the Cures continue to evolve. “We were friends for so long before we became a couple,” Eli says. “We’ve grown a lot together from it.” Adds Holly, “at first, it was difficult to keep it separate at home. But ultimately, it works. This is our baby.”

Duffy’s Diner

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

Come In & Try One of Our Many Seafood Dishes! • Seafood Dinners • Stuffed Crab & Shrimp • Shrimp & Corn Chowder • Seafood Pasta • Seafood Gumbo • Shrimp Salad

Full Menu Available Including: Standard Title standard-title.com

34 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

• Seafood Poboys • Hot Tamales • Hamburgers, Hotdogs • Sandwiches • Kids’ Meals

• Fried Chicken Dinners & Buckets • BBQ Rib Dinners - 1/2 or Whole Rack • Pork Roast and White Beans • Chicken or Shrimp Stew • Healthy Choices & Lite Menu • Appetizers

365-2326 • 1106 Center St. • New Iberia Open Mon.-Thurs. 10am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-10pm, Closed Sunday

Feature Story | Uncovering Hidden Talents

They do What?

Locals who have surprising hobbies and hidden talents By Patrice Doucet Talent lives inside each of us. Yet, even among those talents that are plainly obvious: mathematician, baker, actor, heart surgeon, motivational speaker… many still possess hidden talents that they’ve developed over the years for, if anything, pure enjoyment. And, it’s those that make great conversation starters or the talk at parties. Here, a musician and doctor share their lesser-known acquired skills. Philippe Billeaudeaux Philippe Billeaudeaux has a very cool job as a bass player for the Cajun, Grammy-nominated band Feufollet and musician Cedric Watson. And for a long time, music “took up most of the creative space” in his world – that and landscaping during the day to supplement his income. But for the past three years, when he’s not fingering patterns on the bass, Philippe is designing frames for stop motion animation including Claymation, like

Musician Philippe Billeaudeaux creates stop motion animation at his studio Pompano Studio. Gumby, and digital animation. It’s a skill that he says developed when he began creating videos in place of regular flyers to promote the band.

“With the popularity of video streaming and editing so accessible, I got into making video flyers. The first animated project was to promote a performance

in New Orleans in 2017,” Philippe recalls. “That winter, a freeze kept me inside with a lot of free time on my hands. I started taking photos with an old digital camera and shaping colorful clay into figures, moving a piece at a time. People liked it, so I kept making the video flyers.” The response was so positive, that Philippe found himself quickly becoming an advertiser. His first commissioned project was promoting the Celtic Bayou Festival in Lafayette. These days, at his Pompano Studio, he continues to patiently shape figures from clay, moving the objects ever so slightly one frame at a time, making sure his camera and lighting are very still before taking a picture. In a :30 spot there are between 15 and 17 frames per second. Sketching a storyboard is the most challenging part of the process he says. “You have to develop a character or an object and figure how to make it move

Sticking to Budget Can Boost Your Emergency Fund During the coronavirus pandemic, our health concerns – for ourselves and our loved ones – have been at the top of our minds. But financial worries have been there, too, both for people whose employment has been affected and for investors anxious about the volatile financial markets. And one aspect of every individual’s total financial picture has become quite clear – the importance of an emergency fund. Even in normal times, it’s a good idea for you to keep three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk account. Having an emergency fund available can help you cope with those large, unexpected costs, such as a major car repair or a costly medical bill. Furthermore, if you have an adequate emergency fund, you won’t have to dip into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs. These investment vehicles, such as your IRA and 401(k), are designed for your retirement, so the more you can leave them intact, the more assets you’re likely to have when you retire. And because they are intended for your retirement, they typically come

36 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

with disincentives, including taxes and penalties, if you do tap into them early. However, as part of the economic stimulus legislation known as the CARES Act, individuals can now take up to $100,000 from their 401(k) plans and IRAs without paying the 10% penalty that typically applies to investors younger than 59½. If you take this type of withdrawal, you have up to three years to pay the taxes and, if you want, replace the funds, beyond the usual caps on annual contributions. Of course, life is expensive, so it’s not always easy to put away money in a fund that you aren’t going to use for your normal cash flow. That’s why it’s so important to establish a budget and stick to it. When developing such a budget, you may find ways to cut down on your spending, freeing up money that could be used to build your emergency fund. There are different ways to establish a budget, but they all typically involve identifying your income and expenses and separating your needs and wants. You can find various online budgeting tools to help you get started, but, ultimately, it’s up to you to make your budget work. Nonetheless, you may be

pleasantly surprised at how painless it is to follow a budget. For example, if you’ve budgeted a certain amount for food each month, you’ll need to avoid going to the grocery store several times a week, just to pick up “a few things” – because it doesn’t really take that many visits for those few things to add up to hundreds of dollars. You’ll be much better off limiting your trips to the grocery, making a list of the items you’ll need and adhering to these lists. After doing this for a few months, see how much you’ve saved – it may be much more than you’d expect. Besides using these savings to strengthen your emergency fund, you could also deploy them toward longer-term investments designed to help you reach other objectives, such as retirement. Saving money is always a good idea, and when you use your savings to build an emergency fund, you can help yourself prepare for the unexpected and make progress toward your long-term goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Martha Moore, ChFC,® AAMS® Financial Advisor

306 B N. Lewis New Iberia, LA 70563

(337) 365-7670 ADVERTORIAL

Feature Story | Uncovering Hidden Talents a certain way.” Philippe has produced a mix of commercials for local music and cultural events including the Blackpot Festival, Louisiana Folk Root Kids Camp and, most recently, the virtual Festival Internationale. His short video entry in the social media “Inner Light Beatle” Challenge received a comment from Olivia Harrison, wife of former Beatle George Harrison. Philippe’s artistic abilities didn’t develop in one winter day. Long before he began playing music at 18 years old, he was a poster child for the unharnessed imagination of a child with no iPhone. “As a kid, I would draw cartoon characters and build model airplanes and record my own, make-believe radio station that I called ZZPWee,” he laughs. “My friends, family and I were all creative. We would make movie trailers. We have this ongoing story, started years ago, that is a Cajun version of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, except the families were from Scott. We STILL add to that story today.” For the past couple of years, the focus has been on children’s educational cartoons for French immersion students. One of them, titled “Hip et Taiau,” tells the story of two mischievous dogs that steal from a farmer. “I want to make more educational cartoons for French

immersion students to help teach them the French language, but also introduce them to Louisiana folklore,” says Philippe who also produced an educational cartoon for CODOFIL to run on YouTube. “I look at my work as a folk art, a kind of South Louisiana folk art. We’re so conditioned to 3D animation that it doesn’t look real anymore. This has a nostalgic element, a charm because it seems more real. It’s great to create a little world. Seeing an idea come to life is the same as writing a song or envisioning a garden.” George Cousin, M.D. Musicians are still less known in medical circles – and for good reason; doctors are busy saving lives. So, it might come as a surprise to many of the patients of New Iberia family practitioner Dr. George Cousin that he’s been playing piano for 55 years and performing with bands. George connected with us just after 9 one night when he returned from rounds at the hospital and he shared how music has been a parallel of happiness to his medical practice. Trained, as a young boy, for classical piano by Elaine Landry in New Iberia, he later developed an ear for classic rock instead. “I’m a Beatles nut,” he proclaims. Throughout high school and college Continued on page 38

No two of us are alike. A MEMORIAL SERVICE SHOULD REFLECT THAT. EACH ONE OF US IS UNIQUE with our own life story to tell. We understand this, and that’s why you can depend on your Dignity Memorial® professionals to capture a person’s essence with a service that’s both a fitting reflection and a memorial tribute.

SHOPPING FOR CAR INSURANCE? CALL ME FIRST.

Evangeline Funeral Home

356

* AVERAGE New Iberia Delcambre St. Martinville ANNUAL SAVINGS:

(337) 364-1881

SHOPPING FOR CAR INSURANCE? * $ SHOPPING FOR CAR INSURANCE? Geico saved 305 on average with Allstate CALL ME FIRST. DRIVERS WHO SWITCHED FROM:

CALL 478 ME FIRST.

Progressive State Farm

saved

on average with Allstate

356

318

saved

AVERAGE ANNUAL SAVINGS:

on average with Allstate

Put your policy to the test. Drivers who to Allstate saved DRIVERS WHOswitched SWITCHED FROM: an average of $356* a year. So when * $ Geico saved 305 on average with Allstate you're shopping for car insurance, call * $ saved 478 on average with Allstate Progressive me first. You could be surprised by how * $ State Farm on average with Allstate 318 much saved you'll save. Put your policy to the test. Drivers who switched to

Put your policy to the test. WENDY LACOUR Allstate saved an average of $356* a year. Drivers switched to Allstate saved So when you’rewho shopping for car insurance, call me first. 337-365-8156 an average of $356* a year. So when

couldST be surprised by how much you’ll save. 401 EAST ST You PETER you're shopping for car insurance, call NEW IBERIA me first. You could be surprised by how wendylacour@allstate.com WENDY LACOURmuch you'll save.

337-365-8156

401 EAST ST PETER ST NEW IBERIA wendylacour@allstate.com

WENDY LACOUR 337-365-8156 *Savings based on national customer reported data for new policies written in 2016. Actual savings vary. Discounts

subject terms, conditions and availability. Fire &data Casualty Allstate written Vehicle &in Property Co., All*Savings based onST national customer reported for Ins. newCo., policies 2016.Ins. Actual 401toEAST PETER STAllstate state Property Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates: 2775 Sanders Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co. savings vary. &Discounts subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire & Casualty Ins. NEW IBERIA Co., Allstate Vehicle & Property Ins. Co., Allstate Property & Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates: 2775 Sanders Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co. wendylacour@allstate.com

12243308

Doctor George Cousin has been playing piano for 55 years.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 37

Feature Story | Uncovering Hidden Talents Continued from page 37

COLLISION CENTER • Certified Service Technicians • We Offer Genuine Parts • We Work with all Insurance Companies Check Out Our Musson Patout Body Shop We are certified agents for: State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Go Auto, Geico

We Provide RENTAL Assistance for our Customers

NOW HIRING

Service Technicians

Assistant Terry Justilien and Manager Tara Broussard

(337) 364-TIPS (8477) All Calls Anonymous Cash Rewards up to

$1000

1200 E. Main St., New Iberia - 337-373-6211

www.mussonpatout.com

38 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

he was always part of a band, in those days also playing guitar. While in medical school he played in a perennial band called the High Balls, which performed for parties. “I loved that name,” he recalls fondly. Later, George and his fellow band members would appear at venues long gone now: Al’s Spanish Villa in Abbeville, River Oaks, Uncle Pete’s in Lafayette and Evangeline Club in Ville Platte. Interesting side note: In 1992, he was a member of the band Hit and Run which was featured in the first issue of Acadiana Lifestyle. George has been a regular on the piano at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in New Iberia for over 20 years. He says playing every week and learning new songs keeps him “good at his skills.” Thanks to YouTube, he’s learned how to play the piano part of songs in a way that he couldn’t with sheet music and it’s opened up a world to songs like “Feeling all Right” as played by Leon Russell and “Lady Madonna” by Paul McCartney. The similarities of performing music and practicing medicine are not so distant for George as he explains,” In order to be good at either, you have to get to the point where it’s not about you, it’s about the other people. In medicine, you’re scared at first, but after years of experience you finally figure out your style and you’re so much more comfortable in helping the other person. It’s the same when you’re performing music.” Although both of his parents were musically inclined – his father with the trombone and his mother on the piano

- inspiration came from a cousin, the same age, who was a virtuoso on the piano. “He played the piano by ear,” George remembers. “I used to go to his house and he’d bang out these amazing songs. My family didn’t have a piano, but when I was in sixth grade my two brothers and I decided to take lessons and my father bought one.” While many piano students need to be bribed or threatened to practice, George saw it as a means to a wonderful end. “We had to practice 15 minutes every morning starting at 7 – which woke up the whole family. One brother started and then the other two would take turns every 15 minutes. It was great!” In 35 years of practicing medicine, music has remained a large part of this physician’s life, not only playing but listening and learning from local favorites like Sonny Landreth, The Boogie Kings, TK Hulin, Keith Blair and Dr. John. Last year, on a vacation to London the first week of August, George and his wife happened upon the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Abbey Road and attended lectures on the life of the Beatles at the Abbey Road Studios. An original brick from Studio Two of Abbey Road Studios sits atop the piano in his home. He still belongs to the band Queen City Classics that plays three or four times a year at Iberia Performing Arts League shows, Beneath the Balconies or the Literary and Sugar Cane Festivals. The group gets together at George’s home once a month to practice or, weekly if there’s an upcoming performance. “I provide the practice place, so they can’t kick me out of the band,” he jokes.

Just a Click Away

Visit Our Interactive Website for... • Features • Galleries • Events • Recipes • and much more!

www.acadianalifestyle.com

Are you unable to distinguish sounds? You may have some form of hearing loss. 425

S T.

PETER

STREET

NEW

Doesn’t Dad Deserve the Best?! Recliners Starting at $399

IBERIA,

70560

(337) 364-9156

Over 70 Styles on Our Showroom Floor Including Power Lift Chairs Large Selection of Styles, Colors & Fabrics

Walter Henry

Carlo Foti

1302 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. 369-7082 Foti-furniture.com Fasy & Easy Delivery Available

Denise Hebert, owner & Sadie Belle

WE ACCEPT

Thank You!

We appreciate all of the LOCAL SUPPORT through these unusual times! It means so much to us! We love our beautiful town and look forward to continuing being a part of what makes our downtown unique for years to come.

SHOP LOCAL, SHOP SMALL BUSINESS!

337-376-6129

141 W. Main St. • New Iberia Free Gift Wrapping Available with Purchase Gift Certificates Available Monogramming Available

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 39

2 Win 019 Bes ner - Be t of the st N ursi Teche ng H ome

Please Support

IBERIA HOMELESS SHELTER! We need your support now more than ever during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Iberia Homeless Shelter provides emergency, transitional and outreach programs to homeless men, women and children. Please help us to continue our mission.

a Nursing a Dietary a Activity Department a Occupational Therapy a Social Services a Physical Therapy a Speech Therapy Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance and Private Pay Hospice and Respite Care

IBERIA HOMELESS SHELTER

“WE CARE” 337-369-9900 Donations mailed to: P.O.Box 13364 • New Iberia, LA 70562

We Need Your

Support!

Please consider donating to St. Francis Diner. Our mission is to provide free meals to the less fortunate of Iberia Parish and to make sure no one goes hungry. Anyone is welcome to volunteer at our diner. We accept food, cleaning supplies, three compartment plates and forks. And monetary donations are accepted at P.O. Box, 9106, New Iberia, LA 70562. Donations are also accepted at 1100 Jean St., New Iberia. God Bless!

Compassionate professionals providing affordable funerals and cremations.

We invite you to compare.

St. Francis Diner 1201 S. Hopkins St. New Iberia, LA 70560

(337) 369-3362 337-332-2111 or 337-365-3331 www.PellerinFuneralHome.com 40 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

A Guide To Acadiana’s Outstanding Businesswomen Awards, Achievements, Accolades: Leadership Iberia XIX

About the Business: Duffy’s Diner is a locally owned and operated, family friendly restaurant and offers a full menu including appetizers to desserts and everything in between. Duffy’s Diner offers daily specials which you can enjoy in their 50s-style dining area, their outside dining area or for pickup through their convenient drive thru. The happy, friendly and helpful staff of 42 employees is what Wendy refers to as her “extended family”.

Favorite Part of Your Career: Having the opportunity to build lasting relationships, while assisting clients with making the banking process less stressful. What Does Your Business Provide to Acadiana: JD Bank is dedicated to providing knowledgeable, friendly, and compassionate associates who are willing to go above and beyond for every client.

Jan Talbot Branch Manager, VP NMLS#539765 JD Bank 337-376-5521 529 N. Lewis St. New Iberia, LA 70563 Jan.Talbot@JDBank.com www.JDBank.com

Career Goals: God has blessed me with working in an industry I absolutely love! My career goals are to continue growing my knowledge learning different facets of the banking industry and to one day become a commercial lender. Years in Business: I’ve been in the banking industry for over 21 years. Family: I am married to my amazing husband Wayne and have three wonderful children; Megan (21), Matthew (20), and Ryan (15). When not assisting clients, I keep busy supporting our youngest in his various sporting events.

Wendy Mouton Co-Owner Duffy’s Diner, Inc. 337-365-2326 1106 Center St. New Iberia

About Wendy: Wendy has been the co-owner of Duffy’s Diner for 36 years. She started at the age of 16, working after her high school classes. She is a graduate of New Iberia Senior High and she has two daughters. Wendy loves the outdoors and traveling the country with her husband and their camper. Favorite Part of her Career: “My loyal customers make me feel like a part of their families. Our business continues to grow thanks to our loyal and fabulous customers and our wonderful employees.”

M O V I N G F O R W A R D F O R G R E A T E R H E A LT H C A R E

One Team. One Goal.

1097 Northwest Blvd. Franklin, LA 70538 337-828-0760 • FranklinFoundation.org

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 41

Women in business

Brittany Hebert Licensed Sales Producer Allstate Insurance Company 337-365-0914 1550 E. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia allstate.com/jchampagne bhebert@allstate.com

About the Business: Allstate Insurance Company provides great customer service and bundled auto and home insurance, life and retirement. Brittany has worked at the agency for 4 years.

About the Business: Champagne Financial strives to give the best customer service. We offer auto, home, life, business and financial products. Leslie has been with the agency for 25 years.

About Brittany: Brittany has a 4-year-old son, Judd Lasseigne. She is the daughter of Wade and Sable Hebert.

About Leslie: Leslie is the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester Lopez Sr. She has been married to Rusty Gary for 30 years. They are blessed with one daughter, Beth, who is 12 years old.

Education & Achievements: Brittany has an associate’s degree in general studies, 2008 and was licensed in property & casualty, 2017.

Achievements: Property & Casualty License – 2000. Life License – 2005.

Favorite Part of her Career: Brittany’s favorite part of her career is making sure customers are properly covered for their insurance needs and understand what they are paying for. She says there is never a dull moment and it is something different each day.

Leslie Lopez Gary Licensed Sales Producer Champagne Financial (Allstate) 337-365-0914 1550 E. Admiral Doyle Drive, Suite B, New Iberia allstate.com/jchampagne lesliegary@allstate.com

About the Business: Allstate Insurance Company/ Champagne Financial assists the community by getting people back to normal when devastation occurs such as hurricanes, floods, fires, etc. Melaine has been in this business for 26 years and her career goal is to provide Acadiana with the best service possible.

About the Business: Allstate Insurance Co./Champagne Financial provides Acadiana with great customer service while providing them, and helping them better understand, proper coverage at the best available price. Years in Business: Linda received her Property & Casualty License in 1998. She has been in insurance for 29 years and with her current agency since 2000.

Linda Griffin Licensed Sales Producer Allstate Insurance Co./ Champagne Financial 337-365-0914 1550 E. Admiral Doyle Dr. New Iberia slae3402@allstate.com

About Linda: She has been married for 50 years and has two sons, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Favorite part of her Career: Having a wonderful boss and lots of teamwork to keep her customers happy. Hopes for her Career: “I hope to work as long as possible – helping my customers and making them happy with all of their insurance needs.”

Melanie Griffin Certified Professional Rep. Allstate Insurance Co./ Champagne Financial 337-365-0914 1550 E. Admiral Doyle Drive, Suite B, New Iberia allstate.com/jchampagne melaniegriffin@allstate.com

About the Business: Arceneaux Ford, Inc. provides Acadiana with new Ford trucks, cars and SUVs. They also specialize in the sell of Pre-Owned vehicles of all makes. As well as a fully certified Parts & Service Departments for all of your needs

Kristie McMath Hebert Dealer Arceneaux Ford, Inc. 337-364-9721 1111 Hwy. 90 Frontage Rd. New Iberia Arceneauxford.com Kristie@arceneauxford.com

Favorite Part of her Career: “The people – employees and customers who have become family. I hope to continue to grow the family dealership and deepen our involvement in the New Iberia community.”

42 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Melanie’s Goals: “When you work with people for 25+ years they become like family to you. We have many loyal customers who in theory have become part of our family. With the current pandemic, we’re trying to make our “Allstate Family” as comfortable as possible. If we all stick together (at a social distance of course), we’ll come out of this better and stronger than before .” Achievements: Licensed in property & casualty in 1996. Licensed in health & life in 2001 and notary licensed in 2005. Favorite Part of her Career: The favorite part of Melanie’s career is when a customer leaves with a smile, knowing she was able to help them understand a little better what they are paying for and what their coverage provides for them.

About Rebecca: Rebecca is married to William Hulin. She has two children, Macy and Gavin Toups. Before finding her niche as a sales consultant at Arceneaux Ford, Rebecca worked in the cosmetology industry for 17 years.

About Kristie: She is married to Troy Hebert and has two children, Mia, 15 and Jude, 13. Affiliations & Education: Kristie attended Catholic High School of New Iberia. She received her BS in Business Administration from LSU. She is a graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Candidate Academy. Kristie is a graduate of Leadership Iberia Class XVII and is an Executive Board Member of IDF. She is also a member of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association and was recently appointed to the LADA Board of Directors.

Favorite Part of her Career: The favorite part of Leslie’s career is being able to help customers and having a great boss.

Her Career: She has been a sales consultant at Arceneaux Ford, Inc. for three years. Rebecca credits her time as a cosmetologist for giving her the people skills required to quickly rise to the top as a sales consultant.

Rebecca Hulin Sales Consultant Arceneaux Ford, Inc. 337-364-9721 1111 W. Hwy. 90 New Iberia rhulin@arceneauxford.com

Education & Achievements: She is a graduate of the Omega Institute of Cosmetology. In 2018 she was named Best of the Teche Best Auto Sales. Favorite Part of her Career: “Helping people find that perfect vehicle.”

Women in business About the Business: Edward Jones is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis that provides financial services in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business caters to individual investors. The firm’s 19,000 plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1 trillion in assets under management.

Judy Vaughn, AAMS Financial Advisor Edwards Jones 337-367-8154 New Iberia edwardjones.com

About Judy: She is married to Richard “Kenny” Vaughn. The couple has three sons, two daughters-inlaw and four grandchildren. Judy joined Edward Jones 35 years ago, becoming a Limited Partner in 1989 and a Financial Advisor in 2007. She has served in various leadership roles for the firm. Helping clients achieve their financial goals is tremendously rewarding. Affiliations: Judy is a Leadership Iberia Class X graduate. She is a member of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Iberia Board Member and a Missioner and Staffer for Women’s Walk with Christ.

About the Business: Wendy Lacour Agency provides auto, home, boat and motorcycle insurance as well as retirement planning and financial planning. Wendy started with Allstate in 1994 and purchased her business in 2013. About Wendy: Wendy is married to Chad Lacour. They have three children and four grandchildren. She is a proud graduate of NISH. She has completed licensing classes and many studies through Allstate.

Wendy Lacour Owner Wendy Lacour Agency, LLC Ph: 337-365-8156 Fax: 337-365-8158 401 E. St. Peter Street New Iberia wendylacour@allstate.com

Dr. Abigail Henagan Daly Associate DDS Henagan Team Dentistry 337-364-2156 600 Rue de Lion New Iberia henaganteamdentistry.com records@henaganteamdentistry.com

Farrah Trim Owner Advertec Advertising Technologies and Leave Your Mark 337-230-1572 New Iberia Adverteconline.com

Favorite part of her Career: “Being able to carry on the legacy and working alongside my dad to serve the people of my hometown! Providing dentistry with excellence and compassion makes me happy! I’m blessed to be a part of a team that continues to strive for excellence.”

About the Business: Advertec has been in business for over 10 years and is ready to meet any of your personal or business advertising and printing needs. A few of the many services Advertec offers are promotional products, logo designing, and in house silk screening, embroidery and vinyl work. Advertec understands the importance of brand representation and is here to help promote your business and assure you positive name recognition in your field. Advertec has recently launched an online clothing boutique called Leave Your Mark, which you can find on Facebook, and shop for the latest cute and trendy apparel items! Advertec can personalize many of these items with a company logo, monogramming or even heat press and silk screen. About Farrah: Farrah is married to Corey Trim and has two kids, Ella and Cort. She has been a member of the Berry Queens for seven years and is one of the Diva Queens. Farrah was crowned the Pay It Forward Queen 2018. She has also served a one year term on The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Favorite part of her Career: “Being there for my customers and helping anyone I can.” Hopes for her Career: Wendy’s hope for her career is to grow clientele in her hometown. “I love being a part of our community, servicing customers with top tier customer service.”

About the Business: Humana is a company that offers Medicare supplements, Medicare Part D Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Jennifer has been with the company as a licensed sales agent for 7 years.

About the Business: Henagan Team Dentistry provides total dental care. They offer a multitude of services in house. The goal of the Henagan team is to ease the minds of their patients, earn their trust and walk with them on their journey to a healthy, beautiful smile. The services range from routine cleanings to root canals and implants. For the extensive list of services offered, visit their website henaganteamdentistry.com. Education & Affiliations: Abigail is a graduate of Catholic High School, class 2011. She received her bachelor of science in biology from LSU and her DDS from the LSU School of Dentistry.

Awards, Achievements, Accolades: Best of the Teche winner three years in a row. Honor Ring from Allstate.

About Jennifer: She graduated from LSU with a degree in marketing. Jennifer has been married to her husband Brian for 23 years. They have two sons, Bryce, 19, and Ean, 16. She and her family have been residents of Youngsville since 2002.

Jennifer Zimmerle Regional Marketpoint Sales Agent Humana Insurance Company 337-330-6038 humana.com jzimmerle1@humana.com

Achievements & Affiliations: Named #1 in Sales in 2018, #1 in referrals in 2018 and Top 10 in sales in the state of Louisiana for Humana. She is the Co-Chairperson of Membership for Women in Business of Acadiana, member of the Breaux Bridge Chamber of Commerce, Youngsville Chamber of Commerce, Veteran Action Coalition, Louisiana Women Veterans, a supporter of the Council on Aging and a volunteer at the St. Francis Food Pantry in Breaux Bridge.

About the Business: Lisa Lourd is a member of Latter & Blum’s team of top producing agents, the Get Sold Team. She is dedicated to finding the perfect homes for the community residents. Lisa is dedicated to helping clients in all aspects of the transaction, including finding the right lender, getting pre-approved and providing assistance throughout the process to closing and beyond.

Lisa Duhe Lourd Realtor Latter & Blum Get Sold Team 337-843-816-2209 209 W Main St, Suite 100 New Iberia llourd@latterblum.com

About Lisa: Lisa is the daughter of J.P. Duhe II and the late Pat Duhe. She is married to Harvey Tutu Lourd and has a son, Taylor. Her passion for New Iberia is obvious in both her business and personal life. She is dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique culture as is evident in her many community involvements. Affiliations: In 2017, Lisa was honored to be named Her Royal Hi-Ness of The Berry Queens. She is involved in, and was the former co-chair, of Stars of Style, the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival’s premiere fundraising gala. She also sits on the board of the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce and is also on the board of Iberia Habitat for Humanity.

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 43

Women in business Awards, Achievements, Accolades: United Way Community Impact Award, Acadiana Lifestyle Women Making a Difference 2019 , Vice Chairman of the Iberia Parish Council 2016, Chairman of the Iberia Parish Council 2017, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Iberia Parish Council 2018, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Iberia Parish Council 2019

About the Business: Dr. Melanie Fowler Orthodontic Studio promises each patient high-quality orthodontic treatment for all ages in a caring, family-oriented atmosphere. About Melanie: She is married to Dr. Shane Fowler and has a daughter, Georgia, and a son, Glen. She is the only boardcertified orthodontist in New Iberia. She is a clinical associate professor at LSU School of Dentistry. She was the 2019 President of Louisiana Association of Orthodontists. She is also currently the 2020-2021 President of Junior League of Lafayette.

Melanie Fowler, DDS Orthodontist & Owner Dr. Melanie Fowler Orthodontic Studio 337-981-4350 116 Parkview Dr., New Iberia 4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Lafayette orthodonticstudio.com

Favorite Part of her Career: “I love being able to build confidence and self-esteem in my patients by improving their smile! I love teaching the next generation of orthodontists.” Education & Affiliations: She is a graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry. She is professionally associated with the American Association of Orthodontists, Louisiana Association of Orthodontists, Acadiana District Dental Society, American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association and the College of Diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Natalie Broussard Attorney at Law Law Office of Natalie B. Broussard 337-365-9000 203 West Main Street Suite 200, New Iberia natalie@nbbroussardlaw.com www.nbbroussardlaw.com

About the Business: Nouphay Kongphongmany Agency, LLC is dedicated to providing Acadiana with Insurance and Financial Services in the lines of Auto, Home, and Life. Accepting New Customers and giving quotes daily. Opened 24/7 even when our office is closed. Nouphay started her journey with State Farm 23 years ago and has been in the insurance business ever since then. Nouphay opened her agency with State Farm on January 1, 2015. This year she will be celebrating her 5th year as a State Farm agent.

Nouphay Kongphongmany Owner & Agent Nouphay Kongphongmany Agency, LLC 337-367-8509 1500 Iberia St., New Iberia nouphay@nouphay.com

About Nouphay: She is married to Chan Kongphongmany and the couple has two sons, Brandon and Braydon. Education & Achievements: Nouphay graduated from New Iberia Senior High School in 1991. She went on to earned her BA degree from UL. She is also certified from Agent Intern Training. Her awards, achievements and accolades include Legion Honor, Ambassador Club Travel, Chairman Circle, SCMA SVP Qualifier, Top 3 New Agent for State Farm, Bronze Honor, and the Best of the Teche” 1st place Best Insurance Agent.

Jamie C. Hebert Owner and Business Manager Partners Paint and Body 337-365-1492 1312 W. Admiral Doyle Dr. New Iberia

Sales Manager Great Outdoor Advertising 337-523-4558 1301-A Lemaire St. New Iberia hope@goabillboards.com

Favorite Part of her Career: “I have a passion for sales. I absolutely love interacting with the businesses in our community and helping them grow their reach, and in turn, their revenue.”

44 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Career Goals: My career goal is to further my ability to make a difference in the lives of people within our community by having the opportunity to serve as a district judge. Educations: New Iberia Senior High, 1987, Bachelor of Criminal Justice, LSU 1991, LSU Law School, 1994

About Jamie: Jamie is married to Kris Hebert and they have two daughters, Kirsten Hebert Patin and Paylyn Hebert. She enjoys listening to her customers and building lifelong relationships with the citizens of Acadiana. Professional Affiliations: Jamie is affiliated with the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau of Lafayette. Work and Education: Jamie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Jamie is a retired elementary teacher with 25 years of teaching experience. After retirement, Jamie ventured into the world of real estate and formed many friendships and became a member of the Million Dollar Club in real estate.

About the Business: The Women’s Group of Acadiana is a gynecological and obstetrical health clinic that offers care to women of all ages and accepts all health insurance types. Dominique has been a nurse practitioner at this center for less than a year and is determined to assist as many women as possible to achieve and maintain their best level of health.

About Hope: She is married to Matthew Cleveland and has three amazing adult children. Affiliations: Hope is a member of the Berry Queens and Junior Auxiliary of Abbeville. She volunteers for the Gumbo Cookoff and the Sugar Cane Festival and serves at the St. Francis Diner.

What does your business provide to Acadiana: My business offers outstanding legal services to our community. With twenty-five years of experience in all areas of the law, clients can be confident in the legal representation they are receiving and know that my firm has their best interest at heart.

About the Business: Partners Paint and Body is a locally owned and operated Paint and Body shop that seeks to exceed expectations, provide quality workmanship and provide customers with an exceptional level of service. Partners Paint and Body makes every effort to earn loyalty and referrals from their customers with hopes of becoming the Best in Class in Acadiana.

About the Business: Great Outdoor Advertising has specialized in eye-level billboards in four parishes for more than 30 years. It is their mission to put your message in front of thousands of potential clients. As a sales manager at Great Outdoor, it is Hope’s goal to make every business in Acadiana aware of the potential that outdoor advertising has to increase their sales and revenue.

Hope Cleveland

Favorite Part of Your Career: The favorite part of my career is being able to make a difference in people’s lives. I deal with people at some most frightening times and best times of their lives. There is nothing more rewarding than watching someone walk out of my office feeling relief from legal proceedings, the excitement of a new home or the blessing of an adoption. I am truly humbled to be able to walk with people through these major events in their lives and help them navigate through both good and bad times.

Dominque Jones MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner Women’s Group of Acadiana 337-330-2386 401 Youngsville Hwy Suite 200C, Lafayette

Education and Achievements: Dominque graduated with a master’s degree from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a summa cum laude. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society. About Dominque: Dominque is married to Jermaine Jones and they have two daughters, Jourden and Jaiden. Favorite Part of Career: “My favorite part of my career is helping women achieve a healthy pregnancy and the successful delivery of a new life into this world.”

Women in business About the Business: Antique Rose Ville is a beautiful complex of historic buildings and lush gardens. More than 47 years ago Linda and her husband Simon began developing this unique cultural preserve, charming bed and breakfast and thriving dining and catering business.

About Rosie: Rosie is a veteran of WWII and represents the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War 11, replacing the male workers who joined the military. Nowadays, you can find Rosie at Antique Rose Ville where she is a permanent resident. She is helping with chores and keeping up the gardens. Rosie represents Women

Rosie the Riveter

making a difference and is encouraging women to do

Manager Antique Rose Ville 337-367-3000 2007 Freyou Rd. New Iberia antiqueroseville.com

mentioned three times on national TV.

their part during this pandemic. Lately, Rosie has been

If you’d like to keep up with Rosie and Linda’s adventures, follow Linda Freyou on facebook for pictures and updates. Rosie loves hearing about your comments.

Linda Freyou Owner Antique Rose Ville 337-367-3000 337-523-5767 (Cell) 2007 Freyou Rd. New Iberia antiqueroseville.com

Awards, Achievements, Accolades: Board Certified, ABP (American Board of Pediatricians); Fellow, AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)

What does your business provide to Acadiana: Pediatric care to patients from 0-18 years old. This would include well visits, immunization, sick visits, school or camp physicals, pre-op clearance, ADHD evaluation, etc. Career Goal: To continue what I love to do until I retire.

Physician (Pediatrician) Abbeville Community Health Center 337-893-3443 337-893-3439 Fax Charity Street, Abbeville LA 70510

Years in Business: in October, 2020, Dr. Laurente will celebrate 20 years of Pediatric Care, with 7 years of group practice and 12 of solo practice. She will soon celebrate her one year anniversary with Abbeville Community Health Center/ICCHC.

Randal Harris, MD

Education: Pediatric residency training (3 years @ Orlando Regional Healthcare System, Orlando, FL and 3 years @ Chang Hua Hospital in Cebu City, Philippines); Medical degree from Cebu Institute of Medicine, Cebu City, Philippines; Pre-medicine degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Velez College, Cebu City, Philippines.

Physician (Pediatrician) Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Clinic 337-365-4945

Family: Married to Edison Ong, Family Practice Physician at ACHC/ ICCHC

Career goals: Dr. Harris plans to utilize patient education and medical journalism to promote preventative healthcare. In addition to this, she would like to partner with community organizations to provide health education to the medically underserved to improve health outcomes.

About the business: Sweet Interiors LLC is a locally owned company that has provided an eclectic mix of old and new interior decor for nine years. From traditional to transitional styles, they are able to help their customers achieve any design. Sweet Interiors was awarded “Best of the Teche” award for Best Interior Decor Store in 2017, and Walteen was awarded the “Best of the Teche” award for Best Interior Designer in 2019.

About Dr. Gaspard: She is married to Dr. Josh Gaspard and they have four beautiful children.

Pediatrician Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Clinic 337-534-0107 1002 12th Street Lafayette

About Dr. Harris: She has received the 2018-2019 Chief Resident award from the Detroit Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine. She is also Board-Certified in Family Medicine from the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Harris has one daughter, Clarke.

Affiliations: Member, AAP; Member, Louisiana Chapter of AAP

About the business: Iberia Comprehensive Health Clinic provides comprehensive health care from birth to 21 years of age in the pediatric clinic.

Toye Gaspard, MD

Achievements: Linda and Antique Rose Ville have ben featured on “Good Morning America” and written about in “Southern Living,” “Country Living” and “House and Home” magazine. Linda was also featured in “Louisiana Cookin’” and in the cookbook “Recipes from Historic Louisiana.”

About the business: Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center provides health providers that are committed to patient wellness through both chronic disease management and preventative health care.

Favorite Part of your Career: Being able to see my patients grow up from babies to teens.

Sarah U. Laurente, MD

About Linda: Linda has always been as much a part of the ambiance of Antique Rose Ville as the many historical artifacts and colorful flowers. It is her creativity, personality and love for sharing the culture of Acadiana that makes Antique Rose Ville the perfect location for receptions, weddings, corporate lunches, parties and all special events.

Education: Dr. Gaspard received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Louisiana State University and she attended medical school at the American University of the Caribbean in St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles. She served her residency at LSU Health Services in Shreveport. Career goals: Dr. Gaspard plans to continue to care for children and further the Iberia Comprehensive Health Clinic’s community outreach. She has special interest in adverse childhood events and providing care for this population. Favorite part of career: “My favorite part of my career is caring for children and their families, providing education on health and prevention of diseases.”

Walteen Broussard Owner Sweet Interiors LLC 337-364-5222 220 West Main St. New Iberia

About Walteen: Along with owning a successful design business, she is married to Ted Broussard and has two adult children and one granddaughter, Sylvi Broussard. She is a six-year member of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Sugarcane Festival. Here, she tackles jobs such as chairman for the posters, t-shirts and membership committees. Career goals: Walteen’s career goals is to redefine the brickand-mortar shopping experience to include online purchases and live sales to continue her passion for helping others choose pieces they love. Her overall goal is to make her customer’s homes authentic and comfortable to live in. Favorite part of career: “My favorite part is the shopping! I enjoy the whole experience of searching for new or unique items, whether at the market or countryside, then curating distinct pieces and styles in the store or in our customer’s home.”

Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 45

Social Lights | Photos of you and your friends

Jill Romero, left, and Jackie Toups prepare a dinner.

Angela Romero, left, and Gayla Vinet add sides to dinners.

Little Shrimp Queen Paisley Lajaunie, from left, Deb Shrimp Queen Camille Broussard, 69th Delcambre Shrimp Festival Queen Gabrielle Guilbeau, and, Baby Shrimp Queen Paislee Istre.

Meals for Essential Workers The Delcambre Shrimp Festival Association prepared hundreds of shrimp jambalaya dinners for health care personal and first responders on May 9, 2020. The meals were cooked and boxed in the Shrimp Festival building. Abbeville General Hospital and Iberia Medical Association each received 100 dinners. Acadian Ambulance, Delcambre and Erath police and fire departments and the Town of Delcambre workers also received the shrimp jambalaya dinners. The Delcambre hrimp Festival queens helped to deliver the dinners. MAY 9, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by LEE BALL

Monica Delcambre, from left, Deb Shrimp Queen Camille Broussard, and Kelly Broussard bag the dinners for delivery.

Jason Migues, left, and Mark Arceneaux stir the cooking shrimp jambalaya. Lee Ball Photography

BRIDGING THE MISSISSIPPI: SPANS ACROSS THE FATHER OF WATERS ON VIEW AT THE HILLIARD ART MUSEUM BEGINNING FALL 2020

46 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Social Lights | Photos of you and your friends

Catholic High students lending a hand.

A few of the 25 volunteers.

Bags of Hope A drive-through food distribution was held at the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center Thursday, May 14, 2020. The event was coordinated by Cindy Herring, President of the Kiwanis Club of New Iberia, along with John Indest, Director of the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center. Approximately 25 volunteers from the Kiwanis Club, the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center, students of Catholic High of New Iberia, and individuals from the community at large came out to assist with the project. There were 26 tons of food in 1,500 bags, each weighing about 35 pounds were distributed to 600 vehicles. May 14, 2020

NEss! E P iN s Or bu

Dean Wattigny and Cindy Herring of Kiwanis Club of New Iberia.

Cindy Herring, President of Kiwanis Club of New Iberia, and John Indest, Director of the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center

A Boutique with a Personal Touch

NewArrivAls ARE HERE!

We have a GREAT selection of Dressy & Casual Wear (available in missy & womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sizes), shoes, unique accesories, jewelry, purses and more... All ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Formal wear

OFF

*in-house alteration services available for your convenience *we handle SPANX hosiery 115 French Street New Iberia | 337-367-5004 Store Front Parking Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm & Sat 10am - 3pm Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020 47

KNEE PAIN? WE ARE [TRANSFORMING] KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN THE REGION

Iberia Medical Center is now offering MAKO速 Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery as a treatment option for adults with knee joint disease resulting from degenerative, rheumatoid and post-traumatic arthritis. This system provides your orthopedic surgeon with a detailed 3D model of your unique anatomy enabling precise alignment and placement of implants.

BENEFITS OF MAKO 速 : ACCURATE PLACEMENT AND PRECISION SMALLER INCISION I LESS POST-OPERATIVE PAIN SHORTER HOSPITAL STAY I QUICKER RECOVERY

For more information visit imcMAKO.com

Dr. Seth Rosenzweig MAKO速 Certified

Dr. William A. Cenac MAKO速 Certified

NORTH CAMPUS: 600 N. Lewis St., New Iberia 337.364.0441 / iberiamedicalcenter.com /

48 Acadiana Lifestyle, June 2020

Acadiana Lifestyle June 2020

Articles inside

Focus

Women Making a Difference

Dining Profile

Social Talk

From Scratch

Social Lights