Discover Lafayette: Recent Episodes

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Jessica Moroux, owner of Acadiana Hyperbarics in Lafayette, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the personal experiences that led her to the field, and her belief in giving the body the conditions it needs to heal and function at its best.

A Lafayette native, Jessica earned her nursing degree from UL-Lafayette and began her career at Lafayette General, working on several different floors as she searched for the area of nursing that felt like the right fit. Her professional path eventually moved beyond traditional hospital care and into Rolfing, movement therapy, and integrative wellness.

Jessica credits some of that outlook to her mother, whom she describes as an early adopter of ideas that today would fall under the umbrella of integrative wellness. Long before probiotics became commonplace, Jessica remembers her mother sprinkling acidophilus on the family’s breakfast and taking an unconventional but thoughtful approach to health.

As a nurse, Jessica valued traditional medicine and its importance, but found herself increasingly drawn to prevention and helping people maintain their health before they reached the point of hospitalization.

“I really wanted to get more into preventative and optimization of health,” Jessica says. “I really wanted to help people stay out of the hospital and feel their best.”

Today, Jessica brings together those different disciplines at Acadiana Hyperbarics. A registered nurse and Certified Rolfer, she has an extensive background helping clients address musculoskeletal and sports injuries and chronic pain.

A Back Injury, a Child’s Concussion, and a New DirectionJessica’s interest in hyperbarics was not initially driven by a business plan. It became personal.

In 2019, at age 38, she reached for her youngest daughter at an awkward angle and felt a pop and excruciating pain in her back. Imaging revealed a torn disc and two bulging discs. She saw an orthopedist, underwent physical therapy and worked to rehabilitate the injury, but eventually reached a plateau.

“I went back to my doctor and said, there’s got to be more.”

About a year later, the question of what else might be available became even more urgent when Jessica’s four-year-old son suffered a serious concussion.

Running on a neighbor’s all-purpose court, he forgot a tennis net was up, ran into it and was knocked unconscious. Jessica says he experienced short-term amnesia, headaches, irritability and problems with impulse control after the injury.

One moment in particular changed the trajectory of her work. “He came in and he had big fat tears rolling down his face and said, ‘Mom, I don’t want to have anger issues.’”

Jessica remembers thinking, “Okay, we’re gonna fix this.”

She began researching brain recovery and became interested in hyperbaric therapy. That research eventually grew into a professional focus, particularly around traumatic brain injuries and concussions.

Her son, now 12 at the time of our interview, is doing well. “He is doing phenomenally. He’s the most charming, intelligent kiddo.”

And because, as Jessica laughingly puts it, he remains “wild, all out,” hyperbarics has remained part of the family’s approach to recovery from his various sports injuries, including breaking his ankle twice in one year.

What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?For people familiar with hospital-based hyperbaric chambers, particularly their longtime use for decompression sickness and certain serious wounds, the chamber at Acadiana Hyperbarics looks different.

Jessica uses a Vitaeris 320 soft-sided monoplace chamber. According to the clinic, the chamber operates at 1.3 ATA and is 32 inches in diameter and 92 inches long. Acadiana Hyperbarics offers filtered room air as well as an oxygen concentrator option.

Jessica describes the experience as similar to the pressure changes you feel on an airplane. During pressurization and depressurization, clients may notice their ears popping or experience sinus pressure. Once the chamber reaches pressure, she says most people largely stop noticing it.

Sessions at Acadiana Hyperbarics are offered in 60- and 90-minute increments. Jessica says she screens clients before treatment, asks about their health history and discusses whether the therapy is an appropriate fit for what they hope to accomplish.

While people often think hyperbarics is simply about getting a large amount of oxygen, Jessica says pressure is central to the process. Under increased pressure, more oxygen can dissolve into blood plasma, providing an additional route for oxygen delivery beyond oxygen carried by red blood cells.

She describes hyperbarics as having several “mechanisms of action,” including angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, as well as effects involving inflammation, collagen, stem cells, mitochondrial function and cellular signaling.

For Jessica, the distinction between supporting healing and promising a cure is important. “We are just sending signals and changing some of the physics within the body to let the body do what it does best and to remove some of the barriers.”

“Hyperbarics is a fantastic therapy for helping the brains heal and major NFL athletes and teams are now turning to it to help with CTE and concussions.”

Why Repetition MattersJessica explains that some of the effects people experience may be relatively immediate, while tissue repair and other biological processes take time. That is why, depending upon a client’s circumstances, hyperbaric therapy may involve a series of sessions rather than a single visit.

She also emphasizes the period after a session. Her explanation is that repeated transitions between the higher-oxygen environment associated with treatment and normal atmospheric conditions can stimulate biological responses involved in repair.

“If you have multiple exposures, then your body says, okay, this is a real deal. We’re going to spend that energy and turn on all those processes.”

Jessica’s own back injury helped her think about hyperbarics through what she calls “reverse engineering.” She wanted to understand why disc injuries can become chronic and then ask what processes might support healing.

Her personal experience with that injury ultimately helped move hyperbarics from something that was “somewhat on my radar” into the focus of a new business.

The “Mighty Mitochondria”Our conversation also gets down to the cellular level as Jessica explains mitochondria, the structures within cells responsible for producing ATP, the energy cells use to perform their work.

She calls them the “mighty mitochondria.”

“For any function within the body, you have to pay for it, right? You have to have a currency. For a car to drive, you’ve got to have fuel. Same thing with your cells.”

That cellular energy is one reason oxygen is so important. Jessica also points to exercise as a way to support mitochondrial function and discusses red and infrared light therapy, another modality offered at Acadiana Hyperbarics.

The clinic uses red and infrared light pads that can be placed around targeted areas of the body. Jessica says she likes the flexibility of pads because they can conform around an injured shoulder, back or other area rather than requiring the client to lie on a rigid light bed. Acadiana Hyperbarics describes its low-level light therapy as a complementary modality that can be used alongside hyperbaric sessions.

The Vagus Nerve, Stress, and the Need to RecoverOne of the most relatable parts of our conversation concerns something many of us experience every day: living in a near-constant state of stimulation.

Jessica explains the role of the vagus nerve and the balance between the sympathetic “fight or flight” response and the parasympathetic “rest and digest” state.

“When you’re in fight or flight mode, you’re not repairing well,” Jessica says. “Most of us are running around constantly stimulated, answering emails, in traffic, fussing at your kid.”

The problem, she says, is that we may never adequately switch into recovery mode. “You can’t heal if you’re not getting into that mode of recovery.”

Supporting the vagus nerve doesn’t necessarily require sophisticated technology. Jessica points to simple practices including humming and breathwork as ways people can encourage the body to shift toward a calmer state.

Training and Knowing What You’re GettingJessica completed training through the International Hyperbarics Association and is a member of the organization. She says she attends its conference and continuing education programs each year.

That training is particularly important to her as hyperbarics and other wellness therapies become more popular. “As the wellness industry is growing and booming and this therapy is catching on, there’s a lot of providers who are wanting to throw it in as an afterthought.”

Jessica describes the therapy as generally safe when appropriately used, but stresses that providers need to understand screening, protocols and how to apply the therapy appropriately for an individual client. “More than causing further damage, you could just not apply the therapy correctly and the patient may not get what they’re looking for when paying for the treatment.”

Acadiana Hyperbarics’ own guidance also stresses client screening and identifies medical circumstances that require particular attention.. Anyone considering hyperbaric therapy for a medical condition should discuss it with an appropriate healthcare professional.

From Hospital Medicine to WellnessHyperbaric medicine has long been associated with conditions such as decompression sickness, the “bends” experienced by divers who surface too quickly, as well as certain serious wounds and other medical conditions. Those original hospital chambers looked much different from today’s soft-sided mild hyperbaric chamber utililzed at Jessica’s practice.

Our conversation explores the difference between those hospital applications and the wellness-oriented, largely off-label uses Jessica works with today.

She is careful to characterize hyperbarics as an adjunct rather than a replacement for appropriate medical treatment. She also acknowledges that timing matters and that not every condition or individual is a good candidate.

“For some people, if the injury is too far gone, it may not be a good fit.” That is why her process begins with a conversation rather than simply putting someone into a chamber.

Life Beyond the ChamberWhen she isn’t working, Jessica’s life revolves around her family, music and travel. She and her husband are both musicians and enjoy Lafayette’s local music scene. Jessica has played violin since childhood, thanks to a mother who essentially told her quitting wasn’t an option.

“My mom started me when I was little and she kind of was like, ‘You’re not quitting, so get used to it.’”

She performed in orchestra during college and played events, although these days, between running a business and raising three children, performances are more likely to happen at home.

“Right now with the business and the kiddos, it’s mostly in the living room with the family.”

Jessica’s journey from nursing to Rolfing and ultimately Acadiana Hyperbarics has been driven by curiosity, personal experience and a desire to help people think about wellness before something is seriously wrong.

Her message is not simply about addressing an injury. It is about recovery, maintaining function and giving the body the support it needs while you are still feeling well.

Acadiana Hyperbarics is located at 708 E. University Avenue in Lafayette. Learn more about Jessica, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Rolfing and the other services she offers at https://acadianahyperbarics.com/.

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Sylvia Turner, affectionately known to generations of Lafayette families as “Ms. T,” joins Discover Lafayette to reflect upon a remarkable life of teaching, music, faith, and service to others.

For more than five decades, beginning in 1972, Sylvia taught children and adults to swim in the backyard pool of her Lafayette home. But anyone fortunate enough to have taken lessons from Ms. T knows she taught much more than swimming.

She taught safety. She taught respect. She taught children to encourage one another, to follow rules, to appreciate their parents, and perhaps most importantly, to believe they could do things that initially frightened them.

“One of my greatest compliments was when people would say, ‘You don’t just teach swimming, do you?’” Sylvia recalls. “I said, ‘No, I don’t. I teach everything I can while I can.’”

Two Lives: Ms. T and Sylvia the SingerMany Lafayette residents knew Sylvia exclusively as Ms. T, the swim teacher who could spend long summer days in the pool working with one class after another. Others knew an entirely different Sylvia Turner, a classically trained singer whose musical life was intertwined with that of her late husband, John Turner.

Sylvia grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and came to Lafayette with John, who taught voice at UL for 34 years. Sylvia later received an opera scholarship, and the couple performed opera together as well as singing at university commencement ceremonies.

She also became a fixture at the Order of Troubadours ball, serving as the opening soloist for “Make Believe” for 40 years.

The separation between her two worlds occasionally created funny moments. Sylvia remembers singing at a commencement ceremony when a family approached her afterward, looking puzzled. “Ms. T, is that you? Did you sing?” “Yes,” she answered.

“In the singing world, a lot of people didn’t know that I taught swimming,” Sylvia says. “And then in the swimming world, a lot of people didn’t know that I sang.”

Sylvia Turner is an active member of Chorale Acadienne. She is pictured fourth from left in the photo. A Fear of Water Leads to a Lifetime in the PoolIt is fitting that Sylvia ultimately devoted so much of her life to teaching people to be comfortable in the water, because she did not learn to swim herself until she was 11 years old.

Her mother, Lucille, had nearly drowned at age 18. The experience was so traumatic that Sylvia grew up repeatedly hearing, “Don’t go near the water.”

Eventually, her mother enrolled her in Red Cross swimming lessons at a park pool. Sylvia loved the water immediately.

At the end of the lessons, the instructor announced a swim meet. Sylvia entered, won a red ribbon for second place, and, as she puts it, “I was hooked.”

Her mother began allowing her to spend time at the pool, where Sylvia became fascinated by a group of young men who were accomplished divers. She simply asked them if they would teach her.

They did. Before long, Sylvia was diving from the three-meter board and later competed as a diver when she was 13 and 14 years old. Eventually, voice training began competing with diving for her attention, but her love of the water never disappeared.

The Pool That Started It AllSylvia’s path to becoming one of Lafayette’s best-known swim instructors began with a frustrating afternoon at Riverside pool.

Sylvia and her husband, John, were living in River’s Bend with their three children when, on a beautiful sunny day, the lifeguard announced everyone had to leave the pool because he needed to take a test and there was no one qualified to substitute for him.

Sylvia was not pleased. “I went home and I said to my husband, ‘You know, if I had a lifesaving badge, I could have gotten up on the stand and we could have kept the pool open.’”

John’s response was simple: go get it. Sylvia and a friend took a lifesaving class at Girard Park. At the conclusion of the course, the instructor assigned Sylvia two women from a mothers’ swimming program to teach. “My ladies did beautifully,” she remembers. “And so I was further hooked.”

As Sylvia and John prepared to build their new home, she began thinking about adding a swimming pool. The price gave her pause, particularly when they realized it would effectively double their house payment.

Sylvia had an answer. “Oh, John, if I paid for it, could we do it?”

How would she pay for it? “I could teach.” And that is exactly what she did.

Sylvia began teaching swimming lessons in 1972.

Her first student was a young man she met through the grocery store who was preparing to get married. His future wife could swim, he could not, and he did not want to be the person sitting on the beach while everyone else enjoyed the water. Sylvia taught him to swim. Years later, he returned with his children.

It was the beginning of generations of Lafayette families learning from Ms, T.

Safety Came FirstBefore any child entered Sylvia’s pool, there were rules.

“Children like to know boundaries,” she says. Students first sat on the deck while Sylvia sat at their eye level and talked about safety. Then she walked them around the pool.

Nothing was taken for granted.

She showed them the skimmers. She explained the drain. She taught them what the various parts of the pool did and addressed fears children might be reluctant to express.

That lesson came partly from the children themselves. One little boy looked across the pool at the dark opening of a skimmer and asked Sylvia, “Is that where you keep Jaws?”

From that point forward, Sylvia opened the skimmers so the children could look inside.

“I learned the children are great teachers,” she says. “I learned a lot from children.”

Only after the rules and pool orientation were complete did everyone get into the water.

Teaching Children to Respect One AnotherMs. T in a photo taken by Jan Swift when she taught Kelly Swift, Jan’s daughter, to swim and dive….circa 2009. Sylvia’s lessons were intentionally positive.

“I had the children applaud each other all the time,” she says. “We applauded for everything. We didn’t just applaud for excellence. We applauded for effort.”

Criticism was not allowed unless it was constructive. Older swimmers were taught how to watch one another perform a stroke and offer feedback, beginning with something the swimmer had done well.

Sylvia traces much of that philosophy to her mother, who was an exceptionally positive person, and to the instructor who taught Sylvia lifesaving at Girard Park.

“She made you feel like you were the most special person in the world.”

Sylvia wanted children in her pool to feel the same way.

One experience still moves her. A little girl had missed the first day of lessons and joined the class on the second day. When it was her turn to get onto the diving board, she hesitated.

Finally, she turned to Sylvia and asked, “Do they have to watch?” Before Sylvia could say anything, every child waiting nearby turned his or her back. “I can’t tell that story without getting emotional,” Sylvia says.

The children understood that their classmate needed to try something difficult without an audience. “A lot of times we have to do things without people watching.”

“Are You the Boss of This Pool?”Boundaries mattered because safety mattered.

During one family swim, a visiting child began running around the pool and jumping too close to other swimmers. Sylvia called him over and explained that the pool had rules.

The boy looked at her and asked, “Are you the boss of this pool?” “Yes, I am.” “Oh.” That was the end of the problem.

“Children want to know who’s in charge,” Sylvia says. “And they want somebody to be in charge.”

Those lessons stayed with her students long after class ended.

One mother called Sylvia after taking her children to another pool. Her four-year-old son Nicholas noticed another little boy breaking pool safety rules and corrected him.

The boy replied that his daddy owned the pool and he could do anything he wanted. He added that he took swimming lessons.

Nicholas had an answer: “Well, obviously you don’t take from Ms. T because you don’t know the rules.”

Relaxation and RhythmFor Sylvia, learning to swim rested on two fundamental principles.

“The two most important things in swimming are relaxation and rhythm.”

Relaxation came first. A tense body does not float well. Students learned to float before progressing incrementally through kicking, strokes, diving and more advanced skills.

“You do it by stages,” Sylvia says. “And that’s how you learn anything really, by little increments.”

The same principle applied to diving. Sylvia never forced a frightened child from the diving board. Students progressed from a knee dive close to the water, to a falling dive, then standing, springing, and eventually diving from the board.

Her goal was not simply for a child to acquire a skill. The child needed confidence in that skill. “If you have a skill without confidence, it’s not really productive.”

Teaching Adults and Overcoming FearAlthough Ms, T is best remembered for teaching children, Sylvia loved teaching adults, particularly because, as she says, “They always have baggage.”

Some carried a fear of water for decades. She taught men, women and couples, including two women who were 71 years old. But no adult student meant more to Sylvia than her own mother.

Lucille’s near drowning at age 18 had shaped Sylvia’s childhood and her mother’s lifelong relationship with water. Then, on her 70th birthday, Lucille surprised Sylvia by announcing a goal for the coming year. “I’ve decided I’m going to learn to swim.”

Sylvia was stunned. Her mother continued: “I’ve decided that if anybody can teach me, it’s you.” Sylvia responded, “Well, you’ll never have to give me another compliment in your whole life.”

Lucille was unable to make the trip to Lafayette that year, but the following year she came and took lessons from her daughter. By the end of the week, she could swim across the pool without assistance.

Sylvia later asked whether she had finally lost her fear. Her mother answered, “I don’t know, but I loved being in the water.” Sylvia thought that was enough.

Of all the adults she taught, she describes teaching her mother as perhaps the most gratifying experience of all.

Generations of Lafayette FamiliesSylvia never kept count of how many people she taught during her decades in the pool, particularly because so many students returned year after year and eventually brought another generation back with them.

Her classes grew largely through word of mouth.

Her youngest daughter attended Broadmoor Elementary, where Sylvia was heavily involved in the PTA. The principal, himself the father of seven children whom Sylvia eventually taught along with his wife, allowed her to distribute information about her lessons through the school. “And then word spread.”

For younger children, particularly three and four year olds, Sylvia limited classes to six students and had another adult in the water with her. Older, accomplished swimmers could be taught in somewhat larger groups.

Sylvia also encouraged parents to observe lessons so they understood what their children were learning and could reinforce those lessons away from the pool.

The lessons often carried into everyday family life: respect your parents, appreciate what they do for you, respect other people, encourage others, follow the rules, and understand that safety is never something to take casually.

The Teacher Who Never Taught SchoolWhen asked how she defines herself after a lifetime encompassing swimming, opera, church music, family and community, Sylvia returns to teaching. “Every teacher I ever had told me that I was destined to be a teacher.”

Yet she never became a traditional classroom teacher. “I taught Sunday school. I taught junior choir. I taught swimming. I’m an inveterate teacher.”

She also remains a singer, grounded in the classical and religious music that has been part of her life since childhood.

Sylvia grew up in the church. Her mother sang in the choir, her father was a deacon, and Sylvia herself began singing in choir at age 12. Faith remained a constant through the joyful times and the difficult ones.

And that may help explain the extraordinary positivity so many people associate with Ms. T.

Asked how she manages to remain positive, Sylvia acknowledges that it requires intention. “You have to work at it, I think, because it’s easy to be negative.”

Even in the hardest times, she says, there is something to hold onto. “Even in those darkest days, you have to find something. And gratitude is part of it.”

Sylvia looks back on her life with gratitude for the people, experiences and opportunities she has been given, while acknowledging that her life has included hardship like anyone else’s.

“I’ve had some hard knocks, as everybody does during my life. I’m here to say that I overcame them.”

Then she adds the foundation beneath it all: “With the help of my Lord.”

For generations of Lafayette families, Ms. T will always be the woman who taught their children to swim. But her legacy reaches well beyond the pool.

She taught children to be safe without being afraid, to respect rules and one another, to applaud effort rather than simply excellence, and to gain confidence one small step at a time. And she taught it all while making each child feel that, at that moment, they mattered.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Katie Ferguson, whose remarkable story is one of resilience, advocacy, and choosing purpose in the face of life’s most unexpected challenges.

A Lafayette native, communications professional, and passionate community advocate, Katie has lived through two extraordinary journeys. First, she became the long term caregiver for an Army veteran whose life changed forever after a catastrophic spinal cord injury. Years later, while feeling completely healthy, a free heart screening uncovered a life threatening ascending aortic aneurysm caused by an undiagnosed congenital heart defect, leading to open heart surgery that ultimately saved her life.

Katie approaches both experiences with remarkable clarity and compassion. As she explains, “Nothing happens without having purpose. When something happens to me, chances are it’s happening to someone else. And if I can shine a light on what they’re going through, if I’m able to help ease anyone’s journey, it’s worth it.”

That philosophy has shaped her work as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, where she advocates for military and veteran caregivers across the country, and as a spokesperson for heart health awareness through the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative.

Katie’s caregiving journey began in 2010 under circumstances she never could have imagined. She and Army officer Barry were casually dating and, by her own admission, were “kind of looking like we were going to break up” as he prepared to retire from military service and move overseas to launch a business. The day after signing his retirement paperwork, Barry suffered a devastating spinal cord injury after slipping from a rope swing into a sandbank, shattering his cervical spine and becoming immediately quadriplegic. Katie recalls receiving a call from a mutual friend before joining his family in the intensive care unit, beginning what she describes as “many, many waits in ICU rooms and hospital rooms and not knowing.”

Rather than walking away from an uncertain future, Katie leaned in. “I loved him,” she says simply. As Barry progressed through months of rehabilitation in New Orleans, Lafayette, and Atlanta, the two began dating in earnest while he was still hospitalized. They eventually married, allowing Katie to become his full time paid caregiver after leaving her successful public relations career. “I gave up my career because this was much more important. This was all encompassing.”

Her description of caregiving offers a rare, honest glimpse into the invisible work performed by millions of family caregivers every day. “You are literally trying to plan two steps ahead,” she explains, describing everything from helping with showers and medications to waking every three or four hours throughout the night to reposition Barry and prevent pressure sores. While the physical demands were immense, Katie says the mental burden proved even greater. “You don’t think about it when you’re going through it. You’re trying to survive. This is the hand you’re dealt, and you don’t have a choice in the matter. You put your head down and you make it work.”

One of the most compelling parts of Katie’s story is that caregiving did not end when her marriage did. Although she and Barry divorced after twelve years, she remains his primary caregiver outside of the hours covered by home health services. She still helps several times each week and is often the first call when emergencies arise at night or on weekends. As she explains, “Whenever his breathing changes, I know what that means. Whenever his eye movement starts moving around, I know what those eye movements mean. Why would I not help somebody if I have the tools to make someone’s life a little bit better?”

Katie also shares invaluable advice for caregivers navigating military systems and government bureaucracy. Persistence, she says, is essential. After spending two and a half years successfully appealing a Department of Defense financial decision, she learned that “everything has steps and you just have to go through the steps.” Perhaps more importantly, “You have to know the right question to ask… nobody will just volunteer the information to you. But if you go in and you say, ‘I need this particular form,’ or ‘I need help with this thing,’ they open up doors.”

Her work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation has given Katie an even broader perspective on military caregiving. She notes that seventy five percent of caregivers are not spouses, reminding us that caregiving is defined not by legal status but by love, compassion, and responsibility. She also highlights the foundation’s Hidden Heroes initiative, which recognizes caregivers serving behind the scenes, and the Hidden Helpers program, which acknowledges children who quietly shoulder caregiving responsibilities within military families.

Katie’s second life changing chapter began almost by accident. Feeling “100% healthy” and completely without symptoms, she attended a free cardiovascular screening during Women’s Health Month because heart disease ran in her family. A routine calcium score CT scan revealed no plaque buildup, but it did reveal something far more dangerous: an enlarged ascending aorta. “I felt fine. I went to the surgeon, to my open heart surgery, completely asymptomatic.”

Initially, like many people would, Katie delayed following up. Three months later, additional imaging confirmed a life threatening ascending aortic aneurysm. Doctors monitored it for nearly a year before recommending surgery. During the operation in January 2023, surgeons discovered an undiagnosed congenital bicuspid aortic valve, a birth defect in which the heart valve has only two leaflets instead of three. They replaced it with a mechanical valve while repairing the aneurysm. Today, Katie says the gentle clicking of that valve, once unsettling, has become reassuring. “It’s more calming to me now… I kind of use it to lull me to sleep.”

Throughout the conversation, Katie passionately advocates for preventive health care. She emphasizes that heart disease remains the leading killer of women, noting that one in three women will die from cardiovascular disease, compared with one in twelve from cancer. Her own experience illustrates why proactive screening matters. Had she ignored that free test, doctors estimated she likely would not have survived another five years. Looking back, she reflects, “Had I not been proactive, I’d be gone.”

Katie also discusses how women’s heart attack symptoms often differ dramatically from men’s, frequently resembling flu symptoms, indigestion, jaw pain, reflux, or unexplained fatigue rather than the classic crushing chest pain. She praises the work of Go Red for Women, not only for raising awareness but also for funding research and local initiatives such as CPR education, blood pressure screening stations, and food security programs throughout Acadiana.

Perhaps the most meaningful takeaway from this conversation is Katie’s conviction that advocacy begins with caring for yourself. Years spent advocating for someone else taught her to ask questions, seek second and third opinions, and never hesitate to pursue answers. “I’m no good if I’m not here,” she says. “I have to advocate for myself so I can be here physically present to help.”

When asked what she would tell caregivers, Katie offers wisdom born from experience. Learn to ask for help. Accept support when it comes. And if someone you know is caregiving, do not wait for them to ask. Simple gestures, whether bringing a meal or rolling a neighbor’s trash cans to the curb, can lighten an overwhelming mental load.

Katie Ferguson’s story reminds us that resilience is not simply surviving hardship. It is choosing, again and again, to use our experiences to lift others. Whether advocating for military caregivers, encouraging women to take charge of their heart health, or simply sharing practical advice with someone facing an uncertain diagnosis, Katie continues to transform personal adversity into hope for others.

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Leadership isn’t about managing time. It’s about making better choices.

That is the central message from Christina Olivier, co-founder and Managing Partner of Excelerant, whose thoughtful conversation on Discover Lafayette challenges many of the assumptions we make about work, productivity, and success.

Christina co-founded Excelerant in 2003 with business partner Elise Bouchner after realizing that growing companies needed more than legal advice or technical expertise, they needed leaders who knew how to develop people. What began as The Training Source evolved into Excelerant, an award-winning, woman-owned leadership development and organizational consulting firm serving organizations throughout Louisiana and beyond through executive coaching, leadership development, succession planning, team building, and organizational effectiveness. Excelerant quickly grew to include partners Jennifer Adcock, Phyllis Arceneaux, and Jill Meaux.

Our conversation moves well beyond business coaching. Christina offers practical wisdom for anyone feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, struggling to say no, or wondering why there never seems to be enough time.

One of the first ideas she reframes is the phrase “time management.”

Referencing Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Christina explains that she prefers the term “time effectiveness.”

“We all have the same 24 hours in our day. It’s how we spend that time, and if we spend it as effectively as possible, that makes the difference.” Rather than trying to squeeze more activity into every hour, she encourages people to become intentional about where their energy is invested.

“What I’ve noticed is that most people don’t stop to think about how they are spending their time,” she says. “You wonder why you’re tired, or you wonder why you’re burnt out, or you wonder why you’re not getting to those things that you want to do.”

Throughout our discussion, Christina repeatedly returns to the importance of self-awareness. Before any planner, productivity system, or coaching exercise can help, people must honestly examine whether they’re spending time on what matters most—and whether those choices actually bring them joy.

As an executive coach credentialed through the International Coaching Federation, Christina works with successful professionals who want to become even more effective. She explains that coaching isn’t about giving answers.

“In coaching, we hold that our clients are whole and resourceful. We’re just helping them find their own answers.”

That process begins by helping clients identify what success would actually look like six or twelve months into the future and then removing the obstacles standing in their way.

Christina shares one of her favorite coaching analogies involving a small airplane that is too heavy to stay safely in the air. Every passenger must throw one “role” overboard to survive. Those roles might include committee chair, volunteer, employee, spouse, parent, or community leader.

The exercise forces people to identify which commitments truly deserve their limited time and which have simply accumulated over the years. The lesson naturally leads to one of the most powerful themes of our conversation: learning to say no.

Drawing again from Stephen Covey, Christina introduces the concept she and her team use regularly: “Integrity in the moment of choice.” “Every no you’re saying is because there’s a bigger yes inside.”

That “yes” may be spending more time with children or grandchildren, caring for aging parents, protecting personal health, or simply creating space to think. The challenge is recognizing that every commitment carries an opportunity cost.

Christina also speaks candidly about perfectionism, particularly among professional women. She questions the belief that “if it has to be done right, it has to be done by me.”

Instead, she encourages leaders to lower unrealistic standards where appropriate, delegate more intentionally, and invest the time necessary to develop others.

Her advice to leaders is straightforward: “You can’t be too busy doing the work to train and develop others.” Otherwise, organizations become dependent on one individual while employees never have the opportunity to grow.

Another recurring theme is presence. In today’s distracted world, Christina believes one of the greatest gifts leaders can give employees, colleagues, friends, and family members is their complete attention.

“Putting down the device when someone walks in… there’s also a great benefit and maybe a stillness that you receive by not multitasking.”She distinguishes between efficiency and effectiveness with a memorable observation: “With people, you can’t be efficient. You can only be effective.”

That perspective extends into how organizations communicate across generations. Rather than criticizing younger employees for preferring text messages, Christina recommends “co-designing” communication expectations—meeting people where they are while establishing mutually beneficial ways of connecting.

The discussion also explores practical ways to slow down in a fast-paced world.

Although Christina once believed meditation wasn’t for her, she now incorporates grounding, centering, and intentional breathing into her daily routine. She emphasizes that meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it is simply placing both feet on the floor, taking several intentional breaths, and allowing yourself to become present before moving into the next activity. She also recommends what she calls a “transition pause”:

Finish what you’re doing. Put down the device. Take three intentional breaths. Then arrive fully present for whatever comes next. That simple practice, she believes, helps leaders become more thoughtful, more connected, and ultimately more effective.

Our conversation also explores succession planning, an increasingly important issue for Louisiana businesses. Christina describes Excelerant’s work helping family-owned companies, financial institutions, and publicly traded organizations identify future leaders through assessments, coaching, mentoring, and leadership development. Rather than assuming who should lead next, Excelerant helps organizations objectively evaluate strengths and prepare the next generation for success.

Toward the close of our interview, Christina shares one final reminder that resonates long after the microphones are turned off.

Sometimes the greatest productivity tool isn’t another app, another meeting, or another committee. It’s simply becoming aware.

As Christina says, “The first step…is to be self-aware.”

Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company, managing a small business, serving on nonprofit boards, or simply trying to create more balance in your own life, Christina Olivier offers practical insights that remind us success isn’t measured by how busy we are, but by how intentionally we choose to spend the time we’ve been given.

To learn more about Christina Olivier and Excelerant, visit https://exexp.com/ or connect through their LinkedIn and Facebook pages.

Discover Lafayette would like to thank Christina Olivier and Excelerant team members for all of their support throughout the years! You continually give back when requested!

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For many of us, reading to a child feels like a cherished bedtime ritual. But what if the benefits begin long before birth?

In this fascinating episode of Discover Lafayette, we visit with Dr. Joe Abraham, physician, research biologist, award-winning author, former president of the Lafayette Parish Library Foundation, and president of the Acadiana Educational Endowment, about the life-changing impact of reading with children beginning in the prenatal period.

The Acadiana Educational Endowment, founded in 1989 to support public education across Acadiana, has invested more than $650,000 in educational initiatives over the years. Today, its primary focus is Reading With Kids, an initiative encouraging parents to read to children from pregnancy through the preschool years because, as Dr. Abraham believes, “children are the most precious thing in life.”

Dr. Abraham’s passion for the project grew from decades practicing emergency medicine. After observing thousands of children, he began noticing a pattern.

“I kept coming back to the ones who are cooperative. The ones who are inquisitive. The ones who are engaged, are read to.”

He says he can often recognize these children before they can even speak. “I got to the point that I can spot a child at six months of age or earlier. The child is tracking. They’re listening.”

“There’s this idea of fetal education. It’s well known in China and Korea. There’s recent research that if you read and talk to your child in the womb, particularly in the third trimester, they can show when they’re born that their brains are advanced. I will meet children who are just spooky smart at two, and they’ve been read to in the womb. Socioeconomic level is totally irrelevant.”

That observation led him to explore decades of research connecting early language exposure with lifelong educational and social outcomes. Dr. Abraham explains that research indicates “60% of kids who are not prepared to read by the first grade will end up in jail or on welfare.”

While many people have heard that reading proficiency by third grade predicts later success, Dr. Abraham argues that the foundation is laid much earlier, even before birth. He points to emerging research showing that babies exposed to language during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, demonstrate measurable neurological differences after birth. “They can show when they’re born that their brains are advanced.”

One French study cited on the Reading With Kids website found that newborns whose mothers regularly read and spoke to them during pregnancy exhibited more advanced neural centers for language acquisition. Another ultrasound study observed babies moving their mouths in response to familiar spoken sounds spoken by the mother before birth.

Yet Dr. Abraham repeatedly emphasizes that the science is only part of the story. “The child is not interested in the book. The child is interested in the warm body, the human that will protect them.”

He believes reading creates a powerful emotional bond. “The bond between parent and child extends to the book.” This relationship, he explains, becomes what ultimately motivates children to learn.

“Changing the world one child at a time“

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Abraham returns to one central theme: reading is about much more than literacy. When children are read to, they begin developing empathy, imagination, curiosity, and the ability to understand perspectives different from their own. “When you read, you slowly come to understand other people’s perspectives.”

Reading, he says, becomes “the laboratory of the mind.”

That perspective also shapes his concerns about modern society. “We live in a time in which people can’t talk anymore.”

Dr. Abraham believes that reading helps people hold thoughtful conversations because it teaches them that disagreement does not necessarily mean someone is wrong; it often simply reflects a different perspective.

Our conversation also explored what Dr. Abraham calls “book deserts.” In some communities, he says, there may be only one book available for every 300 children living there.

To address that problem, Reading With Kids has collected more than 15,000 books that are distributed throughout Acadiana. Volunteers hand out books at community events, stock Little Libraries, and work with organizations including Kiwanis of Acadiana to place free books where families naturally gather, including laundromats, where children often spend hours waiting with parents.

One story perfectly illustrates the demand.

After bringing 800 children’s books to an Upper Lafayette event, volunteers didn’t even reach the first stoplight before every single book had been claimed. “The kids just grabbed the books.”

The organization is also working with physicians and hospitals to make reading part of routine prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Abraham hopes electronic medical records will soon prompt physicians and nurses to ask every expectant mother and every parent of a child under five a simple question: “Are you reading to your child?” If the answer is no, providers could immediately share research demonstrating that reading improves school readiness, lifetime earnings, and overall success.

As Dr. Abraham notes, physicians are often among the most trusted voices families encounter. “If we show interest in them, and their children, it’s been my experience they grab at it.”

Perhaps the most moving portion of our discussion centered on his advice for expectant parents. Rather than waiting until a baby arrives, he encourages parents to begin reading as soon as they begin thinking about starting a family.

“We recommend prenatal reading when you start thinking about being pregnant.” He offers several reasons: Reading helps strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child. It encourages calmness and emotional well-being during pregnancy. Most practically, it establishes a habit before, as he laughingly puts it, “all hell breaks loose” after the baby arrives.

Then he offered one of the most beautiful thoughts of our conversation. As Reading With Kids says on its website: “It is possible your child is already waiting for you. If so, it is never too early to reach out and begin connecting by reading.”

Our discussion eventually broadened into education itself.

Dr. Abraham worries that schools sometimes diminish children’s natural curiosity instead of nurturing it. “Every child starts off curious… We kill it.” He argues that reading helps preserve the questioning mindset that fuels creativity and innovation.

His upcoming book, On Being Einstein, explores that very idea. “What makes for an Einstein? Somebody with a tremendous memory… or somebody who’s willing to ask questions the rest of us won’t?”

Throughout our conversation, one message remained constant: reading is one of the simplest, least expensive, and most powerful investments any parent, grandparent, caregiver, or community member can make.

Whether reading begins during pregnancy, while rocking a newborn, or sharing stories with a curious preschooler, those moments become far more than story time. They become opportunities to build language, strengthen relationships, foster imagination, encourage empathy, and perhaps even change the trajectory of a child’s life.

To learn more, volunteer, donate books, or support the initiative, visit ReadingWithKids.org, the public outreach program of the Acadiana Educational Endowment.

In closing, just a few statistics from Reading With Kid’s website: https://www.readingwithkids.org/research/

75% of US adults read below the 6th grade level.
47% struggle to read basic sentences.
20% are functionally illiterate.
Magnet ABA Therapy. US Literacy Statistics. The State of Literacy in America: A Comprehensive Overview. February 28, 2025. Link.
The National Literacy Institute. Link.

In poor neighborhoods, there can be as few as 1 book for every 300 children.
(Book Deserts.) Neuman, Susan B. Changing the Odds for Children at Risk. 2008, Bloomsbury Publishing USA. Link.

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Our guest is Stacey Knight Mejia, an attorney by training but better known throughout Acadiana as “Sensei Stacey,” co-owner and chief instructor of Acadiana Karate.

A ten-time national forms and weapons champion, Stacey has spent decades teaching martial arts, confidence, and practical self-defense to children and adults. Her message is simple but powerful: “The goal isn’t to live in fear. The goal is to live with awareness, confidence, and the ability to trust yourself.”

As Stacey explains, avoiding violence begins long before physical self-defense becomes necessary.

“Ninety to ninety-five percent of all self-defense scenarios can be avoided by pre-planning.”

That single statement frames our entire discussion.

Stacey explains that every attack begins with three elements: a predator, a victim, and an opportunity. Predators are looking for easy targets and easy opportunities, which is why awareness matters so much.

“You are what you look like. How you stand, how you walk. Eye contact is huge because remember, the predator doesn’t want to get caught.”

She encourages women to walk with purpose, maintain awareness of their surroundings, know where exits are located within seconds of entering a building, lock vehicle doors immediately, and always have a response plan before something happens.

“Have a plan. What am I going to do? Where are the exits? How am I going to get out of here?”

Throughout the interview, Stacey returns repeatedly to the importance of using your voice.

“When I teach women physical self-defense classes, I sometimes have issues getting them to use their voice. They feel, ‘I’m silly,’ or they’re shy. I need you to become a tiger or a lion because the guy that’s coming at you has a criminal mindset.”

One of the strongest themes of our discussion is learning to trust intuition. Gavin de Becker’s landmark book The Gift of Fear, was discussed and he argues that our instincts often recognize danger before our conscious minds do. “Trust your instinct. Trust your gut. It’s so important.”

She tells parents to teach their children the same lesson. “No is a one-word sentence. No means no. Say no and run.”

Rather than encouraging people to become fearful, Stacey wants them to become intentional. “I don’t want you to live in fear. But you need to be aware.”

We discuss numerous real-world situations that women encounter every day, including shopping centers, grocery stores, parking lots, gas stations, DoorDash deliveries, ride-share services, parks, jogging alone, and even sitting in your own driveway scrolling through your phone. Stacey points out that today’s criminals are increasingly sophisticated, posing as delivery drivers, utility workers, or even leaving seemingly harmless items such as money dropped on the ground, windshield wipers moved out of place, or objects on door handles to create distractions.

Her advice remains remarkably practical: “Verify, verify. Do not open the front door of your house for a delivery person or a utility worker until you verify.”

She also recommends limiting distractions. “The cell phone can be very helpful but it’s a huge distraction.” Instead, she encourages using technology wisely by sharing locations with friends and family, calling 911 immediately if something feels wrong, and trusting that internal warning system. Another phone trick is to put your camera on if someone is stalking you. “Turn around and say, ‘Do I know you? Do you need anything? and take a picture. If they hurry away, you know they weren’t up to any good.”

One of Stacey’s most moving stories involves a woman who survived a brutal sexual assault and eventually found her way to Acadiana Karate. Initially unable to speak about what had happened, she slowly rebuilt both her confidence and her life through training. “She came out victorious. She got her life back.”

Stacey also offers reassurance to anyone who has survived an attack. “You survived. You shouldn’t feel shame about that.”

Although Stacey has earned national championships in martial arts competition and even performed stunt work on the television series Mortal Kombat: Conquest after being recruited from the national karate circuit, she emphasizes that most people will never need advanced martial arts techniques if they develop strong situational awareness.

Stacey recommends simple, easy-to-use personal safety devices such as Birdie or Hootie personal alarms that emit a piercing sound to attract attention and create an opportunity to escape. She is less enthusiastic about pepper spray, guns or knives. “I’m not an expert on those tools. I don’t advocate for it. I’ve heard so many horror stories about the attacker grabbing it and turning it on you.”

She also recommends an inexpensive glass breaker/seatbelt cutter device that can be used both in vehicle emergencies and, if necessary, to escape from a locked vehicle.

Her philosophy focuses on escape rather than confrontation. “The goal is to escape.”

Stacey also explains why a single two-hour self-defense seminar cannot replace consistent training. “Don’t think that you’re an expert after one seminar.”

Karate develops something much deeper than physical techniques. Through repetition, students build muscle memory so that, under the stress of an actual attack, simple defensive movements become automatic. “We just drill it, drill it, drill it.”

Every August I get calls about teaching safety classes to daughters right before they go iff to college. ‘Please, can you teach self-defense in a week?’ The best thing I tell my parents is to buy this book: Confidence in Conflict for Campus Life, by Jill Weisensel . It goes through all things addressing personal safety awareness like theft in the dorm, sorority parties, how to address hazing and sexual assault, just really great tips on how to address high-risk behaviors.”

Stacey also follows Dannah Eve who recently wrote a book called Street Smarts.Introduced to karate by her future husband, Pablo Mejia, while attending college, she earned her first-degree black belt before entering law school. She credits martial arts with helping her persevere through one of the most demanding periods of her life. “There are times in law school where we all just want to quit. Karate really helped me.” The discipline she learned on the mat carried directly into her legal career.

Today, Stacey continues serving the community through Acadiana Karate while also sharing health and wellness advice through her “Stacey’s Optimal Health” platform.

Whether discussing nutrition, exercise, parenting teenagers, or personal safety, her underlying message never changes: preparation creates confidence.

This episode is for every woman, every parent, every college student, and every family member who wants practical, thoughtful guidance on staying safe while living life with confidence instead of fear. “Don’t live in fear. Just be aware.”

For more information about Stacey Knight Mejia and Acadiana Karate, visit https://acadianakarate.com/

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Many people have never heard of Ryan Furby, yet they have likely experienced the impact of the work he does.

After an international career with some of the world’s largest corporations, including FedEx, Philip Morris International, and Biogen, Ryan returned to Louisiana and quietly built a consulting practice that helps organizations navigate complex business challenges through strategic communications, public affairs, and reputation management.

Today, as CEO of RAF Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, he advises companies while also giving generously of his time to Acadiana’s nonprofit and civic organizations.

In this episode of Discover Lafayette, Ryan demystifies a profession that often operates behind the scenes. He explains how organizations earn, and sometimes lose, the public’s trust, why communications belong at the executive table, and how thoughtful leadership can determine whether a company thrives during moments of opportunity or crisis.

As Ryan succinctly explains, “I’m in the trust business. I’m in the reputation business.“

Louisiana Roots, Global ExperienceRyan’s career has taken him around the world, but Louisiana has always remained home.

Born in Baton Rouge, raised in Mandeville, and educated at Loyola University New Orleans, Ryan grew up with deep family ties throughout South Louisiana. His mother’s family has roots in Lafayette stretching back generations, while his father’s family is from Alexandria.

After nearly twenty years of pursuing increasingly demanding international leadership roles, Ryan found himself burned out.

“I’d been chasing jobs and money and career all around the world for 20 years,” he recalls. “I was at a point where I was really burned out.”

Initially, moving to Lafayette was intended to be temporary, a place where he and his wife could regroup while raising their two young children closer to family.

“We’ll spend a year. See how it goes.” Eight years later, Lafayette has become home. That decision changed not only his family’s life, but the community that would eventually benefit from his leadership.

Learning Leadership at FedExRyan credits much of his professional development to his years at FedEx, where he describes the company as “my training ground” and “my MBA.”

Working inside one of the world’s largest transportation companies gave him unprecedented exposure to executive decision-making and corporate strategy.

Few people influenced him more than FedEx founder Fred Smith. “I thought of him as a professor,” Ryan says. “Every time he spoke, I just absorbed all of that.”

Smith’s military background shaped the culture of the company through a simple but powerful philosophy: “Shoot. Move. Communicate.”

Ryan explains that the phrase represented more than a slogan. It embodied how organizations must continually adapt, execute, and communicate internally to remain successful.

At FedEx, communications wasn’t an afterthought, it was part of executive leadership. Communications professionals sat alongside legal counsel, operations leaders, marketing executives, and division presidents, helping shape decisions before they became headlines.

As Ryan explains, their role was often to become “the conscience of the organization,” helping leaders ask difficult questions: “If you mess up, how do you own it? How do you fix it? How do you prevent it from happening again?”

Katrina: Helping New Orleans RecoverOne of Ryan’s defining professional experiences came in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

From FedEx’s corporate “war room,” he watched the devastation unfold while simultaneously helping coordinate logistics and charitable efforts to support New Orleans’ recovery.

The experience was deeply personal. “I felt like New Orleans was my home,” he says. “Watching that and then knowing what my friends and family were experiencing felt very personal.”

Among the recovery efforts he remains most proud of was helping the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas reopen.

After Katrina, nearly every animal inside the aquarium died when life-support systems failed. The surviving penguins and two sea otters had been relocated to California while the facility rebuilt.

When the aquarium asked FedEx for help bringing the animals home, Ryan immediately recognized the symbolic importance.

“This is going to be big. This is a story.”

FedEx ultimately chartered one of its own aircraft to transport the animals back to New Orleans, sponsored the exhibit, and helped organize a major reopening celebration nearly one year after the storm.

“It was symbolic of what New Orleans needed,” Ryan reflects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUvQQr-obXUThe story became a powerful reminder that communications is about far more than publicity; it is about helping communities recover, celebrate milestones, and restore hope.

Reinvention on a Global StageRyan’s next chapter took him to Switzerland with Philip Morris International. To many, accepting a position with a tobacco company might seem surprising.

Ryan explains that by the time he joined, the company’s leadership was investing heavily in research and development to transition smokers toward reduced-risk alternatives. His responsibility was helping one of the world’s most heavily regulated companies navigate communications in an increasingly digital world.

Unlike traditional consumer brands, every communication had to operate within extraordinary legal constraints. “It was always trying to find a path through all of the barriers,” he says.

Living overseas also transformed his family’s perspective. Ryan and his wife immersed their children in French-speaking schools, traveled extensively throughout Europe, and developed friendships with colleagues from across the globe, including Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe.

Those experiences fundamentally changed how he views the world. “I tend to see things from both sides,” he says. “I give the other side the benefit of the doubt.”

That balanced perspective continues to shape both his consulting practice and his civic leadership today.

Choosing LafayetteWhen Ryan eventually returned to the United States through Biogen, he briefly considered relocating to Boston.

Instead, he chose Lafayette. His reason was remarkably simple. Family. “I wanted them to know their family,” he says of his children.

Equally important was his desire to become part of a genuine community. Living abroad had shown him what it meant to be welcomed professionally but never fully belong.

Louisiana offered something different. “I wanted to be part of the people, part of the community.”

Rather than simply living in Lafayette, Ryan intentionally sought opportunities to serve. That commitment eventually led him to board leadership with organizations including the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana, as well as service on the committee that selected the new president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Building RAF Strategic CommunicationsRyan eventually founded RAF Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, naming the company after his initials, “RAF,” colleagues had called him throughout his FedEx career.

Today, he helps organizations clarify strategy, improve communications, strengthen relationships with government and stakeholders, and successfully compete for major contracts.

One example close to home involved Acadiana Waste Services. When the company prepared its proposal for Lafayette’s residential solid waste contract, Ryan brought years of experience responding to complex Request for Proposals.

His advice was practical: “Answer the question. Get the score you need.” But beyond simply answering technical requirements, Ryan helped the locally owned company present itself with the polish and professionalism expected of much larger national competitors. “If you want to know how the big ones operate,” he says, “this is how they do it.”

Today, he continues serving as a communications consultant for Acadiana Waste Services while helping the company build relationships throughout the community. And Ryan says, ” Just a side note, we have a monthly meeting with LCG and each month, it’s another month of no fines. To have no fines means you’ve collected every single route. If you miss something, you have 24 hours to fix it. No fines in this industry is unheard of. They are a great company and great people. I’m really fortunate to work with them.”

Reputation Can Take Decades to Build—and Minutes to LoseOne of the most fascinating portions of our conversation centered on reputation management.

Ryan discussed recent corporate case studies ranging from Fender Guitars to BP’s Deepwater Horizon response, illustrating how quickly public trust can disappear.

Quoting Warren Buffett, Ryan offered one of the interview’s most memorable observations: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

His work often involves helping organizations ask difficult questions before problems become public crises. “The best examples of what I do,” he explains, “never hit the papers because the issues have been handled properly before they were out there to ruin the reputation of the company.”

It is a reminder that successful communication isn’t simply about responding well, it is about making wiser decisions from the beginning.

Giving Back to AcadianaDespite an international résumé, Ryan speaks most enthusiastically about community service.

His involvement with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra reflects his belief that arts organizations help define the character of a community. He praises board chairman Robert Schacht for modernizing the organization while expanding educational programming, movie concerts, chamber performances, and outreach designed to welcome new audiences.

“We’re trying to bring in education and students and have fun,” Ryan says. “I just think performing arts is so important for community.”

That same philosophy guides his volunteer work across Acadiana. As he explains: “Work is just a piece of who I am.” “What I can give back is much more rewarding.”

Listen to the Full ConversationRyan Furby’s career has taken him from Louisiana to Switzerland, from global boardrooms to local nonprofit organizations, yet one lesson consistently emerges throughout our conversation:

Businesses succeed not simply because they have great products, but because they earn trust.

Whether advising Fortune 500 companies, helping a locally owned business compete for a transformational contract, or volunteering with organizations that enrich Acadiana, Ryan brings the same thoughtful approach to leadership: listening carefully, understanding multiple perspectives, and helping people achieve their best outcomes.

His story is ultimately not just about communications.

It’s about character, credibility, and the relationships that make communities and organizations stronger.

For more information about his services, visit https://rafmarketing.com/.

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For more than five decades, Trent Angers has dedicated his life to journalism, publishing, and preserving the stories that define Louisiana and its people. As founder, editor, and publisher of Acadian House Publishing, Trent has edited and published 126 books over a 45-year career while also authoring six books of his own. His work has ranged from Cajun history and Louisiana political figures to military ethics, faith, and inspirational storytelling.

A graduate of LSU’s School of Journalism, where he was named Outstanding Graduating Senior and received the Hodding Carter Award for Responsible Journalism, Trent followed in the footsteps of his father, Bob Angers, founder of Acadiana Profile magazine. Trent would eventually spend 36 years as editor and publisher of Acadiana Profile, helping build it into one of the longest-running regional magazines in America before selling the publication in 2010 to focus full-time on book publishing with Acadian House Publishing.

During our conversation, Trent reflects on a life immersed in words, ideas, and the people behind them.

“Born with printer’s ink in my blood”Trent jokes that journalism was his destiny. “You could say I was born with printer’s ink in the blood.”

His father purchased the Franklin Banner-Tribune in 1953, and Trent grew up watching the realities of community journalism firsthand. When Bob Angers launched Acadiana Profile in 1968, regional magazines were virtually unheard of.

“I thought he had lost his mind because there was almost no such thing as a city or regional magazine in this country at the time.”

Instead, Bob Angers proved to be a visionary. More than fifty years later, the publication remains an important voice for South Louisiana.

Acadian House Publishing: More Than BooksToday, Acadian House Publishing is one of Louisiana’s most respected independent publishers. Its catalog includes biographies, history, cookbooks, inspirational works, faith-based books, and regional classics.

Trent describes publishing as far more than simply printing books.

“Publishing involves careful acquisition of titles, careful editing, fact-checking, correcting, perfecting, marketing, warehousing, accounting, and distribution.”

Acadian House receives approximately 150 manuscript proposals each year but publishes only three or four books annually.

“No is the most powerful word in the English language.”

With limited capacity, Trent looks for books that move people, educate readers, and inspire meaningful reflection.

Dispelling Myths About Cajun CultureAt age 40, Trent wrote his first book, The Truth About the Cajuns, a work designed to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Acadian people.

“The first book I actually wrote is when I turned 40. The book was titled The Truth About the Cajuns. The book was designed to dispel the myths and stereotypes about the Acadian people. We’re very proud of our Acadian heritage. We’re not simple minded people who aren’t so bright. We don’t all dwell in the swamp. Our lives do not revolve around eating, drinking and dancing

Trent wanted readers to understand that Cajun identity extends far beyond the caricatures often portrayed in popular culture.

The book remains one of the most thoughtful examinations of Cajun identity and heritage.

Dudley LeBlanc: The Original Champion of Cajun PrideAnother of Trent’s works is Dudley LeBlanc: A Biography, which chronicles the life of the legendary founder of Hadacol and one of Louisiana’s most colorful political figures.

“Dudley LeBlanc, who founded Hadacol, was also known as the political and almost spiritual leader of the Acadian people. He had a French language radio show emanating from from Abbeville. The truth is, Dudley started the French Renaissance movement before Jimmy Domengeaux formalized it through CODIFIL. Dudley LeBlanc would bring it up and say, ‘Let’s stand up for our Acadian heritage and be proud and not ashamed of who we are, not ashamed of our heritage and culture.”

While many remember LeBlanc for his wildly successful patent medicine business, Trent argues that his greatest contribution was cultural. Long before organizations formalized the movement to preserve Cajun culture, LeBlanc encouraged Acadians to embrace their language, traditions, and identity.

According to Trent, both Dudley LeBlanc and James Domengeaux deserve tremendous credit for preserving and advancing Acadian culture in Louisiana.

The Forgotten Hero of the My Lai MassacrePerhaps no project has shaped Trent’s career more than The Forgotten Hero of My Lai: The Hugh Thompson Story.

The book tells the story of Hugh Thompson Jr., the American helicopter pilot credited with stopping the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. “I became Thompson’s biographer and spent lots and lots of time with him in Vietnam, in Norway, and throughout the United States, in Washington, D.C., etc. I wrote his speech when he received the soldier’s medal in Washington at the Vietnam Wall, which is the highest award a soldier can earn for anything other than direct combat with the enemy,” Trent said.

Trent devoted more than 3,000 hours of research across three continents to tell Thompson’s story. “That book was my opus.”

The defining moment came when Thompson landed his helicopter between fleeing Vietnamese civilians and advancing American soldiers. “Not on my watch,” he said.

Thompson ordered his gunner to protect the civilians, even if it meant turning their weapons on fellow Americans. His actions saved lives and ultimately helped bring the massacre to an end.

Trent explains why Thompson’s story continues to resonate: “They were willing to give up their lives just because it was the right thing to do.” The book has since been placed on the reading list of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because of its lessons on leadership, battlefield ethics, and moral courage.

Publishing Louisiana’s Most Influential VoicesOver the years, Acadian House has published works by an extraordinary range of Louisiana authors and leaders.

Among them are books by:

• Dale Brown
• Lt. General Russel L. Honoré
• Marcelle Bienvenu
• Camille Pavy Claiborne
• Brian Sibley
• Chad Judice

Trent speaks admiringly of each, emphasizing not only their accomplishments but also their character, intellect, and ability to inspire others.

Dale Brown and Human DignityOne of Trent’s most meaningful publishing relationships has been with legendary LSU basketball coach Dale Brown.

Acadian House published Brown’s Getting Over the Four Hurdles of Life, and Trent later authored Dale Brown: Caught in the Battle for Human Dignity.

He also played a significant role, along with Lafayette attorney Glenn Armentor, in the effort to have LSU’s basketball court named in Brown’s honor.

“Every generation needs role models.”

For Trent, Brown represents integrity, courage, compassion, and leadership. “Dale Brown is a role model of integrity, courage, bravery, intelligence.”

Those qualities made him not only a successful coach but also one of America’s most sought-after motivational speakers.

The Secret Life of an EditorOne of the most fascinating parts of our conversation centered on the editor-author relationship.

After working closely with writers for months or years, Trent says editors often develop a deep understanding of how authors think.

“We call that mind meld.”

His philosophy is simple: “The job of an editor is to make the writer look like a genius.”

That requires more than correcting grammar. It involves improving structure, strengthening logic, checking facts, and helping authors communicate their ideas as clearly as possible.

Cookbooks Outsell Almost EverythingDespite publishing biographies, history, and inspirational works, Trent admits one category consistently surprises him: Cookbooks.

Acadian House’s most successful title is Marcelle Bienvenu’s iconic cookbook Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux? The book has sold approximately 200,000 copies.

“That book is in the top one percentile of books ever published in America.”

For Trent, the success is both gratifying and humbling. “You do a cookbook and you sell the heck out of it.”

The enduring popularity of Louisiana food culture continues to introduce readers around the world to Acadiana traditions.

Freedom of the PressAs a lifelong journalist, Trent remains deeply passionate about the First Amendment. “Freedom of the press is the hill I would die on. This country is free, in part because of the free press. Because of the free flow of information. It’s the press’s job to educate, to inform, to entertain. We serve the public, not the government. The press exists to serve the public.”

He argues that a free society depends upon the free flow of information and a press willing to challenge power when necessary.

“The press exists to serve the public, not the government.”

Regardless of political affiliation, Trent believes journalism’s highest calling remains informing citizens and protecting democratic accountability.

What’s Next: Orphan Train to LouisianaAmong Acadian House’s upcoming projects is Orphan Train to Louisiana, a book examining the little-known story of thousands of orphaned children transported from New York City to families across America.

The project was inspired by a staggering historical reality.

“At one point in New York City there were 30,000 babies and children on the street, homeless.”

The book explores the efforts of religious organizations and charitable groups that worked to place children with loving families, including many in Louisiana.

For Trent, it is exactly the kind of story Acadian House loves to tell: forgotten history that reveals the best of humanity.

Faith, Service, and GratitudeOutside of publishing, Trent is active in the Secular Franciscan Order, whose members seek to live according to the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi through service, humility, and care for others.

Reflecting on his blessings, he says: “We’re among the luckiest people in the world, in the history of civilization.”

That perspective of gratitude, combined with a lifelong commitment to storytelling, continues to shape his work today.

Whether preserving Cajun history, documenting battlefield courage, promoting faith-filled voices, or introducing readers to remarkable Louisianans, Trent Angers remains one of Acadiana’s most important cultural storytellers.

To learn more about Trent Angers and Acadian House Publishing, visit their website and explore a catalog that reflects the rich history, culture, faith, and character of Louisiana.

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Few people have shaped environmental policy and conservation efforts in Acadiana as persistently as Harold Schoeffler.

Known to many as part of the family behind Schoeffler Cadillac, Harold’s legacy extends far beyond the automobile business. For more than six decades, he has been a tireless advocate for protecting Louisiana’s natural resources, improving public policy, mentoring young people through Scouting, and encouraging citizens to become active stewards of their communities.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Harold reflects on a lifetime of work that has touched everything from oil recycling and waste reduction to flood control, wildlife preservation, and public access to Louisiana’s waterways.

“The Gifts of the Earth Are Public Gifts”Harold’s philosophy is rooted in a simple belief:

“We have private gifts, our health and our intelligence, that we will be held accountable for. But the gifts of the earth are public gifts, and we’ll be just as accountable for that.”

That conviction has guided his work for decades. Rather than simply criticizing problems, Harold has focused on finding practical solutions.

One of his earliest environmental victories came in the 1970s, when he discovered that used motor oil from most Lafayette service stations was being dumped into storm drains that ultimately emptied into local waterways.

At the time, 52 of Lafayette’s 54 filling stations were disposing of waste oil this way. Harold located a New Orleans recycling company willing to install storage tanks at no cost and purchase the used oil from station owners. After identifying a city fire code violation related to dumping petroleum products into storm drains, he worked with local officials to implement a citywide solution.

The result?

According to Harold, Lafayette became the first community in Louisiana to fully recycle used motor oil, selling it at 50 cents per gallon. “This was just money from heaven, you know.”

Transforming Waste into ResourcesHarold’s efforts extended beyond oil recycling.

He became deeply involved in helping Lafayette address mounting waste disposal challenges, particularly yard waste and sewage sludge.

At a time when yard waste occupied enormous amounts of landfill space, Harold helped promote the use of tub grinders that could reduce volume by approximately 90 percent. The resulting mulch and compost products created value instead of waste.

Similarly, he worked on legislation and policy changes that allowed treated sewage sludge to be safely recycled for agricultural use rather than being hauled to landfills at significant public expense. These initiatives not only reduced environmental impacts but also saved taxpayers money and created new economic opportunities.

Today, Harold notes that many residents have little idea how much waste is already being recycled through these systems.

Saving the Louisiana Black BearPerhaps Harold’s most touching conservation achievement is his role in protecting the Louisiana Black Bear.

In 1987, he petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to place the Louisiana Black Bear on the endangered species list. After years of advocacy and litigation, the bear was officially listed as threatened in 1992. His efforts later contributed to the protection of more than one million acres of critical habitat for the species.

Harold explains that at the time he began his quest to protect the species, there may have been fewer than 300 to 400 Louisiana Black Bears remaining; yet Louisiana was continung to grant 165,000 big game hunting tags yearly before his efforts to save the black bear.

His concern was never opposition to hunting itself. As an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman, he viewed conservation as ensuring that wildlife populations remain healthy enough for future generations.

As he notes in our conversation, preservation of the species, not opposition to sportsmen, was always the goal. (Note: Due to recovery, the Louisiana Black Bear was officially removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Species on March 11, 2016; however, it remains protected under Louisiana state law, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to actively manage this subspecies.)

The Atchafalaya Basin and Public AccessAnother major chapter in Harold’s work involves the Atchafalaya Basin.

Over the years he has fought against practices he believed threatened the basin’s ecological health and public accessibility, including shell dredging operations and legal disputes involving public waterways.

He recounts the landmark Larry Daigle case, in which a commercial fisherman faced criminal trespassing charges while fishing in waters Harold believed were public. The case ultimately became a significant legal battle involving questions of public access, navigable waterways, and property rights within the basin. Harold views the outcome as a victory not only for one fisherman but for the public’s rights throughout Louisiana’s waterways.

His extensive firsthand knowledge of Louisiana’s waterways comes from decades spent hunting, fishing, scouting, and paddling through some of the state’s most remote landscapes.

A Lifetime in ScoutingAsk Harold what accomplishment makes him most proud, and his answer isn’t environmental litigation.

It’s Scouting. For 42 years Harold was involved in the Scouts and helped guide 125 young men to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Throughout our conversation, he repeatedly returns to the importance of believing in young people.

“If you think they can, they can. If you think they can’t, you can’t. And that’s a lesson for parents. You know, if you’re going to have a negative attitude towards your kids, you’re going to get negative results. But if you think they can, you know, they can sense that also.”

Harold shares lessons learned from serving on a military school board, where early special education programs demonstrated how expectations can profoundly affect a child’s success.

Those same lessons shaped his approach to mentoring Scouts, many of whom achieved far more than others expected of them.

His philosophy also extended to environmental stewardship.

He often taught Scouts that if boys are taught not to litter before the age ten, they are unlikely to become litterers later in life. Changing behavior early, he argues, is one of the most effective ways to improve communities.

The Power of Citizen InvolvementOne recurring theme throughout this conversation is Harold’s belief that ordinary citizens can solve extraordinary problems.

Whether discussing flood control, environmental policy, waste management, or economic development, Harold consistently points to the value of public participation.

He shares stories of public meetings where solutions emerged not from experts or consultants but from local residents willing to speak up and share ideas.

For Harold, conservation has never been about politics. It’s about facts, integrity, and doing what is right for the long-term health of the community.

“If they catch you in a lie one time, you’re dead.” Integrity, he says, must remain at the center of every public effort.

Looking AheadAt a time when environmental issues often become politically polarized, Harold offers a refreshingly practical perspective. His message is simple: “If you pick up one piece of litter a day and all the people in town do it, you’d have no litter.”

The lesson applies far beyond trash.

Positive change often begins with small actions, sustained over time by people willing to care.

Harold Schoeffler’s life demonstrates what can happen when one citizen decides that stewardship is not someone else’s responsibility. It’s ours.

Topics Discussed* Growing up in Lafayette and the Schoeffler family business * Boy Scouts and mentoring 125 Eagle Scouts * Recycling used motor oil in Lafayette during the 1970s * Protecting the Vermilion River and local waterways * Yard waste recycling and composting programs * Sewage sludge recycling initiatives * Flood control and watershed management * The Atchafalaya Basin and public access rights * The Larry Daigle case * Shell dredging litigation * The Louisiana Black Bear and endangered species protection * Public engagement and environmental stewardship * Why integrity matters in public advocacy

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For many people across Acadiana, Allen & Gooch attorney Troy Broussard is known as a respected litigator and senior partner who has practiced law in Lafayette for more than three decades. But in this episode of Discover Lafayette, listeners meet another side of Troy: novelist, storyteller, songwriter, painter, observer of South Louisiana culture, and thoughtful chronicler of the complicated racial history woven into life in Acadiana.

Troy joins us to discuss his recently published novel, Where Lies the Truth, a Southern coming-of-age crime story set against the bayous and backroads of St. Landry Parish. The novel opens in the summer of 1976, when 12-year-old Ezra Brasseaux embarks on what should have been an ordinary hunting trip in the swamps near his hometown. Instead, Ezra stumbles into a world shaped by violence, racial tension, buried secrets, and murder — experiences that haunt him well into adulthood.

What unfolds during our conversation is far more than a discussion about writing fiction. Troy reflects candidly on growing up in Eunice during the earliest years of racial integration in St. Landry Parish schools. He describes himself and his classmates as “the guinea pigs,” among the first children thrown together as long-segregated cultures suddenly collided in classrooms and communities.

“As I grew older,” Troy explains, “my views of it changed looking at it retrospectively.” He discusses the slow and deeply personal evolution away from what he calls “southern small-town indoctrination,” and how exposure to new people, ideas, and experiences gradually reshaped his understanding of race, prejudice, and human complexity.

That emotional and intellectual evolution forms the backbone of Where Lies the Truth. Troy emphasizes that while the novel is entirely fictional, it is heavily inspired by real people, real conversations, and real tensions that shaped South Louisiana life in the 1970s and beyond. “This is not a true story,” he says. “But yes, it is inspired by actual events and actual people.”

The story follows Ezra Brasseaux and his closest friends, Giles Poirier and Vance Doiron, as they navigate adolescence in a culturally divided Acadiana landscape. Years later, they are pulled back into the mystery of an unsolved crime involving two young Black victims, forcing them to confront painful truths hidden beneath decades of assumptions and silence. Troy says the novel ultimately explores “the idea of learning, trying to unlearn things you believed had been true your whole life, and realizing that there’s another side to the story.”

One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation is Troy’s nuanced discussion of race in South Louisiana. He argues that Acadiana’s cultural history cannot simply be reduced to Black-and-white narratives. Instead, he describes a far more layered social reality involving Cajun Catholics, white Protestants, Creoles, and African Americans — all with their own tensions, identities, and historical wounds.

In researching the novel, Troy interviewed people from a wide range of backgrounds and heard stories that profoundly affected him, including accounts of colorism and exclusion that persisted even within Black communities themselves. He shares one striking example involving the “brown paper bag test” still being informally referenced in certain university social circles as recently as a decade ago.

The conversation also dives deeply into the creative process itself. Troy spent nearly 15 years writing the novel, beginning the project in his early 40s and finally completing it in his mid-50s. What began as a sprawling 1,200-page manuscript eventually had to be painfully condensed into a publishable form.

“The difficult part of the editing was not so much the technology,” Troy explains, “but when you write something and you really immerse yourself in the creative process, what you write kind of becomes like your children.” He jokingly compares the process to “Sophie’s Choice of editing,” where every deleted scene altered timelines, relationships, and emotional continuity throughout the story.

Troy credits several influential teachers with shaping his ability to write. He speaks with tremendous affection about Elaine Dumais, his teacher in the gifted program in St. Landry Parish, who first introduced him to creativity and artistic thinking. He also honors his demanding high school English teacher Carol Fuselier, whose relentless standards prepared him not only for law school but ultimately for writing fiction. “I knew how to write because she gave that to me,” Troy says. “She pushed me.”

Listeners will especially enjoy hearing Troy describe how characters begin to “write themselves” once a novelist becomes immersed in a story. He explains that dialogue became his favorite part of the process because it allowed him to fully inhabit personalities vastly different from his own — from successful professionals to deeply flawed, struggling characters such as Uncle Nedrick, one of the novel’s most memorable voices.

The discussion also touches on literary influences, including To Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill. Troy shares how Atticus Finch profoundly shaped his image of what a lawyer should be: someone who works with integrity and seeks justice regardless of public pressure or cultural norms.

Beyond writing and law, Troy reveals a rich creative life filled with music, painting, travel, mountain biking, and songwriting. He has written more than 75 songs over the years and remains an avid guitarist with a collection ranging from Martin acoustics to smaller travel guitars perfect for early morning songwriting sessions. He and his wife Beth also share a love for the outdoors and for their energetic Hungarian Vizsla, who frequently joins them on hikes and bike trails.

Toward the end of the interview, producer Jason Sikora asks the obvious modern question: could Where Lies the Truth someday become a film or streaming series? Troy laughs at the idea but admits he would welcome the opportunity, even suggesting Paul Rudd as his dream casting choice for Ezra Brasseaux because of his ability to balance seriousness with humor.

This episode of Discover Lafayette is ultimately a conversation about memory, identity, truth, and the stories we inherit about ourselves and our communities. Through Where Lies the Truth, Troy Broussard invites readers to confront uncomfortable realities while also recognizing the possibility of growth, empathy, and personal evolution.

Listeners can find Where Lies the Truth through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and follow Troy through his personal Facebook page as he continues sharing news about the book and future projects.

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Independent films and film festivals are thriving in Louisiana, and on this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome three passionate advocates helping shape the future of filmmaking across the state: Southern Screen Festival Founder and Executive Director Julie Bordelon; filmmaker and Director of Public Relations for the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, Jenika Kolacz; and Lafayette native Kelly Swift, Film Programming Director for Manship Theatre and Events Director for the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival.

The conversation explores Louisiana’s growing independent film ecosystem, the importance of film festivals in building creative communities, and the realities filmmakers face trying to sustain careers in the state. Julie Bordelon, founder of Southern Screen Festival, reflects on how she entered the industry without formal film school training, learning production hands-on while working in Lafayette during the height of Louisiana’s film production boom. “I had no clue what I was doing,” she says of her early days in production. “By the middle of the first film, I was a department head.”

Bordelon later served as an entertainment liaison for the City of Lafayette, helping support Louisiana’s tax incentive initiatives for film, music, and digital media before launching Southern Screen Festival nearly sixteen years ago.

Southern Screen Festival was born out of a desire to create opportunities for local artists and filmmakers in Acadiana. “I pulled them all on to the board and started the Southern Screen Festival without knowing at all what I was doing,” Bordelon recalls. “Just trying to make a scene for us and for other artists and creatives.” In its 16th year, the festival will be held November 19-22, 2026. Learn more at Southern Screen.

Today, Southern Screen Festival has evolved into a year-round, multidisciplinary arts organization that extends far beyond its annual November festival. The organization now presents film screenings, workshops, networking mixers, writing programs, pop-up events, live podcasts, and music showcases designed to strengthen Louisiana’s creative economy and connect local artists with national industry professionals.

Southern Screen Festival has become one of Louisiana’s most respected independent arts festivals, attracting filmmakers, musicians, producers, writers, editors, and storytellers from around the world to downtown Lafayette every November. The four-day festival features international screenings, panels, workshops, live performances, parties, and filmmaker networking events designed to create what Bordelon calls “a festival for filmmakers and for artists.” The festival remains intentionally non-competitive, allowing filmmakers at every level to feel equally supported and accessible to one another.

Over the years, Southern Screen Festival has welcomed an impressive lineup of industry guests, including Tom Kenny, editor Javier Marcheselli of “Blade Runner 2049” and “Dune,” “Family Guy” writer and actor Alex Borstein, and producer Monty Ross of “Malcolm X.” Bordelon explains that Southern Screen Festival intentionally creates opportunities for festival attendees to interact directly with accomplished industry professionals in workshops and conversations without barriers or gatekeepers.

One of the festival’s newest expansions is particularly exciting for Acadiana’s growing animation community. Southern Screen Festival recently announced plans to partner with UL-Lafayette on a brand-new animation festival launching in April 2027. The event will feature curated animation screenings, educational panels, artist talks, and hands-on learning opportunities aimed at students, emerging creators, and animation fans of all ages. During the interview, Bordelon explains that the idea grew directly out of audience demand for more animation programming at Southern Screen Festival.

Southern Screen’s commitment to education also includes its expanding student film initiatives. The organization hosts student workshops and showcases for Acadiana students in grades six through twelve, encouraging young creatives to experiment with filmmaking while gaining exposure to professional industry environments. Bordelon also discussed her work through Create Louisiana, which provides grants, mentorship, and creative support to Louisiana filmmakers and artists statewide.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the rapid rise of the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, known as BRUFF. Launched in 2025 at Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge, the festival sold out its inaugural year and immediately established itself as a major gathering point for Louisiana’s independent film community. The festival celebrates indie and genre-focused filmmaking while creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and hands-on education.

Kelly Swift describes BRUFF as “a film festival for filmmakers by filmmakers,” with programming that intentionally supports student filmmakers, first-time directors, emerging artists, and seasoned professionals equally. Last year’s inaugural festival featured more than 50 independent films, educational panels, networking opportunities, workshops, and afterparties throughout downtown Baton Rouge. Organizers say one of the most rewarding aspects was watching filmmakers from Louisiana connect organically with artists visiting from Florida, Texas, Georgia, New York, California, and beyond.

This year, the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival will be held from August 27 – 30, 2026. Festival passes start at $30, with full access available for $75. Visit BRUFF for more information.

Jenika Kolacz notes that BRUFF’s mission goes beyond screenings. “We really want to celebrate independent filmmaking as a whole,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where filmmakers can collaborate, share resources, and build careers together. The festival’s organizers also experimented this year with a free FilmFreeway submission day to eliminate financial barriers for filmmakers who might otherwise be unable to afford festival fees.

The guests also discuss the broader challenges facing Louisiana’s film industry, including fluctuating production levels, workforce sustainability, and the need to better support local filmmakers, not just outside productions utilizing Louisiana tax credits. “Those local filmmakers, those are the people we need to be supporting,” Bordelon says.

Despite the challenges, the episode is ultimately an optimistic look at Louisiana’s creative future. Whether through Southern Screen Festival’s expansion into animation and year-round programming, or BRUFF’s fast-growing grassroots momentum in Baton Rouge, all three guests emphasize the same goal: creating spaces where Louisiana filmmakers can collaborate, learn, experiment, and build sustainable creative careers right here at home.

Learn more about Southern Screen, Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival, Manship Theatre, and Create Louisiana.

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Lafayette Police Chief Paul Trouard joins Discover Lafayette for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about nearly three decades in law enforcement, the rapid evolution of policing technology, and the realities of leading a modern police department in one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing communities.

Appointed Lafayette Chief of Police in February 2025 after serving as interim chief, Trouard brings more than 28 years of law enforcement experience to the role. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he also holds a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership from Columbia Southern University, a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and an undergraduate criminal justice certificate from the University of Virginia. Trouard additionally served as a staff sergeant in the Louisiana National Guard.

Recorded at the LFT Fiber Connectivity Summit on March 19, 2026, at Vermilionville, the interview explores how technology and connectivity now shape virtually every aspect of policing. Trouard vividly contrasts today’s real-time emergency response systems with the realities officers faced when he first joined the force nearly 30 years ago. “Dispatch would get a phone call from 911. They would write down the call on the card, they’d put the card in a bin with your name on it,” he recalled. Officers relied on paper maps and radio instructions, often struggling to locate addresses in the middle of the night. “Something that might have taken 10, 15, 20 minutes in the past for us to figure out where we’re going now takes only seconds.”

Today, Trouard says, “Lafayette’s emergency response network is driven by GPS-enabled dispatching, real-time camera feeds, data terminals inside patrol vehicles, and a growing drone program that can assist officers before they even arrive at a scene. The technology has changed so fast over the last few years.”

Trouard shares that he knew by middle school that law enforcement would become his career. Drawn to public service by his family background, he says Lafayette Police Department’s college assistance program helped solidify his decision to relocate from Calcasieu Parish to Lafayette. “I fell in love with it,” he says. “There’s nothing like it. Every call is different. You actually can help the public.”

Chief Trouard’s career path within the department reflects nearly every major operational area of policing. After beginning on patrol, he spent years training recruits in the field training unit before moving into financial crimes investigations and eventually homicide. Trouard still vividly remembers his first homicide case. “They sent me out on a homicide call and I solved it the first night,” he said. “I found out that that’s exactly what I wanted to do.”

Much of his career was spent supervising homicide and violent crimes investigations, eventually rising through the ranks to captain before unexpectedly stepping into department leadership. “People don’t realize that we’re trained to do law enforcement,” Trouard explained. “But now you’re running the department, you’re doing the finances, you’re doing the policy, you’re doing all the internal affairs complaints. You have to learn to run the business.”

“We have about 285 officers right now and are allocated 300. So we’re recruiting. We’re hiring if anybody’s interested. You need to be 21 years of age with a high school diploma. We’ll take care of the rest. We have an education program where you can come and take college credits and the Police Department will pay for it.”

Trouard says one of his immediate priorities as chief was improving officer retention and modernization. “There are three things that keep an officer with an agency,” he said. “Number one is agency reputation. Number two is the equipment. Number three is pay.” Under his leadership, Lafayette Police replaced major equipment including radios, weaponry, and in-car data terminals.

The conversation also dives deeply into Lafayette’s recent crime trends. Trouard notes that Lafayette has seen a significant reduction in homicides during the past two years. “Three years ago we had 29 homicides,” he said. “This past year we’re down to ten homicides with all of them closed.” He attributes part of that decline to strategic changes targeting major narcotics suppliers rather than street-level offenders. “We’re on I-10 and I-49. We’re on a drug corridor,” Trouard explained. “If you take drugs off the street, you take guns off the street, things get real quiet.”

Trouard also stresses the importance of citizen awareness and community involvement in crime prevention. “Eighty-five percent of vehicle burglaries are unlocked vehicles,” he said, adding that many stolen firearms originate from unsecured vehicles. “If you see something, say something,” remains one of the department’s guiding principles.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on large-scale public safety coordination during Mardi Gras, festivals, hurricanes, and other major events. Trouard describes how Lafayette’s Emergency Operations Center now places police, fire, EMS, roads and bridges, transit personnel, and dispatchers together in the same room for immediate decision-making. “The sharing of information is immediate,” he said. “It’s not picking up a phone and hoping that you have the right extension. It’s looking at the person across the table saying, ‘Hey, I need help.’”

Following the deadly 2025 vehicle attack in New Orleans, Trouard says Lafayette completely redesigned its Mardi Gras security strategy. “We basically took our Mardi Gras book after that happened and threw it in the trash,” he explained. New protective barriers, buses used as crowd shields, expanded drone operations, explosive-detection dogs, undercover officers, and enhanced surveillance measures were all implemented to improve public safety. “Quiet is good,” Trouard says. “That’s what we want.”

The interview additionally highlights growing regional cooperation among law enforcement agencies throughout Lafayette Parish, including Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Scott, Youngsville, Broussard, and Carencro. Trouard describes a culture of collaboration during emergencies and major events, noting that agencies routinely share manpower, technology, and resources.

One of the most moving moments of the conversation comes when Trouard reflects on the emotional weight of homicide investigations and the responsibility investigators carry for victims’ families. “Standing next to the victim’s family when you get a guilty verdict is probably some of the strongest memories that I have,” he says. “Knowing that you brought them justice, that you resolved the case for them, that you put the bad guy in jail.”

Trouard also emphasizes that modern policing involves far more than arrests and enforcement. He shares the story of Lieutenant Jarvis Mayfield, who helped an elderly woman obtain custody of her grandson and personally assisted her in enrolling the child in school. “We’re not always out there just writing tickets and taking people to jail,” Trouard said. “There’s a different side to us and that happens every day.”

As Lafayette continues to grow, Trouard says the department remains focused on modernization, recruitment, and maintaining public trust. “Our department is strong,” he said. “We’re doing great. We’re well funded. We’re well supported by the mayor’s office. We’re ever changing, ever growing, and always looking for new and enthusiastic people to come join our agency.”

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Few public servants in Louisiana history have worn as many hats, or told as many stories, as Jay Dardenne. Having served as State Senator, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor, and Commissioner of Administration under John Bel Edwards, Dardenne has spent decades shaping and promoting the state. But in this conversation, we explore a different dimension of his life: historian, storyteller, and documentarian.

Dardenne is the creator and host of Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi or Any Place Else, a production of Louisiana Public Broadcasting that brings Louisiana’s complex history to life. What began as a live presentation he started developing in the 1990s has evolved into a widely viewed documentary, what Jay calls “a gumbo of culture, politics, music, and storytelling.” His goal is simple but profound: to help people understand not just what happened in Louisiana, but why it shaped who we are today.

His personal connection to Acadiana runs deep. “It is always good to come to Lafayette,” he shares. “I spend a lot of time here growing up because my mother was born here. It’s like a second home.”

Dardenne’s passion for public service began early. Reflecting on his time as student body president at Louisiana State University, he admits the decision to run came “in a moment of weakness,” but it set the stage for a lifelong commitment to leadership. “I think I did want to serve from a young age. I always wanted to be president of this or that. It was kind of a natural move for me to decide to get into politics.”

Even today, he remains active in the legal field, working as a mediator and maintaining a practice focused on business matters and estate planning. “I don’t want to retire,” he says candidly.

At the heart of this episode is Dardenne’s deep dive into Louisiana’s identity. He emphasizes that Louisiana’s influence far exceeds its size: “We punch above our weight as a state. Our influence and our impact on sports, music, politics, art and literature is disproportionate to our size.”

His storytelling traces the state’s origins from Indigenous civilizations at Poverty Point, a site he notes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, to the layered cultural influences of French, Spanish, African, Acadian, and immigrant communities. He walks listeners through the founding of New Orleans by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and the early French explorers like René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle, highlighting how these forces combined to create what he repeatedly describes as a uniquely Louisiana “gumbo.”

The conversation also captures his appreciation for the state’s colorful political past. Figures like Huey Long and Dudley LeBlanc loom large in his storytelling, representing a brand of larger-than-life leadership that he believes has faded over time. “We have characters still,” he says, “but we don’t have the color that Huey Long and Dudley LeBlanc brought.”

Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! Documentary Companion Book showcases the photography of visual documentarian photographer Carol Highsmith. The book takes you on a visual journey across Louisiana, revealing hidden beauty and startling new perspectives of iconic images. It can be purchased at LPB’s website here. Dardenne’s work is not just about history, it’s about connection. Through humor, he makes complex narratives memorable: “People do remember things that entertain them.” That philosophy has helped his presentation resonate with audiences across generations, even leading to curriculum-based lesson plans for students in grades 6 through 12.

Educators, students, and parents now have access to new digital resources that complement learning across multiple areas of study and put Louisiana history and culture center stage! Developed by LPB Education, these free educational resources offer entertaining and informative content for twenty-four curriculum supports. This effort was funded through a dedicated percentage of membership revenues raised by Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! Visit https://whylouisiana.lpb.org/Classroom.html for more information. He also shares insight into his latest documentary project, focused on LSU legend Billy Cannon. The film explores Cannon’s life beyond football, including his later work at Louisiana State Penitentiary. “It’ll be a football story,” Dardenne explains, “but it’ll also be about redemption, what he did at Angola after he was released from prison.”

When asked what he is most proud of, Dardenne’s answer is deeply personal: “My two sons.” Professionally, however, his guiding principle has remained constant: “I like to leave a place better than I found it.”

That ethos extends to his love for Louisiana itself. Despite its challenges, he believes the state’s culture and sense of identity keep people rooted here. “We’re very self-critical, but nonetheless, this is a place where people want to live. They love the lifestyle. They love who we are.”

In this episode, Jay Dardenne reminds us that Louisiana is not easily defined, and that’s exactly the point. Through history, humor, and heartfelt reflection, he invites us to see the state not just as a place, but as a living story worth preserving.

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Danny Gillane, Director of the Lafayette Public Library System, joins Discover Lafayette for a timely conversation about the evolving role of our parish libraries and the tax renewal on the ballot Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Gillane has served Lafayette’s library system for nearly two decades, following earlier work with public and academic libraries including UL-Lafayette and the Louisiana State Library. He earned a master’s degree in library science from Louisiana State University.

Serving Lafayette Parish through nine branches, the system has grown steadily over the past two decades, with major regional libraries in Carencro, Youngsville, Scott, and Lafayette, alongside smaller satellite locations embedded in community centers. Gillane emphasizes that the system’s mission extends far beyond books and is a community asset offering a treasure trove of resources. “The whole community pays for the library. So we are a shared resource,” he explains. “There’s no money transaction when you walk through the door.”

That shared investment delivers a remarkable range of services. In addition to physical and digital books, including downloadable audiobooks comparable to commercial platforms, the library offers free access to meeting rooms, study spaces, and technology resources. In 2025 alone, “over 35,000 people booked a study room or a meeting room,” and the library system hosted more than “3,800 programs with over 80,000 attendees.”

Programming spans all ages and interests: technology training, genealogy research, makerspaces with 3D printers and laser cutters, and even recreational offerings like Zumba and mahjong. Library members can also check out musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and accordions for 30 days, providing families a low-risk way to explore new interests. “Before you know if it’s going to stick,” Gillane notes, “let’s check this out.”

One of the library’s most popular and lesser-known benefits is free access to local cultural institutions. With a library card, patrons can reserve passes to destinations such as the Hilliard Art Museum, Vermilionville, Alexandre Mouton House/Lafayette Museum, Lafayette Science Museum and the Children’s Museum, with admission covering an entire household. The system has also recently partnered to provide free parking access at Moncus Park. Additional llibrary membership resources include online access to training and test prep courses such as Udemy, Mometrix Test Preparation, LinkedIn Learning, and Learning Express Library.

Gillane describes the library as an essential “third space” in the community: “It’s a good space for people to come together. There’s no discriminating who comes in, no judging. Check out what we have, book a room, hang out.”

This community-centered mission is directly tied to the upcoming May 16, 2026 ballot, where voters will consider renewal of a 3.12 mill property tax that funds approximately 65% of the library’s operating revenue. If approved, the renewal would extend funding for ten years beginning in 2027. The tax generates about $8.89 million a year for operation and maintenance of buildings and services and for personnel

“It pays for the operation of the library, maintenance of the buildings, any capital improvements, everything is encompassed in these two taxes,” Gillane explains, referencing the system’s two dedicated millages. He stresses the importance of voter awareness: “We are at the bottom of the ballot, so keep going.”

The stakes are significant. The library system operates on an annual budget of just over $14 million and has recently moved from a $1 million deficit in 2021 to a more stable financial position through cost-cutting and increased tax revenues. That stability is now enabling long-delayed projects, including major renovations to the South Regional Library, expansion of the North Regional Library in Carencro, and plans for a new Northeast Regional Library near the Holy Rosary site which is anticipated to open around early 2028.

Gillane underscores that community input remains vital to the system’s future. “If you ever go in the library and there is something you wish we had, please reach out. We don’t hear from enough people, and we want to be there for everyone in our community.”

For those who haven’t visited recently, his message is simple: “Please come in. We’d love to see you. There’s plenty to see.”

As Lafayette Parish prepares for the May 16 vote, this conversation offers a clear reminder that the public library is not just a place for books—it is a dynamic, community-funded resource that continues to evolve with the needs of Acadiana.

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On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Nancy Landry, Louisiana’s 45th Secretary of State and the state’s chief elections officer. A Lafayette native and former State Representative for District 31, Landry brings both institutional knowledge and a deep personal connection to Acadiana as she returns home to discuss a pivotal moment in Louisiana’s election landscape.

Landry opens with a reminder that while most people associate her office with elections, its responsibilities extend far beyond the ballot box. “We administer all the elections in the state,” she explains, “but we also are in charge of registering businesses, we administer and run nine museums, and we’re in charge of keeping and preserving the state’s archives.” She emphasizes the office’s goal of providing “a one-stop shop” for businesses, with accessible and largely free public records, a resource many, including those in the legal community, rely upon daily.

The heart of the conversation centers on significant changes to Louisiana’s election system. Beginning with the May 16 primary, the state will implement a partially closed party primary for five specific races: U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Louisiana Supreme Court, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the Public Service Commission. Landry explains clearly: “If you are a registered Republican, you will get a Republican ballot and if you’re a Democrat, you’ll get the Democrat ballot. And if you are an unaffiliated “No Party” voter, you will get to choose which primary you participate in when you arrive at your precinct to vote.” She stresses that this selection of Democrat or Republican, once made, carries through any runoff election.

This shift marks a notable departure from Louisiana’s long-standing “jungle primary” system and introduces new responsibilities for voters. Landry underscores the importance of awareness: “Even though you’ve been voting a certain way your whole life, if you’ve not officially changed your party registration, that official registration is what determines which ballot you get.” The deadline to update voter registration or party affiliation for the upcoming May 16 primary election is April 25. She strongly encourages voters to verify their party status using the Secretary of State’s GeauxVote webpage or mobile app.

The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of administering elections across Louisiana’s 64 parishes. Landry describes a highly coordinated system of training, logistics, and oversight, calling poll workers “the backbone of elections.” She candidly shares that election days are rarely without incident—“There is a fire somewhere at some precinct in almost every single election,” highlighting the adaptability required to ensure voting continues uninterrupted.

Louisiana’s election system, she notes, is nationally recognized for its integrity. “We’re ranked number four in the nation in election integrity,” Landry says, pointing to what she calls the “four P’s”: people, policies, procedures, and physical security. Among those safeguards: voting machines that are never connected to the internet, public testing and sealing procedures, and strict enforcement of election laws.

Looking ahead, Landry discusses efforts to modernize Louisiana’s voting infrastructure. The current system is more than 30 years old, and the state is working toward a new model that combines efficiency with accountability. “We want the speed and accuracy that we’re used to, but we also want to have that paper ballot to provide a check and balance,” she explains, describing plans for risk-limiting audits as the “gold standard” for verifying election results.

Photo of Secretary of State Nancy Landry by Javier Gallegos of Nola.comBeyond policy and process, Landry speaks passionately about civic engagement. From serving as a poll worker to contacting elected officials, she encourages citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities. “The number one people that we listen to are our constituents,” she says, reflecting on her own experience as a legislator. She also reminds listeners that even local elections, often overlooked, can have the most direct impact on daily life.

At its core, this conversation is a timely and practical guide for Louisiana voters navigating meaningful change. Landry’s message is clear: stay informed, verify your registration, and most importantly—show up.

We thank Secretary of State Nancy Landry for her service to our state and devotion to making her office the best in the U. S.

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Recorded on March 19, 2026 at Vermilionville during the LFT Fiber Powered by Connectivity Summit, this episode of Discover Lafayette captures a powerful conversation about leadership, innovation, and the role of connectivity in shaping Acadiana’s future. The summit’s theme, Growth Powered by Fiber – Where Technology Meets Community, comes to life through the perspective of Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, newly appointed seventh president of University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Dr. Kolluru’s story is deeply intertwined with Lafayette itself. Reflecting on his journey from India to Acadiana, he shares, “This is not where I was born. I grew up in India. But I chose to grow old in Acadiana, and here at this university that I came to as a graduate student back in 1992.” What began as a practical decision, “Mom and Dad decided that I was going to go where my brother was,” evolved into a lifelong commitment to the region. His early impressions of Lafayette shifted quickly as he immersed himself in research and community, ultimately “falling in love with this place.”

A defining moment in his journey came through an unexpected mentor: former university president Dr. Ray Authement. Kolluru recalls how Dr. Authement would quietly visit his lab, asking about his work and future plans. “Here was the president of a university of 16,000 students checking in on an international graduate student; the president was checking in on me.” That experience shaped his philosophy of leadership, instilling a belief in visibility, belonging, and personal impact. As he puts it, “Here was the president of the university that made me feel like I mattered. I was visible and I counted.”

Now leading the university himself, Kolluru emphasizes that his success is inseparable from the institution’s influence on him. “This university poured itself into me. It made me who I am today.” His presidency builds on decades of service, including his tenure as Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, where he helped guide UL Lafayette to its prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, placing it among the top 3% of research universities in the nation.

Research at UL Lafayette spans a wide range of critical fields, from artificial intelligence and energy to biotechnology. Kolluru highlights the university’s national leadership in data science and AI, noting, “Artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue to inform our society and our economy and our national competitiveness.” He also points to groundbreaking work at the New Iberia Research Center, the country’s largest primate research station, where “the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was proven to be safe and effective on nonhuman primates before the vaccines were available for public use.” These efforts reflect a broader vision of positioning Louisiana as a major player in biotech and advanced manufacturing.

Central to this vision is the connection between research and real-world impact. Kolluru has long championed aligning academic innovation with economic development, ensuring students have pathways to meaningful careers. “We wanted to make sure that what we were doing in research translated into jobs here in our community.” That strategy has helped Acadiana retain its talent, with 82% of graduates staying in the region one year after graduation. “That number drops from 82% to 77% five years later and a decade later, from 82% to 72%.”

Student success remains at the heart of his leadership. Recognizing the unique challenges facing today’s students, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, Kolluru has made wellness a top priority. “Students are our mission, students are our first business,” he says, emphasizing a holistic approach that addresses mental health, financial hardship, and basic needs. Initiatives like food pantries and career closets are essential supports, ensuring “food scarcity is not the reason why they have to drop out of school.”

The conversation also addresses the financial challenges currently facing the university. Upon stepping into leadership, Kolluru confronted a $50 million deficit. Through disciplined measures, that gap has been significantly reduced. “At this point, we’ve dug our way out of the hole; we have covered $38 million.” While difficult decisions have been required and another $12 million must be covered before the end of this fiscal year on June 30, 2026, his focus remains on protecting the university’s core mission and people, describing the work as “my opportunity to nurture this university back to good health.”

A recurring theme throughout the discussion is the power of community vision, particularly in Lafayette’s long history of investing in its own future. From early electrification to today’s municipally owned LFT Fiber network, Kolluru sees a direct line of leadership and innovation. “That’s in the DNA of the community, that’s in the water that we drink.” He credits this legacy for enabling UL Lafayette’s current success and future potential.

Connectivity, especially through LFT Fiber, is a cornerstone of that future. Kolluru underscores its importance not just for convenience, but for global competitiveness. “Without this enabling capability, we would not be a university that would be leading the nation’s next center of excellence in the area of artificial intelligence.” The infrastructure supports data-intensive research and positions Lafayette as a leader on the national stage. “We are poised to take advantage of all of these, and I couldn’t be more excited about that.”

Ultimately, this episode paints a compelling picture of a university and a community growing together, driven by leadership, sustained by innovation, and connected through a shared vision for the future.

Discover Lafayette thanks Dr. Ramesh Kolluru for leading our hometown university to its next level of greatness. We also thank the educators and administrators at the university for all they have done to put Lafayette LA on the map. We are grateful for those who have gone before us and for those who continue to serve!

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Destin Ortego, Executive Director of the Opportunity Machine, known as the “OM,” joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the OM’s role as a driving force behind Lafayette’s growing tech and startup ecosystem. This special edition of Discover Lafayette was recorded at LFT Fiber’s Powered by Connectivity Summit hosted at Vermilionville on March 19, 2026.

Set against the theme of “Growth Powered by Fiber—Where Technology Meets Community,” Destin offers a candid and insightful look into how connectivity, relationships, and resilience are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Acadiana.

From the outset, Destin emphasizes that success isn’t about launching a business, it’s about sustaining the business. Endurance, not just an idea, defines success.

Destin has been with the Opportunity Machine since 2013, guiding its evolution into a focused hub for high-growth, tech-enabled startups. Founded in 2010, OM is a nonprofit accelerator based in downtown Lafayette that provides mentorship, programming, and access to investors and business leaders. Today, it supports approximately 50 startup teams “in the tech space or doing very heavy Research and Development ranging from early idea stage to growth.”

Destin Ortego outside of the Opportunity Machine at 314 Jefferson St. in Downtown Lafayette. Photo by Brad Kemp of the Acadiana Advocate. A key distinction Destin draws is between traditional small businesses and scalable, tech-driven startups. “Startups don’t necessarily need the exact same resources, their funding pathways are different, their strategies to launch and scale are different.” By narrowing its focus, OM has made it easier for entrepreneurs to understand when to engage with it, and just as importantly, when to connect with other organizations like LEDA, SBDC, or One Acadiana that can provide more appropriate assistance. That spirit of collaboration defines the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Destin’s approach to mentorship is both practical and empathetic. Rather than dismissing ideas outright, he helps founders test them in the real world. “It’s not my job to tell people their baby’s ugly; it’s my job to help them figure that out for themselves.” Entrepreneurs are encouraged to validate their concepts early by talking to potential customers before investing significant time or money. This disciplined approach helps prevent the all-too-common scenario of founders exhausting their resources on products no one wants or needs.

The Opportunity Machine meets entrepreneurs where they are, even if that’s just an idea “on a napkin.” From there, OM helps founders de-risk their journey by setting milestones and validating assumptions before scaling. Many participants are balancing startups with full-time jobs and family responsibilities, making this structured support essential.

Located at 314 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette, OM’s three-story space reflects the entrepreneurial journey itself: early-stage founders on the first floor, growing teams on the second, and revenue-generating companies on the third. Membership is intentionally accessible, starting at $100 per month, with additional resources available as companies grow.

The Opportunity Machine’s downstairs space, photo by Brad Kemp of the Acadiana Advocate. Beyond physical space, OM’s real value lies in connection. As Destin explains, “The health of any startup ecosystem is connectivity—how well entrepreneurs know each other, how well they know investors, how plugged in they are to talent.” In an era where remote work is increasingly common, OM provides a place where those vital in-person relationships can form and flourish.

The conversation highlights several success stories that underscore Lafayette’s emergence as a tech hub. Such an example is FlyGuys, now a national drone services provider, which has roots in the OM ecosystem with several of its team members having been affiliated with Waitr in its early growth stage. (Waitr was a restaurant food delivery system started by Chris Meaux and whose growth was helped by the assistance of the OM and its resources.) Destin shared, “Even though Waitr may not be around anymore, its overall impact on the entire community was over $1 billion.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEixV3f1pMEDestin also shares “homecoming” stories of startups like Mallard Bay (an online platform that connects people who want outdoor adventures, like hunting or fishing, with trusted guides and outfitters) and Keepers (a locally founded startup that automates the entire housekeeping process for short-term rental property hosts and managers), which returned to Louisiana after stints in larger markets like Houston and Austin. Their reason? The strength and responsiveness of Acadiana’s support network. As one founder told him, “If I wait three or four weeks for help, I’ll be dead by then.”

This speaks to a broader shift: Lafayette is no longer just nurturing startups, it’s attracting them back. Increased access to capital, talent, and infrastructure, especially through LFT Fiber, has made the region more competitive than ever. Reliable, high-speed internet is not a luxury for these companies; it’s essential. “Any disruption at all, for even for a few minutes, they notice,” Destin says, praising LFT Fiber’s reliability and community commitment.

The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in business. While AI is accelerating productivity, Destin offers a clear warning: “Garbage in is garbage out.” He stresses that founders must still apply critical thinking and quality control, noting that while AI can increase output, it doesn’t replace sound judgment, a point that resonates across all industries.

At its core, this episode is about people. Technology may enable growth, but relationships drive it. As Destin puts it, “The internet and AI give us access, but people are still the endpoints.”

A native of Parks, Louisiana, Destin is deeply committed to Acadiana’s future. His “why” is personal: “Do I leave Louisiana to find opportunity, or stay and create it?” Through his work at OM, he’s chosen the latter, helping build a future where the next generation won’t feel they have to leave to succeed.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that Lafayette’s story is still being written, and thanks to leaders like Destin Ortego and organizations like the Opportunity Machine, that story is one of innovation, resilience, and connection.

For more information about the Opportunity Machine’s resources, please visit https://opportunitymachine.org/.

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Today on Discover Lafayette, we welcome Dale Clark, Ursula Quoyeser, and Kelly Viator to talk about the upcoming fifth annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival, known as F5, benefiting Team Gleason Foundation. The event will be held April 30, 2026, at Blackham Coliseum, and if you’ve ever attended, you already know it’s one of those rare gatherings where incredible food, community spirit, and a powerful mission all come together.

This conversation brings us to the heart of why F5 matters, and why this cause continues to resonate so deeply across Acadiana.

Team Gleason is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason following his ALS diagnosis in 2011. Known for his iconic blocked punt in the Superdome that symbolized hope for a recovering New Orleans, Gleason has carried that same spirit into his life’s work. His message, “No White Flags,” has become a rallying cry for those facing ALS.

Today, Team Gleason is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit providers of equipment and technology to the ALS community. Their mission is focused on helping individuals not just survive, but truly live, through access to communication devices, mobility equipment, care services, and even “adventures” that allow families to create lasting memories together. In the past two years alone, requests for care services, equipment, technology, and experiences have increased by 70%, reflecting both the growing need and the trust families place in this organization.

As Kelly Viator of the Team Gleason Founation explains, their work begins with listening: “visit persons in their homes, to understand the environment that they’re living in and what technology would best suit them and at what time.”

https://youtu.be/ID6gZ85BEeE?si=TuyJG7igU2CupkHpThat level of care extends beyond equipment. It includes advocacy, helping families navigate systems that are often confusing and overwhelming, and creating connection through support networks. Kelly shared that their local virtual gatherings offer a space where “sometimes we cry, but mostly we laugh,” a reminder that even in the face of ALS, community remains essential.

For Ursula Quoyeser, that community has made a profound difference. She describes how her symptoms began subtly during COVID, with what she thought was a minor issue. “I started getting dropfoot, and little things just kept happening.” After a long wait to see specialists and ultimately receiving her diagnosis, her mobility declined to the point where she now relies on a wheelchair and adaptive equipment. Through Team Gleason, Ursula continues to receive critical support, including a specially equipped van that came at exactly the right moment. “I was pulling into the driveway of the dealership to buy a van when I got the call.”

That kind of intervention restores independence. As Ursula shares, “I can still go places and do things.”

Ursula Quoyeser, known to many as Coach Q, attended Lafayette High and played volleyball and softball at USL, now known as UL of Lafayette. She was the first female athlete inducted into the UL Lafayette Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.Dale Clark’s journey with ALS led him to channel that same spirit of resilience into action.

Diagnosed in October 2020, Dale very quickly began asking what he could do to make a difference. Over breakfast with friends right after his diagnosis, the idea for F5 was born. “They said, what can we do for ALS? Then we saw an article by Team Gleason and I said, we need to talk to them.”

From that moment, the Fin Feather Fur Food Festival took shape, rooted in Louisiana culture and driven by purpose. Teams compete by cooking fish, wild game, or fowl; “You either cook a fish, an animal or a feather. Or perhaps a dessert!” F5 is a cooking competition where teams compete for winner status in the Fin, Feather, and Fur or Dessert division. Awards will be presented to each team winning their respective category.

Dale Clark, pictured far left, with his buddies from the Florence Club at the 1st annual F5 on April 28, 2022.What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a signature Acadiana event. F5 now draws roughly 1,500 attendees each year and has raised more than $750,000 over the past four years. This year’s goal is clear: reach $1 million total raised in its five years of existence.

It takes a village to make that happen. Dale is quick to credit the cook teams and volunteers who fuel the event’s success: “I can’t thank the cook teams enough because without the cook teams, we don’t have an event.”

And for those attending, the experience is unforgettable with unlimited food tastings, drinks, live energy, silent auctions, and a packed room filled with purpose.

But what stays with you isn’t just the food.

Ursula says her favorite part is seeing all the people. “Friends and family show up in big groups.”
And Dale shares what matters most to him: “Meeting all the people with ALS, and their spouse coming up and giving me a hug. I really appreciate that.”

Those moments are what this event is really about.

Because at the end of the day, Team Gleason’s mission is simple but powerful: with the support of caring individuals, people living with ALS can experience greater independence, a higher quality of life, and the dignity they deserve.

F5 is how Acadiana shows up to make that happen. General admission tickets may be purchased for only $45.00 and many sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit https://teamgleason.org/f5/ or Team Gleason’s website: https://teamgleason.org/. You can also just purchase tickets on April 30 at the door. Once you understand what’s behind this event, it becomes very clear. This is something you definitely want to be part of.

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At the historic grounds of Vermilionville, beneath the oaks and along the bayou that so vividly reflect our region’s living history, this special episode of Discover Lafayette was recorded during the second annual LFT Fiber Powered by Connectivity Summit on March 19th, 2026.

The summit’s theme, Growth Powered by Fiber, Where Technology Meets Community, comes to life in a conversation with Whitney Savoie, Chief Marketing Officer of FlyGuys, a Lafayette-based technology company operating at the intersection of innovation, safety, and cultural preservation.

This LFT summit showcased local leaders and gathered their thoughts on the power of connectivity in shaping our community, businesses and the economy.

Whitney brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, brand development, and customer acquisition, much of it rooted in high-growth tech startups. Her journey includes early work with Waitr, where she says she was “in the first 1% of employees,” helping scale what was then a groundbreaking on-demand food delivery platform. Reflecting on those years traveling across the country launching markets, she shared a perspective that would later shape her appreciation for home: “What that taught me then, and I have an appreciation for now, is in every small to medium community that I went into, you couldn’t feel the culture like you can feel in Acadiana.”

That deep connection to place is central to Whitney’s story. Raised along the bayous near Morgan City, she recalls a childhood that feels quintessentially South Louisiana. “In high school, my dad would take me crawfishing to make extra money, in the marsh in a pirogue lifting traps.” Today, as she reflects on culture through the lens of technology, she sees opportunity in preserving those moments. “I need to go back out with my dad and take pictures, even maybe put a drone up because I want to preserve that memory.”

That idea, technology as a tool to preserve, not replace, human experience, runs throughout this conversation.

FlyGuys itself is a powerful example of how innovation can serve real-world needs. Headquartered in downtown Lafayette and operating nationwide, the company provides drone-based data capture services across industries ranging from infrastructure and construction to agriculture. As Whitney explains, “FlyGuys is a reality data capture platform. We match data seekers with data providers.” Those providers include a network of approximately 20,000 FAA Part 107 certified drone pilots across the country.

The concept is deceptively simple but highly impactful. When a company needs critical visual or analytical data, whether inspecting a cell tower, surveying farmland, or assessing storm damage, FlyGuys deploys a pilot to capture that data safely and efficiently. “Instead of having a human climb that cell tower, a drone can do it safer, faster, more efficiently.” The data is then processed and analyzed through FlyGuys’ platform, delivering actionable insights to clients.

The applications are vast. In agriculture, drones can identify disease at the level of a single plant, reducing the need for widespread pesticide use. In infrastructure, they allow for safer inspections of bridges, roofs, and aging structures. In cultural settings like Vermilionville, FlyGuys has even created “digital twins,” highly detailed 3D models, using advanced ground scanning technology to document and preserve historic spaces.

Underlying all of this is an immense reliance on connectivity. FlyGuys processes thousands of missions each month, each generating massive amounts of data. “One mission could produce 10,000 files,” Whitney explains. “We do about 8,000 missions a month.” The ability to upload, process, and analyze that data in real time depends entirely on robust, high-speed internet infrastructure, making events like the LFT Fiber Connectivity Summit especially relevant.

But for Whitney, the conversation ultimately comes back to people.

In one of the most memorable moments of the interview, she reflects on hosting FlyGuys team members from Colombia in Lafayette. A crawfish boil at Moncus Park turned into an impromptu cultural exchange, blending zydeco dancing with salsa. “It was like this beautiful marriage of both cultures coming together… It was the picture of what we’re trying to preserve.”

That spirit, connection across cultures, generations, and technologies, is exactly what she hopes people take away from the summit.

“My hope is that people really understand what the LFT fiber team is trying to do here. They’re trying to bring us together. It’s really not about the technology. It’s about the fact that we’re all connecting and human. The beauty of the whole conference to me is that tech isn’t the hero, it’s the people that are the heroes and the things that we’re doing with the tech. In this age of technology, with AI, where there is some fear and trepidation, I believe that humans are going to really start leaning into that human connection.”

In a time when artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly reshaping how we live and work, Whitney offers a grounded reminder of what matters most. “We need to preserve the human connection through all of it because that is what matters at the end of the day.”

From the bayous of her childhood to the cutting edge of drone technology, Whitney Savoie’s story is one of honoring where we come from while building thoughtfully toward the future. And in Acadiana, where culture runs as deep as the waters that shape it, that balance may be our greatest strength.

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On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Deb and Paul Lindsay, the enthusiastic co-chairs of the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary April 10–12, 2026 in downtown New Iberia. Centered around the Sliman Theater, Shadows-on-the-Teche, and other historic sites, this year’s festival brings together literature, music, food, history, and community for a full weekend of programming. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Rick Bragg is being celebrated as the 2026 Great Southern Writer, with sessions, book signings, museum tours, a book fair, and more planned throughout the weekend.

Deb and Paul’s story is, in many ways, a love letter to Acadiana. They were living in Guanajuato, Mexico when Deb’s health concerns prompted them to consider returning to the United States. As Paul explains, they began researching Acadiana after learning Lafayette had been named “the happiest city in the USA.” Deb knew what she wanted: “I want to go someplace where there’s nice people, kind people. I want to go someplace where they have great food, and I want to go someplace where they have great music, great culture.” Their conclusion? “We hit a trifecta.” Deb and Paul LIndsey are pictured in Guanajuato, Mexico in 2019.

The couple had no roots in the region and no contacts here when they first began exploring south Louisiana. But a chance stop on Main Street in New Iberia on June 25, 2022, changed everything. While reading the trilingual plaque near the Bayou Teche Museum, they were approached by Cathy Indest of the Iberia Cultural Resources Association, who asked, “Y’all aren’t from around here, are you?” That unexpected conversation led to an invitation to come back for the literary festival, and eventually to a much bigger decision.

Back in Mexico, the Lindsays decided to do more than simply visit. They would return to volunteer and sponsor the festival as part of what Paul called an exploratory trip. They came for the 2023 festival, met local leaders and volunteers, and quickly found themselves embraced by the community. A memorable and funny festival incident sealed the deal. While attempting Cajun dance lessons, Deb became so dizzy that she had to be helped to a chair and then to an ambulance for evaluation. Paul, not yet realizing how serious things were, responded to a warning from a concerned helper who said, “Your wife is bad,” with the now legendary line: “I’m sorry, but she’s always been a bad dancer.”

What stayed with them most was not the scare, but the care. Paul recalls that neighbors and new friends, including Wyatt and Becky Collins, immediately stepped in to help, offering to follow him to the hospital and even opening their home if needed. Others checked on Deb throughout the night. “To me, that sealed the deal,” Paul says, “because those are the kind of people I want to be around now.” Deb adds that Acadiana’s warmth is more than politeness: “I’m not sure that people in Acadiana fully appreciate just how special the culture of caring for others really is. It is endemic here. It is just part of how people are.”

That sense of belonging deepened quickly. The Lindsays moved to New Iberia in October 2023 and were immediately drawn into the life of the community, volunteering at local events and building friendships that made them feel at home. Deb notes, “We have chosen to be here because, as Paul said, we feel like we hit the trifecta.” Their affection for New Iberia and the wider Acadiana region comes through clearly in this conversation, as does their gratitude for the people who welcomed them in.

That spirit of welcome is central to the mission of the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, which Deb describes as preserving “the legacy of Southern storytelling through literature, culture, and community.” The 2026 schedule reflects just how broad that vision has become: guided tours at the Bayou Teche Museum and Shadows-on-the-Teche, free literary sessions at the Sliman Theater, a children’s book fair, a Main Street book fair, and multiple ticketed food-and-music experiences designed to bring people together.

A major draw this year is Rick Bragg, the festival’s 2026 Great Southern Writer. The festival describes Bragg as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author whose writing captures “the struggles and strength of Southern life,” and notes that he continues to teach at the University of Alabama. Paul shares that he reached Bragg personally after recognizing in his writing a deep connection to family, resilience, and Southern roots. That conversation led Bragg to accept the invitation, telling Paul, “You’ve made me laugh more in the last 40 minutes than I have in probably a year.” Bragg will appear for both a symposium and a special book club-style event during the weekend.

Deb speaks beautifully about why Bragg matters. Though memoir was not previously her preferred genre, she says his storytelling changed that. His books about family and ordinary Southern people, she says, “remind us of our shared humanity, something especially needed in these divided times.” That human-centered view of literature runs through the entire festival.

Jane and Scott Wolfe of Melba’s Po Boys in New OrleansThe opening Friday session features Jane and Scott Wolfe of the infamouse Melba’s Po Boys in New Orleans, who will discuss entrepreneurship, perseverance, literacy, and community. Festival listings describe their presentation as “Building Perseverance and Community: How Two Teenagers Created a Life Inside Small Business in New Orleans.” Deb and Paul highlight Jane Wolfe’s remarkable path from earning her GED to studying at Tulane and later Harvard Divinity School, as well as her role in literacy work through Melba’s. Published sources confirm that Jane Wolfe received the 2024 Light Up for Literacy Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for her work with Eat and Read at Melba’s, and that she is a graduate of both Tulane and Harvard Divinity School.

The 2026 schedule also reflects the festival’s wide-ranging curiosity. Friday includes a session on the Creole lineage of Pope Leo XIV, a discussion with romance author Juliette Cross, and a closing session on Carville and Hansen’s disease.

Saturday brings the Dave Robicheaux Readers Theater, a Rick Bragg book club, a session on Louisiana Black Creole Trail Riders, a program on Black female jazz singers, a Swamp Pop-themed session, and Bragg’s major symposium and signing. The Children’s Book Fair and the Main Street Book Fair, making the festival accessible to readers of all ages.

Beyond the literary sessions, the weekend is intentionally immersive. Friday night’s ticketed event, “A Novel Evening in Prose and Pours,” unfolds beneath the oaks at Shadows-on-the-Teche and includes food, drink, music, and time for festivalgoers to mingle with authors in a relaxed setting. Saturday morning introduces “Beignets & Beats, A Cajun Breakfast Jam” at Bambino’s, while Saturday night has been reimagined as “Swamp Sounds: A Swamp Pop Revival,” complete with dance lessons and live music from The Revelers.

The weekend closes with Symphony Sunday in the Park, a free outdoor performance by the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in New Iberia’s City Park on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m. It is a free concert under the oaks, continuing a long-running partnership between the Symphony and New Iberia.

What makes this interview especially meaningful is hearing why Deb and Paul have poured themselves into the festival. Deb says the literary festival “has a special place in my heart, just because it’s what brought us to Louisiana in the first place.” She sees their work as “a way of saying ‘we feel like we’re a part of the community. We owe the community.” Paul echoes that sentiment and says what he loves most is that books can bring people together across differences: “It doesn’t matter who you voted for; it’s about coming together with common bonds and trying to learn from each other and listen to each other.”

Their vision extends beyond one April weekend. They are exploring interim events throughout the year and building stronger partnerships with other Louisiana book festivals, including those in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, with the goal of strengthening audiences and collaboration rather than competing against one another. That cooperative spirit feels very much in keeping with what they have come to love about this region.

As Deb and Paul make clear, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival is about far more than books alone. It is about story, hospitality, history, music, place, and the kind of human connection that turns visitors into neighbors. Or, as Deb puts it, “It’s a terrific place to be.”

For festival details, schedules, and tickets, the primary website is BooksAlongTheTecheLiteraryFestival.com; BayouBookFest.com also redirects there. The festival is largely free, with select ticketed food and music events available through the website. Published festival and tourism pages confirm the event dates, venues, and the weekend’s featured programming.

Thanks to Deb and Paul Lindsey for their commitment to the arts, culture and community! They are eloquent spokespersons for their new home, Acadiana!

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On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we visit with Maureen Dugas Foster, founder of Designing Women of Acadiana, a collaborative network that has spent the past decade bringing together women interested in architecture, design, creativity, and community. What began as a simple idea during a challenging personal moment has grown into a vibrant organization that has hosted more than 100 events across Acadiana, connecting creative professionals and curious minds while highlighting the role design plays in our everyday lives.

Maureen’s inspiration for launching the organization came in 2016 during a time when she found herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the direction of her career. Having spent years working in architecture, she felt somewhat isolated in the local professional community. “I felt really alone in the architecture community in Lafayette,” she says. Women represent only about 20 percent of licensed architects nationwide, and she was seeking both connection and encouragement within the profession.

Instead of waiting for someone else to create that community, Maureen decided to build one herself. “Thanks to a bottle of wine and courage, one night I made a Facebook page,” she laughs. She set a date for an informal meet-up at Pamplona Tapas Bar in downtown Lafayette, inviting women in architecture and design to gather for drinks and conversation. The response was immediate and surprising. “It was amazing because we had over 20 women show up.” Even today, she admits she still gets a little nervous before each event, but that first evening proved there was real interest in building a supportive creative network in Acadiana.

In those early days, Designing Women of Acadiana focused largely on architects and interior designers. Over time, however, the organization evolved as more people expressed interest in participating—even those who didn’t work directly in design fields. Maureen began to realize that creativity extends far beyond professional labels.

“Everyone’s creative,” she says. “It just gets like smacked out of you during regular schooling when you’re young.”

That philosophy led the group to broaden its mission to welcome creative women of all backgrounds. Today the membership includes professionals across many fields, from artists and entrepreneurs to healthcare professionals and business owners who simply enjoy engaging with creative ideas and spaces. As Maureen explains, sometimes the greatest benefit of attending an event is simply the energy that comes from connecting with others.

“Show up if you’re interested. You’re going to get something out of it, whether it’s new connections, deep conversation with some new person, or just energized with creativity.”

Over the past ten years, Designing Women of Acadiana has hosted more than 100 gatherings, typically meeting once per month outside of the pandemic years. Events have ranged from architectural tours and home visits to creative workshops, networking socials, and community projects.

One of the organization’s most popular activities has been home tours featuring architect-designed residences. Early members, including local architect Lisa Bourque, opened the doors of newly completed homes so participants could see contemporary design up close. Homeowners would welcome the group with wine and snacks while sharing the story behind their home’s design. For Maureen, those experiences illustrate how architecture can be deeply personal.

“For the homeowner to show off this piece of architecture that they spent a lot of time on, it’s like you’re living in a piece of art that was made just for you.”

Beyond residential tours, DWA members have also visited commercial spaces and historic buildings around Acadiana. When Bottle Art Lofts was developed in downtown Lafayette, the group toured the property to explore how historic structures can be transformed for modern use. Maureen notes that good architecture often involves re-imagining existing spaces rather than starting from scratch.

“You can take any piece of architecture that’s already there and scrape out all the insides and do something new,” she explains. “That’s what you use your architect for because they’ve got the mind to do that.”

Education has always been another important goal of the organization. Many events are designed to help people understand the value of thoughtful design, particularly for those outside architecture and construction. Maureen emphasizes that the spaces we inhabit every day, from homes to offices, have a direct impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

In addition to tours and educational events, Designing Women of Acadiana has also participated in creative civic initiatives. One memorable project was Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Parking Day, an international urban design event where participants temporarily transform parking spaces into miniature parks or gathering areas. DWA created parklets in downtown Lafayette that invited pedestrians to sit, draw, and interact with art installations. Their installations were so well received that they won awards both years they participated.

These types of projects highlight another important element of DWA: fostering community connections. Over the years, the organization has collaborated with local businesses, artists, and property owners to create pop-up experiences and events that celebrate Lafayette’s evolving cultural landscape.

For Maureen personally, the organization has also become a source of mentorship and encouragement. Early in her career she often sought advice from mentors like UL architecture professor Michael McClure, who encouraged her to stay committed to her path even during uncertain times. Looking back, she realizes that Designing Women of Acadiana became the supportive professional network she had once been searching for.

“I didn’t even realize that’s what I was looking for,” she says. “Starting DWA, I empowered myself and then created this community of other women who empowered one another.”

Outside of her volunteer work with DWA, Maureen’s own career has taken several interesting turns over the years. She earned her degree in architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She worked in commercial architecture firms for many years, gaining experience in the field even though she ultimately chose not to pursue full architectural licensure.

2017 Sunset at the Less Pay Motel – “I got to tour the Less Pay Motel with Stephanie & Greg Cornay when they were trying to come up with better ideas for Four Corners. Aileen Bennett came with me and snapped this photo.“Today she works in commercial lighting sales with Lighting and Electrical Associates (LEA), collaborating with architects, interior designers, and engineers on building projects. Her role often involves helping teams think carefully about how lighting shapes the experience of a space—from aesthetics to mental health.

“Lighting can make or break a space,” she says. “If you go into a place and you’re feeling icky, look around—it’s probably 80 percent due to the lighting.”

In 2026, Designing Women of Acadiana celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of creativity, friendship, and professional collaboration. The milestone will be celebrated at the group’s annual anniversary party on March 26 at Basin Arts, where guests can enjoy art, raffle prizes from local artists and businesses, and interactive experiences designed to showcase the creativity of the community.

Membership in DWA remains intentionally accessible. Individual memberships are $75 per year, corporate memberships are $150 for three participants, and student memberships are available for $25. Most monthly events are free or low-cost, making it easy for anyone curious about creativity and design to participate.

For those interested in joining or attending an event, the best place to stay connected is through Designing Women of Acadiana’s Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages, where the group regularly posts upcoming gatherings and announcements.

As Designing Women of Acadiana enters its second decade, Maureen and her board are continuing to expand the organization’s mission to embrace an even broader range of creative voices across Acadiana. The goal remains the same as it was on that first night at Pamplona: create a welcoming space where ideas flourish, friendships form, and creativity is celebrated.

“Designing Women of Acadiana is a bold and collaborative network of women shaping the creative and professional landscape of Acadiana,” Maureen says. “Rooted in design and driven by connection, we create curated experiences that cultivate confidence, spark inspiration, and ensure women feel seen in their industries and communities.”

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For more than six decades, LARC has quietly served one of the most important missions in Acadiana—supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and helping them live meaningful, independent lives.

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Nicole Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of LARC, along with Karon Davis, Marketing Director, to learn how this remarkable nonprofit touches hundreds of lives every day.

Founded over 60 years ago by parents who wanted better opportunities for their children with disabilities, LARC has grown into a multifaceted organization providing day programs, residential services, community support, and employment opportunities.

Today, more than 150 individuals participate in LARC’s day program on any given day, building life skills, forming friendships, and engaging in activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives.

Nicole Harrison’s own journey with LARC began 13 years ago when she started as a Direct Support Worker, working directly with individuals in their homes. A Lafayette native and graduate of Comeaux High School, Nicole says the organization’s mission is deeply personal.

“LARC is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to live a meaningful, independent and fulfilling life.”

Participants attend weekday programs where they choose activities that match their interests and abilities. The campus features ten different classrooms and activity spaces, including a movie room, music room, recreation room, computer lab, and two bingo rooms—because as Nicole notes, “Everyone loves bingo. So we actually had to convert one of our other rooms into a bingo room. So now we have two bingo rooms.”

The day begins with transportation provided by LARC, bringing participants to campus where they check into their “homeroom” before exploring the activities they enjoy most. A hot meal is available through the St. Ann’s cafeteria, where individuals can choose among several lunch options before continuing with afternoon activities or relaxing outdoors under the gazebo, often dancing to music and enjoying time with friends.

LARC serves individuals across the full spectrum of intellectual disability, from mild to profound, and staff members work with each participant to promote independence through personalized goals. Even small achievements can represent powerful milestones. “Once they complete it at 100%, that’s like a huge milestone for them… it’s a satisfaction for them.”

Beyond the day program, LARC also provides community support services, helping individuals who live independently or with family members by assisting with transportation, appointments, and daily living needs. The organization operates ten group homes, including four in Lafayette and six in the Zachary area, where staff provide 24-hour care and support.

“We have individuals with mild intellectual disabilities that may hold a job in the community… and others who may need assistance with activities of daily living,” Nicole explained.

One of the most visible parts of LARC’s mission is its employment programs. The organization partners with local businesses to provide supported jobs for participants. In addition, LARC operates Mardi Gras Beads-N-More, where donated parade beads are sorted and resold. providing both employment and income for the program.

“When the parade goers donate their beads back, it provides our individuals with the opportunity for employment. It gives them employment and empowerment and independence because they can earn their own paycheck.”

Visitors often encounter LARC’s work at Acadian Village, the historic cultural site owned and operated by the organization. The village serves as a major fundraising arm for LARC and hosts weddings, events, tours, and the beloved Noel Acadien au Village Christmas celebration, which draws more than 50,000 visitors each year.

Karon Davis explains that Acadian Village exists thanks to community generosity. The land was donated by a local couple raising a niece with special needs, while historic homes were moved to the site to preserve Acadiana’s heritage. “At the core of this are parents that back over 60 years ago; the only option they had was to institutionalize their child. They got together, formed a group.” The village now serves as both a cultural destination and a critical source of support for LARC’s programs.

LARC’s Acadian Village offers New Hope Chapel as a wedding venue to help create a magical moment. The New Hope Chapel is a non-denominational facility and a stunning replica of an 1850s Acadian-style church, with seating for up to 95 guests.

The Bridal Suite at Acadian Village offers the perfect private space for the bride and her bridal party to relax, laugh, sip champagne, and get dolled up before walking down the aisle. Contact kim@acadianvillage.org or 337-981-2364 opt. 8 to learn more.

Pictured: the LeBlanc HouseOne of the popular homes to visit onsite at Acadian Village is the LeBlanc House, built between 1821 and 1856 near Youngsville. The LeBlanc house is the birthplace of Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc. Cajun politician and entrepreneur. “Couzan Dud” LeBlanc was born on August 16, 1894. In 1924, LeBlanc was elected a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, and served as State Senator from 1940 to 1944, 1948 to 1952, and in 1964. In 1945 he established the Happy Day Company, which manufactured the popular Hadacol brand health tonic; with 12 percent alcohol, it guaranteed to cure all ills. LeBlanc promoted Hadacol extensively, sometimes using major entertainers as spokespersons.

An active Cajun culture preservationist, LeBlanc served as president of the Association of Louisiana Acadians, and in the late 1960s helped to establish CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana). He authored three books: The True Story of the Acadians (1927); The Improved Version (1932); and The Acadian Miracle (1966, a revised and expanded version of his first book). LeBlanc appealed to political supporters via radio in Cajun French, at a time when Cajun French was rarely heard on radio. He died on October 22, 1971, and was buried in Abbeville. The LeBlanc exhibit contains memorabilia from the life and times of “Couzan Dud.”

Throughout the conversation, Nicole and Karon emphasize that the organization is sustained not only by staff but also by volunteers, donors, and the broader community. LARC welcomes donations of art supplies, office materials, clothing, and even cardboard for creative classroom projects. Volunteers also help with gardening, events, and special activities for participants.

Nicole says the most rewarding part of her work is advocating for the people LARC serves. “The most fulfilling part of what I do is being an advocate for them, because when they can’t speak or defend themselves, I can.”

Karon Davis echoes the deep sense of purpose that motivates everyone involved with the organization: “As a parent, I think I would I would like to know that my children would be taken care of. And I think that’s the most important part of our mission, caring for people that can’t take care of themselves, but also giving those parents peace of mind that they’re going to be okay. And we love them. I mean, they would they give us is much more than we give them. But they’re well taken care of and they’re well loved.”

And perhaps the most powerful lesson LARC teaches is about love, community, and human connection. “Everything is beautiful to them. It’s truly unconditional love. They just don’t care what you look like.”

From employment programs to residential care, from the bead shop to Acadian Village’s Christmas lights, LARC continues to demonstrate what happens when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members.

As Karon puts it simply: “There’s no other place like it.”

Learn more about LARC:
Noel Acadien au Village is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. LARC’s Acadian Village is located at 200 Greenleaf Drive in Lafayette. Visit www.lafayettelarc.org for ticket information and more details.
Facebook: LARC Lafayette | Acadian Village | Noel Acadien au Village

LARC welcomes volunteers, donations, and community engagement. Businesses and organizations interested in tours, partnerships, or service projects are encouraged to reach out.

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From a volunteer-run initiative in the 1980s to a regional continuum of care in 2026:

On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Claude Martin, CEO of AcadianaCares, to talk about what it looks like when a community builds an institution out of necessity, and then keeps rebuilding it for four decades.

AcadianaCares began (originally as “Lafayette CARES”) in 1985, during the earliest, scariest years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when fear and stigma shut down many traditional systems of response. “CARES” stood for “Concern for AIDS Relief, Education and Support.”

Claude remembers those first years in deeply personal terms: “I got involved with this work, HIV work in the early 80s when our community started to get sick.” He describes a time when an HIV diagnosis in Louisiana carried a terrifying prognosis saying, “the life expectancy was about nine months.” The uncertainty felt like a public-health free fall. When we talk about how frightening those early days were, Claude agrees without hesitation: “Very similar to the fear and confusion many of us felt during COVID. Who’s going to get it? and what do we do now?”

Claude explains that what became AcadianaCares wasn’t a government-created program; it was community members stepping in when institutions froze. “It was a groundswell of people saying, I have to do something. We have to do something.” For years, it ran on sheer willpower. “We were volunteers, running it out of our houses. We all had full-time jobs.” Claude’s own job then was far from nonprofit administration as he worked as a landscaper.

And while the organization was being built, people were dying. Claude doesn’t sanitize that reality. “Sometimes they came to a couple of meetings and then they were in the hospital; within a month they were dead. They were gone.” In those first ten years, he says, “We really were concentrating on helping people to die. We were there.” He describes practical, human-scale solutions built by ordinary people: a hotline routed into volunteers’ homes, partnerships for training, and a “Buddy program” where volunteers went into homes to help with the basic tasks of living: cleaning an apartment, getting to appointments, answering desperate late-night questions from people who felt helpless.

From there, the story becomes one of evolution, not away from HIV care, but outward from it. Claude explains that in the early 2000s, AcadianaCares started asking a different question: if HIV is the core mission, what are the destabilizing forces that make people more vulnerable in the first place? In his words: “Mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse are three of the big areas that really do destabilize people’s lives.”

That mindset shaped the modern AcadianaCares model: a system designed so that someone can enter through one doorway to have access to housing, clinic, and recovery, and then be “wrapped around” with the rest.

The medical reality has changed — and AcadianaCares is trying to reach the whole communityClaude also walks us through the medical transformation he’s witnessed across the decades. “The pharmaceutical industry has developed all of these medications so that now life expectancy is open ended.” He explains how viral load suppression changes both individual health and transmission risk. When treatment is working, people are no longer infectious. He points to PrEP as a powerful prevention tool: “PrEP is about 99%” effective in preventing acquisition. The goal he lays out is ambitious and clear: get people living with HIV to an undetectable viral load and get people at risk onto PrEP. “Conceivably, we will get to the point where we have no new infections.”

Claude shares the regional scope, then and now. He remembers: “There were 11 people in Lafayette Parish that were living with HIV in 85.” Today, he says, “we have 2000 people that are living with HIV in our region,” with about 75 to 100 new infections every year in the seven parish area.

Expansion on the northside: “whole-person care in one place”We also discuss AcadianaCares’ expansion of clinical services on Lafayette’s northside. Claude explains that the clinic model exists because they were seeing people newly diagnosed with HIV struggling to get into care quickly. “We were having a really hard time getting people into care once we found out that they were positive.” So they built a system where patients could be seen and started on care faster.

AcadianaCares purchased and renovated Pride Plaza at Willow and Pierce, turning it into a primary care clinic open to the public. The clinic has a staff of 32 in its 8,900 square-foot space offers a full spectrum of primary care and mental health services available to both insured and non-insured patients. Dr. Clinton Young is at the clinic specializing in sleep medicine and complex sleep-related disorders.

Moving clinic services into Pride Plaza also created room on the main campus for expanded substance-abuse programming. AcadianaCares developed Seasons of Serenity (SOS), a network of residential, outpatient, and sober living recovery programs. Clients in SOS transition from dependency to self-sufficiency through structured phases in a safe and caring environment that is free from discrimination.

AcadianaCares celebrating its 40th anniversary and opening of the new Primary Care Mental Care and Pharmacy in February 2026.In our conversation, Claude describes the wraparound approach inside the clinic, not just medical appointments, but navigation help: “Our clinic patients have access to navigators who help them apply for insurance… everything from food stamps to finding other agencies.” He contrasts that with many healthcare settings: “A lot of people go to a provider, but they don’t have the social services support or the wraparound support.”

The MLK campus: housing + recovery, built over timeOne of the most substantive parts of our conversation is Claude’s description of the Acadiana CARES campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in North Lafayette: housing and recovery programs built through long-term planning, grants, and renovation. The site is located at 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. in North Lafayette. “We have housing there and about 80 people live on the property.”

The site originally housed the Lafayette Guest House, formerly a 206-bed nursing facility with an inpatient psychiatric hospital, Oceans Behavior Healthcare, was donated to AcadianaCares by its owners, Jerrine Harrell, Donna McPherson, and John Wright. The owners made the decision to donate the property, valued at approximately $3.5 million, in order to do something good for the community and also be able to claim a charitable donation on taxes. Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s Kim Boudreaux James is the niece of Wright and she helped identify AcadianaCares as the best fit for the donation. (For a comprehensive story of the background of this donation and how it transformed AcadianaCares, see https://theind.com/articles/842/. )

He walks through the arc of development: a major donated property, then years of grants and fundraising to renovate and convert spaces into apartments, and then major investments in addiction treatment. He explains that their Seasons of recovery program now offers “the whole continuum of care,” describing transitions from detox, to a 28-day program, to a 90-day residential program, then outpatient services, and supportive apartment options designed to help people stabilize, work, save money, and re-enter independent life.

Claude shares one of the concrete, practical details people often want to know: the outpatient apartment option is “$416” and includes “three meals a day, seven days a week.” He explains the program design goal plainly: “in six months, you ought to be able to save enough money to be independent.”

AcadianaCares’ Seasons of Serenity receive referrals statewide: “We get referrals from all over the state,” and adds, “we get probably 7 to 10 referrals a day.” The reality is capacity: “All of our programs are usually at capacity.”

Growth that still comes back to one measuring stickClaude has led AcadianaCares through extraordinary growth. He recalls the first state grant: “$34,000.” Today, he says, “our board just approved a $34 million budget.” He notes scale: “We have about 100 employees here, and we help an average of 4000 people a year.” In 2025, 2,495 unique patients received care through its wellness clinic. Its reach is across 25 zip codes in Lafayette, Acadiana, Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes.

Claude Martin joined AcadianaCares in 1998, after serving as an original volunteer in its early days. “I felt called to do the work. In the early 90s, I went back to school and got a graduate degree in rehabilitation therapy. All my work was focused on getting people living with HIV and having that treated as the same thing that’s a head injury or a substance abuse issue or a mental health issue that would debilitate someone. That degree is designed to help as a life changing experience. to move them through that process and get them back into this life.”

But one of the most telling moments in our conversation is his personal standard for quality and dignity. The question he asks himself when planning services and facilities: “Would I let my mother or my sister receive services here?” He connects that directly to the mission: bringing high-quality care to people who often don’t have choices, and who may have been neglected for years.

Advice for families facing addictionNear the end, Claude offers direct advice to families navigating substance use disorder. His first recommendation is simple and specific: “Join an Al-Anon group.” He explains why: “It’s realizing that it’s a family disease,” and stresses that the work includes shifting attention toward self-care: “take the focus off of the alcoholic and look at taking care of yourself.”

And yes — he shows standard poodlesClaude also shares a surprising personal and fun detail that gives listeners as we wound down the interview: “I show dogs. I breed standard poodles.” He competes nationally, and he says, “Last year, Tallulah won the Best Puppy and Winners Bitch in Standard Poodles.” It’s a reminder that even people carrying enormous community responsibility have a life and identity beyond the mission, and sometimes a very competitive hobby.

Claude Martin’s young standard poodle, Talulah, being shown by handler, Kay Peiser, at the Poodle Club of America’s 2025 nationals competition. She won “Best Standard Poodle.”

Connect with AcadianaCaresMain Office: (337) 233-2437
AcadianaCares : (337) 704-0787
Pharmacy: (337) 216-1013
Locations: 809 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Lafayette, and 850 North Pierce Street (Pride Plaza Clinic / Pharmacy area), Lafayette

For more information, visit https://www.acadianacares.org/

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On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Charles Boustany, a retired cardiovascular surgeon who served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s Third Congressional District from 2005 to 2017. Most recently, he earned a Master’s degree in history from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Boustany was honored with the Richard G. Neiheisel (Phi Beta Kappa) Graduate Award, recognizing the graduate student with the highest academic accomplishment in a classical arts and sciences degree.

Dr. Boustany reflects on a life that has bridged medicine, public service, and now scholarship, and what lifelong learning means at every stage.

Growing Up in Lafayette — Medicine and Mentorship“I grew up here in Lafayette and went to the old Cathedral Carmel, which was 1st through 12th grade,” he shares, recalling his early education before attending USL (now UL Lafayette) for pre-med studies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he completed medical school and surgical training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, an experience he describes as legendary in its rigor and reputation.

A formative influence on his life and career was Dr. John Ochsner. “John taught me not only the techniques and things you learn as a heart surgeon. He taught me how to be a surgeon, how to be a doctor. He was an amazing individual and a lifelong friend.”

After additional cardiovascular surgery training in Rochester, New York, Dr. Boustany returned home, practicing for 14 years before an unexpected health challenge changed his trajectory.

Dr. Boustany speaks with pride about his family’s immigrant story and how it shaped his view of opportunity, responsibility, and community.

“For me, the oldest of ten kids, a doctor, a mom who believed in community service… thinking about the fact that my grandparents all came from Lebanon. They had nothing. They came to this country and the opportunities were there if you took advantage of them.”

He describes that journey as something bigger than one person’s career: “It’s just one of many great American stories.” He ties his family’s arrival and the immigrant fabric of Lafayette to what makes the community distinct: “That’s what makes Lafayette so unique for a city its size. It’s got a very diverse population, and it has a population that has an international outlook, which creates all kinds of opportunities.”

And he adds a personal glimpse into the household that raised ten children: “My mother had a lot of energy and she kept us all in line, amazingly.”

A Turning Point — Health Care and Public ServiceAt age 48, after developing severe cervical spine issues that forced him to retire from surgery, Dr. Boustany faced a crossroads. That moment coincided with a deeply personal family health crisis in 2001:

“This was a very distinctive point in time for me. I was at the peak of my career in my surgical practice. But 2001 was this horrible year for me, my wife and our kids. Both kids had different life threatening conditions that cost a ton of money out of pocket over and beyond what insurance could pay. It was a huge, huge struggle. Navigating the health care system is a disaster. It was hard for me. I wondered, “What are people doing? How are they managing this?”

The experience stayed with him. As he watched national debates over health care and foreign policy unfold, he felt called to act. “Honey, I gotta make a difference,” he told his wife Bridget one early morning before announcing his decision to run for Congress.

Dr. Charles Boustany pictured while serving in Congress. Photo credit: Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News

In Congress — Katrina, Rita, and “Rita Amnesia”Dr. Boustany’s first year in Congress was defined by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While national attention centered on New Orleans, much of Southwest Louisiana was devastated by Rita.

“I had to get all of it amended to include Rita. And that’s when I coined the term ‘Rita Amnesia.’”

He recalls warning a national reporter: “My fear is that we’re going to have Rita amnesia.” The phrase stuck and became part of the legislative fight to ensure Southwest Louisiana was not forgotten.

He also recounts a pivotal moment after Katrina, when First Lady Laura Bush spent the day touring Lafayette with him. “I was told initially she’s going to be on the ground for about 45 minutes. So I arranged to take her to the Cajun Dome and then Acadian Ambulances’ communication center to see what was going on. Well, she ended up spending the whole day with me. When I took her back to the airport, she thanked me and said, what else do you need? I said, I need 15 minutes on the phone with your husband. Sure enough, Sunday morning at 6 a.m., my cell phone rings and it’s President Bush. He called me Doc. You know, he had nicknames for everybody. He said, Doc, I heard Laura had a good trip down there. What’s going on? What do you need? I said, bottom line is the state doesn’t have the capacity to deal with the magnitude of what we have. We need federal assets down here to help out in New Orleans. He said, ‘I’ll talk to the staff. You get the delegation to Baton Rouge at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Monday. The governor is going to be there. I’m coming in with my team, and we’re going to have a powwow, and we’re going to talk about this and organize it.’ And that’s when everything changed. That’s when he brought in General Honore.”

That conversation helped catalyze greater federal coordination and response.

Reflecting on those chaotic days, he credits his surgical training: “My career as a surgeon dealing with really dire, immediate emergencies, I just sort of methodically figured out, okay, this is what I can do. This is what I’m going to do. And I didn’t panic.”

How a Surgeon Approaches CongressDr. Boustany explains how medicine shaped his legislative style: “As a surgeon, I had to deal with people from all walks of life. It could be a grandmother or the CEO of a prominent company. It could be a farmer, or somebody who has no insurance and is poor. I had to learn to be able to communicate with the full spectrum of humanity. I think that gave me an advantage, as a doctor, but also as a surgeon, because I had to gain the trust of these people. You know, I’m going to operate on your heart, stop your heart and do all this stuff. So, being able to present yourself in a way and communicate with people from all walks of life, different levels of education and earn their trust was a big asset for me when I traveled the district and tried to find support. That training, that background was very helpful.”

He approached Congress with humility, seeking advice from senior members in both parties. One piece of counsel stood out: “One of the most prominent ones was don’t be a know it all. Pick a few subjects and learn everything there is about it. Once you start to speak about these things, people will quickly see that you know what you’re talking about and then they’ll respect you. But if you go down there and spout off on every issue, people see through that pretty quickly.”

He developed expertise in health care, foreign policy, energy policy, and international trade, areas that later informed his graduate studies in European history and international affairs.

Returning to the ClassroomAfter leaving Congress and later retiring from consulting, Dr. Boustany found himself restless. A seminar course at UL Lafayette rekindled a lifelong passion for history.

“The more I’m thinking about this, I really love this history stuff. I don’t want to just be a consumer of history. I don’t want to just read about it. I want to maybe I can contribute to the field.”

His master’s research took him to Columbia University’s Rare Books and Manuscripts division, where he spent a week combing through primary source documents to complete his thesis.

Receiving the Neiheisel Award was especially meaningful: “It was thrilling for me when I finished this master’s program to get the Richard Neuheisel Award, because my very first semester at USL in 1974, I took a world Civilization class with him, and I was told he’s a really hard, demanding teacher. And other students, when they asked me what I had signed up for and I told them, they said, you need to drop that class. He’s a really tough professor. You don’t want to take it with him. And I said, oh, that’s the kind of guy I want to take it with. And I did. And you know, I got an A in his class and he and I subsequently became friends. I’d go sit and talk in his office. We’d just talk about history.”

Dr. Charles Boustany on UL – Lafayette campus. He was awarded the Richard G. Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Award, named in honor of the professor who ignited his passion for the subject more than five decades ago. The Neiheisel award is presented to a graduating master’s student each fall and spring for the highest academic accomplishments in a classical arts and science degree.Dr. Boustany has now been accepted into the PhD program in history at Louisiana State University, where he plans to study modern European history beginning in 1500 — research that will require time in European archives.

Health Care Philosophy — “Information, Choice and Control”When asked what still matters in health policy, Dr. Boustany reduces it to six words.

“Information, choice and control.”

“People want clear information about their health condition and their options… They want that to be between them and the doctor.”

And equally important:
“Affordability, accountability and quality.”

“Quality is critically important. If you put quality first, I think the cost will come in line.”

Lifelong Learning and AdaptabilityDr. Boustany closes with a reflection that defines this next chapter: “I repeat a quote from Louis Pasteur, who was a famous scientist, and he was once asked, what’s the key to all this amazing stuff you’ve discovered? He said, it’s simple. Chance favors the prepared mind. You prepare your mind for whatever’s going to happen. And one of the keys in getting older and being able to deal with challenges in life is adaptability and education, and preparing your mind for what you know, to be able to pivot, to be adaptable is critically important for anybody going through life. And we also see that we will survive. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it.”

From the operating room to the halls of Congress to the archives of Columbia, and now toward a PhD, Dr. Charles Boustany’s journey is a testament to resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to service.

He is even considering expanding his master’s thesis into a book, and perhaps, one day, a memoir.

For Lafayette, it is another reminder that some of the most compelling American stories begin right here at home.

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Wild Child Wines is one of those rare downtown spots that feels instantly like a neighborhood living room—warm, inviting, and full of discovery. In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Katie and Denny Culbert, the couple behind Lafayette’s signature natural wine shop and wine bar, to talk about how Wild Child began, how it grew, and why it’s become a destination for locals and visitors alike. Along the way, we also explore their other creative ventures—Katie’s long-running boutique, Kiki, and Denny’s career as a professional photographer whose work has taken him deep into food, place, and storytelling.

Their vision and dedication to hospitality and curated wine culture earned Wild Child Wines a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in the Outstanding Bar category, one of the highest honors in the American culinary and beverage world. This is really a major moment for Lafayette’s food and drink scene.

Katie and Denny’s story starts, fittingly, in Lafayette’s community orbit. Denny was photographing an event for the newspaper. “It happened to be Palates and Pate. A big fundraiser,”when their paths crossed. Katie remembers she was in her late 20s, and after a mutual friend introduced them, they “found the same friend group at the same time.” Denny wasn’t from Lafayette originally; he moved to South Louisiana for journalism, explaining, “I grew up in northeastern Ohio, but I moved to Baton Rouge in 2008 to intern for the Advocate” before landing a job at The Daily Advertiser. Working for the paper, he says, became the fastest way to understand Acadiana: “I’ve been to every single high school gymnasium, every festival, every school board meeting.” He even created a column called Dishing It Out, where he’d spend time inside local restaurants and build photo essays from the same set of questions he asked each owner, every time.

Katie’s background is equally rooted in local business and community. She has spent years helping operate Kiki, the boutique founded by her mother, Kiki Frayard, and describes how she stepped in to help make the business viable beyond its early stage: “Not so much with the creative side of it, more with the bookkeeping, looking at numbers and keep making it a viable business.” That blend: Katie’s retail and business instincts and Denny’s creative storytelling, formed a foundation for what became Wild Child Wines.

Runaway Dish – “Their former life”

“We used to have a magazine when we were doing Runaway Dish, a physical magazine that went along with each dinner. We’d do a chef interview and then farmer interviews for all the products that we were using. That also influenced Wild Child Wines, being in that world. It’s definitely how we ended up here because we met so many chefs. Denny was photographing chefs in their kitchens for the paper. And then beyond that, chefs really didn’t know one another. There was not a tight knit chef community. The goal was to bridge that and start these dinners where we’d get two chefs together, they come up with a menu, we pay for everything, and then any sous chefs could come and hang out and help, or just watch. It brought all these cool gangs of people together that we didn’t really know and they didn’t know each other. We’d get together every few months.”

The idea for Wild Child Wines grew out of lived experience, not a business plan on paper. The couple traveled frequently for work, ate in great restaurants, met chefs, and kept discovering wines that simply weren’t available in Lafayette. Katie describes how a shift happened while traveling: “It changed my thinking and perspective on what wine was and could be. It opened my eyes.” She remembers thinking, “Instead of driving to New Orleans and getting cases of wine every time we go, maybe we could just open a tiny wine shop.” They already had a downtown space; Denny had been renting it since 2016 as studio and workspace, so the “tiny wine shop” idea became real.

Wild Child Wines opened in January 2020, just weeks before the world changed. “Right before Covid,” they say, an unexpected test for any new business. But their concept proved resilient. “Everyone still needed wine,” Katie says, and the shop pivoted fast. “We made a website overnight,” they recalled, creating pickup windows where they’d be “boxing wine, drinking wine, handing wine to people.” Looking back, they describe it as a strange but workable season: “For us personally, it was okay… the right concept.”

A big part of the Wild Child experience is how they talk about wine, without intimidation, and with a deep respect for where it comes from. Katie explains that wine is, at its core, agriculture: “Wine is an agricultural product. It’s grapes.” Over time, she says, wine became commercialized and manipulated: “When you look at what wine has become, it’s become this process where lots of things are added to preserve it” For them, the appeal of low-intervention or “natural” wine is both philosophical and physical. “It should just be grapes,” she says, and she describes the feeling of these wines as having “a liveliness.” Denny offers a simple comparison: “Think of it more as like the farmers market of wine, rather than this mass produced grocery store wine.” They focus on small producers, sometimes only “300 to 600 cases of wine a year”, and still marvel that a tiny shop in Lafayette can receive a case from a winemaker in Umbria, Italy: “That’s incredible.”

Inside the shop, the goal is to help people try and learn in real time. They rotate “6 to 8 wines by the glass,” and if something is open, they’re generous with tastes: “We’ll give you a taste, as much as you want.” Customers can shop with a glass in hand, explore without pressure, and let curiosity lead. Katie laughs that they still see themselves as learners: “We’re wine babies too. I still don’t know a lot about wine,” Katie says. Yet the shop’s culture and hospitality, powered by a staff they praise repeatedly, creates a place where people want to linger, meet, and return.

Over time, Wild Child also expanded through food, always in service of the wine, but now very much part of the experience. Katie admits the shop was originally meant to be only “a tiny wine shop with a little tasting bar, 600 square feet,” but after lockdown, food grew naturally. She began working on pizza recipes during lockdown, hosting backyard pizza parties, then bringing that idea to the shop as a low-barrier entry point: “The barrier to entry for pizza is much lower than this new wine that they haven’t seen.” She describes the strategy plainly: “Everything that we’ve added is just to get more people in the door to sell more wine. That’s the goal.” Today, Wild Child offers a popular Friday lunch, making bread in-house and building a menu around sandwiches, salads, and “snacks”—including tinned fish, olives, and small plates.

Food, for them, is also about local connection. Katie talks about sourcing flour from a local mill—“the flour we’re getting is milled right down the road at Straw Cove”—and finding produce at markets: “I’ll go to Moncus Park mostly…” Their approach mirrors their wine philosophy: ingredients matter, and good inputs create good outcomes. “It goes back to the wine,” Denny says, emphasizing that they want products that are “clean” and made with care.

Seafood is another growing part of the Wild Child story, especially oysters. They highlight a favorite oyster farmer: “Albert “Buzzy” Besson, Grand Isle native… he’s now farming oysters there.” Besson delivers directly to the shop every Thursday, and the relationship embodies what they love about downtown: small-business networks, familiar faces, and a Main Street feeling. They describe field trips with other downtown restaurants to learn oyster farming firsthand and reflect on the changing coastal reality that is shaping new oyster traditions.

Katie and Denny Culbert in 2024 at Wild Child Wines. Photo by Brad Kemp of the Advocate.One of the most delightful segments of the interview is their passion for tinned fish, which has become a signature part of the shop’s identity. Katie traces her “aha moment” to a Grand Canyon trip where canned smoked oysters became the perfect camp appetizer: “We’re just on a sandy beach in the middle of the Grand Canyon eating smoked oysters out of a can.” What started as a personal love turned into a curated selection that grew so big it demanded its own wall, “floor to ceiling tin fish.” They’ll even plate it for guests with pickles and fresh bread: “If you come in, we’ll do tinned fish plate and set it up for you.” They love that it bridges cultures too—both the adventurous foodie and “the guy who’s been eating sardines in the duck blinds” can appreciate it.

The episode also includes a meaningful reflection on Lafayette hospitality, prompted by the recent passing of Charlie Goodson of Charlie G’s. Katie describes growing up around Charlie G’s and remembers him as “such a mentor for so many people.” They recount seeing him in recent years, coming in for lunch and wine at Wild Child Wines with his wife. and how much it meant that he supported what they were building: “We felt like we were doing something right… knowing that he loved the place and supported it.” For them, Charlie’s example is part of the inspiration behind the kind of welcome they want to offer.

We close with practical details, such as where to find them and when to visit, and a brief, fun photography “nerd-out” with Denny. He shares his camera choice (a Nikon Z9), his photojournalism background at Ohio University, and a simple tip that applies to everyone, even iPhone shooters: “Not mixing light sources… if you’ve got a big window… turn off all the other lights in the room and use that.” The conversation ends with a glimpse into their personal lives and how their passions have become their work. As Katie puts it with a laugh, “Our hobby is the wine shop. It’s our house.”

Wild Child Wines is located at 210 Vermilion Street, directly across from Parc Sans Souci. Their hours: Tuesday–Thursday, noon–8 PM, and Friday–Saturday, 11 AM–9 PM. Visit https://wildchildwines.com/ for more information.

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On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with two leaders deeply involved in shaping student career readiness at University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Brandi Hollier, Director of the B.I. Moody College of Business Internship Program, and Kim Billeaudeau, Director of the Office of Career Services.

Together, they share how internships, professional preparation, and employer partnerships come together to help students transition confidently from the classroom into the workforce — while also supporting local businesses looking to grow talent.

Kim Billeaudeau: A Career Built on MentorshipKim Billeaudeau has served in Career Services for 25 years, including nearly 19 years as director. A Louisiana native from Opelousas, Kim’s journey began close to home.

“I grew up right down the street in Opelousas, and I taught high school,” she shared. After earning her degree from UL and teaching high school for two years, she realized her passion was helping students navigate life beyond graduation.

“I remembered mentors that I had as a student at UL Lafayette; professional staff members who saw something in me as a student leader,” Kim said. “When Career Services came available, it was perfect.”

Over the years, Kim has helped students with résumés, interviewing, dining etiquette, career fairs, and professional presence. She still sees the long-term impact today.

“They’ll say, ‘Miss Kim, you taught me dining etiquette’ or ‘you helped me with my résumé.’ What I do is amazing, and I’m so blessed to be able to help students each and every day, to graduate and be successful from our institution.”

Professional Skills Beyond the ClassroomKim emphasized that many students simply haven’t had exposure to professional environments before.

“Sometimes students don’t have an opportunity to put on professional clothing or go through a four or five course meal,” she explained. “The more we can provide them that hands-on experience, that’s part of the education experience.”

Career Services offers mock interviews, interview preparation, and coaching on everything from researching employers to follow-up thank-you notes.

“We do a lot of mock interviews with students. Everything from preparing for the interview, not only choosing what to wear, but researching the company, getting notes together, thinking of what questions you can ask in the interview and getting them to understand that it’s a two way street. Everything to giving a good firm handshake, introducing yourself, when to sit, where to sit, looking the employer in the eye, smiling, and then answering interview questions. And then the follow up with thank you, and online applications. We coach students all through the process.”

Kim is also a certified etiquette consultant through The Etiquette Institute and completed refresher training on post-COVID etiquette, which she now incorporates into student preparation.

Brandi Guidry Hollier: From Student to Professor to Internship DirectorBrandi Hollier is an associate professor in the Department of Management and has served as Director of the Moody College of Business Internship Program for more than 12 years. A Lafayette native, her career path has come full circle. She’s currently the recipient of two endowed professorships.

“I was born and raised here in Lafayette, Louisiana. I kind of grew up at UL,” Brandi said. She earned both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UL before starting as an adjunct instructor, later becoming full-time faculty and earning her doctorate.

“There are professors at the university that have taught me that I now work with, which is a beautiful thing.”

Brandi also oversees internship programming that connects students with real-world experience before graduation.

“There are opportunities to go out into an organization and get some professional experience prior to entering the workforce,” she said. “It’s my honor and it’s a blessing to be able to help students in doing that.”

Research, Technology, and the Changing Business LandscapeBrandi’s research focuses on technology adoption, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and personality in human-computer interaction, work that directly influences how she teaches.

“Artificial intelligence is here to stay,” she noted. “We have to allow students the opportunity to engage with that, and teach them how to properly do so within ethical realms.”

She emphasized that curriculum is evolving to reflect rapid changes in technology and business practices.

Internships: Events, Employers, and Real ConnectionsThrough collaboration with Career Services, the Moody College of Business offers internship panels, employer seminars, networking receptions, and career fair prep seminars.

One standout event is the business internship networking reception held at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center.

“Resumes are not brought in. We discourage that,” Brandi explained. “We just want them to have a conversation.”

Employers often leave these events already knowing who they intend to hire or having significantly narrowed their candidate pool.

“Small, medium, large sized enterprises — we welcome any and all,” she said.

Handshake: A Central Portal for Students and EmployersBoth offices rely on Handshake, a centralized online portal where employers can post internships, part-time, and full-time positions at no cost.

“It’s all online,” Kim said. “Handshake is really a powerful tool.”

All UL Lafayette students automatically have access and can build profiles with résumés, cover letters, and skills. Alumni also retain access.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships and Academic CreditBrandi explained that guidance comes from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which encourages compensated internships whenever possible.

Students may also earn academic credit if the internship aligns with their major and is approved through a multi-step process involving the employer, department coordinator, and internship office.

“It’s a three-hour credit,” Brandi noted, often taken as an elective, though required in some programs.

Preparing Students — and EmployersBoth Kim and Brandi emphasized that their offices support not only students, but also employers who may not know where to begin.

“We never want it to be frustrating for a company to hire a student,” Kim said. “We can help make the connections.”

They also encourage employers to think ahead, create clear job descriptions, provide orientation, mentorship, and regular feedback.

“That feedback loop is so very important,” Brandi stressed.

Confidence, Clothing, and the Career ClosetOne of the most impactful resources discussed was the Career Closet, which provides free professional clothing to students.

“We had over 700 students take items out of the closet last semester,” Kim shared. Students keep the clothing, helping ease financial barriers to professional attire.

UL Lafayette students can shop for up to 16 free professional clothing items per semester to prepare for events such as interviews, banquets, student organization events, and much more.

Career Services also offers free professional headshots at career fairs. “They’ll say, ‘I can’t wait to send this to my mom,’” Kim said. “They get so much pride seeing themselves in that professional photo.”

Donations of gently used professional clothing and accessories are encouraged and much needed. For more information on how you can contribute, please visit https://louisiana.edu/career/students-alumni/career-closet

Advice for StudentsBrandi Holllier shared, “One of my favorite questions, and I do share this with students to ask at the end of the interview is, ‘How would I get feedback on my job performance if hired?’ That shows the company you want their feedback. You want to learn, you want to grow. You know, that’s the experience. It’s about learning and growing. I feel that’s a really great question for students to pose in an interview.”

Both Kim and Brandi strongly encourage students to maintain a professional online presence. “Employers will search you online,” Brandi noted, emphasizing the importance of LinkedIn and being mindful of social media and what photos you share online.

Life Outside of WorkOutside of campus, Brandi enjoys reading and occasionally playing piano alongside her daughter. TV is not a part of her life, and her quiet, beautifully serene nature is reflected in her wise choices as to how she spends her free time.

Kim, meanwhile, is currently actively wearing the hat of wedding planner as her daughter prepares for an April 2026 wedding. “Every moment I have outside of my job is spent on wedding planning,” she said with a big smile.

This conversation offers a valuable look at how UL Lafayette prepares students for professional success — and how local employers can engage meaningfully with the next generation of talent.

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Stephanie Manson, President: FMOL Health/ Our Lady of Lourdes, joins Discover Lafayette to talk about leadership, mission-driven Catholic healthcare, and the most significant hospital expansions Lafayette has seen in years.

Stephanie shares her deeply personal journey into healthcare administration, her love for Louisiana and Lafayette, and how Our Lady of Lourdes is expanding capacity, technology, and compassionate care through the Advancing Acadiana initiative, while staying grounded in a values-based mission that puts people first.

Stephanie has dedicated her professional life to Catholic health care and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. She began her career as an administrative resident at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge and steadily progressed through leadership roles, including serving as the firstadministrator of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and later as Chief Operating Officer from 2018 to 2023. In March 2023, she joined Our Lady of Lourdes, continuing her work in Louisiana communities she deeply values.

“I grew up in Houma, Louisiana, so I’m a Louisiana girl, and it was important to me to give back to Louisiana.”

Stephanie holds dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from LSU. She describes her path into health care administration as a blend of service and business, exactly the balance she set out to find.

“I set out to find a career that balanced service and business; 100% of healthcare administration checked those boxes. I’ve still not touched a patient. Sometimes I try to help and I get told, no, please don’t do that. You’re going to mess us up. But to see the work we do carried out through the work of our team, that’s extremely fulfilling. It is why I’ve kept going in this ministry for so long.”

A Health System Serving AcadianaThe Our Lady of Lourdes system includes three hospitals, approximately 2,800 team members, and more than 200 employed providers, including physicians and nurse practitioners. Stephanie oversees a rapidly growing regional footprint that now offers comprehensive care from birth through end of life.

“We offer comprehensive services from birth until end of life care. And that’s important for the community to be able to have access to that.”

The system includes:

• Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, the legacy acute care campus located at 4801 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette LA 70508;
• Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, featuring a 32-bed inpatient unit and advanced cardiovascular care, located at 1105 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette LA 70508; and
• Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, acquired in 2019, expanding services for mothers, babies, and pediatric patients, located at 4600 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette LA 70508.

Stephanie emphasizes that growth has never been about size—it has always been about mission.

“It was never about growth or being the biggest. It’s about delivering Catholic health care in the communities that need it.”

Advancing AcadianaOne of the most significant initiatives underway is Advancing Acadiana, a multi-campus investment focused on expanding access, improving patient flow, and ensuring the hospital can say “yes” to more patients who need specialized care.

Projects include:

• Expansion of inpatient capacity at the Regional Medical Center (approximately 20 additional beds)
• Emergency department expansion to improve access and efficiency
• A new electrophysiology lab and additional inpatient beds and operating rooms at the Heart Hospital
• Major upgrades at Women’s & Children’s, including approximately 20 private NICU family suites, a refreshed exterior, and a new chapel

Our Lady of Lourdes’ Women’s and Children’s Hospital is undergoing $100 million in improvements.

At the heart of the Advancing Acadiana project is the expansion of the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, featuring significant exterior upgrades and private suites, each with a full bathroom and a dedicated family area within the room. The NICU will expand from 51 to 60 beds and will feature 19 new private suites.

“Talk about a sacred moment and a tender moment… a private opportunity for them to be together as a family is so important.

Leadership as a Climb Toward ExcellenceStephanie Manson describes her leadership philosophy using a Mount Everest metaphor, introduced by President and Chief Executive Officer and leader of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System E.J. Kuiper, with five “camps” on the climb toward excellence.

“The idea is that the foundation or the base of the mountain is our mission, and that everything we do should be grounded in our mission. That’s why we’re here. And that’s really what the sisters ask of us every day, to perpetuate the mission, to always do more for those most in need, with particular regard to the poor and the underserved. And so many of our services, such as the Saint Bernadette Clinic and Northside High, some of our free health screenings are all about the mission. It’s important to us that you can feel that difference and that mission at work. The best time is when you think nobody’s watching and we catch you doing good.“

From mission, the climb moves through:

• Being the best place to work and practice medicine
• Delivering an exceptional patient experience
• Ensuring strong quality of care
• Achieving sustainable market share and finances that allow reinvestment in the community

“We measure all of these things… team member engagement, turnover, patient experience, quality results.”

The summit, she says, is aspirational.

“I don’t know that we’ll ever get there… we’re never quite done with progress and being better.”

Caring for the CaregiversStephanie speaks with deep respect for physicians, nurses, and advanced practice professionals.

“None of us (in administration) can admit a patient. We really rely on the physicians trusting us to care for the patients.”

She shares a moving moment involving a nurse practitioner grieving alongside a family transitioning to hospice care, who was apologizing for her emotions. “I said, no, please. I think this is beautiful because it means after all these years, you care.’ We can never stop caring.”

That human connection, she says, is irreplaceable—even as technology advances.

Innovation, Technology, and Early DetectionStephanie highlights investments in robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and lung cancer detection technologies.

“We recently invested in a da Vinci 5 robot… our patients recover faster, there are better health outcomes.”

She also discusses robotic bronchoscopy and early lung cancer detection. “What we’ve seen is that we’re able to detect cancer a lot earlier… and hopefully that leads to survivorship.”

Community screenings, often offered free of charge, are another key part of preventive care. “Utopia is that fewer people need us because we’re healthier.”

Mission in ActionStephanie underscores Lourdes’ unwavering commitment to caring for all patients, regardless of insurance.

“In our emergency departments, we care for the patient first. You can worry about insurance later.”

She points to the Saint Bernadette Clinic, adjacent to Catholic Charities on St. John Street, as a living example of mission-driven care. “Regardless of ability to pay, you come into Saint Bernadette Clinic. We don’t charge….ever.”

Life Beyond the HospitalAt home, Stephanie treasures family, experiences, and balance. She and her husband, Briggs, have been married 26 years and are proud parents to Anna Claire, a graduate student in health care administration, and Lily, a college sophomore. Their dog, Scout, acquired after a persuasive PowerPoint business plan presentation by her daughters, remains a beloved part of their family story.

She loves music, travel, sports (especially football), fantasy football, and watching people do their best.“My kids said, ‘Mom, you like experiences.’ And I think that’s it. Any type of competition and the ability to watch people excel, whether that’s live music or a sporting event, I’m in.”

A Guiding PrincipleIn her office hangs a sign passed down from her grandfather who had worked in leadership with the Lafourche Police Department, to her mother, and then to Stephanie: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

“My grandparents and my parents, instilled a lot of the values of who I am at the core in terms of caring for people, a strong work ethic. There is an awful amount of authority in leadership and you can lose your way and your grounding and believe maybe that you’re more important than you are. I think the most important thing is how do we treat people? How do I interact with people every day? There are important decisions to be made. Remember how you made them feel. That’s what’s most important to me. And so even if it’s a difficult conversation, we can do that with dignity and kindness. The sign is a reminder of those tenets of being a good person first.”

Stephanie Manson leads with humility, clarity of purpose, and a deep respect for the people who make health care possible. Her vision for Lourdes, and for Acadiana, is rooted in mission, measured progress, and compassion that never loses its human touch.

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Bob Miller, CEO and Founder of IRGame, is a technology entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience across cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

He’s a pioneer in using AI-powered gamification for incident response (“IR”) training, designed specifically for busy executives who can’t spend full days in training but must make high-stakes decisions quickly during real crises. IRGame puts executive teams through realistic scenario such as ransomware, data breaches, business email compromise, and AI-related incidents, so they can practice decision-making under pressure.

Returning to Lafayette and building startups

Bob graduated in 1988 from University of Louisiana – Monroe in Computer Science and Math. He moved back to Louisiana from San Jose around 2010 and chose Lafayette as home. Almost immediately, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) contacted him about helping build a startup accelerator. With experience across roughly 10 startups, he became founding director of what he named the Opportunity Machine, where his title was “Head Machinist”). Bob later continued mentoring via the Accelerator Board.

After three years, engineer and entrepreneur Bill Fenstermaker recruited him to help commercialize products at Fenstermaker & Associates. Bob worked on projects including a custom GIS system and underwater acoustics, following earlier work in areas like satellite systems. Later he became COO at Waitr in its early stage, helping scale from about 300 to 3,000 employees in roughly 12–14 months, the kind of operational scaling challenge he’s often brought in to manage. He then joined a local managed service provider and helped transform it into a managed security service provider, an experience that directly led to IR Game.

Why IR Game exists

Bob identified a persistent problem: many organizations resist spending time and money on cybersecurity because they don’t understand it and lack an emotional connection because they have never experienced a crisis. Traditional tabletop training exercises meant to train a business team on how to respond during a crisis (paper scenarios, PowerPoint presentations, and sitting around a conference table discussing solutions) have existed for decades, but they’re time-consuming (often 80–90 hours to prepare) and require pulling people into a room for a full day, which makes them expensive and hard to scale. If it’s hard, many companies simply don’t do it.

Bob attended a cybersecurity conference and participated in a tabletop designed for managed service providers, an exercise that was “fundamentally terrifying” and eye-opening. A worst-case Managed Service Provider (“MSP”) scenario is when a third-party tool, especially remote monitoring and management (RMM) software, gets compromised. That can lead to ransomware across an MSP’s entire customer base simultaneously. The exercise illustrated IRGame’s central insight: about 80% of incident response is non-technical in nature: financial consequences, shutdown decisions, customer impact, employee panic, communications, reputational and legal exposure.

Bob brought the tabletop back to his company and ran it with 80 of 130 employees, customizing it with real customer names, revenue figures, and tenure. Even with a mature incident response plan and twice-yearly practice, they discovered a dozen needed changes. That convinced him that if a well-prepared security organization learns that much from a scenario, “everybody can.”

The breakthrough: turning tabletop into an online multiplayer game

During that exercise, a longtime software collaborator of Bob’s mentioned he still had a dormant game app framework built years earlier for a high-school project with Bob’s daughter. He believed he could convert the paper tabletop into an online multiplayer experience in a weekend. After running the in-person tabletop on Thursday, he demonstrated a working browser-based multiplayer version on Sunday.

They showed it to cybersecurity tabletop authors and industry influencers, Matt Lee and Ethan Tancredi, who were shocked by how quickly the tabletop content had been transformed into a functional digital game. Soon after, they invited about 20 people to test it. The early version looked rough, like a 1980s text adventure, but it worked. The response was far stronger than expected: participants reported intense emotional engagement and immediate practical takeaways. One government participant said it left him rattled, with pages of notes and a need for a drink; an MSP in Hawaii asked when he could use it with customers.

That became a monthly community practice program: they’ve run 25+ free games, putting 1,000+ people through the system. As demand grew—especially from providers wanting to use it with customers—IRGame chose to commercialize.

IR Game mirrors tabletop training but compresses it into a high-intensity, guided simulation. A scenario is narrated like scenes in a movie. Participants answer opening questions to get teams communicating quickly, which is critical because incident response requires fast coordination. Players assume roles and must allocate limited resources to tasks. Challenges pile up faster than teams can handle them, forcing prioritization and tradeoffs, just like real incidents.

A key design element is pressure: a relentless timer counts down; there’s no pause button. This stress reveals the truth: under pressure, people become more honest about gaps in their preparedness. That’s valuable because organizations often sugarcoat weaknesses—until a simulation forces real reactions.

Bob explained an example crisis scenario: a business email compromise (which he says is currently a dominant incident type). A financial firm discovers a customer wired money to a “new account” supposedly sent by the CFO, yet the CFO didn’t send it. As the story unfolds, participants learn the compromise likely affected many customers, not just one. The game surfaces operational realities executives often miss: internal rumors, uncontrolled communications, legal exposure triggered by words like “breach,” and the need for an “event mode” communications policy that calms the organization and prevents chaos.

AI scenarios and new risks

IRGame also focuses on emerging AI-related risks. Miller says they ran what they described as the first AI incident scenario at a national security conference (IT Nation Secure) and now maintain multiple AI scenarios. The point is not to create fear, but to provide a safe environment to practice decisions around new threat patterns.

Practical cybersecurity guidance for individuals and small businesses

Bob emphasizes that cybersecurity is no longer optional and that AI strengthens attackers as well as defenders. He predicts that in 2026 smaller businesses will face increased targeting, because automation lets “two dudes and a dog” run campaigns that once required larger teams, making up revenue in volume rather than big single payouts.

He also notes that cybercriminal ecosystems now resemble legitimate businesses, including tools, support, and organizational structure.

Bob recommends baseline controls that are realistic for small organizations: unique passwords, password managers, multi-factor authentication, training on phishing, cyber insurance, and economical endpoint monitoring (EDR/MDR). These measures raise the cost for attackers so they move on to easier targets, though no control is perfect.

On password managers, Bob uses Keeper and mentions 1Password and others. He strongly warns against saving passwords in browsers. He also flags emerging concerns about AI-enabled browsers that maintain a large “context window” across many sites, potentially increasing risk if compromised.

On online exposure to your information, such as emails and staff info on websites, he advises sharing only what’s necessary. Data can be scraped and used for phishing and impersonation. Deepfakes and better-written scams are making social engineering harder to detect.

He also notes that much personal data is already exposed through breaches, citing Louisiana’s DMV breach as an example of widespread data loss where every licensed driver’s Social Security Number was compromised.

Incident response planning and insurance pressure

A recurring theme: organizations need an incident response plan and must practice it, especially as cyber insurers increasingly demand proof. In a room of 50+ attorneys he spoke to recently, Miller found only three had a plan, and none practiced it. He warned that future claims could be denied if companies claim they had plans but don’t demonstrate practice.

Trying IRGame for free

IRGame offers free public sessions: the last Friday of every month, sign-up available via their website. Miller notes they also post recordings and content online (LinkedIn and YouTube).

Visit https://www.irgame.ai/ for more information and to sign up for a free public session. You can also see how IRGame works by visiting its youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@IRGameify

Personal note: music and creativity

Outside cybersecurity, Miller is a musician, primarily blues/rock, and often appears on video with guitars behind him. He draws a parallel between software development and music: both require creativity within rules. He argues policies and procedures aren’t bureaucracy—they’re like scales and tempo: structure that enables effective performance under pressure.

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Don Dupuis is a Louisiana technology pioneer whose work quietly shaped how businesses across Acadiana and far beyond learned to operate in the early days of the digital age.

Don founded Acadiana Computer Systems in 1969, at a time when most offices still relied on adding machines, paper ledgers, and manual calculations. Long before “IT services” was a common phrase, Don saw that businesses, especially medical practices, needed help navigating billing, coding, payroll, and data management.

What began as a small, homegrown operation became a regional force, supporting doctors, lawyers, oilfield companies, universities, public offices, and even the horse racing industry.

In this conversation, Don walks us through a remarkable journey that begins in Carencro, where he grew up and still lives on the very property where he was born.

He shares stories from his early career in banking, including helping launch the credit card business in central Louisiana, complete with a secret U-Haul trip to Baton Rouge to retrieve credit cards during a rainstorm, and how that experience opened his eyes to the power of automation.

Without a formal computer science degree, Don built his company by pairing business insight with technical brilliance. He credits early partner Roy Arwood, a mathematician and programmer, as “a genius” who wrote the software while Don sold, ran, and personally operated the systems. Together, they computerized payrolls with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of employees, ultimately processing more than one million W-2s in a single year.

Don explains how Acadiana Computer Systems served a wide range of clients:

• Oilfield companies with massive payrolls
• Medical practices struggling with complex coding and insurance reimbursement
• Universities and medical schools, including LSU systems
• Registrars of voters and tax assessors
• The horse racing industry, where his team produced race programs before tote boards existed

In medical billing, Don describes uncovering widespread inefficiencies, and sometimes outright fraud, costing physician practices tens of thousands of dollars each month. His company didn’t just process claims; it helped doctors understand diagnosis codes, CPT procedures, and compliance, often recovering revenue that would otherwise be lost. “A doctor’s bill is one of the most complicated things to produce,” he explains, emphasizing how critical accuracy became once Medicare and government oversight entered the picture.

The episode also captures the culture of Lafayette’s boom years. Don recalls a time when oil money flooded the region, businesses were expanding rapidly, and opportunity felt “wide open.” He also speaks candidly about downturns, particularly the late-1970s and early-1980s oil collapse, when many left Lafayette in search of work elsewhere.

After decades of growth, Don sold Acadiana Computer Systems in 2021, staying on briefly before stepping away for good. He reflects on the realities of modern consolidation, offshore labor, and automation, noting that while technology keeps advancing, it often comes at the expense of long-term employees.

In late 2025, Don made local news again when he sold the former ACS’ headquarters (nearly 30,000-square-foot building on Dulles Drive) for $3.6-million deal to South Louisiana Community College, allowing the campus to expand classrooms, offices, and student services.

Beyond business, Don shares stories of generosity and community, from housing Lafayette’s mounted police horses on his rural property to building lifelong relationships based on handshakes rather than contracts. “If you’re nice to somebody, it comes back,” he says, reflecting on clients who became partners simply because he helped when they needed it most.

The conversation closes with Don’s thoughts on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work. Having witnessed the evolution from mainframes to personal computers to AI, he sees enormous potential, particularly in medicine, alongside serious risks if technology is used carelessly. He also laments the massive shift of jobs to foreign countries where people making $2.50 per hour are gladly taking jobs once held by America’s talented workforce.

This episode is a rare oral history of Acadiana’s early technology era, told by someone who helped build it: one payroll run, one program, and one handshake at a time.

We thank our dear friend, Don Dupuis, for his generous spirit and the contributions he has made to our business climate in Acadiana. Avec beaucoup d’amour!

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Melissa Bonin, celebrated artist, poet, lyricist, and author whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape, language, and spirit of South Louisiana.

A native of New Iberia with French and Acadian ancestry, Melissa is widely recognized as one of Louisiana’s leading contemporary landscape painters. Her work weaves together emotion, mythology, nature, and memory—often inspired by bayous, waterways, mist, and the movement of water.

Melissa’s multidisciplinary voice is beautifully expressed in her 160-page book, When Bayous Speak, which pairs poetry and paintings spanning more than two decades of her artistic career. The poetry in the book reflects five to six years of work, while the paintings represent some of her most personal and enduring visual pieces. The cover image, Dances on Water, embodies the themes that recur throughout her work—flow, reflection, and deep connection to place.

Finding Her Voice Through ArtMelissa shared that she was painfully shy as a child and struggled to communicate with others. Her earliest breakthrough came on the last day of kindergarten, when a teacher handed her a chalkboard. “There was something I was able to express myself with, without speaking,” she recalled. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with art as language.

Her grandfather, a horse trainer, would sit with her and draw simple figures, unknowingly nurturing her creative instincts. Even early recognition came with challenges; after entering a poster contest as a young child she didn’t win. She was told she couldn’t have drawn the winning work herself. “But I did,” she said.

Mentorship and Artistic FormationMelissa’s artistic path was shaped by extraordinary mentorship. At Mount Carmel in New Iberia, teacher James Edmunds and his wife Susan exposed her to museums, music, and culture, taking her to the King Tut exhibit and the symphony in New Orleans. Edmunds introduced her to Elemore Morgan, Jr., who became a lifelong mentor.

Through these mentors, Melissa began taking fine art classes at UL Lafayette while still in high school at only 15 years of age. Edmunds even received permission from the nuns to continue teaching her privately at his home. “The greatest thing he ever did for me was to get out of my way,” she said.

Reflecting back on her early mentor in high school, Melissa says, “James Edmunds would have different media there. It would be watercolor or whatever. He’d say, I’ll be back in an hour. Then he’d come back and we’d discuss it. Then I’d go back to school.”

Melissa went on to earn her degree in Fine Arts at USL (now UL Lafayette), studying under influential artists including Elemore Morgan Jr., Herman Mhire, and Bill Moreland.

Language, Identity, and FranceMelissa’s love for the French language developed alongside her art. Her parents belonged to what she called the “shamed generation” who did not speak French, yet her grandmother spoke only French. Wanting to communicate with her, Melissa taught herself French using a Bible she found in an armoire.

Her academic journey led her abroad through scholarships from CODOFIL and LSU. She studied in Angers and Paris and described her first experience in France simply as “I’m home.” That connection continues to influence her work, which is often presented in both English and French.

Art as a Living PracticeMelissa described the moment she truly “found her voice” as an artist after her first major New Orleans show, when Elemore Morgan Jr. left her a message repeating, “Melissa, you have found your voice.” Her distinctive surface treatment—polished like “a gemstone or a precious metal”—became a defining element of her work.

When asked how long it takes to create a painting, she quoted Picasso’s famous response: “All my life.” Some works move quickly; others are painted over dozens of times. “The canvas tells you,” she said. “It’s when you try to impose your will upon the canvas that you don’t get too far.”

Melissa Bonin shared on Facebook, “So happy to see this in Moncus Park today on my walk. What a lovely job the Haynie Family has done incorporating one of my wildflower paintings and one of my poems into their display along Lake Reaux.”

Nature, Water, and HealingMelissa’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world—water, mist, humidity, plant life, wildflowers, and birds. During a period of heartbreak, she began paddling her canoe on the bayou every afternoon. “When I got on the water, everything fell away,” she shared. That experience sparked her lifelong exploration of bayous as both subject and sanctuary.

Today, birding has become part of her daily life and creative process. “Being out there and hearing the sounds of nature and the calls—I love it,” she said.

Poetry, Rejection, and ResilienceMelissa’s poetry has reached international audiences, with residencies in Montreal and current opportunities in France. Reflecting on a defining moment at the Congrès Mondial in Canada—where she was the first woman to present—she recalled a comment from a well-known figure who told her, “They will always remember your painting, but your poetry will get you nowhere.”

Her response was resolute: “I must have had some really good poetry to make a person have to formulate that kind of sentence.” Since then, her poetry has appeared in parks in Belgium, installations in Lafayette, and residencies across borders. “My advice is filter what people tell you,” she said.

Living the Artist’s LifeMelissa spoke candidly about choosing to become a full-time artist after realizing her art income had surpassed her teaching salary. “I wish I would have done it sooner,” she said. Her advice to young creatives: trust the inner voice and begin before you feel completely ready.

She also shared that meditation, movement, and dance—another lifelong love—play a vital role in her creative process. “When I’m really stuck, I move,” she said. “And then sometimes the answers come.”

“Arianna Huffington had a quote that I love to live by. She said, “Go forward as if all the cards are stacked in your favor. And so for anyone who has a desire to paint or write, I encourage that. There’s something that happens to a person when they dig deep within themselves and really become acquainted with themselves. In that way, something beautiful happens and everyone around can feel it.”

Upcoming EventMelissa will be featured in Bulles littéraires, a literary evening hosted by Alliance Française de Lafayette.

📍 Centre International de Lafayette
735 Jefferson Street (enter on Jefferson side)
🗓️ 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Free event
Melissa will present When Bayous Speak in English, French, or both.
RSVP online through Alliance Française de Lafayette.

Melissa Bonin’s work reminds us that art is not separate from life—it is life, observed deeply, felt honestly, and expressed with courage.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Heather Borges, owner of Bee Organized Lafayette, a professional organizing and life-transition company serving the Lafayette area.

January is National Organizing Month, and this first conversation of 2026 kicks off the new year with practical insight into why organization is so personal and so powerful.

Heather shares her path from nursing to professional organizing. A graduate of UL-Lafayette in 2009, she spent 16 years as a nurse, including work as a dialysis nurse, in home health, and as a school nurse for Lafayette Parish for 11 years.

Heather explains that home health nursing, in particular, exposed her to how people actually live in their homes and how clutter can affect safety and daily functioning.

Burned out after COVID but still wanting to serve with compassion, she began researching professional organizing and discovered Bee Organized, a nationally based franchise that is locally owned and operated. After years of prayer and discernment, she made the leap, supported by her family and husband, calling it a step away from security but toward purpose.

Heather describes Bee Organized as a tight knit franchise community based out of Kansas City, Kansas, with regular Zoom meetings and a strong culture of encouragement. She explains that the company’s approach is grounded in compassion, sustainability, and truly understanding how each client functions in their space. As she puts it, “We’re not just going to make things look pretty on the shelf. We’re really listening to you and seeing how you function, how you want it to function.”

A recurring theme of the conversation is how overwhelmed people feel by their belongings. Heather says many clients tell her they feel paralyzed, explaining, “They go into the room, and then they just back out and close the door… ‘I can’t. I don’t know where to start.’” Her response is reassurance and process: “Nope, we got it. We are going to help you go through it.”

Bee Organized prefers clients to be present during sessions so the systems created are realistic and maintainable. “Our goal is for you to be able to maintain it,” she says.

Heather walks through Bee Organized’s complimentary in-home consultation process, where she assesses personalities, volume of belongings, and how a client wants a space to work. She emphasizes that square footage alone doesn’t tell the story: “A 1,400-square-foot home may have double the stuff as the 1,400-square-foot home across the street.” During consultations, she takes notes, photos, and measurements, and provides an estimate within 24 hours. She also offers flexible options for those who prefer to send photos or videos instead of an in-person visit.

A key part of Bee Organized’s philosophy is recognizing different organizing personalities. Heather explains several types, including the “Crammer Jammer Stacker,” which she describes as “organized chaos,” where someone has a lot in one space but knows exactly where everything is. She also discusses the “Aspire,” who buys supplies for hobbies they hope to do someday; the “Just in Case” person who stocks up out of caution; the “Memory Keeper,” who holds onto sentimental items; and the “Money Minded,” who struggles to part with expensive purchases. These insights help her team, called “the Bees,” approach each job with empathy and strategy.

Some of the most moving moments come when Heather talks about memory-based organizing. She shares stories of helping clients preserve meaning without forcing them to discard cherished items. One example involved turning her own late grandfather’s Western shirts into teddy bears for grandchildren, with the remaining shirts donated to a nursing home. “We do not force you to get rid of things because those memories are special to you,” she says.

Bee Organized also offers keepsake boxes, memory albums, T-shirt quilts, and access to a local vendor list to support these projects.

Beyond home organization, Bee Organized Lafayette provides packing and unpacking for moves, downsizing support, commercial organization for spaces like coffee shops and spas, donation drop-offs, help selling items online, and pre-estate-sale organization. Heather notes, “We’re not an estate sale company… we’re charging you our hourly rate,” emphasizing transparency and flexibility. Concierge services include holiday decorating, gift wrapping, personal shopping, and seasonal setup and takedown.

Heather also shares practical advice listeners can use immediately. One of her favorite tips is the “this-and-that bucket,” where items that accumulate during the day go into one container and must be dealt with within 24 hours. “Everything has a home,” she repeats throughout the conversation, explaining that visual clutter often becomes mental clutter. She encourages people to finish the task of grocery shopping by putting groceries away, rather than leaving them on the counter to become a source of stress.

Reflecting on what surprised her most about this work, Heather says she didn’t expect the emotional impact. “I’ve had people cry, and they tell me they can breathe again.” She describes seeing clients feel lighter, calmer, and energized by their spaces, sometimes comparing the experience to a “fresh start.”

Heather invites listeners to take advantage of National Organizing Month in January and begin decluttering, one space at a time.

Bee Organized Lafayette can be reached at https://beeorganized.com/pages/lafayette, heather@beeorganized.com, or you can call Heather at (337) 341-2025. As Heather reminds us, “One box at a time. One spot at a time.”

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Discover Lafayette welcomes a true living legend of service to Acadiana: Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel.

Dr. Neiheisel was the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Lafayette Civic Cup, one of the highest honors for civic service in our community. Her journey in Lafayette began in 1966, when she started teaching at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette), launching 59 years of impact in education, healthcare, and community leadership.

With quiet determination, Dr. Neiheisel helped build UL Lafayette’s Nurse Practitioner Program, serving as its first coordinator and director and laying the foundation for graduate nursing education across the region.

Beyond academia, her heart for service shines through her long-standing work at Faith House of Acadiana, where she serves as a nurse practitioner and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Her legacy of compassion is now honored through the Mary B. Neiheisel Patron of Hope Award, created in her name to recognize extraordinary servant leadership in our community.

From South Texas to Lafayette

“I grew up in a very small town in South Texas, about 40 miles from San Antonio, called Stockdale.”

Dr. Neiheisel traces her path into nursing back to her mother’s influence. “My mother always said that she concentrated on me being a nurse when she was pregnant. She said it was implanted. Consequently, she bought me the Cherry Ames nursing books when I was very young. Any medical shows on TV? We watched them. My mother started out to be a nurse, but she wanted to get married. And in those days, they did not allow the nurses to be married. So I think, you know, it was just her wish on me.”

Dr. Neiheisel received her early education in San Antonio, completing her baccalaureate degree at the University of the Incarnate Word before moving to Austin and later earning her master’s degree at the University of Colorado in 1965. She shares how she met her husband, Richard Neiheisel, then a USL history professor, and how that connection ultimately brought her to Lafayette in 1966.

USL in the 1960s

Reflecting on her early years on campus, Dr. Neiheisel recalls the realities of nursing education at the time: “We were actually in a condemned building.” She describes a small campus, modest facilities, and close-knit classes, noting how both the university and its nursing program have evolved into institutions that are now nationally known.

Answering the Call to Teach

Dr. Neiheisel explains what drew her to nursing education: “I felt like there was a real need for more faculty, more teachers in nursing, to help students learn the things that would be best in caring for their patients.”

She speaks candidly about advocating for nursing education in what was largely a male-dominated academic environment, addressing disparities in pay and recognition while helping shape curriculum, meet state board standards, and recruit new faculty.

“In 1984, Acadian Ambulance came to our college to ask about starting an EMT program in our college. And I had worked some in emergency room. Not that much, but I had actually taught some emergency room classes. So I was asked to work with Acadian Ambulance on that program. That was a great experience, Acadian Ambulance is really the business model. They knew what they wanted, and we put this together and then we needed a coordinator for that program in our college. Since I had been working with it, the dean asked me if I would be the coordinator of that program. And I said, no, I’m waiting for the graduate program. And she kind of looked at me like, you’re dreaming. But we continued to talk about our graduate program, and probably it was 1988, we actually were given permission to open our nursing graduate program, and I was offered the position of the first graduate nursing coordinator, which that was really exciting.

Building the Nurse Practitioner Program

Inspired by Dr. Loretta Ford, whom she calls “the mother of nurse practitioners,” Dr. Neiheisel carried a long-held vision for advanced nursing practice.

Dr. Loretta Ford, known as “The Mother of the Nurse Practitioner Program, was a profound influence on Mary Neiheisel.Dr. Neiheisel says, “The year that I graduated with my master’s degree, Dr. Loretta Ford, who is considered the mother of nurse practitioners, the superwoman of nurse practitioners, actually came to our class and told us about the nurse practitioner program that she was starting, and she was a pediatric nurse. So it would be a pediatric nurse practitioner program. I was fascinated by the description that she gave for nurse practitioners and the independence that they would have and the way that they would be able to help patients, help people, help the population, not only in illness but in health, to maintain their health, to prevent disease. And I continued to kind of follow Dr. Ford and read what she was doing and seeing these programs opened. And she did start her program at the University of Colorado. She had six nurse practitioner students that year. There was, again, a lot of opposition to another role for nurses, but there was also a lot of support. She went on a national news. She went all over the country talking about the nurse practitioner program. She went from the University of Colorado to New York, started nurse practitioner programs there. And by that time they were really spreading across the country. In 1988, we finally were able to start our graduate nursing program at USL.”

She describes the early challenges, resistance from some physicians, and the persistence required to establish the program. Dr. Neiheisel went back to school herself to become a family nurse practitioner, helping launch the nurse practitioner track and graduating the program’s first students in 1995. “It wasn’t long before the physicians were employing the nurse practitioners, and now they’re employed in clinics and hospitals.”

High Standards and Lasting Impact

Addressing her reputation as a demanding instructor, Dr. Neiheisel reflects: “I guess I did have high expectations knowing that one day I was going to need their assistance, perhaps played a role in it.”

She speaks with pride about her students’ success and the responsibility of preparing nurses to be confident, capable, and compassionate professionals.

The Evolution of Nursing

From glass medicine cups and manual dosage calculations to electronic health records and patient portals, Dr. Neiheisel walks through six decades of change: “Technology has changed things in many ways… but we have lost some of that more personal touch.” She noted that nurse practitioners often help bridge that gap by spending more time with patients and answering their questions.

Retirement — and Staying Connected

Though she recently retired, Dr. Neiheisel emphasizes that she remains deeply connected to both nursing and the university: “It’s not like a total separation. I’m still very proud of our university and my years there.”

She continues part-time work at Faith House, attends concerts on campus, and remains engaged with the humanities and music communities.

A Life of Civic and Cultural Service

Dr. Neiheisel reflects on decades of civic involvement, including United Way of Acadiana, Rotary Club of Lafayette, the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Zonta International, Foundation for Wellness, and the Lafayette Public Library Foundation. Of all her commitments, she says simply: “Faith House is my love.”

She shares candidly about learning the realities of domestic violence, supporting women and children, fundraising for shelter operations, and recognizing community leaders through the Mary B. Neiheisel Patron of Hope Award.

Named in honor of Dr. Mary B. Neiheisel, the award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their support of Faith House and its mission. Each year, the Patron of Hope Award will be presented to an individual who mirrors Dr. Neiheisel’s enduring passion for advocacy, service, and hope,

Teaching, Challenges, and Why She Stayed

On the most rewarding part of teaching: “Meeting students is a blessing, watching them learn. That ‘aha’ moment is just so rewarding.”

On the greatest challenge of teaching: “Keeping up. It seems like it’s changing every five minutes.”

And on why she chose to build her life in Lafayette: “The people. The atmosphere, the culture. I feel like I have several Louisiana families.”

Life Beyond the Classroom

In closing, Dr. Neiheisel shared her love of music, reading, travel, and the arts, along with a lighthearted story about an unsuccessful tomato garden that led her to grow zinnias instead. She speaks fondly of trips to Colorado, visiting her grandchild in Boston, and appreciating both travel and home.

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Andre Michot, a driving force behind Louisiana’s cultural soundscape and a founding member of the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss Michot Accordions.

Widely known for pushing Cajun music forward while remaining deeply rooted in tradition, Andre’s influence extends well beyond the stage. He is also the proprietor and craftsman behind Michot Accordions, where he builds, restores, and customizes traditional Cajun accordions entirely by hand, creating instruments that don’t just make music, but carry culture.

We sat down with Andre right before Christmas 2025, inspired in part by a recent Acadiana Profile article highlighting local craftsmen who help preserve the region’s musical heritage. Andre reflected on the shrinking number of Cajun accordion builders, noting that while there are now “maybe 10 or 12 accordion builders in South Louisiana,” there were once “30 or more in the 70s and 80s.”

A Family Steeped in MusicAndre’s musical roots run deep. He grew up surrounded by Cajun music through his father and uncles, who started playing together as Les Frères Michot, an all-brothers Cajun band, in 1986. The individual musicians have played with each other and with numerous other groups since then.

Although accordion music was always present in his home, Andre didn’t begin playing the instrument himself until age 24. Before that, he filled in on guitar with his family’s band in the mid-to-late 1980s.

“That’s what I play with Lost Bayou Ramblers,” Andre shared, explaining that he learned accordion by borrowing instruments from his father, uncles, and anyone else who would lend him one. In 1998, Andre and his brother Louis formed Lost Bayou Ramblers, with Louis playing fiddle at the same time Andre took up accordion.

Learning the CraftAndre’s path to accordion building began through curiosity and mentorship. A pivotal moment came when his friend Ray Abshire encouraged him to learn tuning from Randy Falcon, a respected accordion builder known for a sound associated with Cajun music from the 1930s through the 1970s.

“There’s probably no playbook,” Andre explained. “It’s mostly done by ear.” While machines help with precision, tuning ultimately depends on feel: air pressure, reed response, and how notes interact when played together.

Andre described the Cajun accordion as “quite a feat of engineering,” with “a hundred little metal reeds” held in place by beeswax. Unlike guitars, which rely on resonance, the accordion produces sound through air compression, making it both mechanical and deeply physical to play.

Inside a Cajun AccordionTechnically known as a melodeon, the Cajun accordion features ten buttons on the melody side and two bass buttons for rhythm. Pressing a single button opens air channels to four sets of reeds across different octaves, producing layered sound from one note. The bellows, expanding and contracting, drive both airflow and rhythm.

“It’s very physical,” Andre said. “When I started, I would get halfway through a song and be out of breath.” He later realized he had been breathing in and out with the bellows themselves.

Cajun accordions are diatonic, meaning each button produces different notes depending on whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. This design creates the distinctive rhythmic pulse central to Cajun music.

From Repair to BuildingAndre’s transition from tuning and repair to full instrument building came when Randy Falcon offered to teach him how to build rather than sell him an accordion. With a background in carpentry and furniture-making, Andre found the process both challenging and deeply satisfying.

After building his first accordion, word spread, especially as audiences learned of his craft through Lost Bayou Ramblers’ performances. Orders followed from family, fellow musicians, and fans.

“That gives the accordion its soul,” Andre said of the delicate reed work. “That part has got to be right.”

Materials, Sound, and CustomizationMost accordion components can be sourced locally, including wood, often cypress, sometimes supplied by customers themselves. Certain parts come from Italy, where Andre says, “80 to 90% of the accordions and accordion parts in the world” are produced, particularly reeds and bellows, which require a highly specialized manufacturing process.

Andre customizes each instrument based on how a musician plays. He listens to recordings, watches hand positioning of the artist, and considers tonal preferences. Differences in reed materials, zinc versus aluminum plates, steel reeds, block shaping, and tuning style, all can dramatically affect sound.

“It helps playing the accordion in addition to building them,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to put those two together.”

The Joy of CompletionBuilding an accordion takes Andre an estimated 80 to 100 hours, from cutting raw wood to final tuning. As he approaches the final stages, installing reeds, buttons, and bellows, he describes entering a kind of creative frenzy.

“I can’t wait to hear how it sounds,” he said. “I’ve built over 50 accordions now, and I still feel that way.”

Properly made, an accordion can last decades. Andre plays an instrument that is over 100 years old, including one built in the early 1900s that passed through the hands of Ray Abshire and family members before reaching him.

Preserving Cajun CultureAndre sees his work as cultural preservation. By continuing the tuning methods and building styles passed down by mentors like Randy Falcon, he maintains a sound closely tied to a specific era of Cajun music.

“You can play a Cajun accordion built and tuned here,” he explained, “and it’s going to sound and feel different than one built elsewhere.”

That sense of lineage—of sound shaped by place—is central to his work.

Music That Never StopsAndre described music as a constant presence. “I’m constantly waking up with songs in my head,” he said, sometimes humming melodies into his I-phone voice memos late at night and sending them to Louis, his brother and fellow band mates. Lost Bayou Ramblers’ sound reflects not only traditional Cajun influences but also blues, rock, and other genres the band members grew up playing.

Lost Bayou Ramblers recently performed at Moncus Park’s Christmas event, with upcoming shows at The Blue Moon (December 26) and The Broadside in New Orleans (December 27). The band is also beginning work on a new studio album, following several recent live recordings, including their collaboration with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

For a more thorough history on the accordion’s history in South Louisiana, visit Lafayette Travel at https://www.lafayettetravel.com/blog/stories/post/cajun-creole-instruments-accordion/

Visit https://www.michotaccordions.com/ for more information on Andre Michot’s offerings.

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In this episode, Adam Daigle, Business Editor of The Acadiana Advocate, returns to break down Lafayette and Acadiana’s top five business stories of 2025. With years of experience tracking economic trends, major developments, and the people shaping our community, Adam offers an inside look at what’s driving growth—and what challenges remain.

From the long-awaited arrival of Trader Joe’s to manufacturing growth, real estate trends, and the future of North Lafayette, this conversation is packed with insight.

A Post-Covid Economy: Stabilizing but Still ShiftingAdam notes that Acadiana has mostly returned to pre-pandemic normalcy, but some sectors continue to adjust:

• Restaurants: Sales are outpacing inflation overall, but performance is uneven. High-traffic corridors like Kaliste Saloom are thriving, while many locally-owned restaurants still struggle with tight margins, rising costs, and increased competition.
• Retail: Still strong—people are spending, and parish retail sales continue to grow.
• Manufacturing: One of the region’s most promising economic bright spots. Well-paying jobs, steady growth, and diversification beyond oil and gas continue to strengthen the sector.

Manufacturing Momentum—Even After SetbacksWhile Acadiana added thousands of manufacturing jobs since 2020, the closure of SafeSource Direct was a painful blow. The PPE manufacturer, built during the pandemic, couldn’t compete with ultra-low-cost Chinese imports. The result: 700 local jobs lost, many held by women and graduates of drug court programs.

Even so, Adam emphasizes that manufacturing remains a major growth engine. Companies continue to diversify away from oil and gas, and Louisiana’s industrial corridor—from I-49 to Hwy 90—remains active and expanding.

Real Estate & Housing TrendsAdam continues to follow Lafayette’s housing market closely:

• Higher-end homes that once sat on the market are now moving again.
• Sales volume is rising month-to-month.
• Rental demand remains extremely high, driven by population growth and a historic low in first-time homebuyers (just 21% nationally, with the average of a first-time homebuyer being 40 years of age nationally).
• Lafayette continues to see brisk apartment construction to meet demand.

The market is tight—but not dangerously overbuilt.

Adam Daigle’s Top Five Business Stories of 20251. Trader Joe’s Is (Finally) Coming to LafayetteThe biggest story of the year: Trader Joe’s is officially in the works for the corner of Bluebird Drive and Camellia Blvd. in Lafayette.

Because the company is notoriously secretive, even the appearance of a permit created excitement. The land deal is expected to be finalized soon, with construction likely leading to an opening in late 2026 or early 2027.

Fun fact: Lafayette will become one of only three cities in the U. S. that have both a Buc-ee’s and a Trader Joe’s.

2. Northgate Mall Sold to Local Investor Jacoby LandryNorth Lafayette’s aging Northgate Mall has new life ahead. Entrepreneur Jacoby Landry purchased the property with a long-term vision for transforming the site—not simply filling it with retail, but creating a mixed-use redevelopment with potential for office, residential, and community uses.

Jacoby is rebranding Northgate Mall as “The Hub,” inspired by Lafayette’s nickname, Hub City, and the I-10/I-49 cloverleaf, which will be reflected in its new logo. The redevelopment will focus on mixed-use commerce, green spaces, and lighting to ensure safety and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Years of deferred maintenance mean slow, steady work ahead, but the project is finally backed by a local owner committed to revitalization.

The first major opening recently announced is Xtreme Health Club, a full-service fitness facility taking over the former Planet Fitness space. Owned and operated by Jacoby Landry’s sister, Rachel McCorvey, the facility will feature a nutritionist, weight management services, Botox, IV drips, sauna, hot tub, salt room, cold plunge, a health bar, and two indoor pickleball courts. Pilates and boxing fitness will also be offered, bringing Red’s Health Club-like amenities to North Lafayette on a smaller, community-focused scale. It’s expected to open in early 2026.

3. Buc-ee’s Delayed… AgainThe massive travel center planned for I-10 is still happening, but Buc-ee’s has pushed back construction. The company is re-evaluating store designs nationwide, impacting multiple projects—not just Lafayette’s. The new projected opening is 2028.

Even with delays, the development will be a major economic catalyst, generating hundreds of jobs and significant sales-tax revenue.

4. SafeSource Direct ClosureOne of the biggest economic losses of the year was the shutdown of SafeSource Direct’s facilities in Broussard and Lafayette Parish. Global PPE competition, especially from China, made U.S. glove manufacturing unsustainable.

Key impacts:

• 700 local jobs lost
• Loss of a major employer of graduates from local drug court programs
• Decrease in regional PPE manufacturing capacity

5. The Passing of Red LerilleLafayette lost an icon with the death of Red Lerille, founder of Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club and beloved community figure.

Adam reflected on:

• Red’s unmatched work ethic
• His legacy as Mr. America in his youth
• His lifelong devotion to improving Lafayette
• The enormous public response to stories about him

Red’s influence on local fitness, business, and civic life is irreplaceable. Yet, his family follows in his loving footsteps and Red Lerille’s Health Club will remain a bedrock of our local fitness community.

Community Leaders to Watch: Mandi Mitchell of LEDAAdam highlights Mandi Mitchell, CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, as one of the region’s most impactful leaders. “She’s got an incredible background working as an Assistant Secretary with the Louisiana Economic Development. It was a great grab to get her back here in Lafayette.”

Her accomplishments include:

• Reviving the long-stalled Buc-ee’s project
• Supporting the Northgate Mall redevelopment and mentoring owner Jacoby Landry to achieve great success
• Recruiting new business and manufacturing opportunities
• Expanding LEDA’s role into urban planning and talent development
• Empowering local entrepreneurs through mentorship programs

Mandi Mitchell’s philosophy that has inspired Adam Daigle and his favorite quote of the year: “If you want to change Lafayette, you have to build the people here to do it. The cavalry’s not coming.”

What’s Ahead for 2026Adam anticipates several big developments in the coming year:

• Major Youngsville Mega-DevelopmentA massive mixed-use expansion planned south of Chemin Metairie—bigger than Sugar Mill Pond.

• Continued Manufacturing ExpansionProjects like First Solar’s facility in New Iberia and partnerships with companies such as Noble Plastics will bring hundreds of new jobs and long-term growth.

• New Downtown HotelAn 84-room boutique hotel breaking ground at the former Don’s Seafood site—adding much-needed lodging to downtown Lafayette.

• Drone Technology HubTwo drone companies, DMR Technologies and Drone Institute, LLC, are moving into the former Reptile Tannery Facility which was originally the L. A. Frey Meat packing plant building at 105 Dorset Avenue, positioning Lafayette as a future leader in drone manufacturing, training, and emergency-response tech.

• Proposed Indoor Sports ComplexA public–private partnership near the Cajundome and Cajun Field could bring a regional-scale sports facility to Lafayette, boosting tourism and event hosting.

Restaurant Closures & Market SaturationLafayette continues to lose 20–30 restaurants per year—a typical number, but Adam notes rising oversaturation and operating costs. Fast-casual and takeout remain strong, but dine-in restaurants face higher risk and shrinking margins. Even kitchen-ready restaurant spaces are sitting vacant longer than usual.

Pinhook Road & Redevelopment QuestionsDespite frequent headlines about dilapidated hotels and blighted property, Adam does not expect major redevelopment along Pinhook Road in the short term. LCG is focusing instead on stabilizing the city’s expanding “empty urban core,” particularly the Evangeline Thruway and Johnson Street corridor near UL

Where to Read More from AdamAdam continues to document Acadiana’s economic story through:

• The Acadiana Advocate
• The Advocate Business Newsletter
• Regular digital reporting at theadvocate.com

You can subscribe to the Acadiana Advocate either digitally and/or print editions here.

Adam Daigle’s work combines hard data with human stories—spotlighting the entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders shaping Lafayette’s future. We thank him and the Acadiana Advocate for our valued partnership. Each Monday morning, the Business online newsletter shares Discover Lafayette’s latest podcast news.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Hans Nelsen, known on air as “Fast,” who co-hosts the morning show on Big 102.1 from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. each weekday with CJ Clements.

Pictured are CJ Clements and “Fast” (Hans Nelson), co-hosts of Big 102.1’s Morning ShowHans has been on the air in South Louisiana since 1985, starting as a USL student working the graveyard shift at a new urban contemporary station and going on to serve as on-air talent, program director, account executive, and sales manager at several top local stations.

He also spent years as a stadium voice and play-by-play broadcaster, and his career has become intertwined with the story of local broadcasting in Acadiana.

Hans was joined by his lifelong friend Sean Trcalek, General Manager of KATC TV-3, who was once known on radio as “Charlie Roberts.” The two reminisce about their early days as radio co-hosts and their lifelong friendship.

Early Love of Music and the Magic of Radio

Hans grew up in a home filled with very different kinds of music, from German organ to big show tunes, and a little boy’s transistor radio became his portal to the wider world of sound.

He recalls: “I grew up in a household where my dad listened to German organ music and would play it throughout the house on Sunday afternoons. We had to listen to it whether we wanted to or not. My mom was really into big show tunes. ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair” and “The Sound of Music.”

But his own soundtrack lived on his bike: “As a little boy, I had a transistor radio that I taped to the handlebars of my bike, and I would listen to top 40 in one way or another. 1972.” He loved the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and pop hits like “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero.”

As he got older, he says, “I really wanted to be a musician, and I wanted to be a singer, and I can’t really do any of that. I can play a little guitar, but radio was this next opportunity, though I didn’t really know you could turn it into a career. I just thought it would be something I did for fun.”

Learning Radio on the Graveyard Shift

Hans’ first job was at an urban contemporary station, Foxy 106.3 (KFXZ). Growing up in New Iberia, he already knew some of the music: “It’s funny, you could be a rock guy, but also listen to the Gap Band and Kool and the Gang.”

Even so, he had to go deeper into that catalog for a targeted audience: “This was deeper and a more targeted ethnic audience. But it was a piece of cake, because I loved music.”

Being alone on the air at night was intimidating: “Well, I’d listen to so much radio. You try to imitate or emulate Casey Kasem, but I was so terrible. The fact that they let me stay past the first night…It was the middle of the night miracle.”

He also remembers the mind games of that lonely studio: “You’re in a room by yourself and you can play mind games because you can either convince yourself that no one hears you, or that everyone’s listening. That one mistake, everybody’s going to hear it.”

Hustling Through College Radio and 24-Hour Weekends

Still in school, Hans got a weekend job at KVOL (1330 AM) and was quickly recruited by KSMB: “On my second shift, Scott Seagraves called me from KSMB and said, I’m listening to you. Do you want to come work for me?”

He was “so hungry” to be on the air that he took on extraordinary hours. ““I would do six to noon on KSMB on Saturday and Sunday, and quickly added noon to six on weekends at KXKW. So, I worked 24 hours in two days and worked at a bar both nights. But I knew that I had the bug, and I turn it into a job!”

That building is where he and Sean first truly connected and eventually became a morning team:

“And Sean comes into that building, we end up being the morning team and here we are.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1XZVTbmikg

Teaming Up with Sean: Voices, Characters, and Parodies

Sean came in as a young newsreader, hired to do newscasts in the morning and afternoon. Their chemistry led to a two-man show that blurred the lines between straight news and wild characters.

Sean explains: “It started as you and Debbie Ray and me in news. Well, when Debbie left, it was you and me doing news. And I think it was just kind of like. Why do we need a third guy? You know, I still did the newscast, but it was a two man show.”

Hans recalls the “credibility issue”: “Sean’s doing the ‘17 people were killed today’ delivering the news and then he’s doing this crazy voice five minutes later and people knew it was the same guy. But we somehow just moved past that.”

The two displayed a gift for spontaneous skits and song parodies: “We both could really rewrite song lyrics. We could make custom versions of big songs at the time. Remember Michael Johnson’s ‘Give me wings, gimme wings.” It would end up, “Don’t give me legs. Breasts or thighs!”

Hans says the creativity often felt effortless. “What was special about us? A special talent we both had was that there was no prep. We would sometimes do stuff and turn the microphone off. We’d look at each other thinking, that’s good. How did we just do that?”

Hans Nelson (‘Fast’) and Sean Trcalek (‘Charlie Roberts’) pictured early in their broadcasting careers on the radio together. They have remained close friends over the decades.

Humor, Changing Sensibilities, and Wanting Everyone to Feel Welcome

Looking back at their 1980s material, Hans is candid about how much humor standards have changed: “Yeah, it was humor, but let’s just say sensibilities are different, right?”

He offered a vivid analogy from pro wrestling to show how certain stereotypes were once normalized and now are not: “The character development in the 70s and 80s was the Iranian guy or the Nazi guy was the bad guy. It was what they did. You just don’t do that now, right?”

Hans shared his personal compass: “I always wanted everybody to like me. I need as many listeners as I can get. They don’t have to look like me. They don’t have to vote like me. They don’t have to drive the same kind of car as me. But I want everybody to say, ‘I like listening to that guy on the radio.”

Music, Memory, and Nostalgia of Radio

For both Hans and Sean, music is deeply emotional and geographically specific; certain songs instantly bring them back to particular corners of their childhoods. Hans shared, “Some songs. What I’ve always been amazed by is when you hear a song and it brings you to a specific place. I mean, like a certain corner in your hometown and you’re like, why am I thinking of that when I hear Sammy John’s “Chevy Van?” He offers another vivid memory: “Saturday in the Park by Chicago reminds me of standing in line at Saint Edward’s Catholic School for the cafeteria. I don’t know why.”

Becoming “Fast Eddie” and Then Simply “Fast”

A big turning point came when KSMB’s sister station needed a music director and night disc jockey. The job came with a new name Hans disliked: “They tell me, your name is going to be Fast Eddie.” He tried to negotiate the name away, but wouldn’t get the job if he didn’t accept the on-air name. KSMB was too big to walk away from:

Later, when he was put in charge of a new station and morning show, he pushed to shorten the name: “When we put the morning show on, it was the rude awakening with ‘Fast Eddie and Rob.’ We could have done it. It just didn’t sound right. Fast is a speed, not a name, but it ended up being I can’t go anywhere and people yell it out like it’s normal. When I hear Hans, it’s heartwarming. I love being Hans, I wish I could be Hans on air.”

The Power and Future of Local Broadcasting

Both Hans and Sean describe themselves first and foremost as broadcasters: “What we have always had in common and still have in common is we’re broadcasters. People say, what do you do? I don’t say I’m the general manager of a TV station, or I’m a broadcaster. We’re local broadcasters and we’re passionate about it. We have been since the day we met, and to this day, we’re passionate about the impact that local radio and television can have on a market.”

For Hans, that impact includes everything from playing nostalgia-filled music to public service in storms: “By impact, I mean moving people. When you play music, when you tell them what the weather’s going to be like, but also telling people where to go pick up sandbags.”

Hans reminds us, “During a hurricane, we’re still the last man standing. TV stations may go down… but I have been on the air during hurricanes when I was the only voice available on the air in this market.”

Sean highlights the advocacy role broadcasters have played in keeping AM radio in cars:

“We are big advocates, and were successful this past year in advocating that automakers continue to be required to put AM radios in new cars. The reason to keep AM radio is that its infrastructure often remains operational when power grids fail and cell networks are overloaded or damaged, providing a core part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). During events like hurricanes, AM stations became the primary way people received verified, real-time information, coordinated help, and connected with the outside world when phones and internet were down.

They both reject the idea that streaming will wipe out local media: Hans says, “I’ll wrap that up with saying, Satellite radio and Netflix are not going to mean the end of local radio and local TV.”

A Morning Show Today: Competing With Phones, Not Just Stations

Hans reflects on what it’s like doing a local morning show in 2020s Lafayette:

“Technologically, it’s very different. Audience participation and reception is very different. We compete with many more things. I believe my biggest competitor in drive time is the telephone.”

Listeners no longer call to check school closures, they get texts, but live local radio still plays a crucial role, especially in emergencies.

Hans and his long-time friend CJ now host a show built on deep local roots: “We put this show together with almost a hundred years of Lafayette radio experience in one room for four hours a morning. There’s nothing that has happened here since the 60s that we don’t know about. We know where every street is. We know where the schools are. We know it. To me, it is a gift.”

Big 102.1 has embraced app listening while staying “radio-first”: “On big 102.1, we’ve had over 1,000,000 hours of listening on our app. We’re still a radio station first. So if that many people are listening, that’s why we’re still effective… we do everything we can to stay connected to the audience, to do relevant things, provide relevant content and make it fun.”

Voice of the Ragin’ Cajuns

From 2009 to 2017, Hans served as the stadium voice for UL Lafayette football and basketball, a role that grew out of his lifelong fandom: “I was such a fan. I was a Ragin Cajun as a kid. I wasn’t an LSU kid or a Tulane kid. It was USL.”

Eventually, security protocols and family priorities pushed him to step away so he could watch games in the stands with his daughter: “Because of security protocol, she could not come in the press box. So when it was my weekend, I lost the whole Saturday and I said I would rather be in the stands with her watching the game.” His last act as stadium voice was a memorable one:

“So my last duty was to introduce Billy Napier as the head coach. And I resigned that day.”

Christian’s Story, Organ Donation, and a Legacy of Life

In one of the most moving parts of our conversation, Hans shares the story of his son Christian, who died after a workplace accident in 2013. Christian fell from a picker truck in a warehouse, and although doctors did everything they could, the injury was catastrophic. “He fell 20 feet. When you say 20 feet, you think broken ankle, maybe broken arm, but somehow, on the way down, his feet hit the forklift and flipped him. And he landed on his head.”

At the hospital, after a brief brain surgery, the doctor came in and said, “Call your family.”

When representatives from Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency arrived, Hans initially felt overwhelmed and resistant: “I’m like, heck no, I’m dealing with too much.” His ex-wife, Jenn, reminded him of Christian’s own wishes when he got his license. “She said he would want to do it because he asked about it when he got his driver’s license.”

That decision changed everything; “I realized he was going to save somebody’s life.

We ended up saving four lives and it was life changing for us.” Christian’s heart went to a teenage male that had been waiting for a heart for 18 months with time running out. Christian’s right kidney and pancreas went to a female in her 30s. His liver went to a female in her 40s, and his left kidney went to a little boy. His corneas were donated, which gave sight to 2 people.

Hans began speaking to civic groups and driver’s ed classes about organ donation:

“We would tell kids at Driver’s Ed like, they’re going to ask you about this when you get your license, you should know what it means. Most people can’t be an organ donor, even if they want to. You have to die a certain way.”

He and Jenn started the Christian’s Legacy Foundation to create awareness of the importance of organ donation and to provide support to donor families.

Stories of other young donors continue to touch him deeply: “All these years later, those stories touch me in a different way. And I would not have read that story the same way had I not gone through that.”

Is Broadcasting Still a Good Career?

Asked if he would still recommend a career in broadcasting, Hans doesn’t hesitate, though he acknowledges the landscape has changed: “I’m always going to recommend a career in broadcast.

Sean explains that media sales in particular remain a strong path, even as technology and products evolve: “Your competition is different. Your products might be different. But of all we do, that’s probably changed the least.” There are fewer jobs, but better pay and more efficiency:

“KATC had 100 employees not long ago. Our building was built for 120 people and we’ve got 52 now. And it’s not just because of efficiencies. Our cameras are robotic now

Hans still longs to see young people with the same hunger he and Sean had: “I would love to see some young person who was like me or Sean who was willing to work 24 hours in two days when I was at KSMB. They fired the janitor, and for nine months I cleaned the building every night after I did my show, because I wanted them to see that I was willing to do anything to make it. And that’s not beneath me.”

Through stories of late-night graveyard shifts, irreverent morning shows, hurricane coverage, stadium announcing, heartbreaking loss, and renewed purpose, Hans Nelson, “Fast,” reminds us why local broadcasting still matters. As he and Sean put it, they are, above all, local broadcasters, passionate about “the impact that local radio and television can have on a market” and the ways music, stories, and community can move people.

You can contact Hans Nelson at Fast@big1021.com.

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We welcome Lafayette’s own master of illusion, Devon Faul, one of Acadiana’s most captivating magicians. Devon is known for blending sleight of hand with a deep sense of showmanship to create experiences that leave audiences spellbound. From close-up moments to full stage performances, Devon brings a unique blend of creativity, humor, and heart to his craft.

We explore his journey into magic, the discipline required to master illusion, and the universal connection he creates through wonder and surprise.

The Universal Language of WonderDevon says that people of all ages speak the universal language of wonder and awe. In today’s world, he believes many people don’t get that feeling as often as they used to because everyone’s kind of in survival mode. Magic, for him, is a way to reach out to people in a universal way and give them a feeling that they haven’t had before, one that reaches you on a deeper level. Magic for Devon is “the human condition, psychology, philosophy, struggles, triumph.”

Day Job at StullerDevon’s day job is work at Stuller, the largest jewelry manufacturer and distributor in North America headquartered in Lafayette. He calls it “kind of a dream,” explaining that they take people seriously and foster an environment where employees “feel like you can be a person. I’m super lucky to be working with them.”

How Magic Began: “A Place of Vulnerability”Devon began devoloping his magic craft at age ten years of age, but not in the traditional way. He didn’t get hooked by a magic kit or a grandparent pulling a coin from behind his ear. Instead, he says “it actually started because my dad was in the oil field, so we moved a lot”—Wyoming, Louisiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas.”

“I was always the weird, quiet, out-of-state kid. You know, Wyoming people are very different than Louisiana people, who are very different from Virginia people. It’s like their own countries. Each state is its own territory.” Frequent moves and feeling out of place led to bullying: “People want to tear down that which they do not understand.”

As a ten-year-old, he imagined that maybe people wouldn’t bully him “if I had superpowers, if I could become Superman.” Magic became “the closest thing to superpowers,” a way to bridge gaps, build confidence, and connect.

Early Magic: Cards, Psychology, and PossibilitiesDevon started with card tricks, “kind of everyone’s entry point.” He explained that card magic involves numbers, memory, psychology, and timing. “It’s getting used to handling a deck of cards just like any tool.”

He shares one of the mathematical realities that inspired him: If you shuffle a 52-card deck, “no deck has ever been in that exact order, and statistically, no deck in the future ever will be.” The concept mesmerized him: “It’s math, science and statistics and psychology.”

“You get into, like, this weird area of random knowledge. For example, if you have a deck of 52 cards, figure out numerically how many possibilities are on a deck of cards. It is mathematically 52 factorial, which is 52 times 51 times 50, all the way down to one. Which means if you shuffle a deck of cards in the history of a deck of cards, no deck has ever been in that exact order. And statistically, no deck in the future ever will be in that exact order. It is a deck of cards and magic, but it’s also math, science and statistics. So, you start off with card tricks and then you branch into anything and everything from there.”

Rejecting Gimmicks: “I Pride Myself on My Sleight of Hand”While some magicians use trick decks, Devon says, “I pride myself on my sleight of hand. I don’t ever want to be reliant on any kind of apparatus. That’s not magic.” He wants spectators to be able to inspect anything he uses.

“Magic will come for those who seek it. I’ve always told people I don’t have any special capabilities that anyone else can’t develop. I just put in the time, the energy and the effort. Everyone wants the view from the top of the mountain, but very few people want to actually climb the mountain. And so it’s the destination, but it’s also more so the journey. So once you get the knack for cards and you develop that dexterity, then you see other things that are maybe more visual.”

Learning Through YouTube and PersistenceDevon began learning magic through YouTube “when I was like 9 or 10.” Some tricks came easily; others took relentless practice. “The cool thing about magic is that it kind of compounds a little bit… it builds the dexterity in your hand to then be able to do something totally different.”

Beyond Cards: Ropes, Coins, Rings, and MentalismDevon performs with cards, coins, rings, ropes, and also does mentalism—“reading minds.” He studied reading systems and even tarot, not spiritually, but “as a way to understand it for what it is.”

He notes that ancient magicians, including shamans and the oracle at Delphi, used magic to bring people spiritual well-being and peace of mind, much like the psychological effects we recognize today.

Magic as a Fine ArtDevon believes magic belongs alongside poetry, storytelling, and painting. “Magic is so pervasive through human history,” he says, describing innovators like Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin and the famed Light and Heavy Chest illusion. “The effect would be that the magician might be able to lift the box. But when the box is set back down, no other spectator could lift it. Or maybe a child could lift it, but no adult could.“ This magician has been rumored to have stopped a violent revolt in Algeria that threatened to erupt into a full-scale war with France. In 1856, the French government commissioned him to perform his magic for Algerian tribal chiefs, who were being incited to rebellion by religious leaders claiming magical powers. Houdin’s show of superior illusion, including catching a bullet and the light and heavy chest trick, demoralized the rival magicians and quelled the uprising.

Defining Magic: “Perception Is Reality”Devon sees magic as the art of altering perception: “Magic is about perception… because perception is reality.”

While science says matter cannot be created or destroyed, “a magician pulls a coin out of thin air.” The illusion forces us to confront the gap between what is real and what seems real.

Close-Up, Parlor, Stage, and SpecializationDevon explains that magicians often specialize in:

• Close-Up — his specialty
• Parlor
• Stage magic (Criss Angel, David Copperfield)
• Escapism
• Mentalism

He prefers close-up and parlor for the “intimacy” they create.

Silent Magic: Lessons from TellerDevon admires Penn & Teller. Teller doesn’t speak because “he found that the magic would speak for itself.” Devon notes that magicians unconsciously build misdirection into speech patterns, but Teller proves that “you could say absolutely nothing and let the magic speak for itself.”

At 28: “Overwhelming, but in the Best Way”Devon loves connecting with people: “We all have stories… we’re like screaming, this is me, this is who I am.”

Magic allows him to meet people and share meaningful experiences, because “none of us make it out alive… we’re all in the same playing field.”

His signature maroon velvet suit and handlebar mustache? It’s intentional: “I love the vaudeville style of magic.”

And yes—he wears velvet suit to work: “Oh, absolutely.”

“Being a Magician Is a Mindset”Devon says: “Being a magician is not necessarily just a career choice… It’s a mindset.”

A magician is “someone who creates their universe,” seeks knowledge, solves problems from new angles, and explores what is “possible versus impossible.”

Magic teaches him to “tear open the fabric of reality for just a split second.”

Magic in the Workplace: Connecting PeopleDevon explains that magic at corporate events can make “two people who have been working together for ten years and just never seen each other” suddenly bond. Magic creates conversations that lead to genuine connection. “Magic speaks to everyone… it’s arguably unmatched in that regard.”

Hypnosis: A Surprising First AttemptDevon once hypnotized his cousin after practicing from YouTube tutorials. Her hand stuck to the wall—so convincingly that “the genuine look of concern in her eyes told me, oh wait, this might be real.”

When he released her, “you could hear the sound of her hand coming off the wall.” She told him, “my brain was telling my hand to move and it wouldn’t respond.”

He explains that hypnosis is misunderstood but real, sharing examples like highway hypnosis while driving and gut-level decisions.

Magic’s Origins in Misdirection and ThieveryDevon discusses how the same psychological tools magicians use were once used by pickpockets and con artists. He references a historic painting depicting the cups and balls trick—“the oldest trick in the book”—where someone is performing magic while a thief steals a nearby spectator’s purse.”
“In the ancient times of the Pharaoh, slaves would do magic tricks to distract the Pharaoh while others would sneak in and steal food. Some of the oldest magic tricks were removing the head of a goose and then reattaching it. And then the goose would walk or fly away.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZGY0wPAnusDevon also discussed a modern day master of deception, Apollo Robbins, who is one of the world’s leading experts on pickpockets and confidence crimes. Robbins made national news as the man who pick-pocketed the Secret Service while entertaining former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. He uses pick-pocketing and sleight-of-hand to demonstrate proximity manipulation, diversion techniques and attention control. Devon explained the science behind misdirection used by magicians: “There’s this little guy in your head and he’s running the security cameras and he sees everything, but he still has blind spots. You can only take in so much information at one time, and you don’t know what you don’t know. You can’t see what you can’t see. So there are times where if you’re looking here, something is happening elsewhere, or I’m setting something up in ten minutes, but because you don’t know what’s happening, you don’t know that me rubbing my nose is going to be something that helps me in like ten minutes. So there is like a core tool set, psychology.”

Visit https://devonfaul.com/ or call 337-366-2014 to contact Devon Faul.

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Our guest is Teri Dupuy-Gore, Executive Director of Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries, a Christ-centered outreach serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness, chronic poverty, hunger, and difficult life transitions.

Teri shares how The Hub and its Lovewell Center at 1515 W. University Avenue in Lafayette, create a place to be present in our community and love people right where they are, offering not only practical resources but dignity, relationship, and restored hope.

The Lovewell Center: Eat Well, Dress Well, Style Well, Smell WellTeri explains that Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries “actually unifies two separate ministries,” and that this conversation focuses on The Lovewell Center at 1515 W. University

Within the Lovewell, members access four resource “stores”:

• Eat Well – “kind of like a Walmart where you can get toothpaste, toilet paper, nonperishable canned goods, things of that nature… like a mini Walmart.”
• Dress Well – gently-used men’s and women’s clothing: “belts, shoes, pants, coats… new socks and new underwear… gently used backpacks.”
• Style Well – “where you get your hair cut by a licensed beautician or barber.”
• Smell Well – “our six stackable commercial washers and dryers so you can wash your clothes.”

All of these resources are available to members of the Lovewell Center.

Membership & the Points System: “A hand up, not a hand out”Becoming a member is intentionally simple: “To be a member, you simply have to walk in and say, hey, I want to be a member. There’s no criteria.”

When someone joins, the team takes basic information: name, phone number (if they have one), address (or notes if they’re living on the streets), and next of kin — “because we want to become your family… we want to be your family anyway.” New members “automatically get 20 points for just joining us.”

The Lovewell uses a points system instead of cash so people can actively participate in their own progress: “You earn points by taking classes because we believe in healing and helping yourself… or you’d bring us your check stub from a job that you have now.”

Teri explains that this model is particularly powerful “for people who are struggling in chronic poverty, because we can help you offset the cost of everyday life without using money, but using points… you get to make decisions.” Members can choose to “earn points and store them up, or earn points and spend them,” and that freedom is central to their approach:

“We instill dignity and value in you… it’s a beautiful, beautiful opportunity for us to be able to be present in our community and love people right where they are.”

Classes that Heal Broken RelationshipsAt the heart of Lovewell are the classes that help people earn points and, more importantly, work toward inner healing:

“Our classes are geared around broken relationships that we feel everyone has or will have — a broken relationship with God, a broken relationship with yourself, a broken relationship with others, or a broken relationship with creation. So our classes are all geared around healing in those areas.”

Classes typically run for eight weeks and meet for one hour, once a week. Facilitators are often people who have personally wrestled with the same issues they’re teaching about:

“I may overcome something and say, I would love to teach this class… using the experiences that I have and the healing that I’ve received… and share that with others. Giving them hope.”

Communication classes are a key example: “For some of our members… it’s very natural to have a confrontational conversation. It’s not natural to scale that down to where it is speaking truth with grace. It’s usually just truth in your face.”

The goal is to help everyone “have a voice and be heard” in “a polite and generous way.” Teri calls these classes “really the heart of the Lovewell Center” and “the heart of the mission of The Hub.”

She sums up their mission this way: “Our mission statement is, “We’re on a mission to offer everyone in our city access to restored life. And we believe in what we call the four R’s: Rescue, Relationships, Resources and Recovery.”

Community Meals & Daily PresenceThe Lovewell Center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the yard open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:35 p.m.

For neighbors experiencing homelessness, it’s a safe place simply to belong: “If our friends experiencing homelessness need a place to go, they come and hang out with us, because they are wanted and belong.”

Every Tuesday night a community meal is offerred “Every Tuesday night we have community meal, which means we all get together and eat dinner together. Anyone in the community is invited… We start at 6:00 and we’re usually finished by 7:15–7:30 p.m.”

From 6:00–6:25 p.m., there are large-group activities — bingo, class time, or worship — and if you participate in those events as big group events, you earn ten points for that.”

Teri shares that on Tuesday nights they see 125–150 people, and during the day they have “90 to 100 people every day” coming through for services, community, and support.

Philosophy: “A hand up, not a hand out”Teri is deeply intentional about not harming the people they serve: “The core of the program is about empowering people through relationships to see themselves the way Christ sees them and to empower them to be all that God has called them to be.”

She speaks candidly about common pitfalls in helping: “In a world of ministry where we all feel called to give, at some point giving hurts. We then take from the person and we steal their dignity and their value because we want to do for them what they can do for themselves.” That’s why she describes The Hub’s posture as, “We are a hand up, not a hand out. We are not there to be sympathetic, we are there to be empathetic. We want to sit in it with you and encourage you and remind you that you’re not alone.”

How You Can HelpHub Lafayette Urban Ministries is 100% funded by donations by individuals, churches, grants, and in-kind gifts. Teri says: “Money is always welcome. It keeps the lights on. It keeps the coffee in the pots. It allows us to keep food on the shelves.”

They also always need physical donations, especially:

• Canned soups and “top-protein” items
• Easy-open foods like beanie-weenies, tuna, pocket snacks
• Toilet paper and full-size toothpaste
• New men’s and women’s underwear (“men’s underwear… tagless colored brief boxers or they don’t leave the shelf”)

Meals for Tuesday night community dinners and Wednesday morning breakfasts are donated and served by volunteers, including local partners and cooks like Kent Zerangue, who prepares “the most fabulous meal ever from homemade ice cream… and shrimp stew.”

Teri emphasizes that everyone can do something: “Not everyone has the capacity to donate money. Not everyone has the capacity to donate their time… But everyone has the capacity to pray. Everyone has the capacity to pass on the word.”

For more information on donating, volunteering, providing meals, or inviting Teri to speak, listeners can visit Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries at https://www.hublafayette.org/or connect via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thehuburbanministrieslafayette or their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/thehublafayette/?hl=en

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Kent Zerangue, the founder of Food With Love, “a heart centered ministry of Hospice of Acadiana” that he first began in July 2017 when he offered to cook for a former classmate whose son had been diagnosed with a brain bleed.

Kent had retired in March of 2017 with plans to open a catering business, but he experienced an epiphany that overshadowed any need to make money. He shares in our interview how his parents were devout followers of Jesus Christ and consistently demonstrated love to their family, neighbors, and community through their actions in helping and praying for others.

Kent’s culinary journey with Hospice of Acadiana was jumpstarted by a simple meal of shrimp and okra gumbo. When he was 18, a neighbor’s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. The young woman loved the delicious shrimp and okra gumbo Kent’s mom would make, and he said, “I can still see my mom walking through the thick St. Augustine grass to bring Debra her shrimp and okra gumbo, and more importantly, to be present for a family in need.” Fast forward years later when Kent’s dad was in hospice care and a family friend came over with “shrimp and okra gumbo. The comfort that meal delivered was indescribable. This gumbo filled my stomach, but more importantly, this meal—this simple act of bringing food—placed unspeakable joy in my heart during a most difficult time.” Kent knew his retirement plans had to change. He decided to put aside notions of making a profit and begin cooking for families in need.

Since then, Food with Love has grown dramatically in its outreach, mobilizing volunteers to prepare and deliver “delicious, comforting, home cooked meals to patients and their families,” providing nourishment, dignity, and what Kent describes as “a tangible that our community cares about.”

Kent Zerangue assisted a longtime friend, Claire from his school days, when her 34-year old son was diagnosed with a brain bleed. He provided meals for the family while her son was in treatment in Houston. Kent shared that afterward, he began cooking for other families in need. By the end of his first year in cooking service, several other families were added to the food chain. When he saw Claire in person for the first time in 40 years she said “Kent, you are providing food with love!” Thus the name of the ministry was born.

From One Family to 135 FamiliesKent began by cooking for one family, and within months, support and demand grew:

• “Over the first six months, we ended up with ten families.”
• His early recipients included “ALS patients… terminally ill, long term Parkinson’s.”
• “None of them were in hospice care. They just knew that I was cooking.”

By February 2018, Kent approached Hospice of Acadiana to officially offer meals:
“I kind of got my sea legs under me a little bit. And then they started giving me families.” By the end of 2018, he served about 60 families.

Today, Food With Love serves about 135 families, preparing approximately 800 meals a week. The simple, profound message is “Jesus loves you. Jesus has always loved you. Jesus will never abandon you.“

The Move From His Backyard to a Commercial KitchenFor over 7 years, Kent cooked from his backyard commercial kitchen. Volunteers arrived naturally—
“I had this lady call me one day…‘I’ve been watching you for about a year… Can I come volunteer?’ I didn’t even know I needed a volunteer.”

Eventually he approached then-CEO Kacee Thompson of Hospice of Acadiana: “Do we want food with love to be something that continues for the long term? Her response was, “Absolutely.” She later called him saying, “Are you ready to start fundraising?” A space had become available on the side of Hospice of Acadiana, on the corner of Johnston and Christopher Street. Kent shared: “In less than 11 weeks, we had raised $1 million.”

The kitchen is now fully paid for, USDA-approved, and equipped with the finest of equipment.

On the day we recorded our podcast, Kent shared: “Today we cooked loaded baked potato soup. 40 gallons of it. And we will put it in individual meals tomorrow. We had 18 volunteers in the kitchen this morning helping cook bacon. We cooked 25 pounds of bacon and potatoes just to get the soup ready.

We’re going to bag it, put it in bags, vacuum seal it, label it, freeze it. And then what a family does when they receive it, when they’re ready to eat it, put it in hot water, boil it for about five minutes and it’s ready to eat.

Volunteer-Powered MinistryFood With Love has about 115 volunteers:

• “Half of those volunteers work in the kitchen.”
• “The other half, our delivery angels… visit, they pray with… They build this relationship with families.”

Volunteers handle everything from chopping and baking to making ice cream.

Kent emphasized the spiritual dimension: “No one thinks that they own it because it doesn’t belong to any of us. It’s his. It’s God’s.”

What They CookKent cooks the foods he loves:

• “We make a lot of soups.”
• “Spaghetti and meat sauce.”
• “Lasagna.”
• “All of the stews.”
• “Fish courtbouillon.”
• Seasonal desserts like “fig cakes” (or “apple cakes” when figs are scarce).

For Christmas:
“We make them a full plate lunch… rice dressing, the pork and all the sides.”

Food with Love’s beloved spaghetti is named Sadie Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, honoring Sadie, a teen whose hospice story is included in his book. Sadie loved Kent’s spaghetti sauce and insisted on eating only Kent’s version. (He did admit to adding brown sugar to the concoction!) Now, Kent says, “When I visit new families, I bring then Sadie’s spaghetti….I share her life, her purpose, and her journey home. Sadie’s mom insists: “Kent, never stop telling Sadie’s story. It keeps her alive.”

Funding Food With LoveKent said, “For the first four years, my wife and I paid for the food costs.” As the ministry grew, Hospice of Acadiana began supporting food expenses. Community donors and partners like David Puckett of Café Sydnie Mae have also played a major role. Food costs now total $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Kent explained, “It’s important to me that the community backs what we do monetarily, because it helps Hospice of Acadiana to be able to supply this God driven mission.” And of course, beyond food, there are costs for bags, equipment repairs, utilities, insurance, and more.

Becoming a Volunteer or DonorTo volunteer:

• “First of all, I point people to our Food With Love Facebook page.”
• Contact Hospice of Acadiana volunteer services.
• Kent also invites people to call him directly: (425) 894-2723

To donate:

• “You can donate online at Hospice of Acadiana… there’s a pull down menu where you can direct the funds to Food with Love.”

Father Howard Blessing is an active participant in Food with Love, and offers last rites for Hospice of Acadiana patients.Kent Zerangue wrote and published Holy Moments on the Journey Home: Food With Love Stories, a book that honors hospice families and highlights “insights about holiness at the end of life while emphasizing the importance of being present to the sick and dying.” All profits benefit Food With Love. You can purchase a copy for $20 at Hospice of Acadiana, Cafe Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge, or on Amazon here.

Kent’s Life, Faith, and InfluencesKent wakes daily at 3:30 a.m., spending two hours in prayer before starting his day:
“My own relationship with Jesus and my prayer time.” He cherishes his grandchildren, loves sports, and is always thinking about food.

Kent also shared deep admiration for his cousin, Father Floyd Calais, saying, “He was just the holiest of priests. The people’s priest. He was there for all of us.” There is a full chapter about him in Kent’s book.

What Food With Love Needs MostKent was clear about the ministry’s greatest need: “I need more delivery angels.”Not every one is a cook, but you can still help. He also explained the importance of prayer during visits: “Because when you pray with people, your relationship changes.” And he encourages volunteers not to fear the prayer aspect: “Don’t let that stop you. God has a plan for you. And it might be being a delivery angel. And we will help you with the prayer.”

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Chanda Rubin – From Carencro to World Tennis StardomThis special episode of Discover Lafayette features an archival interview with Lafayette’s own Chanda Rubin, one of the greatest athletes to emerge from our community. Originally recorded in 2014 for Upper Lafayette on the Move, this conversation revisits Chanda’s remarkable journey—from a young girl learning to hit tennis balls against a chain-link fence in her family’s backyard to becoming a top-ten player in the world.

Growing up in Carencro, Chanda was inspired by her parents, Judge Ed Rubin and Bernadette Rubin, who built a tennis court behind their home. What began as family recreation soon revealed Chanda’s natural talent and determination. By age seven, she was competing in tournaments; by her early teens, she was winning national titles. Her first tournament at Thomas Park may have ended in defeat, but it lit the fire that propelled her forward.

Balancing her education at Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) with a burgeoning professional tennis career, Chanda turned pro at just fifteen. Despite traveling the world, she remained committed to academics—so much so that she skipped the French Open to graduate from high school with her class. Later, after retiring from professional tennis, Chanda earned her degree from Harvard University, embodying her lifelong belief in perseverance and education.

Rubin is a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and USTA’s Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, and is a respected spokesperson for her sport locally and globally.

Ranked as high as No. 6 in the world in singles in 1996, Chanda competed on the biggest stages, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, facing tennis legends such as Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis. She is one of the few Louisiana natives to have made it on the pro tennis circuit. Her career was defined not just by victories, but by the resilience and focus that continue to shape her success today.

Chanda Rubin is a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and USTA’s Southern Tennis Hall of Fame. She captured a Grand Slam win in doubles at the Australian Open, as well as a Wimbledon Juniors singles crown at the age of 16. Chanda compiled a career singles record of 399-254 and was ranked as high as No. 6 in the world in April 1996. She ended her pro career in 2006, finishing with seven WTA singles titles and 10 doubles crowns.

Chanda also served three terms on the USTA Board of Directors as an elite athlete representative and is a familiar face in tennis broadcasting, providing commentary at Grand Slam events.

Chanda remains passionate about education, mentorship, and giving back to the community through motivational speaking and youth outreach. Her story reflects discipline, balance, and a deep appreciation for the lessons that sports and education impart.

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Today we shine a spotlight on Louisiana Grass Roots, a compelling new documentary produced by Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard and directed by Jillian Godshall. This film captures the voices of everyday Louisianians working to preserve our state’s environmental and cultural heritage, highlighting powerful grassroots movements shaping our future.

Jillian and Phyllis join us to share the inspiration behind the documentary, the stories that moved them most, and why community-driven action matters now more than ever.

This episode is also special on a personal note—Jan Swift’s daughter, Kelly, who works in the film industry at the Manship Theater, made this introduction. Even though we all live and work in the same region, this documentary brought us together in a way that highlights what community truly means in South Louisiana.

About the Filmmakers – In Their Own Words

Director Jillian Godshall began by expressing gratitude for the local connection that made this collaboration possible.

“I am a filmmaker. I’m also an educator. I’ve been doing both for over 15 years at this point. It’s taken me all over the world. I’m really glad to be here in Lafayette doing that work as well.”

Her background is deeply rooted in documentary storytelling: “My background in filmmaking is mostly in documentary filmmaking. I’ve worked on big budget, large scale reality TV show stuff—don’t tell anyone—and all the way down to where I feel most comfortable now, which is working on smaller-scale independent projects, having more of the creative leadership role, directing and being super involved in every aspect of production.”

Jillian also teaches video editing to incarcerated students through an organization called The Last Mile: “I currently teach video editing to incarcerated students… and work with Phyllis, hang out with Phyllis, plant plants with Phyllis.”

Producer Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard shared her deep Louisiana roots and her global experience in science education: “I’m from Lafayette originally, grew up all over the South… I got a degree from USL in zoology and then went off to graduate school in biochemistry. I came back to Louisiana and started teaching at Xavier University, and I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.”

Phyllis’ work has always focused on connecting people to the land and ecology around them:

“Even as a biologist and teaching university students, I always was looking for local examples and to reconnect students outside the textbook to the biology that’s in their own backyard.”

She emphasized the importance of place in identity: “When I came home, I heard French, I heard the music—you can really connect to this place.”

The Origin of Louisiana Grass Roots: A Story Rooted in Place, Memory, and Rediscovery

Jillian and Phyllis did not come together through a traditional film industry channel; they were united through a local experience that awakened something deeper. Phyllis explains that after returning to Lafayette and connecting with the Acadiana Master Naturalist Program, she began to understand the importance of the Cajun Prairie through firsthand fieldwork.

“One of the topics is about the Cajun prairie… I had learned about the prairie, and I knew about it more from when we lived in Texas, because the people in and around Houston just ooh and ah about the prairie scientists we have over here: Larry Allen, Charles Allen and Malcolm Vidrine, who discovered what they have since called the Cajun Prairie. 2.5 million acres. Most of Southwest Louisiana was part of this prairie, which only less than 1% exists today.”

It was during a field trip with the Master Naturalists that she crossed paths with Jillian:

“I led one of the field trips and found out that Jill was a filmmaker, and I happened to say, ‘Oh, I just finished doing a film, The Quiet Cajuns, with Conni Castille.’ And her ears perked up and she said, ‘Well, I think we should make a film about the prairie.’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA9xoYHoFKUWithin two days, Jillian reached out to move the idea forward. It wasn’t a casual suggestion—it became a movement.

Funding the Vision: Community as Catalyst

Unlike many documentaries dependent on outside institutions, Louisiana Grassroots was made possible by local belief in the story.

Jillian said: “We were filming this project for over two years and had such incredible support from people along the way to make it possible. It’s one of the better-funded small projects I’ve worked on, in large part because of the support of the community, because of Phyllis’ know-how and ability to communicate these ideas to the average person.”

Phyllis detailed those early grant efforts: “The first grant we got was from the Acadiana Center for the Arts. We convinced them that we have this natural heritage around us that most of us, just because of modern life, are very disconnected from. We don’t really know what the land was like, what the people did there… and yet the reason our music and food are the way they are is because of the characteristics of the prairie and the bayous.”

A still from Louisiana Grass Roots, shared by Director Jillian GodshallShe emphasized the artistic power needed to reach people:“You need powerful art to communicate big ideas. The visual.”

Additional support came from Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Louisiana Native Plant Society, UL-Lafayette Foundation, and Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society. “The Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society got us to the finish line to finish production.”

Revealing a Vanishing Landscape: The Cajun Prairie as Cultural Ancestry

The film explores a truth many Louisianians are completely unaware of: our Cajun and Creole identity—our music, food, language, even the way our ancestors lived—is rooted in the prairie ecosystem that once covered southwest Louisiana.

Phyllis explains: “We are so proud of the music and the food that really make us who we are here. And yet the reason that they’re the way they are is because of the characteristics of the prairie and the bayous, the history of the people is the way it is because of the way the land is.”

Photo of a goldenrod in a still from Louisiana Grass Roots, courtesy of Director Jillian GodshallThe prairie is largely invisible now; not because it disappeared naturally, but because it was converted to agriculture due to its incredibly fertile soil.

“That’s why we’ve lost the prairies, because it was such good agricultural land.” Jillian reflected on the challenge of visually capturing something that is mostly gone: “In many ways it’s invisible to the eye… a lot of what makes the plants in the prairie so ecologically beneficial is also invisible because it’s happening under the soil.”

Jillian spent extensive time in the field not just filming, but learning: “I spent a tremendous amount of time with a camera, but more as a way to research and understand what was happening.”

Capturing What Was Lost – And What Can Be Reclaimed

One of the greatest challenges in producing Louisiana Grassroots was visualizing something that no longer exists in its original form. The Cajun Prairie, once 2.5 million acres spanning southwest Louisiana, is now less than 1% intact.

To bring this hidden world to life, the filmmakers employed creativity and collaboration.

“We were able to use animation to depict some of those invisible scientific processes, and we used a lot of archival footage to paint a picture of what the land was like and what the culture was like.”

They also incorporated footage from the 1990s documentary Wildflowers of the Cajun Prairie by filmmaker Pat Muir: “It features many of the scientists who now, 30 years later, are in our film. To be able to include his footage from the original film was really special.”

Phyllis points to these scientists, such as Dr. Malcolm Vidrine and Dr. Charles Allen, as the original visionaries: “They were really the ones who were able to communicate why it’s important, why it’s a significant part of our local cultural heritage, and they’re still doing that to this day.”

Hope Instead of Doom: Telling an Environmental Story Differently

Rather than present an environmental crisis narrative rooted in despair, Louisiana Grass Roots uplifts viewers by highlighting those actively restoring the land.

Phyllis said of Jillian: “When you see that something is disappearing, there’s that sense of doom, and Jill’s work is about environmental commitment and stewardship. How do you convey the seriousness and urgency without a sense of doom? She does that by saying, yes, these are important things, and look at the people who are doing something about it.”

Jillian affirmed the intention behind this filmmaking approach: “Filmmaking is the pinnacle of art mediums because it’s so immersive… you’re seeing and hearing and feeling and going along on a journey. It can be used for both good and bad. It’s always been really important to me to use it as a tool for positive change.”

Jillian emphasized her goal: “I don’t want to contribute to this feeling of doom and gloom… I would hope that all of us are able to appreciate the landscapes that surround us enough to want to be inspired to be involved in saving them and protecting them and celebrating them.”

Film as Education, Film as Transformation

The impact of Louisiana Grass Roots is not merely informational—it is transformational. Phyllis shared a definition that guided her vision: “The definition of learning is that the quality of your experience of the world changes. If the world doesn’t look different after you studied, then you probably haven’t really learned anything.”

That transformation begins with awareness. “When you drive down the road, you see fields or pasture and almost no one calls that prairie. But that’s what it is. My goal was that when you drive down the road, your eyes now see prairie.”

Jillian shared her personal transformation in making the film: “Making this film helped me feel really grounded here. I’ve installed a 20 by 20 little pocket prairie in my yard. My children help me take care of those plants. It’s become part of my life.”

Phyllis took it even further, restoring 30 acres of family land: “Steve Nevitt said, ‘I can tell this wants to be prairie again.’ When you become an expert in something, your world looks different.”

The Cajun Prairie is not only an ecological treasure; it shaped the culture, music, and identity of Acadiana. This documentary honors the people who carry those traditions forward.

Jillian shared how meaningful it was to include musicians and culture bearers whose artistry springs from the land itself: “We filmed with Geno Delafose and that was really special. His family members have been cattle ranchers for generations, and he is the first in his family to have been able to buy the land that he’s working cattle on. His music is in large part shaped by the land that his family has been working for generations.

The film also features Grammy-nominated musician Blake Miller of The Revelers: “He is the son of the prairie himself. It felt very special to be able to include him in the project, as well as Megan Constantin.”

Phyllis reflected on the deep connection between land, heritage, and identity in South Louisiana:

The prairie is also a story of many peoples, not just one label: “We’ve lumped everything together as Cajun, but we have Indigenous heritage, African American heritage, Creole heritage, Irish, Scottish, German — we’re a blend. Most of us are mutts. And the land shaped all of us.”

Indigenous Knowledge & The Power of Fire

One of the most powerful lessons from Louisiana Grass Roots comes from Indigenous stewardship practices, shared by Dr. Jeffrey Darensbourg: “The land, when it was being managed by Indigenous practices, was actively being managed. We think of wilderness, but they were very aware of how to manage the land in a way that was sustainable.” This includes fire — a natural and necessary part of prairie ecology. One of the big drivers of prairie health and restoration were prescribed burns. When you burn, you bring up fresh growth which brings in more bison. We grew up with Smokey the Bear, but those burns have been critical.”

The documentary reframes our understanding of “wild land,” showing that nature thrives when people work with it, not against it.

Where the Prairie Lives Today

Phyllis shares where remnants of the Cajun Prairie can still be found: “The biggest tracts are south of Lake Charles. Some are on railroad rights-of-way, because mowing and burning for maintenance accidentally mimicked natural prairie processes.” And on private family lands: “There are lots of families who have acreage. Maybe the land is no longer farmed, and they can get federal support to restore prairie ecosystems. It builds soil and has benefits for farmers.”

How the Film Was Made

Jillian described the painstaking work of capturing a lost landscape: “Lists and lists and sleepless nights… I like to have a good plan, but you need to be flexible because you’re documenting real life.”

The film took more than two years, with over 30 hours of footage edited down to 28 minutes:

“We worked with a wonderful local editor, R. J. Comeaux… he did an amazing job.” Louisina Grass Roots was filmed locally with an all local crew.

• Directed by Jillian Godshall
• Produced by Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard
• Featuring Geno Delafose, Megan Constantin, Dr. Jeffery Darensbourg, Dr. Charles Allen, Dr. Malcolm Vidrine, Larry Allain, and Steve Nevitt.
• Director of Photography Rush Jagoe
• Additional Camera Drake LeBlanc and Jillian Godshall
• Drone André Daugereaux
• Sound Jillian Godshall and Rachel Nederveld
• Swing/G&E Drake LeBlanc
• Associate Producer Rachel Nederveld
• Production Assistant Maggie Russo
• Editor and Colorist RJ Comeaux
• Post Production Supervisor Allison Bohl Dehart
• Animation Camille Broussard
• Archival Footage Pat Mire
• Score Blake Miller
• Additional Music Geno Delafose
• Supported by Acadiana Center for the Arts, Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Louisiana Native Plant Society, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation, Acadiana Native Plant Project

Screenings & How to Watch

The documentary has already been shown to enthusiastic audiences across Acadiana — from Vermilionville to Moncus Park — often alongside seed-collecting and restoration events:

“By the end of the year, we will have screened the film 20 times.”

Upcoming screenings include:

• NUNU Collective, Arnaudville — November 14
• Southern Screen Film Festival — Mid-November
• Crowley Forum —

The film is currently touring community screenings, with future plans to stream online and enter schools and libraries. There are also plans for curriculum pieces and educational video modules. . If you are interested in having the 30-min film screened in your area, please contact Dr. Griffard at ourlouisianabio@gmail.com. Follow the project for updates: 📷 Instagram & Facebook: Louisiana Grass Roots

Final Reflections

This documentary is not simply about plants — it is about place, identity, and stewardship.

Phyllis said it beautifully: “The definition of learning is that the quality of your experience of the world changes.” Jillian added: “I hope all of us are able to appreciate the landscapes that surround us enough to be inspired to protect them and celebrate them.”

Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard and Jillian Godshall

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Heidi McDonald and Jason Stoner, the passionate duo behind Foodies of Lafayette and the Lafayette Community Fridge Program, join Discover Lafayette. Their mission blends a love for local restaurants with compassion for those facing food insecurity — all while promoting dignity, kindness, and connection within the Lafayette community.

The Origin of Foodies of LafayetteHeidi McDonald founded Foodies of Lafayette as a Facebook group to celebrate good restaurants and people in the region, with one caveat — no negativity allowed. “I basically have two careers at this point,” she shared. “I don’t think that I fully comprehended in the beginning what it could be, what that impact could be. Jason came on board early on and made me see some things that I didn’t — just how it could grow, the organicness of the friendships that were happening and the power behind that.”

With over 112,000 followers at the time of recording this interview (and 113,700 a week later), Foodies of Lafayette has become a true culinary movement that uplifts both local restaurants and the people who enjoy them.

The Birth of the Lafayette Community FridgeThe Lafayette Community Fridge Program came under Foodies’ umbrella in late 2024. Jason explained, “The Lafayette Community Fridge was started in 2021 by another group of individuals. By the end of last year, only a couple of people were left, and Erinn Quinn, reached out to us and said, ‘Hey, would you like to take this over as a Foodies thing?’”

Jason admitted he felt an instant calling: “I really wanted to take this on. Heidi let me have it. I said, ‘I’ll handle most of the work, but I really want this.’ So she allowed me to have this baby, and it’s dear to me.”

Through Foodies’ reputation and community reach, people came forward to help. Jason said, “One of our first needs was to collect $30 a month for the electricity at McMillan’s Pub to run the utilities for the fridge. We don’t want Robin to come out of her pocket. We need to provide that. We had so many people donating that $30 and they’re like, how much do you need? Some would say, here’s six months. That paid us through 2026.“

How the Fridge WorksThe Lafayette Community Fridge has two locations — at McMillan’s Pub (2905 East Simcoe) in Lafayette and T-Boy’s in Abbeville. It is open 24/7 to anyone who needs food or wishes to contribute. And it is not just food that is needed; the sites also need power, regular maintenance, and clean outs.

Jason described how restaurants donate fresh, ready-to-eat meals rather than just shelf-stable goods. “There’s so much waste,” he said. “Why can’t we just be a little more efficient with organizing where it goes instead of the trash can?”

He praised Toby and Joey Lagneaux, owners of Lagneaux’s, for stepping up early: “We’ve got a lot of food coming off the buffet daily. Toby said, ‘Absolutely. We’ve been throwing it away. I would rather it go somewhere.’”

To keep meals safe, Taylor’s International donated 6,000 three-compartment Styrofoam containers, and Seth Randall of Logic Refrigeration provided a double commercial fridge. “No one touches the food between Lagneaux’s and the fridge,” Jason emphasized. “It’s picked up and taken directly to the fridge.”

Community Participation and DignityFor Heidi, the heart of the program is dignity. “It’s not less dignified to need something,” she said. “We just don’t know people’s stories. What if they’re getting it for their entire family? Or for a whole neighborhood because there’s only one vehicle? We all have the ability to give back. It’s not going to hurt us.”

She continued, “Just because someone is coming and picking up a meal from the fridge doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have anything to offer, because we can all help each other. It’s been really beautiful watching people come to pick up dinner and then realizing, ‘Oh, I have an extra can of something at home that I haven’t been using. I can come and put that and help somebody else.’ There’s strength in that. That’s the resiliency of our people — our ability to come together and love each other.”

Volunteer Infrastructure and SustainabilityRunning the program requires daily dedication. “Getting volunteers organized is the big uphill battle,” Heidi noted. “People want to help, but they get busy.”

Jason keeps operations running smoothly with “Sign Me Up Genius,” an online volunteer scheduler. “We’ve got close to 40 people that have volunteered,” he said. “They volunteer their own vehicle, their gas… it takes 45 minutes, maybe an hour. The volunteers collectively drive about 650 miles a month, and are estimated to deliver approximately 9,000 meals in this first year.

Impact StoriesCommunity generosity comes in all forms. “One of the gentlemen I work with, Craig Stelly, when he’s got a couple of extra hours on the weekend, he’ll cook 20 or 30 plate lunches — a gumbo or lasagna — and just go drop it off,” Heidi said. “We’ve got grannies that make a couple extra batches of cookies. Everybody thinks to donate canned goods, but not very many people donate all the good stuff.”

The Nonprofit and Its BoardWhen Foodies took over the fridge, they also inherited its nonprofit status. “It was already a 501(c)(3), and Heidi and I moved the ownership over to our board,” Jason explained. “We do have a board for the community fridge. It’s a great board of people, and we thank them for sitting on it.”

Community Potluck and FundraisingThe group’s Foodies Potluck at Lagneaux’s is an upcoming fundraiser for the Lafayette Community Fridge being held on November 2, 2025. “We invite members to bring a dish, a way to serve that dish, and a nonperishable for the fridge,” Jason said. “There were about 150 attendees last year — that’s 150 dishes. This year, it booked 200 people in under two weeks.”

Heidi added, “This is a fundraiser for the fridge now. There’ll be door prizes, an auction, and great items donated by local businesses. It’s truly a community effort.”

Vision for the FutureHeidi and Jason hope to continue expanding their reach, and when asked what a dream wish would be, Jason shared, “We would really love, love, love to bring Lafayette a food festival. With music, food, chefs — because in our area, food is equal to music in terms of importance.”

They also are looking to expand their Culinary Excellence Awards beyond Lafayette Parish. “There are great restaurants outside Lafayette that deserve recognition too.”

How to Get InvolvedWhile the original Lafayette Community Fridge Facebook page remains inactive due to lost credentials of its previous managers, most updates and volunteer opportunities are shared through the Foodies of Lafayette Facebook group.

“The best way is still through Foodies of Lafayette,” Jason said. “You’ll see posts with a ‘Sign Me Up Genius’ link. It’s highlighted on the page and connects you to everything — volunteer, donate, or just get involved.”

A Community of Giving“It’s nice to be able to use the Foodies of Lafayette voice for good,” Heidi said. “It’s nice to know that if I’m really in need and I throw out, ‘I need drivers now,’ people will step up and say, ‘We got you.’”

Jason summed it up perfectly: “This is a community fridge. It’s your fridge. It’s all of our fridge — to put food in or take food out. It takes a village.”

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Our guest, Dr. Caroline Jurisich, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her inspiring work with The Quad, a Lafayette-based program helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue learning, building independence, and forming meaningful social connections after leaving school.

A Lifelong Passion for Education and InclusionOriginally from North Louisiana, Caroline earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from LSU and initially worked in that field. But her career path changed after she began working with students who had emotional and behavioral challenges. She went on to earn her Master’s at UL Lafayette and taught in the Lafayette Parish School System before being recruited to help develop and teach in UL LIFE, an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities.

“When I started with UL LIFE in 2014, there were about 200 programs like it in the country,” she recalled. “Now, there are 364.” The program, which began as a small pilot with local students, has since expanded to 35 students from across the U.S. who live on campus, participate in university classes, and are fully integrated into campus life.

As the program grew, Caroline noticed a troubling pattern: “Once these students graduated, they secured employment, but there was still a gap in opportunities for continued learning and in maintaining the skills they’d developed.”

That realization led her to found The Quad in 2023.

Filling the Gap After GraduationLocated in the Oil Center at 1021 E St Mary Blvd., Suite A, The Quad serves adults aged 18 to 62 who have completed high school or college-based programs and are seeking continued education, social engagement, and life skills training.

“I’m a big believer in building a strong foundation before branching out,” Caroline said. “We’re focused on what we call learning sessions—structured, engaging opportunities to develop practical skills without feeling like school.”

The Quad offers 26 sessions a week, each about real-world abilities:

• Money Smarts: budgeting, banking, and financial literacy.
• Vocational Training: preparing for, securing, and maintaining employment.
• Social and Relationship Skills: navigating family, friendship, and workplace dynamics.
• Independent Living Skills: cooking, meal planning, grocery budgeting, and household management in their full kitchen lab.

Each session is small and tailored. “We want to make sure it’s meaningful for every individual,” she said. “Independence doesn’t necessarily mean doing it all by yourself—it means knowing when to ask for help, knowing your strengths, and building on both.”

The Quad also emphasizes community engagement. Members participate in service projects such as filling the Lafayette Community Fridge, supporting Second Harvest, and organizing toy drives. “We remind our members that to be an active, engaged part of your community, you also have to give back,” Caroline said.

Creating Belonging and ConnectionSocial isolation after leaving school is a major challenge for adults with disabilities. Caroline has seen firsthand how The Quad helps bridge that gap.

“There’s so much research on the impact of isolation—higher rates of depression and anxiety once individuals leave school,” she explained. “At The Quad, they have a space for connection, shared experiences, and casual practice of social skills.”

Each Friday, The Quad hosts Happy Hour—a relaxed afternoon where members gather for games, conversation, and community. “Some play air hockey, some just hang out. For many, weekends can be isolating, so this helps fill that gap with friendship and laughter.”

Members often form their own social groups. “We’ve had young men who didn’t know each other before The Quad but now meet regularly to play cards or go out to lunch together. That’s huge.”

A Member-Focused CommunityCaroline insists on calling participants members, not clients. “They’re adults. This isn’t a sterile environment—it’s their space. Just like being a member of the Junior League or City Club, they belong here.”

The Quad currently serves just over 30 members but has capacity for three times that number within its 3,600-square-foot facility. “We’ve been intentional about growth,” she said. “After two years, we know what works and what doesn’t. Now we’re looking to expand services like occupational therapy, counseling, and business partnerships for employment training.”

Funding and the Fight for Modern SupportThe Quad is currently a private pay organization, but Caroline is working toward broader funding options. “We’d love to be a Medicaid provider. The process is complex, but we’re partnering with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services to support members focused on vocational skills.”

She noted that current federal and state funding systems often don’t fit modern models like The Quad. “We’re not an adult daycare. We’re supplemental to a well-rounded life that includes work and community involvement. But because we don’t fit old categories, our members can’t use certain funding. That’s something we’re working hard to change.”

The Meaning Behind the NameThe name The Quad is both personal and symbolic. “I kept drawing four boxes—body, mind, heart, spirit—when I was brainstorming about what to name this endeavor. My mom saw it and said, ‘What about The Quad?’ It just clicked.”

The name also nods to college life. “On every campus, the Quad is where people gather. I wanted our members to say, ‘I’m a member of The Quad,’ just like anyone else says they belong somewhere.”

Looking AheadCaroline envisions The Quad as a model for lifelong inclusion. “We want to grow thoughtfully—add more members, expand our services, and deepen our partnerships with local businesses,” she said. “It’s about helping people live their best, most connected, and independent lives.”

When asked about what she’s learned most through this journey, she smiled: “Patience. And the importance of admitting when something doesn’t work. It’s not failure if you learn from it.”

Outside of work, Caroline enjoys Lafayette’s festivals and community life with her two children. “Anything Lafayette offers—we’re there.”

Learn MoreTo learn more about The Quad, visit thequadusa.com, call 337-999-QUAD (7823), email thequadusa@outlook.com, or follow @thequadlouisiana on social media.

Caroline also welcomes collaborations with local businesses, organizations, and individuals who share her mission: “Even if you don’t know exactly how we could work together—reach out. We’ll find a way.”

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Fabian Patin, a Lafayette architect whose name has become synonymous with the preservation and beautification of Rotary Point, a peaceful sanctuary on the Bayou Vermilion, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his decades-long dedication to Lafayette’s waterways and the enduring spirit of civic service that drives the Rotary Club of Lafayette. He has been a loyal member of the club for decades.

Origins of Rotary Point and the Bayou Vermilion RevivalRotary Point came to life in the 1980sthrough a partnership among the Rotary Clubs of Lafayette, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the creation of Bayou Vermilion District. At the time, Lafayette was in the throes of the oil bust, and the once-vibrant bayou had fallen into neglect and pollution. Patin recalled how his colleague, attorney, Bob Cole, then Lafayette Chamber president, looked beyond the downturn: “Rather than worrying about it, Bob said, let’s do some things to improve it. We’ve got a bayou; it’s not the best one now, but it can be.”

Cole’s optimism led to the creation of a master plan for the Vermilion River. Half the funding came from private citizens and companies, the other half from the City of Lafayette. That plan inspired state legislation to create the Bayou Vermilion District, a nine-member commission—of which Fabian was an original commissioner—charged with implementing restoration and access projects.

To secure federal funding under the Dingell-Johnson Act, Lafayette needed a 20 percent local match. Fabian and local leaders convinced the Parish Council to contribute the unused 400-foot right-of-way from West Bayou Parkway to the Vermilion as the local match. The federal funds, championed by then U.S. Senator John Breaux, completed the financing. Fabian recalled, “If you give us the right to use that land for our 20 percent match, that can be our 20 percent—and it worked.”

How Rotary Point Got Its NameInitially conceived as a simple boat launch, the site evolved when Fabian—active in both the Bayou Vermilion District and Rotary—saw an opportunity:

“If I can go to our Rotary Clubs and say, look, if we call it Rotary Point, I think I can get our clubs to pay for the overlook.”

That promise birthed Rotary Point, with local Rotary Clubs funding the overlook while the Bayou Vermilion District handled access improvements. It became one of the first public boat launches on the Vermilion and a shared symbol of civic collaboration.

Stewardship and BeautificationThrough the years, the Bayou Vermilion District has continued major maintenance—most notably replacing the aging wooden bulkhead with steel reinforcements—while the Rotary Club of Lafayette maintains and beautifies the grounds. Fabian, now 81 years of age, can still be found there almost every day: mowing, planting, spreading mulch, or supervising upgrades.

The site now features benches, picnic tables, irrigation, flowering azaleas, and majestic live oaks—many planted to honor international Rotary presidents. Fabian explained how community partnerships brought the space to life:

• Azalea Trail volunteers donated 35 azaleas.
• Trees Acadiana, led by Sarah Schoeffler, provided and planted dozens of plants and live oaks.
• Compost from Lafayette Parish enriched the soil, coordinated by Rotarian Stan Messenger, who negotiated increased deliveries of mulch and soil for the park.
• Dr. Jim Rees established a Peace Pole inscribed in eight languages reading “May peace prevail on Earth.”

Centennial Monument and the Sugar Mill GearsIn 2020, to commemorate the Rotary Club of Lafayette’s 100th anniversary, Fabian spearheaded the construction of a striking centennial monument. The centerpiece: enormous gears salvaged from historic sugar mills, a visual echo of Rotary’s gear-wheel emblem.

“We poured concrete on site. Rotarians learned how to pour concrete.”

Despite an initial $100,000 goal reduced by COVID-era constraints to $18,000, local Rotarians secured, transported, and refurbished the multi-ton gears, some weighing up to 12,000 pounds. The result is one of Lafayette’s most unique landmarks. And it was definitely a hands-on project, as Fabian explained: “One of the smallest gears, and that is seven foot four, was around 12,000 pounds. And Stan Messenger had to go pick it up in his truck and man, it was dragging. The mud flaps were flopping on the concrete.”

Technology Meets TraditionRecent additions at Rotary Point include Wi-Fi-enabled irrigation and lighting systems, allowing Fabian and contractors to control water and lighting remotely from their phones. “It doesn’t irrigate when you don’t need to because it’s smart enough to know if it’s going to rain.”

Rotary Point even provides free Wi-Fi to visitors—a small example of how the park bridges heritage and modern convenience.

Rotary’s Global Mission of Peace and HealthFabian reflected proudly on Rotary International’s broader legacy in eradicating polio worldwide.

He explained how Rotary’s global network—trusted across political and cultural lines—enabled vaccination programs even where governments could not reach, aided by Bill Gates’ two-for-one matching grants.

Rotary worldwide has contributed more than $2.6 billion to fight polio, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985. In 1988, Rotary joined in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance later joined. When the initiative launched, there were 350,000 cases of polio every year. Today the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent.

World Polio Day is on October 24, 2025.

The Peace Pole, installed in 2023 and dedicated to Fabian, reinforces Rotary’s worldwide pursuit of peace. “Jim Rees (a fellow Rotarian) has believed in the peace pole, which actually was created in the 50s in Japan because of the problems they had in World War II. The concept was to have peace throughout the world. This is Jim’s fourth Peace Pole. It’s a four inch by four inch by various heights. Ours is tall enough to have in eight languages. Basically it says, “May peace prevail on Earth.”

A Life in Architecture and ServiceBeyond Rotary, Fabian built a respected career in architecture. His firm handled diverse work—residential, public, and forensic. After the 1980s oil and gas business downturn, he specialized in forensic architecture, analyzing structural failures and materials, and taught at both UL Lafayette and the University of Illinois. He even chaired the committee that developed North America’s architectural licensing exam.

Still keeping current his architect license current, about “99.9% of my work is forensic. Older buildings that are failing or have problems—I like solving them. I’d do it for entertainment.”

Looking Ahead: A Foundation for the FutureNow 81, Fabian’s focus is ensuring Rotary Point’s long-term survival.

“My dream right now is to create a foundation for its long-term survival. That’s my current problem-solving.” He hopes to establish a structure that sustains maintenance and beautification without burdening taxpayers—a “win-win for everyone.”

A Passion for Nature and SailingA master gardener and lifelong sailor who enjoys competitive sailing, Fabian’s hobbies intertwine with his stewardship of Rotary Point. From a family of master gardeners, Fabian figured, “If I’m going to really do some stuff at Rotary Point, I better start learning.”

His love of native plants—like the red buckeye, donated by Al Rees—reflects the same thoughtful, hands-on care that defines his civic legacy.

Visiting Rotary PointRotary Point is located at 245 West Bayou Parkway, near South College Road. The park offers boat access, walking trails, and tranquil views of Bayou Vermilion. More information is available through the Bayou Vermilion District and Rotary Club of Lafayette websites.

Fabian Patin’s decades of devotion remind us that community improvement begins with stewardship—one tree, one bench, and one problem solved at a time. Rotary Point stands as both a local treasure and a living testament to what vision and persistence can build.

We can all live better lives if we ask ourselves the same four questions all Rotarians follow:

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Amanda (“Mandy”) Osgood and Tracy Lindberg of Graze Acadiana join Discover Lafayette to discuss their love of creating beautiful food presentations and what it is like to open your own small business.

A mother–daughter team who have brought the art of grazing to Lafayette since 2019, this episode is presented in partnership with Lafayette Travel and Eat Lafayette as we spotlight locally owned restaurants and eateries.

Located at 113 Arnould Boulevard in Lafayette, Graze Acadiana was built upon the Australian concept of gather and graze, which connects people with beautiful, high-quality food and creating shared experiences around the table.

Building a Business TogetherMandy reflected on what it means to run a business with her mom:

“We spend every single day together and call each other a million times. Building this business together brought us closer. And we just have a really close friendship. So it’s been great. And being business partners, I know a lot of people can’t manage that with family, but it’s been really good for us.”

The two are originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “We’re both actually from the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, the Biloxi/Ocean Springs area. And we moved here… Mom moved here about 15 years ago, and I moved here about 13 years ago,” Mandy explained. “I had my first child and she needed to be closer to her grandson. So here we are.”

Mandy Osgood and Tracy Lindberg, owners of Graze AcadianaThey quickly felt at home. “We fell in love with Lafayette. It’s just so family oriented. Family friendly. Of course, the food’s wonderful and the people are wonderful. And so it was really a place that I wanted to raise my family and wanted to be closer to.”

Mandy describes herself as “the creative one” while Tracy brings her restaurant management background and entrepreneurial mindset. “We both love entertaining. We love gathering people together and just making beauty out of simple things,” Mandy added.

The Early Days of GrazingBefore “charcuterie” was a household word, Tracy and Mandy were already creating lavish spreads.

“Back in the day, friends and family would have us do weddings and birthdays and stuff like that. We used to make these massive grazing spreads. We didn’t even know they were called that at the time. We put gorgeous food on the table.”

In 2018, they saw the grazing trend explode in Australia. “There were about five places in the entire United States that were doing the grazing thing at that time. Like big cities—Austin, New York. My mom was like, let’s do it.”

From the start, they chose to run things professionally. “So from day one, we started in a commercial kitchen. We didn’t do it out of our house,” Mandy explained. But that came with hurdles.

Tracy recalled: “What really surprised me… was when we went down to the health department and found out that we had to have the commercial kitchen, and then we had to have a grease trap. Normally people make things at home, but incorporating this in the way we wanted to do it—right or not do it at all—cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

Mandy added: “I don’t think any of us knew that we were going to know this much about a grease trap at this point in our lives. My mom scoured plumbing department rules and laws… because grazing was such a new concept. There were no set standards for that. We had to figure all that out.”

Surviving COVIDBy 2019, Graze Acadiana had opened its first storefront off Kaliste Saloom Road. “Things were booming and going and we were growing… educating people what the charcuterie world was about because it just wasn’t that popular here,” Amanda recalled.

Then the pandemic hit. Their tagline had been “Gathering Grapes.” Amanda laughed:

“And Covid said, no, you don’t. So we had to start changing our concept and work with that.”

They shifted from large spreads to individual options. “We started doing petite boxes, little individual charcuterie portions and jars,” Mandy said.

With only a handful of staff, it was mainly mother and daughter running things. “In those first two years, I think we had two employees, maybe three… but it was pretty much me and Mom,” Mandy explained. They also leaned on curbside pickup: “No one could really have a lot of people in the shop. So we would run out and do curbside delivery with charcuterie.”

Expanding to Arnould Boulevard in Lafayette LABy 2021, the demand outgrew their small kitchen. “In January 2021, we actually signed a lease for the building that we’re in now, on Arnold Boulevard, in the Jason’s Deli parking lot off of Johnson Street. And we love that location. Our kitchen quadrupled in size, which made us so happy,” Mandy said.

The central location made a difference. “When you’re working the kind of work that we do, you’re spending so much time in the kitchen. So it made a huge difference for us,” she added.

What Goes on a Board?Graze Acadiana has built a reputation for abundant, well-paired boards.

Mandy explained: “Our boards have at least five cheeses, two different charcuterie meats, fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, cornichons, olives, jams, and pickles. We say there’s a little bit of something for everyone on those boards.”

She added a key philosophy: “Cheese needs a friend. If you went and bought a block of goat cheese at the store and shoved that in your mouth, that’s not going to be that great. But when it’s paired with those other items that complement it well, it is enjoyable.”

Popular meats include salami, chorizo, and prosciutto, paired with cheeses like Brie, aged cheddar, cranberry Wensleydale, and blue cheese.

The duo takes pride in sourcing locally. “From day one we’ve always used Noni’s Kitchen jams and pepper jellies… and we’ll visit the farmers market every few months and see if there’s any new people we can have in our shop,” Mandy said.

Tracy noted how supportive Lafayette’s food community is:

“It doesn’t matter if you’re an attorney or a doctor or what. Everybody’s just so friendly, and they all just want to help each other. It’s not really a competition either. It’s everyone supporting each other.”

Who They ServeTheir boards serve every occasion—from weddings and showers to everyday lunches. “Every moment is worth celebrating,” Mandy emphasized. “We make pre-made options every single day, you can just walk in… everything from a little $8 box to an $89 box.”

Clients range from pharmaceutical reps ordering for doctors to schools rewarding staff, to families grabbing platters for weekend parties. “I’ve had people pick up one for their doctor after going through a medical journey,” Mandy said.

Even kids love it. “Adults sometimes see that beautiful thing and no one wants to touch it yet because it’s too pretty to eat. And the kids, they just dig in,” Mandy shared.

Beyond Charcuterie: Olive Oil & Vinegar BarGraze Acadiana also offers an olive oil tasting bar with more than 60 premium oils and vinegars. “They are super healthy, super high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties,” Mandy explained. Nutritionists and doctors send clients who are making lifestyle changes.

Some even use vinegars as wine substitutes. “You can actually put balsamic vinegar in sparkling water and you have like a little tasty refresher. A mocktail,” Mandy shared.

Community EventsGraze Acadiana hosts monthly and seasonal gatherings:

• Build-a-Board Nights (teaching guests how to assemble charcuterie boards)
• Sip and Sample Nights featuring oils and vinegars in food and drinks
• Evoo & You Recipe Club every last Thursday of the month (“It’s like an elevated potluck… I have been blown away. There are amazing cooks in Lafayette.”)

Mandy described Evoo & You as “such a comfortable, fun night… more so a learning experience, a community, just get people together, spend time together, and enjoy some good food.”

Looking AheadWhile Tracy and Mandy don’t plan to expand beyond their current location, they’re always adding products and new ideas. “We’re content where we are, but we’re always changing things,” Mandy said. “Right now, especially since we have a great team at Graze, we’re able to try new things and add new products. Of course, with the olive oil, we have shipping kicking off really well.”

Tracyy summed it up: “I would love the public to know you can come in any day that we’re open. At our olive oil tasting bar, we have fresh bread, you can taste everything, you can try everything. The health benefits are phenomenal… It really changed my life in the kitchen.”

Visit Graze AcadianaGraze Acadiana is open Tuesday–Friday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, and Saturday 9:30 AM–3:00 PM at 113 Arnould Boulevard in Lafayette.

Sign up for their newsletter and find out more at grazeacadiana.com to be the first to hear about ticketed events.

What a wonderful affirmation of the creative spirits in Acadiana! Thanks to Mandy, Tracy, and our sponsors for making this interview possible!

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We welcome Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque, a lifelong resident of Broussard who has dedicated his career to public service and business. Before being elected mayor in 2018, he served eight years as a city councilman for District 3 and has co-owned Touche Printing and Signs for more than three decades. He also served as board president of the Broussard Chamber of Commerce. Most importantly, he has supported community projects that enhance quality of life for his city’s residents, such as expanded recreational facilities and infrastructure improvements that keep up with Broussard’s rapid growth.

A Growing City with Deep RootsMayor Bourque highlighted Broussard’s rapid growth:

“Our recent census estimate from LSU in the state puts Broussard at 17,300 people, roughly. And back in the 2020 census, we were 13,400 people. So we are growing rapidly, exponentially.”

Despite the growth, the mayor emphasizes community values: “I always say to people in Broussard that we’re all neighbors. I’ve grown up there. I have so many lifelong friends that knew me since I was a child that are in Broussard. But we also have so many new residents because we’re a growing community.”

The Three Pillars of LeadershipWhen making decisions for the city, Mayor Bourque and the City Council focus on “Public safety, quality of life and economic development. When we’re making decisions on a project or an initiative, we try to make sure it checks at least two of those boxes.

“Those three things are very relatable, that one cannot wholly exist without the other. If you’re doing a quality of life initiative, it is generally good for economic development and vice versa. And public safety is just an umbrella that captures it all. If we don’t have a safe community, then all the other things are held back. We can’t invite people to move, or to spend time, or to come spend money in our community without providing a safe community. But it starts with a culture of our employees in Broussard, really focusing on hospitality. If you call city government, do you feel like that person is trying to help you on the other end of the phone? Or if you have a question or a problem and we come out and meet with you, sometimes the answer is no, but you can say no in a professional way. The goal is to try to help people, because everyone deserves to be valued, especially by their city government, because we’re really serving those people. We have to do intentional work, and that intentional work is to grow our community, to invest in our own economy, to control that economy if we can, because it’s the driver to help us fund police departments and fire departments and all the initiatives that we want to do in Broussard. So getting new customers in our city for our businesses to be able to work with is important.”

Business-Friendly PoliciesBroussard has long attracted businesses by not levying a city property tax or inventory tax: “It’s worked for us. Sales tax is our driver, which means we have to have people working in our city. We have to have commerce in our city. That’s how we drive our tax revenues and can fund police, fire, etc.”

He sees the city’s role as being a partner to business owners: “Our job is to cultivate an environment where people can be successful and businesses can be successful. Ultimately we win or lose together.”

Infrastructure and Economic DevelopmentPreparedness is key:

“If a business wants to place a facility in your city…and I have to say no, but in two years I can be ready, they’re going somewhere else. We’re not waiting on that. We’re building it now.”

Broussard has master plan underway for water, drainage, and downtown redevelopment. The city recently secured a $3,710,000 grant from the State of Louisiana, Office of Community Development – Water Sector Commission for water system improvements. The Water Sector Program – Phase 2 grant award will be used to help fund the city’s water system improvement master plan. The $10 million, five-part water system master plan was developed in July 2024 and is a blueprint to expand and enhance the city’s water supply system by upgrading storage, capacity, water system modeling, system rehabilitation, and interconnectivity.

To keep up with its growth, a master plan called Envision Broussard has been in the works to refresh and revitalize Broussard’s Main Street and its historic downtown. The plan includes new additions designed to make the city more walkable and bikeable. The oaks along Main Street have been trimmed.
“You couldn’t buy a 300 year old oak tree to put on Main Street and put a light on it. When we were doing all this planning, we saw these oak trees overgrown, full of poison ivy.. And we said, why aren’t we doing something this with? We probably have 15 or 20 of them on that drive into Main Street. Let’s light them up at night. Let’s clean them up. Let’s make it look better. And the result was phenomenal.”

Collaboration Across the Parish

“We have some very strong mayors in our parish right now, some of which I’ve worked for with for a long time. There is an attitude of cooperation. You go through a couple of hard times like hurricanes, floods, or Covid, and you see relationships where you can lean on each other. The people that jump up and help each other are the other cities. That is good for the people of this parish. We need to spend our time raising the bar on what’s possible in our area, not worrying about local politics. The level of Broussard’s success is raised higher by the success of the other communities around us. When they’re doing well, we can do better, and that’s an important thing to focus on.”

Quality of Life InitiativesBroussard continues to be recognized statewide:

• Second Cleanest City in Louisiana (Louisiana Garden Club)
• Ranked among the Best Suburbs to Live in Louisiana
• One of the Top Ten Safest Cities in Louisiana

The city hosts family-friendly events such as the upcoming inaugural Monsters on Main family event coming up on October 10, 2025. “You can be a walking group, a bicycle group, or a golf cart group, going down Main Street. We’re going to give out some trophies for Spookiness and so on.”

Mayor Bourque also praised the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park:

“When we first built that park, we wanted it to be as clean as Disney World. And that park stays clean. The staff took that very seriously, and they have a lot of pride in their work.”

“Our city council recently funded a $9 million expansion of St. Julien Park, so we’re adding pickleball courts, 16 of which will be under a giant pavilion. We’re adding an observation deck and a pro shop. It’s an expansion of the tennis facility into pickleball. New parking lot and a Veterans Memorial. That is something we’ve been working on for a while. And the council supported it heavily and we just funded it. Phase one is out for bid right now. For more info on St. Julien Park, visit https://www.broussardsportscomplex.com/

“Zoosiana (which is privately owned) is within the city limits of Broussard. What an asset they are. I mean, how many cities can say they have a zoo in their city?”

Looking AheadMayor Bourque hopes his legacy is simple:

“I’d like people to think that I cared about it genuinely, and I did a good job, and I was doing the right things for the community… I would like to leave it better than I found it.”

On advice for future leaders thinking of seeking an elected office: “If you want to help people, it’s a good place to be. But there’s a lot to learn. So listen more than you talk. Respect the ones that are there before you and try to learn something before you get in there. And then go in there and lead with love.”

“I love talking about Broussard. Our city is evolving. People evolve as the years go by. Cities are the same way. They have personalities like people, and it’s the same as our families. What are we? What are we spending time on? What are we investing in? You know, intentional work, right. Those things are very important. So I’m blessed to be here. I’m happy to be here. I’m going do the best I can for as long as I can.”

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Our guest today is Chad Sonnier, Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) for Lafayette Parish.

With over four decades of service in fire protection and emergency response, Chad Sonnier brings unmatched experience to the role of coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector.

“I was 18 years old, hired to be in the fire service and helping people in their time of need. It is something I’ve really become accustomed to, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I mean, people call 911 at their worst time of day or worst time in their life, and, we’re there to help them, that’s what we’re there for.”

Chad served as City of Scott’s Fire Chief before being named to his current post. He had served with the Lafayette Fire Department for years before his appointment with the City of Scott.

Over the course of his career, Chad has worked as a hazmat technician, fire engineer, fire coordinator, and hazmat chief. In 2020, he was inducted into the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame—a testament to his lifelong passion for public safety.

“Helping people is my passion. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Chad Sonnier shares.

A Newly Formed Office

The department was officially created in 2024 by Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet, who recognized the growing federal and state mandates in emergency management and the need to keep her community safe. It now operates independently of 911 services, with a broader scope that includes emergency responses to events such as hurricanes, mass gatherings like Mardi Gras, hazardous material accidents, and unexpected “no-notice” events such as train derailments.

This year in 2025, for the first time, Lafayette’s Emergency Operations Center partially activated its services during Mardi Gras. Agencies including fire, police, Acadian Ambulance, local hospitals, and even federal partners like the FBI and ATF, worked side by side to ensure public safety. “When you’re face to face in the same room, communications are so much better,” Chad explains.

Beyond Hurricanes: Preparedness in Action

While hurricanes are top of mind for many residents, Chad addressed the wide range of emergencies his office addresses to help those most in need:

• Warming and cooling centers – Established for residents without reliable heating or air conditioning, with help from partners such as Catholic Charities, Red Cross, and even private companies like Stines, which donated large cooling fans.
• Volunteer organizations – Hundreds of volunteers with local nonprofits and faith-based groups (VOADs) play an essential role in long-term recovery. These groups often provide building supplies, roof repairs, and mold remediation for families still suffering from past storms.
• College partnerships – Student-athletes contribute required service hours by assisting disaster victims, creating meaningful community connections.

Chad reflects, “I was taken aback by how many people are willing to help, especially in Lafayette Parish. If it wasn’t for these nonprofits, I don’t know where a lot of people would be today.”

Planning Ahead and Responding Fast

Chad contrasts his years as a firefighter—where speed and immediate action are critical—with the long-term strategic planning required in his current role.

Chad Sonnier served as Fire Chief of the City of Scott for 23 yearsHis office scripts hurricane responses a week in advance of landfall, but also prepares in advance for sudden emergencies that occur without warning.

“No-notice events” like hazardous material spills require rapid mobilization of shelters, water, food, and safe housing, often within an hour to ninety minutes. Recreation centers, the Cajundome, and other facilities are pre-designated as shelters or reunification centers, ensuring displaced residents can quickly reconnect with loved ones.

A new IT-driven reunification system allows families to upload identifying details and photos of missing loved ones, giving hospitals and responders immediate access to information during a disaster. “Pictures make all the difference,” Chad emphasizes, noting lessons learned from past Louisiana crises.

Before Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s administration, LCG did not have designated reunification centers. In the event of a large-scale or no-notice disasters, such as major flooding, families had no single point of contact to locate or receive information about loved ones.

Today, through the leadership of OHSEP, and Mayor-President Boulet, reunification plans are in place. Multiple recreational centers throughout the parish have been pre-identified to serve as reunification centers. Within 30 minutes of an event, a site can be activated and ready to receive families.

The reunification process is supported by a new IT platform developed by Lafayette Parish. Family members can enter identifying information about missing loved ones, including distinguishing features such as tattoos. Area hospitals are connected to the system, allowing staff to search for patients using those details. This coordinated effort makes it possible to quickly identify and reunite families, with responders able to say, “Your loved one is at this location,” and ensure a safe handoff.

Tools, Technology, and Preparedness Tips

OHSEP has adopted cutting-edge technology such as geofencing, which enables targeted emergency alerts to people in specific areas.

Chad encourages all residents to plan ahead for unexpected events by doing the following:

• Sign up for “Lafayette Now” alerts to receive real-time emergency notifications. Visit https://www.lafayettela.gov/communications-media/lafayette-now to sign up.
• Maintain a 3- to 4-day “go bag” with essentials such as food, water, medications, cash, charged power banks, pet supplies, and important documents (protected in waterproof storage).
• Remember critical medical needs like insulin storage and access to dialysis centers, which are prioritized in disaster planning.

Chad also underscored the importance of taking care of pets in family safety plans: “We’ve learned that pets are just as important as children or spouses. Our shelters provide space, food, and water for pets so families can stay together.” Shelters are equipped with spaces for your beloved pets and food to sustain them (Look up quote from download)

Volunteers and Community Resilience

Lafayette Parish’s ability to recover depends on volunteers, but Chad points out that many leave with their families during evacuations, cutting the available workforce in half. He encourages listeners to get involved through Acadiana VOAD, choosing from opportunities to assist with sheltering, food distribution, or recovery efforts.

A Personal Note

Outside of emergency management, Chad and his wife enjoy traveling in their motorhome in their free time. He recalled the rare peace of being disconnected during a cruise they took, joking that his phone “sounded like a slot machine” once it reconnected to a signal as they approached land. He jumped back in to the fray, happy to help those who reached out. Listening to this podcast, you will understand the commitment that Chad Sonnier has to public safety and his job.

Final Thoughts

Chad Sonnier’s commitment to public safety is unwavering. From planning large-scale emergency responses to ensuring Lafayette’s most vulnerable residents have access to shelter and support, his leadership ensures that the parish is prepared for both the expected and the unexpected.

For more information, visit https://www.lafayettela.gov/ohsep/home

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Today we welcome Warren Abadie, Director of Traffic, Roads and Bridges for Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG). A Lafayette native, Warren has spent his entire career with LCG, steadily rising through the ranks after graduating from UL Lafayette in 2003 with a degree in electrical engineering (computer option). He started as an engineer aide, moved on to traffic maintenance supervisor, traffic signal/system engineer, and city-parish transportation engineer before being appointed director in 2020.

“I affectionately refer to myself as the director of misery and unhappiness,” Warren joked, but his love for his job is clear. He explained that a professor once told him, “Your first job will determine your whole career,” and in his case, that proved true. His engineering background in coding and electrical systems naturally aligned with his first promotion into traffic signals.

Managing 190 Traffic Signals Across the CityWarren oversees a vast system of about 190 traffic signals, many of which LCG maintains through agreements with the state.

He explained how the signal network functions:

“If you’re on a minor street at a major street, it’s going to feel like the signal is taking forever. A minute in your car feels more like five minutes. But we run the system as a network. All the signals on Pinhook have to have the same cycle length… so there’s some inefficiencies there. But the main street always takes precedence.”

With a central server syncing up internal clocks, Warren and his team can monitor complaints in real time, using traffic cameras and logs to identify problems, often adjusting signals remotely:

“We’re always tinkering. We’re always changing. We’re always trying to make 10 pounds of fluff fit in a 5-pound bag.”

Balancing Capacity, Convenience, and SafetyWarren described the essence of traffic engineering as a balancing act:

“Traffic engineering is a balance of three things. Capacity. Convenience. And safety. If safety was first, your car wouldn’t go more than five miles an hour… If it was all about convenience, there’d be no pavement markings on the road. And if it was all about capacity, I wouldn’t allow left turns on signals.”

This balance is one reason he strongly supports roundabouts, which check all three boxes by being safer, more efficient, and accommodating U-turns. He acknowledged, however, that roundabouts are more difficult to design and build, and some—like the Ridge Road and Rue de Belier roundabout—are already over capacity, with plans in place for upgrades.

Traffic Growth and New Projects“Traffic is a sign of economic activity and growth,” Warren noted, pointing out Lafayette is one of the few parishes in Louisiana still growing. He listed several new roundabout projects in the works, including:

• Broussard and Robley
• West Broussard and Duhon (near Acadian Village)
• Ridge and Domingue Road
• Rue de Belier and Ridge (expansion to multi-lane)
• Vincent Road at E. Broussard
• LA 92 and East Broussard (toward Milton)

Safety, Motorcycles, and Crash DataAs a father, Warren is deeply concerned about motorcycles:

“Don’t let anybody you love drive a motorcycle because your target value is just too small and the margin for error is just way too small. It’s exciting, but the reality is there’s just not any room for error.”

His department continually analyzes crash data and works to balance safety with traffic flow, noting that signals reduce deadly right-angle crashes but often lead to an increase in rear-end crashes—generally less severe.

Road Repairs and Infrastructure ChallengesRoad work is another part of Warren’s responsibility, and he was candid about the frustrations drivers feel:

“Everything we do day to day requires the use of that system. Generally, the roads are already congested. Now I got to fix it and make them more congested. It’s not something we take lightly.”

He explained the complexity of concrete street repairs and the overlapping roles of utilities, drainage, and road crews: “It’s a monumental task, maintaining all the infrastructure that makes life life. It’s not intentional. We do the best to get out of there. It’s not fun being there… a bulletproof vest won’t stop a car.”

Public Transit: Challenges and InnovationsWarren also oversees transit services, managing ten buses that must cover the entire city. With more than 600 bus stops, many located on open-ditch roadways without sidewalks, he emphasized the pressing need for bus shelters.

He shared his excitement about a new pilot program being considered in the LCG budget:

“Instead of having big buses run everywhere, have more of a micro-transit system, more like an Uber level. A lot more stops could pick you up closer to your house and drop you off closer to the destination. For a suburban city like Lafayette, that has the potential to be a game changer.”

The fare structure would remain affordable, he added: $1 per ride or $25 for an annual pass.

Artificial Intelligence and Smarter SignalsAI is already reshaping Lafayette’s traffic management. Warren explained the evolution from wire loops to video detection, to wireless magnetometers, and now back to advanced AI-powered video systems:

“The AI engines they have now can actually identify if it’s a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a pedestrian. There’s also AI intelligence about near misses. There are a lot of exciting traffic operational advancements going to an AI-based camera system. We are currently in the process of installing those.”

Bikes, Pedestrians, and Complete StreetsLCG is also working on bike lanes and multi-use paths built to a higher grade and separated from vehicles. Warren said these will serve both serious cyclists and those who rely on bicycles for transportation:

“No matter what level of user you are, you would feel comfortable—whether you’re the people I call spandex warriors, or the people that ride their bikes everywhere.”

A Life of Service and Family“Not everybody gets to come into work and say what I do affects hundreds of thousands of people. One of the inspiring things about what I do is I never have to explain to anybody why we do what we do at LCG. They just know. We live here too.”

Outside of work, Warren and his wife are raising four children. He admitted he hasn’t yet figured out his hobbies now that his kids are getting older, though he’s excited for football season and enjoys “nerding out” on technical projects.

For anyone with transportation-related issues such as road hazards or concerns, Warren emphasized that 311 is the best place to start. “Whatever issue you have, you’ll get to the right person. For non-emergencies, 311 is the place to go.”

Warren Abadie’s career shows how one person’s dedication to public service can touch the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Lafayette residents. From roads to signals, buses to bike paths, his work blends engineering, innovation, and a genuine love for his community.

Visit https://www.lafayettela.gov/trb on the various aspects of LCG’s Department of Traffic, Roads and Bridges.

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Russ Hosmer, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, certified life coach, former national-champion bodybuilder, and founder of Constant Progression, an online life coaching and personal development platform serving clients worldwide, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his mission to help others reach their full potential.

Russ grew up in New Jersey, just outside of New York City. At 17, his parents retired and moved to Alabama. He studied at Jacksonville State University and worked in health club turnarounds: “We found the gyms and the health clubs that were in the red, and we brought them into the black. We got the management together, the business side of it, and got them better and rolling.”

Russ was a bodybuilder alongside business: “I was a state champion when I was a teenager… top five in the national championship. I was a national champion twice. Two times. Two years in a row as the first one to ever do that.” That era cemented discipline: “I was blessed. I was doing what I love… when you do that, you don’t ever work a day in your life.”

Choosing the Marines, Special Operations, and What Service Really Looked Like“My family is Marine Corps. My grandfather was a WWII veteran and my brother was a Marine… it was almost like, well, I have to do that.” He enlisted on a whim, calling it “probably the greatest decision of my life.”

Boot camp at Parris Island: “They start drilling leadership principles into you the day you get there… It’s a transformation process. It’s the title,, being a Marine. So you have to earn it.” After graduating top of his class in the School of Infantry, he went to amphibious reconnaissance / special operations: “We’re like 1% of the Marine Corps.”

Operational reality: “Less than 1% of the Marine Corps see combat. We do more hospitable missions than we do combat missions. It’s urban warfare, small unit tactics. We don’t actually fight other countries like uniform military. it’s a different world we live in.” He traveled extensively: “I was in 37 countries in three years. I was deployed a lot. But I volunteered because that’s what I wanted to do.”

PTSD, Loss, and a Five-Year Turning PointRuss is candid: “I do have severe PTSD… I didn’t know I had it for years. Then all of a sudden, it was really bad.” Compounding events:“I lost my corporate job during COVID. I had been a senior executive of a Fortune 500 company for twenty years. Then my dad died, and my mom died, then my older brother died.” It left him “in a very dark place, kind of lost.”

“I decided, you know what? I need to help people overcome the PTSD, get the resilience and the mindset, and learn how the mind works and how the body works. And why is this happening?”On the rate of veterans committing suicide, Russ says, “They say it’s 22 a day. There’s a lot more than that. They don’t have help, they think it’s a sign of weakness. But you admitting it and talking about it, that’s a sure sign of strength.” From a five-year journey, he created Constant Progression: “We’re always looking to be our best self. We’re all on that journey of constant progression.”

Training the Marines & A Vanderbilt Recovery Study That “Changed Everything”After instructing at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Russ became a Physical Training Advisor for the Eastern Recruiting Region—“anything east of the Mississippi River… the whole East Coast.” His remedial programs “went before Congress and they actually enacted those into standard operating procedures… now a part of the Marine Corps training standards.”

Russ helped run a muscle recovery study with Vanderbilt University to reduce injuries and attrition: “We had a lot of lower body extremities’ injuries, especially with the female recruits… hip fractures and femur fractures, tibia fractures… kids nowadays… they don’t eat well.” Findings touched hydration, chow hall practices, food quantity by body weight, and training tweaks (including pull-up progression): “The best way to get better at pull ups is… do pull ups.” The study’s impact: “It changed everything… there’s a lot of moving parts.”

He also outlines cost-intensive reassignments that were utilized for rehabilitation: Medical Rehab Platoon, Physical Conditioning Platoon, and retrain—and why prevention mattered: “That costs a lot of money… so that’s what spiced out the whole muscle recovery study to help keep troops healthy.”

Private Sector: Biomechanics Lab, Pixar-Style Motion Capture, and Human-Centered EquipmentRecruiters pulled him to Life Fitness/Hammer Strength: “We were the largest. We set the standard for how fitness was developed.” Their $2M biomechanics lab used the “same technology as Pixar” to map motion with reflective markers: “We would mimic their movements… make the equipment… in alignment with how people move.”

Design philosophy: “Hammer Strength is built from the center outward… built around you.” On anthropometrics and building the best fitness equipment: “Fit a machine to work between someone who’s five foot one and six foot nine.” He notes Shaquille O’Neal contributed to hamstring designs. Elliptical geometry matched natural gait to avoid hip shift and back issues.

Russ advised Nature Made Vitamins and Otsuka Pharmaceutical: “They were interested in my muscle recovery study… looking at a new vitamin line… in line with muscle recovery… and better hydration.” He references Pocari Sweat—“a hydration drink that mimics sweat”—and presenting in Japan: “You have to talk slow and you have to pause… nobody spoke English… they bring you gifts… I learned more about culture.” A memorable attendee: “She was a gold medalist in archery… an incredible athlete.”

Constant Progression: How Russ Coaches Adults & Professionals Worldwide“I’ve been doing it since 2023. The constant progression name says it all because we’re always looking to be better. We’re always looking to be our best self some kind of way. The constant progression term was a term that I had back before the Marine Corps. I had constant progression. When I was training in the Marine Corps, writing programs and training programs and standard operating procedures for the Marine Corps, I always used the term constant progression because it was so powerful to me. We’re all on that journey of constant progression.

Russ focuses on “mastering the mindset, building resilience, and achieving lasting transformation.” He focuses on structure: “One of the biggest pillars… without structure and clarity, you have chaos.” Clients commit to a morning routine, midday anchor, and evening routine—“non-negotiable.” Rule one: “Don’t reach for your phone” on waking: “You’re reacting to everybody else’s agenda.”

“You have to control the day when you get up in the morning and not let the day control you. One of the biggest pillars I have in my program is structure, because structure gives you clarity. Wwithout structure and clarity, you have chaos. If you don’t have that in business, you’ve got chaos. You need to look at yourself as if you’re running a business. If you’re running a business, you want to run it efficient as possible. Why would you run yourself any differently? With all my clients, I drill them with structure. We have a morning routine, a midday anchor, and an evening routine. That’s non-negotiable.”

He prescribes solitude: “Sit outside with no phone. Around the 30 minute mark, your brain starts to go into a different brain; watch how clear you get.” On habit formation: “They say it’s 90 days… you chip at it… five, ten minutes at a time.”

“We do neuroscience backed habit change. That’s what transforms you. The biggest thing to do is to learn about yourself and create new habits. And when you create new habits, it makes new neural pathways in your brain. We have a lot of neural pathways that are already there from from our life, from our grown up life, but we can change it. It’s called neuroplasticity. You’re able to change your thoughts and become more intentional and more aware of who you are.”

Four Pillars (in his words)* Structure → Discipline → Focus → Clarity.
“Discipline is the biggest bridge… When you get to clarity, you become very powerful… Clients have ‘aha’ moments; ‘who they’ve always wanted to be. We give them the tools to build that person.”

Anxiety, Depression, and the Present“Anxiety is you anticipating the future… trying to control things that you can’t control.”
“Depression is living in your past… letting your past dictate today.”
So he “bring[s] them back into center… how to be present today.”

PTSD Program & Nervous System BalancePTSD coaching targets the autonomic nervous system: “You’re in your sympathetic [fight/flight]… we teach… how to stimulate the parasympathetic… through vagus nerve stimulation.” On the vagus nerve: “It’s in your neck… goes down to your gut… stimulating it calms you down.” Education itself sparks “aha” moments as clients learn triggers and counter-switches.

Grounding tools:

• Contrast shower (to help sleep): “Hot 1 minute, cold 1 minute… you’ll be out within three minutes. It’s a nervous system reset.”
• Sun/grounding: “15 minutes [sun] every day for mitochondrial function… walking the grass in your bare feet.”

Mindset, Accountability, and Emotional Intelligence“Happiness is a choice. Stop external validating everything. 99.9% of the problems that we have, we are the cause. If you change your mind, you change your life.”
He keeps clients accountable with weekly one-hour sessions and touchpoints throughout the week.

Russ explained how emotions, not logic, drive decisions, using an interior design example. “If an interior designer has four different shades of yellow paint laid out, he’s not going to close the sale if he asks, ‘What do you think about these colors?’ But if he asks, ‘How do you feel about these shades of yellow? How would your guests feel when they come over to your house for brunch in this room?’—that changes the whole dynamic of the question.”

Russ’s larger coaching philosophy is as follows: “Shift from thought-based to emotion-based communication.” As Russ teaches, “Everybody buys on emotion; we’re emotional beings, not human doings.” By reframing questions around feelings, professionals, whether in sales, leadership, or relationship, can unlock clarity, connection, and more effective outcomes.

Gratitude & Journaling“Don’t be grateful for things you don’t have. Be grateful for the things that you do have. Because we’re all rich. We’re all blessed beyond belief. Write that down. Be in that state of gratitude because that changes everything right there. That changes your whole mindset. Because if you’re in a state of gratitude, anger and fear cannot exist. It’s impossible. They cannot be in the same room together. So if you’re in a state of gratitude, you’re not going to be an angry person and you’re not going to be fearful.”“The first thing to journal each morning is the three things that you’re grateful for… If you’re in a state of gratitude, anger and fear cannot exist.” Journaling is a brain dump that “10x” increases focus and clarity.

Nutrition & the Gut–Brain Axis“Gut health is super important… there’s a whole lot of neurons in your gut.” Practical guardrails: “Read the labels. Shop the perimeter. Be careful about bioengineered food: even rice has fillers.”

Clients, Ages, and Regret vs. DisciplineHis clients range from CEOs/entrepreneurs to professionals in their 20s and 60s: “The dynamic and the contrast is cool.” He shares: “Discipline really weighs ounces… regret weighs tons.”

He pushes the question “Who are you? But, not your job title. “What sets your soul on fire?” On faith and love: “Everything we do is out of love. The biggest thing is self love. If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love anybody or anything.”

Spouses & Caregivers Track“We do PTSD training for the spouses and the caregivers… ‘What do you need?’… ‘I just need to feel like I’m safe.’… just put your hand on my shoulder… tell me I’m safe… That brings them down about 30 notches.”

Personal: Training, Cooking, and Music as Therapy“I work out a lot. I like to cook. I have played piano since I was seven; I compose music.” He links music to neuroscience: “Pattern recognition. You play someone else’s music and your brain figures out the pattern, then you can write your own.”

Practical Takeaways (From Russ’s Playbook) Morning: “Don’t reach for your phone… take some time for yourself.” * Solitude: “30 minutes changes your brain state… clarity follows.” * Better Sleep Conditions: “Take a Contrast shower: hot 1 min, cold 1 min; afterward, you’ll be asleep within 3 minutes.” * Daily grounding: “Sun for 15 minutes, and bare feet in the grass.” * Journal: “Start with 3 gratitudes; focus on what you already have; gratitude and fear can’t coexist.” * Mindset: “Structure → Discipline → Focus → Clarity.” * Ownership: “Stop externalizing and looking for other’s support. Once you change your mind, you change your life.*”

“Everybody has so much potential inside them… It’s there. And it’s you need to find it and get there.” Through Constant Progression, Russ helps clients build the structure and nervous-system tools to walk into being that person in the future.

We want to thank Russ Hosmer for his message in how we can all become our best self. For more information, check out Russ Hosmer at https://www.facebook.com/russ.hosmer.7/

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Today we welcome Tim Metcalf, a Lafayette entrepreneur whose name is tied to some of Acadiana’s most beloved establishments. Owner of Deano’s Pizza, Prejean’s Restaurant, and Marcello Wine Market, along with ventures in real estate, storage, and assisted living, Tim has built his life around preserving local traditions while bringing fresh ideas to our community.

A Family Legacy in RestaurantsTim’s entrepreneurial roots trace back to his father, who left behind a thriving restaurant career in California where his pizzeria drew in celebrities and locals alike. Fess Parker and Steve McQueen were regulars as they could hang out in the days before paparazzi. “He left very successful restaurants in California just because he didn’t like the political, sociological climate. He was a country boy, an Idaho potato farmer, and the fast lifestyle of California didn’t sit well with him.” A Korean War veteran, his father moved the family to Lafayette in 1970, opening Deano’s in 1971.

“Lafayette was booming. Oilfield, oil and gas. You know, he just didn’t come to Lafayette on a whim. He read entrepreneurial magazines saying how it was one of the fastest growing cities in the country at the time,” says Tim Metcalf.

The original Deano’s on Bertrand Drive was a simple pizzeria: counter service only, draft beer, pizza, a little green salad, and fountain drinks. “You wouldn’t recognize it at all today… when Dad first started, there was no waitress. It was counter service. That didn’t work in Lafayette. He soon changed it.”

Deano’s menu from the 1970s. Posted by Mona Bernhard on Lafayette Memories’s Facebook Page.Tim, then ten years old, adapted quickly to Louisiana life after growing up in Santa Barbara. “They said, well, you can trade your surfboard for maybe a horse or a mini bike. I’m like, I’m okay. That sounds good to me.” He helped his dad around their rural property on Ridge Road and learned the value of hard work.

““We had pigs, sheep, rabbits, chickens… and a pretty big garden. Dad had a rototiller — an old Sears knuckle buster — and it was a lot of work, and it all fell on me.”

As the youngest of four, Tim shouldered much of the responsibility for cutting grass, working the compost pit, and tending to the garden. “The older ones were in high school and had jobs. So from cutting the grass to road tilling, to manure, to compost, it all fell on me.” Looking back, he credits that hard work with shaping his character. “It taught me some really solid work ethic. I was never afraid of work, and still I’m not.”

By the 1980s, Tim had taken over the reins of Deano’s. Recognizing the need to adapt, Tim expanded both the hours and the menu. “When I got aboard, we started lunches and then we started other food and expanding the menu. 1983–84 — we had to do something else.” His biggest shift was weaving Acadiana’s food culture into the pizza kitchen. “That was an awakening — to start taking the Cajun food, the great food that we have in this area, and incorporating it into our pizzas and our menu. Sausages, boudin, shrimp.”

Photo by Paul Kieu for the AdvertiserExpansion and AdaptationTim later partnered with his son to open a South Lafayette Deano’s, which quickly became a success. “My son and I have this great working relationship.” When COVID hit, they pivoted to selling pizzas and ranch dressing in grocery stores, personally delivering orders across Acadiana. “We kept our whole staff busy. We didn’t have to lay anybody off.”

That resilience fueled further growth. When the Guilbeau family approached him about Prejean’s, Tim stepped in. “I wanted to keep it as pure and original as possible… I wanted to make it the spot in Carencro for the locals to hang out.”

Prejean’s: Preserving a Cajun LandmarkThe opportunity to purchase Prejean’s came unexpectedly. “I had a good customer that goes, hey, you know Bob Guilbeau? He wants to talk to you about Prejean’s. Next thing I know, I talk myself into a deal.”

The iconic restaurant located at 3480 NE Evangeline Thruway, in Lafayette, long associated with Cajun culture and music, was sold by the Guilbeau family. “I wanted to keep it as pure and original as possible. I see a picture of his grandfather in the lobby — he’s the original Bob Guilbeau. I wanted Prejean’s to stay a deep place in Carencro for the locals. Cajuns open our doors and let you in, and I wanted Prejean’s to continue that.”

He also redesigned the space to make it a welcoming community hub. “A really cool lounge area, not heavy on the music — three days a week if you want it, but also a place where you can have a conversation, network, and meet your neighbors.”

Even as Prejean’s was finding new life, Tim was eyeing another opportunity. He purchased the former Trapp’s Restaurant building at 209 S. Morgan Street in Broussard, along with Greg Metcalf and business partner Ken Boudreaux, in September of 2022

“It couldn’t be a Deano’s because pizza kitchens are very different. This one was set up for seafood, so we made it work. And it’s been good — we started doing really well.”

He saw Broussard’s growth as key: “A lot of people in Broussard are working on Highway 90, so they’re there for lunch. That’s the big difference — businesses create lunches; rooftops create dinners. Youngsville is more of a bedroom community, but Broussard has both.”

Tim’s path to owning Marcello’s Wine Market at 2800 Johnston Street in Lafayette started with a casual visit. “I went into the store and Gene Todaro was there looking tired. He says, hey, you should buy this from me. I’m like, oh, Gene, I’m a restaurant guy. He goes, but this has real estate. I like real estate.”

The location on Johnston Street included a large piece of property, making it a natural fit for Tim’s broader business interests. He partnered with Kyle Kellner and UFC fighter Dustin Poirier to acquire the store.

While Tim jokes he isn’t a wine expert, he’s far from intimidated. “I took Dick Dowty’s wine course at UL. We’ve been in Napa a few times. I know what I like. I can read a wine list, and I’m never intimidated by it.”Tim also purchased Marcello’s Wine Market with partners Kyle Kellner and UFC fighter Dustin Poirier, adding wine and real estate to his portfolio. Beyond restaurants, Tim has developed storage facilities, assisted living, and commercial strip centers.

Building “Rock Stars” in BusinessTim is clear about what makes his businesses thrive: culture and people. “Rock stars like to work with rock stars. If you get a rock star and every time you get a rock star to develop, when they leave, it’s on you. You have to develop other rock stars and be that place that rock stars want to work.”

He places a high value on attitude over experience: “Hostesses — I don’t care how many places you’ve hosted before. If you can’t smile, I probably don’t want you on my property. Your first and last impression matters.” Staff loyalty runs deep, with employees returning to Deano’s with their children, creating a multi-generational family culture.

At Jazz Fest, his team sees the payoff. “To be involved in Jazz Fest, you’ve got to be a rock star. Even if you did last year, you have to apply every year… and people fight over it. They love it.”

A Life Beyond the RestaurantsTim also finds renewal in adventure bow hunting, which has taken him from Africa to the Arctic. “It resets my batteries, and it gives me confidence coming back home. If you can sleep with wolves and grizzly bears in freezing temperatures, you can handle anything here.”

With four generations now working in his restaurants, Tim is thinking about the future. “I think I have one Deano’s left in me — for my son and for my grandson.”

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Paul Eason, founder of Eason Advertising, a marketing and public relations firm based in Lafayette, to share his family history as a member of the Billeaud family. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Billeaud Companies.

A native of Lafayette, Paul graduated from Cathedral-Carmel High School and USL. He has built a successful career in advertising and PR since launching his firm in 1999, representing clients across industries ranging from banks to automotive dealerships.

Paul’s story, however, is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Billeaud family. As a descendant of this influential family, Paul has served on the board of Billeaud Companies since 2013 and has chaired the board since 2021. He is the first chairman in the company’s history who does not carry the Billeaud name, a point of pride and responsibility.

The Billeaud Family LegacyThe company’s origins began when Pierre Jean Billeaud (1806-1877) and his wife, Rosalie Felicite Grizeau, immigrated to Louisiana with their son, Martial Francois, from Bourgneuf, France in 1840. Pierre made his living as a wheelwright (blacksmith). When Martial was 16 in 1852, he followed in his father’s footsteps and established a blacksmith shop near the Vermilion River, on the site presently occupied by the DoubleTree Hotel.

In 1872, Martial brought new stalks of sugar cane to the area, purchased a mule driven-cane crushing machine, built a mill and began buying land to start a sugar cane business. The endeavor evolved into Billeaud buying more land and building up the sugar company. Martial Billeaud was the first in his family to begin the history of the Billeaud family’s commitment to responsible use of land resources and active involvement in the community.

Billeaud Companies can be traced back to 1914, when Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. sold the business to his children. who originally incorporated it into the Billeaud Sugar Factory, Inc. Built upon earlier cane-crushing operations started in the late 19th century, the enterprise grew into a powerhouse of sugar production. Over time, multiple plantations—including Comeaux and Broussard—were consolidated under the umbrella of the company, reflecting its family-driven nature.

Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. (1836 – 1916) was the driving force behind the current family-owned Billeaud Companies. The family is proud to have facilitated the building of Martial F. Billeaud Elementary School at500 E Fairfield Dr, Broussard, LA, on property formerly owned by the company.

Paul recalls childhood visits to the factory in Broussard, where the machinery left lasting impressions. The sugar factory had been part of the daily life of his family for generations.

“Popie Billeaud jokes that I’m the first chairman of Billeaud Companies that doesn’t carry the Billeaud name. As a child, I went to the sugar factory a bunch. In those days, my uncle was running the sugar factory, and as I remember we’d go there to see the them crushing the cane and bringing the cane in and the smokestacks. It was a big operation, located about where Mike’s Marine is in Broussard. I knew that I was always going to be involved with Billeaud Companies. We have a swing set in my backyard that was made at the sugar factory and syrup bowl in the front yard. It was always a part of my life.”

As time went on, and Lafayette and Broussard expanded, economic realities, environmental issues, and federal policy shifts made sugar production less sustainable. In 1979, the sugar factory closed. The company pivoted to land development, real estate, and commercial property investment. This strategic shift—guided in part by longtime CEO James L. “Tex” Plumley—allowed the company to prosper through oil discoveries, building acquisitions, and commercial development.

Growth Into Real Estate DevelopmentToday, the Billeaud Companies own and manage more than 800,000 square feet of developed property, along with hundreds of acres of significant undeveloped land. Their portfolio includes shopping centers in Broussard, office complexes such as 900 South College Road and 218 Rue Beauregard in Lafayette, and other key commercial properties throughout Lafayette Parish.

As Chief Executive Officer of Billeaud Companies, Steven Hebert plays an integral role in the company’s operations, growth and overall success.The company has also been instrumental in community growth. From donating the road to our locally beloved zoo, Zoosiana, to facilitating the land deal for Martial F. Billeaud Elementary School, the family has consistently invested in projects that benefit the public while preserving long-term value for shareholders.

Family and Community ConnectionsWith more than 200 stockholders—spread across Louisiana and beyond—the Billeaud Companies remains a true family enterprise. Annual stockholders’ meetings are as much a reunion and celebration as they are business affairs, often featuring crawfish boils, live music, and fellowship under the oak trees of the historic family headquarters, once the Paul Billeaud home and later Chez Marcelle Restaurant.

The Billeaud Foundation, which Paul previously chaired, reflects the family’s commitment to philanthropy. Scholarships in music, science, French, nursing, and in honor of fallen family members continue to impact UL students and the wider Acadiana community. The foundation also supports local churches and civic projects. The Martial F. Billeaud, Sr. Foundation provides funds to be used exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, with grants being provided to deserving organizations within these criteria. Any organization that fits the criteria stated above may apply for funds by filling out our online grant application. Visit https://billeaudcompanies.com/about/martial-f-billeaud-sr-foundation/ for more information.

Carrying the TorchFor Paul, being chairman means balancing tradition with innovation. He oversees a diverse board that includes lawyers, bankers, IT specialists, and construction experts, all working toward the goal of preserving the Billeaud legacy while preparing for Lafayette’s future.

As he reflects on both his personal career and his family’s 111-year history in business, Paul emphasizes stewardship, adaptability, and optimism about the opportunities ahead in Lafayette and Broussard.

To learn more about the company, visit https://billeaudcompanies.com/.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Marcelle Bienvenu, cookbook author and food writer who has been preparing Cajun and Creole dishes since the 1960s. A St. Martinville native, she still lives there with her husband, Rock Lasserre.

Marcelle has written about Creole and Cajun cooking for The Times-Picayune, Time-Life Books, and has been featured in Garden & Gun, Food & Wine, Saveur, Southern Living, Redbook, The New York Times, Louisiana Life, and Acadiana Profile. She authored Who’s Your Mama? Are You Catholic and Can You Make a Roux?, as well as Who’s Your Mama? The Sequel, and Cajun Cooking for Beginners.

She co-edited Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The Times-Picayune of New Orleans, which was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2009.

Marcelle worked with Emeril Lagasse for 15 years and coauthored several cookbooks with him, including Louisiana Real & Rustic, Emeril’s Creole Christmas, Emeril’s TV Dinners, and Every Day’s a Party. She also owned and operated the beloved restaurant Chez Marcelle in Broussard, at the former Billeaud Family Plantation site.

She has worked at legendary restaurants including Commander’s Palace and K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans, and taught for 11 years at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University.

Growing Up in St. Martinville

“When I was a youngster, it was idyllic. You could ride your bike anywhere. Nobody cared where you were going. We could go around the block and ask all the ladies, ‘What do you have for supper tonight?’ If I liked hers better than mine, I could stay with her. Everybody on our block was related.”

Her father’s family owned The Teche News, and she grew up folding papers and helping with printing: “Besides the newspaper, Daddy did wedding invitations, football programs. I used to hate it because my hands were always full of ink… Mama would fix the sandwiches at the newspaper office because we never went home on paper day until late. The ink was all over your bread.”

She credits her early love of cooking to meals at family camps on Vermilion Bay: “My father was a Boy Scout leader, and we had a camp at Granddad’s on Vermilion Bay, at Sycamore Point, and we had one in the Basin. A lot of our meals were cooked on an open fire wood bar. And I thought that was absolutely fabulous. So I would sit at my daddy’s elbow with his beer. I was beer holder. I would say, shouldn’t you go medium low? You don’t have a dial, you’d have to move it. I became infatuated with that. I thought that was just marvelous. “We were laughing the other day about when we were little, nobody said, oh, we’re going to have Cajun food. Are we going to New Orleans? Can we have Creole food? We never would. Nobody ever said that.”

An interesting side note: Marcelle is the aunt of Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. His mother and Marcelle’s sister, Edna Bienvenu Landry, died in 2019. Our governor also unfortunately recently lost his father, architect and business owner, Al James Landry, on July 30, 2025.

The Start of a Culinary Career

In 1971, while working at The Times-Picayune, Marcelle met the Time-Life Books crew.

“They were thinking of doing a book on Acadian Creole cooking… We were supposed to be only a chapter in the Southern book, but we ended up with a whole book.”

Working with the Brennans and legendary chef Paul Prudhomme shaped her approach:

“He really brought Cajun cooking up to another level… It was absolutely wonderful to see them marrying those two cuisines to see what they came up with.” Before Prudhomme joined Commander’s Palace, no one in New Orleans was serving chicken and andouille sausage gumbo.

Chez Marcelle

Marcelle’s uncle offered to finance a restaurant in Broussard, and they transformed the old Billeaud Plantation home: “We did fabulously for almost four years and then the whole business… the oil industry crashed. It happened so fast my CPA called to ask if we had closed.”

Food Writing & Cookbooks

Ella Brennan encouraged Marcelle to write about food for The Times-Picayune. This led to her first book, a collection of her columns: “Mama said, ‘Why don’t you just write a book, just get all your columns and put them together?’ And that’s how Who’s Your Mama? Are You Catholic and Can You Make a Roux? happened.”

Her more recent re-release of Who’s Your Mama is a delightful treat with beautiful colors and a celebration of pink, was sparked by a friend and a publisher’s chance conversation.

https://youtu.be/JceDMNScC8o

Teaching at Nicholls State

After Hurricane Katrina, Marcelle began teaching at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute:

“I stayed almost 12 years… I never thought I would like to teach. But as the generation gap got bigger and bigger, it was time for me to go.”

With Emeril Lagasse

“When we did the first book, Louisiana Real & Rustic, he was very good about keeping to our roots… He was true to keeping the book honest.”

She watched his transformation on TV: He was shy. But when they turned that camera on, he lit up. It was amazing to see him do that.”

Food Philosophy

“Learn to make three good dishes… You go sit with your mama or grandma in the kitchen and watch what they do.” Her favorite dish? “Spaghetti.”

“I’m really not a big fan of making gumbo… it has to be cold outside.”

Where to Find Her Book

Marcelle’s latest release is available at Renaissance Market, The Pink Paisley, Barnes & Noble, Caroline & Company, and Amazon. “It is a great wedding gift.”

Final Parting Words….

“Gumbo became a food because of having to have something to eat. They had to use whatever they had… Who do you think ate the first oyster? Somebody who was damn hungry.”

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Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit, a man who has devoted 46 years to protecting our community, recently announced his retirement. A Lafayette native, Chief Benoit joined the department in May 1979 and made history in August 1993 when he became the first Black fire chief in Lafayette’s history. Under his leadership, the department expanded from seven to fourteen fire stations, modernized equipment and training, and earned improved fire ratings, saving money and lives.

Chief Benoit has been inducted into the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame and served as President of the Southwestern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

As he prepares to retire on August 15, 2025, Chief Benoit reflected on the calling he discovered as a child, the trials and triumphs of leading during economic downturns and political shifts, and the deeper sense of purpose that led him to seminary and prison ministry.

“I think it was a gift that God placed in me, probably from birth… getting to how I got there was looking at a firefighter in a book at school at seven years old… and I said, ‘I want to be a firefighter.’”

From Stockboy to ChiefChief Benoit’s journey began with humble jobs—first at Lafayette Drug Company, then Martin Mills in St. Martinville—while waiting to meet the age requirement to become a firefighter. When the age was lowered to 18, he took the civil service exam, passed, and began training at the fire academy. His first assignment was the Central Fire Station, where he spent 99% of his career.

“The first thing you get is an interview with the fire chief. The fire chief at that time was Wayne Prejean. He told me he was going to give me a shot. I remember walking out the fire station realizing that I was going to get a job. Even though I had to go through the physical process. And then from there, once I cleared the physical, I went to the academy which lasted three months. It was exciting. I did everything I needed to do.”

My first station was at Central Downtown, which is where I work today. At that time, we had a pumper truck and a ladder truck and a rescue truck in the station. That’s where I started to learn the business of firefighting. Learning that business, reading on my own time, a lot of time in the fire station. We were very short on firefighters.”

“They called it ‘The Rock’… because everything comes through the Central Fire Station. That was administration, firefighters, and the communications center.”

A Rapid Rise Through the RanksBenoit was known for his drive and initiative. He became a truck driver within three years (something that on average takes about eight years), communications officer, arson investigator, and captain—a rank he reached in just six years.

“I wanted to learn every section of the fire department… Didn’t realize I was going to be chief. I just wanted to understand how this organization worked.”

In the 1980, the local economy tanked. “I used to hear people make the comment. Last one out. Turn the lights out. They had a lot of vacant buildings and having a lot of fires that was arson.
Kids were setting buildings on fire. And of course, unfortunately, some businesses were setting their businesses on fire. The fire chief at that time was Jack Massey who needed some help in the fire prevention bureau in the arson section. He asked me to go work in there just for a couple of months, just to help him out. I wound up going in there and found a home in fire prevention. So this is seven years later. I’m in fire prevention. I started learning the business of investigations. I started getting trained by ATF agents, FBI agents, insurance agents and going to school. That’s where my educational level really skyrocketed. I started getting degrees and learning this business of investigating fires. The fire chief put me in charge of internal affairs for the fire department. So I pretty much did everything, became the go to person behind the scenes. If anything was going on in the city within the fire department, I would get the call to go see what’s going on and figure out how to resolve it.”

“The first one I purchased for the City of Lafayette, back in 1994, after a year of being fire chief, cost $125,000. Now those trucks are averaging 1.5 million for the small ones. And, almost 1.8 to 2 million, for a ladder truck.”Becoming Fire ChiefIn 1993, Benoit competed for the chief’s position under Mayor Kenny Bowen, whom he had known since being hired.

“We went round and round and round… He was testing me… He said, ‘Relax. I’m sending your name to the media right now.’”

Benoit emphasized transparency, professionalism, and integrity:

“I wasn’t going to be a yes person… but I’m going to do the business of trying to do the right thing and bring this fire department to another level.”

“Everything that went on in the fire department, [the mayors] knew about it… Good, bad, and indifferent.”

When you look at the stats in the fire department of the of the 13 stations that actually have fire trucks operating out of them, Station Two on Mudd Avenue is the busiest company in the city because it’s an older neighborhood, with more wear and tear on houses. You’ll see more fires. One of the things that we’re very, very happy about is that the public education component of the fire department and fire prevention helps the elderly because we install smoke alarms. We install fire extinguishers. That’s the way for us getting into your home to give you fire safety pamphlets and to show you how to be fire safe.”Creating a Culture of Service and SafetyChief Benoit led with discipline and grace. He instituted educational reforms, boosted morale, and changed the perception of firefighters in the community.

“We became a public relations type organization…to help people, to get involved in nonprofit organizations.”

His department offered community fire prevention programs, smoke alarm installations, fire safety education, and support for victims after fires.

“Nobody stays in the street after a fire… We partnered with hotels. We even refurbished homes—what I called the ‘burn houses.’”

“One of the things I share with people is that we have a tendency to leave our appliances running when we leave. Washer and dryer. Turn those things off. You know, if you’re going to wash your clothes, then wait for to finish washing. If you’re going to dry, stay there until the dryer goes off because something could happen. Any mechanical part that’s moving like that, it’s producing heat. If you have a situation, then nobody’s there to put the fire out. If there is a fire, close your doors, let it be contained in that one room instead of spreading throughout the whole house.”

“We always tell people, just get out. Get out and stay out. Don’t go back in. 99% of the time, if you go back in, you’re not going to get back out.”

Parish Partnerships and Public SafetyBenoit was instrumental in creating strategic partnerships between Lafayette City and Parish fire departments, ensuring fast, seamless service across the region.

“All you know is that somebody is going to show up… If it’s in the city, within 3 to 5 minutes. If it’s in the parish, between 5 and 10 minutes.”

He also explained the complex elements of Lafayette’s fire insurance rating system, involving fire, water, and communications.

“It’s a three-part process… 50% is fire, 40% is the water department, 10% is communications.”

“Every station is located within a mile and a half… That goes back to the horse and buggy days.”

On Leadership, Grace, and LegacyChief Benoit has brought a pastoral approach to leadership. He graduated from the Ever Increasing Word Training Center in Barrow LA where he received a diploma of Ministerial Training. In May 2020, he earned a Graduate Certificate in Theology with honors from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona, and graduated with a masters in Divinity in April of this year. He is also active in the ministry providing bible studies at Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

“God has blessed me with that. He showed me how to give grace… when you’ve got things going on in your world and you don’t know how to fix it.”

“By the time you get to me, you’re about to lose your job… Give me an opportunity to help you fix that. If we can fix those things, that fire department problem is going to go away.”

His ability to balance discipline with empathy changed lives and careers:“There were some mayors who would tell me, ‘I’d fire him.’ And I’d look at them and say, ‘Well, you can’t fire everybody.’”

What’s Next?After retiring, Chief Benoit will serve as Fire Liaison Supervisor for Acadian Ambulance, continuing to lead and connect communities. “One of the things with this job of Acadian, it will have me traveling across the state. Not a problem for me. I’ll be able to network with other people and just enjoy God’s green earth.”

“The transition still keeps me connected to government… but it shows me that I’ve done my time here. It’s time to give this leadership over to a younger person.”

In his free time, Benoit enjoys walking, traveling, and time with his grandchildren.

“I’m a walker. I love to walk. I try to do that at least four days a week. At least three three miles a day minimum.“I walk throughout the city… at least three miles a day… and I love my Netflix.”

“I’ve got eight grandkids… a set of twins. I still can’t tell the twins apart.”

Final Reflections

“Here I am, 67, and I still feel like that little kid… that was excited at 20 years old to walk into that fire station and hear, ‘You’re getting a job.’ Today I can tell you, that little kid is excited to be leaving at 67 years old on August the 15th.”

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Jonathan Booth, Chartered Financial Analyst and CPA accredited in business valuation, joins Discover Lafayette to share his remarkable journey from being a young boy of 11 years of age falling in love with stock investments to CEO and Managing Partner of Booth Laird Capital Management, a boutique investment firm based in Lafayette.

“My uncle would buy me stock in McDonald’s…that was my birthday and Christmas present every year from all the family members instead of toys.”

Jonathan’s early exposure to investing—paired with a deep appreciation for Warren Buffett’s philosophy of buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals—set the tone for a career defined by rigorous analysis and long-term strategy. He emphasizes patience and discipline, especially in volatile markets:

“I loved it. My uncle and I would go over the earnings releases. By the time I was in high school, I was managing my own portfolio of stocks. When I was 19, he took me to the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, Warren Buffett’s company. They call that the Woodstock for capitalists. It’s a chance to listen to Warren Buffett talk for six hours. I didn’t know what to expect, but you just sit there and listen to the Oracle of Omaha, as they call him, spew wisdom.”

A passionate and disciplined financial strategist, Jonathan also serves on the board of FlyGuys, the Lafayette-based drone data company in which Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank fame recently invested $3 million in a $13 million Series A-1 funding round and led the round; O’Leary’s Wonder Fund investment will accelerate software innovation, expand global reach, and strengthen the commercial drone workforce.

Quote from Kevin O’Leary on LinkedIn: “Big news. I recently led a $13 million Series A-1 round through the Wonder Fund North Dakota. The investment went into a company that’s redefining how the physical world feeds the AI economy.

Meet FlyGuys — a national network of over 16,000 FAA-certified drone pilots powering the capture and delivery of reality data at scale. From thermal roof scans to solar inspections, agriculture, and infrastructure, they handle it all. FlyGuys is the connective tissue between AI platforms and the physical world.

I backed this team because their software is built to scale, their operations are rooted in service and precision, and their impact is real. AI platforms depend on clean, reliable inputs, and FlyGuys delivers exactly that. They’re not just serving today’s use cases, they’re building global infrastructure for tomorrow’s AI economy, while creating new income opportunities for drone pilots around the world. Data is the new oil. AI can’t function without it. FlyGuys is building the pipeline.”

A native of Baton Rouge, and graduate of Catholic High and LSU, Jonathan originally pursued accounting. “I got a scholarship from the College of Business, and I chose accounting because I already did it. After my first semester, my professor hired me to work at his private accounting practice because I did pretty well in the class. And so I just kept getting pulled along into accounting and got my bachelor’s and master’s in accounting.

Jonathan’s performance earned him a rare honor: “I passed the CPA exam in 2006 with one of the ten highest scores in the world, known as the Elijah Watt Sells Award.” He also passed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam (a minimum of three years of exams) on his first attempt.

While working at Ernst & Young, Jonathan maintained his passion for investing, ultimately founding Booth Laird Capital Management. Alongside his partner Kevin Laird, Jonathan focuses on concentrated investment strategies, targeting exceptional businesses and waiting for undervaluation. “We call them compounding machines,” he explained.

“The term ‘hedge fund’ scares a lot of people, but it’s truly just the way the fund is structured. It allows us the ability and freedom to invest more as we see fit. I prefer to call it a private investment fund. We look for companies that will compound value 10 to 20% a year on average every year. All we’re doing is finding exceptional businesses and waiting for them to be undervalued. High quality, publicly traded stocks. The great thing about these businesses is that when you do have the the pandemic or you have high inflation, their stock price might go down along with everyone else, but their business is fine while their competitors are not. So they have an opportunity to keep investing in marketing, research and development, improving their business while their competitors can’t. And they also get an opportunity to buy their competitors who are struggling because they can’t handle it. That to me means it is less risky because you’re only investing in great companies who thrive in good times, as all companies will, but they’ll do just fine in bad times as well.”

Jonathan is clear on his firm’s identity: “We’re not doing what you see on the TV show Billions…All we’re doing is finding exceptional businesses and waiting for them to be undervalued. We just wait for the opportunity to invest at a good price. Once you find these companies, because they’re so good at what they do, they have a very bright future.”

“Our clients are very happy. They come to us because they want that outsized return, but they also want someone they can trust. That’s the benefit of us versus a mutual fund. We know each one of our clients and have about 80 investors in the fund. We have one portfolio to manage. We know each one of them. We don’t talk to them all the time, we’re not financial advisors, but they know they can reach out to us at any time. And they trust that we will do well. We’re in the same thing as them. That’s the other part of it. Our fund, our money is invested right alongside theirs in the fund. We have skin in the game.”

“The great part as well about our clients is we’ve always been selective in who we’ve let into the fund. And a big part of the criteria is that they do have a long term focus, and they’re not going to panic when the market drops. So when the pandemic hit and the market was down 30 to 40%, the only emails we received were excitement that now, oh, I can’t wait to hear what we’re buying right now.”

Jonathan is also a venture investor and founder of Booth Laird Ventures, which backs early-stage companies through single-deal investment vehicles. The company has invested in several startups including FlyGuys and Muddy Water Dredge Solutions. FlyGuys, a pioneer in drone-based reality data capture, began with a $200,000 special-purpose vehicle raised by Booth and Laird’s clients. Jonathan shared a pivotal moment from July 2019: “FlyGuys is going through its growing pains, as all startups eventually do. I’d never done this before, invest my money at risk. I was not going to let that go down without a fight. So I came to Lafayette to see what we can do to fix things. And we figured out a lot in that first month, one of my favorite stories. We were probably two weeks from running out of money at the end of July 2019, and we had an investor who’d put in $100,000 about a year before, and he was mad because he saw what was going on. He thought, oh, you already lost my money. He drove all the way from Alabama just to basically yell at us and try to get his money back, which obviously wasn’t going to be possible. But by that time we had figured out a lot, and by the end of the night, he invested another $100,000. Had that not happened, I don’t know that FlyGuys would still be here.”

“The heart of FlyGuys is reality data capture, which is used primarily as an input for other people’s software. AI needs data, and we provide the data that it needs to produce a result. You need someone to actually capture the data. That’s where we came in and continue to be. We have construction progress monitoring. As an example, Buc-ee’s hired us. Every new Buc-ee’s they build in the country, we will provide construction progress monitoring, which means that throughout the course of the build, we fly over every other week, once a month and send a report where they can see the progress of the construction.”

Today, FlyGuys operates with over 16,000 FAA-certified independent contractor drone pilots in all 50 states. Booth shared, “We’re increasingly going global.”

Booth’s commitment to Lafayette is also deeply personal, as he shared that he moved here to assist FlyGuys stabilize operations back in 2019: “I’ve been here for six years. I would never go back [to Baton Rouge]. Lafayette is my home now. The people here are great, the food is great, the culture is fantastic.”

To learn more about Booth Laird Capital Management or to explore raising capital through Booth Laird Ventures, visit boothlaird.com and follow Jonathan on LinkedIn, where they blog entries are regularly posted.

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Annie Wingate Spell, Louisiana State Representative for District 45, joins Discover Lafayette to share the journey that led her to public service. Annie’s story is one of unwavering determination, professional excellence, and personal resilience.

A licensed clinical child psychologist, Annie holds degrees from UL Lafayette and LSU. In 2024, she was honored with the Angel Award by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation for her long-standing advocacy on behalf of Hearts of Hope, which supports survivors of sexual assault victims in Acadiana.

A lifelong learner and self-starter, Annie recounted the early days of her path to becoming a psychologist. While studying at USL, she pivoted from business to psychology after realizing her passion for understanding human behavior. She reached out to 16 local psychologists listed in the Yellow Pages, offering to pay for their time to learn more about the profession. “They didn’t charge me.” One of those who answered her call, Dr. Kenneth Bouillion, became an influential mentor, helping her determine that child psychology was her calling: “I always thought it was easier to build up a child than build up an adult. There’s so much flexibility in a child’s development and fluidity that if we can affect change on their environment, we could have better outcomes for them. ”

A Lafayette native, Annie credits her parents, Joan Babineaux Wingate and Keith Wingate, with instilling a deep sense of faith, gratitude, and service. “God will provide. But don’t act as if He will. Don’t take anything for granted.” Her mother, she said, is “the epitome of a servant leader. My father was one of those dads that was ever involved. Having three girls, he learned that shopping malls could be fun. He learned that cheer camps are the best thing ever.”

Annie’s grandfather, Judge Allen Babineaux, was also a defining influence in her life. A former Louisiana State Representative for District 45, he served as a judge in the 15th JDC. He championed CODOFIL, advocated for the recognition of Acadiana as a geographic and cultural region, and played a key role in bringing about the Acadiana flag. “He wasn’t just a politician… He was a neighbor, a friend, and a leader.”

The flag of Acadiana was first displayed on Feb. 22, 1965, the centennial of the Acadian arrival in this area. Shown are Thomas Arceneaux, president of the Bicentennial Celebration of France-Amerique and the designer of the flag; Roy Theriot, president of the Acadian Committee; and Judge Allen Babineaux, who sponsored the flag’s creation. Photo credit: Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Louis Perret

She also spoke of her experience helping children and families after Hurricane Katrina, both in New Orleans and later during her residency in Houston, where she worked with evacuees from Louisiana. “The strength of a community and the ability for people to mobilize together is really critical. “The need for a strong community was ever evident to me in those moments when crisis hits, in those moments when what you thought was certain, which you had taken for granted, was no longer there. The strength of a community and the ability for people to mobilize together is really critical. I saw children who are by far very resilient most times when it comes to tragedy. So a lot of what I did was supporting the parents in those moments because they were the ones that were obviously dealing with the very serious consequences of their home, their work, all of that.”

Annie married Joe Spell, founder and CEO of Tides Medical, in 2006. She described him as “a generous person, generous in spirit and time” who waited for her while she pursued her goals. The strength of their relationship was evident when Annie was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma shortly after the birth of their first son. “The day I was diagnosed was the day that my husband Joe, was hiring his first executive besides himself. The company was growing at the time, I believe there was six people in the office, and he was hiring his first exec to help out with the marketing and research. And it was the day that I was diagnosed. And so it was a very pivotal, pivotal day. It’s an indelible memory. I knew I’d be fine…I leaned on my faith tremendously.” She went into remission within six months and has had clean scans ever since. “No one ever regrets surviving cancer.”

After her recovery, Annie poured herself into community service. In addition to her leadership with Hearts of Hope, she contributed to the Autism Society of Acadiana, Miles Perret Cancer Services, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Schools of the Sacred Heart, and ESA (Episcopal School of Acadiana). She also became Pack Committee Chair of Cub Scout Pack 446, an active role that involves, as she noted, “a lot of camping and a lot of work.”

Annie’s path to the Louisiana House of Representatives was unexpected—she ran unopposed and was seated quickly. “I was extremely flabbergasted…At the end of qualifying, I was the only person that had applied.” She immediately began a “quick tour of Lafayette” to meet with elected officials, law enforcement, community leaders and stakeholders before heading into her first legislative session just one month later.

As a freshman legislator, Annie was appointed to Health & Welfare, Transportation, and Retirement committees—assignments that aligned closely with her expertise and priorities. “Health and welfare is something I’m going to try and push the needle on as best I can… statewide.”

Among her legislative successes in the 2025 session:

• A bill signed into law that improves transparency and standardization in the Medicaid system, making it easier for providers to serve patients.
• Legislation that streamlined procurement processes for first responders, allowing agencies to access necessary equipment more efficiently.
• Participation in transportation reform efforts, including legislation that consolidates planning and project delivery within DOTD and begins the privatization of lower-tier roadways—measures expected to increase efficiency and bring infrastructure decisions closer to the communities they serve.

Annie credited her colleagues—particularly Senator Brach Myers, whose seat she now holds—for helping her acclimate quickly: “He took me on a tour my first day at the Capitol and introduced me to everyone.” She also thanked Speaker Phillip DeVillier for placing her on committees that matched her skills.

Annie’s thoughtful, faith-driven, and community-first approach is unmistakable. As she reflected on the whirlwind of her first year in office, she emphasized that public service is about asking the right questions, using personal experience to shape policy, and being an accessible representative for her constituents.

To learn more, visit www.anniespell.com. Her District 45 office is located on South College Road in Lafayette alongside that of State Senator Brach Myers, conveniently nestled between Popeyes and Hub City Diner.

And when she’s not serving at the Capitol or in the community, you can find Annie cheering on her sons, ages 12 and 8, “on soccer fields across the Southeastern side of the U. S.”

In her family, the grandparent names are endearing: “Mojo” for her mom, “Bear” for her dad, Granby for her mother-in-law, Beverly, and “Grizz” for her father-in-law—“because he wanted to be better than Bear.”

This conversation with Annie Wingate Spell is a powerful reminder that resilience, service, and a heart for others can drive real change in our community and state.

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Discover Lafayette: Senator Brach Myers on Public Service, Family, and Revitalizing the Oil Center of Lafayette

Louisiana State Senator Brach Myers, who began serving Senate District 23 in March 2025 after representing House District 45, joined Discover Lafayette to reflect on his deep-rooted commitment to public service, his childhood journey, and his ongoing mission to uplift Lafayette and the state of Louisiana.

A Lafayette transplant by way of Palmetto and New Iberia, Brach shared, “Lafayette was always the big city to us. I joked and said that many days in the back of a hatchback car ride in the back to Lafayette.” He shared his love of Lafayette: “Lafayette has unmatched culture. You can see the most beautiful parts of the U.S., but there’s nothing like coming home.”

His upbringing was a blend of blue-collar life and entrepreneurial ambition, split between a trailer park in New Iberia and the early days of LHC Group, the home health care giant his father and stepmother, Ginger and Keith Myers, started in Palmetto, Louisiana.

“My mom worked at the General Mill. She was a seamstress. My stepfather was a railroad engineer. She still is a hard worker. She owns a small embroidery business here in Lafayette.”

Brach moved to Lafayette in 1999 to attend UL, where he met his wife Carly. They were married just six months into dating. “She’s my absolute soul mate… We’re residents of Bendel Gardens right here by the Oil Center.”

Brach’s day job is as Senior VP of Corporate Development at LHC Group, which provides care in over 40 states and employs more than 30,000 people. A humble public servant, he brings his business acumen, heart for his fellow man, and a drive to make things better in his position as State Senator.

His son, Emile, shares the family’s spirit of service. After seeing the mob of traffic each year at their neighbor’s “Christmas Light House” (owned by Dr. Andy Blalock), Emile started selling hot chocolate to people stuck in line, to benefit local nonprofits. “He raised over $2,000 in one night the first year. Last year, he raised over $30,000.” It’s now a full-scale community event with music, food trucks, and hundreds of visitors to Bendel Gardens. “He chooses a different charity every year. It’s all on him.”

Emile Myer’s hot cocoa fundraiser has grown into quite a success over the years! Sen. Myers indicated that Emile will probably pass the baton soon to a younger entrepreneur who can carry on the fun event which benefits local charities.Brach brings a deeply thoughtful and humble approach to public service. “I never thought I’d be in the legislature… but I felt called to do it.” Inspired by conversations with his wife during long walks, he felt compelled to act: “I can sit on the sideline and complain about it, or I can roll up my sleeves and jump into the pit.”

His campaign mantra has been to lead with transparency and openness. “I said, I’m going to contact everybody back. I’m going to give everybody a fair ear, even if we vehemently disagree.” His legislative office “looks more like a counseling office… People can come and sit down.”

As a Senator, Brach now represents three times the constituents he did as a State Senator and works with six mayors instead of one. “It’s a lot busier…but I don’t take it lightly.”

One of his legislative focuses has been health care, drawing from best practices across the nation. His H.E.R.O. (Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity) Healthcare Workforce bill, modeled after Kentucky and Florida legislation, aimed to reverse Louisiana’s healthcare staffing crisis by broadening the program’s scope and provide educational grants to reach as many people and institutions as possible. “We picked the things that worked and got rid of the things that didn’t.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geae0oiLHMwHe’s also worked to streamline access to services through a “one door” policy for DCFS and Department of Health programs. “Trying to consolidate services and eliminate duplication is how we improve lives efficiently.”

In response to Louisiana’s insurance crisis, he filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 60 to study whether recent legislative reforms are working. “People are literally having to make decisions between buying food or paying their car insurance. That’s not a place that we can have our constituents in.” Although the resolution failed to pass, Sen. Myers has vowed to bring it up until his initiative to study the issue is successful.

Sen. Myers has championed safety bills targeting nitrous oxide and new synthetic drugs. “We’ve had friends…who had family members lose their lives. It can cause nerve damage, brain damage. But it has still been readily accessible via the internet.”

SB 78 and SB 98 were signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry in 2025. “I authored these critical measures to help stop drug overdose deaths and keep harmful inhalants out of the hands of our children.”

On the challenges of policymaking, he reflects: “When you touch that red or green button on your desk, somebody’s life is changing… Even if it’s a bad bill, I can’t abstain. I have to vote.”

Brach is passionate about revitalizing the Oil Center in Lafayette. “It has the bones—big wide streets, the park, the university. We’ve gotten funding to support beautification, signage, and investment.” His work this past legislative session has helped secure appropriations for new boulevard work and infrastructure improvements in the Oil Center.

His perspective on lawmaking is grounded in humility and practical understanding: “You can’t be an expert on everything, but you have to know a lot about everything. This morning I had a call about pompano nets… I didn’t even know what a pompano net was. I had to go Google it.”

Despite the intense demands of legislative life, Brach remains grounded. “During session, I leave Sundays and come home Fridays… I FaceTime with my wife and son in the evenings. I’m usually one of the last to leave the Capitol. If I can do this—have a family, have a job, and serve—then so can others. We need more people stepping up.”

He takes pride in the mutual respect among legislators. “We can disagree. We always will. But at the end of the day, we have a mutual respect… We love each other. We take care of each other.”

“Some legislation doesn’t get the headlines, but it changes lives. That’s what I care about.””

Visit brachmyers.com to learn more about Senator Brach Myers, his legislative priorities, and ways to get involved.

“I want to inspire more talented kids to stay here and get involved. They are the future of our state.”

Sen. Myers and his family fish whenever they can. Enjoying the outdoors whenever there is a free day is a great past time, which he shared on our interview.

Thank you, Sen. Brach Myers, for your service to our community and state!

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Jacoby Landry, the new owner of Lafayette’s oldest indoor shopping center, Northgate Mall, shares his vision to bring hope, commerce, and fresh energy to North Lafayette. Jacoby’s energy and can-do attitude is a beacon of light for a community waiting to see how he will transform the mall into “The Hub.”

Jacoby, owner of JL Construction and Pont Breaux Plaza in Breaux Bridge, is the first local owner of Northgate Mall in years. Originally developed by Isan Fontenot, Dr. Daniel Voorheis and Joseph Angelle who opened it in August 1969, Jacoby paid $2.8 million for the property.

His journey started under the wing of his grandfather, a framer, and his father, who ran dirt construction, trucking businesses, and in the oil field industry. “My entrepreneurial skills came from my dad. He’s always been a business owner.”

After studying engineering at UL Lafayette, Jacoby discovered his love for business and numbers, opening a tax office in his early twenties. Real estate soon became his passion, with his first major commercial property purchased from cousin Dominick Williams (formerly Dominick Davis of LSU and the Houston Texans). “There’s nothing that I didn’t try,” Jacoby shared, reflecting on his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2016, Jacoby earned his residential contractor’s license, followed by obtaining his commercial license a year later. “I went from building custom homes to developing my own lots and building spec homes and selling them.”

His interest in North Lafayette grew when he purchased seven acres on Louisiana Avenue at Butcher Switch Road in 2020 with plans for a med spa and gym. Facing zoning challenges, Jacoby joined LEDA’s Elevate North Lafayette program, where he connected with Monte Anderson, a Dallas-based developer. Monte’s advice led Jacoby to consider revitalizing existing properties, prompting Jacoby to set his sights on Northgate Mall. “I was always infatuated with the I-10 and I-49 crossing. I just always had it in my mind that it (development) was going to come to the North one day.”

“Before I started the program, I had goals of doing something bigger, but they really pushed me to actually go do it. They gave me the courage and knowledge to do it.”

Once Jacoby walked the property, he couldn’t sleep at night thinking about its potential. “Ever since the day I walked on the property, I couldn’t sleep at night, thinking about it. I think I want to do it.” Despite initial nerves, Jacoby embraced the risk, saying, “I’m a risk taker. I could do this.”

Jacoby Landry at the Northgate Mall in June 2025. Photo by Brad Kemp, Acadiana Advocate.Jacoby is rebranding Northgate Mall as “The Hub,” inspired by Lafayette’s nickname, Hub City, and the I-10/I-49 cloverleaf, which will be reflected in its new logo. The redevelopment will focus on mixed-use commerce, green spaces, and lighting to ensure safety and create a welcoming atmosphere.

“I want to change the whole theme of the mall. I want to have trees, green space, make it nice, have a lot of lighting and make it feel safe.”

Contrary to negative perceptions, Jacoby says, “Statistically, there’s no crime at the mall. There’s more crime in other places. The mall’s been dead for so long, there’s nothing to steal.”

Jacoby’s vision includes a grocery store, children’s entertainment options, and a health club and spa in the former Planet Fitness space in partnership with his sister, Rachel McCorvey of BeLuxxe Health and Wellness Center. “Our whole motto is to add ten years to your life.” The facility will feature a nutritionist, weight management services, Botox, IV drips, sauna, hot tub, salt room, cold plunge, a health bar, and two indoor pickleball courts. Pilates and boxing fitness will also be offered, bringing Red’s Health Club-like amenities to North Lafayette on a smaller, community-focused scale.

Jacoby emphasized his commitment to supporting current tenants, saying, “They’ve been a blessing… I came to introduce myself to them, let them know that I was local, and that I was nothing like the old owners. I told them that I’ll be on the ground every day and trying to help the businesses succeed.”

Reflecting on the emotional impact of the project, Jacoby shared, “Never in a million years did I think I would impact the whole North Side. I had people come and talk to me, cry about it, and it’s like everybody has a story about the Northgate Mall.”

Home Sweet Home is a long-time beloved gift shop in Northgate Mall celebrating its 39th year in business at the mall.Jacoby also views this project as an inspiration for other local developers: “I give a lot of developers hope… they reached out to me and said, ‘You gave us hope to do it also.’”

Currently in pre-planning and permitting, Jacoby anticipates interior work on the health club to finish in about six months, followed by exterior upgrades and phased development, with preliminary renderings coming soon.

When he isn’t working, Jacoby finds balance in tennis. “I play tennis probably four times a week… I call it my therapy. It’s the only time I can turn my phone off and free my mind from business.”

With Jacoby’s leadership, The Hub promises to become a cornerstone of revitalization and pride for the Northside, blending commerce, community, and hope in Lafayette’s oldest shopping center.

Discover Lafayette wishes Jacoby Landry the best of success and thanks him for his commitment to our community.

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We welcome UL – Lafayette Football Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, a graduate of Catholic High in New Iberia and standout UL Lafayette quarterback, who became the eighth quarterback in NCAA history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

He joined the UL coaching staff in 2016, helping lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to four consecutive Sunbelt West Division titles and their first outright Sunbelt Championship before being named head coach.

Home Bank CEO John Bordelon, Ul Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux, Chris Rader, and Jan Swift at recording of Discover Lafayette podcast.Joining us to guide the conversation is John Bordelon, a 1977 graduate of USL, former football player, and current President and CEO of Home Bank. John has worked with Home Bank for over 44 years and loves beng a part of this community along with his wife, Suzanne. Jan Swift, the host of Discover Lafayette, knew she needed a football voice on this episode.

Coach Desormeaux reflected on growing up in New Iberia: “New Iberia was a really good place to grow up. Catholic High has been great for us… my whole family’s life revolved around sports and chasing kids around and watching them play. We grew up in ballparks.”

“When we were young, our whole life revolved around sports and we grew up in ballparks. Catholic High in New Iberia was a cool place because we went from football to basketball to baseball. When I got to middle school, I started track. Our coaches made it easy for us to be able to do all four. For me, it was just part of the way that we did it. My parents expected us to do well in school. They expected us to play sports. was really just what I grew up doing. I realized after the fact how unique it was to be able to do all four sports in high school. I was always grateful for that.”

Coach Desormeaux shared how recruiting has changed dramatically since his high school years: “When I was coming out, I didn’t hear from UL or other colleges. or meet anyone on the staff, until probably week five of my senior high school year season. They came and watched us play… I had a really good game, and the next week they called back and offered me a scholarship. That was the beginning of my recruiting.”

John Bordelon shared how relationships drew him to UL: “My brother was seven years older and came to USL to play football, and I fell in love with the people… my heart was set on being part of this community.”

An injury in high school changed John Bordelon’s recruitment experience: “My senior year, I actually had an injury, so I missed five ball games… LSU, Tulane, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss dropped me. One of my coaches from high school played at UL and helped me get an interview, and they offered me a scholarship.”

Reflecting on how UL shaped his life, Coach Desormeaux noted: “Coaches have always been people I really admired. My dad was my first coach. When I got to Catholic High, Coach David Comeaux got the head job, and I saw the impact he had on our school.” Coach Des’s experience with three different offensive coordinators while playing at UL turned out to be a blessing: “At the time, we had several coaching turnorvers, and it wasn’t what I expected. But I got to learn three different systems and three different offenses… the coaching experience was really good for me.”

“I’d love to tell you that I’ve created anything. But football coaches are thieves. I mean, we just take things from different people and make it our own. The whole journey and all these coaches are people that I’ve always admired. I tell our staff all the time, if you got into coaching for anything other than to help kids and for anything other than to help them achieve their goals, you’re in the wrong place.”

Coach Des spoke honestly about the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal: “We believe in building relationships… I wish it wasn’t personal to me when they leave, but it is. You spend so much time with them. The NIL combined with the portal, that’s where most people’s frustration comes from… but we double down on relationships.”

“We still prefer to sign high school kids because you can build meaningful relationships with them. You get to recruit their families. They choose to come here because they see the value of living in Lafayette and getting a UL education….a big part of what I have to do now is build relationships with these kids where it’s not just about money, it’s about being in a place where they’re being taking care of. We have 20 seniors again this year. That means that we’re doing a great job in retention. That’s the name of the game for us, keeping the bulk of our roster. Fortunately we’ve been able to do that.”

Coach noted: “We’ve been able to keep 95% of the ones we want, which is the key.”

John Bordelon, CEO of Home Bank, recalled how different it was during his footbll era in the 1970s: “We had to sit out a year if we transferred, and looking back, I really appreciate that rule. The same nucleus of our team that didn’t win a game in 1973 came back to have the winningest record in school history at 9-2. We may not have if we had the opportunity to leave.”

Both men discussed injuries and the toughness of football. John Bordelon shared a story about injuring himself by stepping into his helmet while playing “fudge” with a roommate, while Coach Desormeaux listed several injuries, including a separated sternum and torn ACLs, noting: “That’s just kind of par for the course.”

Discussing the upcoming season, Coach Des emphasized the value of continuity: “We have a ton of returning experience this year… our staff did a great job last year, and we feel really good about the production we have coming back.”

He highlighted the team’s speed this season: “At receiver, this will be the fastest group we’ve ever had… adding Shelton Sampson was a huge get for us.”

On quarterback Walker Howard being on Ul Lafayette’s team, Coach Des shared: “Everyone in Lafayette asks about Walker. He’s right in the middle of it, competing really well, and had a great spring.”

Discussing leadership on the team, Coach Desormeaux said: “The key is finding guys that love to compete and love to play. It’s about people, not just positions. There’s a lot of things that go into building chemistry. I think chemistry and leadership and belief in each other matters in team sports. It’s not just about having talent. It’s about having those things along with enough talent.”

John Bordelon and Coach Desormeaux discussed team-building despite athletes living off campus, with Coach Des describing the teams they draft in the summer: “We challenge them to do things together, do community service, and get extra work. We try to create teams within the team to make them interact with others that they normally wouldn’t. We tell them, ‘You’re never too young to start leading. Add value to this team now.”

On the game’s evolution, Coach Des noted: “The game changes constantly… offenses evolve, defenses chase them, and then offenses come back around to older concepts.”

He discussed the new coach-to-player communication through helmet headsets: “It allows us to be more detailed in the run game… it’s a good thing, and it’s helped with the signal-stealing issues.”

John Bordelon noted the correlation between sports discipline and business leadership: “Athletics carry it into the business world. You need people looking to correct themselves and improve every single day.”

When asked by Jan Swift how do athletes cope with wins and losses, Coach Desormeaux reinforced that the urgency and discipline learned through sports translates into life: “We work on a different timeline than most people… there’s never enough time, so you’re always trying to maximize the time you have.”

The discussion closed on how building a successful program requires focusing on people: Coach Desormeaux said, “There’s a saying: ‘It’s not about the ones (players) you don’t get. It’s about the ones you do get. Just make sure the one that we sign is the right one.’”

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Real estate expert Bill Bacque of Market Scope Consulting, whose career has spanned over 53 years in the housing industry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss real estate trends.

Formerly with Van Eaton & Romero—later acquired by Latter & Blum—Bill is now retired, but his passion for tracking housing statistics and analyzing market trends remains strong. In this episode, Bill shares a data-rich, thoughtful overview of how the housing market in Lafayette has evolved and what lies ahead.

“If you look at average sales price over the last 50 years, the overall trend has been up,” Bill began. “That being said, there have been periods… where sales and average prices actually drifted downward. But values were always recouped.”

Bill dug into what he called the “Covid years,” pointing out the extraordinary surge in home sales from 2018 to 2021. “In Lafayette Parish, we went from 3,380 transactions in 2018 to 4,830 in 2021—a 43% increase.” Much of this, he explained, was driven by families realizing during the lockdown that they needed more space, “after six months of living together with your wife and three children, working out of your house, eating at your house, living in your house. People began to say, I need a bigger place. Maybe double the size.” And this phenomenon was coupled with historically low interest rates. “By January of 2021, the interest rate was 2.65%.”

But as quickly as the boom came, it corrected. From 2021 to 2024, Lafayette experienced a 34% drop in sales. “We literally gave it all back,” Bill said. “Sales are back to 2018 levels. Statistics through May of 2025 show that we are about equal to where we were in May of 2018.”

Bill broke down the dramatic rise in average sales prices during COVID, noting that from 2018 to 2022, the average price of a home rose from $223,500 to $285,000, a $50,000 increase in the average cost of a home in four years. However, from 2022 to 2025, the average price has only nudged upward 2.6%, reaching $292,200. “So the average sales price is beginning to stabilize.”

He further explained the numbers shared: “I would put some clarification that the average sales price takes into consideration the upper income properties as well as the lower ones. This average sales price includes new construction sales and existing sales. If you back out the new construction sales, the average sales price in Lafayette Parish is about $275,000.00.”

Photo of Bill Bacque at his home by Leslie Westbrook, Acadiana Advocate.One big issue affecting today’s buyers? Affordability. “There’s been a significant erosion,” Bill noted, citing both rising home prices and higher interest rates. He shared that the average age for a first-time homebuyer in the U.S. is now 38 to 39 years old—compared to 22 when he bought his first home for under $10,000 in Lake Charles.

“What we’re seeing on a national standard basis is that the average age now for a first time buyer is 38 to 39 years old. When I bought my first house in 1973, I was 22 years old. That was the thing that happened then. I can’t remember what the first house cost, but it was less than $10,000. It was a little bitty house. It was about the size of an apartment.“

Homeowners insurance is now a major wildcard. “My son found a home under $300,000, qualified, but the deal fell through because insurance added another $500 a month,” Bill shared. This isn’t a unique story—buyers across South Louisiana are finding it harder to afford not just a mortgage but the added costs of ownership.

We also talked about the evolving design of homes. Post-Covid, people want dedicated workspaces, and Bill said square footage is being used more efficiently. Yet affordability challenges persist. “In 2018, homes under $150,000 made up 24% of our sales. Today, it’s 12.3%,” he said. Meanwhile, homes over $300,000 have grown from 16% of sales to 31%.

Another key point Bill raised: “The companies are not the brand anymore. The agents are the brand.” Technology has reshaped the real estate profession, and today’s top producers build their own personal brand—something Bill said wasn’t possible back when listings came via mimeographed sheets once a week.

Bill also addressed the shortage of available homes, particularly in affordable price points. “There are currently 69 homes listed at $1 million or more in Lafayette Parish. But only 12 have sold so far this year. At that rate, we have a 28- to 29-month supply.” In contrast, homes under $150,000 are in high demand but low supply.

We also touched on long-term housing trends. Many Baby Boomers are choosing to “age in place,” creating tighter inventory. “We’ve always thought the ‘silver tsunami’ would flood the market with homes,” Bill said. “But they’re living longer, and they don’t want to move.”

And what advice does Bill give to people thinking about buying their first home today? “Well, probably don’t talk to me—I know too much,” he laughed. “Talk to someone like my son, Joel Bacque, who’s in the business today. He says, ‘If you want a home, we’ll find a way to get you in.’ It might not be your dream home, but it’ll be a start.”

As affordability challenges grow, Bill believes it’s time to revisit old assumptions. “What if we had 50-year mortgages?” he asked. “Just like we’ve extended auto loans to 72 months. Who lives in a house for 50 years anyway?”

Bill’s data-driven approach gives a clear picture of the local market—its cycles, its pressures, and its future. He leaves us with a reminder: “Real estate is first and foremost about satisfying a need. Yes, it’s an investment. But it’s primarily about having a place to live.”

Discover Lafayette thanks Bill Bacque for sharing his expertise, insights, and analysis. He is a true outlier in the real estate industry, someone who has dedicated his whole professional career to helping others while freely sharing his knowledge with all.

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we shine a light on a unique community tucked away in South Louisiana: veterans who find healing, camaraderie, and fun on the ice rink.

Our guests, Eric Iorio and Danielle (“Dani”) Francis, share their inspiring journeys from military service to building a new mission at home — through Acadiana Veterans Hockey.

“I was born here in Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduated from Teurlings back in 2008, which seems like forever ago,” Eric begins. After joining the 101st Airborne in 2013 and deploying to Afghanistan, he recounts how life changed on July 28, 2013, when his base came under attack and he took two rounds from a sniper. “I always say it could have been a lot worse. I have all my digits,” he says humbly, remembering the buddy he lost that day. Eric was the recipient of the Purple Heart in honor of his service to our country and sustaining injuries due to enemy action.

For Dani, the path started in Illinois. “I actually went into the military right out of high school. I did a bunch of sports in high school and then didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she shares. Inspired by her older brother, she became a military police officer, serving in Guantanamo Bay and later alongside Joint Special Operations Command in Iraq where she was one of four females selected. “It was truly incredible because it was the sense of I was actually doing something with a purpose. There was a bigger purpose at the end of that mission.”

Both Eric and Dani’s stories highlight the resilience and discipline they built in uniform — and how they carried that into civilian life.

Now, they channel that same spirit into Acadiana Veterans Hockey — an open-arms, non-contact league for veterans of all ages and skill levels. “For us as an organization, being able to play hockey together is absolutely amazing, for physical reasons and mental health,” Eric explains. “If they didn’t have hockey here… they don’t know where they would be at this point.”

Dani laughs about how she was pulled onto the ice by Courtney Dugas, who along with her husband, Max, are active with the team: “I said, Courtney, I’ve never played hockey before. She goes, it’s okay, come on out. Next thing I knew, I was meeting her and the team at the rink on a Tuesday night and they were giving me all the gear.”

Eric also recounted how fun it is to play with his dad, Angelo (“Pops”) Iorio, who is retired from the Lafayette Police Department. “He is known as a Goon, someone that is like an enforcer. They go out and hit people on the ice. He’s not meaning to do it. He just can’t stop. So he uses other people to stop for him. We’ll have to let the other teams know, hey, he didn’t mean that, you know? It’s just he’s learning.”

More than just a game, Acadiana Veterans Hockey is a lifeline. The group connects veterans to resources, benefits, and — most importantly — each other. They help with VA ratings, build wheelchair ramps for local VFWs, and make sure no one feels alone. “We want everyone to feel included… call us at two, three in the morning if you’re having something wrong and someone’s going to be there,” says Eric.

But ice time and equipment aren’t free. The team welcomes local support — whether you can sponsor a practice, donate gear, or come cheer them on at their next scrimmage. “Hockey is very expensive, from just the ice alone to the gear involved,” Dani points out. “Any donation or sponsorship truly helps.”

Save the Date:
📅 June 28th, 10 a.m. — Acadiana Veterans Hockey vs. the A-Team
📍 Planet Ice, Johnston Street, Lafayette
Expect Robby’s famous jambalaya, a 50/50 raffle with a growing pot (drawing July 5th), and the warmest welcome from veterans who invite you to be part of their family on and off the ice. The event is free to all. As is the opportunity to go by and visit the team anytime they are playing and practicing.

Want to help or join?
No experience? No problem. “As long as you can get up, put your skates on, and get out there — that’s the hardest part,” Danielle smiles.

Acadiana Veterans Hockey is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Visit the team’s website at https://acadianaveteranshockey.com/, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or come out and watch. Acadiana Veterans Hockey is more than a team — it’s a reminder that service never stops, and community makes it all worthwhile.

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Steve Raggio, co-owner of Bayou State Pawn & Jewelry, joins Discover Lafayette to share the remarkable story of his dual life as a successful business owner and newly published poet. His book, Heart Talking, Inspiring Poems for the Soul, has quickly become a best-seller in its category and has touched hearts across the country. “If I can touch just one person in getting closer to God by reading the poems…it’s worth it to bring joy into their life,” Steve shared.

Steve’s journey into the pawn business started unexpectedly. “I was two years into college…and I was looking at ads in the paper and it said manager trainee, no experience necessary…so I pull up to it and it was Big State Pawnshops back then…so I pulled up and I said, uh oh. What? Pawn shop? I said, what the hell? But I used to trade marbles and stuff when I was a kid. Let’s try this out.”

Eventually, Steve and his brother Jeff opened Bayou State Pawn in 1986 on Johnston Street in Lafayette, later adding a location in New Iberia. “We opened the first store on Johnson Street. Our family members were all supportive. My father cosigned the loan for us to get it started.” Over the years, they built inventory from garage sales, electronics from other pawn shops, and sheer hustle. “We built it up from ground one.”

Bayou State Pawn serves everyone: “There are two aspects of the business. You either buy stuff or sell, or you can do a pawn loan, which is where you bring in your merchandise and borrow money, and you come back and pick it up. Jewelry, musical instruments, guns, lawnmowers, bicycles, everything.”

Yet it’s his book of poems that is stealing the show. Inspired during a time of personal healing while staying at his camp on False River, Steve found that poetry offered him a way to let his emotions out. “These poems just started hitting me in the head. It was like I’d be looking at the water or something, and it would just come to me and I’d write a poem in 3 to 5 minutes.”

He adds, “A lot of them have ‘start a new day, make a new start.’ I end up with a lot of them because a lot of people are looking for a new start. It’s never too late.”

One short and powerful verse reads:
“The sun has come to brighten your day,
to shed light as you make your way.
Start your path to touch someone’s heart.
Bring joy to their life so they can make a new start.”

Steve’s reflections on the value of expressing emotions are powerful: “We all hold a lot of stuff in…you just have to get it out, you know, whether it be journaling, whether it be writing…or talking to somebody…once you get it out…it frees you up.”

He encourages aspiring writers: “I’ll say go for it…any avenue like this to get what you feel or what you want to say out…it’s a big healing process, because everybody’s going through a struggle or they’re going to go through some kind of struggle.”

Heart Talking, Inspiring Poems for the Soul features 175 short poems and is available at https://www.steveraggio.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

And for those wondering about pawn shop curiosities he has seen through the years? “Elephant tusk. And they came back and picked those up…we had an old Egyptian parchment that came through, and they picked that up, too.”

Ultimately, Steve hopes his work leads others toward peace and faith. “If it helps some people get closer to God and then make everybody more kind and compassionate towards each other, this world will be a better place.”

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On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Jude David, managing partner of Final Ascent, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that helps mid-market business owners—typically with $5 million or more in annual revenue—prepare their companies for sale and successfully transition for maximum value.

But Jude’s passion goes far beyond business mechanics. He’s also a philanthropist and one of the founders of the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana, a donor-advised fund that enables people of all faiths to support charitable causes in perpetuity—while enjoying significant tax advantages in the process.

“People don’t want to plan their succession in life, and they don’t want to plan their succession in business. It’s emotional. It’s scary. And it’s always something they plan to think about ‘one day.'”

Jude shares stories of helping longtime business owners who’ve spent decades building their companies and are now looking to exit—but often haven’t thought about what comes next. He draws clear parallels between business transition and end-of-life planning, noting that in both areas, far too many people fail to prepare.

“It’s shocking how many successful people don’t have wills or estate plans. Even people of great means often haven’t taken the time to protect what they’ve built—or considered how to give back.”

That’s where Jude’s second passion comes into play: philanthropic giving as part of a business exit strategy. Through smart planning, owners can donate a portion of their company prior to selling, reducing capital gains taxes and simultaneously funding charitable initiatives through a donor-advised fund.

“When you’re selling a mid market business, there’s going to be a substantial amount of taxes to pay. So our clients are constantly looking for ways to avoid those taxes or defer those taxes. There are several strategies you can use if you have ways of offsetting losses against those gains. It can be very helpful if you can write off new assets that you’re acquiring against the old assets that you’ve sold. For instance, if you sell one business and buy a new one in the same year, you can depreciate the assets on the new business against the old business that you sold. There are several other strategies. One that I really like for owners that are charitably inclined is to give to a foundation or other charities. Why does that matter? Well, if you can structure that kind of transaction appropriately, it saves you significant taxes on your sale. That’s why I’m involved with Catholic Legacy Foundation.”

Jude walks us through real-world examples of how this works, explaining how the Catholic Legacy Foundation is helping build endowments that will support Catholic ministries, seminarian education, pro-life efforts, and poverty alleviation—whether the recipient organization is Catholic or simply aligned with Catholic values.

“We house the seminarian bursary (scholarship) funds for the Diocese. You can give to support a specific seminarian or the entire class. It’s one of the most direct ways to impact the future of the Church. To get the foundation off the ground, we are taking donations for a Founder’s Circle. So we’re looking for donations of a minimum of $15,000 for Founder’s Circle members. That’s $5,000 a year for three years, and the goal is for us to get the foundation to a size in three years so that it never needs another donation again.”

Jude also reflects on the importance of reducing business owner dependence before sale—a common value driver in M&A. He explains how owner involvement, earnings growth, and recurring revenue models (like those used in HVAC and plumbing industries) all affect valuation multiples.

“If a business is built around the owner and you can’t pluck the owner from the business, it makes the business a lot less valuable. So if we deal with a business 3 or 4 years before sale, we’ll help them to identify all of their roles in the business and the hats that they wear, and help them to find other people to hand those roles off to. And if they do that appropriately, by the time the sales come, the sale of the business comes, they should be irrelevant to the business. And a buyer is going to ask, well, who has the customer relationships? Is that the owner? Are they calling the owner’s cell phone or are they calling the owner’s number two or the owner’s number three who works in the company. That’ll make a really big difference. And the vendor relationships and all the different things that make the business run, if those are being done by somebody else and that somebody else is going to stay with the company after closing, it makes it a whole lot more valuable.”

For Jude, helping people prepare for their next chapter isn’t just a professional mission—it’s personal. From his own business ventures, including Stately Doors and Windows, to his family life rooted in South Louisiana and Maine, he brings both pragmatism and heart to the conversation.

“Business owners often don’t know what they’ll do next. They lose a sense of purpose after the sale. But if you’ve created a charitable foundation, you now have something new to pour your passion into.”

Whether you’re a business owner eyeing retirement, a professional navigating succession planning, or someone simply interested in how faith and finance can align, Jude David brings clarity, inspiration, and practical tools for moving forward with intention.

Learn more about Jude’s work at https://www.famergers.com/ or email him at jude@famergers.com.
Explore charitable giving and legacy planning at CatholicLegacyFoundation.org.

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we dive into Lafayette’s emerging role as a major player in the regional and national tech ecosystem with Ben Johnson and Marcus Brown of the newly formed Lafayette Regional Technology Council. This dynamic group of volunteer leaders are working hard to ensure Lafayette’s deep well of tech talent is recognized and nurtured.

Ben Johnson, CEO of Techneaux Technology Services and Chair of the Council, shares his local roots—born in Eunice, raised in Scott and Lafayette—and how his passion for computers and community led him to start Techneaux in his garage in 2010. “We started the company with a unique business model: people over profits,” Ben shares. The company now employs about 180 people across Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas, operating on what Ben calls a model of “distributed capitalism.” Techneaux recently relocated to the old Fontana Center on Kaliste Saloom, which they’ve repurposed into a cutting-edge tech hub.

Marcus Brown, a returning guest to Discover Lafayette, brings his entertainment industry background and policy insight to the Council. As the founder of Believe Entertainment and partner in Digital Twin Studios, Marcus has worked to build Lafayette’s capabilities in immersive technology and virtual production. “We want to define what technology is—and who is a tech person,” he notes. His work has also included integrating immersive technologies in local education through the Do It Greener Foundation.

A Council Rooted in Community and DataThe Council was born from a leadership exchange trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan, which inspired local leaders to create a similar tech initiative back home. “We realized Lafayette has world-class tech companies that even we weren’t fully aware of,” Ben said. Early supporters include One Acadiana, LEDA, UL Lafayette, LFT Fiber, and leaders from companies like VieMed, Noble Plastics, SchoolMint, and S1 Technology.

The Council organizes its work into “GEARS”—Get Everything Accelerated and Ready—subcommittees that focus on workforce and talent, marketing and recruitment, networking and knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy. Their first community-wide event, the Idea Collider, will launch in late June, with the goal of gathering ideas and input from the public and then from business leaders to shape actionable initiatives.

Creating Opportunity and Retaining TalentOne of the Council’s major goals is to retain the exceptional talent emerging from UL Lafayette and other local schools. “When I graduated in 2001, there weren’t real tech jobs here,” Ben said. “Now, we’re working to create a pipeline and make sure the talent knows they can build a career here.”

Marcus emphasizes the community’s history of rising to the occasion: “When Disney filmed Secretariat here, our people showed up. The same thing is happening in tech—people want to step up and lead.”

As Marcus explains, “We’re trying to reach students early, even before college, to show them they can create tech—not just consume it.” Both men spoke about the importance of giving young people a sense of purpose and place in the tech world, and commended the Louisiana Department of Education for starting the process of recognizing computer science as a foreign language—a powerful shift in thinking.

The Role of AI and the Future of WorkWhen asked about the fear of AI taking jobs, both men provided thoughtful perspectives. “AI doesn’t take jobs,” Ben said. “It removes roles so humans can be more creative and impactful elsewhere.” Marcus added, “AI is like a calculator. It’s a tool, and with proper understanding, it can democratize opportunity.”

Looking AheadThe Lafayette Regional Technology Council isn’t charging membership dues yet—they want to first prove their value and build momentum. “We want companies and individuals to contribute time, talent, or treasure,” said Ben. “Let’s build this together, and then figure out the right structure.” A more formal membership structure will be launched in 2026.

Whether you’re a business leader, student, educator, or simply someone curious about Lafayette’s future, the Council wants to hear from you. This is a moment of transformation for our region—and it’s being driven by local passion, collaboration, and innovation.

To get involved or learn more about the Lafayette Regional Technology Council:

📍 Visit: https://www.lafayetteregionaltechnologycouncil.org/ or follow it on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lafayette-regional-technology-council/
📅 Watch for their first event: The Idea Collider, coming June 2025

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Robert Daigle on Why He Invested in Upper Lafayette
Originally recorded in October 2013 /Aired on Upper Lafayette On the Move

This episode of Discover Lafayette takes us back to an insightful conversation with the late Robert Daigle, the visionary managing partner of River Ranch Development Company and the developer of the Village of River Ranch, a 320-acre traditional neighborhood development that reshaped residential life in Lafayette.

In October 2013, Robert addressed an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting to share why he and his team chose to invest in the northern part of Lafayette Parish—an area traditionally overlooked but ripe with potential. His message, filled with clarity and foresight, remains strikingly relevant today as growth continues to expand beyond I-10.

David Welch, Robert Daigle, Jan Swift, and Lewis Stirling at an Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation meeting in 2013.Robert’s personal connection to Upper Lafayette, having grown up on Louisiana Avenue across from the municipal golf course, sparked his early interest. But sentiment alone didn’t drive his decision. He outlined six strategic reasons that led to the launch of Couret Farms, a smart growth community designed to meet the needs of a modern workforce and lifestyle needs in the northern part of Lafayette Parish:

1. Job Growth – Post-hurricane recovery and shifting insurance priorities led to a surge in businesses relocating north of I-10. Proximity to job centers, including major employers like Halliburton, made Upper Lafayette a natural location for residential development.
2. Real Estate Value – With South Lafayette experiencing saturation and skyrocketing prices, the undeveloped, high, and beautiful land in Upper Lafayette offered both affordability and opportunity.
3. Lack of Competition – As with River Ranch, Daigle sought to create a unique offering. At the time, Upper Lafayette had no smart growth communities, positioning Couret Farms as the only game in town.
4. Community Support – Daigle emphasized the importance of being “wanted.” In Carencro, support from Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and a cooperative endeavor to extend utilities exemplified the kind of local partnership he considered essential to success.
5. Access to Retail and Services – Developments flourish when services and shopping are nearby. Daigle cited the Target center and Super 1 Foods as game-changing additions that signaled a tipping point for further investment.
6. Public Education – The long-standing challenge of underperforming schools in Upper Lafayette had been a deterrent. But the winds of change were blowing. Daigle’s commitment to establishing a charter school within Couret Farms showed his belief that quality education is not just a necessity—but a catalyst for community transformation.

Robert Daigle breaking ground at Couret Farms, along with Kevin Hawkins and Bobby Hines.Robert closed his talk by urging the community to prioritize education reform, emphasizing that the future of Upper Lafayette hinged on the success of its schools. His legacy continues to inspire development rooted in thoughtful planning, civic cooperation, and long-term community investment.

This timeless interview reminds us that true visionaries see not just what is, but what could be—and are willing to take the arrows that come with being pioneers.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Justin Bennett, the new owner of Artmosphere, and Anthony Daniels—known to many as Moose Harris—who serves as booking agent and sound engineer for the venue.

Moose Harris, Justin Bennett, and Jan Swift at recording Discover Lafayette at RADER.Located at 902 Johnston Street in downtown Lafayette, Artmosphere has long been known as a cultural hub where music, art, and community converge. Now, with Justin at the helm and Moose helping steer the ship, this iconic space is entering a bold new chapter.

Justin, originally from Brooklyn by way of Seattle, and his wife Marcela, a talented chef, made their way to Lafayette after the early waves of the pandemic. A former journalist and public information officer for New York City Emergency Management, Justin brings a rare blend of communication savvy and passion for grassroots music culture. His wife, Marcela, runs Lana’s Empanadas food truck—named after their dog!—and previously helped launch the kitchen at Mercy Kitchen. Together, they’ve embraced Lafayette as home and are now pouring their heart and soul into revitalizing Artmosphere.

Moose Harris, born and raised in New Iberia and a seasoned music producer, performer, and radio personality, has deep roots in the Louisiana music scene. From his classical and jazz studies under legends like Ellis Marsalis to his frontman days in the Reggae Ska Conspiracy, Moose brings both creative insight and a wealth of experience to the table. Having worked with Artmosphere under its previous ownership, he already knew the venue inside and out—literally holding the keys before Justin ever stepped through the door.

What they’re creating together is something special. Gone are the days of Artmosphere being an undefined multipurpose space. “As Justin clearly puts it, this is first and foremost a music venue.” A place for curated, intentional nights of music that make sense together—no more scattershot open mic lineups. Under their guidance, Artmosphere is becoming a home for touring artists and a launching pad for local talent. And while the name is slated to change soon, the vision is clear: create a sustainable, artist-respecting space with good music, good food, and good drinks.

And about that food—Justin’s East Coast roots are making their mark. From his Italian grandmother’s Sunday sauce to a hearty Irish shepherd’s pie and the promise of Lafayette’s best-poured Guinness, the kitchen is set to impress. Marcela is helping build out the kitchen and train staff, sourcing from local farms to ensure seasonal, delicious offerings. It’s all about quality—from the music to the meatballs.

During Festival International, the team soft-launched Artmosphere with eight wildly different events in five days, showcasing everything from hip hop and zydeco to burlesque and R&B. Every act was carefully chosen, every night was intentional. And it’s just the beginning. Moose is already booking shows into the fall, and together they’re building a community around the venue, one great night of music at a time.

Soon, a new name will be unveiled along with a new website, including a music blog produced in collaboration with UL Lafayette journalism students. It’s all part of a bigger mission: to make Lafayette a must-stop destination for national touring acts and to elevate the local scene with the respect and support it deserves.

We’re grateful for what Justin and Moose are doing—for their commitment to musicians, to our cultural economy, and to downtown Lafayette. It’s time for this. And we’re lucky to have them here.

For more, visit Artmosphere’s Facebook page or email benett.management@yahoo.com if you’re interested in performing or getting involved. Stay tuned for the name reveal—we’ll be the first to share it!

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we honor the 25th anniversary of Miles Perret Cancer Services, a nonprofit that has supported more than 27,000 families in Acadiana over the years facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Joining us are Executive Director, Tim Rinaldi and Community Liaison, Sherry Hernandez, two passionate leaders dedicated to advancing the mission and heart of this vital organization.

The organization was founded in honor of Miles Perret who tragically died at the age of eight years of age in 2001 from glioblastoma. From this experience, his parents, Hank and Debbie Verret, had the vision to help others in Acadiana fight, survive and live with cancer with dignity and to have access to the services they may need. Miles’s legacy lives on through a mission of compassion. The organization provides 100% free support services—from wigs and nutritional supplements to transportation assistance and wellness programs—without income restrictions.

Tim Rinaldi shares his deeply personal journey to leading Miles Perret—rooted in his family’s long-standing ties to oncology care—and how faith, entrepreneurship, and a calling to serve intersected to bring him home to Acadiana. He offers insight into the organization’s commitment to both strategic impact and compassionate care, and how building a sustainable, team-driven culture remains central to his vision.

Sherry Hernandez, who has served with the organization for eight years, reflects on the full-circle moment that led her from for-profit public relations to her role at Miles Perret. Her lifelong passion for community engagement and her personal experiences with cancer have fueled her dedication to connecting families with resources—at no cost and with no income verification required.

Listeners will learn about the many services offered by Miles Perret, including nutritional supplements, wigs, medical supplies, transportation assistance, and a growing wellness program that includes yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and soon, a teaching kitchen. All services are 100% free to cancer patients and their families. And the monies raised through generous charitable contributions stay right here in Acadiana.

We also explore the Games of Acadiana, the nonprofit’s largest and most iconic fundraiser, now celebrating its 25th year.

What began as a friendly competition among the Perret brothers as they looked at how to honor Miles’ legacy, has evolved into a beloved tradition, including a Birthday Bash Kickoff on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., behind the Bayou Church, followed by a two-week virtual scavenger hunt through the GooseChase app. To celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary, from May 30th to June 14th, ALL of Acadiana will be transformed into a playground with a 16-day virtual scavenger hunt full of fun, adventure, and surprises.

Participants can complete missions for a chance to win prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize, all while raising awareness and support for the organization. The green space along Settler’s Trace Boulevard (behind the Bayou Church) will be transformed into a hub of excitement with fun games, engaging activities, and interactive attractions including an obstacle course, inflatable mini golf, and a monster fun jump. Cancer survivors will be honored with an inspiring Survivor Walk and the crowd will celebrate together with a delicious birthday cupcake.

Other key topics include:

• The founding story of Miles Perret, named after Hank and Debbies’s son whose legacy lives on in every service offered
• The organization’s decision to forgo government funding to remain nimble and community-focused
• The importance of monthly recurring donations and employer-based giving programs
• Plans for a new facility and expanded wellness services, including a chapel and increased access to nutritional support

Whether you’ve participated in the Games of Acadiana, supported the Camellia Crossing Glow Run, or are learning about Miles Perret for the first time, this episode highlights how deeply rooted the organization is in the fabric of Acadiana—and how each of us can play a role in their mission of neighbors helping neighbors.

To get involved, donate, volunteer, or sign up for Games of Acadiana, visit milesperret.org.

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John Munsell, CEO of Bizzuka, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his newly released book, Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, which offers a practical guide for businesses looking to embed AI into their core operations and culture.

John Munsell is a true pioneer in the world of AI, having spent over 10,000 hours mastering how businesses can use AI to achieve extraordinary results. His newly released book, Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, offers a practical guide for organizations looking to embed AI into their core operations and culture, presenting actionable frameworks to facilitate effective AI adoption across all levels of a company.

John shared the journey of Bizzuka’s evolution from a web development firm into a digital marketing agency and, ultimately, an AI strategy powerhouse. A pivotal conversation with colleague Jared Allardyce prompted him to sell off his prior business holdings and focus exclusively on the emerging opportunities in AI.

Recognizing the profound shift on the horizon, John committed himself to studying how AI could genuinely solve market problems. Through weekly CXO AI Roundtables, he taught executives how to analyze AI tools, leading to Bizzuka’s full transformation into an AI training, coaching, and consulting enterprise.

“We had been using AI and I thought this was going to be the next frontier. At Bizzuka, we shifted to try to figure out what problem the market wanted solved with AI. So I spent a year studying that and had this thing called the CXO AI roundtable, where every Friday I would teach various C levels what I was doing in certain aspects of AI I would analyze AI note takers or I would analyze different AI tools, graphic design, copywriting, whatever it would be. And eventually I figured out what the problem was that the market wanted solved.”

John explains that today’s businesses are mostly riding AI “tricycles”—using tools at a surface level—without realizing the enormous potential awaiting them when they advance to higher levels of AI proficiency. To help bridge this gap, John developed the AI Strategy Canvas and a unique system called Scalable Prompt Engineering, enabling businesses to build scalable, repeatable AI frameworks that improve efficiency across departments like sales, marketing, HR, operations, and legal.

John’s passion for training the Louisiana workforce led to a key partnership with LSU after meeting with Roy Haggerty, Executive Vice President and Provost of LSU. He now serves as an adjunct AI instructor at LSU, teaching businesses how to develop and execute AI strategy an utilize the AI Strategy Canvas® to help their teams master Scalable Prompt Engineering® to get the best results out of AI with maximum efficiency. The frameworks John developed are now required training for all undergraduates pursuing an AI designation. John emphasizes that while universities often focus on teaching how to build large language models (LLMs), the greater workforce need is learning how to use these models effectively.

John Munsell teaches companies to prioritize AI safety, security, and ethics. He cautions against uploading sensitive information into free versions of AI tools without understanding the risk of that data becoming part of public training models. Teaching companies how to safeguard proprietary information is a foundational part of Bizzuka’s AI Skills Builder training, which also ensures employees across various departments learn AI skills customized to their job functions.

In our conversation, John detailed how businesses can use different AI models—like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity—for specialized tasks such as deep research, proposal writing, and sales prospecting. He described how he uses AI note-takers like Fathom to generate highly personalized client proposals, saving significant time while ensuring each proposal reflects the company’s brand voice and the client’s specific needs.

John advocates for a mindset shift toward “AI First” thinking—using AI not just for speed, but as a true thought partner to unlock creativity and operational excellence. He shared real-world examples of how structured prompting and customized GPTs can make businesses more agile, efficient, and competitive.

We also discussed the ethical challenges and biases inherent in AI models, the potential risks of hallucinations (fabricated information), and the rapid path toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), where AI systems could soon surpass human collective intelligence within just a few years.

When not transforming businesses through AI, John enjoys hosting his annual “Pork Palooza,” a Mardi Gras tradition featuring an impressive array of barbecued pork dishes—a reminder that even AI innovators know how to kick back and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

John Munsell’s insights serve as a powerful call for businesses to embrace AI thoughtfully and strategically. His work demystifies the complexity of AI and offers a practical roadmap for companies ready to level up their operations and stay competitive in an AI-driven world.

For more information on John Munsell, visit https://www.bizzuka.com/john-munsell-speaking/ or https://www.bizzuka.com/

To purchase Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, visit Amazon here.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission’s CEO Ben Berthelot and Jesse Guidry, Vice President of Communications, two of the most passionate advocates for Lafayette’s cultural and culinary identity.

“You don’t have to go to a museum to experience our culture – you can be immersed in it. You can eat it, dance with it, and live it.”

Together, they explore the evolution of the Eat Lafayette campaign, which began over 20 years ago under the tutelage of Charlie Goodson of Cafe Vermilionville. Origniating with just 18 restaurants participating, Eat Lafayette has grown into a powerful initiative celebrating the unique flavors of Acadiana. The conversation dives deep into the importance of supporting locally owned restaurants, especially in a changing economic and tourism landscape.

Restaurants wanting to participate in Eat Lafayette can visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/eatlafayette/registration/ to sign up.Ben and Jesse share how Lafayette has become a destination for food lovers, and how LCVC continues to adapt, from creating searchable dining districts throughout Lafayette Parish on Eat Lafayette’s website, to launching an upcoming Eat Lafayette mobile app expected to launch this summer that will spotlight local eateries and experiences for locals and tourists alike to rely upon. “It will be a one stop shop for all locally owned restaurants. It’s an initiative that we’re going to be launching by way of an app that’s layered with some other things that we do with Lafayette Travel. But the goal would be when you download this app, you will have a direct source to locally owned restaurants in Lafayette.”

Lafayette Travel has established new collaborations such as the Acadiana Eats Festival to support our local restauranteurs. It also engages in year-round culinary promotions as a way to sustain mom-and-pop businesses as cultural ambassadors, as they are keepers of our local tradition.

“Partnering with Acadiana Eats Festival is a great benefit in terms of promotion for local restaurants as well as that festival. The restaurants are able to sell their food and make money. We’re trying to find different ways to partner with what is already existing in the community and how we can lift those things up. We’re going to put our force behind this and our marketing, and leverage KLFY’s presence and Gerald Gruening who is known for his passion for locally owned restaurants. That’s just one example of some new things that we’re doing, partnering with different festivals and other events throughout the year, and developing the new app.”

Key Topics Covered:

• The origin and growth of Eat Lafayette
• Why now is a critical time to support local restaurants
• How Lafayette’s culinary identity contributes to tourism and economic development
• The creation of a new app to help users discover local dining by location, cuisine, and occasion
• Strategies for year-round restaurant promotion
• Challenges facing restaurateurs today: staffing, rising food costs, and competition
• The power of community collaboration through events like Festival International
• Lafayette’s potential as a top U.S. destination
• Fun personal insights from Ben and Jesse, including hobbies like home cooking, dance, and coaching

Visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/food-drink/local-restaurants/ for a listing of all locally-owned, Louisiana-owned, and national favority restaurants in our community.

Notable Quotes:

Ben Berthelot: “One of my favorite quotes is by a colleague in Irving, Texas, which has really grown. She says if you build a place that people want to visit, you’ll build a place that people want to live. And if you build a place where people want to live, you’ll build a place where business wants to be. And if you build a place where business wants to be, then you’re back to a place where people wamt to visit. It is a cycle. That’s how I think and how I want to lead our organization. Tourism is economic development. Get someone here once, and they fall in love with Lafayette.”

Jesse Guidry: “There is no more important time than now to support our locally owned restaurants. And that’s how Eat Lafayette started over 20 years ago. It was driven by the restaurants saying they needed help during the summertime. So it started with 18 restaurants in a two week campaign, and grew to a three month campaign, with over 200 restaurants at one point, with the whole emphasis of being where am I going to go eat tonight? And we want you to go eat at a locally owned restaurant. Support our mom and pops, who are the reason that we were named Tastiest Town of the South, the best food city in the United States, and all of those awards that we’ve gotten over the years.”

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 LafayetteTravel.com
• 🍽️ EatLafayette.com (Restaurant signup + directory)
• 📲 Follow on social: @LafayetteTravel | @EatLafayette
• 🎶 Check out the Lafayette Weekly Live Music Calendar

Thanks to our guests Ben Berthelot, Jesse Guidry and the entire Lafayette Travel team for their continued support of Discover Lafayette and for keeping Lafayette’s spirit alive – one plate at a time!

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Michael Soileau and Scott Prather of LFT Fiber: Bringing Community-Owned Connectivity to Lafayette and BeyondThis episode of Discover Lafayette features Michael Soileau, Director of LFT Fiber (formerly LUS Fiber), and Scott Prather, Public Relations Manager for the community-owned fiber utility.

Together, they share the powerful story of how Lafayette’s local investment in fiber optics two decades ago has blossomed into a cutting-edge broadband network that now reaches into rural and underserved communities across South Louisiana. It also underscored Lafayette’s long-standing commitment to serving as a leader in our region, state, and nation in providing top-notch services to our citizens.

A Full-Circle MomentMichael Soileau, a Mamou native, reflects on how the expansion of LFT Fiber into Evangeline Parish—one of Louisiana’s most underserved and impoverished regions—feels personal. Thanks to strategic federal grants secured with the help of former Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet during her time with Acadiana Planning Commission, LFT Fiber is fulfilling its mission to bridge the digital divide in rural communities.

Celebrating 20 Years of Fiber InnovationLafayette was one of the first cities in the country to build its own fiber optic network. What started as a utility communication system quickly evolved into a public broadband network. On June 16, LFT Fiber celebrates the 20th anniversary of the citizens’ vote to support this bold initiative.

Expanding Across AcadianaThrough federal funding programs such as the GUMBO grant, LFT Fiber has expanded into seven parishes: Evangeline, Iberia, Vermilion, St. Landry, Eunice, Jennings, and Acadia, focusing on homes that previously lacked access to true broadband. While they don’t yet serve 100% of these areas, the goal remains to connect as many people as possible.

Workforce and Community InvestmentLFT Fiber employs 94 local professionals and partners with Lafayette-based contractors for construction and installation. Community pride runs deep, and their mission extends beyond internet access—they support local nonprofits, events like Festival International, and schools through digital access and sponsorships.

Connection Essentials: Making Internet AffordableRecognizing that not every household can afford premium internet, LFT Fiber recently launched Connection Essentials, a $25/month plan offering 60 Mbps service to families receiving federal assistance with a student in the home. The plan includes a modem and is currently being rolled out in Evangeline Parish, with expansion underway in Lafayette and beyond. The “Connection Essentials” plan provides internet speeds 60 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload for $25 per month, with unlimited data usage and no overage fees. Customer premise equipment is included at no additional cost. A one-time installation fee of $49 will be charged at the time of service activation.

Everyday Pricing (“EDP”) has also been introduced at affordable rates offered at 1 GBPS for $85.00 per month or 500 MBPS for $65.00 per month. “A commitment to fair, consistent pricing with no gimmicks, no surprises, and no limited-time promotions that leave you guessing.”

Digital Literacy and SafetyProviding access is only part of the mission. LFT Fiber is actively partnering with school districts, library systems, and nonprofits to improve digital literacy, helping families understand how to safely and effectively use the internet for telemedicine, education, job searching, and more.

Collaboration as a Core ValueThe recent Connectivity Summit, hosted by LFT Fiber on April 2, 2025, brought together business, nonprofit, healthcare, and education leaders to discuss shared challenges and foster partnerships. These summits help generate the kind of serendipitous, five-minute conversations that spark long-term innovation and community growth.

On the Connectivity Summit, Michael Soileau shared, “LFT Fiber’s Connective Summit was held to bring thought leaders, business, nonprofit, sports and culture all in the same room to talk about what’s going well, what are some of the challenges being experienced, what have you learned? Here’s what happens when you have those kinds of conversations with all these different people. You understand that there are probably the top 3 or 4 industries that are being impacting similarly, if not exactly the same, across all of those verticals. By collaborating, you can actually solve the issues a lot faster, create momentum, get that synergy going, and then move on. Walking out of that summit, I was so proud to have been a part of it, watching what happened that day, that sense of collaboration and willingness to share. People’s willingness to engage and to collaborate and to share and help each other figure things out. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we need a little help. We can’t do it all on our own.”

Lafayette’s Legacy as a HubLafayette has always been a forward-thinking hub, from early adoption of electricity in 1896 to establishing its own university and developing a fiber-optic infrastructure. As Scott Prather notes, “The road is underground now.” Fiber connectivity continues that legacy, connecting communities across Acadiana in new, invisible ways.

Looking AheadLFT Fiber continues to focus on economic development, education, arts and culture, and healthcare support—all while being community-owned and operated. Their efforts not only keep Lafayette connected but ensure that the broader region can thrive in today’s digital economy.

MIchael Soileau says, “LFT Fiber tries to always think about supporting the educational vertical. How do we help children not just bridge the digital divide, but have internet safety and digital literacy? We think about our arts and culture space, and that includes sports. How do we support them? How do we support the Ragin Cajuns in meaningful ways, not just writing a check, but participating. We think about children and well-being as a whole. And support for organizations that are just getting off their feet. How can we help them establish themselves?”

““I want people to take us for granted, and I don’t want them to take us for granted. I want people to take the service for granted because it’s that reliable. It’s that first class. I don’t want folks to take us for granted and forget the grassroots of this whole thing and that they have ownership in it, I want them to remember that and take pride in it,” says Scott Prather.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation to hear more about how LFT Fiber is empowering Acadiana communities—one connection at a time.

📲 Learn more at LFTFiber.com

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Dale Clark, Ursula Quoyeser, and Harriet Hoag to discuss the upcoming 4th annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival (“F5”).

This event raises funds for the Team Gleason Foundation, which supports individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS”). Team Gleason, through its diverse and broad-reaching programming, brings assistive technology, equipment, and robust support services into the hands of ALS patients – to help individuals with ALS not just survive but thrive after a devastating diagnosis.

Each of our guests has either been personally affected by ALS or has supported a loved one with the disease.

Event Details: Date: April 24, 2025 * Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM * Location: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, LA * Tickets: $45 * Website:* https://teamgleason.org/f5/

Attendees can enjoy great food, beer, and wine while supporting a worthy cause. F5 is a cooking competition where teams compete in four categories: Fin, Feather, Fur, and Dessert. Awards will be given to the best dishes, a “People’s Choice” winner, and a “Team Showmanship” winner chosen by a panel of judges. Additionally, a silent auction will offer a selection of valuable items. Teams also compete to raise the most funds for Team Gleason, with prizes awarded to top fundraisers.

About Team Gleason Foundation:In January 2011, New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS. Faced with this devastating diagnosis, Steve embraced a new mission: to show that people with ALS can not only live but thrive and to inspire others facing similar challenges. “People were simply expected to fade away quietly and die, that was not acceptable to me. That is not OK.” Steve and his wife, Michel Varisco, founded Team Gleason, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with ALS lead purposeful and fulfilling lives.

Team Gleason has provided over $55 million in resources to individuals with ALS. Their work includes supplying mobility equipment, power seat elevators, speech-generating devices, and essential home modifications.

Personal Impact of Team Gleason:Ursula Quoyeser’s ExperienceUrsula has received significant support from Team Gleason. These resources have been life-changing, enabling her to maintain independence. Ursula reflects on how Team Gleason anticipates needs before they arise, ensuring that people living with ALS receive assistance promptly. One of the most important things that Team Gleason provides is pathways of communication to connect ALS families with each other so that resources that are no longer needed are generously shared. Many of you know Ursula as a superstar Volleyball coach! She is still a superstar and it is an honor to share her story so that the Team Gleason message may be distributed to a wide audience!

Harriet Hoag’s JourneyHarriet’s late husband, Monty, was diagnosed with ALS during the height of COVID-19, making the journey even more isolating. Doctors struggled to diagnose him, but Harriet’s own research led them to Baylor Hospital, where they received confirmation. She credits Team Gleason for providing invaluable resources such as a speech-generating device that allowed Monty to communicate with their granddaughter even in his final days.

Dale Clark’s CommitmentAfter being diagnosed with ALS, Dale was inspired to help others in the ALS community. Witnessing the challenges faced by fellow patients at his clinic in Houston, he saw the opportunity to make a difference. His dedication, alongside generous contributions from local companies like Badger Oil and Gas and Service Chevrolet, has helped F5 grow into a major fundraising success. For a more in-depth interview we did in 2024 with Dale and Ursula, listen here.

Dale Clark says, “100% of the money goes to Team Gleason. In fact, we tell people to mail their check to Team Gleason so we don’t have to handle any money.

The Importance of Fundraising:Over the past three years, F5 has raised more than $500,000, with every dollar going directly to Team Gleason. This funding ensures that individuals with ALS receive the support they need without financial barriers as all assistance is rendered free of charge. In addition to equipment and mobility aids, Team Gleason offers emotional and practical support, such as caregiver resources and the Healing Hearts group for those who have lost loved ones to ALS.

About 5,000 people in the U. S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. It is difficult to diagnose and is often diagnosed by ruling out other diseases, which can take months or years. There is no cure for ALS, which is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles. Symptoms start with a progressive loss of muscle control. ALS kills motor neurons, causing muscles to weaken and eventually paralyze. People with ALS lose their ability to walk, talk, eat and in time, breathe. The average life expectancy is 2 to 5 years once diagnosed. 10% of cases are inherited through a mutated gene; the remaining 90% of cases occur without a family history of ALS. Military veterans are more likely to get ALS. For more information, visit https://www.als.org/

Final Thoughts:F5 is more than a fundraiser; it is a community-driven effort to support individuals and families affected by ALS. Whether attending, donating, or sponsoring, everyone has an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Join us on April 24, 2025, to enjoy incredible food and camaraderie while contributing to a life-changing cause.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://teamgleason.org/f5/.

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Discover Lafayette is thrilled to welcome Kiki Frayard, founder of Kiki, a boutique store known for its exquisite selection of fine jewelry, fragrances, handbags, and other carefully curated items from designers across the world. While Kiki is known for offering unique designs, Kiki says, “Anybody can walk in to buy fun or lower price point jewelry at $75 to $250. We also offer jewelry up to $65,000.”

In addition to her successful retail business, Kiki recently ventured into children’s literature with her book Lila Says No, cleverly illustrated by Aileen Bennett. Her passion for beauty and creativity extends beyond retail, as seen on her vibrant Instagram page, where she shares colorful and inspirational table settings for various events.

Kiki, an Opelousas native, has strong ties to the Lafayette community. She is the sister of Marilyn Castle, retired 15th JDC judge, and Joan Dubuisson of Cox Business. She graduated from UL-Lafayette with degrees in Art History and English, initially intending to become an art teacher before discovering her passion for advertising and retail.

Her career has been a fascinating journey, including stints as a nightclub singer in New Orleans, a radio advertising executive, and an ad agency owner. Working alongside advertising legend George Graham, Kiki honed her skills in creative writing and marketing, ultimately paving the way for her entrepreneurial success.

Kiki opened her boutique in River Ranch after gaining invaluable retail experience from Molly Flanagan, owner of Molly’s. She and her daughter, Katie, built the business together, expanding to Baton Rouge and establishing Kiki as a premier shopping destination.

A life-changing car accident in 2007 prompted Kiki to embrace retail fully, leaving advertising to focus on her boutique. She and Katie meticulously designed the store, ensuring an elevated shopping experience comparable to high-end retailers in New York and beyond. Kiki says, “We knew we wanted to do something nice. We didn’t want it to be a hodgepodge of display cases and just thrown together. We really wanted it to be the nicest store in Lafayette.

“We had a vision of doing jewelry with designers in mind so that every case was dedicated to a designer. The handbags were displayed one on a shelf to make it seem really special so that everything seemed a little elevated. That worked when people walked in the store. Also, with most merchandise, if you don’t turn it, you got to put it on sale, you’ve got to get rid of it, you got to turn. But jewelry isn’t like that. We could have an expensive piece of jewelry and it could be there for two years, and then someone comes in and and buys it. So you don’t have to discount quite as much. The same thing with perfume.”

Beyond retail, Kiki has made a mark in the Lafayette community. She played a crucial role in the development of Lafayette’s downtown playground, recognizing its value in revitalizing the area. Her passion for community enrichment continues to shape her contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

Kiki’s love for creativity extends to her personal life, where she enjoys setting stunning tablescapes for family gatherings. Her collections of fine china and linens reflect her impeccable taste and appreciation for beauty.

Her foray into children’s literature has been met with great enthusiasm. Lila Says No is resonating with parents and educators, with notable endorsements from child psychologist Carolyn Helm. The book received a glowing review rom Kirkus as “quirky and entertaining, with a kid and parent-savvy message.” Kiki’s deep admiration for children’s literature and her collection of over 500 books inspired her to finally write her own story, with more books potentially on the horizon.

Though retired from store ownership, Kiki remains an integral part of Kiki, still attending market trips and influencing the store’s aesthetic. She has built a legacy of creativity, business acumen, and community impact that continues to inspire Lafayette and beyond.

To learn more about Kiki’s journey and latest endeavors, tune in to this episode of Discover Lafayette!

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Chris Cook, General Manager of KLFY-TV 10.

With years of experience in the broadcasting industry both locally and nationally, Chris is at the forefront of delivering the news, weather, and community stories that matter most to Acadiana. Under his leadership, KLFY continues to evolve in the digital age while maintaining its deep roots in local journalism. The station signed on the air June 3, 1955 and has remained a CBS affiliate since day one.

Chris shares his journey in television news, beginning right out of high school in his hometown of Alexandria, where he worked as a photographer. He later moved to Lafayette, a place that felt like a natural home due to family ties and frequent visits for Mardi Gras and Festival Acadiens. His early experiences exposed him to various aspects of the newsroom, from audio production to graphics, sales and marketing.

Throughout our conversation, Chris provides insights into the evolving landscape of television news, the impact of local journalism on our community, and how KLFY stays connected with its audience in a fast-changing digital world. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, civil discourse, and the responsibility of news organizations to serve their audiences with accurate and fair reporting.

Key Takeaways:

• The Role of Local News: Chris believes that local journalism plays a crucial role in keeping people informed about what’s happening in their city and state. Unlike national news, which can sometimes push an agenda, local news provides facts that allow viewers to form their own opinions.
• The Digital Transformation of News: KLFY has embraced digital platforms to reach audiences where they consume content, whether through its website, social media, mobile app, or its upcoming streaming service, KLFY Plus, launching in late April on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, which will focus solely on local news, podcasts. and interviews relating to the Acadiana.
• Behind the Scenes at KLFY: Chris discusses how news assignments are made, the collaborative effort required to produce a broadcast, and how breaking news can change the course of a reporter’s day at a moment’s notice.
• Journalism as a Craft: Whether through formal education or hands-on experience, Chris believes that journalism is a skill honed through practice, curiosity, and a commitment to storytelling with integrity.
• Navigating the Age of Misinformation: With more people consuming news from social media, Chris advises viewers to critically evaluate their news sources, asking who posted the content and why.

First of all, this job is fun. We’re working in television. So if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. And, there are few things in this world that are more collaborative than a newscast on a broadcast television station. There’s so many different hands, so many different eyes, so many different brains that have to come together in order to put that newscast together. The journalists, the producer, the meteorologist, sportscaster, graphic artists, director, cameramen, and sales force.”

Connect with KLFY:

• Website: KLFY.com
• Facebook: KLFY News 10
• Instagram: @KLFY
• Download the KLFY News App: Available on iOS and Android for real-time updates and push alerts.

Chris Cook’s passion for journalism and serving the community is evident throughout this discussion. His commitment to upholding the integrity of local news in an ever-changing media landscape is inspiring. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how KLFY continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of informing and engaging Acadiana.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!

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Fred Reggie is the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Tell Me: How to Initiate and Nurture Meaningful Conversations with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime. Throughout his career, Fred has worked with Fortune 500 companies and service organizations across the U.S., helping leaders cultivate meaningful connections and drive success.

Fred Reggie is an executive coach, international speaker, and expert in leadership and service culture development. He is well-known in our community and for years spent his time building funding resources for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to many of our hearts.

The Power of Communication

Fred believes that genuine communication stems from an internal motivation to share a message with others. However, many people struggle with seeing the value they bring to conversations, often due to deep-seated self-doubt and imposter syndrome. He explores how, from an early age, we are celebrated for speaking but later conditioned to limit our expressions, being told to quiet down or avoid talking to strangers.

This conditioning, Fred explains, creates subconscious barriers. As adults, many of us hesitate to speak up because we question whether our words have value. Moreover, societal norms and technology have reshaped how we communicate, further distancing us from authentic, face-to-face interactions.

The Disruption of Conversation

Fred discusses how technology has altered human connection. Younger generations, he notes, often prefer texting over direct conversation, avoiding phone calls altogether. “Cocooned communication,” as Fred calls it, has been evolving for decades—beginning with the automobile, which removed people from their porches and into isolated vehicles, and continuing with the rise of television, personal computers, and smartphones. Today, many people live in bubbles of self-communication, limiting the organic conversations that once thrived in everyday life.

The Art of “Tell Me”

At the heart of Fred’s book is a simple yet profound concept: using the phrase “Tell me” to invite others into meaningful conversations. Rather than asking closed-ended questions, this approach encourages people to share freely, fostering deeper connections.

He recalls a powerful moment when James Earl Jones, upon meeting an adoring fan, responded not with a simple “Who are you?” but with, “Tell me your name.” That small shift in language made the woman feel seen and valued. Fred encourages using this technique in all conversations, whether personal or professional, to create an environment of trust and engagement.

The Neuroscience of Connection

Fred emphasizes that engaging conversations have a physiological impact. When we participate in meaningful discussions, our brains release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—chemicals that enhance emotional intelligence, empathy, and overall well-being. Conversely, negative or disconnected conversations can leave us feeling drained and isolated.

The Legacy of Storytelling

Growing up in a Lebanese family, Fred was surrounded by master storytellers who didn’t just recount events but embodied the characters they spoke about. He believes that storytelling is fundamental to great conversation—it transforms the exchange of information into a compelling, memorable experience.

Fred encourages people to embrace storytelling in their daily interactions, whether through professional networking or personal relationships. He also urges listeners to recognize the ripple effect of their words, as every interaction has the power to uplift or deflate another person.

A Call to Action: Create Conversational Moments

Fred concludes with a simple yet powerful challenge: create conversational moments. He encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones, engage with strangers, and make genuine connections. By doing so, we can break the cycle of disconnected communication and bring back the lost art of conversation.

Tell Me is more than just a book—it’s a movement toward deeper human connection. As Fred reminds us, the ability to start and sustain meaningful conversations is not just a skill but a gift that can reshape our lives and the world around us. For more information, visit https://www.fredreggie.com/book.

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Denise Giosa: A Journey in Fashion and Events

Denise Giosa’s journey in the world of fashion and events began while she was still in high school, when she joined the Junior Fashion Board at D.H. Holmes in Baton Rouge. It was during this time that she met Beth Phillips, a wonderful mentor who played a significant role in shaping her career. Recognizing Denise’s potential, Beth invited her to be the Youth Coordinator, marking the beginning of her involvement in fashion special events.

After college, Denise moved to Lafayette and began traveling for Estée Lauder. It wasn’t long before she received a call from the manager of the Lafayette D.H. Holmes store, offering her a job. She accepted and continued working with the company for five years, further establishing herself in the industry. She thereafter worked for Maison Blanche, and eventually began freelancing in fashion and bridal shows.

Her career took another turn when Mark Falgout of Warehouse 535 reached out to her. Originally envisioned as a live music venue, Warehouse 535, located at 535 Garfield Street in the Freetown neighborhood near downtown, has evolved into a multi-purpose event space. Over time, it has expanded beyond live music to host a variety of events, and Denise has played a crucial role in that transformation.

Guiding Clients in Event PlanningDenise takes a structured approach to helping clients determine their event needs. Before a client even books a date, she ensures they go through a detailed planning process. She asks key questions such as the date, type of event, expected size, and any special requirements. She also helps them visualize how the space will be used, ensuring that all elements—such as a photo booth or seating arrangements—are carefully considered.

Her meticulous attention to detail means that by the time an event day arrives, she has already coordinated all aspects. She knows every vendor, delivery time, and setup detail, ensuring that clients never have to scramble at the last minute. Her hands-on approach means that every table, chair, and decoration is in place before the event begins, allowing clients to enjoy their special day stress-free.

Additional Services and Wedding PlanningWarehouse 535 offers comprehensive event services as part of the venue rental. However, additional services, such as hiring a wedding planner, are to be handled by the client. Some clients choose to bring in a planner midway through the process or hire a “day-of” coordinator to handle last-minute details. Denise ensures that clients understand what each wedding planner offers, as different planners provide different levels of service.

She also educates clients on the finer details of event planning. For instance, if a couple is handling their own décor, she ensures they have a plan for setup. She also helps them clarify their expectations with vendors, such as ensuring photographers are booked for the right amount of time so they capture key moments, including the end of the event.

Catering, Beverages, and EntertainmentWarehouse 535 has certain requirements for event vendors. Caterers must be licensed and insured, and all beverages are provided through the venue. Clients can choose from various beverage packages, ranging from domestic beer and wine to premium selections.

Entertainment is another major consideration. Some couples prefer DJs over bands because they want to curate their own playlists, while others love the energy of live music. Denise emphasizes that entertainment is key to keeping an event’s momentum going, and she ensures that DJs and bands are properly set up and integrated into the event timeline.

The Evolution of Warehouse 535Denise has witnessed the growth of Warehouse 535 firsthand. What started as a music venue has expanded to host diverse events, including weddings, corporate functions, and creative experiences like an Edgar Allan Poe-themed speakeasy. The venue has also served as a filming location for shows like Dateline, with production teams transforming rooms to suit their needs.

A Career Built on ExcellenceDenise attributes her career success to her strong work ethic and reputation. She believes that “your interview for your next job is the job you have now.” Every opportunity she has received came through word-of-mouth and professional recommendations. Her background in fashion and event planning, combined with her dedication to excellence, has made her a sought-after expert in her field.

Her role has evolved over the years, and she now works with a talented team that helps execute events seamlessly. While she never expected to specialize in weddings, she has come to love the experience of working with brides, helping them stay calm and organized on their big day.

Booking and Planning ConsiderationsEvent planning in Louisiana follows unique seasonal trends. While summer months like July and August might seem slower, Warehouse 535 remains busy with different types of events. Weddings, in particular, often require long-term planning, especially for Catholic ceremonies that may have church booking restrictions.

To streamline the booking process, Warehouse 535 uses Planning Pod, a platform that centralizes event details. When a client inquires through the venue’s website, they receive detailed pricing and package information upfront. Denise is happy to provide estimates based on a client’s budget, helping them determine if Warehouse 535 is the right fit before scheduling a visit.

Denise emphasizes the importance of visiting a venue in person. While professional photographs can highlight the space’s best features, nothing compares to seeing it firsthand. She also ensures that potential clients receive a thorough tour, with expert guidance rather than just a quick walkthrough.

Looking AheadAs Warehouse 535 continues to grow, Denise remains committed to providing exceptional service. She enjoys the variety that comes with hosting different types of events and continues to refine her planning process. Her approach ensures that every event is well-organized, personalized, and executed with precision.

From her early days in fashion to her leadership in event management, Denise Giosa’s career has been defined by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Contact and Booking InformationFor those interested in hosting an event at Warehouse 535, Denise encourages early inquiries and planning. More details about available dates, pricing, and event packages can be found on the venue’s website at https://warehouse535.com/ or by reaching out to Denise directly at denise@warehouse535.com

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we are honored to welcome Father Howard Blessing, a retired Catholic priest in the Diocese of Lafayette. Ordained in 1976 at the age of 25, Father Blessing has dedicated his life to serving others through his pastoral work at various parishes, including Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Holy Cross, Fatima, Sacred Heart of Ville Platte, and as chaplain at Our Lady of Lourdes. Today, he continues his ministry with Kent Zerangue through Food for Love, a mission providing meals to hospice patients and their families.

Beyond his priestly duties, Father Blessing has a fascinating backstory—including winning a Dancing with the Stars competition at the Academy of the Sacred Heart with his friend Angi Davis! However, what truly defines him is his unwavering compassion and deep spiritual wisdom, which he shares in this moving conversation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Calling to Priesthood: Growing up as one of seven children, Father Blessing did not consider becoming a priest until college. His journey has been one of continuous learning, as he believes that every person he encounters teaches him something valuable about life and faith.
• The Power of Listening: Through his work with parishioners and those in recovery, Father Blessing has learned that true ministry is about being present, listening without judgment, and validating people’s experiences rather than dictating solutions.
• The Journey from Woundedness to Wholeness: As a recovering alcoholic, Father Blessing speaks candidly about self-worth, healing, and forgiveness. He emphasizes that behavior does not define a person—everyone is inherently valuable and worthy of love.
• Forgiveness as a Spiritual Practice: Father Blessing shares how forgiveness is central to his faith and personal journey. He explains that it is an act of will that unblocks the spiritual path, allowing grace and love to flow freely.
• Recognizing Our Own Worth: Inspired by Gandhi’s wisdom, he discusses the importance of self-love and acceptance. The greatest invention, he believes, is the mirror—because the person looking back simply wants to be loved.
• Marriage and Relationships: Having counseled many couples, Father Blessing offers insights into the challenges of marriage. He stresses that true partnership is about growth, patience, and understanding, rather than relying on another person for happiness.
• The Art of Silence and Reflection: In a fast-paced, noisy world, Father Blessing advocates for stillness and deep introspection. He believes that in silence, we hear God’s voice and discover our true selves.
• Wisdom from Hospice Patients: Through his work with Food for Love, he has encountered individuals at the end of life who have found peace, letting go of fear and embracing the journey ahead. Their reflections have profoundly impacted his understanding of life and death.
• Living with Purpose: Father Blessing humorously notes that when he retired, he told people, “If my garage door is open, I’m open.” He continues to be available to those in need, emphasizing that life’s journey is about embracing transformation and being open to growth.
• Faith, Identity, and Love: He reminds us that we are not defined by our careers or achievements but by who we are as children of God. True fulfillment comes from embracing our divine essence and loving others unconditionally.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The greatest invention in the world is the mirror, because the person looking back at you just wants to be loved.”
• “Forgiveness unclogs the arteries of our spiritual lives and allows grace to flow through us.”
• “We are called to listen and walk with people, not to tell them what to do.”
• “God is the potter, we are the clay. Life is about allowing ourselves to be shaped and molded.”
• “Love is the remedy. And sometimes, with gritted teeth, you just do.”

This conversation with Father Howard Blessing is an inspiring reminder of the power of faith, compassion, and self-discovery. We hope you enjoy this heartfelt episode of Discover Lafayette.

Listen & Subscribe: Find this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Follow Us: Stay connected with Discover Lafayette on social media and visit our website for more interviews celebrating the people and culture of Acadiana.

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Jude David, Executive Chairman of Stately Doors & Windows, to discuss the company’s role in delivering ultra-luxury doors and windows for high-end residential and commercial projects. His company does approximately $100 million dollars in sales each year to homes built for business owners, celebrities, and others who can afford to build no matter what the market experiences. Clients have included Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld, Alec Baldwin, Tony Romo, Diddy, and Calvin Klein.

A Leader in Bespoke Doors and Windows

With nine locations across the U.S., Stately Doors & Windows has established itself as a premier provider of custom, high-quality designs using exotic hardwoods, Swiss steel, and state-of-the-art glass. The company collaborates with top-tier designers and architects, offering one-of-a-kind solutions tailored to their clients’ visionary needs.

Stately Doors & Windows is headquartered at 315 S. College Drive in Lafayette, less than a mile from Jude David’s home.Pushing the Boundaries of Design and Automation

Stately specializes in cutting-edge bespoke innovations, including:

• Disappearing doors and windows that retract seamlessly into the floor or basement, allowing for uninterrupted indoor-outdoor living.
• Fully automated doors and windows, eliminating the need for manual operation.
• Custom shapes and sizes, ensuring that no design challenge is too complex, even offering bespoke door options for the owners’ pets.

Long-Term Planning and Project Management

Jude highlights how Stately works with architects years in advance, often three to four years before construction begins. Unlike many competitors that simply sell products, Stately provides comprehensive project management, from design conception to on-site installation, ensuring a seamless experience.

Expanding into Commercial Luxury Spaces

Although bespoke doors and windows are rare in commercial projects, Stately has found a niche in high-end hotels, including:

• La Fonda Resort in New Mexico
• L’Auberge Bishops Lodge Resort
• For the people able to pay for these high-end resort prices, it is worth every penny. Very few lodging options offer the luxurious spaces designed by Stately Door & Windows.

Additionally, the company operates a high-velocity door manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, producing 2,200 doors per week, and a millwork shop in West Monroe, specializing in moldings, corbels, and luxury finishes for hotel lobbies and upscale spaces.

Resilience in Market Fluctuations

Despite high interest rates, Stately continues to thrive. Their affluent clientele remain committed to their projects regardless of economic conditions, making their business model highly resilient in both up and down markets.

The Artisans Behind the Craft

Stately Doors & Windows is built upon skilled artisans who treat their work as an art form rather than just a manufacturing process. Jude acknowledges the difficulty in finding such talent and emphasizes the importance of growing artisans from a young age. The company actively recruits from high schools and trade shows, offering apprenticeship opportunities that lead to lifelong careers in millwork and craftsmanship.

Alternative Career Paths and Workforce Development

Jude believes that success is not limited to a college degree. He encourages individuals to focus on creating value for their employers, stating that career growth and financial success come from hard work and innovation rather than just formal education.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Leadership

Jude shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on his natural inclination toward leadership and growth. He thrives on taking calculated risks, expanding the business through strategic acquisitions, and constantly seeking new challenges. While he acknowledges the importance of teamwork, he admits to being most effective when in charge, shaping Stately into a powerhouse in the luxury construction industry.

“If you build run of the mill products in the U.S., you’re going to compete against all of the run of the mill importers. You better have something really special you can offer that importers can’t. Otherwise, you’ll be beaten on price every time. So what we focused on was how to go to the very high end of the luxury build and focus on bespoke and fully custom doors and windows. Bespoke is a good word for it because custom means different things to different people. We build one of a kind solutions. Most of our doors are one of one.”

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jude David’s visionary leadership and the unparalleled craftsmanship of Stately Doors & Windows.

Visit https://stately.com/ for more information and to delight in examples of the beautiful designs that have been crafted.

Jude David is also CEO of Kin Capital Partners, as well as managing partner of Final Ascent, a company that helps mid-market business owners ($5 million an up in value) make their business sellable and find the right buyer and tranistion for maximum value. His specialty is the art of acquisition, focusing on finding the right buyer, negotiating a deal that creates maximum value for everyone involved, and setting business owners up for a lifetime of success after the sale.

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Billi Lacombe, Executive Director of Faith House since 2002, joins Discover Lafayette to talk about her life mission to help survivors of domestic violence become safe. Leaving an abusive situation is never easy due to various barriers such as financial insecurity, lack of support systems, fear of losing children, and concerns over personal safety.

Faith House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Lafayette, serving seven parishes in Acadiana, which provides free services to women and children who need help in getting out of a domestic violence situation. Its main source of funding (75%) is through federal grants ( Office on Violence Against Women, the Department of Health and HUD), .and the organization relies upon volunteer services to keep its mission going.

Faith House’s mission is to provide safety, shelter, empowerment and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence. It offers confidential and safe resources to those most in need.

As a young women, Billi studied to be a paralegal and was contacted in 1998 by a former classmate who asked her to work at Faith House. She had always had an interest in women’s rights after seeing women in her life experiencing extreme hardships and the opportunity seemed appropriate for her.

Billi went to work at Faith House as a legal advocate helping survivors, getting protective orders for them, and she says, “That was it for me. I saw nothing else that I would want to do with my life other than continue to help survivors of domestic violence become safe. That became my life’s mission.” And for the record, during our interview, we saw the calming energy Billi brings to the table that is a gift from God.

Faith House addresses the challenges women face wherever they are, taking care of their family and trying to earn a livable income for themselves and their family. Many people don’t see the barriers that still exist for women. Billi says, “It is about justice for me. I just want to see justice, equality, and equity happening more for women so that they can exist in this world. Not having to stay with an abusive partner and to be able to live and support your children. You should not have to be abused just to be able to pay your bills. I mean that that’s what these survivors are facing.”

Many domestic violence victims and their families need emergency shelter. Faith House offers a safe refuge for those in the highest levels of danger who have experienced severe cases of domestic violence with a high potential for lethality. Billi says, “It is very typical for a family to walk in, a mom with a couple of kids, with absolutely nothing. Sometimes they don’t have shoes on their feet, they’re in their nightclothes and haven’t eaten for 2 or 3 days, and are starving when they walk in the door. The shelter offers anything you could imagine that you would need if you left your home with nothing. Toothpaste. Shampoo. A sandwich, some water. Clothing. Everything that you could imagine.”

Glenn Armentor has been generous in supporting Faith House through underwriting television ads which highlight Faith House and its mission to help domestic violence victims. Since this advertising campaign started six years ago, Faith House has had thousands of people call their hotline and say they heard the commercial and reached out for help. They would not have otherwise known there was a place to go for assistance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdgKE3-D6dUMany survivors worry about their children when considering leaving. Losing custody due to financial instability is a significant concern. Abusers often use threats of taking children as a means of control. The fear of homelessness and the inability to provide a stable environment keeps many in dangerous situations. Faith House offers emergency shelter to those in the highest danger levels, providing a safe space where families can focus on rebuilding their lives.

Physical safety is another major issue. Survivors are coached on strategies such as leaving only one car door unlocked and backing into driveways for quick exits, as well as making themselves as small as possible in a corner if attacked. Having essential documents and belongings ready to grab in an emergency is crucial. Teaching children to run to a neighbor or using a pre-established code word to alert the children to danger can also be lifesaving.

Survivors often freeze up during violent incidents, so training for automatic responses is essential. Faith House helps survivors develop safety plans tailored to their situations, including strategies for staying safe during visitations with abusive parents. Since abuse does not always end when a victim leaves, ongoing safety planning and legal assistance are critical. Faith House works with survivors to understand their legal rights and navigate court processes, including obtaining protective orders.

Confidentiality is paramount at Faith House. Many survivors do not disclose their abuse due to shame, fear for their safety, or lack of support from family members. Victim-blaming attitudes, such as questioning why they stayed when abused, only reinforces isolation. Faith House ensures survivors have a trusted space where their experiences are validated, and their safety is prioritized.

The legal system can be overwhelming, and financial constraints often prevent victims from accessing legal support. The Lafayette Bar Association provides essential legal forms and assistance for those who cannot afford an attorney, selling low-cost forms that help in filing protective orders, custody arrangements, and divorce proceedings.

The Faith House shelter consists of ten bedrooms, each offering five beds, with shared bathrooms and common areas, including a fully stocked kitchen where families can cook their own meals. This structure helps maintain a sense of normalcy. Additionally, a playroom and laundry facilities ensure that families have access to basic needs.

Recognizing that pets are also victims of domestic violence and have suffered physical and/or emotional abuse, Faith House has an on-site pet facility through the generosity of Red Rover, a national foundation dedicated to ensuring that survivors can keep their pets. Many abusers harm pets in the household, and having a safe space for them when they leave the abusive home is crucial for the survivors’ emotional well-being.

Faith House offers support groups where survivors can connect, share experiences, and heal. These groups are facilitated across multiple parishes and provide a sense of community. Additionally, transitional housing programs help survivors move from emergency shelter to independent living. A new facility in Mansura, Louisiana, is being developed to expand these services.

Community support is vital. Fundraisers, donations, and local volunteer efforts sustain many programs. Faith House recently launched Wildflower Lane, a boutique on N. Parkerson Street in Crowley, that sells donated items from local boutiques and gently used items from donors. Volunteers staff the shop, and all proceeds directly support the organization.

Board members and volunteers are instrumental in spreading awareness and securing resources. They assist with events, fundraising, and donation drives. Volunteers can also help with shelter maintenance, hotline support, court accompaniment, and organizing group activities for survivors. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, volunteer training is intensive to ensure proper care and confidentiality.

Faith House collaborates with the Acadiana Coalition Against Homelessness to address the link between domestic violence and homelessness. Many survivors end up on the streets due to a lack of resources, making accessible shelter options a critical need.

Law enforcement plays a key role in intervention, but victims may be hesitant to press charges. Officers are trained to provide support beyond the immediate crisis, recognizing the complexities of abuse. Community members can help by offering non-judgmental support, being available for survivors when they are ready to reach out, and connecting them to resources.

Medical professionals frequently encounter and diagnose domestic violence injuries when victims present themselves in the doctor’s office or the hospital, Recognizing signs of abuse and offering discreet support can make a difference. Faith House provides information through its Facebook page and community outreach efforts to raise awareness and connect survivors to help.

Volunteer projects range from maintaining shelter grounds to sorting donations and assisting with fundraising. Those interested can contact Faith House at (337) 232-8954 or the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-411-1333.

The organization’s wishlist includes expanded shelter capacity and enhanced therapeutic services. With hundreds of people turned away each year due to space limitations, additional facilities are essential. Faith House currently employs two full-time therapists who provide trauma-informed counseling, but more resources are needed to support survivors’ mental health.

Faith House continues to be a beacon of hope for those affected by domestic violence, providing immediate safety, long-term support, and the tools necessary to rebuild lives free from abuse.

For more information visit https://faithhouseacadiana.com/

Discover Lafayette thanks Billi Lacombe and her staff for their dedication in helping victims of domestic violence abuse achieve a better life!

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Ryan Pécot, proprietor of Adopted Dog Brewing, is a successful commercial realtor with Sterling Properties as well as a force in changing the food and entertainment landscape in Lafayette.

Adopted Dog Brewing offers a family friendly place to bring your kids and your dogs. Located at 329 Dulles Drive, it celebrated its second anniversary on February 1, 2025. A public celebration will be held on February 22 , 2025, where The Good Dudes will be playing. “They’re at the brew house right now brewing a beer with my brew master called the Good Brew 2, a Mexican cerveza with lime that we will release on our birthday party weekend,” Ryan says.

Ironically, Ryan didn’t drink beer much in his college days. And he recounted that when he and his younger brother would travel to sporting events, his brother would always sample local craft beers, while Ryan would choose generic alcoholic beverages.

“Ultimately I got jealous of him. And being jealous of your younger brother is not that cool. I realized he was getting more out of our trips than I was because he was getting a local flair whereas I was just getting the regular thing. I made a New Year’s resolution to learn how to drink beer. And on January 1st, I drank a beer and it was awful. And I drank another one. I couldn’t figure it out. I just didn’t like it. And then I got to a spot where I did. On one of those trips, I said if I ever learn how to drink beer and if I ever open a brewery, this is some of the things I’d like to do. Our flagship beer, which is aptly named 337, is a Blueberry Blonde inspired by a place called Boston BeerWorks across from Fenway Park. We walked in there and saw a bunch of ladies drinking beer, which was not normal. They all had blueberries in their beer. How are all these chicks drinking beer? Like, what is going on? And then I realized, that if I ever open a brewery, I’m going to offer a blueberry lager, because clearly this works.”

A few years back, Ryan wasn’t planning to open a brewery, but was inspired to open Adopted Dog by synchronistic events. One day, he and a friend were driving around the industrial area near Dulles Drive looking for a site to store their UL tailgating trailer and assorted gear, while waiting to have a B. F. Goodrich tire changed on Ryan’s truck. They happened to pass by 329 Dulles, the site of the former Cafe 329 which was owned and developed by Peter Martin.

“We went through that cul de sac by SLCC. I didn’t even know that road existed. We came across the real estate, and I asked my buddy James to pull in, and I peered through the windows and I’m like, it’s awesome. I’m opening a brewery. James said ‘What?’ I said I’m opening a brewery here. I’m telling you, as a real estate guy, when you see it, you know it. If I was going to open a brewery in Lafayette, this is the physical spot. You’re five minutes to everything, but you’re kind of in a donut hole of nothing else offering all that land. You sit there and you feel like you’re not in Lafayette for an hour.”

“I look for the little things. As soon as I saw the building, I realized that the patio on the back deck faced the southeast. That means you’re going to get shaded the quickest in our hot, long summers. If we were going to ever eventually build a deck and a stage that would be positioned correctly, the wind cut through the way the heat felt. The building with the high ceilings has pros and cons, but generally, it worked and checked all the boxes.” The site is also located in mid-city Lafayette, which was important to Ryan in his quest to develop establishments in the heart of our city, just as he has enjoyed when traveling across the country and getting to know the heart of local communities.

While the land and building were perfect, opening a brewing company in Lafayette was a challenge. Ryan says, “Without my background as a commercial broker, I’m not sure I would have been successful in opening Adopted Dog Brewing. A lot of breweries try to open in the city of Lafayette. I’m the only one within the city limits of Lafayette, and there were a lot of hurdles that had to be jumped through with partners on the municipality side. A Lot of utility, wastewater issues. There was a zoning piece, a lot of different little pieces. My day job (commercial realtor) is turning a ‘No’ into a ‘Yes.’ There were multiple times throughout the pre-development process where, if I didn’t do this for a living and know how to deal with the fire marshal or have the contacts to help me, I’m not sure I would have crossed the goal line. Honestly. I really was hoping that I could break down those barriers for the next guy, because life is better if we have four or five breweries, not just one in the city.”

Adopted Dog Brewery has been a big success. It appeals to locals and travelers alike. “We can see what credit cards are swiped from other states. You’d be shocked how many people across the country have sat down to drank the beer in our brewery.”

“Ultimately, we named one of our beers the BFG, after a $1 million BFG, because replacing the flat B.F. Goodrich tire cost me $276, but there was $1 million investment that resulted from the tire. So we named the beer after the $1 million pop.” Adopted Dog Brewing offers 18 beers on tap that are all unique. They also offer brews for dogs, which are broth-based.

Ryan has been to roughly 180 breweries across the U. S. and abroad, and he “took little pieces and parts that I liked and didn’t like, and I stored in my memory. Our son loves traveling with us. We like to expose him to the world, and the best breweries in my opinion are typically family friendly. When we get off the plane, we can go to a place that we can all enjoy.”

Close to 50% of people that walk in Adopted Dog Brewing are first timers, according to Ryan. “There is $400,000 of shiny stainless steel staring you in the face and people just don’t expect it. It is unexpected in most breweries because fire marshals can be difficult. It’s generally behind the wall, but I worked hard to make sure that it was in your face. When you’re sitting at the bar, you’re watching. If you’re there right now eating lunch, you’re smelling it. And they’re in there brewing a beer. The high ceilings were good for that part of infrastructure heating and cooling the building. When you walk in, it feels like a brewery, but it’s not a dingy, dirty, smelly thing. It’s clean, fresh, lots of windows and and that all overlooks the land. It’s like a little mini park, with kids running around with frisbees and balls. There’s nothing more beautiful when you’re outside on that deck, it’s just beautiful. Even in the heat in the middle of summer, it is just a beautiful.”

Ryan and Traci Pécot pictured at Adopted Dog Brewing.Ryan’s wife, Traci, came up with the name, Adopted Dog Brewing. But it took her awhile to be onboard with the idea of his new venture. She was concerned about the time and financial commitment, thinking that she would lose him for a year as he worked to open the business. “For weeks I kept saying I negotiated the land deal with Peter. And then one day, one Saturday morning, I started loading my truck with my tools, and she comes out and says, ‘What are you doing?’ I said, I told you I was doing this. And she said no. ‘Ryan, we can’t lose you for another year’. I said, look, it’s not going to be a year this time. It will not take a year to build out. There’s already some infrastructure there. It’s just going to be better. The good thing is she was wrong because it wasn’t a year. It took a year and one week. Okay, so I was way wrong. But, once we were in the build-out process and she had not yet admitted to me verbally that she knew the location was awesome, her face couldn’t hide that it was cool. We were drinking coffee on the back patio before I went to go work at the spot. And, she said, ‘If you’re going to do this stupid thing, you should at least name it Adopted Dog Brewing. And I knew then that she had buy-in. Both of our dogs are adopted and our son’s adopted, so we’re fine with adopted stuff. I thought it made sense. We knew we were going to be dog-centric. We do a lot of adoption events. There was no other intellectual property register with that name across the country. So that was an easy yes to the name.”

There are no plans to distribute Adopted Dog’s craft beers. “I interviewed a ton of breweries, read a bunch of books, lots of podcasts, and I don’t want to go down that rabbit hole. At the end of the day, beyond the difficulty level, you become a manufacturing facility. I did this to make Lafayette cooler. I did it as a passion project. I did it to employ awesome people. I did it to create a spot for my friends, family, investors, and a place to go hang out for Cajuns fans before and after games. I did not want to build an 18-Wheeler dock that I’ve got to worry about sales people and insuring that.”

“You don’t choose the flagship beer as an entrepreneur. Your customers choose it. You can just hope and maybe try to position yourself. 337 is a blueberry blonde and an easy gateway into craft beer. Craft beer is a thing that people come in for. 337 sells a third more than everything else. It is wild. I told my brewmaster, ‘You can run out of anything but you can never run out of 337.”

“There’s no beer in the city of Lafayette that’s fresher than mine, period. Pick anybody else in Louisiana. They still have to brew and package. It will go in a warehouse, probably change temperatures, come out of the warehouse, goes to a restaurant, sits in their cooler till they’re ready to tap it. Then they tap it. You know, it’s weeks out. We’ll tap some beer that’s two days old. Talk about a difference.”

James Lutgring, my brewmaster, and I have known each other since the mid 90s when I was working my way through high school and college in the Outback system, I was a front of house guy. He was the back of house guy. We could lean on each other to be successful for any given shift. Then, we had our professional careers and he came home, doing a lot of home brewing for a long time. I’d see him at beer festivals and events, at church. He was currently brewing at another local brewery when I texted him to see if he wanted to have a conversation. I gave him my vision. And before we hung up, he said, ‘Ryan, when you texted me, I was so hoping this was what you were going to ask me to do. And I was like, man, it was awesome. And so, you know, he, uh, he worked, you know, I couldn’t pay him right off the bat. So he stayed his other brewery for the first six months of while we were under physical development and Development of construction. We still meet once a week and, you know, go through the processes. He’s a scientist and an artist. I’ve also got other great employees, my kitchen manager, Jim Nobles, and General Manager, Mark Chaisson.

The food menu is perfect for pairing with beer or non-alcoholic drinks. “We reached out to other local people like Collin Cormier from Pop’s, for advice. We thought we had the menu, and invited him in to wreck it, and he wrecked a few things. That’s what I wanted him to do. We went through a lot of those kind of collaborations to get it right.” The number one entree is the Smashburger.

Ryan says that Collin “wanted a cooler hip food beverage scene in town, because if we can attract young professionals to our community or better yet, keep those who graduate from UL from going to Houston or Atlanta or Austin, that’s better for all of us. When I mentioned that we often get off the plane and go to a brewery, it’s always young professionals at 2:00 in the afternoon having lunch that are collaborating. It was very apparent to me that we didn’t have that spot in our city. People are moving here because they came to visit their in-laws and like things. We want them to stay.”

If you are not sure which beer you may like, flights are a popular option. Typically first-time visitors enjoy experiments with a flight. “I can look at the sales after a weekend and if there’s a ton of flights sold, it means we got a bunch of new people. Some regulars come in and get a flight, but it’s usually people who have not been, so a flight is a good way to start. My staff is very knowledgeable on the beer. We do beer classes at least once a quarter.”

Ryan is a big Cajuns fan and has managed catered tailgate packages. Popular choices are lollipop wings, chicken tenders and smash sliders.

Bingo is a popular event at Adopted Dog Brewing. Traci Pecot calls out the numbers and it is free to play. Other regular events such as Trivia Night and live music are offered as well. Check out the schedule at https://www.adopteddogbrewing.com/calendar/

Dogs are all welcome but because of local codes, they cannot go inside of Adopted Dog Brewing. “There are some weekends where you’ll have 40 dogs on the patio or on the lawn. We have three dog beers that are broth based and we have a specific menu just for the dogs. There’s some crazy dog owners who like their dogs more than their kids. They’ll come in and order a Smashburger. No bread. And that’s for the dog, not for anybody else.”

Ryan is also a partner in a new hotel venture to be built in Downtown Lafayette, called aptly, “Hotel Lafayette.” It’s going to be catalytic for what happens in downtown Lafayette, offering a wedding venue and event space. We don’t have a spot where a wedding party can book a block of rooms, get there, get dressed, do the rehearsal dinner somewhere downtown, get married at the Cathedral, second line down Jefferson, and go right back to the event space that overlooks the pool and the pool bar. I hate it when I have clients that fly in to do a real estate tour in South Louisiana and we end up dropping them off at a hotel that is in every town USA.”

Adopted Dog Brewing is open Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 11:00 a.m. for lunch. It closes at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; Friday and Saturday 10 p.m.; and Sundays 8 p.m.

Thanks to Ryan Pécot for the incredibly positive energy and creativity he brings to our local market. For more information on Adopted Dog Brewing, please visit https://www.adopteddogbrewing.com/.

We’re grateful to Lafayette Travel and Eat Lafayette for partnering with Discover Lafayette for this special episode.

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Molly Rowe, newly appointed Executive director of the Hilliard Art Museum, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her love of the arts and working with artists. Molly has worked with arts and culture organizations such as the New York City Ballet and Savannah College of Art and Design, and Fortune 500 companies such as Google and The New York Times.

Born and raised in Lafayette, Molly’s mother was an antique dealer; from an very early age, Molly was exposed to art, antiques, antiques, provenance, and the research that goes into collecting and telling stories about objects. She grew up appreciating art and objects, learning about other cultures and people.

At the age of 18, after graduating from the Episcopal School of Acadiana and ready to see the world, she left Lafayette at 18 to attend Cornell University where she earned Bachelor’s degrees in History and French literature. Molly then earned an MBA in Strategic Management from Tulane, and completed graduate work in Art History at Sorbonne University and Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris.

Molly’s first job was writing for the President and Co-Founder of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Paula Wallace. “It’s an institution that started with a dream of one woman who was an educator and now it is globally recognized. It is one of, if not the, largest private art institution in the world. It is a mission driven arts organization, and I learned so much about how it was run, how to build organizations of that nature, how to inspire people through that.” The experiences Molly gained help define her career.

“Whenever I started working with Paula Wallace, I envisioned myself to be a writer who was going to go on and do doctorate work in literature. I was very always interested in languages and storytelling. But through my work with her at SCAD, I realized that art has it own language and communicates things that words can’t. Through studying art and learning about art and exhibiting art, working with artists, you’re able to transcend time, cultures, and geography.”

Molly shared, “We so often think that being able to create an art object or a painting defines creativity. But some of the most creative people I know are creative in business. I’ve built my career on working with artists and supporting artists and building businesses with them.”

After her work at SCAD, she moved to New York and was employed by consultants who worked with arts organizations, museums, institutions, and galleries based all over the world. She eventually opened her own consulting firm with that same focus, at the intersection of arts, education and business,. Molly worked with over 50 institutions internationally, from the United States to Europe, South America, and Asia. Molly says, “It’s that work that allowed me to consult with incredible organizations such as Google, New York City Ballet, and The New York Times. My work with them was always focused around art and culture. I think so many businesses recognize the power of art and culture; in order to get a product into the hands of people, they have to tap into how their desired audience communicates, what they like, what they read, what they listen to.”

Molly explained, “Being able to tap into an audience’s culture means you’re going to be working with artists. It means you’re going to be working with the people that are creating and building that culture. That’s where I came in, as this sort of middle person, who would help organizations figure out how they were going to bring their product to people. It was always around working with artists. The other side of that was not only making sure it was good for business, but also that it was good for rhe artists. If we look at Louisiana, one of our biggest economies is cultural tourism. We don’t think enough about who is benefiting from that. My job was always making sure that artists were represented appropriately and that were being compensated and rewarded in the right way.”

When Molly moved back to Lafayette during COVID, she had a young daughter. She worked from home with clients and projects scattered all over the country and says, “It was wonderful, but at the same time I wasn’t really connected here; I was in my office at home, with the door closed, working with people that were not here.”

She was also finishing up her MBA at Tulane, and had been asked to serve on the board of directors of Basin Arts. She led a strategy session for Basin Arts, and then Clare Cook introduced her to the Dean of the College of the Arts at UL-Lafayette as they were also looking to perform a strategy session. Molly says, “It was through that introduction and the work I did with the College of the Arts, that someone asked me if I’d be interested in the position of the Executive Director at the Hilliard. It came at a very interesting time as I was just wrapping up my MBA. Serving on the board at Basin Arts brought me into the community here. I’m from here but had been gone for 22 years, so I was actually gone longer than I was from here.”

“Through Clare Cook, Founder and Creative Director of Basin Arts, I was able to reconnect and reroute, to understand how rich the cultural community is here. Clare really opened my eyes to what’s happening here today and also the need for advocates of our culture and bringing experience here instead of needing to leave Lafayette to pursue your career.”

Molly credits the Hilliard’s prior director, Louanne Greenwald, for lifting the organization to the place where it is today, and getting it accredited. “I think what makes the Hilliard very unique is that it’s tied to a university, a research institution. So one of the things I’m thinking a lot about is what does it mean to be an art museum that’s tied to a university in such a rich cultural landscape? What does it mean specifically in Acadiana? How do we communicate with other institutions? What is our role?”

She further stated, “We are deeply rooted where we are. We also have the ability to be in dialogue with artists and cultures from all over the world. So that idea is that we’re rooted in place and also connected globally. That connection is coming through our work in the arts and it’s that balance between where we are physically and who we’re speaking with globally. We hope to grow to be able to strike something that allows us to build our permanent collection as well as to have study and research around art objects that other institutions aren’t able to do as much. And that’s through our connection with the university and the scholarship that we’re able to tap into.”

There are currently three exhibitions on display now, the largest being the Rodin Toward Modernity. Curated by Ben Hickey, with support from the Hilliard Society and the Hilliard Board of Directors, the exhibition consists of 40 iconic sculptures in Rodin’s practice.

Molly says, “Today, Rodin is known as the greatest sculpturer since Michelangelo. But during the time he was practicing, at the turn of the 19th century and into the early 20th, he was not looked upon as such. He was an artist looked at as someone with vulgar taste, bumping up against tradition and doing something new. As we all know, someone who does something new is not always received with open arms at first. So the exhibition looks at Rodin as this figure who reshaped how we think about art, how we look at art, and how he reshaped the possibilities of art. Prior to this moment in art history, art and sculpture were very much figurative. As you walk into the exhibition at the Hilliard, the first thing you see is a grouping of five sculptures. It’s The Burghers of Calais, a monument Rodin was commissioned to do for heroes of the Hundred Years War. But these heroes are shown in despair. They’re shown in complete vulnerability as they were walking to their death. In Rodin’s mind, this is the moment when someone becomes a hero, when they’re putting up their life. It’s the courage and what comes of that, not a moment of glory.”

The Hilliard Art Museum offers a beautiful event space in Lafayette, and also offers the Hayes Town building. Look forward to March for a Spring reception, followed by a free family day in mid-March.

Molly Rowe’s thoughts on talent and young people’s creativity: “Art with kids is so much fun because there are no rules yet. They look at things a lot differently than somebody who’s had an education or had some experience and is kind of confined to this box. It’s fearless. I think your most successful artists are the ones that are fearless, who get up and try again and again. We see them as big name artists, but what we’re not seeing are the 30 years of trial and error that went into it. We see them when they become really big. But they may have had a very long path. It takes determination, that this is what I’m going to do, no matter the criticism, no matter if someone tells me it’s impossible. You see that in children. I like encouraging that and not putting limits on it. By putting barriers on our thinking, by forcing ourselves to call something what everyone else calls it, how are we limiting ourselves?”

The Hilliard recently celebrated 20 years in operation. Located at 710 East Saint Mary Boulevard on UL Lafayette’s campus. It offers 11,000 square feet of gallery space and is the largest exhibition space between Houston and New Orleans. The museum is free for members, faculty and students. Adult admission is $10. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5. For more information, visit https://hilliardmuseum.org/.

Discover Lafayette is proud to showcase Molly Rowe and the Hilliard Art Museum. Best wishes on continued success!

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Becca Begnaud, actor, musician, creative, and traiteur joined Discover Lafayette alongside John Paul (JP) Summers, Abbeville-based director and cinematographer, to discuss their collaboration on the 2025 Doritos Crash Commercial, which ranked in the top 25 out of 2000 entries. Together, they share their stories of creativity, healing, and cultural preservation. It is a story about synchronicity in life, healing, and maintaining a sense of humor.

Becca Begnaud has dedicated her life to preserving and practicing Cajun healing traditions. Growing up in Scott, LA, Becca had an idyllic life, close with her extended family. Her grandparents had a farm and every weekend, her family would go to the country, ride horses, and her grandma would cook dinner. “My house faced the side of the church and the back of the house faced the school. You could walk to the grocery store and post office, you could walk everywhere. When you talk about maintaining a culture, you have to look at what community historically looked like.” She grew up speaking English and French.

She learned the value of healing from her grandfather who was a traiteur.” “We didn’t even think of it as healing. Because if you had warts, or a headache or a sprained ankle, you went to see a particular traiteur. You could be rich, you could be poor, black, white or native. None of that mattered. If someone had given you the prayer, you did that.”’

Becca Begnaud pictured with her grandfather, Maurice Pellessier. Picture from Facebook.Becca says, “Every culture has within it a community of people who do healing work. So when we got together here in Acadiana with the Native Americans and the African Americans, and then us, the French Europeans, this method of healing developed in our region. It is basically prayer.”

As a backdrop, Becca was diagnosed in 1989 with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. One of the nuns at the hospital, Sister Hilda Mallet, told her she should look into healing work. “I thought, are you serious? Well, my grandpa was a traiteur. Maybe I should look into this. I studied Rieki, healing work, awakenings, and something called Trauma First Aid. There are lots of methods of healing out there. I did hospice work for 30 years, and worked with Lourdes at Camp Bluebird, a camp for adults with cancer. I have the perspective of a person who was ill. I have the perspective of a person who worked with a medical team, all as a volunteer.” Today, Becca continues her healing practice at her office at 600 St. Landry Street in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Becca embraced her role as a healer, never doing it as a way to earn a living, just as a volunteer. “When you have a catastrophic illness, you don’t have extra money to drop on treatments of any kind. You hope to pay the deductible of 20%. So, when I studied with nurses, we were talking about Source. If you are teaching in a professional educational setting, you can’t talk about what you call God. There may be Jewish or Native American people, Christian or Hindu. So, we talked about Source. We were all saying the same thing but in a different way.”

After many synchronistic experiences, Becca had a professor at the university, Frans Amelinckx, give her the prayer of a traiteur, Mr. Nestor Guidry. It said, “”Je suis parent and je suis parenté, ” which means we are related, we are related. You repeat it three times. And it is beautiful. Native Americans always speak of all our relations. We’re all one. We are. So that was a light bulb moment for me.”

When asked if you had to believe for a traiteur’s prayer to work, Becca said, “Traiteurs treat cows, pigs, horses and other animals that need healing. What does a cow or a pig know about beliefs or church? Then I thought if my grandfather could do this healing work, why not me?”

A musician to this day, Becca came up in a family of drummers and she played the drums. “When you play rhythm and you don’t really think, then who you are comes out. Music by itself is healing.”

JP Summers, a director and cinematographer from Abbeville, Louisiana, has been creating impactful films with local talent. JP first encountered Becca during the filming of 17 Year Locust and found her energy transformative. Her first acting collaboration dates back to 2018, when Hunter Burke asked Begnaud to serve as a dialect coach for “Lost Bayou.” Becca’s recent film credits include Intention. Another film Becca and JP collaberated on, Treatment, is in post-production. In it, Becca interviews Matt Allen, Ray Brasseur and Dr. Sarah Brabant, who taught Death and Dying. Her therapist, Louis Deshotel, was also interviewed ten days before his passing. Becca says, “My relationship with JP and the projects we worked on all had something to do with death and dying. It has brought us to this shared depth of that part of life.”

JP and Becca worked on a commercial for the Doritos Crash competition, which challenges filmmakers worldwide to create Super Bowl-worthy ads. Initially, JP envisioned a young man spreading his father’s ashes, but inspiration struck him to cast Becca as the lead. The result, filmed at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, was a heartfelt and humorous commercial where Becca’s character is eating Doritos while looking at this picture of her and a man at a younger age. She then looks over and there is an urn on the passenger seat. She grabs it, goes to the beach to spread the ashes, and the wind blows it all over her. The she’s back in the car, goes to get another Dorito, but there are no more in the bag. She then looks at her fingers and there are ashes mixed in with the Dorito dust. She enjoys it! All filmed with no words spoken. The tagline? “You have to be bold.” A famous Doritos tagline.

Becca and JP describe the experience as deeply moving. JP recalls, “It felt like a healing ceremony. The clouds literally parted as we began filming.” He further said, “That end of life question and dealing with death and dying is Becca’s message. And God had a plan to get that message in this weird, unique, sort of synchronous way. I think it is fun that a Doritos commercial can carry that whole package inside of such a short, 30-second message.”

Becca reflects on the balance between laughter and loss: “As a healer, you know not everyone will get well. Humor helps us embrace all parts of life, even the tough ones.”

JP and Becca’s partnership showcases the unique talent pool in Acadiana. From JP’s work with local filmmakers like Logan LeBlanc to Becca’s authentic performances, their projects highlight the beauty and resilience of Cajun culture.

“Becca’s energy brings something singular and unique to every project. She transforms humor into connection.”

Discover Lafayette extends gratitude to Becca and JP for sharing their inspiring journeys and to the community of Acadiana for nurturing such extraordinary talent. For more on JP’s work, visit Honest Art, and to connect with Becca, find her on Facebook or visit her office in Lafayette.

Watch the Doritos Crash Commercial

Experience the magic of Becca Begnaud and JP Summers in their Doritos Crash Commercial – a testament to bold creativity and heartfelt storytelling.

https://youtu.be/oWARtsbOmzI

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Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his mission to protect the citizens of Lafayette and to become the best marshal’s office nationally.

A 30-year veteran of the Lafayette City Police Department who worked his way up the ranks, as a detective and eventually serving as deputy and interim chief of police, Marshal Reggie was elected Lafayette City Marshal in December 2020. On January 8th, 2025, he celebrated his fourth anniversary in office. Of note, Marshal Reggie was the first African American to be elected citywide in the history of Lafayette.

The Marshal’s office is chiefly responsible for keeping the city court safe and secure, serving subpoenas to people called to court, and executing arrest warrants for people who have not complied with the law or court order. In the City of Lafayette, there are two city court judges, Judge Douglas J. Saloom and interim Judge Vanessa Harris, who was called to served upon the untimely death of Judge Jules Edwards.

Salary and benefits for the marshal’s office staff are paid for by the City of Lafayette. Everything else is funded by a percentage of criminal and civil fines and fees paid for citations and tickets. The employees are at-will employees.

“We have 32 sworn officers, as well as ten reserve officers. We have another 30 to 35 clerks that work in the building, handling the court, the tickets, the civil part,the criminal part, and the supervisors. We might have 400 people come through the door on any given day, and each person has to be searched to make sure everyone is safe.”

The City Court territorial jurisdiction extends over all territory in the corporate limits of the City of Lafayette, plus the Third and Tenth Wards of Lafayette Parish. The court handles claims for personal injury, general damages, contract, open account, and commercial paper where the amount of the claim doesn’t exceed $35,000, and small claims suits that do not exceed $5,000. It also handles landlord-tenant matters (Evictions) and violations of state misdemeanor criminal laws and/or Lafayette Consolidated Government City Ordinance violations that occur within the City of Lafayette. First time domestic violence cases also go through City Court.

Marshal Reggie mentioned the important work of the late Judge Jules Edwards, who endeavored to assist first time offenders, to keep them from getting in deeper trouble and ending up in Angola. When Marshal Reggie was elected, they started the “Renewal Program”, where participants learn to manage anger, control their behavior, and become better citizens. Upon completing the program, their efforts are recognized, and they have the opportunity to move forward with a clean slate by having their offense expunged from their record.

“The renewal program was something that I started when I first took office, along with Judge Edwards. When a first time offender gets sentenced by the judge, normally they have to do community service. With this program, they attend eight weeks of classes and we have people that have made major mistakes come in and talk to them. Maybe a guy that did 25 years in jail or was on drugs, stuff like that. So we show them things that, hey, this is where you don’t want to be at, but this is what you can accomplish if you’re doing the right thing.” Seventy juveniles have participated so far with great success.

“Most schools have zero tolerance. Now, if you get in a fight at school, you go to jail. Some of us older people remember when we were in school, you would have to go sit in a corner after a fight, but you didn’t go to jail. So now, you are arrested, you have to come to court and pay fines. I started seeing where the parents weren’t able to pay the fines, and the kids would wind up in juvenile detention. So the Renewal Program gives a second chance and the charge won’t remain on their permanent record. The kids have to be serious about the program, can’t miss any days, or be late. We did three classes last year and intend to do three more this year. We’re funded by grants.”

Marshal Reggie learned how to write grants when he worked for the city police. His office is now the only accredited City Marshal’s office in Louisiana and he was able to secure funding to offset costs of training and other requirements needed for the CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) through a $75,000 grant. “We meet the same standards that the city police and the sheriff’s office meet, who are both accredited by CALEA, We have to continue to work and make sure we meet their requirements. One of the things a lot of people don’t know is our marshals go through the same training as the sheriff’s department and the city police. The same academy.”

A new initiative of the Marshal’s office is to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) in private schools such as Westminister, St. Pius, Cathedral Carmel, and our local charter schools.

“We have SRO officers at the schools. We are meeting needs that the marshal’s office didn’t in the past. It’s a part of the vision that I have, to allow the community to tell us what they want and need done.”

Another example of expanded services offered by the City Marshal’s Office is park police. The park police were disbanded under the past LCG administration. “Lafayette city parks were having all types of issues. People just want to go to the parks with their kids and feel safe. We partnered with LCG to provide deputies in the parks.” The City Marshal’s Parks Patrol Division now covers 30 parks spanning 1,300 acres and 10 recreation centers in the City of Lafayette.

During the recent January 2025 freeze, many homeless people, as well as those with subpar housing, found themselves vulnerable to the cold conditions. At Brown Park and Dupuis Recreation Center, “warming centers” were opened. With the first emergency plan executed under the newly established Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), refuge for more than 70 individuals experiencing homelessness or inadequate heating was provided and the Marshal’s office provided security to ensure the well-being of all participants. The City of Lafayette provided bus service to transport individuals to the centers, and then back and forth to St. Joseph’s Diner for hot meals. Marshal Reggie says, “It’s an opportunity to help. We want all of our citizens to be safe. In my line of duty I saw during a cold spell like this, some people didn’t make it. If you go under the house with a blanket and it’s 30 degree weather, you might not wake up.”

During Marshal Reggie’s tenure with the Lafayette City Police, he started the Community Walk. “Officers weren’t getting out of the car. So they didn’t get to know the people in the neighborhoods, the people they were policing. So we started going into neighborhoods, knock on doors, and just talk to people. I tell the story all the time…an officer said, ‘See that house right there? That’s probably the worst house in the neighborhood.’ So I said, Let’s go knock. A 75-year old lady opened the door and she was all by herself. She said, ‘They sit on the porch. I’m scared to come outside. Y’all come sometime and make arrests and I could go to the store. But right now, I’m scared to go. Nobody had ever knocked on the door to talk to her. So we cleared it up. I still have a relationship with her and purchased a tv for her about two weeks ago.”

When Marshal Reggie was elected, it had been more than 20 years since the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program had been taught in Lafayette Parish schools. DARE teaches the kids about substance abuse, but has also evolved to teach decision-making and responsible behavior skills. His office has a part-time administrator, which he is hoping to turn into a full-time position. “hey teach about drugs, fentanyl, things going on in the community that the kids need to know. And then the kids get comfortable with the DARE officer and get comfortable with the uniform.”

Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas was awarded “Marshal of the Year” 2023 Annual Training Conference of National Constable and Marshals Association. Serving in law enforcement since 1990, Thomas served as patrol officer, narcotics agent, training director, homicide detective, and precinct commander. He graduated from the FBI Academy in 2011 and in January 2016 was appointed as the Lafayette Interim Chief of Police.

“I’ve learned so much through the years, and especially being a chief over at the Lafayette Police Department. I went from supervising 300 to 30 officers. We don’t handle the 911 calls and murder cases. So now I come to work, and they tell me about stuff that happened at the schools. It’s mostly stuff that makes me smile and makes me have a good day.”

A new website is coming soon for the Marshal’s office. In the meantime, note that the office has made it so much easier for citizens to pay their fines online. “You know, you used to have to come to court to pay fines, and we would have so many people in long lines. Now you can pay online. A lot of times we can call you and say, hey, the judge, just got a warrant out for you, but you have an opportunity to pay right now online. 50% of the people now pay online.”

We can’t thank Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas and his accredited staff for all the work they do for our community! Thank you Marshal Reggie for your commitment to excellence!

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Ari Dolegowski, a BioPerformance Therapist who offers transformative massage sessions with a tailored approach rooted in Physical Therapy and Eastern medicine, joins Discover Lafayette to share his philosophy on living a well-rounded and healthy life. He studied both Eastern and Western modalities of therapy in Thailand, Costa Rica, and New York City, to form an integrative approach to treatment and to better understand human nature.

Ari played pro soccer in Chile, Tel Aviv and the U. S. and maintains a consistently active lifestyle, biking whenever he can in lieu of starting up a car. He also maintains a Tai Chi practice which ensures full body power and optimal alignment. Tai Chi is a moving meditation in the form of a series of gentle exercises that create harmony between the mind and body. The ultimate purpose is to cultivate our inner life energy (qi) to flow smoothly and powerfully through the body, a spiritual experience as much as a physical one. Ari will be offering classes in Tai Chi this year.

Ari’s work focuses on optimizing the body’s natural abilities, through physical therapy and massage treatments to encourage clients to achieve peak physical and mental states. One thing many of us fail to do is stretch enough and he offers “Stretched Out,” a modality of massage with a lineage of Thai Massage, TaiChi, Yoga Therapy, and Western joint mobilization. “Imagine having a stretch, a trigger point release, and increased blood flow all at one time,” Ari says.

His practice also includes cranio-sacral massage, a gentle yet effective way to ease tension and promote relaxation, and can help relieve headaches, reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Local athletes call on Ari for deep tissue massage sessions to treat musculoskeletal issues such as sprains and sports injuries; this form of massage helps break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduces tension in muscle and tissue.

Ari offers consistent messaging on lifestyle, health, and wellness. “It all starts with us, our choices, our movement, and our intention to live a good life. Bio means life and performance considers honest personal health choices that can revolutionize your own path to developing awareness of the body and in the mind in order to lead an overall healthier and happier lifestyle.”

Ari’s background working for an Eastern-Western physical therapy clinic gave him a way to look at the body in different ways than the Western lifestyle. “Environmental issues, not just lead in the water but anything outside that we bring in on ourselves, whether it’s family or the news or politics, is a culmination of everything that we do. Then one thing can trigger pain, whether it is an unfortunate bike accident, being yelled at, a TV show that upsets you or the news….all of a sudden you have sharp pain in your neck and you don’t know why. People look for one thing to blame, and just want to fix it. Is it acupuncture? Meditation? A cortisone shot or a chiropractor? It might need to be all, depending on how tightly wound up you are or your physical and emotional pain.”

At times, Ari works with people who may have unrealistic goals who have pushed themselves too far and incur an injury, taking on physical exercise that their body is not ready for. “The body just says ‘whoa.’ You know, if you’re just looking to be healthy, maybe you need to go out and walk really fast a few times a week, rather than taking on running when you have never exercised. Because that’s really hard on the body.”

“You should be able to do your job and then offset it with what you do when you’re not working. If you sit all day, you should be in good enough shape that you can sit, stand, maybe go for a walk, do a quick stretch and not worry about that too much. ‘Am I sitting ergonomically? Is my desk high enough?’ I think it’s what you do outside of your job or your career that helps with that. Perhaps you just have a simple 20 minute a day or every other day routine that allows you to sit comfortably and achieve the small goals with minor adjustments you can build off of. People complain about their sleep. Whether you’re going to pharmaceuticals or you’re going to Instagram to get weird, funny pillows to fix your neck while you sleep, it will benefit you more to have a routine that you do during the day, and then you can rest or fall asleep or stay asleep.”

“I recommend that people build an achievable 20 to 40 minute routine that you do two to three times a week consistently. You can even do a ten minute routine that just wakes you up or calms you down, or just mobilizes your body before a sport or before you’re just going to sit down or even before you sleep. The magic word for anything is consistency, which is the hardest.”

Ari is a big believer in the benefits of Tai Chi. “It is for everything. Pick your ailment and Tai Chi can help as long as you complement or supplement it with something else. Eating right, finding happiness somewhere, or an emotional compliment of having good friends, enjoying your work.

We asked Ari what Tai Chi is: “In stillness you can sense movement. Once you learn movement, you can sense stillness. Until you find a class and go consistently, you will not feel the benefit of stillness, which is an upright meditation. Tai chi is a martial arts form of qigong. And qigong is a repetitive movement designed to build Qi. Qi is energy and gong is work. Through those slow, repetitive movements, you actually build up energy with the least amount of tension. You’re mobilizing all the bones, muscle, fascia and nerves.”

“I ran for years on a treadmill and you will not see me on one of those anymore unless I’m trying to do some funny Instagram reel where I run backwards eating an ice cream cone. It’s the way: getting the sun in your eyes and the sun on your skin. The air in your lungs. I don’t think we were made to ride a stationary bike. Although if that’s all you can do, that’s fine too.”

Eastern techniques are longer” a traditional Thai massage is two hours. “A traditional Chinese treatment can start in the morning with acupuncture and manual work or herbs, and then you have lunch, come back for an the next part of the treatment, which usually ultimately ends in bone setting or chiropractic work. It can be a whole day. The time it takes to heal is given more time. So instead of just treating your headache really quickly, with traditional eastern medicine it might take two months to get to the root of it and devise a plan. Threemonths to make herbs for you to drink or apply, and four to adjust the treatments as you get better to weed out what’s causing your pain. Whereas in Western medicine, no one has three months to have a headache.”

“The root causes of so many illnesses are stress and driving ourselves too hard. Think about heart disease. If we were more relaxed, perhaps we wouldn’t have those high rates of heart attacks and cancer. It’s just a different lifestyle. The Eastern medicine takes longer because they get to the root cause, whereas Western medicine, we feel the need to get fixed right away. Sometimes you may need to get fixed right away. I like taking herbs, but at the same time, I might need a professional practitioner to tell me to take an MRI.”

“I think everybody everywhere needs the same treatment. It’s just other cultures are different. Americans are apprehensive of manual treatments, whereas in Thailand, it’s perfectly normal for people to get a two hour massage and then sit in an herbal spa, bath, steam room for another two hours. The economy might not be flying as ours is here, but they’re in a healthier culture. In Russia, men have no problem being in a room with tons of other men and slapping each other with a banya. It’s a special tree branch that has herbal superpowers. And you’ll go in a hot room and you’re all sitting in there and it’s super hot, and one guy slaps the other’s back with it. It seems like torture. In Russia,it is perfectly normal for a bunch of men or women. If you go to Korea, you walk in, you all pay at the same door, and the women go that way and the men go that way. No matter what your creed is or how you feel in your brain, they don’t care. You go that way, you go that way, and everybody’s naked. But the men are over on that side of the wall. The women are over on that side of the wall. Nobody cares.”

“The other things fall into place when you take care of business,” says Ari Dolegowski.

To find out more about Lafayette BioPerformance Therapist Ari Dolegowski, visit https://www.instagram.com/ari_d_therapy/ or email aridolegowski@gmail.com.

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Paul Hilliard, President of Badger Oil Corporation, has led a wonderful life of generosity and love of community that provides a humbling lesson in being a good steward of God’s resources. At 99 years of age, he is sharp and insightful, a true testament to his wisdom and vitality.

Paul was 17 when he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps during his Senior year in high school in February 1943, quitting school when he received permission from his mother to join the war effort. He trained to be a gunner, handling machine guns in the back of Douglas SBD Dauntless (Scout Bomber by Douglas Aircraft) planes in air missions conducted in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. SBD was jokingly referred to as “Slow But Deadly.” He flew 45 combat missions and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in addition to receiving the Air Medal with six bronze stars.

Following his service, Hilliard earned his law degree from the University of Texas before beginning a career in the oil and gas industry. He credits the GI Bill for the opportunities it afforded him and so many other servicemen who would not have otherwise been able to obtain an education.

Hilliard exemplifies the selfless spirit and pride of our WWII generation of heroes, as well as the successful ingenuity of a veteran oil and gas entrepreneur. Known for his self-effacing wit and ability to achieve in spite of a hardscrabble upbringing in Wisconsin, Hilliard has been a successful independent operator and owner of Badger Oil Corporation since 1955 and has seen fit to use his success in business to help others in need.

Awarded the Civic Cup in 2003 and the esteemed national Horatio Alger Award in 2009, Paul has also been active in statewide associations working to improve the oil and gas industry, business, and civic endeavors. Paul has also been active in statewide associations working to improve the oil and gas industry, business, and civic endeavors. In 2015, he received the Circle of Honor Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

UL Press released Dauntless: Paul Hilliard in WWII and a Transformed America in 2023. Written by Rob Citino with Ken Stickney and Lori Ochsner, the book documents some of the most fascinating decades in American history: the impact of World War II, the importance of post-war social and economic changes, and the development of the oil industry from the 1950s to today. “Dauntlessis a compelling narrative tracing Paul Hilliard’s life experiences during the Great Depression, from farm life in Wisconsin’s Dust Bowl to his distinguished service as a Marine in World War II, his education through law school, and a long and successful business in the oil fields. Paul’s lifelong philanthropy and his passion for education and the lessons of WWII make him an inspiration. His life is the Horatio Alger story. He is, and always be, one of my heroes.”—Boysie Bollinger

Paul has been a generous benefactor in causes to help at-risk children learn to read so that they can overcome poverty as he did. He and his late wife, Lulu, provided $5 million dollars in seed money to start the Paul and Lulu Hilliard Art Museum at UL – Lafayette.

Paul has served as a National WWII Museum trustee, and he and his wife, Madlyn, have been two of the Museum’s most active advocates and supporters. They have provided transformative support for several Museum initiatives, including acquisition and restoration of artifacts, collection of oral histories, and education programs. In September 2018, Hilliard accepted the position of Board Chair of the museum, focusing on the completion of the its $400 million campus expansion. For more information, visit https://www.nationalww2museum.org, a treasure trove of thousands of oral histories and hundreds of thousands of photos depicting the WWII experience.

Paul ended the interview by sharing his gratitude for being born in the United States of America. He spoke of a favorite quote by Cicero: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Words of wisdom that we should always remember.

In closing, it is fitting to share the message of the bumper sticker proudly displayed on Paul’s vehicle…..Temporarily Unassigned Old Marine. Any group lucky enough to be assigned the company of Paul Hilliard has much to be grateful for!

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Matt Oldenburg, Director of Zoosiana, is our guest today. The zoo has been a family passion for years, as it was originally purchased by Matt’s father, George Oldenburg, in 2002, after a successful banking career.

George transitioned into zoo ownership to pursue his love for animals. Over the years, Matt took on a leadership role, managing the zoo’s operations and its expansive collection of over 1,000 animals spanning 150 species.​ Never dreaming he would run the zoo, Matt majored in wildlife biology, as well as marketing and management. While his schooling came in handy, running a zoo is a field of study that you learn on the job.

Matt Oldenburg at Zoosiana.Zoosiana, one of the few privately owned and accredited zoos in the U.S., is known for its education and memory-making opportunities, community engagement, and family-friendly attractions. It features animal shows, a petting zoo, a Louisiana swamp exhibit, and unique animals like golden-striped Bengal tigers, giraffes, exotic birds, and much, much more. Incredibly, the zoo welcmes over 150,000 visitors annually.​ Zoosiana is open 9 to 5 daily, seven days a week, weather permitting, except for major holidays and hurricanes.

The zoo will be 33 years old in 2025, and getting to that stage where it can become a legacy for our local families and visitors alike. Matt says, “The children who have visited Zoosiana through the years bring their own children and maybe their grandchildren, and make lasting memories. Perhaps taking a family photo by the same live oak tree that they took a photo in front of 20 or 30 years earlier. I think that’s a very special attribute. It adds to our efforts to connect the community with the zoo. Ownership has never been front of mind for us. We believe that we are the stewards of the zoo and of the animals on behalf of Acadiana’s children. Everything we do there is for the children, to be an education-based program and make an opportunity to create a lifelong memory of connecting you with an animal on some level.”

Zoosiana is located at 5601 Hwy 90 E Broussard, LA 70518, on a 45-acre piece of property in Broussard at the corner of Ambassador Caffery and Highway 90. It is privately owned and self-sustaining and with no outside funding coming into the zoo. “There was no life plan to land at the zoo. We never had unusual pets growing up, just a dog and a cat. But, I was excited about the zoo from day one with dad. Not every day has been fun or easy. But I think very quickly I realized that if I could pick one thing in life, I would probably pick what I am doing at the zoo.”

The zoo is busiest in the springtime and in the comfortable October season. “With a thousand animals to care for each day, no two days are alike,” says Matt.

“We go through quite a bit of food and, and we order our produce, fruits and veggies from the same vendors that restaurants and cafeterias here in Lafayette order from. Its not second choice. So it’s fresh produce and fresh vegetables of of a quality that you would be happy to have on your own dinner plate.”

Matt further stated, “We’ve got an animal care team who do a phenomenal job of providing the daily care and maintenance, which include feeding, cleaning, health checks, and monitoring. Enrichment is a very big part of what we do. We want to make sure our animals have a stimulating environment that they’re able to utilize and practice their natural behaviors. It could be leaping from one perch to the next or figuring out a puzzle feeder of some kind. We do enrichment with smells, olfactory sound, and visual.”

Zoosiana has particular meal plans for their various animals, and a recipe book for the different meals that lists everything that the animals can have and cannot have. With so many different omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores, you can imagine the varying diets from species to species. Matt says, “It’s thousands of pounds of food a week. We’ve got dry grain. We’ve got raw meat for the carnivores. the giraffes get gallons of grain a day. And we serve alfalfa hay, any type of hay or grain that you can think of we probably have at the zoo.”

Giraffes are very popular and the tallest land animal. They can reach up to 18 feet tall, and their head weighs approximately 150 pounds when fully grown. Their necks have seven vertebrae, just like humans do, but they’re elongated so as to hold and manage the head that which is big as a human torso. Their heads hold two eyes that have incredible eyesight and Matt explained, “The shorter animals out on the Savanna in the wild will typically evacuate in whatever direction the giraffes are evacuating, because the giraffes can spot danger coming from a bit further away than the shorter animals can detect. They’re known as being gentle giants. For a long time it was thought that they did not vocalize at all, but there’s been some research now that they do, but at a sound frequency that human ears cannot pick up on.”

Giraffes are beautiful and the males and females feed differently to prevent interspecies competition. Typically a female giraffe will give birth while standing and the calf will fall about six feet to the ground. The mom expects the baby to stand very quickly because a predator is not going to wait for the baby to run away. “She’ll probably push baby down a couple of times. So the baby learns how to get back up,” Matt says.

Zoosiana is fortunate to be an accredited facility, and it works in a collaborative effort with other zoos around the nation for the purpose of breeding. Zoosiana may have a vibrant animal of a particular species that they would like to pair up with, a male or female, and they can work with a number of other zoos who might have the opposite situation. The relationships are intended to benefit the species and in partnership with other zoos so animals do not need to be purchased.

The Oldenburgs have maintained a very humble, practical approach to their zoological facility. It’s not flashy and shiny. You walk in and you’re under the canopy of century-old live oak trees and bamboo forests that shoot up 30 and 40 feet into the air. One of the first habitats you encounter is their cheetah habitat. Matt believes they may be the only cheetahs in the state. In Zoosiana’ efforts to connect the zoo with the local community, they felt it was important to ask the community to help name the cheetahs. The public chose to name the cheetahs after the beloved Golden Girls: Dorothy, Blanche and Rose. The three are sisters and approximately two years old.

Zoosiana brought in two pygmy hippos about a month ago, which are small for hippos but still about six hundred pounds each. Bella and Noche came from South Florida and Arizona. Bella is in charge and Matt says from a physical standpoint, “Noche is stronger physically; Bella is a bit stronger from a mental standpoint.

Bella, one of two pygmy hippos at Zoosiana, pictured on November 19, 2024, Acadiana Advocate photo by Brad Bowie.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_8nzXUdj6yYOther animals at Zoosiana include three different species of lemurs, gibbons (smallest of the apes but biggest primate at the zoo, tigers, lions, birds, macaws, zebras, American alligators, camels, a pair of clouded leopards, and East African crowned cranes.

Most primates cannot swim so they live the island life at the zoo. They won’t attempt to cross the water, because even if they learned the process of swimming, their body mass is too dense and they would sink. The primates know that instinctly and will not attempt to cross any water deeper than a couple of inches. They’ve got full access to the trees, go all the way to the top, and do their beautiful hooping calls each morning and evening to the other islands at the zoo.

Train rides offer a 3/8 mile adventure out to the zoo’s safari pasture, where you can see free ranging blackbuck and waterbuck.

There is also a strong botanical to the Zoosiana property including the oak trees, and one of them is estimated to be 350 years old, registered by the Live Oak Society.

Matt says, “It’s a labor of love keeping up the zoo. We’ve got the most incredible people who work at the zoo. From animal care to maintenance to guest services and a number of odds and ends positions around the zoo. A lot of us wear multiple hats, but I believe we’re among some of the luckiest people in the world to work at the zoo, because most of our time is outdoors. What a great place to spend your time outside. We’re in the presence of animals and we are working to connect our visitors with those animals. That’s a great way to spend your time.”

The animals are a lot smarter than most people think. “Most animals are observers, and they’ll lay back and assess the situation and are very cautious. They take their time building comfort and won’t rush into anything without getting acclimated with the situation. If you spend enough time with any one animal, either as a species or an individual, you’ll find a reason to love that animal.”

The admission rate at Zoosiana for adults is $19.99 and children, $14.99. The zoo has a membership program that will get you into the zoo all year long, and is on sale now for 20% off. Visit https://zoosiana.com/ or call (337) 837-4325 for more information.

For young teens, it’s a safe place for mom and dad to drop them off with their friend group or on a date. They can walk around, get a Coke, Icee or a stuffed animal from the gift shop, and take a couple of selfies. Birthday parties and school field trips are also popular.

Matt remembers, “We had somebody say we should replace FaceTime with FaceTime, where you’re getting rid of the screen and you’re now face to face with an animal that you never even knew existed, or a species that you never heard of, or for whatever reason, the giraffe just took a liking to you during this particular visit. And you know, he can’t get enough of you or whatever. That’s special, I think.”

Zebras can be feisty and like a buffer between them and the zookeepers or maintenance crew. They’re muscular powerhouses. Matt says, “Some animals have bad days and good days. It’s interesting from an animal behavior standpoint, male primates typically are a little cautious around male humans because there’s a little bit of ‘are you threatening my dominance by being around me’ kind of a situation. We employ a practice of not doing things that would make that male primate think you are, in fact, challenging them. You should not make eye contact with them and don’t show them your teeth. And so if you’re in there for a particular purpose, maybe you’re cleaning the exhibit or doing a repair or an enrichment project of some kind. You’re focused on that and more or less being submissive.”

“We’re not too different from our long distance primate cousins. Most people are afraid of snakes, and most primates are afraid of snakes. And so we’ve had anecdotal situations where we were having to go in with a primate that you otherwise wouldn’t typically go in with. And we will put like a fake plush snake on our shoulders just so that they don’t come around us and we can get in to do our our task and get out pretty quickly.

Wintertime can be the hardest time of the year as most of Zoosiana’ animals are from warmer, tropical Savanna-type environments. They can handle our heat a lot better than most people assume. “Animals, are very smart. They’ll dial down their activity, eat less and move less in the warmer months to keep their body temperatures from elevating unnecessarily. In the wintertime, they’ll eat more and put on that winter coat, building up fat reserves to keep their body warmer. A body that’s digesting food is warmer than one that’s not digesting food. That’s why you see a frisky animal in that first cool snap; they’re getting their blood pumping and trying to raise their body temperature a bit. So supplement their environments by adding extra bedding, a heat source, to shelter from the elements. In the summertime, they can thermoregulate and, and provide enough self care on their own without a lot of input from us.”

Just the threat of a hurricane can involve intense planning for the animals’ safety. Zoosiana warehouses a equipment and supplies to have on hand because they can’t risk a store being out of stock of something they need, or a store not being able to reopen quickly after a storm. So if it’s a heater or tools to repair water lines, animal feed, etc., the zoo keeps an inventory on hand. They prepare as we do at home, so anything that can fly around, benches, picnic tables, etc. are all tied down,

The animals have shelters. They can go in, but some stay outside. The birds that are normally very talkative get very quiet. Matt says, “they can feel that the change in the pressure coming from the hurricane and with 45 acres and a thousand animals, hurricane prep can take days. We do everything we can that would allow us to remain open as long as we can. But at some point, what we have to do kind of forces our hand and we close. And so we’ll close typically a day or two prior to the expected arrival of a storm, because we’ve got animals that are off exhibit, no benches anywhere for people to sit on and our own staff needs to take care of their own homes.”

In the springtime the zoo puts on a spring themed Easter event. We decorate the zoo, give candy to the kids, have a photo op. In October, “Boo at the Zoo” with festive fall decorations, a costume contest, a photo booth, and candy is held.

We thank Matt and George Oldenburg and the whole team at Zoosiana for providing this precious resource to all of Acadiana! Please consider joining so we can keep this privately-owned zoo in our community for generations to come!

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Adam Daigle, Business Editor of the Acadiana Advocate, discusses the biggest business news of 2024 in this episode of Discover Lafayette.

We want to thank the Advocate for highlighting our latest podcast each week in their online Business Section. You can subscribe online at theadvocate.com/newsletters to keep up with our community’s latest business headlines.

The # 1 story in 2024, without a doubt, is the announcement that Buc’ees will be opening at the northeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 10. Rumored for years, this will be a major draw for motorists traveling along I-10, and most of the sales taxes paid will be collected from out-of-towners. When people travel, Buc-ees is a destination as well as a place to fill up the tank. The new site is projected to be a 74,000-square-foot building, complete with gas pumps and nearly 700 parking spaces, and the store is estimated to be a 13-month build, opening during the 2025 holiday season.

The closest Buc-ees to Lafayette is either Alabama or Baytown, TX, so Lafayette can anticipate a heavily-trafficked spot for people looking for that golden Buc-ees’ experience.

I talked to a convenience store analyst, and he said, “Buc’ees takes everything you hate about traveling, removes it, and replaces it with what you love about traveling. You want to stop there because you’ll never wait in line for a gas pump. You want to go there because you know the bathroom is clean. You want to go there because they’ve got unique snacks and not Cheetos that every other place has. You get a brisket sandwich or a hot dog with the gas station. They’ve just flipped the whole concept on its head.”

There’s a Tax-Increment Financing (“TIF”) district already in place that dates back to when Stirling Properties originally built the Target Shopping Center across I-10 from where Buc-ees will be located. At the time, there was no water or sewer lines and the project was only feasible with this type of government assistance to cover the massive infrastructure needs. The TIF was paid off quicker than anticipated and is still in play today. To accommodate the Buc-ee’s deal, a subdistrict was created, which will tax 2% of all sales, including gasoline purchases. While some question the need for TIF districts, this is a trend that has been taking place all across the U. S., and it is a negotiating tool that jurisdictions utilize to attract big business such as Buc-ees, Bass Pro, and other large retailers. As Adam says, “That is what you do to land the big boys. You got to pay for it.”

The # 2 story is the passing of Richard Zuschlag, Chairman and CEO of Acadian Companies. When he started his business in the early 70s with Roland Dugas and Richard Sturlese, funeral homes were dispatched to pick up people who were ill, and they were transported in a hearse. This was the era prior to ambulances and the trio identified a huge gap in the healthcare market.

Zuschlag was the driving force in the company’s growth, and he was also literally a driver of an ambulance in the early days. He attended all of the police jury and city council meetings to meet with people and get agreements signed. Acadian Ambulance would hold membership drives that ran on television, where people paid a fee to ensure that an ambulance would pick them up. Over the years, Zuschlag became the principal behind Acadian and the company experience extraordinary growth, opening up it National EMS Academy, Acadian Total Security, Air Med, Safety Management Systems, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, and Acadian Health (home healthcare services.)

The late Richard Zuschlag, who founded Acadian Ambulance and served as Chairman and CEO of Acadian Companies.Today, Acadian Companies is an employee-owned company with 5200 employees in four states. Zuschlag’s memory lives on through his family, and his son, Blaise, serves as Executive V. P. and Chief Administrative Officer.

The # 3 story of the year is the opening of Superior Grill at 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road. The restaurant is wildly successful, with the positive reaction of people being off the charts.

The core of Lafayette’s activity has been gravitation to South Lafayette, in the area of River Ranch, Youngsville, and Broussard. People meet to eat and spend lots of their money. Outside investors have see the strength of our market, and where the money and demand is. When Topgolf came in, according to Adam, “That put Lafayette on people’s radar. It’s the strength of our market, and people from the outside are putting up their radar.”

Superior Grill spared no expense in detail when designing and building the restaurant. Old brick, electric doors from Turkey, Mexican tile patterns, exquisite glass. The site is in a prime location where the former Randol’s Restaurant was situated, and is now a dominant force in our restaurant market.

The #4 story is the $19 million, full-service, 83 room boutique hotel to be built downtown at the former Don’s Seafood location. Sans Souci Properties is the owner and managed by Lafayette business owners Gus Rezende, Ryan Pecot, BJ Crist and John Peterson. Adam says it is significant to have local people invest that much money in a project of this magnitude, and to do so with our town’s best interest in mind. The project is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2025, and will be built by the Thrash Group out of Hattiesburg, MS which has experience with this kind of unique hotel concept. The hotel will feature a restaurant space, an outdoor pool and 2,500-square-foot event spaces.

The #5 story is Waitr filing for bankruptcy. Waitr was Lafayette’s shining story of success in entrepreneurship. Adam explained in these type of startups, the goal is to invest, hit success within eight years, and then to sell, to cash out, “Where some big shot comes along and says, ‘I’ll pay you $300 million for it. Everybody gets paid and more. Then they go on to something else.” But Waitr did it in only five years and was a huge success when it was managed locally. It was out in front of the trend of DoorDash.

The turning point for Waitr was when it purchased Bite Squad. The exiting local private board advised against the purchase, but the incoming public board wanted to grow the company’s national footprint fast. It turned out that Bite Squad was hemorrhaging money, $3 million per month, in a declining market share. Adam shared that Joe Stough, an angel investor who was on the private Waitr board, gave him one of his best quotes of the year. “It was like attaching an anchor to the company.” Waitr had been doing fine before the Bite Squad purchase, but things slowly unraveled and now Waitr is shut down in bankruptcy.

The silver lining is that all the people who were at Waitr went through an incredible learning process, gathering institutional knowledge of startups and how to how to make things work. They stayed in Lafayette, and one of them, Joe Stough is now a principal at FlyGuys, which specializes in contract drone operations worldwide.

For our Business Person of the Year, Adam selected John Tomassini, owner and proprietor of Jet Coffee, a rising local star in the coffee market. John played baseball at Oregon State, and “when his sister married a Louisiana guy she said, you got to come down here, it’s great. So he did.” Tommasini had a vision to start a coffee shop and his first was down the road in Maurice. Next came Broussard, then Ambassador Town Center by Dave & Busters with its rooftop lookout, and now its newest location on Johnston Street in the former Johnson Street Java locale.

Jet Coffee owner John Tommasini and manager Gabby Constant.Jet Coffee appeals to the young adult crowd which craves its energy drinks. The incredible part of his story is that he had to elbow his way into this market as a guy who’s not from here. His manager, Gabby Constant, shared that when she met him for an interview, he talked about Jet Coffee as if it had been open for ten years; he was had that much of a vision. Customer service comes first and Tommasini promotes from within, hiring people from the ground up and developing them into management talent. Jet even has its own roasting facility in Lafayette. We congratulate John Tommasini on his success and wish him the best as Jet Coffee continues its growth trajectory.

Adam and the Acadiana Advocate run their Power Poll once a month. People can sign up to answer questions on their opinions about the latest news. For more information, visit https://www.powerpoll.com/la/lafayette.

As we wound down our conversation, Adam shared a few other tidbits of developments. Starbucks is moving into the former Capital One building in the Stirling Shopping Center on Louisiana Avenue. The third Aldi store in Lafayette will be built across the street from Walmart on Ambassador Caffery. Amazon quietly expanded their employee base in Carencro to 1400. They originally projected 500 people. And, movie theaters are hanging in there with their $5 cup of Skittles and $8 popcorn offering families and friends the whole big screen experience where you can pop your feet up. Stuller is still the biggest non-healthcare employer in Lafayette.

We thank Adam Daigle for his commitment to delivering the best business news! We look forward to a prosperous 2025. Happy Holidays!

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In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we feature Mel Haynes, owner and proprietor of Sweet Envie, a delightful bakery and deli located at 4302 Moss Street in North Lafayette. Mel brings a beautiful sense of joy and humor into our world and shares her inspirational story of becoming a successful business owner who follows her instincts.

Since opening in 2021, Sweet Envie has become beloved for its heavenly pastries, confections, and a menu that caters to both sweet and savory cravings. Mel’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and community, as she found and followed her calling after a career in corporate management.

A graduate of the Accelerate Northside Program, Mel transitioned from her management role at Acadian Companies to entrepreneurship, fulfilling a dream that began as a conversation with her late husband as to what her future would hold. Inspired by her mother’s talent for baking and informed by her mom’s recipes, Mel honed her craft, from decorating wedding cakes to mastering the art of petit fours.

“Eventually I want to get to the point where I’m not working in my business as much. If my seven year old Samuel has an event at school. I don’t have to ask anybody if I can go. I don’t have to say, mother, may I? I’m going. so that’s freedom. That feels so good that I can just say, you know what? The kids have something going on. I’m one of those moms that’s involved. If the teacher calls me, I’ll be there in a second. I’m going to make sure that it’s wonderful. Whatever I need to do for my kids. They are my first priority because if it weren’t for them, I don’t know where I’d be. I’d probably still be working another job, but being able to wake up and go to work and show my daughter, my 12 year old daughter. You know what? If you decide one day you want to run your business, you can run your own business.”

Today, Sweet Envie offers not only baked goods but also a retail baking supply store and catering services, bringing smiles to clients throughout Acadiana. Sweet Envie won accolades in 2024 for Gold Best Deli, Bronze Best Bakery, and Silver Best Dessert in the Acadiana Advocate’s Acadiana’s Choice Awards.

Highlights from the Conversation: The Spark: Mel shares how her passion for baking was ignited while creating her “huge castle” wedding cake with her mother and later through baking for coworkers. * Leap of Faith: Following the loss of her husband and with a newborn on the way, Mel took a chance on herself, joining the Accelerator Northside program to gain the tools needed to launch Sweet Envie. * Challenges & Joys of Entrepreneurship: Mel discusses the highs and lows of running a business—from the freedom to attend her children’s events to the challenges of wearing all hats, including maintenance and accounting. * Community Impact: Sweet Envie provides a welcoming space where families and children can explore their own creativity. Whether decorating cakes or learning how to fry beignets, Mel inspires future generations. * Catering Services:* Sweet Envie offers both savory and sweet catering options for groups ranging from 5 to 300 people, with onsite food truck services provided by Mel’s fiancé, “Big Nick.”

Sweet Envie Favorites:* Signature cinnamon rolls * Chicken salad * Petit fours * Fried-to-order beignets

Mel credits her faith, compassion, and authenticity as the foundation of her success. She encourages listeners to embrace their dreams and let go of imposter syndrome, reminding us all that we are capable of achieving greatness. As Mel says, “You have to get out of your own way. That is a big thing that a lot of people suffer from. That imposter syndrome where you don’t think that you’re good enough to run your own business. You know, I saw X, Y, and Z do it. How can I do it? I’m not half as good, half as smart, half as talented. When in fact, you are just as good, just as smart, just as talented. I don’t ever use any of those excuses such as ‘because I’m this or I’m that, I won’t be able to make it. If you don’t get out there, you’ll never make it.”

Thank You: This special episode is made possible by Lafayette Travel and Eat Lafayette, who continue to support local entrepreneurs shaping the culinary landscape of Acadiana.

To visit Sweet Envie or place a catering order, stop by 4302 Moss Street, Lafayette, call (337) 344-4425, or follow on Facebook for updates and inspiration.

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The Acadiana Center for the Arts’ Sam Oliver, Executive director, and Taylor Davis, Board President, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the AcA’s 50th anniversary approaching, the superb programming they offer our community, and discuss upcoming events.

The Acadiana Arts Council, the organization that later evolved into the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA), was established in 1975. It began as a regional arts organization focused on promoting and supporting the arts throughout Acadiana. Over the years, the Council expanded its vision and programming, eventually leading to the creation of the AcA as its permanent home on November 1, 2010.

The AcA, at its core, is the Arts Council for the region, that offers Lafayette and the Acadiana region something you would expect in a larger metropolitan area: incredible performances from all over the world, high production quality shows, and the promotion of local and regional artists. It is a space for visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, and theatre. It is also a gathering place for social events, debates and forums for political occasions, and civic presentations that benefit the entire community.

Sam has served as Executive Director for six years. You can hear our original interview with Sam here where we discussed his educational background and what led him to serve the AcA. Taylor has served on the board the past ten years and was first exposed to the AcA at its first show ever which brought Lyle Lovett to Lafayette. Taylor says his service is “a labor of love,” and he and his wife, Yvette regularly go out to see and enjoy live music.

The James Devin Moncus Theater offers a superb sound system that was upgraded this year, with a seating capacity of 304 seats, “and there is really not a bad seat in the house!”

It’s a great time to join or renew your AcA membership as you receive early bird access to tickets for 2025’s in-demand performances before they open for sale to the general public. Yearly memberships begin at $35 a year with higher levels for those who want to support the organization at a higher level.

The AcA’s 2025’s Louisiana Crossroads series will showcase performers such as Steve Khan, Louis Michot, and C.J. Chenier celebrating the 100th birthday of Clifton Chenier. Scott Mulvahill, a Nashville based singer, songwriter and bass player, will be leading a full album length playthrough of Paul Simon’s Graceland album, which featured Acadiana artists with Zydeco and accordion music. George Porter Jr. will round out the year.

January 2025 will be kicked off with a two-night concert “The Roots of Fire Live,” bringing local Cajun and Creole together live on stage to perform, Other big name acts will include Lucinda Williams, Andrew Duhon, Ruthie Foster, and Kat Higgins,

Several perks are being offered to enhance your AcA experience. Parking is always a challenge downtown, so the AcA is introducing free parking with a ticket at the parking lot across from Chase Tower on Jefferson Street. If you’re planning dinner and drinks after a show, the AcA has partnered with downtown restaurants such as Vestal and Pop’s Poboys who are doing pre-show discounts on meals. The Aca has also partnered with restaurants such as Pamplona and Ton’s Downtown who will stay open later on show nights to offer post-show cocktails,

In order to ensure a lineup of performances which pleases its patrons, the AcA put out a survey asking for the types of acts desired by the community. Putting together a 50th anniversary season “had to be not just good, but something that our audience and our supporters really resonate with. We actually put out a survey where we said to members of ACA, tell us what you want to see”, Sam Oliver said.

In honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of AcA, on December 7, 2024, the Pelican Ball will honor five people who have made an impact over the course of its existence. One of the founders of the Acadiana Center for the Arts, Janet Begneaud, was an active participant in the original Arts Council in 1975, and will be recognized for her early work in creating the organization while a volulnteer with the Lafayette Junior league, which was which was very involved in the founding. Begneaud has remained involved throughout the past 50 years as a member and a board.

Sharon Moss, a generous philanthropist and supporter of the arts in Lafayette will also be honored, along with Todd Mouton, who founded the Louisiana Crossroads series 24 years ago as an educational forum. Cathy Webre and Jody Nederveld, who played big parts in the creation of the Downtown Development District and the Downtown Cultural District, with the streetscaping of Jefferson Street, the planting of beautiful cypress trees and creative placemaking work through the 80s and 90s will also be honored.

A highlight of the Pelican Ball each year is the auctioning off of two special pelicans: one is pre-decorated and the other, known as “the Ghost,” will be available to the highest bidder. The blank pelican is always very desirable because it offers the opportunity to have a pelican custom-made by an artist to suit the winner’s dream of what their pelican should represent.

Artie was purchased in 2023 as a Ghost Pelican through the Acadiana Center for the Arts by Annie and Joe Spell and then commissioned by Tides Medical’s Sarah Marr.

According to Tides Medical’s Facebook Page, “Artie, in his wisdom, is a pelican of many talents and curiosities. He meditates daily, enjoys the harmonica, is pursuing a master’s in philosophy, and winds down with an ice-cold IPA at the local microbrewery. We are so proud to house him at our headquarters to inspire all who see him to “ride the wave that is life.”

There are currently 89 Pelicans on Parade showcased around town. The idea originally began to recognize the schools where the AcA’s programs were active, and students participated in decorating them. Soon, business owners and people around the community said, ‘I want a pelican.’ So the AcA introduced the pelicans as something that businesses could sponsor as a way to provide support for the AcA’s art and education work. The annual Pelican Ball is the only venue where you can access the opportunity to bid on your own pelican.

Admission to the Pelican Ball on December 7 is $125 per ticket. Dress is black tie optional, but “dancing shoes are mandatory!”

Besides the Pelican Ball, the AcA hosts two yearly signature events: Gulf Brew in October and a Spring Jazz Brunch hosted at the beautiful home of Kip and Carolyn Schumacher. Throughout each year, there are 100 events held at the AcA..

The Louisiana Music Museum is a big project in the works, with construction to begin in 2025. It will be located immediately next door to the ACA in the Lafayette Hardware Store, the oldest commercial building in downtown Lafayette which is listed on the National Historic Register. The project commenced in 2021 and significant progress has been made on the design. Jane Vidrine was recently hired as the Director. A capital campaign to raise $10 million is underway.

Sam Oliver speaking in front of the former Lafayette Hardware Store, soon to be the Louisiana Music Museum.Sam says, “This project is about telling the story of Louisiana’s music and musicians who have made an impact on the whole world through melodies that resonate throughout the world. But today, there is really no home to share these stories. So we want to build a place to connect people back to this place and our culture, to have a place where people can visit and go further and find something new. To really help the local person understand the impact of our culture and be proud of it. We want to tell these stories from the lens of Acadiana and talk about those connections and the story of community, the people and places, traditions, struggle and strife, joy and celebration, and how music is an essential part of all those things.”

“I would really like to communicate how important our cultural economy is to this community. Festival Acadiens, Festival International, all the many festivals that we have. This is not just fun and games. This is our economy. We talk about oil and gas or medical economies. But the cultural economy is so unique to Louisiana. When we talk about the Louisiana Music Museum, this is going to be a big conversation of how we can share our cultural economy with the world,” says Taylor Davis, Board President of the AcA.

AcA brings equitable access to the arts through year-round education and outreach activities and aims to build a more sustainable cultural ecosystem for future generations in Acadiana across an eight-parish region that includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes. Arts in Education is one of the most significant contributions AcA makes in our community, touching the lives of 40,000 children in 89 schools throughout Acadiana and education committee.

PACE (Primary Academic and Creative Experiences) assists schools in teaching the arts and teaching other academic areas through the arts. Each year, AcA’s team of Teaching Artists provide lessons in 546 preK–3rd grade classrooms on a weekly basis. Teaching Artists conduct arts integrated classes that advance state standard curriculum in Science and Social Studies through engaging activities rooted in visual art and dance. PACE is based on the idea that children learn in a variety of ways.

Speaking on the importance of the AcA providing access to arts education to 40,000 children each year, Sam Oliver says, “Only with that access can you create that spark that can turn into a real fire of passion, but it could not be possible at all without that exposure. So we’re not there to provide the the air for the fire, the oxygen for the entire life. But we are there to help provide the spark.”

ACA teaching artists who are professional artists in a variety of disciplines such as visual arts, music, dance, theater go into those schools and teach. These lessons offer courses that those schools couldn’t otherwise offer due to limited budgets.

The Student Arts Expo is a one day festival each Spring where the AcA brings in students to perform or exhibit their visual artwork. It is the premier arts event in where you can get a glimpse of all of the best artworks created by the students educated by the AcA Teaching Artists each school year.

The public can walk in to tour the AcA and check out its exhibits for $10 general admission. One great exhibit currently up through January 2025 is the George Loli exhibition. A well-kept secret is that you can go the Lafayette Parish Public Library and check out passes to the AcA, as well as to Vermilionville, the Science Museum, and the Hillard Museum.

For more information, visit https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/

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Our guests today are Jeff Martin and Blake Adams, creators and proprietors of Short and Fat, a unique custom men’s clothing line. While there are plenty of options out there for plus sizes, big and tall, and regular, there just aren’t traditionally that many for, well, someone who may be short and fat.

Short and Fat originated in 2017 as Jeff and Blake’s response to a lack of clothing options for men who are “short and fat”. Their online store focuses on a subscription-based service for men’s
custom shirts with hundreds of choices for customers. Shirts can be ordered on their website,
https://shortandfat.com/ and have a one-month turnaround.

Customers are shown nine videos which demonstrate the correct way to measure yourself and Short and Fat takes these measurements to make a perfectly tailored shirt! There are nine different cuffs and collars to choose from, as well as a choice of pocket, button color, button stitching, and shirt fabric.

Jeff Martin tells us they are “custom built shirts for custom built men” which will give
their customers confidence in their appearance.

https://youtu.be/OsNeqgrmFMEThey have found five pain points for men’s dress shirts: collars, shoulder seams, sleeve length, shirt length, and something they call the “belly wink”. Blake describes it as the moment where someone’s shirt is too tight, and the buttonhole opens and “winks” at you.

Short and Fat addresses these pain points with the 3 important variables to feeling more confident: fit, fabric, and fashion. They want the shirts to fit well, with over 1200 fabrics to choose from while also adding the fashion aspect with small details like buttons.

The custom shirts, manufactured in Bangkok and shipped directly to Short and Fat, are all
wrinkle free, aside from the linen, and customers don’t have to tuck in their shirt if they don’t
want to.

The average Short and Fat customer stays with the business for a long time, because once the
shirt fits perfectly, the measurements and customizations are saved. The subscription service
allows customers to receive custom shirts they know will fit well on a quarterly basis. Blake Adams has a “no bullshirt guarantee” that if a shirt doesn’t fit perfectly, they’ll retry until they get it right.

Blake’s customer service is one reason why the business made it through the pandemic
after production shut down. He kept customers up to date and made sure they received the shirts they were owed once production picked up again.

Blake also uses a one-on-one approach with customers for their custom blazers and suits. Suits and blazers cannot be ordered on their website yet, but Blake will assist customers in creating the perfect suit through email. He helps with fabric, accent color, and gives advice to first time customers when creating their suit or blazer.

The idea for the business began when Jeff Martin was shopping in the “big and tall” section of
the men’s department store. He had trouble getting a shirt to fit his neck and said, “I’m not big
and tall, I’m short and fat”. Later, he met Blake at a Catholic retreat where they shared their
similar struggles with men’s shirts. Blake was on board immediately, the two entrepreneurs
launched a Kickstarter campaign, and Short and Fat was born as a way to help men who are “vertically challenged and horizontally blessed.”

Now they say that they are a startup with eight years of experience since COVID shut them down for nine months.

Short and Fat is a passion project for Jeff Martin and Blake Adams, and Jeff says, “we know our
customer; we are our customer”. This passion is apparent from their dedication to making clothes that men want to wear and that fit them.

https://youtu.be/RXvS7JQSLZALearn more at https://shortandfat.com/. Their hilarious and informative videos
can be found on their YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok which are all
@shortandfat.

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Becky Collins and Jennifer Joseph, volunteers with the Bayou Teche Museum in New Iberia, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the museum’s inaugural fundraising musical event, Music On Main, taking place November 21, 2024.

Located at the Bayou Teche Trading Company, Music on Main will be filled with food, music, and fun! The two bands performing are The Eighties Experience, an 80’s and 90’s tribute band, and 5th Avenue, playing R&B, country, and zydeco music. Co-chair member Jennifer Joseph says, “we’re also going to be combining music with laughter” and Jerrod Guillory, a local comedian, will certainly bring laughs to the event. Music On Main is a casual event that takes place both indoors and outdoors so Jennifer says “come as you want,” but get there early because there is a capacity limit. The first band starts at 7pm; doors open at 6pm. Attendees can park in Bouligny Plaza or across from the Bayou Teche Trading Company.

Admission is $60 per person, and tickets can be purchased on their website, their Facebook page, or at the door at the event. The museum is also asking for sponsors to donate to the fundraiser in one of 3 tiers: The Bronze level at $250 will receive 2 complimentary tickets, Silver at $500 will receive 4 tickets, and Gold at $1000 will receive 8 tickets. All proceeds will go towards expansion of the museum, namely the “Doc” Voorhies wing, and improvements to the exhibits.

When there isn’t a fun-filled music event, the Bayou Teche Museum is open from 10-4 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There is an admission fee, but Veteran’s tickets are free so Becky and Jennifer urge Veterans to check out the museum.

The Bayou Teche Museum at 131 E. Main Street, opened in 2010, and displays historic exhibits and art from New Iberia and the surrounding areas. Becky Collins states the museum’s mission: “Our mission is simple: Education, preservation, and engagement”. It reflects the excitement of New Iberia as well as the rich history of the towns along the Bayou Teche. As proof of her love New Iberia, Becky tells us, “I could live anywhere in the United States…we choose to live there because it is such an exciting place”.

The museum serves as a bridge to bring the community together, and with a diverse board of directors, they are open to any suggestions to improve the museum. Going with their mission of engaging with the community, the museum wants to include members from pre-school as well as those from nursing homes and assisted living. The museum is hoping to add more interactive exhibits with the funds from the music event.

When you step into the museum, there is a timeline that starts all the way back to 10000 BC where it traces the earliest Native Americans through New Iberia. It also includes artifacts and pottery from 400 AD connected to the Atakapa tribe. The timeline ends in 2013 as the museum was opening. There are several interesting artifacts thanks to the generous donations from the community. The Exhibit Acquisition Committee is in charge of going through these donations and determining if they have a purpose and fit the meaning of the museum.

Some special exhibits include stories from Beyonce and Solange Knowles, who have connections to New Iberia, as part of their music area, and the painting that George Rodrigue was working on when he died. Becky Collins also tells us about her favorite exhibit, the Salt Mine. In this part of the museum, guests can step into an elevator and “it simulates what it would be like to ride down to the bottom of the salt mine”. It involves a fully immersive experience, including a lever that triggers a dynamite explosion.

Exciting and interesting exhibits such as these are possible through generous donations from the community, so they urge those interested to join them on November 21st for Music On Main. For more information, reach out to bayoutechemuseum@gmail.com.

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Our guests today are Mia and Rob Sandberg, husband and wife, and a dynamic duo of entrepreneurship!

Mia is the proprietor of Root Floral on Jefferson Street in Downtown Lafayette, 810 Jefferson Street. The shop is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless an event taking place.. Her company specializes in providing floral arrangements for events, weddings, and everyday flowers. They offer a subscription service where you can sign up to give periodical gifts of flowers to that special someone. Open for walk-in arrangements, Root Floral’s stock varies from day to day, so Mia advises people to order online or call ahead if they can. Big events like weddings can affect the in-store supply so it’s best to place an order well in advance.

Rob is the proprietor of Lucia, a bakery that offers not only delicious pastries but baked goods that offer a feast for the eyes! One look at their website will have you running to Lucia, located at 607 Kaliste Saloom Road. Lucia started out as a small batch, from-scratch bakery that began doing popups in our downtown area in late 2020, selling brioche-stuffed donuts (bombolonis) and then slowly began adding laminated pastries to the rotational menu. Lucia now concentrates on viennoise-style baking, a form of pastry made famous in France with origins in Vienna.

Mia proudly shares the expansion of her online event collections, which now includes 21 color palettes to choose from. This is a great option for a bride who just needs basic items or those who don’t want to go through the whole process of meeting. These collections can be used for bridal showers, baby showers, Christmas parties, or any special occasion. It’s also a great way for clients on a budget to order flower arrangements.

For clients worried about costs, Mia says that Root Floral will work with clients on a budget to help them achieve a beautiful arrangement for their special day. She explains that for pricing, they “price everything out by the stem” and “use a system called curate”. This is helpful for adjusting the number and types of flowers based on a client’s budget.

Mia graduated from the UL-Lafayette with a degree in interior design in 2008. She is passionate about color, texture and proportions, which she says helps her now in making her floral arrangements. After graduating, she took various jobs in product design and interior design in Dallas, Texas. She also was a waitress as Toulouse, the same restaurant Rob worked as a pastry chef.

When the couple moved back to Lafayette in 2012, Rob was the one who suggested she open a flower shop. So, she began creating and sharing her creations inside of a small portable storage building at her parent’s house in Cecilia. For a year she says she was “sending arrangements to as many businesses as I could”, like Carpe Diem or Kiki, to promote her work. She attributes good photography, Facebook, and her unique arrangements for her success. In the beginning she says, “there was lots of spray paint”. Within a year, she outgrew that location and moved to downtown Lafayette. Now she continues to provide beautiful flowers for events across Lafayette. It is an understatement to say that her company began to flourish; Root Floral has even been written up in Martha Stewart Living!

Lucía, a boulangerie and viennoiserie located at 607 Kaliste Saloom Road near St. Pius was opened by Rob Sandberg in 2021. He began in the bakery business by doing popups and later selling pastries at the Moncus Park farmer’s market where his brother Ruben Sandberg came on board. Lucía sold out each Saturday for about 2 years before Lucia opened on Kaliste Saloom. Rob says in the early days, he and Mia converted their sunroom into a bakery where their were frying donuts and making custards.

Pastries and floral bouquets showcased at Lucia Mother’s Day weekend 2024. A wonderful partnership between Mia and Rob Sandberg.Lucía is open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 – 2, but Rob says, “we close when we sell out so usually, we don’t make it to 2”. The bakery is full of beautiful and delicious Viennese style pastries, croissants, Danishes, Bomboloni, lemon tarts and more. It’s a cozy atmosphere with 6 tables inside and outdoor seating available, although Saturdays are almost always busy, so Rob mentions the best times to go are from 8 – 11! The recipes are all created by Rob and his brother Ruben and he says, “we make everything from scratch”.

Lucia BakehouseRob got his start in 2008 where he attended a 2-year culinary school in Dallas, Texas. He describes his love of the “artistic side of cooking” and began working in a French restaurant (Toulouse) as a pastry chef making lots of souffles and as a garde manger making salads.

When the couple moved back to Lafayette in 2012, Rob got a job as a line cook working for Jolies. He then worked in restaurants that were just starting up, like Pop’s Po’boys. He notes that, “most restaurants I’ve worked in, I’ve worked in from the beginning”. He then took a break from restaurants and helped Mia with Root Floral for about a year.

During the pandemic, Rob decided he wanted to get back into baking and “wanted to do something different that no one else is really doing”. And he had no experience at that time baking pastries yet mastered hir craft beautifully. A few years later, Lucía Bakehouse is selling out within hours, constantly improving their menu and creating delicious treats.

Rob’s advice to up and coming entrepreneurs is to be careful with your funds. He obtained a $35,000 loan from Home Bank and utilized some of the couple’s savings. It is difficult to obtain loans as a newly minted business and never a good idea to get in over your head in debt.

To learn more about Lucía, visit https://lucialafayette.com/ or go to their Instagram @luciabakehouse.

To learn more about Root Floral, visit their website or Instagram @rootfloraldesign.

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Dr. Shannon Bernard and Michelle Luquette, representatives of On Track by 5 Alliance for the Lafayette Parish Public School System, join Discover Lafayette to discuss their department’s mission to improve the quality and access of early care and education for children from birth to age 5 years of age. The research is clear: 90% of brain development occurs before age 5.

Great work is being done to improve early childhood educational options for young people which is being funded through School Readiness Tax Credits and the generosity of Lafayette businesses. You can actually designate up to $5,000.00 of your state tax dollars that are owed each year to go to On Track by 5 Alliance, and then get a refundable tax credit of that same amount.

How does this work? In January of 2008, Louisiana established a package of refundable state tax credits for businesses designed to support quality child care pursuant to LA R. S. 47:6107. A business is defined as any for-profit or not for-profit entity, which includes sole proprietors, partnerships, limited liability corporations, and corporations. Your CPA can help you file for this refund if you give them a heads up before filing your tax documents. See below for Michelle Luquette’s contact information to ask questions on this detail.

How to Claim the School Readiness Tax Credit for Businesses?

To file the SRTC for businesses: a) Filing Individually: complete tax form IT-540; b) Filing as a corporation or franchise: complete tax form CIFT-620; c) Filing for non-profit organization: complete tax form CIFT – 620.

These tax credits provide businesses with a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $5000 for donations made to Child Care Resource and Referral agencies that are contracted by the Department of Education. On Track by 5 Alliance is such an agency and your contributions go directly to benefit children that live in Lafayette Parish. You can make this designation each and every year, get a tax refund, and know that your money is being dedicated to early childhood educational efforts for our must vulnerable and in-need young people.

Pictures above were taken when Ochsner’s Lafayette General adopted Campbell Academy Childcare Center. Ochsner’s Lafayette General participates in the School Readiness Tax Credit as a non-profit, giving OTb5 $5000 contribution per entity in its health system and in return Ochsner’s entities get their contribution back with the dollar-for-dollar refundable tax credit program. These dollars are invested directly into our publicly funded childcare centers and Campbell Academy was able to get a Frog Street Pre-K curriculum. OTb5’s mission is to have all children in Lafayette Parish kindergarten ready! Paul Molbert said this is part of their “Healthy State” initiative as education is one of the key components of improving the healthcare status of our citizens.

The School Readiness Tax Credit and ON TRACK programs here in Lafayette are so special because they serve learning centers and programs only in Lafayette Parish. Lafayette applied to be a Childcare Resource and Referral Agency just for Lafayette parish, so businesses know their dollars are staying in the parish and serving local centers when they designate . This tax credit not only boosts the economy by investing money back into the parish, but also ensures that children will become contributing members of society.

In Lafayette Parish there are 58 publicly funded centers (meaning they accept childcare tax dollar assistance) and over 100 centers total which service over 6,000 children. Some publicly funded centers include Gifted Early Learning Center, Little Blessings, Little Miracles, and LA 4 (a public pre-school). In a typical school day, children are learning through play, such as dramatic play, sensory play, and manipulatives. Manipulatives are tools like string beads for counting and puzzles which develop the child’s fine motor skills. They are also being taught social-emotional skills that are critical for development and will set the child up for the next stage in their life. The children at these schools may not otherwise learn life skills and will enter kindergarten way behind their peers. This program is a life changer for many young people who are intelligent and gifted but need a hand-up while being provided a safe learning environment.

Early childcare is much more than just babysitting, which is a common misconception about the On Track by 5 programs. Children are taught by qualified teachers who go through yearly training to continually provide quality care and education to the children. Providers are registered with the state and can take up to six children in their home from birth to 5 years old. There are also several Head Start programs and pre-schools in Lafayette that On Track by 5 works with.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in the process of choosing a program and deciding what is best for their family and children. Dr. Bernard tells parents, “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘can I come and see the facility?’, don’t be afraid to ask questions”. Parents know their children the best, so they can give vital information on their child and what ON TRACK can do for them. Parents can visit www.enrolllafayette.com for more information and to apply for programs in Lafayette parish. They can also go online to the Louisiana Department of Education and search for programs by address. Here they can learn about learning centers near them, with information on classroom ratios, qualified teachers, curriculum, hours, and more.

So how do parents learn about their options when it comes to early childcare and education? There are three main divisions in the early education department: LA 4 programs, Lafayette Ready Start, and ON TRACK by 5. Each division serves a different purpose and can help guide parents in making the right choices for their children. Dr. Bernard describes Ready Start as the access piece, where parents can start the process of finding the perfect fit, while ON TRACK is the quality piece. This is where they can give referrals to parents after determining the best program to care for the child.

Background on our guests:

Michelle Luquette, Child Care Resource & Referral Marketing Specialist, began her work in the Lafayette school system in 2017. Her background was in marketing, but then she went back to school as a non-traditional student and graduated at 36 years old. After graduating, she focused her time on working at a for-profit college helping non-traditional students, guiding them through resume writing and finding jobs after graduating. This inspired her to pursue a career in early education. Ms. Luquette joined the team for ON TRACK by 5 because she believes “early childcare…plays a huge part and critical role in our lives”.

Dr. Shannon Bernard grew up in Lafayette and graduated from Northside High. She earned her Masters and Doctorate from the UL – Lafayette. Dr. Bernard says that early education “help set the foundation for our earliest learners” which is one reason why she is so involved in aiding the youngest group in our society. Her background is in non-profit work, serving families of children with disabilities, low-income families, and those who are disadvantaged.

Bradley Beck State Farm Agency in front of Nite Owls Childcare after adopting it,When adopting a learning center, a sign will be put up in front of the center in honor of the donor. A sign will also be placed in front of the business to show their support and dedication to early leaning in Lafayette. Businesses will also get the chance to visit their adopted center and help deliver the materials that are bought with their generous donation. Dr. Bernard remarks on how excited the children get when they see the mountain of boxes that are delivered to their center. Donations to learning centers go towards materials like books, manipulatives like puzzles and counting beads, and even outdoor learning materials like sand tables. Money is also set aside to provide monthly training for teachers, coaches, and staff so they can stay updated on the best practices for educating children. Ms. Luquette says that “over the past 8 years with the tax credit and the ready start program, we’ve put over 300 curriculums in these classrooms” which is an astounding number that shows the importance of donations from local businesses.

Delivering supplies to Truman after being adoptedBusinesses interested in donating can call Michelle Luquette at 337-521-7209 or go to https://sites.google.com/a/lpssonline.com/on-track-by-5. When donating through the website, Ms. Luquette will be immediately notified and can begin preparing the paperwork for the donor’s CPA.

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Kevin Landry, proprietor of Café Lola, joins Discover Lafayette in special partnership with Eat Lafayette and Lafayette Travel. Eat Lafayette is a yearlong celebration of Lafayette’s locally owned restaurants.

Café Lola was opened at 1155 Coolidge in the Oil Center in April 2002 by Mark and Jill Balser. Their focus was on fresh, wholesome, colorful, and delicious ingredients sourced locally. They offered a simple menu that worked through repeated trial and error as they found out what the customers consistently liked. Kevin took over the helm of Café Lola in February 2021 and has intentionally kept things just the same, because it works.!

Café Lola is open for lunch, 10:30 AM – 2 PM. They can seat about 60 patrons at any time and about 70% of customers are dine-in and pick up. Door Dash is a popular option. They have a steady clientele of pharmaceutical/medical/business customers who order for meetings; call or order online ahead one day for these items.

This is a great gig for single moms who need to drop off their children for school in the morning and then pick them up after school. Kevin is proud of his staff and depends on them for their understanding of customers’ needs as they order meals daily. “The menu is a guide but you can substitute anything to ge what you really want.” He trusts the staff and stays out of their way.

“Our food is fresh. We make our bread daily. My motto is, ‘Fresh ingredients, fast service, and friendly faces. We are not fast food. Our menu is a guide but you can substitute anything.”

In the ensuring years since opening, the restaurant earned and maintained a popular reputation for its great lunch time menu selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads. Even today, you know you are always going to have plenty of delicious options for high-quality, fresh food with great service. And, the brownies are always a hit!

While Kevin shares that prices on the menu went up recently against his instincts, it was done to meet the inflationary impact on the cost of fresh lettuce and other items. At one point, romaine lettuce soared in price from $29 to $80 per order. “We held on as long as we could to raise prices. It’s bad that we are not the gas pump and have the flexibility to raise and lower prices quickly. We have no choice but to wait it out and adjust accordingly.”

Pictured above are Lynn and Kevin Landry.

Fan favorites are the TLC Sandwich, composed of Turkey, Lettuce, Provolone cheese, sprouts, cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado, as well as the Shrimp wrap. “People like wraps,” says Kevin.

At a point early on during the pandemic, the original owners, the Balsers, were empty nesters and found themselves ready to retire and live at their vacation home right outside of Park City, Utah. Kevin took over the helm of Café Lola in February 2021 when he and his wife were looking to buy a sustainable business venture; the opportunity fell in his lap and was the right fit. He secured financing and used his business acumen to maintain what was already a successful business.

Soups are a popular option. Pictured is Café Lola’s Seafood bisque. Many people wait for the daily soup specials, which include Potato Soup on Wednesday, Broccoli and Cheese on Thursday, and Seafood Bisque on Fridays. ” We enter the Eat Lafayette soup competition all the time and usually win. One time we came in second.”

Kevin hasn’t changed a thing on the menu since he purchased the restaurant and shares how when he talked to customers and polled people about Café Lola, saying he couldn’t “find a hole in the restaurant. Everything worked from an investment standpoint as well as the quality of food and service that Café Lola offered day in and day out.” The only downside he found was that people might have forgotten the restaurant was there in the Oil Center. That could be fixed.

One of Kevin’s favorite meals is the Cobb Salad. He is an intermittent faster who eats around 10:30 to 11:00 am every day. “I’ll walk into the restaurant and tell everyone ‘I’m fixing my salad.” He’ll shake it up with different options such as olives and other tasty ingredients.

With a unique blend of eclectic flavors and a cozy atmosphere offering nostaligic touches such as red and black tiles originally installed by Radio Shack, the original tenant, Café Lola has become a staple in the local dining scene, drawing in both longtime residents and visitors alike.

“Some people say you need to be in the right place in the right time. I say, ‘No, you’ve got to be in the right place all the time.” Kevin Landry showed up prepared to take over Café Lola’s ownership as an experienced business person and a guy who had worked with his dad running a Mr. Gatti’s franchise in Abbeville in his teen and college years. He knew management, sales, food, and was steeped in the “As a service model” focused on the customer. Kevin currently has a day job as Director of Business Development for LineOne, a cloud-based business phone system.

Café Lola offers a diverse menu that reflects Lafayette’s love of good food, featuring both local Louisiana-inspired dishes and a variety of international flavors. Customers rave about the gourmet sandwiches, artisan salads, and hearty soups that rotate with the seasons. Known for using fresh ingredients, the café provides something for everyone when you’re in the mood for a casual lunch.

Café Lola isn’t just about food; it’s also about the experience. With comfortable seating and tasteful, clean décor, the space offers a welcoming environment that encourages guests to linger. But interestingly, Kevin shared that most patrons work in the Oil Center and have a 30-minute lunch break….they come in, pick up, and eat at their desk.

Kevin Landry has been careful to maintain Café Lola’s original, distinctive vibe, balancing a relaxed charm with excellent service. His ability to remain true to the café’s roots has helped it thrive through changing times, making it a cherished part of Lafayette’s culinary landscape.

To find out more, please visit https://www.cafelolalafayette.com/.

Discover Lafayette would like to thank Eat Lafayette for its continuing partnership as we showcase local success stories in the locally-owned restaurant business!

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Jill McGehee and Amy Broussard of Acadiana Vintage Finds join Discover Lafayette to discuss their inaugural marketplace event to be held October 25 – 27, 2024 at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette.

If you love consignment or thrift shopping, want to do your bit to purchase repurposed items to reduce waste production and conserve resources while supporting sustainable consumer habits, or just love the thrill of the hunt, Acadiana Vintage Finds’ offerings will please your tastes.

How did this event come about? About two years ago, Jill began mulling over the lack of access to a one-stop shop for unique accessories and vintage items that can be purchased by people on a budget or who want to purchase unique items that have vintage appeal.

On the same note, thrift shopping is on the rise nationally and Lafayette has some catching up to do! The thrift store industry in the U.S. generates over $17 billion in revenue annually. A few statistics: The average thrift store item is sold for about 75% less than its original retail price. 56% of thrift store consumers are under the age of 35. 80% of thrift store revenue is reinvested into the local community. It is definitely a real industry to take seriously.

With all that said, about a year ago Jill reached out to Amy, her close friend from their Comeaux High days here in Lafayette, to partner with her to pull off this event. The upside is that Acadiana Vintage Finds will offer our community plenty of shopping opportunities for the home and personal apparel, Christmas gifts, and so much more.

Acadiana Vintage Finds will feature everything from vintage fashion to antique treasures, handmade wonders, and gourmet delights. Repurposed furniture and lamps, new baby clothes, and uniqe jewelry will be found. This type of shopping is such a delightful to find unique ways to upgrade your home and fashion while keeping within a budget. Whether you’re a vintage lover, treasure hunter, or just love discovering unique items, there’s something here for everyone!

Patrons can purchase a 3-day parking pass for $13.00 or a one day pass on Sunday for $10.00 where you will find all the markdowns from merchandise for sale on the last day. Vendors will be offering clothing & accessories, furniture and home decor, photography and artwork, collectibles and memorabilia, and there will be food truck offering delicious eats! Visit here to purchase a parking pass.

According to the Journal of Antiques and Collectibles, 2024 was poised to be a year where vintage and retro trends took center stage. From the resurgence of ’90s nostalgia in fashion to the revival of retrocolor palettes in interior design, this year promised a celebration of the past. Designers are reimagining classic elements with fresh, playful styles, making Acadiana Vintage Finds the perfect destination for those seeking to embrace these trends.

Blake Brodhead of Primary Artworks will be offering his unique designs.

Banannie Bands, pictured above, will offer children’s items at Acadiana Vintage Finds.

When: October 25-27, 2024

Time: Friday & Saturday 10 AM- 4 PM; Sunday 10 AM- 3 PM

Where: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, LA

Cajun Cuisine will be joining the event as a food truck vendor at Acadiana Vintage Finds.

For more information and to purchase a parking pass, visit https://www.acadianavintagefinds.com/.

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Ochsner Lafayette General’s Patrick Gandy and Marie Lukaszeski join Discover Lafayette to discuss the hospital system’s careful growth and planned design to meet the needs of the region today and into the future. The only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana, its services extend to patients “from the bayou to the border,” stretching along I-10. Incredibly, the hospital system treats 255,000 unique patients per year.

Patrick Gandy, a licensed CPA who has been with the organization for 31 years, began serving as President and CEO of in March 2021. He previously served in several senior management positions at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital and Ochsner Lafayette General Imaging. His tenure as CEO began right after Lafayette General Health merged with Ochsner Health of New Orleans in September 2020, and he successfully led the hospital system through the trying times of the pandemic. A native of Shreveport, Patrick loves the community and says he has been “happily married to a girl from Arnaudville since 1998.”

Marie Lukaszeski, Director of Planning and Design, is an Arnaudville native who graduated in Interior Design at UL-Lafayette (formerly USL) in 1995. She is certified by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (“AAHID”), the highest standard for the knowledge needed and experience required to address acute, ambulatory and residential care environments. After working with other industry professionals and a local architectural firm, Marie opened Interior Design Solutions in 2009 and became a consultant to Lafayette General. They began a series of expansions to meet the growing demands of the healthcare landscape, including expansions to its surgical platform and Emergency Department. Her service as Facilitator and Project Manager overseeing the projects was so successful that Patrick jokes, “We wanted her all the time!” So Marie and her team joined the healthcare system in 2015.

Marie Lukaszeski is an artist at heart and in practice, and she brings that aesthetically pleasing touch to Ochsner Lafayette General’s design concepts! “There was a study done with prisoners that showed that blues and greens were more calming to your physiology than reds and yellows. We tend to go with a soothing, neutral palate for our interiors. But most of my time goes into ensuring that our spaces are safe, help the staff interact easily, and function successfully. I work with third party vendors and a whole team of Security, IT, and FF & E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) people to make sure that vital equipment, patient beds, etc. to make sure that the building is being designed to meet our standards. We have to meet licensing standards mandated by the State of Louisiana.”

Ochsner Lafayette General has a rich history of significant contributions to our community’s well-being. It began in 1911 as a 6-bed sanitarium and has grown into an 8-hospital health system, the regional hub for Ochsner, and a leader in healthcare. Patrick mentioned the health system’s three core principles that define its mission: “First, we are always focused on patients first and then create our organization around their needs. Second, Transparency in everything we do is incredibly important as a philosophy for our organization. Third, We have to constantly evolve and assess how we can best adapt our business model to take care of our patients. “

The first major milestone in Lafayette General’s growth was in 2009 when it acquired St. Martin Hospital in Breaux Bridge. Patrick says “It was the first hospital outside of Lafayette. That was the beginning of us becoming a regional healthcare system in South Central Louisiana. That was a defining moment for us as well as rural healthcare in Acadiana. We want to invest in whatever a local community can support because local healthcare is the best healthcare.”

U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center as the best hospital in Southwestern Louisiana for the second straight year in 2024. This recognition includes Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital and Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana. It was also named the No. 4 hospital in Louisiana and the Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access. Patrick states, “This award starts with our talented medical staff, nurses, and clinical staff. For them to receive this recognition brings me great pride and joy.”

Ochsner Lafayette General delivers more babies than any other hospital in the community and surveys have consistently ranked it in the 99th percentile for patients’ likelihood of recommending our facility to other mothers-to-be. To meet its growing needs, a recent $30 million expansion of the mother-baby suites allowed the medical center’s obstetricians to treat more patients. . Before the expansion, the medical center already delivered more babies than any other hospital in the region, but it had maxed out its capacity. The medical center now has the ability to perform 5,400 deliveries each year, as well as more beds for its obstetrics emergency department, and beds for antenatal care. The neonatal intensive care unit will also has significantly more space, meeting a growing need in the region.

On April 16, 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General celebrated the launch of its new General Surgery Residency Program, which began July 1, 2024. The new residency program is both a strategic response to the escalating physician shortage and a model for innovative care solutions leading to increased patient access. In a 2024 report, the Association of American Medical Colleges projected that physician demand will grow faster than supply, leading to a projected total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Moreover, Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, according to a Human Resources for Health analysis. The accredited surgical residency program received nearly 600 applications for three coveted spots. The 5-year surgery program will train a new class of three residents per academic year. Ochsner is also pursuing accreditation of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Transitional Year Programs. The hope is that these physicians will remain in Acadiana upon finishing their training, as residents typically stay within 50 to 55 miles of where they train.

On September 22, 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General broke ground on the $24 million expansion and renovation of the Ochsner American Legion Hospital in Jennings, the last American Legion hospital in the U. S. This rural hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Jennings for more than 70 years. It merged with Ochsner in 2022. The renovation will expand the Emergency Department, create a drive-through pharmacy, and relocate the OB/GYN Rural Health Clinic to the hospital with expanded space. Ochsner American Legion Hospital cares for approximately 31,338 patients annually, with a staff of over 445 employees, greatly increasing access to care for this rural population.

In August 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General broke ground in a project that aims to bring the most comprehensive orthopedic care to Acadiana. Two years ago, the medical center partnered with world-renowned orthopedic surgeon James Andrews to create The Ochsner Andrews Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. Located at 4212 W. Congress Street (at Ambassador Caffery intersection), the expansion adds 17,000 square feet to the property, and a 14,000 square-foot facility dedicated to physical therapy and sports medicine services. Patrick said the medical center is “transforming sports, medicine and orthopedic care for the for the community” by bringing together a multidisciplinary team under one roof. The new facility is expected to open in the Fall of 2025.

Groundbreaking ceremony of the Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute on August 29, 2024.Patrick Gandy speaking of Ochsner Lafayette General being a Level II Trauma Center: “We are the only one from the Bayou to the Border (of Louisiana and Texas) and one of the busiest trauma programs across the state of Louisiana. We are consistently ranked one of the best in Louisiana. The other nearest trauma center would be the Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.”

The physical safety and aesthetics of a hospital interior and exterior are important components of any project. Marie Lukaszeski has dedicated her professional life to ensuring that patients and visitors alike are comfortable in Ochsner Lafayette General’s facilities. Good lighting, clean air filtration, and art work that is pleasing to the eye all provide calm settings. “Any images on the wall should be one the brain can easily recognize. Abstract art is kept out. “That is why there is a lot of Time photography in healthcare facilities. You know if you are looking at a meadow or a beach. It doesn’t require your mind to make a translation.”

Marie Lukaszeski, Director of Planning and Design, oversees all of the major expansions conducted by Ochsner Lafayette General. “If I’m confortable in a space and my family is comfortable, I feel that will translate into a space that others would feel good in. It’s a personal connection for me, ensuring that our spaces are safe and our clinical folks can handle their jobs efficiently. We want healing, confortable, calming spaces where people feel at home.”

Ochsner Lafayette General has committed to expanding its footprint next to University Hospital & Clinics in the space that was formerly the Daily Advertiser building. Patrick stated the health system is adding 100 exam rooms and moving UHC Internal Medicine into the building to expand the care as part of its commitment to grow its Graduate Medical Education program to train physicians. In August 2024, Kent Design Build pulled a commercial alteration permit for $17.8 million for the space at 1100 Bertrand Drive to renovate the existing office building and warehouse.

Ochsner Lafayette General and Oceans Healthcare have formed a partnership to increase access to behavioral health services in Southwest Louisiana. Oceans Healthcare is leading the development of an approximately 120-bed hospital that will operate under the name Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana and is expected to open in the first half of 2026. This partnership is a result of the Community Health Needs Assessment Ochsner conducts every two years. Behavioral and mental health are one of the top problems in Acadiana, which has secondary factors negatively affecting overall health. Located on Verot School Road, plans include inpatient services for adolescents, adults and geriatric patients, as well as outpatient treatment options. The new facility will greatly increase access to services, create the largest behavioral health center in the region and fill a critical need for compassionate, comprehensive care for those experiencing mental health issues and co-occurring substance use disorders. Together, the partners will invest approximately $30 million in the expansion.

Shortages in the clinical workforce were exacerbated by the pandemic, in particular in the nursing profession. Ochsner Lafayette General is investing in training programs to bridge the gap and as part of that focus, Ochsner Lafayette General has partnered with UL – Lafayette to create an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students with a completed bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline will complete 70 hours of nursing course work and earn their BSN through a combination of teaching methodologies including didactic courses, clinical and lab experiences, and hybrid interactive learning courses, in just 15 months. There are scholarship opportunities for students who commit to work for Ochsner Lafayette General for three years after graduation. Learn more here.

LSU Eunice, Ochsner Lafayette Genera,l and Acadiana Workforce Solutions have partnered to create a Respiratory Therapy Apprenticeship Customized Training Program on the campus of LSUE which offers students the unique chance to “earn while they learn” through a paid apprenticeship while pursuing an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care at LSU Eunice. Specifically designed to provide opportunities in the thriving Respiratory Therapy field for financially challenged families. students benefit from paid positions at an Ochsner Lafayette General facility in Acadiana as they work towards their degree. Other initiatives to educate medical professionals exist at South Louisiana Community College (practical nursing) and the funding of faculty spots at UL Lafayette.

We thank Ochsner Lafayette General for its commitment to providing the best health care in our region. For more information on the general surgery teaching initiative, please listen to our previous podcast with Ochsner Lafayette General Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Logue here.

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Shelley Delahoussaye, Supervisor of the Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center, joins Discover Lafayette to share her passion and love of animals and how the animal shelter works to save as any animals as possible while searching for loving and safe environments for them.

A graduate of UL – Lafayette, Shelley earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. After working in private vet clinics, she was hired in 2017 by the Lafayette Animal Shelter as an Adoption, Foster, and Rescue Coordinator. One year later, she was promoted to Shelter Supervisor. She has always had a passion for animals.

Prior to Shelley’s leadership, the save rate for dogs was 47% and cats a low 9%. In 2016 when former Mayor-President Joel Robideaux ran for office, he campaigned on the idea of NO-Kill 2020, an initiative to which he dedicated focus and support to make it happen. Through changes made under Shelley’s supervision, the shelter achieved a 90.3% save rate by 2020, and has maintained that rate ever since. Even with this success, there is still a continuing glut of stray animals in our community and the work of Lafayette Animal Shelter is critical.

Pictured above is the beautiful Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Facility. Designed by Architects Beasley Moliere, the front entrance is separated into two wings: the surrender side and the adoption side. While Shelley originally questioned this decision, she quickly realized how important it is to keep the interactions separate. “The Surrender side is sad, with frantic owners looking for their pets. The Adoption side is happy, with people looking for a pet to love and care for.”

Prior to COVID, other states around the country would take many of our stray animals as there was a shortage of pets. Nationally, there is a trend of more responsible pet ownership and laws enforcing spay/neuter, as well as restrictions on breeders as to how many animals can be bred and how often, thus reducing the overpopulation. But now post-COVID, the shelters around the U. S. are also full and can’t take our strays.

“It’s important to get to the root of the stray population, which is access to low-cost spay and neuter. Wild Cat SpayNation for dogs and cats is the only nonprofit low-cost spay/neuter provider that services all of Acadiana. They can only do so much. Many people want to do better by their pets but can’t afford it. Please donate to them!”

Lafayette Animal Shelter takes in approximately 5000 animals each year. And they get in not only dogs and cats, but potbellied pigs, goats, horses, cattle, bunnies and chickens. Shelley joked that recently her team nicknamed the facility “Old MacDonald’s Farm” because of the variety of barnyard animals they took in. Luckily that week they found homes for 10 chickens, 3 potbellied pigs, 3 goats, and a horse!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34TI_obzQj8Shelley Delahoussaye on how to prepare adequately for your pet’s safety as a storm or hurricane approaches.Adopted animals are neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped before you take them home. “It’s a great deal,” Shelley says, and “The animals receive about $600 worth of vet treatment before they go to their new home.” Adoption fees are $35 for dogs and $25 for cats. Seniors and military vets can adopt at no charge. Any pets who have been at the Animal Shelter over 30 days can be adopted for free and when the shelter gets full, adoption fees are waived. “We want them in good homes without financial barriers.” Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell– all adoption fees are WAIVED until Oct, 2024.

The ratio of cats and dogs is approximately 50% each. About 800 of the 5000 animals are owner-surrendered each year. For some, the owner tried to rehome them with no success, and some owners find themselves in a situation where they have to get rid of the pet immediately and turn to the Shelter.

Shelley encourages owners who may be struggling with their pet’s behavior to take advantage of Good Pup, an app that teaches your how to effectively manage your pet. The Shelter partners with Good Pup and you can take advantage of the live video training for free. It is difficult for the Shelter’s staff to see animals returned when perhaps a bit of training and patience can make all the difference in a successful outcome.

The Trap/Neuter/Release (“TNR”) program for community cats was an important key to reducing the kill rate for cats. Just a few short years ago the kill rate was 9% for cats; they were almost certain to be put down once they arrived at the facility. Kittens that came in without a mom almost always faced the “death sentence” according to Shelley. There was no foster program until recently and the community cat population was out of control. In 2017, Robert Benoit, who worked for Joel Robideaux, presented an Ordinance that allowed the TNR program. Today, the Shelter is seeing the results of this successful program and there are much fewer rescued kittens being brought to the facility. If you see a cat with a clipped ear, this is a universal sign that it has been neutered.

Another fun initiative to place cats into useful settings is the “Cats Clocking In” program. An idea of former Mayor-President Robideaux, cats can be ‘hired’ and work to reduce pesky rodents in shops and barns. These cats may not fit into your home, but they definitely earn their keep by providing pest control services! Sometimes just the smell of a cat will keep rodents away. Working cats will arrive neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. They will need about two to three weeks in an enclosed space to get acclimated to their new environment and adjust to the new sounds and smells. Employers must provide food, water, and future medical care. The Shelter staff recommends that you adopt cats in pairs as they stick together beautifully.

A ‘No-Kill’ facility means that at least 90% of the animals are saved from euthanasia. Some animals must be put down; if the animal is suffering after being severely injured, extremely old, or has a condition that can’t be address, they will be a candidate for euthanasia. If a $15,000 surgery is required to attempt to save an animal, Shelley says that animal would be put down. “We try so hard to avoid euthanasia. But I’d rather take care of 20 animals for that amount of money. We have to watch our funds.” Also, some animals with severe behavioral issues that are too aggressive to be suitable for adoption will be put down. Shelley says, “I wouldn’t put an aggressive animal in someone’s home.

When animals are picked up off the streets, their are varying Stray/Hold times. If an animal is untagged or chipped, it will be held for 3 days before being released for adoption; it will be held 5 days if they do have identification in order to give the owner a chance to retrieve their pet. Many pets are reclaimed within one to three days. Once the stray/hold period ends, the pet becomes the property of LCG and it can be adopted or transferred.

Volunteers enable the Lafayette Animal Shelter to provide the animals the love and attention they deserve. The Shelter is always in need of animal lovers who can volunteer their time bathing, grooming, walking, and socializing the animals. They need the help of volunteers at off-site events, photography, laundry, cleaning, and even some administrative duties. Volunteers must be 18 years and youth 12-15 years of age must have a parent volunteer with them. Volunteers 16-18 years of age can volunteer on their own with a parental consent. Contact LASCC@lafayettela.gov for more information.

Shelley studied Animal Sciences at UL – Lafayette and had plans to become a veterinarian. But family responsibilities, namely a pregnancy, changed her plans. She worked at the New Iberia Research Center and as a vet tech before joining Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Facility. She is married with four children and has four dogs, a cat and chickens. “Its a circus but I love it!”

The Lafayette Animal Shelter is open Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 12 to 2PM for adoptions only. Located at 410 N. Dugas Road off of University Avenue, it is a beautiful and clean facility filled with dedicated staff, many of whom have worked there for years.

We thank Shelley Delahoussaye, along with her staff, for their dedicated service to our community of humans and animals!

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Hollie Girouard, proprietor of Ton’s Drive-In and Ton’s Downtown joins Discover Lafayette in partnership with Eat Lafayette to discuss her family’s multigenerational success in the restaurant business.

While Hollie is known for her dedication to Ton’s, she is also well-known for her athletic prowess, having been a volleyball player for teams at ESA and UL – Lafayette, the latter of which she graduated from with a degree in Graphic Design. She is a third-generation proprietor of Ton’s, following in the footsteps of her hardworking grandparents and parents. Hollie knows the restaurant business inside and out, having grown up in it and working from a young age, as soon as her grandmother gave her permission to clean tables and help out doing whatever was needed.

Ton’s in Broussard is beloved for its classic American and Cajun comfort food, including fried chicken, hamburgers, and regional favorites. Hollie’s grandparents, Rosemary and Alton Girouard, originally opened Ton’s in May of 1963. At that time, Rosemary left her job at a downtown Lafayette dress shop to run the restaurant full time. Alton stayed on working for the Lafayette Hardware Store (located then at the corner of Vermilion and Buchanan in downtown Lafayette) during the day, joining Rosemary in the evenings at the restaurant. Their children, Karl and Yvette Girouard, also worked at Ton’s, and when Karl married Hollie’s mom, Juanita, in 1973, she became an integral part of the family business.

Rosemary and Alton Girouard. Hollie Girouard describes her grandmother as “a business woman. She was the heart and soul driving the restaurant. It was her dream.”As Ton’s attracted more business in the decade after its founding, the restaurant expanded in 1973 to a new location across the street in Broussard in what had originally been Bonin’s Bar. Hollie shared that when her grandparents were remodeling the space to accommodate their new restaruant, they paid for the demolition work by giving the beautiful oak bar in Bonin’s to the contractor as a payment for services. “The original oak bar is somewhere in New Orleans,” says Hollie. The new Ton’s restaurant was equipped with a drive-thru window, the first in Lafayette Parish, and also offered indoor dining and outdoor seating.

Ton’s has maintained many of its original menu items offered from its first day of operation. The chili, seasoning blend, and hamburgers which attracted avid fans still taste the same to someone visiting after forty years away. Hollie says the original pizza pans are now used as pot lids. And many of the employees’ families have worked at Ton’s over the years; Danielle, the general manager and head cook at the Broussard location, is a third generation employee as her grandmother, Edna, worked with Hollie’s grandmother in the early days. Regina, Danielle’s mother, worked with Hollie’s mother, Juanita, in Ton’s second generation of operations.

Yvette, Alton, Rosemary, Juanita (holding Hollie) and Karl Girouard.Eat Lafayette honored Ton’s Drive-In as it celebrated its 60th anniversary of successful business operations. Pictured are Hollie Girouard along with her parents, Karl and Juanita Girouard. Hollie calls herself “a glorified errand girl, running back and forth between the restaurants. I take my cues from the general managers!”

Both restaurants source their food as local as possible, and Hollie says, “The crawfish are always being within 10 miles of the restaurant. We grow things in the garden.” The top seller is the burger and plate lunches at the Broussard location have the same rotation each week as people expect the continuity. So on Tuesday, you can expect to see calf liver and onions as a plate lunch option, with the usual classic comfort foods offered each day.

Catering is offered and Ton’s provides food for sports tournaments, as well individuals looking for great comfort food. “Miss Laura,” who has worked at Ton’s since before Hollie was born, works the grill and stuffs all the baked, deboned turkeys, pork roasts and brisket for special occasions

After 60 years of successful operations, Ton’s recently opened a second location in downtown Lafayette at 500 Jefferson Street, Suite C, known as Ton’s Downtown. Hollie said, “It was a special time for us opening our second location in downtown Lafayette because it was the 60th anniversary of our grandparents opening Ton’s while working in downtown Lafayette!” Ton’s Downtown has an evolving menu, a bit different from Broussard at this point in time, offering fresh pressed juices every day and Straw Cove bagels and yogurts.

“We try to serve food as close as we can to how our grandparents would. When they first opened, they would have a calf butchered every week, with some going to burgers and some to smothered plate lunches. We want to serve people as if they were our own family members. We would never sell an item we wouldn’t give to our grandmother or our child. We are mindful of how we source our foods.”

Hollie loves being in downtown Lafayette as she is friends with many other owners of the restaurants surrounding Ton’s. They share resources with each other as needed. “Whatever success we have is only made better by other restauranteurs’ success. We love supporting each other. It’s a special thing to be a part of.”

Ton’s Downtown has a full bar, which makes sense given its hours of operation extend from 5 to 12 PM Thursday through Saturday. Interestingly, at this year’s Festival International, the frozen coffee was the surprising #1 seller. “People would spike it with Tito’s or Kahlúa.

When asked about the incredible longevity of many employees’ tenure with the restaurant, Hollie stated, “Restaurants are typically high turnover endeavors. We want to ask what our employees would be comfortable doing. When interviewing someone, I ask our current employees if they know the person. Would you feel comfortable working with them? I want my employees to feel work is a safe space. And we don’t micromanage.” And Hollie will do any task needed, including custodial work. “On any given day, I am the custodian. I would never ask my employees to do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Ton’s food is consistent at both locations. “Someone can go away for 40 years and come back and taste the same burger. You see the joy and happiness in their face, with nostalgic memories. It tastes the same! Old Corelle dishes are used to serve food, pictures of her grandparents are on the walls. Nostalgia is built into your dining experience.A part of the experience is thinking of your childhood and family. The food we are feeding you is something we do care about. We want you to tast that and experience that,” Hollie says.

While Hollie loves the restaurant business, she also enjoys the artistic side of life. In her spare time, which is limited, she throws pottery and makes wedding dresses and functional wear.

According to Ton’s Facebook page, “Alton “Ton” was a scout in WW2, sneaking around France, clearing a safe way for troops. Toward the end of the war he had the pleasure of being General Patton’s private driver. We can’t imagine what that time was like and the true courage he and his fellow servicemen and women had to muster at such young ages.” A true American hero!

Ton’s Downtown is open Monday – Wednesday, 7AM – 2PM. Thursday – Saturday, 7AM – 2PM & 5PM – 12 AM. Sunday, 8AM – 3PM. Visit https://tonsdowntown.com/ for more information.

Ton’s Drive-In at 101 W. Main Street in Broussard is open Monday – Friday, 6 AM to 2 PM, and Saturday 7 AM to 2 PM. For more information, visit https://www.tonsdrivein.com/

Thank you for a fun interview Hollie, and best wishes on another sixty years of success!

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Peggy Feehan, Executive Director of CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana), an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the French language and culture in Louisiana, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the agency’s mission and work.

Born and raised in the New Brunswick province of Canada, Peggy grew up speaking French, enjoying the outdoors with deer and moose in her backyard. Fishing and hunting activities were prevalent, just like in Louisiana. While her region of Canada was predominantly Francophone, she learned English in school; some of her family spoke English, but it was not her first language. Peggy admits that she still thinks and dreams in French. And interestingly, she remembers watching American television and enjoying English-speaking shows such as Growing Pains and Family Ties which helped her in learning the English language.

While Louisiana, and South Louisiana in particular, had many French-speaking citizens, the language was looked upon as uneducated and backward by some sectors of society. In 1921, a new Louisiana Constitution was adopted that mandated English as the official language of instruction in public schools. This effectively banned the use of French in classrooms. Many old-timers and their descendants clearly remember the shame felt when being ridiculed by teachers for using their native French language in school. The number of French-speaking people in Louisiana began to dwindle drastically as the decades passed.

James “Jimmy” Domengeaux, a prominent Lafayette attorney and former U.S. Congressman, was instrumental in founding CODOFIL as a means to stop the loss of French-speaking Louisianians. CODOFIL was established in 1968 with the goal of preserving and promoting the French language and culture in the state. The council played a key role in advocating for French education and cultural programs, particularly in the Acadiana region of Louisiana. CODOFIL was empowered to “do any and all things necessary to accomplish the development, utilization, and preservation of the French language as found in Louisiana for the cultural, economic and touristic benefit of the state”.

Appointed by then Louisiana Governor John McKeithen, Domengeaux served as CODOFIL’s first president from its creation until his death in 1988. Domengeaux was passionate about revitalizing French language education, and under his leadership, CODOFIL helped reintroduce French into Louisiana public schools. His work faced challenges, such as a lack of qualified teachers and resistance from some English-only advocates, but Domengeaux’s efforts laid the foundation for a French cultural renaissance in the state.

CODOFIL is an agency of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, under the direction of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. It is the only agency physically situated outside of Baton Rouge and is housed in the former Lafayette City Hall across the street from our Lafayette Parish Court House. COD)FIL has been housed there since the mid-1980s except for a period (2014 – 2019) when extensive renovations were undertaken. It is a bright, beautiful space which delights visitors and employees alike.

The hiring of international French teachers began in 1972. The recruitees from France and Belgium were flown to Louisiana in chartered planes and landed in Baton Rouge where they were met by yellow school buses and driven to their respective parishes. Approximately 100 teachers would be hired each year.

One teacher from Belgium was Phillippe Gustin, who moved here in 1974 from Belgium. He ended up staying and went on to lead the Lafayette International Center for 28 years, serving as an outstanding ambassador for Lafayette and Acadiana in promoting business and cultural opportunities.

Peggy moved to Louisiana 25 years ago to teach French in the St. Martin school system for CODOFIL. At the time, CODOFIL advertised in Canada to recruit French teachers, just as they do today. She knew someone in Lafayette and was aware of the huge superstar, Zachary Richard, and got on the waitlist to be a teacher in Acadiana. Her goal was to be here in the States for one year, out of what could be a potential three-year U. S. Visa work permit.

Peggy taught in Cecilia Junior High and High School for six years, and also worked for the Louisiana Department of Education as a consultant in French education to recruit other French teachers. “I loved it! I knew what it meant to move from another country. It’s a culture shock to move overseas to Louisiana. It can be hard to get used to.” And may we add…..Peggy ended up staying for much longer than ever originally planned due to meeting her now husband, Scott Feehan, at Festival International de Louisiane.

“Immersion is certainly one of the best ways to teach French. Only one hour once a week makes it tough to learn. In immersion, the children think in French and research shows that one disruption in English take a kid up to 20 minutes to come back to the language. Once they hear English, they start talking English to their friends before they switch back to French. If you have long hours of French, that’s when development occurs and the kids learn. It works!”

Peggy’s role as Executive Director of CODOFIL involves overseeing efforts to support French immersion programs in schools, maintain cultural ties with Francophone regions, and advocate for French-speaking communities in the state. Today there are 144 internationally recruited French teachers statewide who work in French immersion programs in 17 school districts. Peggy spoke of the challenges in recruiting as there is a shortage of teachers worldwide. This year was a banner year for CODOFIL’s recruiting with approximately 62 new French teachers from France, Belgium, Canada, Cameroon, Senegal and the Ivory Coast of Africa.

For the teachers recruited from France, their retirement benefit is paid by France. The teachers are considered to be on sabbatical and their time spent teaching in the U. S. counts toward their retirement. They progress in their profession as if they were working in France. And of course, then France has to hire replacement teachers to do the job in their local schools. Peggy noted that French President Emmanuel Macron is proud to have French teachers in the U. S. to shine the light on the French culture internationally.

When asked about the benefits of studying and becoming fluent in French in lieu of Spanish, Peggy stated, “There will always be enough jobs for Spanish speakers. But if you speak French, you have something that not a lot of people have. There are many jobs out there that require French. It’s a tool in your tool belt that gives your more opportunities and less competition to be hired for a position. Come over to the French side!”

Festivals are a great attraction for French-speaking individuals and they come here by the thousands and spend tens of millions of dollars in South Louisiana. Peggy said, “We could double our employees and we still wouldn’t have enough to meet the potential demand for Francophone speakers. We could do so much more.” While exact numbers for Francophone visitor spending specifically tied to festivals are not readily available for this interview’s purpose, it is clear that their economic contribution plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, particularly in the Acadiana region where French culture is celebrated.

CODOFIL also works to emphasize the importance of maintaining Louisiana’s unique French heritage and culture, which has deep historical roots in the state due to its colonial past. CODOFIL puts on exhibits across the state from time to time, and recently finished “Louisiana French: Preserve and Evolve” in Jennings. The exhibition was held to demystify Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole and the way these languages have shaped the state. The exhibit will be held next in Abbeville.

Another initiative of CODOFIL is French Tables or “Tables Françaises,” a grass roots effort to encourage camaraderie among French speaking individuals. There are dozens of French Tables across Louisiana and the organizers are private individals who are interested in promoting the French language and culture. They decide when, where, and how often they will meet at gatherings where only French is spoken at the table and can call upon CODOFIL for guidance if needed.

Peggy Feehan’s leadership has contributed to the growth of French language initiatives, fostering stronger cultural connections between Louisiana and other French-speaking regions globally. She loves her job and says, “It is truly an honor to be a part of CODOFIL. As long as they will keep me, I am so happy to be here!”

We thank Peggy Feehan and her entire team at CODOFIL for their work and outstanding commitment to preserving Louisiana’s unique cultural heritage.

For more information, visit https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/codofil/. And please note that the website is being improved and the new site will be launched in approximately six months. You can also call CODOFIL at (337)262-5810 or visit their office at 217 W. Main Street, Lafayette LA 70501.

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Seth Ransonet joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the third annual NOMAD Music Festival to be held on September 21, 2024 at Warehouse 535.

NOMAD is a wholesome music event emphasizing family-friendly values and aiming to promote truth, goodness, and beauty through music. It’s mission is to glorify God and inspire people to find their true home, spiritually and emotionally, through the power of music and community. The name “NOMAD” was selected because the event strives to inspire all wanderers to find their true home.

A graduate of UL-Lafayette and a theology teacher at Teurlings Catholic High School, Seth Ransonet co-founded the NOMAD Music Festival with Jude Lecompte. The two were roommates when they attended a performance in Houston by Caamp, an American folk band from Ohio, which Seth calls a “top 10” band. They had so much fun it inspired them to start their own music festival here in Lafayette LA. Seth recalled Jude saying, “We need to start an event that’s wholesome, family-friendly, and a nice hang out.” The young men were 22 and 23 years old at the time of NOMAD’s inception.

The third annual NOMAD Music Festival will be held on September 21, 11:00 a.m to 9 p.m. at Warehouse 535 in Lafayette, and features a variety of local and visiting artists, providing them with a platform to grow and reach a wider audience. Working to create a vibrant community experience, the event kicks off with a Catholic mass which is open to the people of all faiths. Games for the kids will be provided and anyone who loves dancing is sure to enjoy NOMAD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eLZLYAhwms&t=64sThe headliner band is Happy Landing, and NOMAD 2024 also includes artists such as Zach Edwards and the Medicine, Kaleb Oliver, Swampland Stringband, Amis Du Teche, Mia Montero, Crosby & Ellender, Gabe Parsons, and Eden.

General admission tickets are $39.99 (with family discounts provided to families attending with their children) and food trucks will be onsite offering meals for purchase. Parking is available onsite. To find out more, visit https://www.nomadmusicfest.com/.

Discover Lafayette would like to thank Seth Ransonet, as well as NOMAD co-founder Jude LeCompte, for endeavoring to bring wholesome family entertainment to Acadiana. Seth is now only 24 years old and has taken on not only full-time teaching at Teurlings Catholic High School, but learning entrepreneurship as a festival organizer trying to break even, if not make a profit. An eagle scout who grew up singing Irish folk songs around the campfire, Seth has always been a person of faith who wanted to serve his Catholic church. Best wishes on a successful 2024 NOMAD Music Festival!

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Michael Soileau, Director of LUS Fiber, joins us to discuss his vision for the organization. A native of Mamou, Michael graduated from Mamou High, and then earned a degree in International Business from UT in Austin and an MBA from LSU – Shreveport.

He took over the reins at LUS Fiber in May 2024. Before this appointment, Michael had worked exclusively in private enterprise. His past employers include Comcast NBCUniversal, specializing in the broadband and cable television business, as well as Toffler Associates, O3, Viya, Comcast Cable, AT&T Broadband, and Optel. He’s a proven business leader in sales, business development, and strategic planning in the telecommunication and fiber-optic industry.

Michael’s first work experiences in broadband came about through his work with Optel. The company was first acquired by AT&T Broadband, which was then acquired by Comcast Corporation, making it the largest broadband and cable subscription business provider in the U. S. Then, Comcast purchased 49% ownership of NBC, and several years later bought the remaining ownership in the broadcast network. These mergers resulted in Michael moving into the entertainment and distribution side of the business.

“I worked with Comcast NBC Universal for twenty years, in every operational role you can imagine….sales, marketing, finance, strategic planning on how to grow the business. With the Time Warner acquisition, affordabiIity came up. We started off offering programs for low-income households, and expanded it to sectors such as seniors, Veterans, students…different sectors of the community that can find broadband expensive. I learned so much.” Advocate staff photo by Leslie Westbrook.

Michael retired from Comcast and then dedicated his life to studies, earning an MBA from LSU. “I admit to being a lifelong learner. When I retired from Comcast, I went to school to get my Master’s degree. I had considered working in academia as I had guest lectured at UT for a while. I earned the degree to gain the needed credibility to lecture on international business. But I was reinvigorated by school to get back into the ‘business of the business.'”

He then spent a year and a half as CEO of O3, a digital experience consultancy based in Philadelphia. At O3, he focused on digital customer experience, strategy, and innovation, bringing the organization a fresh set of eyes on how to position it to tap into new markets and create innovative solutions.

Michael had maintained a residence in Lafayette in order to be close to his parents who still reside in Mamou. One day, his neighbor was visiting and they started talking about the open position at LUS Fiber. Rachel Godeaux, LCG’s Chief Administrative Officer, met with him and Michael then met with Lafayette Mayor Monique Boulet, who inspired him with her vision for Lafayette and the role fiber could play in attracting companies and driving economic development. “Her overarching belief in the importance of transparency in government was compelling.” He wasn’t looking for a position, but couldn’t say no.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYsXM71kDIw“I love the business of broadband. I’ve seen the power of broadband and what it does to change communities across the country, so I was excited about the opportunity to come back.”Familiar with the history of LUS Fiber, having watched it from its inception back in 2005 when the citizens of Lafayette voted to make it a reality, he remembers having a conversation with the President of Comcast’s cable division, saying at the time, “This is a model that will hurt us because it drives community engagement and loyalty with in the community.” He further added during our interview, “Those are the values that we are all a part of by living here in Lafayette.”

“LUS Fiber has had 17 years of operations. We have the opportunity to rethink our marketing and ask what do we stand for, what is our brand, what is our promise to the community, how to reintroduce LUS Fiber to the the citizens who voted it in. They are my boss. I work for everyone in Lafayette and I want to make sure we are doing what they need us to do. Twenty years ago LUS Fiber made the promise that we would provide the best, most reliable, fastest speeds to the most home possible.” Advocate staff photo by Leslie Westbrook.

There a still a few pockets in the city of Lafayette where LUS Fiber hasn’t built out. Multi-dwelling units (MDUs) have presented a challenge in adding the technology as building infrastructure limitations (lack of conduits and limited space to accomodate new lines), older electrical systems, and having to drill through walls and ceilings present hurdles to overcome. Michael says, “New construction is always easier. You don’t have to rip out walls to get to the wires. We haven’t had the best technology to provide our service to all. This is one of my biggest priorities, to find the technology solution that is scalable. I want something that is standardized and scalable. We hope to roll that out sometime next year.”

LUS Fiber has expanded its services outside the parish of Lafayette as a participant in the GUMBO Grant Program (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities), a Louisiana initiative funded by federally- funded grants, designed to expand broadband access to underserved and unserved areas in the state. Its goal is to help bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas in Acadiana. Towns such as Ville Platte, Mamou, Pine Prairie, and Reddell now have operational services, with Church Point next on the list of towns to have access to true broadband services. Acadia, Vermilion, and Iberia Parishes are also included in the grant funding that LUS Fiber will participate in to build out its broadband network. Michael says, “This doesn’t mean our eye isn’t on the ball in Lafayette. It absolutely is. We can do both things at one time,” referencing the priority of building out its fiber network to unserved areas in Lafayette.

“I want to retake the mantle of the most innovative provider in the country within the next three to five years. We will do that by pushing more innovative products, such as with Connected TV. More in-home innovation is another area that can be improved, to help ensure that customers experience the same level of service at one end of the house as the other. We also want to provide innovative services to people at all income levels. There are ways to offer a good broadband choice at an affordable level, so people don’t have to make a choice about paying their utility bill or their broadband bill. I want us to stay above the curve as the future evolves.”

LUS Fiber still offers cable tv services, and as well as a streaming product. They are currently testing a new application that will organize programming across multiple apps for easy search and discovery, which Michael projects will come out in the next 90 to 120 days.

In closing, Michael shared his love for our area and for LUS Fiber. “I love championing LUS Fiber. I want to remind people that we actually have the most reliable broadband in the area every time I can and educate people on our upcoming products, along with our team who will do the same thing. We are homegrown and employ people that live here and spend their dollars here. I’ve never seen a more impassioned group of employees than I have seen at LUS Fiber. There’s nothing but good stuff coming.”

We thank Michael Soileau for taking the time to share his experience and vision for our community through his role at LUS Fiber. For more information on services offered, visit https://www.lusfiber.com/.

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Frank Randol of Randol’s Restaurant in Breaux Bridge, joins Discover Lafayette in partnership with Eat Lafayette, a yearlong celebration of our locally owned restaurants, to share news of the revival of his unique Cajun restaurant and dancehall concept, a longtime staple in Lafayette. Breaux Bridge is only 15 minutes from Lafayette and is part of a corridor surrounding Lafayette Parish that is ripe for growth. And Frank is a young 78 years old, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War who still exudes energy and a passion for being a changemaker. Frank is a force of nature who works nonstop to promote the beauty of our local culture.

Frank has been in the seafood business for 53 years, and is renowned for his contribution to sustaining and promoting our Cajun culture. As part of that dedication, Frank currently serves as Secretary of the Gulf Seafood Foundation and has always been an avid supporter of Eat Lafayette. He focuses on wild-caught seafood with no additives, only South Louisiana seafood, with a bent toward crawfish, softshell crab, and other seasonal specialties. Hamburger steak is also a popular dish craved by Randol’s longtime patrons.

His experience in the seafood business defines Frank Randol. In 1971, he opened a seafood processing facility in Henderson and operated it for nine years before opening the original Randol’s Restaurant in 1980 when he moved operations to his family property on Kaliste Saloom Road. Over the years, he welcomed thousands of visitors from around the world to his restaurant and dancehall who were looking to experience authentic Cajun culture. To learn more about Frank’s historic career, please listen to our original interview on Discover Lafayette here.

In 2021, the owners of Superior Grill offered Frank a price for his Kaliste Saloom property that he couldn’t refuse. The money afforded him the opportunity to take off two years to consider his future, and he kept his general manager, Jimmy LaGrange, employed alongside him as they contemplated their next move. “It takes two people to do nothing well for two years,” Frank jokes. But in reality, Frank had not only wealth in money, but also wealth in ideas, creativity, love of Cajun food and culture, and a desire to continue in the restaurant business.

“When you throw yourself into something for so many decades, you can’t just go cold turkey. People need to embrace the Cajun Culture. It’s already branded and known worldwide.” Randol’s menu is patterned after the former Randol’s choices, repurposed and retested to ensure perfection for today’s market. A mini-market for fresh seafood purchases is in the works and will be open soon. Today, the restaurant’s success is Frank’s main priority.

Not one to stay retired, Frank envisioned a revival of his original Randol’s concept, and purchased the land where the former Mulate’s Restaurant was located at 325 W. Mills Avenue, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, resurrecting his successful Cajun food/Dance Hall concept enjoyed by people for so many decades. Frank says, “Mulate’s was the perfect spot. It needed work, but it polished up well! The building is 80 years old on high ground and survived the storms in May of this year. We patterned the bathrooms after the high end facilities at Superior Grill, with glass walls that you can’t see through, with 400 square feet of space.” Many of acclaimed mural artist Robert Dafford’s works are on the walls at Randol’s, and Frank says “It’s a historical setting where you can feel the spirit of our culture. It’s alive.”

Frank Randol is just as passionate about sharing his love of Cajun food and culture as he when he took his “Cajun Fest” on the road across the U. S. so many years ago. The World’s Fair held in New Orleans in 1984 ignited an interest in all things Cajun and Frank Randol ensured that accurate information on its heritage was shared. Frank was glowingly written up by the Chicago Tribune on October 25, 1989, where he joked he had earned his “masters in crabology.”

Today, trucks still deliver fresh produce and seafood from all over South Louisiana to Randol’s in Breaux Bridge each day, ensuring that every meal starts with the best ingredients available.

Our area’s finest Cajun and zydeco musicians play on Friday and Saturday nights at Randol’s, and keep the spirit of our culture alive and flourishing. One such musician that the crowds still enjoy is Terry Huval, who was a mainstay at Mulate’s and later, at the original Randol’s. You can still find Terry Huval and his Jambalaya Cajun Trio performing each Friday night at Randol’s in Breaux Bridge!

As part of the celebration of Eat Lafayette, you can receive a free bread pudding at Randol’s until September 8, 2024 when you mention Eat Lafayette’s celebration of locally-owned restaurants.

For more information and to view the menu and events, please visit randols.com. Randol’s also offers catering and can assist in making your events memorable. We thank Eat Lafayette for making this podcast possible and for all they do in promoting our locally owned restaurants.

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Julie Rabalais, founder and Director of For the Birds of Acadiana, joins Discover Lafayette to share her love of birds and commitment to rehabilitating wild songbirds, waterbirds and waterfowl.

For the Birds of Acadiana is Louisiana’s only State and Federally permitted facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of federally protected songbirds, Waterfowl, and Waterbirds. Located in Lafayette, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization cares for nearly 1,000 wild birds annually, working to ensure the eventual safe return of the birds to the wild. The organization also raises awareness and inspire others to join in safeguarding our precious avian species. The work is truly a labor of love for Julie Rabalais and the volunteers who assist her with transporting birds and keeping the facility clean. People who find injured wild birds can bring them in to For the Birds of Acadiana at no charge.

For years, local fashionistas knew Julie as the proprietor of Jewelie’s Boutique, located on Rena Drive. Educated as a graphic designer, Julie is creative and brings a touch of beauty to all the things she touches. When she sold the shop after 14 years in business, she wanted to do something that would keep her home where she could enjoy nature. First, she became a Master Gardener. She says “Then, I figured, why not do something that has a purpose and I can stay busy at the same time?” Hence the creation of For the Birds of Acadiana.

“Birds have always been a love of mine, since my childhood days in Michigan. I’ve always enjoyed birds as a hobby. I’m just a bird lover, not trained in ornithology (the scientific study of birds), but I’ve always had a knack for caring for birds. But just because I’m a bird lover by no means made me qualified to do what I do today. A colleague in Youngsville who rehabilitates avian raptors, Letitia Labbie, took me under her wing in 2019 and mentored me. It took a great deal of time to learn nutrition, how to care for the wild birds, how often to feed them, how to triage, how to properly cage them. In order to even apply for a license, you have to have adequate shelter space that meets the requirements of the National Wildlife Federation.”

In order to become a certified avian rehabilatator, you have to mentor under another licensed rehabilitator and complete the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Rehabilitation Basic Skills Course, have a letter of support from a veterinarian, pass a facility inspection, and much more. Veterinarian partners prescribe needed medications for the birds being rehabilitated.

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is illegal for individuals who are not certified to care for wild birds that they find, something most of us are not aware of. Julie says, “It is illegal to possess the birds, their nests, their eggs, or even breed them, because they are a federally protected species. Most people, when they see a little baby bird with its beak open, want to feed it and give it water. Unfortunately, that is not advisable.

Julie says, “Water can kill a bird, as it can aspirate a stressed bird very easily. An injured bird can not metabolize food and liquids when it it stressed. Feeding is the last thing you want to do. We encourage people not to “Google” what to do as there is a plethora of misinformation online.”

If you find an injured wild bird, please call Julie Rabalais/For the Birds of Acadiana at (337)501-4523, and you will be asked to take a photo of the bird and send it in with a description of the bird’s condition. This information will provide guidance to Julie as to whether or not the bird requires assistance or may be able to survive on its own.

“I live For the Birds of Acadiana 24/7. Little did I realize how big a step it was going to be. I really thought it would be a part-time thing. But I go all in. There’s no sense doing something halfway.” For the Birds of Acadiana is a total non-profit endeavor, with no state or federal funding. Getting a grant is few and far between. Julie relies on donations from the public and pays for many expenses with personal resources. “We rely on donations from people. It costs between $100 to $300 to rehabilitate one wild bird. We couldn’t do what we do without them.” Julie takes in birds from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but you must call first and send a photo so that the true situation of the injured bird may first be assessed.

People bringing in injured wild birds are advised to drape a towel over the bird to protect it, and place it in a shoebox or other such receptable with holes poked in the lid. “It’s a myth that the parent will reject the baby bird if a human touches it. Warmth is the key. Avoid cold air conditioning, and put the bird in a space away from kids and pets. The more stress the bird experiences, the greater chance it will not make it.”

Once Julie has possession of the injured bird, she says, “Our goal is not to cuddle with them so as not to imprint on them, because we want them to remain wild, especially water birdss. Many times we put a cover over our face when feeding them so that they don’t associate their food source with humans. We even have puppets so that the birds will associate food with adult birds.”

“Our part of the country is considered the Gateway of the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major corridors where birds migrate from South America. our coastal area is considered the Welcome Center, the birds’ first resting place. They travel through our area as they migrate.”

The three greatest causes of bird mortality in the U. S. and Canada are attacks by domestic, free-roaming cats, collisions, and habitat loss.

Up to 1 billion birds are killed annually in the United States by collisions with
vehicles, buildings, windows, power lines, communication towers, and wind turbines. Most will die at night, as that is when birds migrate in the Spring and Fall, staying at low altitudes, at the height of a 4-floor building. Just last October during migratory season, this crisis was vividly displayed when thousands of birds were killed in a 24-hour period after colliding with Chicago’s McCormick Place skyscraper, when the building’s lights were left on at night. Lights disorient the birds, and tragically, 54 to 76% of window collisions are fatal to birds. The building’s owners have taken steps to avoid further tragedy by installing window film to reduce bird collisions. Julie says, “The pattern deters birds, but is virtually nondetectable to humans.” Similar decals may be purchased for installation on the outside of your home or office building windows. For more information, visit https://abcbirds.org/blog/truth-about-birds-and-glass-collisions/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE1qr5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHV4eF2JLgSI_MODPtuIY31QTpY7NQi9_OsJs7GEVVykIxMt2yEk0DI_pVg_aem_0e8gqYbzbAfOHPSJN18rCg.

To learn more and to donate, please visit https://www.forthebirdsofacadiana.com/donate.

Thank you, Julie Rabalais and For the Birds of Acadiana, for your selfless, lifesaving work!

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Rob has 31 years of experience in forecasting Acadiana’s weather and has tracked hundreds of tropical storms and hurricanes during his career.

He celebrated 20 years at KATC this January and is one of the most beloved meteorologists in the country, particularly well-known for his expertise in covering hurricanes and severe weather events.

Last year, Rob Perillo extended his contract with KATC for another five years. He’s pictured here in November 2023 celebrating the occasion. Rob has enjoyed Lafayette since moving here 36 years ago when he was recruited by KLFY. Married with two children, he enjoys exercising every day for an hour, either riding his bike (on Lafayette’s roads!) or swimming. His children are both artists and live in Lafayette; he expressed his joy in being able to be present while supporting Joe and Olivia in their endeavors. He has been with KATC since 2004.

A native of New York, Rob Perillo became interested in thunderstorm activity as a young boy, four or five years old. His family had just moved out of the Bronx into the suburbs and a severe thunderstorm rolled through. He remembers how scary it was, but it triggered his interest in learning more about the weather.

“Fear grew less, and curiosity grew more. By the time I was in third grade, I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist”, says Rob. During that third grade year, Rob built a kite for a project and while he called the endeavor a ‘big flop,’ he wanted to know more about what creates the wind and how we can use it. He started buying weather books written for school-age children and they are still with him in the KATC weather room today.

When he was in sixth grade, there was a snowstorm forecastedfor the Northeastern U. S. Meteorologists were projecting the snow would turn into rain, but Rob had a different feeling about it. He told his friends….”No, we’ll just have snow. 1 1/2 feet.” Well, the storm produced two feet of snow and school was cancelled for the rest of the week. Rob said, “I was the school hero when we returned to school on Monday.” His intuition had been right on.

Always interested in science, since his days of watching Jacques Cousteau on television, Rob earned a degree in Meteorology (with an emphasis on Math) from the State University of New York in Oswego in 1983. He selected that school not only for its meteorology program, but because it had the highest amount of snow in New York averaging 144 inches of snow per year.

Rob began his career managing research at the State University of New York Research Foundation, while also serving as an Emergency Planning Meteorologist for several nuclear power plants in Upstate New York. He developed emergency procedures in case of nuclear leakage. He then moved to Houston and served as an Aviation Forecaster for Air Routing International, and a Marine and Industrial Meteorologist for Wilkens Weather Technologies, in Houston, Texas.

Rob Perillo had never thought about television as a career but a friend at Wilkins Weather Technologies encouraged him to make a tape and apply for positions. A year later, in 1988, KLFY reached out to him. He had the opportunity to work with greats such as Maria Placer, Dick Faurot, and Jim Baronet. Rob joined KATC in 2004, when he was offered a fifteen-year contract, a feat unheard of in television circles.

Becoming a tv meteorologist was a reach for Rob, as he was “confident in my forecasting skills, a bit anxious about talking in front of other people. But you learn if you’re a master of your information, it will be okay.” One thing he did have to work on was conquering his New York accent to deliver the news in a way that was more readily accepted locally.

Rob is passionate about meteorology and studies trends in climate and weather. About 16 to 17 years ago, he became aware that warming trends were coming upon us worldwide and he wanted to know how that impacted hurricanes. While we used to have five days per year that averaged 95 degrees, now there are 40 to 50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqfzA5gAorERob Perillo explaining what ‘heat index’ is. It’s all about your body’s ability to cool itself. You don’t want to go outside when the heat index is 115.Over the past ten years, summer days can average in the upper 90 degrees, with an average low in the lower 80 degrees. “The trends of warming are increasing exponentially. Warmer atmospheres hold more moisture, so when it rains, it’s a larger event with more rainfall. Rainfall intensity has increased by 405, and the frequency of heavy rain has increased by 30 to 40% over the past few years. A typical summer thunderstorm will push 2 inches easily in one hour. Now more systems push 3 to 4 inches per hour. While there is no net change in the number of systems, hurricanes are going through rapid intensification cycles more frequently. Look at Harvey, Michael, Barry, Laura, Delta, Ida, Zeta, and Sally in the last several years.

“The number of 95 degree days has gone off the charts. This year we are more prone to hurricane activity.”

Tropical systems also move more slowly, leading to heavier rainfall in areas. “2016 was one of the wettest years on record. It was definitely a climate footprint. In the Northeast, theyre going to see much more activity than in the past. The average return period (for hurricanes) was once every 75 years for a Category 3 hurricane; now it is down to once every 25 to 30 years. Increased heat causes hurricanes to travel farther.”

Rob would get up in the middle of the night to film Space Shuttles coming in: “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.” Unfortunately, on February 1, 2003, he was filiming the Columbia Space Shuttle as it was re-entering the earth’s orbit. He say parts flying off, disintegrating mid-air. He shot the film, then called NASA as a trained spotter to report the disaster. He ended up being interviewed by CNN, CBS, and others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NIwofLKmL0For people who choose to stay home and ride out a Category 3 hurricane, Rob says, “You want to get the heck out of Dodge” for these events. Sustained winds of up to 111 to 129 mile per hour winds are not to be taken lightly. Wind damage and tornadic activity are just as deadly as rising waters.

Rob Perillo’s days are long. Appearing each day on the 5, 6, and 10 pm KATC newscast, he doesn’t get home until after 11:30 pm. and during hurricane season he takes the time before bed to look at computer models. He is devoted to keeping up with his industry, and listens to weather-related podcasts while exercising, recommending Dr. Hal Needham’s Geotrek podcast and Weather Geeks. He keeps up with the latest research on climatology and meteorology.

Closing words from Rob Perillo: “Follow your passion. Don’t follow the money, follow the passion. Be good at it, be enthralled with it. If it gives you joy, do something with it. Be a master of it. If you can put food on the table doing it, you are truly a rich person.”

We thank Rob Perillo for his dedication to meteorology and for his engaging and informative broadcasts! Check him out at https://www.katc.com/ and on air each weeknight at 5, 6 and 10 p.m, or on special weather coverage events.

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Tammy Theriot and Bryant DeLoach of Home Bank, Member FDIC, join Discover Lafayette to discuss how banks can assist business owners achieve their financial goals, along with treasury management solutions.

Bryant Deloach serves Home Bank as a Senior Commercial Relationship Manager. He has lived in Lafayette his entire life, graduating from Lafayette High and USL, and raising his family here. Starting out 23 years ago in financial services Bryant has spent 12 years in commercial lending. Tammy Theriot started out with Home Bank in 1985 when she was 21 and has stayed her entire professional career with the bank, starting out as a teller at the Oil Center branch, moving into IRA administrative services, and currently serves as Treasury Management Officer. She joked that she’s been married to her husband for the same length of time: 39 years!

Both bankers stressed the importance of building a relationship with their clients. Bryant shared that “as a commercial relationship manager, our #1 priority is to provide service to our client. We have to understand their borrowing needs, if any. You meet a lot of great people and help businesses grow. You’re involved in decision making, helping a client take their business to the next level. It’s important for the client to be matched with a banker that understands their specific needs. At the end of the day, you want your client to feel comfortable with you.”

“It’s important to know your customers and their needs. We can make the collection and payment of funds easier and more efficient,” says Tammy Theriot. Her role in Treasury Management starts on the front end of the banking relationship, putting systems in place to optimize financial management and planning. Managing payables through Direct Deposit and ACH payments, handling receivables via Remote Deposit Capture, optimizing liquidity via account management services for optimal cash positions and maximal returns, and safeguarding against fraud and risk by employing tools such as Positive Pay and account monitoring, are all services offered by Home Bank.

With check fraud running rampant, Positive Pay is an important risk-management tool to consider for your business. How does it work? The client submits a daily file to the bank that includes details about each check issued, such as the check number, date, payee, and amount. When a check is presented for payment, the bank compares the details of the presented check against the check file provided by the client. If the check details match what is in the file, the bank processes the check for payment. If it doesn’t, the bank will flag the check and notify the company to determine if the check will be approved or rejected.

Home Bank is the last bank, headquartered in Lafayette LA. Originally chartered as a savings and loan association known as Home Building and Loan in 1908, Home Bank has experienced incredible growth over the years, currently having assets of $3.34 billion dollars, 43 locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and 476 employees. Bryant DeLoach assists business owners get working capital needed to fuel their business. Small businesses and startups can apply for a Home Bank loan guaranteed by the U. S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) loan program. The 7(a) loan can be used for various purposes, including Working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing existing debt, expansion or renovation, starting a new business, or inventory purchases. He also advices his clients to ask for advice from their banker to avoid exposure to unnecessary loss. “Customers don’t always realize the importance of getting advice from the bank. An example given was one client who had provided debit cards to all employees; the safer route was to issue credit cards so that the client’s bank account would be better protected.

Tammy advises clients to always look at their bank account and monitor activity. “The sooner the bank can address issues, the better. Use your online banking to keep up to speed. You can also sign up to get alerts from the bank if suspicious activity is detected. Dual controls are also an effective way to prevent fraud. Set limits on the amount of money that can be expended at any one time to reduce exposure.

Tammy Theriot and her husband have a commercial cattle farm which keeps her busy in her spare time. Married for 39 years, Tammy has been with Home Bank her entire professional life and loves her career. Pictured is Tammy celebrating her 30th anniversary with Home Bank in 2015.

If you are interested in moving to a new bank, there are several steps involved. First, the bank will request a government issued I.D. to verify personal identification for anyone using the account; the Articles of Organization/Incorporation/Partnership, etc. that the business operates under; the business’ Employer Identification Number; any Operating Agreement or Bylaws; and an initial deposit. Tammy assists her clients in getting all paper work gathered, ordering checks, setting up online banking, direct deposit and remote deposit services, and discusses risk-management recommendations. “In every conversation, we talk about fraud and how to prevent it.” It will be necessary to keep the old account open for a few weeks, while checks and scheduled payments from the prior account clear. Home Bank works closely with its clients to ensure a smooth transition.

We thank the team at Home Bank for its commitment to excellence in customer service, as well as its involvement in our community. Discover Lafayette is also grateful for Home Bank’s loyal support of our podcast, allowing us to shine the light on our region’s people and rich culture.

For more information, visit https://www.home24bank.com/ or call 337-237-1960. Home Bank’s headquarters are located at 503 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette LA 70508.

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Discover Lafayette’s sound engineer, Jason Sikora, has a voice many of you are familiar with, as he’s participated in our interviews over the past seven years, ensuring a finely-tuned, professional podcast.

Jason Sikora pictured with Butch Roussel during a recording of Discover Lafayette Podcast.But many of you may not know his interesting back story, or how he came to live and work in Lafayette LA. A native of Detroit, Michigan and graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Jason has a rich collection of memories to share and insights into how rock concerts are orchestrated.

Jason’s dad worked for Ford Motor Company in Detroit, but when Jason and his two brothers were young, the family moved to Hartland, Michigan to be able to escape the city life and its accompanying declining socio-economic factors in the 1980s. Describing Hartland as “basically a truck stop,” it was much more. Jason graduated from Hartland High School, playing drums in its marching band and eventually serving as the Hartland Eagles’ mascot.

Sadly, Jason’s younger brother, Kris, died when he was 11 years old, from a blood disorder. Kris’ life and death had great meaning, however, as researchers were able to study his condition. Jason stated that today, people with Kris’ condition would survive.

Upon graduation from high school, Jason hightailed it to Hollywood, California to attend the Musicians Institute (“MI”), a college that was known as a ‘player’s school,’ meaning that students were taught the skills to make a sustainable career in the music industry. While many young people could qualify to be a guitar tech based upon their self-taught abilities, Jason credited MI for a valuable education and teaching him guitar repair and cable management.

” I started playing guitar in 6th grade, so I had six to seven years of experience with signal flow, how to solder microphones back together. I learned a lot in high school with my band, messing with pedals and guitars and amplifiers. I did learn guitar repair, cable management and how to get tone while in college at MI.”

Andy Brauer hired Jason right after graduation from MI, to work at his shop that specialized in instrument and musical gear rentals. Jason had the good fortune to work with Faith Hill in his very first gig, being hired to work at Skywalker Ranch to assist in recording track sessions. “I got to hang out with the best musicians in the world for a week: Mike Landau, Dean Parks, Paul Bushnell, and Vinnie Calaiuta are monster players!” Jason also got to witness the regular lives of performers such as Faith Hill, her husband, Tim McGraw, and their children, and realized how fortunate he was to be a part of this experience in the ordinary lives of superstars as the album was being cut.

Jason then met Michael Lockwood, a guitarist who hired him to be a touring guitar tech for Aimee Mann, who he worked for as a touring guitar tech. He performed sound checks and restrung guitars, ensuring that all would go well during concerts. Jason would continue this type of work for several years, working with greats such as Lisa Marie Presley, Britney Spears, and the Goo Goo Dolls, as well as other acts during what he calls his ‘lost years from 2004 to 2006’, such as Hanson, Gerard McMahon, Puddle of Mudd, and the recording of “A Mighty Wind,” an album accompanying a movie of the same name, featuring Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Jennifer Coolidge and many other staples of comedy culture of the time.

“The work ethic is very different when you’re on the road. You’re not allowed to be sick. The show must go on. If there is a half million dollar guarantee and there are 10,000 people out there, your rig has to work. There was always a doctor out there with water, vitamins, and oxygen. You have to do the show. There’s no back-up. No one else would know my rig,” says Jason Sikora.

Asked if he missed traveling on the road for months as a time as a guitar tech, Jason says, “It is not so much about the job but the people you get to work with. I do miss putting on a show, but not all the other things such as pushing heavy equipment, the long days, or the stress.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt2RFlZKjzcJason reminisces about the time in 2004 when he worked with Britney Spears and her band. “She was super nice, as was her band.”Jason Sikora remembers with fondness the time he worked with the principals behind “A Mighty Wind,” a mockumentary comedy film starring Christopher Guest who according to Wikipedia, “co-stars and reunites many of Guest’s company of actors from This is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, and Best in Show, including Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Fred Willard, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Jennifer Coolidge, John Michael Higgins, Jane Lynch, and Parker Posey. “The album accompanied the movie of the same name,

Jason moved to Lafayette in 2010 after meeting Lafayette native Scott Olivier, another music technician, who had been working for Michael Jackson before the musician’s untimely death. Jason had been working for the Goo Goo Dolls, and would work in a warehouse where other musicians such as Scott Olivier, as well as Credence Clearwater Revival, Van Halen, and others had space. “Touring was so far behind technology with no technical data backup, no security, no central management of data.” So Scott and Jason saw the opportunity to create Laptop Roadie, and they headquartered in Lafayette LA where Scott hailed from. Jason says, “I knew I didn’t want to live in a forty-foot bus at that point in my life. And I knew I didn’t want to live in a big town like New Orleans.”

While Laptop Roadie didn’t survive as a company, many good things came from the endeavor. Jason met Chris Rader, through Chris’ banker, Craig Duplechin. Chris ended up hiring Jason, along with others who had been a part of Laptop Roadie. Jason says, “I was the number 6 employee of RADER, along with numbers 7 and 8, John and Joseph, (who came along from Laptop).”

“I certainly don’t miss unloading a 53’ truck every morning at 7 a.m. or loading it back up at 11 p.m. that night. I do miss the amazing people. After 10 years of working with artists like Faith Hill and Britney Spears, I swapped my job, music, with my hobby — computers. I moved to Lafayette with my girlfriend, jumped into the computer business and ended up at Rader. It’s tough and it’s full of great people, who like me, played with computers as a hobby and liked it enough to make it their job of choice.” Pictured is Jason Sikora with Chubby Carrier, at a recording of Discover Lafayette podcast.

Jason is now a Technology Specialist with RADER’s project team. “I take on onboarding, offboarding, special projects. I work with domain names and email integration, as in merging information from one platform to another. You have to know how to trouble shoot. Things change daily so you have to keep up. Just as when I was on the road handling things daily.” Jason is a valued member of the RADER team, and takes his profession seriously, while thanking Chris Rader for the opportunity he provided him.

“I always wanted to do something in music. I’ve always enjoyed music and wanted to be surrounded by music somehow. Whether its working in a studio, working for an artist, or playing. I knew I would always play. I always have a guitar here in the podcast room. Anywhere I go there is always my guitar and gear around. But only one in a million make a living playing music. It wasn’t in the cards for me. I basically switched my hobby and my job in working at RADER. On the road, I was the guy who could fix computers. Now my job is fixing computers and my hobby is music. I still play guitar. Here at RADER, Brandon Daigle and I got together in 2014 to write music. Two hours per week, every Thursday night. After five years, we finally had 10 songs!

Happily, Jason is still pursuing his love of music, and has published a double EP with his band, “Cancel the Sun.” His coworker, Brandon Daigle, and Jason, can be listened to on Spotify, where you can enjoy beautiful extended play music as “Zero Point” and “Neutrality.”

Enjoy music by Jason Sikora’s Cancel the Sun band at Spotify, which he created with RADER team member Brandon Daigle.

In closing, we’d like to include Jason Sikora’s comments about his boss, Chris Rader. “Chris is very smart in his mindset. He asks, ‘What does the user need to get their job done and make their life less of a headache? Let’s do that thing.’ We are as proactive as possible. If your internet goes out or if you get hacked, we probably know it before you do.”

We cannot thank Jason Sikora enough….for his professionalism, his commitment to Discover Lafayette, or the joy he brings to each podcast interview. Thank you, Jason! And thanks to Chris Rader and the team at RADER for supporting our podcast for the past seven years. What a gift, what an opportunity to share stories such as that which Jason Sikora shared with us on this episode.

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Jason Redmond, proprietor of the iconic Hub City Diner at 1412 S. College Road in Lafayette, joins Discover Lafayette to celebrate Hub City Diner’s longevity and popularity, as well as his support of Lafayette Travel and Eat Lafayette, a yearlong celebration of Lafayette’s locally owned restaurants.

Hub City Diner’s ambiance is akin to the famous tv show, “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name. It is a real ‘”Hub” of activity in Lafayette, where locals meet, greet, and share their lives while enjoying their favorite comfort foods.

The diner was established originally as Stansbury’s Café in 1965, in the early days of the Oil Center, the commercial neighborhood that surrounds Hub City Diner. Thereafter, Lafayette restaurateur Charles Goodson, Chef Pat Mould and advertising executive and local foodie George Graham, opened Hub City Diner in the space.

Their intial concept was a 1950s diner, but with more of a Louisiana twist. Jimmy Guidry, who has years of food and bar experience throughout Lafayette, purchased the restaurant in 1998.

Jason is 46 years old and has worked at Hub City Diner for more than half of his life. This is only the 4th job he has held in his life. A Bunkie native, his first job was working for his uncle on his sweet potato farm in Evergreen where he “caught the skips,” making sure that the sweet potato roots were properly placed in the ground. Jason recalls his uncle saying to him, “You hot boy? You got to get hot with it!!” Jason still thinks about the lessons he learned from his uncle about having true grit and has maintained that strong work ethic to this day. “You’ve got to have grit and push through to get to the other side.”

Jason worked at McDonald’s and Subway in Bunkie before he moved to Lafayette in the late 1998 to study Hospitality Managment at USL. His boss at Bunkie’s Subway, Al Mahfouz, encouraged him to call upon the Hub City Diner manager at the time, Danny Fontenot, who hired Jason to serve as host and waiter. Jason first met Jimmy Guidry a few months after he started working at Hub City Diner, and the two became fast friends and colleagues.

“People think that Jimmy Guidry and I are father and son. We have a synergistic relationship. We’re not related by blood, but I guess we are now related through all of our time together. He’s been a tremendous mentor and I’m very fortunate to have him in my life. I’ve been blessed with two dads. Jimmy told me, “If there is anything you’ve learned from me, I hope it is to be generous,” Jason Redmon shared. And Jason did learn from Jimmy, still putting community first when he is asked to support local causes. He asks before he gives, “Will this help our community?”

On January 1, 2022, Jason Redmond, Hub City Diner’s longtime manager, took over ownership from Jimmy Guidry. The ambiance in the diner remains the same, with vinyl booths and chairs, checkered floors, nostalgic photos on the wall, and even a ceramic Pelican that’s dressed like Elvis.

Hub City Diner offers All-American comfort food, where there is something on the menu for everyone; people of all ages enjoy the diner’s fare, from tiny tots enjoying meals offered in paper containers resembling classic cars to adults enjoying Mimosa’s for $5 anytime of day. There is truly something for everyone who walks in and is greeted kindly. Meatloaf, salads, and eggs rule the offerings, while there are also specials on weekends which include smoked salmon, avocado toast, and fried green tomato spinach florentine meals. The hamburger steak is the most popular item on the menu.

The feeling of community at Hub City Diner is palpable, as its staff cordially welcomes first-time visitors along with long-time regulars who frequent the diner after church in the early morning hours each weekday or who are always seen sitting in their favorite booth each weekend. With a staff that experiences very little turnover, Hub City Diner’s employees know their clientele, which makes for a feeling of home when you enter the door.

“This is the beauty of the diner. It’s not me anymore. My staff acknowledges the community of patrons and meets their needs. One customer loved Peeps and shared that with us, so we went out and bought Peeps, and later that week when his pancakes came out, we piled all the Peeps on top of his pancakes and sent it out to him without a word. We also are prepared for Mother’s Day and hand out about 275 fresh Carnations (supplied by Champagne’s in the Oil Center) to all women spending this special day with us. Those kinds of things make the diner special.”

“I don’t look at other locally owned restaurants as competition. I’m excited that they’re here, and opening in the Oil Center. I love to see everyone have success and am always willing to help others, and sometimes it is vice versa, where I’ll be short on something and they help,” says Jason Redmon. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of the Acadiana Advocate.

Approximately 600 people are served each day, and the mainstay favorite menu items such as Hamburger steak or the “2 x 2 x 2 of eggs, bacon, grits and pancakes” are delivered to patrons.

Hub City Diner is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 6:30 a.m to 3 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.hubcitydiner.com/.

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Edie Couvillon Aymond, Executive Director of 232-HELP, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her organization’s mission “to help those in crisis return to being healthy and productive members of the community and to empower and strengthen individuals and families by connecting those in need with community and social services that address their needs.”

Edie joined 232-HELP on June 5, 2024, bringing rich experience and the ability to make community connections from her five years working on behalf of Maddie’s Footprints, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families cope with miscarriages, stillbirths, or the loss of an infant.

It was through her prior experience with Maddie’s Footprints that Edie realized that while our area has many nonprofits organized to help people in need, most of us don’t know who they are or what they do. “I attended every nonprofit meeting in the sector helping young families. If I hadn’t attended, I wouldn’t have known what they did, what services they provided.”

When Edie was contacted by a recruiter looking to hire her to run 232-HELP, she was intrigued by the scope of the help the organization provided and also realized that she was not fully aware that they still existed as she remembered. “I remember seeing Marie Placer on television pitching for them when I was younger. I was excited to be able to help more people in Acadiana.”

Pictured above is Edie Couvillon Aymond, in June 2024. Photo by Alena Maschke of the Acadiana Advocate.

Since 1965, 232-HELP has assisted more than 10 million people and has had an estimated economic impact of more than $170 million throughout Acadiana, and reaches over 800,000 people in ten South Louisiana parishes.

With over 1400 nonprofits in 232-HELP’s database, the organization’s service areas range from Terrebonne to Acadia to Avoyelles parishes. Headquartered in Lafayette LA at 1005 Jefferson St. across from Keller’s Bakery, Edie oversees a staff of twelve. Her team operates 24/7, rendering aid to those who walk in during daytime hours and who call in at all hours. Accommodating persons of all backgrounds, there is a bilingual staff member who can help people who don’t speak English. Many don’t realize the scope of services offered by this small, yet dedicated staff.

Many of those in need will call 211 before they reach out to 911 or other resources, not wanting to get law enforcement involved in their troubles or have sirens coming to their house announcing a problem. Everyone is offered assistance, from those suffering from elder abuse, domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, or needing help with utilities, housing, or transportation. 232-HELP averages 1400 phone calls per month on average, but has exceeded 12,000 calls per month during crises such as hurricanes or COVID. Edie credits the “dedicated, solid staff for stepping up at all times to handle the situation, no matter how difficult.” And for the record, 211 works nationwide; you can call it from anywhere, even from your car, and the operator will route you to the nearest organization available to offer relief.

232-HELP was the first organization in Louisiana to offer a statewide call-in number for those in need. A national call-in number, you can call it from anywhere in the U. S. and you will be routed to the nearest available resource, even from your car.

Jewell Lowe’s life was devoted to charity, leadership, influence, and advocacy, improving the lives of the people of Acadiana. In 1965 Jewell, her husband Bob Lowe, and other community leaders, founded the Southwest Louisiana Education and Referral Center (SLERC) – now 232-HELP. Jewell served as Executive Director of 232-HELP for over 40 years. Each year, 232-HELP selects a humanitarian who exemplifies the example that Jewell set for service and generosity. Outstanding leaders such as Richard Zuschlag, Dr. Mary Neiheisel, Bo and Jerry Ramsay, Richard D’Aquin, and many more pillars of our community have been selected.

Edie spoke of Jewell Lowe’s commitment to address issues that were previously taboo, such as mental illness or treatment of STDs. “Jewell was a champion of mental issues in the 1960s when no one spoke about it. today people are comfortable saying they have a therapist, but not then. In 1972 she created a program to treat sexually transmitted infections. There was a surge but no one would speak about it. Volunteers from USL were trained to meet with people and take calls, and then encourage them to see their doctor. They received 144 calls in the first week. Jewell would broach taboo subjects and people went along with her,” says Edie Aymond.

“There are a lot of unmet needs in Acadiana. While there are a lot of great nonprofits here, if people don’t know what they’re doing, they are not able to assist them. That’s where 232-HELP fills the gap, to get the resources to people needing to be assisted.” Edie Aymond speaking on the critical importance of 232-HELP’s mission to get aid to those most in need.

232-HELP’s annual fundraiser has been rebranded as the “Diamond Gala” in honor of Jewell who would have been 100 years old on December 4, 2024. The organization is working to raise awareness of its 59-year commitment to connecting those in need with services needed. The fundraiser will be held on October 9, 2024, at La Pavillon in River Ranch. 232-HELP’s biggest fundraiser; the proceeds pay for call center operations as well as a small budget to help in cases when no other relief is available. Sponsorships and tables are available and may be obtained by visiting https://e.givesmart.com/events/DKw/

Edie is dedicated to bringing fresh, young voices into the fold of volunteers and donors. An example of such a need is for its Donated Dental program. Currently, 232-HELP is down to nine dentists on its volunteer list; there used to be thirty. Organized to assist the elderly or disabled with their dental health, the demand is huge. Dentists who volunteer can pick and choose their cases while helping improve the dental health of our most vulnerable.

On a personal note, Edie Couvillon Aymond loves Acadiana, grew up in Scott, and graduated from Carencro High School and LSU. She loves festivals and says she and her husband attend all local festivals from start to finish. Of particular interest is her love of running, having completed ultra-marathons of 130 miles. One such race, known as the “Fat Ass” group, is a race that started at the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge and completed at Audubon Park in New Orleans, for a total of 36 hours with no rest. Edie brings that same ‘can-do’ spirit to her new role as Executive Director of 232-HELP. We wish her and her organization the best of success as they forge new paths in helping our community.

On December 4, 2024, 232-HELP will host an open house at their headquarters at 1005 Jefferson Street to celebrate Jewell Lowe’s 100th birthday with a ribbon cutting and meet and greet. It will celebrate its 59th year of operation on December 14, 2024. We hope you will join them to learn more about their mission and sign up to support 232-HELP’s efforts. Donations may be made online at https://232-help.org/donate.

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Our guests are Priscilla and Floyd LeBleu, Lafayette residents and owners of the world’s largest collection of artwork by the renowned Edna Hibel. Priscilla and Floyd are looking for a permanent home to publicly display their beloved Hibel collection, hopefully in Lafayette LA.

Edna Hibel, an American artist, was revered for her paintings of people expressing emotion or contemplation, which were painted on ceramic, canvas, or etched on Bavarian limestone. She created over 6000 works during her lifetime, including 600 different lithographs. Born as a native of Massachusetts in 1917, she had a fulfilling career promoting peace through her exhibitions and artwork all around the world. Using her artistry, Hibel was able to raise money for charity across the globe. She passed away in her home at the age of 97 in December 2014, right before her 98th birthday.

Her work was inspired by Mary Cassatt and Pierre-Auguste Renoir and sought by royalty, collected by museums, commissioned by the United Nations and National Archives, and awarded the Medal of Honor and Citation by Pope John Paul II.

The World Cultural Council presented the 2001 Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts to Edna Hibel, who is often referred to as the USA’s most versatile artist, as well as its best colorist. The Award acknowledges those who endeavour to create different expressions of art and whose work constitutes a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of the world.

Priscilla and Floyd became close friends with Ms. Hibel, after Priscilla won a trip to the Edna Hibel Museum of Art in Florida in 1992. She was accompanied by Floyd, who went along just expecting to hang out on the beach. While Floyd had never been a person that was bent to studying art, he immediately became enamored with Ms. Hibel and her captivating art, especially “Russian Mother and Two Children,” an oil painting Ms. Hibel had painted in 1990. Floyd bought the piece, his first of some 500 Hibels, and was hooked thereafter. Floyd says, “It was almost like a religious experience when you met her. She captured me….the artist herself and her art. She captured people’s dignity.”

The LeBleu family befriended Ms. Hibel and would visit her in Florida and she would travel to Lafayette to see them. Hibel enjoyed Lafayette and attended a benefit for the Acadiana Center for the Arts, and Floyd recalled her saying, “There is just a feeling of comraderie in Lafayette. I think this is my favorite place.”

While traveling on a Hibel Society cruise with Priscilla, Floyd asked Ms. Hibel why she never painted men. She replied, women wear pretty hats and dresses that give them a lot of color and flair and make them more interesting subjects.” As a joke, Floyd dressed up in a straw hat and toga as he headed to a demonstration Hibel was giving. She laughed and told Floyd he would be the subject of her demonstration that day and she turned him into an Arabian prince in a painting aptly called, “Floyd in a Turban.”

The LeBleus became owners of a great deal of her works which had previously been displayed at the Hibel Museum of Art on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida. “

Floyd and Priscilla LeBleu own the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville and have 127 pieces of Edna Hibel art displayed throughout for visitors to enjoy. They call it their “Hibel addiction” when describing their huge collection

Lafayette is now home to the world’s largest collection of Edna Hibel’s artwork, some of which is on exhibit at Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Building at 705 W. University Avenue for the remainder of 2024.

Pictured above are Priscilla and Floyd LeBleu, in current times, and the original pose that Edna Hibel utilized to depict the LeBleu family in her own special way.

Priscilla and Floyd are reaching out to our community, public officials, and art lovers in the quest to find a permanent home for Hibel’s works so that everyone may have the chance to view her art. The Lafayette Art Association has volunteered to manage the collection once a site is selected. The LeBleu will donate the Hibel pieces at no charge, which are valued in the millions of dollars.

Hibel, The Life and Art of Edna Hibel explains the beautiful journey of this beloved artist as she grew in her talent, and shares photos of her works. It also documents the many people who followed her career, including Priscilla and Floyd LeBleu. This book is available for purchase locally at Lafayette Art Association, Auburn Avenue (behind Abacus), Lafayette, LA, 70503. (The cover photo of the book is Kristina and Child, oil, circa 1970.

For more information on Edna Hibel, visit https://ednahibelstudio.com/

Floyd and Priscilla have lived in Lafayette their entire adult lives, except for a brief stint in Baton Rouge when Floyd was in law school. Floyd was an assistant coach at Lafayette High and Priscilla was a speech therapist. Married for 59 years, they love Lafayette. “There is no better place than Lafayette LA to live!”

To contact Priscilla and Floyd LeBleu if you would like more information on their efforts to locate a permanent location for Edna Hibel’s works of art, email priscillalebleu@gmail.com.

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Eric Willese Wowoh of Change Agent Network joins Discover Lafayette to share his special bond with Lafayette, Louisiana and his mission to transform the entire nation of Liberia through improving educational outcomes.

Eric is a humanitarian and social entrepreneur known for his efforts in education, community development, and social change, particularly in Liberia. He is the founder of Change Agent Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education and providing opportunities for underprivileged communities. Eric’s work has been instrumental in building schools, promoting educational programs, and fostering economic development in Liberia and other parts of Africa. His inspiring journey from a refugee to a change-maker has garnered recognition and support from various international organizations and individuals.

A native of Liberia, West Africa, Eric grew up in a non-Christian home where African religion practices (Juju and Vodou) were followed. He lived alongside his seven siblings and his parents in a 15′ x 20′ hut with no running water or electricity; the kids slept on bamboo mats on a dirt floor. He never knew his birthdate as a midwife assisted his mother in his birth outside of a hospital setting, and as he says, “In Africa, birthdates were not important.”

Liberia (“Land of the Free”) was established in 1822 as a home for freed African American slaves. Land was purchased by the American Colonization Society for the resettlement. It is a small country on the West coast of Africa and today approximately 5 million people inhabit it. The capitol is Monrovia, named after President James Monroe. For a short history on the country, see the PBS video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg48G4qBdloOne meal a day was eaten in Eric’s childhood, typically at 8 p.m., and centered on crops such as peppers, sweet potatoes, okra and rice. The kids would walk for 2 to 3 hours a day each way to tend their parents’ farm. “We never knew about breakfast, lunch or dinner!” Eric’s job, as early as 7 years old) was to hunt squirrels, ground hogs, deer and snakes for food, using a bow and arrow. His mom used lots of spicy pepper to get the kids to drink lots of water (gathered from a local creek) and stretch the food being offered. Supper was served late so that the children wouldn’t awaken hungry during the night.

Life was beautiful for Eric and his family, and he thought that was how the whole world was. He never thought about whether he would be a doctor or a lawyer, as he says that Liberians didn’t dream about a profession; they just lived their lives simply without a formal education as we Americans know it.

However, Eric’s peaceful childhood was caught up in the ravages of Liberia’s Civil War which began in 1989. He says, “At first, no one took it seriously. But they were wrong not to worry. In six months, the rebels took over the whole country of Liberia and there was no one in charge except for the young fighters. “We were under curfew from dusk to dawn or you would be killed. The rebels wore no uniforms so it was difficult to determine who would put you in danger.” People began to starve as there were no rescue efforts and they couldn’t tend their farms as they were told to stay home.

Eric Wowoh’s inspiring story of survival and overcoming years spent as an international refuge in exile may be read in more detail in his book, “Return of a Refugee”, available for purchase on Amazon. Eric went on to create Change Agent Network, an international nonprofit dedicated to transforming Liberia through education.

Eric’s mom sent him off with friends on a two-day fishing trip. He was young and strong, and she thought he could survive. On the way home, he was captured and beaten by rebel fighters and told he needed to join the freedom fighters who would save the country. When he declined, he was declared an enemy and then tortured with electric cables, beaten, and left to die. Both of his arms were broken and left useless. The leader in charge saw that Eric couldn’t hold a gun and was unable to fight, so they released him but didn’t allow him to go back home. He joined thousands of other refugees and headed to the Ivory Coast. He then spent years in 12 different refugee camps in 11 nations throughout West Africa, and was ultimately separated from his family for over 20 years.

“God designed everything for a purpose. I didn’t choose where I was born or who my mom, dad or siblings would be. But it was all put together wonderfully by Him. We all have a story to tell. These stories are not ours. We are just the characters within the story.”

In 1992, Eric was exposed to the principles of Christianity for the first time by a preacher who challenged the refugees to understand that God loved them enough to save them from the fighting in the Civil War. God had big plans for them.

On December 23, 1992, Eric heard a minister preaching, saying, “God loved you and brought you out of civil war. He has big plans for you….God saved you to prepare you and bring you back to make the change your people need.” When the minister started praying, Eric closed his eyes and contemplated the words, “God will take care of you and bring you places you never dreamed.”

Eric ended up in refuge camp in Nigeria and remembers being told that the youth were the hope for the future. Yet, he understood the stark reality that very few of them could read or write, so how could they lead? But, Eric had learned to read through education at a refugee camp.

Eric stepped up to lead and taught other refugees how to use a computer, which had been donated. Eric reached out to have other computers donated to the camp so that more people could learn. The refugees were eager to sit in on his classes as he brought them a glimpse of how the outside world functioned.

In 2006, Eric was selected to relocate to Lafayette, Louisiana through a refugee resettlement program administered by the US Government and the Catholic Diocese of Acadiana, by meeting two criteria: He had been a refugee for over ten years, and he had survived abuse, torture and violence.

He arrived in Lafayette LA on August 27, 2006, at 10 p.m. with his wife and child, with no ID, no luggage, money, phone, or friends. With the help of the Catholic Diocese, Eric was able to live for six months at the University Place Apartments near UL, with the rent being paid to allow him time to obtain employment and get settled.

The culture shock of how Americans lived, i.e., electricity, temperature-controlled air-conditioning, microwaves, cars, and all the food you could eat was overwhelming. In fact, Eric thought that the amount of food stocked in the refrigerator provided by the Diocese was more than enough to have lived on for a year back home. He also wondered why so few people were in the street; where he grew up, people walked everywhere. Here, everyone is in a car, in what Eric again saw as overwhelming abundance.

One day, Eric saw three computers in a dumpster, along with couches and televisions. It was explained to him that most UL students bring in new stuff and then trash the no-longer needed items when they leave. Eric realized that there were boundless “Leftovers from the American Dream.” He wanted to give back to other countrymen who couldn’t get out of Liberia. Eric prayed to God that if this was His will, to open doors that only He could open. In the meantime, he kept on collecting ‘leftovers’ and stored them in his apartment.

On Thanksgiving 2006, Eric was walking to the laundry mat to wash his clothes when a KATC reporter stopped him to interview him on how he was celebrating the holiday. When he asked her, “What is Thanksgiving?” the reporter was taken aback and they discussed Eric’s background and recent arrival to the U. S. She wanted to see how he lived and she noticed all of the used equipment he was storing with the hope of sending the items back to Liberia. Upon deciding to run a story on Eric and his mission, she told him she needed his phone number to air so that people could call in with their donations; he learned the hard way that he was unable to obtain a phone because he had no Social Security Number or driver’s license to provide the carrier: they said he didn’t exist. Luckily, his next door neighbor, a UL student from Tennessee, allowed him to use her phone number for callers who had items to donate. And the calls flooded in once the story aired.

Eric was advised to set up a non-profit so that he could accept the donations legally. Looking up attorneys in the phone book, he started with “A” and called several times for locally, well-respected attorney Ed Abell. Once Ed heard Eric’s story, he volunteered to set up the non-profit organization and took care of all fees incurred. By the grace of God, the help of Ed Abell, and many, many others, Eric established the Change Agent Network.

Eric met Lou Meinerz, executive assistant to Matt Stuller, when he was visiting to ask for a donation. His story touched her heart and she brought him to meet her congregation at Trinity Bible Church. Once hearing his story, two parishioners, Heather Lecky and Marti Thomas, traveled to Liberia to check out Eric’s mission to build schools as the path to transforming the country’s future. They immediately jumped in headfirst to be of assistance, and are still involved to this day.

Change Agent Network is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization with the goal to transform the entire nation of Liberia through Education, mentorship, and Sustainable Development fueled by the power of prayer. His organization has built 28 faith-based public schools schools in Liberia, educating over 4,000 underserved and vulnerable children. It has employed people as teachers, nurses, and other professionals.

“None of this would have been possible without Lafayette. I believe God handpicked this place. There is something special about Acadiana, its culture, its people, their faith and family values, and respect for people. People just love you. None of this would have been possible if I had ended up somewhere else other than here. Lafayette is my home. I tell people I am an “African Cajun.” We only moved to Dallas for logistics (easier flights out to Liberia) and to be able to expand the platform of Change Agent Network.”

Today Liberia is the 8th poorest country in the world. Due to the civil war that ravaged the country and scattered its citizens throughout Africa and beyond, the average age of a Liberian is 18. Only one out of four children can read. The average salary of a worker such as a teacher or nurse is $100 per month. Outside of Monrovia, there is still no running water or electricity for most people.

Change Agent Network gathers American’s “leftovers” to send to Liberia for those who are grateful to have access to our surplus. Through partnerships with businesses, schools, churches, and individuals, surplus items such as laptops, cell phones, I-pads, clothing, musical instruments, shoes, etc., are redirected from a future life in a landfill. What is out of style, wrong size, or slightly broken can be put to good use by less fortunate children and their families. This program is much more than just distributing resources, it’s about dignity, hope and a new opportunity for individuals facing severe hardships.

https://youtu.be/crHFmT1LIdgFor more information, visit https://www.canintl.org/ Your resources and financial support are needed to continue this effort to transform Liberia and its future.

We thank Eric Wowoh for sharing his life story, his resilience, and his steadfast belief that through God all things truly are possible.

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Holly and Eli Cure, owners of Antoni’s Italian Café, join Discover Lafayette as part of Eat Lafayette’s yearlong celebration of locally owned restaurants. They share their captivating journey that had them working as employees of other restauranters before becoming dedicated proprietors of their own establishment.

Holly is a Lafayette native who always enjoyed the dynamics of the restaurant environment, having worked at Posado’s and Blue Dog Cafe before working at Antoni’s. Eli grew up in Covington where he first worked at B. J.’s Pizza at 14 years of age, starting out as a dishwasher and moving up to pizza making. He moved around the country, settling in Lafayette in 1993, buildng his hospitality career while gaining invaluable experience working at such restaurants as Canton City Inn, Chinese Buffet, Charley G’s, Prejeans, and Don’s Seafood, Coyote Blues, and Chili’s.

Antoni’s opened in 1996 and has been locally owned and operated since inception, celebrating its 28th year in business this month. Holly and Eli worked at Antoni’s before taking over the reins from its original owners, Bruce and Lynda Cart, on August 5, 2013.

The Carts trusted Holly and Eli’s knowledge of their business, its mission, and the dining preferences of Antoni’s existing clientele. They generously facilitated the purchase of the restaurant with a ten-year owner-financing plan that the Carts paid off early. Even though the restaurant had been around for years, the Cures had to start the permitting process anew in order to keep the doors open. And the inevitable repairs needed to be done. With Eli’s adeptness with carpentry and finishing work, the couple worked on Sundays to clean up and make the needed enhancements for their official opening. Holly says, “Each ceiling tile was taken down individually and we cleaned each and every one ourselves.”

“Opening a restaurant is a step by step process, where one thing can’t happen before the other. First you set up your LLC, then you get the operating, Fire, Health, Alcohol permits. Each stage has different requirements. You have to ensure that all is working: ‘Are all the exit sign batteries operational?’ The Board of Health will inspect and require a level of cleanliness as if the restaurant kitchen had never been used before. Antoni’s was 17 years old when we purchased it, but it was if it was a new endeavor as we worked to get the permits.”

Lynda handed over all her original recipes to the Carts and long-time staple dishes such as the basil chicken salad and house-made pizzas have remained crowd favorites. Eli is the culinary expert in this family-owned endeavor and has created new recipes over the years and added twists to the traditional Antoni’s fare.

Holly shared that one of her favorite foods on the menu is the plain cheese pizza, which is based upon the original dough recipe from Lynda Cart, their house-made Marinara sauce, and the part-skim Buffalo milk mozzarella which is a staple at Antoni’s. Cheese in the shakers is five-month aged sheep’s milk Romano.

With their loving, hands-on management and innovative twists to the original menu, Antoni’s is a popular destination for lovers of Italian food. From classic pizzas and calzones to exquisite offerings like Quail, Salmon, Shrimp, and Filet Mignon, there is truly something for everyone.

The Carts both spoke of a surge in the restaurant’s popularity, and attributed it to their dedicated staff, many of whom have worked at Antoni’s for several years. In the aftermath of COVID’s effects on the industry and changing expectation of workers, Holly and Eli have also endeavored to raise pay and be more flexible while upholding high standards of service. While it can still be difficult to recruit and retain in the hospitality business, Holly and Eli work to keep the staff’s mood light and happy by sharing laughter.

Holly and Eli Cure are a united front in their quest to provide great service and delicious Italian food at Antoni’s. They are hands-on owners, and Holly says, “There is no rest for your mind. You don’t leave work and not think about it. There is always something that could have been done. Each day is an adventure.” Luckily, Holly can rely on Eli for any repairs that need to be done: “He is the MacGyver at Antoni’s. He can fix anything.”

https://youtu.be/qIXCjDeSlgMFor the 2024 kickoff of Eat Lafayette, Antoni’s offered its famous house-made meatballs.

As part of Antoni’s celebration and participation in Eat Lafayette, any customer who mentions Eat Lafayette now through Sept. 8, 2024 can receive a free order of Garlic Focaccia with melted cheese.

We’d like to congratulate Holly and Eli Cure, as well as their whole team, for winning the 2024 Culinary Excellence Award bestowed by Foodies of Lafayette. Antoni’s exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding restaurant known for its service, great food, and warm ambiance!

Antoni’s is located at 1118 Coolidge Blvd., Suite A, Lafayette LA 70503. It is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday 5 p.m to 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.antonisitaliancafe.com/

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Ken Simeral, a prominent figure in the real estate community in Acadiana, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his thoughts on investing in real estate when the numbers work in your favor, the importance of offering high-quality, targeted service to his clients, and his lifetime involvement in bettering our community.

Ken is President-Elect of the REALTOR® Association of Acadiana (RAA). A devoted family man, he has been married to his wife, Deborah, since 1977 and they are the parents of two sons, Kyle and Jeffrey. Ken brings a seasoned voice to the industry: when he joined the former Lafayette Association of Realtors, there were 320 realtors; today there are more than 1850 members of the Realtor Association of Acadiana.

Ken is owner of Magnolia Real Estate & Construction. He and his son, Kyle, operate Scott Quick Lube and Thermal Insulation Contractors. Ken, his wife, Deborah, and his sons own Simeral Properties, a company with multiple real estate holdings. And Ken enjoys the outdoors; he keeps horses and cattle on his 40-acre farm in Arnaudville where he and Deborah reside, and if you drop in, you may see him navigating his backhoe on the property.

Pictured is La Maison Chatrian, a bed and breakfast home that Ken and Deborah Simeral offer to travelers visiting lovely Grand Coteau. Built circa 1835, the home sleeps 12 and is one of the oldest homes in Grand Coteau. Ken and Deborah spent seven years restoring the home. Restoration of historic properties is a passion of Ken’s. Ken took his first real estate class in 1972, at a time when interest rates were 18%. By the early 80s, they had lowered a bit to 12%. With his decades of experience in residential and commercial real estate, Ken has witnessed firsthand the cyclical nature of real estate and interest rates, and he counsels homebuyers not to let the current interest rates be a controlling factor in their decision to buy.

A 1969 high school graduate, Ken started college that fall. Unfortunately, his timing put him in the first draft lottery to determine military service since WWII in 1942. When he pulled #64 (based upon his birthday), he decided to enlist in the Air National Guard, and thereafter spent some time in Korea during the Vietnam War. Ken never returned to college studies, but began his lifelong journey of work, where he learned from others, benefitted from his own hard work, and the art of making smart investments.

Always good with numbers, Ken bought his first home in 1972 on Garfield St. in Lafayette while in his early 20s. While managing an 18-unit apartment complex in Lafayette, he bought his second property in the McComb Veazey neighborhood, and then used equity from the first two homes to roll financing into three rentals. He soon married Deborah and started working with the Grand Paper Company, a national outfit where he was hired to be only the third salesman in the territory after 150 years in business. When he was offered a national rep position with the company, he realized he didn’t want to be on the road each and every week; he wanted to be home with his family.

Ken Simeral says, looking back on his rich life, “I was taught by older mentors. Everything I know I’ve learned from other people I could trust. The WWII generational ethics, how to do things right. Randolph Trappey was a mentor to me and I watched him build great houses. I just followed what he and others did.” Ken ended up teaching the Realtor Code of Ethics (“Code of Conduct”), and served as the Chair of Professional Standards for Realtors.

Ken looks back at this early period of his life with gratitude about what he learned from others. He also has advice for young homebuyers who are looking from guidance from seasoned real estate owners such as himself. “It has to be a good investment before you worry about pretty colors on the wall. Before buying, determine whether the cost of the house purchase plus the cost of repairs equals the value of the home when it is all said and done. Anything I’ve ever done, I have calculated what the value is when finished. Get an independent inspection done.”

Ken also shared that in the ‘old days,’ a realtor marketing package would include an independent inspector report that pointed out flaws and repairs a house may need. Sellers would pay for needed repairs as well as the cost of the first year home warranty for things that went awry; but in those days, homes were sold with a warranty, unlike today, when “As Is” is always the norm. Never rely upon a seller’s inspection, Ken advises: “Always get your own inspection done.”

First time homebuyers used to stay in their home an average of seven years. After kids were born and life changed, an upgraded, enlarged home would be pursued. Today, people stay in their homes for less time. Yet, while today’s conditions seem to be evolving, many things never change, according to Ken Simeral.

Ken Simeral says, “Interest rates are cyclical yet human behavior is predictable. Know what you can afford. Shop the banks and get quotes on the cost of a loan. It’s important to get pre-qualified. Don’t buy more than you can afford, which many people do. It is also critical to have a good banker on your team. They need vision to help you get what you need. The trust has to come from both sides and it can take years to build. And lastly, real estate is local. You need a good, local real estate agent that understands our market. They need to ask, ‘Where do you work? What school do you want your children to attend? What is important to you?”

Ken has worked in the Lafayette area exclusively, except for a brief foray to Columbia, South Carolina from 1985 to 1990 when the market crashed locally due to the oil bust. His focus is on the commercial real estate sector.

Ken shared that the real estate brokerage business has changed dramatically in Lafayette and around the U. S. There are very few of the old time brokerage companies such as the former “Van Eaton & Romero” in Lafayette. He said that, “Van Eaton was a full-service brokerage firm, as was the former Coldwell Banker, who brought in agents to train them and do everything that they needed to be prepared to represent their clients adequately. The commission split between broker and agent was calculated on the level of service the brokerage firm provided its agents.”

Today, very few of our local real estate brokerage firms have any direct ownership connection to our community. Yet Ken says, “Real estate is local. There are many really good real estate agents here, locally. Your agent needs to know your preferences for school districts, convenience in your every day life, what you want in your home, what you can afford. They need to be attuned to local issues to offer you the best advice.”

Ken Simeral’s service in the real estate professional industry has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Lloyd G. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2015. He is also especially proud of earning the National Association of Realtors’ Emeritus Award which recognizes members who have forty years of membership and who have completed at least one year of service at the national association level.

Late last fall, a federal law suit filed in Missouri was settled (“Burnett et al v. National Association of Realtors et al”), challenged the NAR’s rule requiring sellers to pay commissions for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Plaintiffs argued that this practice artificially maintained high commission rates, harming sellers financially. While this wasn’t the practice in every state, including Louisiana, the settlement has caused an upheavel in how buyer brokerage agreements are handled. So now, buyer agency agreements must be negotiated between a realtor and the buyer(s). Ken explained that the outcome has solidified that licensed real estate agents must now use a buyer agency agreement that sets forth the real estate commission rate which has been negotiated between the homebuyer and his agent, before being shown homes. Details are still being worked out locally.

As for the arts, Ken and his wife, Deborah, are huge supporters. He loves the Acadiana Center for the Arts with “its bar, cushy seats, and the variety of musicians he has heard over the years, especially Louisiana Crossroads. He is also an active supporter of the Nunu Arts and Culture Collective (“NUNU”), which features not only local and national performers, but offers a place for artists to show and sell their wares.

We thank Ken Simeral for his service to our community and for sharing his experiences. Besides his real estate involvement, he has been actively involved with economic development in St. Landry Parish. To contact Ken, please reach out to him via email at ksimeral84@gmail.com.

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With June being National Homeowner Month, it seems like a good time to welcome a seasoned Mortgage Loan Officer to Discover Lafayette. Home Bank’s Sandy Cormier, NMLS# 493798, Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender, joins us to discuss the types of loans available to consumers who are looking to build or buy their dream home, as well as what you need to do to qualify for a loan.

Sandy has been with Home Bank for 25 years and with that time comes a depth of experience that is hard to beat. Whether its helping first-time homebuyers, people seeking construction loans, or individuals wanting to upsize/downsize their current home, Sandy along with her peers in the Home Bank Mortgage Lending Department are available to assist in providing your best option.

Sandy Cormier, Mortage Loan Officer with Home Bank, loves what she does. “You get to help people with the biggest purchase of their lives. And, she says “It is better to buy than rent. Your home is an asset and the current interest rates shouldn’t be a deterrent. If you are renting and have to pay the first and last month’s rent plus the deposit, you’ve probably gotten together your 3% needed for a downpayment on owning your home. Having a mortgage is one of the best ways to build your credit.”

When you begin shopping for a home, it is advantageous to get guidance from an experienced mortgage lending professional, such as Sandy, to determine what you can afford and what you will be ultimately be qualified to borrow. People frequently get two things confused: “prequalified” vs. “preapproved” for a loan.

When you prequalify, the mortgage lender does a basic credit check to see where you stand on the ability to repay a mortgage. You get an idea of where your credit score ranks, but this does not certify to third parties that you are actually ready to get approved for a mortgage loan.

When you get pre-approved, a more extensive background check occurs that unveils your true ability to repay a mortgage loan. A letter can be issued to show realtors and sellers that you are ready to purchase, and the letter is good for six months. The lender will first pull your credit scores from the trifecta of credit reporting companies (Transunion, Equifax, and Experian) to obtain your average credit score based upon the information the three companies provide. These credit agencies pick up on any recent delinquencies (within the past 24 months) you may have experienced in paying your bills. Note that older delinquencies don’t affect your credit score in the same way that recent ones in the past two years do. Also interestingly, the credit agencies don’t report on utility payments, and more recently, don’t report on deliquencies in medical bill payments. The lender also obtains your W-2’s for the past two years, conducts asset verifications (your bank statements and reserve savings).

If you are thinking about opening your own business after being an employee of a company, note that the lender will verify what you earned the past two years while being self-employed, so opening your own company may delay your ability to be pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage loan.

When you are looking to qualify for a home mortgage loan, lenders look at three major categories of information:

First, lenders work up your “debt to income analysis” by looking at your gross monthly income (before taxes) and your current debt commitments (car loans, revolving credit, etc.) so that you can come up with a projected mortgage payment that will cover the cost of owning a home in your price range. Sandy says that 43% debt to income ratio is what you want to achieve, i.e., when you total up your current debt, and include your projected mortgage payment, your debt should be just 43% of your gross income. If you have a high credit score, this percentage may be adjusted a bit, but it is a good frame of reference.

Sandy also recommends that if you know you are looking to be approved for a home mortgage loan, it is not a good idea to go out and buy a car or get into other debt that weighs you down. If you own a car and have less than 10 payments left on your loan, this information is not filtered into your ability to repay a loan. But if you go out and buy a new car, you have drastically increased your debt to income ratio. It is also not a good idea to go out and open up several new revolving credit accounts such as at TJ Maxx (and all other retailers), furniture stores, or other credit cards.

Second, lenders pull your credit scores from the three major credit reporting agencies. You will need a minimum score of 620 to qualify for most loans, and the lower the score, the higher your interest rate may be. The earlier you talk to a lender on this issue, the better. You and your spouse/partner may need to improve your credit score to be approved for a mortgage loan and your lender can assist with tactics to make this happen. Note that many consumers get their credit score from Discover, but Sandy says that this is not the same as what the three major credit reporting agencies may reflect on your credit history. Also note: too many credit inquires may adversely affect your credit score. If you go out and apply for several credit cards at various retailers, this damages your score each time you apply. It is best, according to Sandy, to have one major credit card for use at all retailers. Sandy did note one exception: if you are shopping for a car, you can look at several dealers and their credit inquiries are collectively contained within a period of time as “one,” thereby not adversely affecting your credit history.

Third, lenders want to see what ‘reserves’ you have. Do you have savings? A 401K or IRA account? You don’t need liquid savings, Sandy says, but you do need to show that you have equity to fall back upon if you hit hard times and have the capacity to make your payments.

Most people are nervous when considering the prospect of borrowing money for a home loan. Sandy puts them at ease by first telling them about the various type of mortgage loans available at Home Bank.

Types of Mortgage Loans:

• Conventional Loan: You don’t need 20% down payment to qualify. From Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, a 3% down payment and 620 minimum credit score is needed. Private Mortgage Insurance is paid until you reach 20% home equity on your payments.
• FHA Loan: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. 3.5% down and a 580 minimum credit score. But you’re on the hook for mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) until you refinance to a different type of mortgage, move, or pay off your loan.
• VA Loan : This is only available for for veterans and service members, and there is no down payment required. Minimum credit score varies by lender but is often 620. No ongoing mortgage insurance after closing. These are arguably the best mortgages available.
• First Time Homebuyer Loans: The City of Lafayette has a First Time Homebuyer Program for middle to low-income buyers. You can get closing costs covered with these programs, and there are grants available for qualified buyers who meet requirements.
• USDA (Rural Development) Loan: For those on low-to-moderate incomes buying in designated rural areas (which in Lafayette Parish includes the towns of Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, etc.) Zero down payment is required. Credit score requirements vary by lender but often 640.
• CRA loans: Community Reinvestment Act loans which help persons of low to middle income levels (less than 50% of area median income) purchase homes. 100% financing is afforded to these income-restricted individuals.
• Construction Loans (1 time closing): Helps reduce closing costs by signing only one set of documents. Upon completion, you may have the option to reduce your interest rate if lower. You know your interest rate going in to construction and can lock in your loan rate at beginning of construction.

First time homebuyers have a multitude of grants/second mortgage programs available to help cover closing costs and meeting their downpayment needs. Sandy recommends that young buyers as well as those of all ages who have never owned a home to visit with her to determine available resources.

While you may be able to calculate your mortgage note insofar as your principal and interest are concerned for the life of your loan, there are several other costs to factor in when determining what your mortgage payment will ultimately be. Mortgagors (home buyers) will also have to pay into escrow along with their monthly payment costs such as their homeowner and flood insurance, property taxes, and potentially Homeowner Association Dues. Sandy recommends that all applicants shop their home/flood insurance rates prior to being approved so that a true assessment of what their monthly note will be.

There are a couple of other obligatory professionals that assist in your home closing experience alongside your mortgage lender. First, an attorney is needed under Louisiana law (and best practices) to conduct a real estate title search and confirm that you are receiving clear title to your home. Appraisers are also required by the bank to confirm that the value of the home equals what you have agreed to pay. Additionally, some people use surveyors (at their discretion) to get a flood elevation certificate to determine how susceptible the home will be to flooding. This information may help you lower your flood insurance premium.

Home mortgages may be taken out in periods of repayment over 15, 20 or 30 years. The interest rate for each type of loan is not substantially different in the long run; with a shorter term loan, you are just paying back the principal balance over a lesser period of time thus saving overall interest payments over the course of your loan. Sandy recommends that first-time homebuyers go for 30 year loans; once they confirm there is no prepayment penalty, they can always pay off the principal balance before the final due date and save substantially on interest costs. If you start out with a smaller monthly payment with a 30 year note, you have the flexibility to make larger payments over the course of the loan to reduce your principal balance. Sandy does advise that you tell your lender that the extra payments you are making are to go directly to principal balance reduction. As an example, if your note is $1,000 and you send in $1,500, alert your lender that the extra $500 payment is to go directly to principal balance reduction; otherwise, some of the payment will be attributed to interest payments.

What if you don’t have a credit history, i.e., you are young or just have never borrowed money or bought a house? Home Bank offers a Credit Builder Loan, where you can borrow just $500 which you can put into a savings accoutn and repay the note over one year. Credit reporting agencies pick up on this activity and it helps you build your credit score. Sandy also recommends opening up one credit card and pay your balance in full each month. Even if you just charge small amounts, say for gas fillups in your car, your positive payment activity is reported to the three major credit agencies. It is never too soon to start building your credit score, as well as learn ways to improve your score so that you are ready to buy your dream home.

Sandy is a mom and wife, and understands the challenges every family faces. We thank Sandy Cormier, NMLS# 493798, Member FDIC/Equal Housing Lender, for joining us to share her insights on building your future.

It’s always best to think ahead about big purchases such as your home. For more information on your ability to qualify and get pre-approved on a loan, please visit https://www.home24bank.com/personal/home-loans.

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South Louisiana Community College’s (“SoLAcc”) Anne Falgout, Director of Strategic Communications, and Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director of the College’s Foundation, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the latest developments at SoLAcc and its recent rebranding.

SoLAcc currently offers more than 50 programs, leading to associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates, to almost 12,000 students annually, at its campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The College also offers a wide range of non-credit instruction and training, for careers that need certification training such as power linemen, industrial scaffolding, and commercial driving, which students can complete in under six months. Following an Academic Blueprint prepared five years in advance, SoLAcc endeavors to build educational programs that fit the needs of each community they serve.

Many people in our region don’t have high school diplomas, and SoLAcc steps up to offer Adult Basic Education Services, assisting individuals in passing the High School Equivalency Exam (“HiSET”) which replaced the former GED exam. Students of all ages come to SoLAcc for this program, sometimes after their own children graduate from high school, and are guided by the college counselors to figure out the best way to obtain an appropriate degree while qualifying for grants, loans, and other institutional aid resources to help cover the cost of their education.

SoLAcc was awarded the Hunger-Free Campus Award by the Louisiana Board of Regents in 2024.

The typical age of a SoLAcc student has declined in recent years, from 27 years of age to 24 years of age today. This is a huge shift in demographics, due to the college’s effective outreach program. Additionally, SoLAcc’s tuition is on average about 40% less than a tradtional four-year colleges and institutions. Anne Falgout says, “The top issues that come up when we speak with prospective students is affordability and flexibility in classes as they choose which institution to attend. Affordability plus Quality equals Value!”

Student Success Live is an in-person new-student orientation that all students take before registering. Guidance on resources and expectations help SoLAcc’s retention rate of students. About 3/4 of the college’s students are first generation college students and have no frame of reference about what to expect. Many know no one who has gone to college. SoLAcc works to help each student holistically and offers free tutoring at every campus.

More than one-half of SoLAcc’s students are university bound and find that first obtaining a two-year Associate’s degree at the college is the most economical method to earn their credits. SoLAcc partners not only with UL-Lafayette, but also McNeese, Holy Cross, and Nicholls State to offer a 2 + 2 agreement that allows students to seamlessly transfer their credits from the community college to the universities. Lana pointed out that SoLAcc is the largest feeder of students to UL-Lafayette and its graduates start the university ready to excel.

The Early College Academy, which is ‘baked into SoLAcc’s Devalcourt location in Lafayette,” is rated in the top 1% of public high schools in Louisiana, and is particularly well-known for its students’ math and reading proficiencies. The high school shares faculty with SoLAcc and the benefit of of this dual enrollment program is that students can earn their two-year Associate’s Degree while earning their high school diploma. This enables the students to start at a university as a Junior.

Many people attend SoLAcc after having graduated from a traditional four-year college and established in a career. As an example close to home, Lana’s husband, educated to be a teacher and experienced as a fifteen-year veteran of teaching middle and high school students, became an Emergency Medical Technician after enrolling in SoLAcc during COVID. He graduated after a short-term training program, and was immediately hired by Acadian Ambulance. He worked there for six months driving an ambulance, and then in January of 2021, entered the paramedic program at SoLAcc, and graduated in December of 2021, being presented his diploma by his wife, Lana Fontenot!

A partnership between the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Community Corrections division and South Louisiana Community College offers inmates a technical diploma track in Welding. Working with inmates who are nearing their date of release, mobile welding units are deployed to teach the skills necessary for employment. At the conclusion of the yearlong program, a graduation ceremony is held with SoLAcc supplying the caps and gowns for the students. LPSO sets up apprenticeships and any monies earned are kept secure until the prisoner is released. SoLAcc hopes to add HVAC and culinary to this program.

South Louisiana Community College recently completed its rebranding. Anne Falgout says, “We call it a transformation; we came of age. We didn’t change so much as we evolved into ourselves. While we do compete with traditional 4-year educational institutions, our biggest competitor is LIFE.” So many of SoLAcc’s students choose between the college or getting no education. Their top issues are affordibility and flexibility, as they grapple with childcare and transportation challenges.

Lana Fontenot has been employed by the college for twelve years, after time spent working at UL-Lafayette and an early stint as a radio host known as “Lana Banana.” Hired by former SLCC Chancellor Natalie Harder, Lana came on during a time of transition when Acadiana Technical College was being merged into SLCC, creating a comprehensive community college. Under her leadership as Executive Director of the South Louisiana Community College Foundation, scholarship monies available to students have experienced a 20-fold growth.

Anne Falgout worked in economic development for over two decades before joining SoLAcc as Director of Strategic Communications. She served as executive director of Vermilion Economic Development Alliance, and worked at Lafayette Economic Development Authority prior to that. “‘We train our students for life. We ask what does that student need to be successful and how do we meet their needs? Working at SoLAcc is the most economic development I’ve ever done. It is unreal how many lives we touch by just giving one student an opportunity. It impacts their family, their employer, and their community.”

In closing, Discover Lafayette would like to thank Lana Fontenot, Anne Falgout, and the entire team at SoLAcc for their commitment to helping people reach their full potential by providing them with an education that readies them for their desired career.

For more information about South Louisiana Community College educational offerings and its campuses throughout Acadiana, please visit https://www.solacc.edu/.

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Tracy Tullier, a Breaux Bridge resident and Supervising Guide of Tours at the Louisiana State Capitol, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her beloved work in guiding people through our state’s majestic Capitol, as well as sharing Louisiana’s rich history with visitors who hail from all parts of the U. S. and countries around the world.

Tracy Tullier at the Louisiana State Capitol, photo credit to Jan Risher, the Advocate.While many Louisiana residents have never experienced the tour of our State Capitol, in 2023 visitors from 115 different countries made the trip, and over 65,000 registered signed in. Tracy explained that in addition to these registered guests, many people don’t sign in for a tour but still show up to wander around the beautiful building and make the trip up to the top floor Observation Deck to take in the sights of the Mississippi River, LSU’s campus, and surrounding buildings of downtown Baton Rouge and beyond.

Tracy came to our attention over the past couple of years when Lafayette Junior Leadership Class students traveled to Baton Rouge to learn about state government, the legislative sessions held at the State Capitol, and have the opportunity to meet elected officials from Acadiana. She makes the day, her smile captures your heart, and you know you are in good hands.

Tracy is professional, enthusiastic, and well-informed, ready to shape your understanding about Louisiana, weaving in facts and tidbits of historical events such as when Huey Long was shot inside the Capitol building, how the current State Capitol came to be built, and how the House of Representatives and Senate work. On her tours, Louisiana really comes to life! Pictures below were taken by Jan Risher of the Advocate and depict the chandeliers on the Capitol’s first floor (which weigh two tons), and photos of the Senate and House Chambers.

The Louisiana State Capitol was built in 14 months, and cost $5 million to construct. It was the brainchild of Governor and U. S. Senator Huey Long. It is the tallest capitol in the United States. And as Tracy Tullier states, “Our capitol has more questions than it does answers” when she recounts the many interesting events that have taken place in the building, including Huey Long’s death, the bombing that took place in the Senate Chamber in 1970, and how thereafter, a pencil (or something) got stuck in the Senate Chamber’s ceiling.

Ironically, Senator Long died before he could dedicate the Capitol, so that honor was fulfilled by his successor, Louisiana Governor Oscar K. (“OK”) Allen. Pictured below is a photo of the early Capitol Building.

If you haven’t made this trip to Baton Rouge to visit the Capitol, this tour should be added to your bucket list of things to do in your lifetime, as it is truly a lifetime adventure and one that will awaken your interest in Louisiana culture.

Tracy Tullier and her fellow tour guides are employed by Louisiana’s Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, under the office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Tracy worked at the Slidell Welcome Center before being employed at the Capitol several years ago, and encourages people to check out all of our state’s Welcome Centers to learn more about Louisiana. During the interview, she thanked her boss, Jason Miller, for his support, and complimented her peers throughout the state who are employed at our regional welcome centers who encourage people to check out local attractions, dining, lodging, and events as they pass through Louisiana.

Before you travel to the Capitol, you may want to visit online at https://house.louisiana.gov/pubinfo/VirtualTour/lacaphistory.htm to gain more information about the experience.

The State Capitol is free and open daily for tours, from 8 till 4:30 p.m. If you want to make a reservation for the tour, call 225-342-7317. The tour guides will confirm your appointment via email. You can also walk in without an appointment and request to be included on the next tour. Plan to spend about an hour of your time engulfed in beauty and history.

When you visit Louisiana State Capitol, you can also visit the many nearby attractions which include the Old State Capitol, the Old Governor’s Mansion, the Capitol Park Museum, the USS Kidd, the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, the Native American Mound, Magnolia Mound, Burden Museum and Gardens, LSU Museum of Art, and much more.

We thank Tracy Tullier and her co-workers who do so much to promote Louisiana. This was a heartwarming interview that we are proud to share.

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Pastor Jay Miller of The Family Church and Lafayette Christian Academy (LCA) joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his latest venture, the launch of KVNTV 19.2 (available on over-the air tv antennas which pick up local broadcasts) and its accompanying app for enjoyment on digital devices. (Pictured above are Chris Rader, Jan Swift, and Pastor Jay Miller at taping of our podcast).

KVNTV is scheduled to launch on September 1, 2024, and is based in Lafayette on the campus of Lafayette Christian Academy and The Family Church. The network will deliver free high-definition broadcasts of high school sports throughout Acadiana. With the app, you’ll be able to watch for free from anywhere and enjoy your friends’ or families’ sporting events.

The goal is to bring full coverage of sports events to the masses while showcasing the talent of Acadiana high school athletes, coaches, and athletic programs. Every high school team is invited to participate for free, whether it is football, basketball, baseball, softball, track, volleyball, tennis, dance, cheerleading, etc. Football games will be broadcast live on Friday nights, and Pastor Jay envisions adding Thursday night football games as the network grows in capacity. Video on demand will also be available so that fans can go back and watch their favorite games.

An introductory Meet and Greet is scheduled on June 13, 2024, 10 a.m. on the campus of Lafayette Christian Academy, 223 Stone Avenue, Lafayette LA 70507, to discuss KVNTV and how local schools and coaches can participate while earning money for their schools. Attendees will learn “all things media” including how to livestream your event in partnership with KVNTV, how to host an interview or podcast show, what equipment to buy, best media practices, and much more. Incentives to attend the Meet and Greet include door prizes of ipads and iphones.

There is no fee imposed upon the schools for uploading sports content. Further, KVNTV will provide videographers, media technicians, and photographers to assist schools in recording their events and shows, with the assistance being made possible through monies generated from advertising dollars. Businesses will find the cost of advertising on KVNTV not only affordable, but also rewarding as their financial support will allow all local high schools to upload their sports content for free.

Another perk of advertising on KVNTV is the fundraising capabililty it lends to local schools. 20% of the advertising revenue generated through your business’s ads will be returned back to the school that you designate, if that school is a partner with KVNTV. As an example, if Lafayette High Baseball wants to stream their games live or produce an interview show at KVNTV, a business owner that supports the program can sponsor the show and 20% of the advertising revenue is returned to the school’s baseball program to use in the manner it sees fit.

An even better fundraising opportunity is available for schools who produce and record their own sports shows to broadcast on the network. Advertisers who are connected with that school’s programs (i.e., parents, grandparents, or alums) can buy ads on KVNTV and all monies generated stay with the school. It’s a built-in moneymaker for the sports program. The school can sell its own commercials and keep the revenue. The bonus is that the business gets their commercial aired and the school keeps 100% of the advertising revenue. If the business wants to advertise on KVNTV outside of their favorite school’s programs, they will contract directly with KVNTV and 20% of that advertising revenue will be returned to their designated school.

The network will offer content 24/7, seven days a week. As for new content, the goal is to start by offering new content, Monday through Friday, from 6 to 10 p.m., which programs will then replay six times each throughout the week. The Louisiana High School Sports Association (LHSSA) will also be offering content to KVNTV for broadcast, such as great championship games of the past.

KVNTV 19.2 will offer free high-definition video, available on over-the-air antennas, with a range of approximately 250,000 to 300,00 families in the Acadiana area. Pastor Jay’s goal is to expand the station’s reach by making the station available to viewers statewide within the next three years.

LCA will offer a broadcast elective for Juniors and Seniors to learn how to be an on-air talent, as well as how to edit video, procure advertising, and succeed in the industry. Jay sees great possibilities for the project to grow and help all schools showcase their talent.

Lafayette Christian Academy and The Family Church has been televising its sports and church services for several years, with a current staff of about ten. They produce content daily on social media sites and through their own app. Experienced in editing its own productions and ads, Pastor Jay’s team come to the table with extensive experience, with the network being handled by people who know what they’re doing.

On a side note, LCA began streaming their football games seven years ago. The school has highly successful, competitive teams and has been in seven consecutive state football championships in the Super Bowl, winning four of them. Over time, their audience grew from 200 to 15,000 viewers per game. This success in broadcasting, as well as the lucrative advertising dollars generated for LCA’s benefit, was the catalyst for Pastor Jay launching KVNTV.

Visit https://www.kvntv.com/ for more information. You can check out opportunities to partner with KVNTV, beginning at levels as low as $250 per month for twelve months, to received a professionally produced 15 second commercial aired 12 times per week for 52 weeks.

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Jamie Harson, owner and chef of Scratch Farm Kitchen, joins Discover Lafayette to share her commitment to serving the highest quality, fresh, locally sourced ingredients, in delicious combinations which fit the needs of any patron’s dietary preferences or restrictions.

Located at 2918 Johnston Street in the Winnwood Shopping Center, Scratch Farm Kitchen has a growing legion of followers who flock in to see the daily menu, set forth on a board next to the cash register, showcasing the meals of the day. Crowd favorites such as hash-based bowls, grit-based bowls, hamburgers, and a special dish known as Boudini, a biscuit topped with boudin, cheese, egg, pesto, kimchi and Jamie’s homemade mayonnaise, are always in high demand.

Jamie and her dedicated staff prepare from scratch all of the condiments accompanying meals, including their own ketchup, mustard, mayonaise, cheese, jams, and broths. They cure their own meats, and ferment products such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and sodas. The meals are colorful, delightful in their simplicity, and a testament to the virtues of eating fresh, local, wholesome foods prepared by loving hands. There is no online menu. Fresh ingredients steer the meals of the day….which is how things always used to be.

“The best way to describe my food is to say it’s street food inspired. It started on grills outside. It’s American food, farm to table. I like to say my food is transparent and honest. We can answer questions about what is in our food. It is clean and simple food. Like Julia Child said, ‘Food doesn’t have to be great masterpieces, it just has to be simple and have good ingredients,'” says Jamie Harson, who relies upon local vendors to source items she does not make herself.

Jamie is responsible for all the menu choices, creates the dishes offered, and prepares the soups herself. She speaks highly of her talented staff, who support her vision, saying, “They’re the best. I have a dedicated and devoted team that I can trust. I walk in everyday and that’s where I want to be. And, our clientele inspire me.”

“Scratch Farm Kitchen operates only on grills, no fryers and no ovens. Everything is fresh, assembled on the line in the front of the restaurant, with all the prep activity being conducted in the back kitchen. The menu changes seasonally, in keeping what can be sourced locally. And the menu has been a learning process, from experience through the years. “If things don’t sell, they’re off the menu”, says Jamie.

Jamie’s journey in the food business began as a young child, helping out at her grandfather’s farm in Duson. Picking blackberries and figs, as well as pecans on her hands and knees, or shucking corn, typically for eight hours a day. These weren’t really her favorite activities. But that’s what led her to appreciate the seasonal aspect of local food.

After Jamie’s grandfather died when she was eight, she lost contact with the idea of farming until she had dream at 18 years of age. Jamie says, “I was in Portland, Oregon, and had all these pictures of a farm in my head, and called my dad (former District Attorney Mike Harson) about it and he said, ‘You’re dreaming of the family farm.'” Jamie knew she’d be back there one day.

Jamie didn’t return to our area until she was 30, when she called her dad and said she was ready to go out to the family farm in Duson again. At the farm, which she called “Bon Temps Family Farms,” she began raising her family (she now has four children), along with hundreds of pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, and other livestock. Jamie had no experience in farming or ranching, and says she “learned everything on Google!”

Her passion from the beginning was starting from ‘scratch.’ Jamie says, “If I was going to raise chickens, I started when they were little.”

Jamie jokingly recalled one day when she drove home to the farm on Ridgefield in Duson and saw many state troopers outside of her property; all of her 300 plus pigs had gotten loose and were delighting in their freedom, jumping for joy! She had just started Scratch, and was still breeding, raising, and roasting the pigs herself. “The pigs got out everyday.” When the State Police asked what to do to gather the pigs up, Jamie knew she could herd them back into their stalls with food…..imagine hundreds of pigs running, jumping, and celebrating going back home! As a side note, raising, breeding, and roasting the pigs took a toll on Jamie, and she realized one day that it was too much to continue raising pigs alongside building her restaurant business. Once she let go of that part of her business, Scratch Farm Kitchen really took off.

Jamie had always “envisioned having a small drive-thru breakfast by her farm in Duson where she could offer egg biscuits and coffee. That was the genesis of how the dream of Scratch started.”

A former partner of Jamie’s, Kelsey Leger, helped that dream come to fruition, as she wanted to help. She had experience in the restaurant business, and wanted more hands on experience in the farm to table movement. And Jamie wanted to put the farm to table food on people’s plates.

Scratch started out doing private dinners for 40 people, which were successful. “We would take large seasonal abundance like the old days. What do you do with three sacks of corn when it comes in? You can pickle it, make corn maque choux, corn soup, freeze it, etc. That’s essentially how Scratch was built. What do you do with 30 pounds of cucumbers? You basically build a pantry as if you were living off the land. Trade with your neighbors. I love that interaction between community, growers and family!”

Next came humble beginnings as a pop up vendor at Moncus Park’s Farmers Market, to operating from a food truck (which was bought from Collin Cormier of Viva La Waffle). Jamie credits Pat Mould, the renowned local chef, who had been a steady customer of her food truck, to help her get the Scratch truck permission to locate on UL-Lafayette’s campus. She was ready to move on to have access to increased foot traffic and bring her business to the next level. For about a year, Scratch Farm Kitchen meals served hungry college kids where curry bowls and burritos were popular. And the bonus was the kids posted about Scratch Farm Kitchen on social media, sharing photos. People would show up with the photos, saying “What’s this? I want it!”

Running a small restaurant business isn’t conducive to obtaining loans from bankers, and Jamie had to pay cash for needed expenditures as the business grew. One year at Festival International, Scratch “blew up,” experiencing long lines and happy customers. In 2019, Scratch moved into its initial brick and mortar restaurant at 402 Garfield Street in downtown Lafayette, staying successful strictly through word of mouth advertising and loyal clientele.

While COVID presented challenges, Jamie was determined not to shut down, not to return to a food truck. They would post menus on Instagram and every night, people would text their orders in for the next day. The menu was kept simple, such as only burgers on Thursdays. Jamie remembers serving 200 – 300 burgers in three hours. The team of Jamie, her partner, and her 14-year old daughter kept the business afloat and Scratch actually did better business than they might have without the COVID shutdown. And the good part was there were no supply chain issues as they made all their condiments from scratch.

By mid-June, Jamie plans to open Scratch Farm Kitchen at night, another important milestone in her business. Business is flourishing and she has the right staff in place to step up her offerings. “I love where I’m at. Especially moving into our new location. It’s like moving a castle. It was the next right move.”

One dream that Jamie still has is to blend her farm with the restaurant, to enable her employees to work at both, to work outside, and to know more about where the food is coming from. Jamie says, “The farm to table is happening already around the country. Lafayette is hungry for this. I follow my intuition and that’s what helps me grow my business.

We thank Jamie Harson for her incredible mission to serve our community only the best, freshest, locally sourced foods.

Check out @scratch_that_midcity for more information on Scratch Farm Kitchen, 2918 Johnston St., Lafayette or call 337-295-4769.

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Dr. Amanda Logue, Chief Medical Officer for Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss Ochsner’s new General Surgery Residency Program.

Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the surgical residency program received nearly 600 applications for three coveted spots. The 5-year surgery program is expected to grow, training a new class of three residents per academic year, wth the inaugural class beginning July 1, 2024. Ochsner is also pursuing accreditation of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Transitional Year Programs.

On April 16, 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center, celebrated the launch of its new General Surgery Residency Program, which will begin July 1, 2024.Located inside the new, recently constructed tower at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, the completed Graduate Medical Education space will be 17,115 square feet. Phase 1 includes eight resident sleep rooms, a resident lounge, classrooms, rounding rooms and lactation rooms. Phase 2 will house numerous simulation labs and additional classroom space.

Ziad Ashkar, MD, will serve as the Designated Institutional Official (DIO), ensuring the program meets the rigorous accreditation standards set by the ACGME. Dr. Dennis Eschete will serve as the Program Director for General Surgery. About 25 surgeons will be rotating, with the core group of teaching physicians being Dr. Willard Mosier, Ochsner Lafayette General’s head of trauma, Dr. Jason Breaux, Dr. Michael Horaist and Dr. Racheed “Joe” Ghanami.

The new residency program is both a strategic response to the escalating physician shortage and a model for innovative care solutions leading to increased patient access. In a 2024 report, the Association of American Medical Colleges projected that physician demand will grow faster than supply, leading to a projected total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Moreover, Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, according to a Human Resources for Health analysis.

Speaking of the physician shortage being experience here and nationwide, Dr. Amanda Logue shared that 140,000 patients came through Ochsner University Clinics in 2023. “It’s a huge volume, there’s a huge need for more physicians.”

Ochsner Lafayette General’s new surgery residency program doesn’t replace its ongoing partnership with LSU School of Medicine’s at University Hospital & Cinics; it complements it. Dr. Logue stated, “The reality is there’s a critical need for more physicians, which is why we started our own program in addition to the existing one. This program also signifies our deep commitment to advancing medical education and addressing the dire need for surgeons in our healthcare system.” Importantly, data shows that most physicians practice within 70 miles of where they trained, so Ochsner hopes that Lafayette will be a compelling place for their residents to start their medical careers.

The goal of the program is not only to provide top-tier educational opportunities, such as training at the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center, but also to inspire innovation and compassion among the residents. The residents will learn to navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery with a patient-first approach, having the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge research and be at the forefront of developing new surgical techniques.

Ochsner Health is Louisiana’s top healthcare educator of physicians. Annually Ochsner and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals. It currently offers 33 Acreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education programs, training over 330 residents and fellows each year.

Dr. Logue is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Clinical Informatics, having completed her undergraduate training at LSU in microbiology, and medical training at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. She completed her residency training and chief resident year at University of Tennessee in Memphis in internal medicine. Married with three children, ages 16, 14, and 10, Dr. Logue grew up in Baton Rouge. She has worked with Ocshner Lafayette General for 15 years, and as Chief Medical Officer since October 2019, having previously served as Medical Director of the Hospitalist team, on the Information Systems team, and Chief Information Medical Officer.

Dr. Amanda Logue loves Lafayette’s culture, university, and family-friendly environment. When she was hired by then-Lafayette General’s CEO, David Callecod, she says, “I knew at the time that Lafayette General had an intention to make it a good place to work, to receive care. I wanted to be a part of that. So I came on as a Hospitalist.” As Ochsner Lafayette General’s Chief Medical Officer fifteen years later, she still makes rounds as a way to keep her clinical skills sharp, and to stay connected with the nurses, techs, housekeeping, and other staff.

We thank Dr. Amanda Logue for her medical service to our community and wish Ochsner Lafayette General and its incoming residents the best of success in transforming our region’s medical education landscape.

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Kevin Blanchard, CEO of Downtown Development Authority (“DDA”) and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited (“DLU”), and Jessica Hauerwas, Executive Director of DLU, join Discover Lafayette to discuss their organizations’ missions, focus and programming.

The two organizations work together to preserve and enhance Downtown Lafayette’s place as the heart of Acadiana, providing resources for businesses, developers, and community members to keep Downtown Lafayette thriving and successful. DLU was formed in the November 1983 as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization as the oil bust was causing people to relocate, as a mechanism to reinvigorate downtown; DDA was created in 1992 by Louisiana legislation not long after and is supported by a dedicated tax of 15 mills paid by downtown property owners.

Kevin was hired to take over the helm of the two organizations earlier this year upon the departure of Anita Begnaud, who served as Downtown Lafayette’s CEO for the past several years. He brings rich experience to the table, having served as Executive Director of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority, COO for Southern Lifestyle and Development, and Chief Development Officer and Public Works Director at Lafayette Consolidated Government under the Joey Durel Administration. He practiced as an attorney with the Onebane Law Firm, was Editor-in-Chief of the Louisiana Law Review and covered government and politics as a reporter for The Acadiana Advocate newspaper.

Jessica was hired in November 2023 to oversee DLU’s day-to-day operations and promote downtown as an economic driver, cultural epicenter and key element of the region’s quality of life. She leads its fundraising strategies, nurtures relationships with the organization’s members, donors, and partners, and works on programming DLU’s events (such as Bach Lunch, Downtown Alive, and Lunch and Learn) and helps downtown businesses promote their own events. Jessica previously worked in marketing and operations with Acadiana Center for the Arts and had served as president of the DLU board.

Family friendly programming is a key focus of Downtown Lafayette, as it not only provides wonderful entertainment for our community, but it serves to drive people downtown who may not have experienced its growing attractions. DDA and DLU are working to have people see downtown as a safe neighborhood, “as a great place to feel free to play, get entertained, work and live,” says Kevin. Downtown Alive is celebrating its 40th year

Longtime goals of Downtown Lafayette have focused on the construction of residential spaces to attract permanent residents and achieve infrastructure improvements supporting the needs of a vibrant downtown. A residential market study commissioned by DDA shows a demand for 1,000 residential housing units in the downtown area over the next five years. New properties recently completed downtown include the Vermilion Lofts, The Lofts at the Municipal Apartments, and the Monroe Apartments.

Building downtown brings its own unique challenges as the streets were built in the late 1800s and properties were placed on postage-size spaces. Kevin explained that there is a higher cost to the developer in repurposing these existing older sites, but the benefit to the community is great as existing infrastructure is utilized and the increased density creates a bigger tax base.

“I am so optimistic about where we are in Downtown Lafayette. In 2016, we had a 5,400 person capacity in our downtown bars. Today, that number is 3,000. In 2017, the moratorium on bars was lifted and a conditional use process was put in place. It has promoted a health, active nighlife situation. Six or seven years ago, there were 19 restaurants downtown; now, there are 29.” says Kevin Blanchard.

Private individuals are seeing the benefits of donating dollars to downtown, and one shining example is the new 6,000 square foot, $1 million state-of-the-art Playground at Parc Sans Souci, which was financed totally with private donations. The playground was designed for accessibility to people of all ages and abilities, and officially opened to the public on April 19, 2024. It’s a great place to meet for play dates and Kevin says people are driving in from surrounding towns to enjoy this new addition to downtown, causing foot traffic to spread.

Festival International was held the weekend of April 24, 2024, and Kevin stated that 150,000 people were in attendance on the Saturday of festival. The event was safely coordinated, mostly by hundreds of volunteers working under the direction of Executive Director Scott Feehan, and the festival’s dedicated board of directors and staff.

A new event called Farm to Table(aux) benefiting DLU is scheduled for November 10, 2024, and will be held at the AcA. It will celebrate all the things people love about downtown: the food, art and culture. General Admission tickets are $175, and VIP tickets are $225.

A new initiative to convene property owners, residents, tenants, and stakeholders together to take action for a cleaner, safer Downtown will be kicked off on May 7, 2024, 11:30 to 1:30 at Rock “N” Bowl de Lafayette. Kevin Blanchard will discuss DDA and DLU’s vision on how Neighbor to Neighbor will bring the community together to align on rules and regulations, ways to hold people accountable, and steps that can be taken to continue efforts into making Downtown a welcoming environment for all. Discussion points will include: Residential living, Nightlife, Zoning and ordinances, Trash and litter maintenance, and Rules and regulations for transparency and accountability. The event is open to the public and registration may be made here.

The #1 issue Kevin receives feedback on is the perception that nightlife is out of control. In DDA and DLU’s efforts to attract people downtown to reside, play and work, this is a critical issue to address. Post 10:00 p.m., there is still a chaotic atmosphere as many youth under the age of 21 head downtown to enjoy the nightlife scene. Kevin wants to see an ordinance enacted that will crackdown on underage drinking, and recounted actions taken in Baton Rouge after the tragic death of a female LSU student, who, with a blood alcohol level of .319, was raped, dropped off on the street by her assailants, then fatally hit by a car. In Baton Rouge’s Tigerland, the bar owners now self-regulate on monitoring the drinking age of its patrons as it is not worth it to be shut down and lose business. “We need to get to this point as a community. Residents don’t want to live around the chaos.”

“Early adopters” of living downtown are either young, married couples with no children, or unmarried individuals. Empty nesters are a growing market but are still not in the early adopter audience, which DDA wants to target as they continue to work to showcase downtown as a neighborhood.

“Downtown is the new mall. You park once and you’re able to eat, shop, and have unique experiences. We’re working to encourage people who haven’t been downtown in a while to come down and experience it. You can now see people on sidewalks 24/7 and it feels right as there are more residential spaces,” says Jessica Hauerwas, Executive Director of DLU.

It helps to remember history, to put the significance of a vital downtown core into perspective. Before the 1950s, before the interstate was built, downtown was “the town of Lafayette.” People lived there, worked there, shopped there, and ate there. It is still a place to be regarded as a neighborhood, and is thriving. Kevin says, “While there are issues with affordable housing, homelessness, and adjudicated properties in areas that abut Downtown Lafayette, DDA and DLU’s new mindset is to lead conversations and work with neighborhood coteries to solve common problems.” What helps the core of Lafayette ultimately benefits our whole region. As Kevin eloquently said, “I think Lafayette is best when it’s betting on itself. We can do this….we can figure it out.”

For more information on DDA and DLU, as well as upcoming events, visit https://downtownlafayette.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/downtownlafayette.

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Jeannie DelGreco, a Lafayette realtor with eXp Realty, joins Discover Lafayette to share her rich and storied entrepreneurial journey in sales.

While Jeannie’s current career today as a mom and realtor with eXp Realty is fulfilling and successful, in this interview, Jeannie looks back at the various lessons learned and experiences she survived that made her the person she is today. And to put it into perspective, Jeannie is a highly successful real estate agent with eXp Realty, being ranked in 2023 by the firm as the #4 sales agent in Lousiana and #2 in Acadiana with $14 million in sales volume.

While Jeannie has never thought of herself as a sales person, she remembers as a child launching a small business selling Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe laetivirens) plants door to door all on her own. She says, “It was a brave thing to do, knocking on doors to sell the baby plants I had placed in small egg cartons, asking people to buy one for 25 cents or 4 for $1.00! At LSU as a student, she similarly worked with a friend, painting t-shirts or party cups for sorority events to earn extra spending money.

One summer changed Jeannie’s life trajectory when she was asked to spend the summer with her mother’s close friend from New Iberia, Sandra DeBlanc, who lived in Columbus, Ohio, who was employed as Director of Sales for Victoria’s Secret Catalog. Sandy had served in the Air Force Intelligence during the Vietnam War, and was a wonderful role model for this young girl who needed a bit of direction. Sandy hired Jeannie to join the sales force team for Victoria’s Secret Catalog for the summer and she was on her way to learning customer relations.

During the time Jeannie worked for Victoria’s Secret Catalog, it was before the internet became a dominant method way to make sales, and people had to phone in their orders. Catalogs were mailed out weekly and the sales force in Columbus were mainly college girls such as Jeannie. She loved the work and learned how build rapport with customers. She learned how to deal with people who were calling in angry about an order that had gone awry, as well as those who were just shopping, asking for assistance. Jeannie found it natural and easy to describe the garments, get the customers to envison themselves in an outift, and suggest ways to finish a look, encouraging customers to buy more, thereby increasing average order volume. She remained in Columbus, and attended The Ohio State University studying business, marketing, and human resources.

“I loved the sales work at Victoria’s Secret Catalog, and I also learned key lessons from my mom’s friend, Sandy, who taught me that you have to pay your dues in the work place. Don’t expect to come in and be promoted right away. You have to earn your position.”

On the day of Jeannie’s graduation from Ohio State University, her parents were in town and attended a festival with her. While enjoying the festival, she met a milliner named Patricia Shypertt who made custom hats and holding a raffle to give away a flat travel hat to the lucky winner. Lo and behold, Jeannie won the hat and started a conversation with the milliner inquiring about her practice of designing hats. This serendipitous event led Jeannie down another path, where she decided to become a milliner. She quit her job at Victoria’s Secret Catalog, became a waitress to support herself, and started making custom hats in Columbus, Ohio.

Jeannie on graduation day with mentor Sandra DeBlanc“I had always had this idea that to be artistic, it had to begin when you were very young. You couldn’t change course in your 20’s. Patricia (the milliner who mentored Jeannie) was in her 40’s and she said, ‘Oh no, I just learned how to do this two or three years ago. I’ll help you in any way I can.”

After Jeannie began garnering clients, her parents wanted to invest in her company, and took her on a buying trip to New York City. While there, her dad suggested that they explore the real estate rental options. They found a loft in Nolita (North of Little Italy) in lower Manhatten at 212 Bowery Street, just a few doors down from the famous Bowery Mission. Her dad asked her if she wanted to move to the city, and he covered the initial rental costs of securing the loft space. The loft would take about two months to be ready and Jeannie moved to NYC to open her millinery business there.

Hats on display in Henri Bendel store in Columbus OHHats in J. Peterman StoreJeannie in the Bowery LoftA small wholesale rep company, Meridian, signed Jeannie on to market her custom hats, along with other entrepreneurial artists making custom jewelry, pottery, etc for display and sale. All the supplies she needed were right there in the Garment District in NYC and her loft conveniently included an outdoor space where she could spray the toxic chemicals needed to shape and set the hat’s form. Jeannie quickly garnered a great following of Orthodox Jewish customers who wore hats every day, and before she knew it, she had a large contract to supply hats for the renowned J. Peterman company. She was careful to be professional in her business dealings, having formed an LLC to protect herself personally from liability or monetary claims.

But, unfortunately, J. Peterman never completely paid Jeannie’s company for the hats she sent them as the company went into bankruptcy. Initially, they had sent her $8,000 of the $24,000 they owed, which she deposited into her LLC bank account. After bugging them daily to find out when she could expect the balance she finally learned the heartbreaking news that J. Peterman had filed for bankruptcy and there would be no further payments. She asked to have her hats back, so she could sell them, but she learned the hard way about Rule # 1 in bankruptcy: when a company or individual goes into bankruptcy, all assets are frozen and unpaid merchandise is not returned. She was left holding the bag for the remainder of the invoice.

She decided to shut down her hat business, realizing that a 9 to 5 job wasn’t so bad after all, with a lot less stress. She took a job at Delia’s, one of the first factory direct sales outlets focusing on young teen consumers, which sparked a fashion revolution.

All was well until the day she remembers her then-boyfriend/now-husband, Anthony, was visiting her apartment and noticed she had gotten mail from J. Peterman. Jeannie didn’t want to open it, as she was done with the retailer unless they gave her back her hats so she could recoup her losses. So Anthony opened the letter and informed her that she was being sued by J. Peterman, demanding that she send back the $8,000.00 An unbelievable outcome, until you realize Rule # 2 of bankruptcy: the bankruptcy trustee goes back 60 to 90 days from the time the debtor files for bankruptcy to retrieve any and all payments the bankrupt made to third parties during that time! While she was operating business under her LLC, the $8,000.00 check had been made payable to her personally, and she had deposited it into her LLC bank account not thinking anything of it. She was found to be personally liable and responsible for paying back the money she was paid.

Pictured is the actor, John O’Hurley, who played J. Peterman on the NBC Seinfeld show, along with the actual John Peterman, founder of J. Peterman. At the 11th hour of bankruptcy proceedings of the J. Peterman company in 1999, O’Hurley bailed out the company, becoming an investor and co-owner of the company, and is a co-owner to this day. Photo attributed to today.com/video.Jeannie was never made whole for her $24,000 invoice for custom hats, and had to file for personal bankruptcy on the advice of legal counsel. “I felt like a truck hit me. J. Peterman still had my hats, and I thought, please just give them back, I can sell them and pay my expenses incurred while creating them. I got legal advice to file for personal bankruptcy, which went against my grain and upbringing.” She had to go to bankruptcy court in NYC and today looks back and feels as though she earned an MBA with all she went through as a small business owner. “Most laws are not skewed in favor of small business people. Such is life. You can either be resilient, pick up and move on, or you can be a victim. That is not me to be a victim.”

In the meantime, while working at Delia’s running the sales force, Jeannie realized the company wasn’t hitting their marks on sales. She was interviewed by a consultant, who ironically had come from Victoria’s Secret Catalog where Jeannie had previously worked, who was brought in to troubleshoot for Delia’s. After a long day of him listening to Jeannie coach the sales team, the consultant asked what he could do to help and she responded, “Get me the sales people from Columbus.” The realization of the employee pool and the ever-rising costs of prime real estate in NYC led the management team at Delia’s to shut down and move the entire business to Columbus, Ohio.

Jeannie, along with the 250 former employees of Delia’s sales team, received a nice severance package. Jeannie decided to get certified in yoga, and studied under the world-renowned Cyndi Lee, in Union Square, New York City.

Jeannie Derouen DelGreco studied for ten months under the tutelage of the world-renowned Cyndi Lee, the first female Western yoga teacher to fully integrate yoga asana and Tibetan Buddhism. Lee founded and ran the OM yoga enter, and is one of the most influential teachers of yoga in the U. S. and abroad, having trained thousands of yogis.

When it was time to get back to a day job, Jeannie joined Kiehl’s, a high-quality skin care company in New York City, which at the time was located solely at Third Avenue and East 13th Street, which is now its flagship store. The company had originally opened in 1851, and had remained a small family-owned store until being purchased by L’Oreal in 2000. Jeannie was brought on as a part of the team to help transfer operations from a family owned business to the world of corporate America. Kiehl’s wanted to maintain its focus on extreme customer service and Jeannie brought just the right skills to the table.

Time went on, and she and her husband, Anthony, were living in Queens, NY, with two small children, and he was an IT Director with New York Life. Anthony was tired of commuting long distances to get to work and missed seeing his young children as he left early and returned late from work each day. Plus, Anthony had always wanted to live in the South, and Lafayette was the perfect place to relocate with Jeannie’s family ties. He looked for a job and found one with a local bank in Lafayette. When Anthony informed his New York Life employer of his decision to move, they countered the next day to allow him to keep his position and work remotely from Lafayette, which was a much better fit given his years of experience with the company. This was in the early days after 9/11 when people were just realizing that you didn’t have to be onsite for a job to effectively work, but not many people were actually taking advantage of this. Off to Lafayette the DelGreco family moved.

In the early days of their move, Jeannie taught yoga at Red’s and City Club, and got into the volunteer lifestyle. But she was soon ready for another business challenge, and met two friends, Jana Hickey and her mother, Charlotte Ducote, who encouraged her to get her license to become a realtor. Jeannie quickly realized she had to hustle to get clients as no one just calls you up asking for help.

Jeannie jumped into the work world, learning how to service clients effectively by shadowing successful realtors and took classes. She originally started at Keller Willliams, for which she credits great training. Her first sale involved a son of someone she met at Red’s, who wanted to buy a mobile home. Her first sale involved “Wheel Estate!”

Jeannie has used all the skills gained throughout her sales career to break down barriers to success in the real estate business. Her journey has helped her weather the inevitable ups and downs in the real estate business. She will cold call potential clients, and identifies opportunities which others may overlook. Jeannie generously shared her tactics during our interview, which include calling neighbors of a house which recently sold to see if they might want to sell their home as the home has the right address, the right neigborhood to successful sell. She will also call people whose listing agreement recently expired, to see if they might want to partner with her, and even reaches out to people who live in a desirable neighborhood that a client wants to live in, to see if they have considered selling.

Jeannie DelGreco says about cold calling potential sellers, “I’m not trying to sell, I’m just asking if they any interest in selling. Lo and behold, people will say they really do want to sell, how did I know? That it is a sign from God that she called.” She believes in being honest with people who are looking at homes and points out issues before they become a problem, such as a perceived defect in a property. That way, all involved are informed and able to make an educated decision. A true professional.

Discover Lafayette wants to thank Jeannie DelGreco for being such a gracious guest on our show. For more information or to get in touch with Jeannie, visit https://jeanniedelgreco.exprealty.com/.

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Dale Clark and Ursula Quoyeser join us today to discuss the third annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival benefiting the Team Gleason Foundation for people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS”).

Team Gleason Foundation was founded by Steve Gleason, a former New Orleans Saints safety who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Since its inception that same year, Team Gleason has provided over $40 million to people living with ALS, supplying critically needed mobility equipment such as shower chairs, wheelchair accessories, and power seat elevators, as well as speech generating devices for those who have lost the ability to speak.

Dale Clark is a Lafayette native who works as an engineer for Badger Oil. He was diagnosed with ALS in October of 2020. Ursula Quoyeser is also a Lafayette native and was an educator and coach at ESA and other schools before being diagnosed with ALS in July of 2023.

The Festival, known as F5, is a cooking competition where teams compete in the Fin, Feather, Fur or Dessert divisions, along with an auction featuring items such as season tickets to UL-Lafayette’s four major sports, framed jerseys of Drew Brees and Jake Delhomme, a pellet grill with wifi, and much more. Tickets are $45 each and entitle you to taste all 45 teams’ food entries along with beer and wine included.

F5 was started by Dale and his good friend, Joe Bernard, as a way to help people living with ALS. “Team Gleason was the obvious choice,” says Dale, and Joe had experience hosting other F5 events for oil and gas industry charitable fundraisers. Last year F5 raised $170,000 and in the previous inaugural year, $168,000. This year, F5 will be held at Blackham Coliseum on Thursday, April 25, from 4 to 8 pm. That day also features Festival International and Dale encourages people to drop by Blackham Coliseum first before heading out to a night of musical entertainment.

You can purchase tickets to F5 by visiting https://www.facebook.com/events/787195629932250

About 5,000 people in the U. S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. It is difficult to diagnose and is often diagnosed by ruling out other diseases, which can take months or years. There is no cure for ALS, which is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles. Symptoms start with a progressive loss of muscle control. ALS kills motor neurons, causing muscles to weaken and eventually paralyze. People with ALS lose their ability to walk, talk, eat and in time, breathe. The average life expectancy is 2 to 5 years once diagnosed. 10% of cases are inherited through a mutated gene; the remaining 90% of cases occur without a family history of ALS. Military veterans are more likely to get ALS. For more information, visit https://www.als.org/

Baseball great Lou Gehrig is one of the iconic heroes who was famously diagnosed with ALS in 1938. He went on to play baseball for a full year before retiring on July 4, 1939, giving his “Luckiest Man” speech. Each year, Lou Gehrig Day is celebrated on June 2 by Major League Baseball, marking the day he became the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees.

Here at home, Dale and Ursula are bravely facing ALS and doing all they can to help others with the disease, as well as working to keep up their strength. Dale is relatively lucky, having only lost the use of his right arm and developing hoaresness. Ursula exercises daily by going to Red’s Health Club and riding her incumbent bike alongside her Aussie Doodle, who wears goggles in sun to protect its eyes. They both have incredible attitudes and want to do all they can to raise awareness of ALS among us here in Acadiana. They are also both patients of Dr. Stanley H. Appel, a world-renowned neurologist at Houston Methodist, who has been at the forefront of ALS research for decades. In his 90’s, Dr. Appel is still working to find a cure for ALS.

To all of my awesome family and all my amazing friends,
I will be participating in the Crescent City Classic this coming Saturday! I am excited to help raise $ for Team Gleason’s ALS Foundation by participating in this event. This is a 10k run but I will have the opportunity to use my recumbent trike, (yes, I feel so lucky)! If you would like to make a donation that will go to Team Gleason
please use the link below.

Thank you all for the support you have shown me throughout my life in all I have done and most importantly since I have been diagnosed with ALS.

https://runsignup.com/Race/65952/Donate/ganDgAvPo90t9EO5

Posted by Ursula Quoyeser on Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Advice from Dale and Ursula for persons afflicted with ALS: First, inform your nearest fire station. In the event you have a power outage, the fireman can help by bringing a generator to your house to assist in keeping your electronics running. Also, Waffle House always has electricity, so if you need a place to plug in your equipment, that is a reliable place to go. Ursula also shared that all people with ALS carry a card identifying their condition; in the event they are stopped while driving, the police officer will know their slurred speech or weakness is not a symptom of impaired driving, but of ALS.

Discover Lafayette thanks Dale Clark and Ursula Quoyeser for a heartwarming discussion of ALS. We can all make a difference by donating AND supporting the upcoming F5 festival on April 25, 2024!

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Ross Murphree, President of Olde Tyme Grocery Group, joins us today to discuss his family-owned restaurants, which include Olde Tyme Grocery, Sandra’s Café and Health Food Store, and BJ’s in Broussard.

The patriarch behind this conglomerate of eateries is Ross’s father, Glenn Murphree, who originally purchased Olde Tyme Grocery in 1982. It has become one of Lafayette’s most iconic spots known for its classic poor boy sandwiches made on fresh Langlinais Bakery bread every day.

Olde Tyme Grocery has been recognized for its excellence by national publications, being voted #1 Budget Dining in the Nation on Trip Advisor Travelors’ Choice Awards and ranked #2 in USA Today’s Best Po’Boys in Louisiana.

Olde Tyme Grocery’s Glenn Murphree in the early days.Ross recounted the story of Glenn’s foray into the poor boy business. A native of Chalmette, Glenn attended USL in the late 1970’s, and enjoyed his time in college, driving a Budweiser truck for Schilling Distributing and managing the Keg.

In May of 1982, Glenn bought a little grocery store at 218 W. St. Mary Blvd. near USL’s campus, named Olde Tyme Grocery. At that time, it had aisles of groceries and a small delicatessan space, which was frequented by the neighbors on small grocery runs. Short on cash, Glenn borrowed $8,000 from his dad and $8,000 from the bank, and he was on his way. Interestingly, Glenn had little to no experience in the food business at the time, having worked for only two weeks at a poor boy shop while in high school and swearing he would never do it again! Now, 42 years later, things seemed to have worked out for this highly successful endeavor.

Olde Tyme Grocery’s menu is simple and hasn’t changed much in the past 42 years. Sixty per cent of its sales revolve around the highly popular shrimp poboy. “It keeps us in business,” Ross says. Besides offering deli meats and gourmet specials, Olde Tyme is known for its catering, and the restaurant feeds UL’s teams when they travel out of town. During UL’s summer football camp, Olde Tyme will prepare up to 1500 bag lunches in one day. There are different nightly specials where you can order a full-size poboy for $7.00 including tax. Monday’s special is a whole meatball poboy; Tuesday is ham; Wednesday is sausage, and Thursday is turkey. If you are looking for a filling meal or great leftovers, there is no better deal. The snowball stand, located right behind Old Tyme, is open from April 1 through September 30 each year.

Olde Tyme Grocery operates at a high volume of sandwiches, averaging 700 on Monday through Thursday, and up to 1000 on any given Friday. During Fridays in Lent, business doubles, and up to 2000 sandwiches will be served. Ross says that they can go through 600 pounds of shrimp on Fridays in Lent, which are always Gulf white shrimp.

Ross Murphree says, “Olde Tyme Grocery was my dad’s first child. Today, Ross serves as President, and three other Murphree children, Becca, Brad, and Greg are involved in various aspects of the business. For more information on Olde Tyme Grocery’s menu, visit https://www.oldetymegrocery.com/#/BJ’s in Broussard is another popular lunch spot owned by the Murphrees. In the mid-1990’s, Glenn was interested in expanding Olde Tyme Grocery and came across the site of BJ’s. He and his wife, Cherie, only had three children and the timing seemed good. But plans changed when a fourth and then fifth child came along quickly and the decision was made to leave BJ’s as is. Ross gave a big shout out to “Ms. Jenny” who was employed by BJ’s several years before the Murphrees purchased the restaurant and is still there 27 years later.

BJ’s food is “in the Old Tyme tradition,” and you can get the same poboys as you can at Olde Tyme. Plus, they offer two plate lunch items daily. BJ’s is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Sunday. Located at 107 N. Morgan Avenue, Broussard LA 70518, you can find more information about daily menu choices on facebook.

The acquisition of Sandra’s Café and Health Food Store at 111 Rena Drive in Lafayette came about when Glenn went to buy used kitchen equipment from the owner of Sandra’s in 2007. Ross says, “In typical Glenn Murphree style, he owned the building and business two weeks later, not knowing anything about health food!” Glenn brought Chrystal, a longtime cook at BJ’s in Broussard, to run the kitchen and she is still cooking for Sandra’s after all these years.

Sandra’s menu has evolved from its early days, and offers three to four different plate lunches every day, plus soup and salad at affordable prices, averaging $11.95. All produce is organic, and free range chicken/grass fed beef are offered. There are daily lunch specials such as hamburger steaks, chicken shwarma, shrimp, rotisserie chicken, and salmon, and breakfast is also offered daily. The health food section still offers groceries and health supplements, and Ross describes it as a “small Whole Foods.” Visit https://www.sandrascafeandhealthfood.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/sandrashealthfood for more information.

In 2015, Glenn Murphree branched out from the restaurant business and began selling antiques he purchases at estate sales and auctions. He opened MLC Antiques & Gifts at 112 Rena Drive, across the street from Sandra’s. Humorously, MLC stands for “Mid Life Crisis.” Open from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glenn offers a plethora of furniture, glassware, and antique items. The location is perfect as he can run back and forth from Sandra’s to MLC throughout the day.

Jan Swift and Glenn Murphree at MLC Antiques & GiftsGlenn Murphree’s 1923 Ford Model TFamily business stories such as the Murphree’s are heartwarming and inspirational. Ross shared how hard his dad worked for so many years to be able to build his businesses and provide a good life for his family. He shared a nostalgic look back in time when Glenn first purchased Olde Tyme; with little cash, he ran all aspects of the business himself, relying upon the help of his college Theta XI fraternity brothers who would pitch in when needed. Pictured below is an iconic photo from 1980, which hangs on the wall in Olde Tyme Grocery, with Glenn and his close buddies memoralized as the “Panama City Studs.”

The concept and success of Olde Tyme Grocery lends itself to expansion and Ross shared that he would like to see the business branch out. Perhaps first to the southside of Lafayette and then, the “big dream would be to stretch down I-10, east and west. Even beyond. We have the brand that can get us there.”

Murphree childrenCheri and Glenn MurphreeThe success of any family business is attributable to support and encouragement. Ross spoke with pride about his family, including his mother, Cheri, who worked at Olde Tyme in the early days. He also spoke lovingly of his siblings, Becca, Brad, Greg and Lauren. And of course, his dad, Glenn, who exemplifies hard work and strong character.

Discover Lafayette thanks Ross Murphree for sharing his story of dedication to his family business and his commitment to Lafayette. A graduate of UL in business, he began working at Old Tyme when a freshman in high school, helping with the snowball trailer events. He worked at BJ’s his senior year, and then back at Olde Tyme in college. In 2010, he says his dad, “rooked me into working full-time at Olde Tyme, and ten years later started running the show.” He and his sister, Becca, have been active in the business for the past 14 years. Ross Murphree, pictured with his wife, Brenna.

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Carencro Mayor Charlotte Stemmans Clavier joins Discover Lafayette to share her journey in business and politics.

A life long resident of Carencro, Charlotte grew up in a political family. Both of her grandfathers served as police jurors for Lafayette Parish. Back in the day when political business was handled a bit more informally, and before open meeting laws, one of her granddads, Eddie Stemmans, would include her in political outings. Charlotte remembers “being the little girl sitting on an ice chest, that would go get them a beer. After watching it a little bit, I realized I wanted to do this! I’ve seen all sides of politics, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I always enjoyed it and knew I would run for public office.”

Pictured from left: Carencro Police Chief David Anderson, Mayor Charlotte Stemmans Clavier, along with City Council members Alfred Sinegal, Jordan Arceneaux, Danielle Caprito, Antoine Babineaux, Jr., and Taylor James.Charlotte graduated from Carencro High and three years later from Tulane University. While in college, she worked as an intern for Jim Gelpi, the founder of The Alliance for Good Government. She loved the experience and it shaped her attitude in serving others at the highest level of integrity and fiscal responsibility. Studying at Tulane also shaped her and Charlotte recalled the challenging studies offered by the university with a demanding expectation that students master educational materials. With her experience of working in the family business, Stemmans, Inc. – The Horse Supply Specialists, Charlotte was used to hard work and says, “I went to work at 11, ran my first store at 12, so my idea of college was different.”

Today, Charlotte is President of Stemmans, located on Gloria Switch Road, and responsible for the day to day operations of this iconic, family-owned store, originally opened in 1968 as a tack shop by her parents, Don and Janet Stemmans. She has worked in the business for 35 years.

Growing up in the horse industry has shaped Charlotte’s life; she gives back to the industry by currently serving as Vice President of Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, which represents all racehorse owners and riders in the state. While Charlotte hasn’t ridden a horse in years, she is the proud owner of racehorses and at our interview was looking forward to Evangeline Downs opening night on April 5, 2024.

Charlotte served as mayor pro tempore of Carencro from 1999 until 2003, during the tenure of former Mayor Tommy Angelle. She was elected mayor in November 2022.

“I love, love, love what I do. It’s the perfect job for me. I have a great group of people that work with me. Carencro is a community on the grow. We’re a blessed town. Many people are moving in, moving north, due to high insurance rates. There are 1400 homes in active development in the City of Carencro.”

With its rapid growth, there are many infrastructure needs to be addressed such as sewer plants, replacing old gas and water lines. Charlotte is also advocating for a new light to be installed by DOTD at the busy intersection of Ira and University Avenue.

"I am proud to announce that we are beginning the next phase of replacing our old water lines and moving one step closer to Carencro's occasional brown water issues becoming a thing of the past. Thank you to our fantastic Water and Sewer Department and Fenstermaker and Associates for moving our city forward with top-tier water infrastructure." – Mayor Charlotte Clavier

Posted by City of Carencro Government on Tuesday, April 2, 2024

News of the $8.9 million Louisiana Avenue extension from Butcher Switch Road to Gloria Switch Road, is exciting news for Carencro. Not only will this open up opportunities for development, but it will greatly assist commuter traffic. The project is expected to take a year or so to complete.

The City of Carencro offers lots of fun activities for residents and visitors alike. It’s highly popular, Mercredi Show recently started back up its Spring schedule of seven weekly concerts held at Pelican Park. A free event with food offered by a different sponsor each week, Mercredi Show is a family friendly event open to all. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/MercrediShow/This November, the Carencro C’est Bon Seasoning Festival will be held at Pelican Park. Contestants can enter their seasoning blend to be judged by attendees, as well as sell their blend onsite. Visit https://cestbonseasoningfest.com/ for more information.

2024 C’est Bon Seasoning Festival Print designed by Sarah Clostio.Charlotte Stemmans Clavier is only the eighth person to serve as mayor of Carencro. Founded in 1905, Carencro has historically seen very little turnover in its public servants and has also enjoyed a history of diversity in its elected officials, going back to the 1970’s when African Americans were elected to the city council. Carencro also had the first female police chief in the 1970’s.

Charlotte is the proud mother of three children, Derek, Anna Camille, and Eva.

A delightful person and friend to all, we want to thank Charlotte for beautiful joie de vivre she brings to every occasion, as well as for her public service.

If you haven’t checked out Carencro lately, we encourage you to drive over and enjoy its culture and magnificent scenery.

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The beautiful Louisiana Swamp Base, a national conservation and high adventure recreation program created by the Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America in 2010, is our focus this episode.

Swamp Base aims to immerse thousands of young people in the environment and culture of the 1.4 million acre Atchafalaya Swamp each year. It is open to the general public for all kinds of activities, including ecotourism events for travelers, and the program also partners with universities across the U. S. to expand curriculum offerings.

Jason Sikora, of RADER studios, recorded this interview with host, Jan Swift, along with Swamp Base Executive Director Ben Pierce, and Gina Beckman, Program Director.

The Atchafalaya is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. People who visit from across the U. S have many preconceived notions about what it means to live in Louisiana, and Ben Pierce and his team savor the opportunity to change minds and hearts.

https://youtu.be/9v-_EeeBdMgEach summer, Swamp Base’s high adventure treks offer 6 day/6 night paddling trips through the Atchafalaya Swamp, covering 61.6 miles. Modeled from the Boy Scouts of America’s four National High Adventure camps and bases (Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, the Florida Sea Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve), Swamp Base offers a premier camping and paddling adventure opportunity for youth serving organizations from across America.

A group of Scouts and registered adult leaders attending Swamp Base are called a “Trek Crew.” Each Trek Crew consists of registered Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America or other accepted youth serving organization, including a minimum of two registered adult leaders. Swamp Base daily starts two Trek Crews on their high adventure journey from June 6 – July 15. Each Trek Crew consists of 8 to 11 people, which includes a minimum of 2 adult leaders. With two crews starting daily, a Scout unit can bring 16 to 22 people on a high adventure trek. The cost are $795 per person, or with a larger group. $745 per person. Hotel stays for the first night and last night are provided (in Lafayette) and all meals are covered. Visit https://www.swampbasebsa.org/trek-1-itinerary for more information.

Ben Pierce is a founding member and co-creator of Louisiana Swamp Base and originally established the program as a conservation-based activity during the Evangeline Area Council’s Centennial of Scouting celebrations in 2010. He has led the development and growth of the program as an accredited and official BSA high adventure base since 2013. Passionate about his work, Ben enjoys paddling whenever he can and finds refuge in the beautiful Cypress-filled Atchafalaya Basin. He graduated from LSU in landscape architecture and left Louisiana afterward. “I fell in love with Louisiana after I left. You don’t know what you’re missing until you’re gone. When I had a chance to return in 2009-10 and have a chance to learn how to celebrate our local landscape and culture, it had become important to me. When I came back, I knew I had to leave a lasting legacy.”

Gina Beckman was introduced to Swamp Base in 2016 when she served as a summer trek guide, and returned to the program in 2022 as the organization’s Program Director. In this role, she develops and implements trek activities that align with the mission of the organization while also making sure learning and having fun are at their cores. Gina is the recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, Venturing Silver Award, and Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. She brings inspirational enthusiasm and know-how as she educates others on this national treasure, the Louisiana Swamp Base. One of her favorite experiences occurs on day three of Trek 1 and is known as “Forgotten Cove” by Lake Dauterive.

The Evangeline Area Council, BSA, is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year and has made a lasting commitment to the Atchafalaya Swamp as its service project for the next 100 years. What began as a simple tree planting to commemorate Scouting’s Centennial in 2010 has quickly transformed into a comprehensive plan to engage Scouts, schools, and the public in a meaningful effort to preserve, protect and promote the Atchafalaya Swamp. We congratulate the Evangeline Area Council for its continued commitment to enriching the lives of young people throughout Acadiana.

The crown jewel of the Atchafalaya Swamp is Lake Fausse Pointe. This 12,000 acre lake is home to the oldest cypress trees in the entire swamp and are some of the oldest in the entire state.. One of Ben Pierce’s favorite sites in which to paddle is located on the North rim of Lake Fausse Pointe.Louisiana Swamp Base bought McGee’s Landing, a longtime swamp tour outfit, in 2016. McGee’s offers swamp boat tours, airboat rides, and sunset tours of the Atchalafaya. Canoe rentals and guided photography excursions are also offered. Visit https://www.mcgeesswamptours.com/ for more information.

For more information on Louisiana Swamp Base, visit https://www.swampbasebsa.org/ 2024 registration is now open and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about the Atchalafaya Swamp Base, a true national treasure.

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Randy Daniel joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his career in the restaurant business, an endeavor he has loved since his first gig at 14 years old working in catering services.

Randy is a principal partner in OMW Restaurant Holdings, the owner and operator of La Pizzeria, as well as Kat Daddy wings, a delivery-only restaurant. OMW is the operating partner of Mercy Kitchen, Palmyre, and BJ’s Pizza House. Each restaurant offers a unique culture and cuisine.

Service as a board member for the Louisiana Restaurant Association, as well as being President of its local Acadiana Chapter the past four years, has given Randy greater insight to the common struggles restaurant owners face. He says, “It is a daily struggle to make money throughout the state of Louisiana. The average restaurant makes about one cent on each dollar of sales, although of course there are some who do much better.”

Prices have skyrocketed with inflation and post-COVID market forces. The industry has seen a 20% increase in food costs, a 30% increase in labor costs, and insurance premiums have gone through the roof. Even if a restaurant’s sales increase, the business may not see a profit. Also, Randy says, “We’ve gone from a cash society to a credit card society, which increases the cost of doing business. I’m personally dead set against the customer having to cover that. You bake it into the cake. There are restaurant owners trying to figure out how to pass it on. If you have a restaurant with $1 million in sales, you’re paying about $40,000 in processing fees a year.”

“I always used to have a mathematical formula to figure out how much to charge for a dish. That multiplier doesn’t work anymore. Not because the math is off, but because customers aren’t willing to pay what it costs to cover the actual cost of the dish. A restaurant’s number one competitor is grocery stores, because customers aren’t willing to spend.” Photo by Scott Clause of the Advertiser.

Randy brings years of experience to OMW Restaurant Holdings, having served as director of operations for Double R Restaurant Group (former owners of Romacelli, POUR and Another Broken Egg locations), as well as 18 years with the Outback Steakhouse group. Through his work with Double R Restaurant group, he worked closely with Stuart Ottinger. When Double R decided to dissolve, Randy and Stuart first operated their own restaurants before joining forces to bring unique concepts to Lafayette. Today, Stuart Ottinger, through his company, OPG, is the controlling owner of Mercy Kitchen and Palmyre restaurants; OMW is the Operating Partner. Randy credited Colleen Ottinger, Stuart Ottinger’s wife, for her incredible sense of style in creating the beautiful interiors of Mercy Kitchen and Palmyre.

Recounting his much-anticipated opening of La Pizzeria in February 2020: “I was in D. C. meeting with U. S. Rep. Mike Johnson in March 2020 and learned that the government would be shutting down on March 13. That was the most fortunate I’ve ever been in a meeting. I was able to fly home, sit down with my managers, and come up with a plan. I had to say, ‘We all have two choices; we can work seven days a week, stay open and keep as many hourly staff as we can, or we can close our doors.’ We didn’t know yet about PPE. To their credit, our managers said, ‘Let’s do it!” And, the restaurant survived.

La Pizzeria baked Apple Brie The Acadian Pizza at La PizzeriaKat Daddy Wings, a “ghost kitchen,” was a result of COVID. Kat Daddy Wings sells prepared food for delivery only. It was one of the first ghost kitchens in Lafayette. With a mainly fried food menu, it was developed initially as a way for OMW to stay profitable during COVID. Randy hopes one day to see Kat Daddy Wings in a brick and mortar location.

Randy shared valuable lessons he learned after purchasing popular long-time restaurants La Pizzeria and BJ’s Pizza House, the latter of which was reopened by BOG Investments, and OMW as Operating Partner, about 2 1/2 months ago. “People don’t like change. At La Pizzeria, the most popular salad is the grilled pesto pasta salad. I came in and changed the chicken to a fresh chicken breast. The past chicken breast was heavily injected with hormones to make it tender. When a customer complained about it, I said, ‘If I wouldn’t serve this to my daughter, I wouldn’t serve it to you. She understood. But the mistake I made was to change the penne pasta to a cavitappi pasta. That lasted five days and I went back to penne pasta. When you buy a restaurant, make changes subtly. When we opened BJ’s Pizza House, I didn’t change one recipe! We worked hard to keep it the same.”

Mercy Kitchen was the ‘child’ of Stuart and Colleen Ottinger. “Colleen is one of the most innovative people ever. I don’t know where she gets her ideas but she is amazing! Mercy Kitchen matches high quality foods with high quality cocktails, and offers primarily shared items for groups, such as charcuterie boards, steak and frites. A new menu will be released in the near future. Mercy Kitchen is located at 1312 Verot School Road. Visit https://www.mercy-kitchen.com/menu for more information.

Bao Tacos at Mercy KitchenFried Grouper Sandwich at Mercy KitchenThe Goat salad at Mercy KitchenPalmyre, located in River Ranch at 201 Settlers Trace # 3011, is as “decadent as decadent gets! Colleen Ottinger was once again the brains behind it. We wanted you to walk in and feel as though you were walking into a bar in France.” Palmyre is lovingly named after Palmyre Billeaud, Colleen’s great-great grandmother. For more information visit https://www.thepalmyre.com/

OMW also caterers and just recently provided the food and beverages for Patty in the Park for over 4000 attendees. Each restaurant also offers catering for special events.

In closing, we want to thank Randy Daniel for sharing his knowledge of the restaurant business in Lafayette and Louisiana. Locally-owned restaurants are what makes Lafayette so special and are an important component of our tourism industry. We also thank Eat Lafayette and Lafayette Travel for partnering with us to produce this inspiring episode.

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Chad Landreneau, developer of the app, AnimalFindr, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his mission to connect breeders, buyers, and sellers of livestock such as cattle and horses, as well as family pets. Animal Findr is available on the Apple App store and Google Play.

Animal Findr connects buyers and sellers across the nation for any and every pet enthusiast. As Chad’s website says, “Whether you are looking for a Catahoula, a calico, a cobra or a cockatiel,” you can search on the go as you travel. Buyers and sellers can communicate about a potential sale in real time.

The app uses GPS geolocation, geofencing, and real-time motion tracking technology, which allows you to find the animal of your dreams within a 500-mile radius of your location, across the U.S. The app is free, unless you want to subscribe so as to have access to breeding records, registration papers, or the extended family tree of the animal. Subscriptions run from $19.99 monthly to $97.99 for a six-month period.

Chad grew up in Mamou, part of a third-generation farming family. He had a couple of horses while growing up, as well as farm animals, so he was always comfortable around animals. A graduate of McNeese State University, Chad worked on a Western Pleasure Horse farm while in college and enjoyed the experience.

When he moved back to Lafayette after a stint working in Dallas, he came across a horse trainer who convinced him to buy a horse and give racing a whirl. Chad says, “I got bit by the bug. First we traveled to races in South Louisiana, then across Louisiana.”

It was during that time that he spent many weekends in the stands waiting for a race with his horse to occur and he had plenty of time to notice the behavior of other people sitting around him. “You only compete for a couple of minutes when your horse races. The rest of the time you just sit in the stands. I noticed that everyone’s heads were down. I walked through the venue and saw that everyone was scrolling on their phone or an IPad. They were looking for their ‘winner’. I wondered how I could effectively connect people who want to buy animals with those who want to sell.”

When he searched online for horses, he found sites that sell the animals by discipline, such as Barrel Racers, Race Horses, or Western Pleasure. But no sites just listing horses of all backgrounds. “I wanted a one-stop shop where all horses, as well as cattle, dogs, cats, sheep, birds, or exotic animals could be bought and sold.

So, Chad created an app where users can post in real time and find their desired animal. “If I get in a truck and drive down the road for 3,000 miles, I wanted something that had the GPS technology that would reload other opportunities to buy or sell animals depending on where I was located in the country. I wanted people to find animals for sale outside of their usual territory of where they lived, as they might be traveling for horse shows or vacations. And I wanted instant messaging so if you see something you like, you can connect with the owner. It’s a way to truly connect buyers and sellers in real time, on the go.”

In October 2023, Chad launched Animal Findr and the app was recently updated in February 2024. “I wanted to make sure the app works, and is rock solid in all capacities, in Android and Apple before we did the hard push. Now we have hundreds of users….buyers and sellers.”

Animal Findr connects the buyer and seller, but is not involved in the actual exchange of the animal or the payment. The customers handle the actual purchase and no money is made by Animal Findr off the sale.

Josh Richard of Burning Stick Creative has helped Chad market this new app. Chad recounts how he’s had to learn about Tik Tok, Instagram, FaceBook, and the ins and outs of working a website. He also shared how starting a business is not always easy. His first website programmer took his money and then hit the road. Chad eventually partnered with Accolades IT, located in downtown Lafayette, to build Animal Findr’s website, with whom he is very pleased.

As with any business endeavor, Chad is learning about people’s preferences as his app is catching on. While he initially created Animal Findr to help people buy and sell horses and cattle, today the majority of transactions involve cats and dogs. “I’d really love the app to go more on the horse and cattle side!”

Advice to aspiring business owners: “Get credible references to make sure that your providers are qualified. Also, I’ve learned the importance of self-funding and saving your money.”

For more information on how to utilize Animal Findr, visit https://animalfindr.com/.

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Lafayette native Brennan Robideaux. recently made big news with the release of his film, Born to Fly, a feature documentary about another Lafayette native, pole vaulter Armand “Mondo” Duplantis.

Born to Fly is a coming-of-age tale about one of the greatest athletes of our generation. Mondo Duplantis is the best pole vaulter in history; he currently holds the world record indoor and outdoor pole vault titles, and won a Gold Medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

This story is about love of craft and the determination of Brennan Robideaux, a young filmmaker who risked everything to capture an evolving story. He traveled on his own dime for much of the filming of Born to Fly, was taken under the wing of the Duplantis family as they allowed him to travel with them to Europe to capture their son’s pole vaulting competitions, and only came to acquire financial assistance after several years of filming, directing, and editing the footage that would become an historical documentary, Born to Fly.

Brennan Robideaux says, “I’m very passionate about telling Louisiana stories. My main one I’m working on now is the 1991 gubernatorial election with Edwin Edwards and David Duke. That historical story hasn’t been delved into and my generation, frankly, was born after it. We have no idea about this election. I want to make a film that tells how we got to that point. Louisiana loves emperesque dictators. We love eccentricities in Louisiana.“

Brennan started getting jobs while in high school at STM by filming local athletics. He realized he could make a living in film, and enjoyed taping live events for television. He moved up, becoming a camera operator, filming football games from a perch 40 feet high in the end zone for hours at a time. Brennan loved working with adults while still a youngster and joked that he earned the nickname “Two Cents,” probably due to sharing his opinion on how things should be done a few too many times!

He counts his blessings that by the time he became serious about cinematography, the quality of digital cameras mimicked what you would expect to see from a true film camera. The cost barriers were lower. Traditional film such as used by director Quentin Tarantino are cost-prohibitive for emerging filmmakers operating on a budget.

A short film, “A Riehl Blacksmith,” featuring Sam Riehl, another STM student who was the youngest professional operating as a blacksmith in Louisiana and America, was a breakthrough accomplishment for Brennan. He says, “This short film really taught me how to tell a story in a short period of time.” The short won a few awards: Filmconvert (a New Zealand filmmaker software company) awarded Brennan an honor for filming, editing, and directing, and Soul Pancake, a company founded by Rainn Wilson (of “The Office” fame) licensed the short and put it on its YouTube channel. It was enough to excite Brennan to look at this avocation as a career. And, he was only a Senior in high school.

Brennan was invited to attend NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) in Seattle due to the success of A Riehl Blacksmith. While he wasn’t able to attend, it was the only film festival he made it into until Born To Fly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNzKXBiYcV8Brennan attended UNO for a short time but dropped out to pursue his passion of filmmaking. By the time he was 21, he was back in Lafayette living with his parents and looking for a project to energize him once more.

That motivational project came to life in 2017 after Brennan read a story in the Daily Advertiser about a Lafayette High student named Mondo Duplantis, the world junior record holder in pole vaulting. Brennan was familiar with the Duplantis family as the parents were both incredible athletes (Greg Duplantis was one of the best pole vaulters of his time and Helena represented Sweden in the heptathlon at international championships), and both participated at LSU in track and field events at the same time as Brennan’s own parents, Joel and Bobette Robideaux.

Brennan got Greg Duplantis’s number from his dad and called to get permission to film Mondo as he practiced and competed in events. Greg said he needed to talk to Mondo himself to see what he thought, and Brennan sent a very long, “novella-length” text with a message basically saying, “It would be good to capture this for history.” In typical teen talk, Mondo replied, “I mean, sure, I guess.”

Brennan’s family lived across the street from Lafayette High, so he would walk over every day after school to document Mondo’s training. But things developed real fast as Mondo was set to compete in the Senior Men’s World Championship as a 17-year old. Three months into filming, Brennan took his first trip to Europe.

Brennan had never been to Europe, but that is where he was headed as major track and field events are almost exclusively conducted overseas. (The sole facility in the U. S. of any importance is located at the University of Oregan’s Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, known as TrackTown USA, the place of the U. S. Olympic Team Trials.)

“Mondo came in 7th in that competition, but the fact that he made the finals was incredible. The heights he jumped in high school were good enough for him to win, but you have to deliver on that day. It doesn’t matter that you’re a prodigy.”

“It was undeniable that I never met anyone like Mondo. He was so serious. There was nothing else that mattered other than pole vaulting. Pole vaulting was everything to him and had always been everything to him.”

The Duplantis family took Brennan in as the filming continued, and allowed him to stay with them as they traveled with Mondo to European competitions. Brennan lived on peanut butter, slept on the floor, or took the couch or chair if that was available. Helena Duplantis’ family had a place in Sweden they would let Brennan stay during the summers. “The Duplantis family gave me every resource possible. And, they never said, ‘Turn off the camera’.”

Track and field events (as well as other sports) do not allow recording of the action for commercial purposes, unless you have a license from the appropriate sports league. So Brennan had to tell the story of what happened around the competitions, the leadup to the event, and the aftermath. Brennan caught the action that happened on the bus or in the hotel room before the events. And then had to pay hefty license fees to gain access to the film that depicted Mondo winning competitions.

Brennan looks back on the years-long filming of what became Born to Fly and sums it up, “It was a coming of age story that simultaneously documented this incredible athlete. How he became this world-renowned, greatest athlete in the world, while also growing up. These were his most formative years. There were so many mental hurdles he had to grow through. Mondo competes against himself. While pole vaulting is very competitive, when you’re out there, it’s just you. Mondo had a bunch of ups and downs, and I heard a well-known track and field star say, ‘The road to greatness is littered with the bodies of prodigies. But Mondo had a “Rocky” story. In the film you get to see how he handled intense competition.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y2dcdGsLNgIn 2020, Mondo broke the world record in pole vaulting. Then Mondo won the Gold in the 2020 Olympics. Brennan thought that equity investments in the film would come in at that point, but that did not happen. He then turned to Kickstarter to raise $100,000 but came up way short, raising about $30,000 from local sources. A producer counseled him that accepting the Kickstarter money was a no-win for independent filmmakers and could make his life more difficult down the line, so he canceled Kickstarter and returned all the money.

Brennan eventually sold the film as a presale to Sveriges Television (“SVT”), Sweden’s #1 broadcast platform and national public television broadcaster, to assist in costs to complete the project. He had been working making commercials and also for DoorDash to make some cash, and his wife was working double shifts at the hospital to keep them afloat. With SVT’s support, he was able to bring on an editor and producer in Sweden, as well as a U. S. producer and entertainment attorney Bill Ramsey in New Orleans for guidance. He got to work with a music composer for the first time.

Brennan had filmed over 500 hours of video, and had to edit down the final cut to 90 minutes. “I don’t like watcing my films,” says Brennan. “I know a lot of incredible moments that didn’t make it.” Editing took two years. Brennan spent time going back and forth to Sweden to get the film ready and brought on Red Bull Studios as the production partner.

Born to Fly will be out in the U. S. before the Summer Olympics this year. It is available to watch in Europe and selling well. Attendees of Lafayette’s Southern Screen Film Festival as well as patrons of the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge were privileged to watch local screenings of Born to Fly in the past few months.

Discover Lafayette would like to congratulate Brennan Robideaux for his love of craft and sheer determination to see this important documentary through to the finish. We look forward to watching Born to Fly as well as watching Brennan’s career soar!

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Travis Schugg, Vice President of Staffing Services at VieMed Healthcare Staffing (“VHS”), joins Discover Lafayette to share how VHS utilizes technology to meet the burgeoning staffing needs across all healthcare specialties in the U. S. He is responsibile for steering the company’s long-term strategic direction and day-to-day operations.

Travis moved to Lafayette in 2021 to join VHS after a meeting in Phoenix with VieMed founder, Casey Hoyt. The challenges of recruiting and retaining staff during COVID were issues everyone was trying to figure out, when all of a sudden you couldn’t go into people’s homes to care for their medical needs. Travis says that respiratory therapists and ICU nurses were the hottest commodities out there at that time. The two men picked each other’s brains on this topic: Travis had fifteen years experience in recruiting, and Casey, along with Michael Moore and the VieMed team, were building the best in class respiratory therapy in the U. S. “Over the course of our thirty minute meeting, it became a chess match as to who could pick each other’s brain best!”

A few weeks after that initial encounter, Travis reached out to Casey Hoyt and jokingly said, “I think I can do some damage with you!” Casey asked him to create a business plan for VieMed to get into the medical healthcare staffing arena. Travis came up with a 50-page business plan and they were off to creating VHS.

VHS is a complementary service for VieMed. Historically, healthcare systems, government agencies, and organizations like VieMed would recruit through their Human Resource departments, posting a job and hoping people would apply. “We flipped the script. Recruitment should be more on the offensive, it should be outbound. We promote our brand….we don’t just sit and wait for people to apply.”

VHS started out by visiting every hospital in Louisiana and telling their story. Then they spread across the Gulf Region. Today, just a bit over two short years after inception, VHS recruits for positions open in Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina, and other places across the U. S. VHS has staff in 15 states, and is building organically. Travis believes that VHS offers the best recruitment and workforce team anywhere between Dallas and Atlanta, South of Nashville, being based right here in Lafayette LA.

The main specialties in which VHS currently recruits are in nursing, social workers (public and private sector), respiratory therapy, and physicians. VHS also recruits in the allied care fields for workers in pharmacy, imaging and lab techs. They serve employers needing assistance with locum tenens and correctional health positions.There are currently 2400 jobs and when you visit https://jobs.viemedstaffing.com/, you will see an incredible listing of jobs available.

Staffing is a $170 billion industry and healthcare staffing accounts for $44-45 billion of that number. It is a unique niche that has been waiting to be met. VHS is growing as it helps their clients, both practitioners and health facilities, by getting to understand their clients’ needs. The “why” behind a hiring allows VHS to recruit more successfully and meet the individual needs of each client.

Travis explained that the health industry has changed dramatically regarding outside contract help. Fifteen years ago, people wanted a hospital with very few contract workers. The barrier has broken down and this mindset has flipped. Studies show that institutions with a more diverse workforce have better health outcomes for their patients. The contract workers have experienced more, worked in different settings across the country, and bring a plethora of skills to the job setting. Today, facilities are keeping 20- 30% of their workforce as contract labor, and thes health contractors fill in as needed, on weekends, nights, or other, which benefits everyone involved.

A new dynamic is that many professionals want to travel as they work. It is a more acceptable career path and they can build their resumes up as they see the country. Providers are more selective as to where they want to go. Travis says, “In the past people would want to know what you were running from or were you in trouble? Today, people ask what hospitals can I work at to build my resume and experience up? That way, when they do settle down, the can be the cream of the crop in their community.”

Once VHS places an employee, they become the employer of record for W-2 staff. Based upon the employee specialty, such as nursing or allied staff, “It’s W-2. We do payroll weekly for all of our staff. It is a differentiator in the market paying weekly. Per diem and lodging may also be provided based upon the locale the employee chooses. VHS pays the taxes and has hundreds of people out on assignment processing payroll and managing benefits.” VSH’s internal staff is at 28 right now.

VHS utilizes AI technology to scan resumes. In real time once an application is submitted, “We can tell you where you would most likely work next, what states would be a good fit with someone of your experience level. We can tell a nurse his or her top five jobs automatically. There is no need for a human to try to catch you between shifts to discuss possibilities. Historically, this was all done by an HR person.”

VHS places a big value on maintaining a nurturing and fun workplace. They created bingo cards for fun to keep things light, and also to keep staff members up when feeling bad about issues that inevitably come up at work, to loosen up the environment. Travis Schugg says, “You have to put in a process to develop your team. Then put in a culture to make them want to stay with you. There is no such thing as perfection. It’s about facilitation. At the end of the day, they need to know that you trust them.”Travis Schugg has been married to his wife, Ashley, for 19 years and they are the proud parents of an 8th grader and Junior in high school. Recounting how the family moved from Arizona to Lafayette in the middle of the school year, Travis says, “God opened the door so wide it was easy to walk through. We knew nothing about Lafayette or Louisiana but love it here.” Travis is also active with One Acadiana, serving on its Executive Board, saying “I’ve been mentored on how to be a better leader.”

We thank Travis Schugg and VieMed Healthcare Staffing for sharing this incredible story of growth in the healthcare industry, and for being based right here in Lafayette! For more information, visit https://www.viemed.com/staffing-services/.

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Melinda Taylor, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, joins Discover Lafayette to share the work of her organization.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Melinda has served as ED of Habitat since 2000, the year she moved to Lafayette, after serving in a similar position in Hattiesburg, MS. Interestingly, her realtor at the time of her move here in 2000 served on the board of Habitat and encouraged Melinda to apply for the first ED position to be filled here in Lafayette. Now, 24 years later, Melinda is still exemplifying what it means not only to lead, but to inspire others to volunteer and make meaningful change in our community.

Habitat serves as both a building contractor and the lender for qualified clients, and helps individuals acheive homeownership who can’t otherwise access the commercial lending market.

Qualified Habitat clients must make less than 80% of the median income in our region. Although they are individuals with low to moderate income, they are steady in life and willing to partner and work with Habitat toward their goal of homeownership. Some may have no credit or negative credit scores, so they are unable to qualify for a conventional mortgage.

Melinda points out that Habitat’s clients have the capacity to make the payments of their monthly rent, which unfortunately is sometimes up to 1/3 to 1/2 of their income. It can be more expensive to rent a home in Lafayette than it is to pay for a Habitat mortgage payment. Lower rents are usually tied to substandard housing options, so applicants are eager to get into a Habitat home and enjoy an affordable, well-built, and energy efficient home.

Many more applicants apply for the program than can be helped, and some people have a lot of work to do before they qualify. Habitat will send these individuals to other organizations who can help them work on their credit so that they can successfully re-apply. LCG’s Community, Development & Planning Department offers a Neighborhood Counseling Service that brings in professionals to teach how to work on getting credit in better shape and stabilizing income in preparation for homeownership. Also, First Horizon’s Congress St. branch offers “Hope Inside,” a class that helps people work on their credit and learn about home ownership. The Louisiana Housing Corporation offers online training and financial literacy program, and assists low to moderate income individuals prepare for homeownership. Individuals who have judgments or liens against them are precluded from qualifying until these issues are cleared.

It can take 18 months to two years for a successful applicant to get into their new home. Patience is needed. The journey to home ownership includes completing an educational process, volunteering time to build other Habitat homes as well as the one they will move into, and of course, the actual build time to construct the house.

Funding is derived from a variety of sources and Melinda says “We never get enough funds to build the whole house. HOME grants from HUD are earmarked locally for building affordable housing, and Habitat also leverages these funds with other resources, such as in-kind and monetary donations of all sizes. In 2022, Lafayette Habitat received an unsolicited $2.5 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Also, as Habitat homeowners pay their mortgage, the payments go back into the process, so as they make their payments, they are paying it forward because it’s reinvested back into the program.”

Pictured is a Women Build Team from Catalyst Bank in February 2024. Melinda Taylor says, “Volunteers really drive our work. They are the engine that keeps things going. Not just on our construction site but also at our ReStore. We have regular volunteers from the University as well as future homeowners themselves who work alongside our crew. We work with volunteers at all levels. Our crew is patient and teaches our volunteers whatever they need to know. Our quality control is outstanding!”

Houses built with HOME funds are mandated to maintain a 15-year affordability period, and the public is given notice of this by a Deed Restriction filed in the parish conveyance records. This prevents the homeowner from flipping the home or selling it quickly to someone not otherwise qualified as low-income. If the home is sold on the open market to someone who doesn’t qualify under the guidelines, a predetermined amount of the HOME funds (based upon length of ownership within the 15 year period) must be paid back upon the resale.

Lafayette Habitat partners with LCG in utilizing HUD HOME monies to build affordable homes. Habitat’s aim is to build ten homes per year and has built over 40 homes in the McComb-Veazey neighborhood over the past few years. They have also gotten into performing owner-occupied home repairs in focused areas of revitalization so as to improve the quality of life across the board for a neighborhood. Melinda says, “We support the efforts of residents to improve their neighborhoods, to return to a majority of homeowner occupancy rather than rental properties.”

Neighborhoods such as McComb-Veazey and LaPlace in Lafayette’s downtown urban core area have experienced game-changing revitalization through the dedicated focus of Habitat for Humanity. Most adjudicated properties are in Lafayette’s downtown core neighborhoods and are predominantly African-American.

In addressing efforts to utilize adjudicated properties that are predominantly found in older African-American neighborhoods in Lafayette’s core, Melinda Taylor says,“People were worried that developers would come in and change everything, not in keeping with what they wanted to see in their neighborhood. So the local ordinance that we have now enables us to use a Louisiana state law that is now informally called the “Habitat For Humanity Statute.” It enables donations of adjudicated properties to a nonprofit for the purpose of building affordable housing. It keeps affordable housing in the neighborhood for those who may already live there or want to come back. We take guidance from local residents as to what they want to see. They want livable outdoor spaces, front porches, the look that is already going on in their neighborhood.”

When asked how we can develop a larger pool of affordable housing in our market, Melinda pointed out that as a nonprofit, Habitat can utilize a different business model than a for-profit builder as they get their funding from a variety of sources. “We are subject to the same market forces as everyone else. We sell our homes at appraised value but that isn’t often what it costs us to build. We are sometimes upside down. We do that because its part of our mission to focus on creating wealth and creating a better space in the neighborhoods that we serve. But not all for-profit builders can do that, as that is not an acceptable business model that is sustainable. Even we struggle with that.”

Across the country, affordable housing options, as well as the decline of many neighborhoods, is a major problem with low homeownership rates and many homes needing substantial rehabilitation or replacement. Dilapidated homes have been abandoned, undermining neighborhood stability and the local tax base. Melinda mentioned a bipartisan act being contemplated in Congress, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, that would provide funding incentives for market rate developers to build homes that may not appraise at what it cost to build. The funding mechanism would recapture the builder’s loss and the hope would be to incentivize enough building of affordable homes to turn a neighborhood around, and then let market forces take over. Visit https://neighborhoodhomesinvestmentact.org/proposal for more information.

Lafayette Habitat for Humanity is celebrating the merging of its two Lafayette stores into one, which is located at 3124 NE Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette LA 70507. Special sales and discounts will be offered March 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ReStore is a 30,000 square foot facility stocked with building materials, home furnishings, lighting fixtures, and home decor items donated by local residents. Contractors performing remodels or small repair jobs can do their work for less by using low cost building supplies and you can spruce up your home with slightly used furniture such as sofas, chairs, bedroom furniture, etc.Volunteers are always needed for not only building homes but working at ReStore. Habitat offers an online portal to sign up for volunteer shifts, which are Tuesday through Saturday. Visit https://habitatlafayette.org/give-time/ to learn more and sign up.

With the help of Habitat for Humanity and many volunteers, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. They can build generational wealth and turn around their fate. We thank Melinda Taylor and her entire team at Habitat for Humanity for their ongoing work to improve Lafayette’s housing market.

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Chris Granger, owner of Seven Oaks Grand Coteau LLC, and Maison Title, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his growing real estate empire. He is an attorney, a married father of five young boys, and a force to be reckoned with!

While Chris worked with an established law firm for 2 1/2 years after graduating from law school, he knew he was never going to work for someone else very long. In 2018 he opened up his own law practice with his wife’s cousin, Benjamin Trant, and then Justin Leger became the third business partner.Business took off.

The logo/painting of Maison Title was derived from an old painting found in a rental home. Leah Graeff, Maison Title’s Marketing and Brand Strategist, redesigned the painting and the logo’s font is based upon one found on an old sweet potato label, the significance of which Chris explains, “Grand Coteau is the sweet potato capital of the world. Justin, Ben and I found an artist who came up with the font.Only 35 years old, Chris bought his first property, at $70 thousand with 10% down through a bank closing, as his family residence in Grand Coteau while in his third year of law school. It was a perfect starter home for his wife, Meghan, and their young family to live in. When they needed a larger home for their growing family, Chris decided to rent out the Grand Coteau property, which reappraised at $105K after the improvements they had done.

Chris and Meghan Granger pictured with their young family. Photo from Facebook.“The light bulb went off about leveraging the $35K equity in the home. Let’s leverage what we already have. What if I scale this thing? I could own 25 rental homes. My initial goal was to have 40 by 40! That was my mantra. But it happened quicker than that.” Chris’s whole portfolio is based upon leveraging. “You can’t put down 10 – 20% equity in each house you buy.”

Chris’s portfolio grew to 25 properties quickly. “I’m a big believer in community banks. Being able to walk in and talk to your local baker and explain a deal is invaluable. But they tend to have a tendency to pause you if you grow too fast. When I got to 25 houses I remember being paused. It’s a small circle. The first 25 loans were with two local banks. That lasted two years where I was stalled. So I went head in with my practice with Maison Title.”

Today, Chris Granger owns several hundred residential and commercial properties, which include the former Jefferson Street Pub, now known as The Jefferson, Abacus, the historic site location of Straw Cove Baking Company at 111 Monroe Street, and 160 units in two apartment complexes in Leesville LA. Chris’s thriving real estate title closing agency, Maison Title, is also located in Freetown in the old Petro House on Jefferson Street as well as another branch in Grand Coteau LA.

Chris defines himself as a “pedal to the medal guy,” doing 90% of the work. He admits, “I need help with the last 10%.” He relies on his manager of Seven Oaks Grand Coteau, Casey, to run the property management duties full-time.

“Everything in my mind is about rentable doors. We have a few over 425 doors. 140 single family units.”When asked about scaling his projects, Chris has learned from experience. “You always need the extra employee before you can afford them. Learning to navigate the cash flow conundrum where you have enough work, but you also have to take a leap of faith to hire them. You always need the help before you can afford them.”

We discussed the current housing market and the affordability issue. “There is a lack of housing in the $150-250K range in our housing market. Anything above $300K we don’t see a lot of in our practice. $200-300K is what we see. There’s a national, local, regional housing shortage in real estate.”

Flood insurance costs are a real issue for rentals. ‘You do well when you have quantity. The goal is to net $200 to $250 per month per unit. Throw on a $1,000 flood insurance policy, which may add $75 per month to your costs for rental units, it eats at your profit. You want to dodge flood zones.”

The vast majority of Chris’s tenants are females with small families. Some tenants have been with him for seven to eight years. Some he ‘inherited’ when he purchased properties, and they have been in the same rental for 25 years. “If you treat them well, they will treat you and your property well.”

Rental assistance programs helped Chris get through the difficulties of COVID. He researched options and helped his tenants. Yet he admits, “I’ve evicted hundreds of people over my career. We’re typically lenient, you have to push me hard.” Chris advises tenants who hit difficulties in coming up with the rent money to communicate with their landlord. “Avoid court fees!”

Chris Granger says, “The Jefferson is the coolest building downtown in my opinion. Located in the 500 block of Jefferson Street, smack downtown, with 5 apartments upstairs and the parking lot next door, it has 15,000 square feet. You can bring in any caterer, floral designer, or DJ. We provide the bar because of the liquor license issue.”Chris Granger pictured at The Jefferson. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Acadiana Advocate. “I’ve always been confident in my ability to make money tomorrow. I’m not money motivated. I’m more motivated in giving my boys a better start than I had. Not saying anything bad about my parents. I’m just motivated to leave more for my boys. There’s enough for all of us to eat. We’ll all do well. Why can’t we just have fun while we’re doing this?”Chris purchased the historic site of the old Pabst Beer Distributorship at 111 Monroe built in the 1940’s in the La Place neighborhood by downtown Lafayette, which was already renovated to qualify as a health department commercial kitchen. He invested to get Straw Cove Baking Company, owned by partners Dené Carroll and her wife, Morgan Angelle, off the ground in their venture to provide high-quality breads to the Acadiana market. Chris noted that soon Straw Cove will be offering baking classes to the public.

Last year as Discover Lafayette conducted its yearly business recap with the Acadiana Advocate’s Business Editor, Adam Daigle, we both agreed that Chris Granger deserved to be recognized as 2023 Business Catalyst of the Year. Tellling his story is inspirational and we hope a catalyst for other business people to jump in to creating their own destiny.

Chris Granger’s closing remarks to entrepreneurs looking for guidance: “Come up with a plan you believe in. Stick to it. And jump! You won’t get anywhere until you jump. I joke that a lot of what I do is jump out of the airplane and learn to fly on the way down and hope I can fly before I hit the ground. They’re educated jumps. I think that is what holds back 90% of people, they won’t jump.”

Thank you, Chris Granger, for your sharing your entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Discover Lafayette wishes all the best to you, your family, and your circle of colleagues!

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Restauranteurs and brothers, Patrick and Steven O’Bryan, owners of Bon Temps Grill and Whiskey & Vine restaurants, join Discover Lafayette to share their love of their industry, the importance of good service focused on their clientele, and their successful partnership in running a family business together since 2011.

Patrick and Steven O’Bryan are respectful and loving toward one another. Wise and funny, they are full of practical wisdom for up and coming entrepreneurs who want to open their own restaurant.

To understand their success, it is important to note that they both spent years working for others as they learned to hone their craft. They bring best practices of the restaurant business to their local investments in restaurants and catering.

Both men had extensive experience in the restaurant business. They waited tables, cooked, and bartended. Patrick started out by bussing tables at Cafe Vermilion for Ken Veron while in college. “The first thing I learned to do was fold a napkin. It was the best job you could have in college.”

Patrick also learned how to bartend in his early days at the old Ruth’s Chris formerly located where the current Whiskey & Vine is at 507 W. Pinhook Road in Lafayette. He was taught to be a flair bartender (utillizing finesse and fancy tricks) by JB Bandy when he worked at TGI Fridays in Lafayette; Bandy, incredibly, was the flair bartending coach for Tom Cruise when he was training for his role in the movie, Cocktail.

The older brother by three years, Patrick moved to Dallas after years of working for local restaurants. While employed at Cypress Bayou Casino, he worked with The Freeman Group, a consulting corporation that focused on improving hospitality by teaching the behavioral and technical aspects needed to make a guest’s experience exceptional. He left Cypress Bayou to join The Freeman Group and stayed with them for 15 years, getting to travel and work with luxury establlishments all over. It honed his ability to understand what is needed to make a restaurant customer want to come back and be a loyal patron.

Steven also worked at restaurants while in college and after graduation, worked with various corporate restaurants, including Copeland’s, Semolina, TGI Fridays,and Logan’s Roadhouse, the latter of which he was employed with for 15 years. Steven learned the ins and outs of the restaurant business, and shared how hard it is for restauranteurs to stay in business unless they can reach a certain threshold of dollar volume in sales. “If you can’t do over $2 million in sales per year as a restaurant ($40,000 per week), you probably won’t make it. Unless you personally serve in all the roles….owner, manager, bartender, chef, etc. People can be successful doing that but their quality of life won’t be there.”

Steven realized that he was working to help others build their successful restaurant concepts and for years he asked Patrick to move home and open a restaurant with him. To build their own success. And Patrick finally agreed, it was time.

Patrick and Steven O’Bryan grew up learning how to cook from their family, which always included grilling, not frying food. Steven recalls how they learned how to grill food from his dad and a friend, including the art of grilling alligator. Patrick says, “Steven is the cook! I cook just enough to be dangerous! I am a bartender. I am the front guy!” Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Acadiana Advocate taken in front of Whiskey & Vine

After a lot of brainstorming which included posting flip chart paper all over a wall with their ideas, and having the mutual agreement that they wanted to grow a business with a great team, Bon Temps Grill was created.

The O’Bryans’ first chef at Bon Temps Grill was Alexis Cupich-Indest, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which coincidentally is where their mother is from. Alexis left for a while to pursue other endeavors but is now back with the O’Bryans as Executive Chef at Whiskey & Vine as well as Corporate Executive Chef.

Today, the result of the brothers’ reunion and partnership has grown into a diverse enterprise of restaurants, including Whiskey & Vine, a catering business that provides food for Warehouse 535, The Louisiana Room, Woodlawn Chapel, L’Eglise, and Louisiana Cajun Mansion, as well as a separate business providing delicious food choices at Bon Temps Concessions at the Youngsville Sports Complex and the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park. And as you’ll hear when you listen, there may be other ventures in the offing.

Bar #1 at Bon Temps Grill, 1211 W. Pinhook Rd. is pictured above.When asked about how they handle the inevitable conflicts that arise in business, particularly in family businesses, they both quickly responded that everyone asks them about that and it is just not an issue.

“It is very rare for us to have conflict. We have our own strengths and we stay in our own lanes. We are very supportive of each others. Patrick was gone for 15 years, so having him back is very special,” says Steven O’Bryan. And honesty, watching their body language as they interacted during our interview confirmed their mutual respect for one another. They listen to each other and think before responding. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Acadiana Advocate.

Located less than half a mile apart on Pinhook Road near the Oil Center, the restaurants offer totally different dining experiences.

Bon Temps Grill originally opened in August of 2011 on Verot School Road, where Mercy Kitchen is now located. Just a year into operations, they were already outgrowing their space, but wanted to wait a while before moving. They wanted to build brand loyalty locally, knowing that tourists want to eat where locals want to eat.

Even though they had extensive experience in the industry while working for others, they still learned a great deal about managing their own business finances through the inevitable ups and downs all restaurants expereince. Patrick says, “I’m glad we didn’t know what we didn’t know. Ice storms and hurricanes can throw a business off with cash flow issues. Despite what you think, the start up of a business is the cheap part. Ongoing operation expenses can get to you. Margins in restaurants are so low.” But they did thrive.

During COVID and about ten years after opening Bon Temps Grill, the restaurant relocated to the former site of the Blue Dog Café, offering a casual atmosphere with mesquite grilled food and Cajun and zydeco music. Against common wisdom at the time with all the disruption and decline in business caused by COVID shutdowns and social distancing measures, the brothers jumped at the opportunity to move into the Blue Dog space, which was over three times larger than their former location. It allowed them to serve more people, even with the COVID restrictions in place at the time, because of the increase of square footage. “We could do more business even at 50% seating than we could at our former facility at full capacity.”

The menu was expanded, they brought in live music every night of the week and for brunch on weekends. At their old spot, there just wasn’t room. There wasn’t sufficient parking at the Verot School Road location. The upside was not only more happy patrons, but the opportunity to put local musicians to work. “It allowed more ‘bon temps,’ or more good times!” as the brothers both said.

Bon Temps Grill is consistently busy and a go-to place for catering needs. The brothers mentioned their favorite meals (which are by no means exclusive: stuffed pork chops, crawfish etoufee, hand cut ribeyes, shrimp and tasso pasta, and Seafood Creole Cobb Salad. One of their family secrets is the genesis of the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, which is a deliciious concection created by Patrick’s love of bread pudding merged with Steven’s love of Bananas Foster. The Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is one of the most popular menu items at Bon Temp Grill. For first time visitors, they offer a a gift card for a complimentary appetizer to be enjoyed on your next visit.

Seafood Creole Cobb SaladStuffed Pork Chop at Bon Temps GrillWhiskey & Vine, the O’Bryan’s second concept restaurant, came about a few months after Bon Temps Grill relocated to the old Blue Dog site. Preston Guidry, the owner of the site of the former Jolie’s (which had closed) approached the brothers to see if they might be interested in the space just down the street from Bon Temps Grill on Pinhook. Patrick and Steven thought so. Patrick says, “Lafayette was missing a jazz club. Do you really want to go to New Orleans when you can enjoy happy hour and music here?”

The brothers met at the space to check it out and spent the afternoon drinking whiskey to facilitate thinking through their next move. When they decided to expand their restaurant offerings in Lafayette, “whiskey” played a crucial role in the name of their next restaurant endeavor!

Whiskey & Vine opened sixteen months ago in 2022 at 507 W Pinhook Rd near St. Mary Blvd., and is distinctly different, with an elegant setting offering traditional New Orleans dishes amidst a classic jazz club atmosphere. The brothers tore down the walls in the space to open up room for more intimate settings. A bar and seating area was added to the back corner as well as upstairs in a space that formerly just had offices, and is now known as “The Peacock Room.”

Whiskey & Vine offers an elegant space for just about any occasion with three bars and plenty of room for parties. Angie, Patrick’s wife, was the designer of the remodeled space. She also designed the original Bon Temps Grill as well as the remodel of their current location on Pinhook.

Whiskey & Vine’s vibe and music sticks to a jazz and blues genre, and the menu offers delicacies such as chargrilled oysters, turtle soup, shrimp and grits, and other choices which evoke a New Orleans vibe. The restaurant’s weekend brunches on Saturday offer bottomless drinks for $15.00 and week days you can enjoy happy hour.

Besides their two restaurants, the O’Bryans offer catering services as well as Bon Temps Concessions at the Youngsville Sports Complex and the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park.

We thank Patrick and Steven O’Bryan for this special edition of Discover Lafayette made possible with the support of Eat Lafayette, a yearlong celebration of Lafayette’s local restaurants.

You will definitely want to check out both Bon Temps Grill and Whiskey & Vine, for as Steven says, “Everything we put forth is craveable!”

For information on the restaurants and to see the menus, please visit https://bontempsgrill.com/ and https://wvlounge.com/, For catering needs, contact Angie O’Bryan, Catering Manager, at 337-257-8035.

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Calogero “Carlos” Todaro, renowned for his expertise in all things relating to wine, joins Discover Lafayette to share his adventures in the U. S. over the past sixty-two years.

Carlos is well-known in the Lafayette area for his hard work ethic and desire to be of service to others. For years, he and his brother, Gene, were the resident wine experts at Marcello’s Wine Market in Lafayette. After the sale of Marcello’s last year, Carlos retired from working full time, but is still providing his expertise for pairing wines with food for the grateful customers of Champagne’s Market in the Oil Center.

“I have always been fortunate to have met many nice, kind and generous people throughout my life. People have been kind to me in so many ways. I try to repay as best I can.”

Carlos has a rich family history. A native of Palermo, the capital of the Italian island of Sicily, he’s lived in the U. S. since 1961 when the family moved to New Orleans from Sicily. Interestingly, Carlos’ dad was already a U. S. Citizen, having been born in Pueblo CO in 1915; his dad’s family returned to Sicily when he was young. After his dad served in the Italian Army in WWII, he realized he wanted to return to the U. S. Carlos joked that his dad wrote a letter to then U. S. Senator John Kennedy asking for help and he got his Visa a few months later!

Pictured in Palermo, Sicily, 1956, is the Todaro family send-off of cousin Blaise Todaro, who was headed to New Orleans. Calogero “Carlos” Todaro would follow with his immediate family members in 1961 where they relocated to New Orleans to live with Aunt Lucy. No one in Carlos’ family spoke English when they moved to the U. S.

The “Marcello’s name is a tribute to brother, Marcello Todaro, who attended USL and realized there was no authentic Italian restaurant in Lafayette. Brother Gene moved to Lafayette to assist with opening the restaurant, and along with Marcello, opened the original Marcello’s on the Abbeville Highway in 1981. Carlos moved to Lafayette to open up a grocery store next door to Marcello’s, bringing along his expertise as a longtime manager of A & P in New Orleans.

“Mama (Rosalie Todaro) was a very good cook, using a minimum of spices and the least amount of money. Pasta with broccoli, for example, a staple of Sicily. Feed a whole family of five people within your budget. We ate very little meat and chicken was a treat.”

Marcello’s enjoyed great success and moved into a larger space at Time Plaza where it remained until the oil bust of 1987/88 forced its closure.

Todaro family pictured in Glen Ellen, CA for Marcello’s wedding in 1990.Carlos moved to Memphis with his brother, Marcello, to sell wine for a liquor company and met many of the greats in the industry such as Jordan and Fetzer. In the meantime, brother Gene opened two liquor stores, one in New Orleans and one in Lafayette in the old La Promenade Mall. When Gene decided to reopen Marcello’s Restaurant in 1993, Marcello and Carlos returned from Memphis to help in the family venture. Carlos reminisced how they started selling wine on the sidewalk outside of Marcello’s to make extra money to float the restaurant’s expenses.

In 1994/95, Marcello’s Market moved to its current location at 2800 Johnston Street and Carlos says, “It’s been successful since Day One.” It was the first wine retailer in the area, way before Total Wines or other box stores. With all of the acumen and discernment Carlos brought to Marcello’s Wine Market, he says he never trained formally. “I am self taught. You don’t really know anything until you go to wineries and see the process. I always learn from others. There is always someone who knows more than you.”

Dustin andJolie Poirier, Kyle and Stefanie Kellner, and Tim Metcalf acquired Marcello’s Wine Market in 2023 from owners Carlos and Gene Todaro. Marcello’s has been the place to go for decades for all liquor needs including wine, beer, spirits, mixers, and specialty items. Carlos and Gene were always focused on customer service.Today, Carlos Todaro works 10 to 15 hours per week at Champagne’s, and he is very grateful to be doing what he’s doing, helping customers select the right wine, at the right price point for their needs. “I have no more keys jingling in my pocket to carry around.” Carlos knows a lot of the clientele at Champagne’s and enjoys “meeting them where they are…pricewise and tastewise, where everyone is happy.” He wants people to look good when they serve wine at special occasions. “It is very important to tie people together by picking the right wine.”Simplicity is a way of life for Carlos Todaro today. Of course he enjoys his wines and speaks highly of his favorite, Pinot Noir, although he says rising temperatures in California is changing the Pinot Noir grape skins, causing the wine to be more full-bodied. “The weather is very important. The soil stays the same.” He also enjoys “good Sicilian wines, Chianti, whatever strikes my fancy. Côtes du Rhône is always a good value. The history of wines is fascinating.”

You’ll have to listen to this interview to truly hear Carlos’ humility and warm spirit. He shares tips for wines, saying that “middle of the road’ today is anything under $20. “French wine is different from California wines, as on any given day, California is about 1 degree warmer than France, especially in Bordeaux. California wines are more exuberant in taste profile because of the warmer stock. French wines are more restrained.”

We thank Carlos Todaro for sharing his love of community and knowledge of wines with Discover Lafayette. Look for him at Champagne’s Market and take advantage of a treasure trove of knowledge and experience!

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Ben Broussard, Chief of External Affairs for Catholic Charities of Acadiana, joins us to discuss the nonprofit’s mission. Since 1973, Catholic Charities has worked to provide essential services to the most vulnerable people in our community who experience hunger, homelessness and poverty. A separate nonprofit organization from the Diocese of Lafayette, many services are 100% donor funded and others are buttrosed through grants from government and private organizations.

The organization has traditionally taken care of our most vulnerable neighbors through outreach efforts for disaster response, as well St. Joseph Diner, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, St. Michael Center for Veterans, the Stella Maris Center, and the Monsignor Sigur Center.

In the past several years, other critical services have been added to Catholic Charities’ umbrella of services including The Emily House in 2018, which offers an emergency shelter for homeless women and children. They have also added new responsibilities by taking over the Immigration Services and Deaf Action Center formerly run by the Diocese of Lafayette, as well as assuming management of FoodNet Food Bank and Rebuilding Together Acadiana. In 2019, Catholic Charities also became entrepreneurs by taking over ownership of Crossroads Catholic Bookstore, which is now known as Crossroads Collective.

“I feel that all of us are called to do something for our neighbor who stands to suffer. It is easy to think about it during the cold weather or a disaster, but in someone’s every day disaster or situational crisis, they also need help.”

The recent extreme cold snap in January 2024 has presented a challenge to the organization as our community’s homeless population has risen dramatically. And then, the ancient heating system in St. Joseph’s Diner broke on January 15, 2024, and needs to be entirely replaced.

Day in and day out, Catholic Charities is here for our community. It’s time for more of us to be there for them.

A quick background on Ben Broussard: for eleven years, Ben previously worked as Chief of External Affairs for the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association with the late Don Briggs. His heart was always in sync with service to others, so when Kim Boudreaux, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, approached him to serve with her organization, Ben’s temperament and ability to mobilize the troops when needed was a ready fit.

Ben is an articulate and passionate spokesperson for Catholic Charities and is inclusive in his call for help in whatever way concerned community members feel they can step up. You do not need to be Catholic to be involved, nor do you need to be an active church-going member of any congregation.

“The entirety of the 70501 zip code in Lafayette is a food desert. We have very vulnerable clientele come in and St. Joseph Diner is one thing they can bet on, that they can get a meal there. It is very much a very volunteer-centric operation with many volunteers coming in throughout the day.”

On any given day, Catholic Charities’ St. Joseph Diner feeds 700 to 800 meals…..breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days per week. On any given night, Catholic Charities also houses about 160 people, including men, women, children and Veterans. With the recent deep freeze, Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit gave the OK for more people to be sheltered than would normally be allowed by law to accommodate the dire need for a warm space.

Catholic Charities’ permanent housing program has traditionally been an extremely successful tool to help our homeless population get back on their feet in a stable environment while dealing with the underlying causes that led to homelessness, such as addictions, mental illness, physical disabilities, etc. Before COVID, Lafayette’s occupancy rates were at about 80% and Catholic Charities could work with landlords to negotiate affordable rates for their clients. Now, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Ida, people have come to Lafayette and ended up staying permanently, filling up the affordable housing stock which would usually be available. There are literally no housing options and folks have ended up in shelters or on the streets. Ben says, “The longer you are homeless, the barriers just continue to get higher.” And to clarify a misconception, Ben says, “Many people assume that our homeless population consists overwhelming of people from other towns. This is not true. 85 to 90% of our homeless are from right here in Lafayette and Acadiana.”

Catholic Charities received a grant from the Urban Land Institute to facilitate a four part series of forums for a community -wide discussion on how to best to collaberate and find long-term solutions for our region’s homeless population. Future meetings will be held March 21 and May 5.

Monsignor Sigur Center for Financial Assistance distributed $1,170,956.49 in support to 1,530 households this past year, which kept members of those homes stable and off the streets. By becoming a recurring donor or making a one-time gift, you can help the most vulnerable in our community stay afloat during difficult times. Give lasting change today at https://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/givelastingchangeIn 2023, 51 long-term recovery projects were completed for homeowners impacted by Hurricanes Ida, Laura, Delta, and regional tornado events. Help by becoming a recurring donor today. Make your pledge at https://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/givelastingchangeFor a comprehensive look at how you can help by contributing your time, money, or talents, please visit https://catholiccharitiesacadiana.org/.

We thank Ben Broussard, Executive Director Kim Boudreaux, and the entire team at Catholic Charities of Acadiana for their tireless and effective efforts to provide life-sustaining services to our most vulnerable neighbors.

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Third-generation restauranteur Madonna Broussard, proprietor of Laura’s II Café, is our guest. Located at 1904 W. University Avenue, Laura’s II is named after Madonna’s grandmother, Laura Williams Broussard, who originally started a restaurant in her home kitchen on Voorhies Street in 1968.

Laura’s II offers the comforting soul foods Madonna was taught to cook by her mother, Dorothy Mae Broussard, who was in turn taught by her mother-in-law, Laura. When people ask what is her secret behind her delicious food, she says “The secret is all about time and consistency. It is a science: start cooking, cook for hours, and taste, taste, taste.”

The staples of stuffed turkey wings, fried catfish, fried pork chops, fried chicken, red beans and rice, smothered okra, and much more….all with a heavy emphasis of rice and gravy, are beloved by Madonna’s longtime customers as well as newcomers who flock to experience the rich soul consistently food offered day in and day out, from 10:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. every day except Mondays.

Lauras’ II opened on January 8, 2000, and just celebrated 24 years in business. The delicious food Madonna and her team offer have become known both in the U. S. and internationally due to the incredible exposure she gained through the late Anthony Bourdain and superblogger Mark Weins. People travel in from all over just to taste Laura II’s food.Locals also happily wait in line to enjoy the comforting Creole food cooked only like Lauras’ II can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=BEbKyZSpBQkMadonna reminisced about the beautiful Sunday dinners she grew up on, at her grandmother Laura’s home: “My grandmother’s Sunday dinners were exceptional, like Thanksgiving every Sunday. We had beef tongue, rice dressing, beets, rice and gravy, every great staple you can think of.”

Madonna’s grandmother was the leader of this successful restaurant business concept and the menu she originally developed in 1968 is still found at Laura’s II. Madonna’s mother, Dorothy, was the one who instilled in Madonna the need for kindness and love for their clientele. “It’s about respect for your customers. We want you to feel comfortable and come back.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC2Wz-uaDf0Madonna says she spends “99.9%” of her time at work at the cash register. Greeting people and welcoming them into the restaurant is most important. “We want to know people’s names and have them want to come back.”

She credits Sid Williams for introducing her to Anthony Bourdain in 2018, who showed up with ten minutes notice one Sunday morning to film a segment for his CNN show “Parts Unknown.” Bourdain’s team was in the area to film a Courir de Mardi Gras Chicken Run, but rain prevented them from participating. They were looking for an alternative venue to shoot on the day that was both Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day. Sid had them call Madonna and she “got ten minutes heads up. He was subtle, very subtle. To have him come, as such a Foodie, was a great experience. I met him at the door. He looked around and saw people together in the dining room and asked if it “was always like this with all these people together. He said keep it like this.’ That meant a lot to me as he gave such affirmation, particularly about our culture.” People still clamor to sit at the table where Bourdain feasted on the ever-popular stuffed turkey wing dinner.

Madonna Broussard and Lauras’ II have survived 24 years in business, learning along the way how to keep the books, meet business needs, and go with the flow. The challenges presented by the COVID shutdown led Madonna to stay open, set up a tent, and learned how to be “car hops.” She described being outside in the rain and all the elements, with a note pad and pen, taking orders, while a “day care” inside consisted of kid and grandkids running around. “We curbsided a lot food!”

When asked if Lauras’s would ever expand outside of the Lafayette market to meet the incredible demand for her food: “I want my eyes on everything. It’s a little old school, but I feel on that note, I think I would want it to go out my way, my grandmother’s way. No.” So to experience Lauras’ II, people fly in to taste her food. Recently, a family flew in from Orange County in California, just to eat at Lauras’ II. “They flew in, ate at our restaurant, took photos, and got back on their plane that afternoon.”The business side of running a restaurant is the hardest part from Madonna’s experience. Cooking is easy compared to paying and calculating taxes, getting the right CPA, and managing overhead. When asked about upgrading to the newest technologies, she says, “After all these years. I feel it is so OK to stay in the old school mindset. I can tell people my menu, whether I call it out, put it on paper, or have a chalkboard. I don’t want QR codes for my menu. My customer base includes many elderly people and I won’t do that to them.”

Madonna’s daughter, Lacey Broussard, has worked in the restaurant since she was little, peeling potatoes at the age of two. She has great passion for the business and is an integral part of Lauras’ II, working alongside her mother every day. Madonna says, “Lacey is a mini-me. She’s great.”

Madonna encourages up-and-coming restauranteurs to “Get all the business aspects together in line and in place. Have good people you can trust, who check and balance your money, keeping things on par. It’s hard to do it by yourself.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4QCEbbENyoLauras’ II offers catering for events, both big and small, and will deliver to your place. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044976346735 or call (337)593-8006 to place an order.

Discover Lafayette is proud to showcase Madonna Broussard and Lauras’ II. If you haven’t eaten there yet, get with it! It is a true experience that showcases Acadiana’s beautiful culture and delicious food.

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Our guest today is Charles Edwards, CEO and Founder of One Telemed, a telehealth service for mental health patients in underserved communities for a majority of the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations in Louisiana.

One Telemed uses innovative HIPAA video/audio technology to connect individuals in need of licensed professionals, reducing the wait time for a new patient needing to see a Psychiatrist from 90 days to 3-5 days. For more information, please visit https://www.onetelemed.com/about

A native of Lafayette, Charles has worked in the mental health field since his first job out of high school 28 years ago. His life journey has been defined by the call for service, a call he heard from God who reached out to him with a distinct voice.

During the interview, Charles shares the story of the persistent voice that has led him to step up and serve others. His own life was changed by a traumatic brain injury he suffered the weekend before he left for De Vries Institute. He was playing basketball with buddies, and says, “That moment changed my life forever….I went up for a dunk, me and a guy got tangled there, and I landed from eight feet up onto my head. I had a blood clot on my brain and my spine. I didn’t breathe for about 3 to 5 minutes.” He regained consciousness but his brain started swelling and he was throwing up. The doctors didn’t think he would make it due to the length of time without oxygen and the brain swelling. Charles recalls awakening from his coma in his hospital bed and hearing a voice calling him. “I hear my name, the same voice that called out to me before. I opened my eyes and saw a tunnel with a hand coming out. And I took it. I remember looking down at myself. Then I looked up and saw this ball of energy, this ball of light. It was God!” God asked him if he wanted to stay or go back and do His work. While Charles wanted to stay, God wanted him to go back and do the work he was meant to do. This near death experience introduced him to a higher force that has led him to serve others in love ever since.

Charles is a persistent fellow who keeps going no matter the challenge before him. He has experienced miraculous events and circumstances that continually remind him that his life has purpose, as long as he follows God’s calling.

Before Charles founded One Telemed, he worked in a series of jobs, including as Community Liaison and a Regional Director of Community Relations for one of the largest mental health providers in the state of Louisiana. It was through that experience that he learned firsthand that people in underserved communities did not have access to mental health care. He came to realize that utilizing the traditional method of delivering services would not be an effective way to resolve the need for the growing mental health crisis. So, he heeded his higher power’s call for him to serve.

In August 2013, Charles pioneered the movement for Telepsychiatry services and started Advance Telehealth, a telemedicine technology company. In September 2017, he started a provider company and founded One Telemed with a goal in mind to improve patient outcomes by making mental health treatment accessible to all, no matter their income or location in Louisiana.

One Telemed provides trauma and grief counseling over video conferencing technology, thus allowing individuals to talk with a licensed professional from anywhere in Louisiana in a private and safe environment for healing and growth. Other services offered include Brain Tap Therapy, Transition Care Management, and Clinical Oversight for Behavioral Health patients.

Charles Edwards, owner of One TeleMed, received the Small Business of the Year Award by Junior Achievement of Acadiana in 2021. “I’ve always had a heart for service.”

One Telemed now employs 27 and is actively hiring. Approximately 40,000 patients in Louisiana are being served and Charles is currently in negotiations with a national provider to expand One Telemed’s outreach to millions more across the U. S.

We thank Charles Edwards and One Telemed for the critical services they are offering our most vulnerable. His story is inspirational and we encourage you to share it with others who may benefit who are in need of mental health treatment.

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Dr. Edmond (“Ed”) Dugas, Research Coordinator for the Athletic Network at UL – Lafayette, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his career at UL – Lafayette and his lifelong dedication to athletics at the institution.

In 2002, Ed was the driving force behind creation of the Athletic Network (“AN”), which showcases athletes/sports in UL’s past. Mike Spears of Firefly Digital developed the website.

AN provides an historical and educational clearinghouse of information about Louisiana athletics and the University spanning over 110 years. It also serves as a communications database for former athletes, support groups, faculty, administration and fans. Ed and his son, John Dugas, are volunteers who personally enter the data and take responsibility for accuracy of the site’s materials. It is truly a labor of love and devotion to UL – Lafayette sports!

Ed is a native of Evergreen LA (located between Bunkie and Cottonport). A graduate of Evergreen High School, Ed had intended to enter the Air Force Academy but his plans were short-circuited by health issues relating to his inner ears. Luckily, the Principal of his Evergreen High School was close friends and the college roommate with SLI (now UL – Lafayette) President Joel Fletcher, who convinced Ed that he should attend college in Lafayette. And as they say….the rest is history.

When Ed started college in 1958, UL Lafayette was then known as South Louisiana Institute or “SLI.” Its original name was SLII (South Louisiana Industrial Institute). In 1960, the university was renamed to USL, an acronym for University of Southwestern Louisiana, and an endeavor in which Ed was actively engaged. (The university was renamed to University of Louisiana at Lafayette in September 1999. Ed joking says that “We change our name every 39 years.”

Governor Mike Foster signing legislation renaming USL to University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Ed looks back upon his time at USL with fondness and shares how student workers worked hard, up to 100 hours per month, for the sum of $40 per month, while they still had to pay $16 per month to cover room and board! But the experience was invaluable and Ed taught tennis and coached basketball as he worked with Dave Fisher.

Ed went on to graduate from USL in August 1962 and was mentored by USL’s late, great basketball coach, Dutch Reinhardt. He earned a Masters and Doctorate in Physical Education and Education Administration. He looks back with admiration of the talented staff he worked with, including Dr. David Fisher, Fred Nelson, Clyde Wolf, Dr. Jim Kennison, and Al Simon.

Ed served on the UL faculty in a variety of positions and ranks from 1967 until he retired in 2001. Administratively, he served in the following positions at USL: Coordinator, Men’s Physical Education; Coordinator, Graduate Studies for the College of Education; Head, Department of Health and Physical Education; and Director of Student Teaching. He was the first Executive Director of the Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. In 1988, Ed was one of three graduates selected as “Outstanding Graduates” from the USL College of Education in their 25th year after their graduation date. In 2001, he was awarded the Professor Emeritus title at UL -Lafayette.

Dr. Ed Dugas pictured in red jacket with the first officers of the new College of Education Alumni Chapter, with Dr. Ray Authement on far right.As you’ll hear during this interview, Ed has been anything but a retiree in the past twenty years.

Ed’s life has been defined by athletics, both in teaching and reporting on the athletic history of UL – Lafayette through the Athletic Network, which provides a place for former University athletes and fans to connect and join support teams for their favorite sports.

After a two-year hiatus, the Athletic Network went live again on December 13, 2023 thanks to a significant donation made to the Athletic Network by Edmond “Bruce” Bentley, USL Men’s Basketball Student Athlete and Manager from1966 to 1969. Bruce had described the importance he felt for the university to have a communications vehicle such as the Athletic Network website readily available at no charge to its athletes, support groups and the Cajun Nation, echoing the feelings of his mother, Dr. Doris Bentley, a long-time faculty member in the College of Business Administration who was a strong supporter of the Athletic Network.

Pictured above are a few highlights of UL – Lafayette’s history. We encourage you to visit athleticnetwork.net to check out teams and support group members, view photo galleries, news, archives, family connections and much more, dating back to the early days of SLII.

Just a little more about Ed and the exciting experiences he has had in the field of sports. He served on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under four different governors. In 1996, Ed was honored to carry the Olympic Torch (Main Street, Opelousas and Court House Program) as it made its way through Acadiana on its way to Atlanta.

For more information on the Athletic Network, visit https://athleticnetwork.net/. To contact Ed Dugas, email athleticnetwork@louisiana.edu.

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Mike Tarantino, President & CEO of the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the recent business developments which will change the trajectory of growth for Iberia Parish and all of Acadiana.

Passionate and well-spoken about business development and the need for all community leaders in the business and government sectors to speak with one voice if they want to attract top level investment in the region, Mike loves Iberia Parish and spoke eloquently and enthusiastically about all of the newest developments while never stopping once to look at written notes.

Mike Tarantino is a New Orleans native that moved to New Iberia with his family in the mid-70’s. He graduated from Catholic High School of New Iberia and never left. Mike previously served as interim director of the Acadiana Regional Airport and received the Richard E. Baudoin, Jr. Friend of Business Award in 2018 from the Junior Achievement of Acadiana Business Hall of Fame.

The Iberia Industrial Development Foundation is a 501(c)(6) business investor organization. Its board is comprised of both public and private sector individuals. “Half of the board comes from the public sector such as our Parish President, all of the mayors in the towns of Iberia Parish, the Director of the Port of Iberia, the Director of the Acadiana Regional Airport, and the Superintendent of Iberia Parish Schools, while the other half consists of private business leaders. It’s a place where private businesses and government come together to discuss plans for the future. We’re the folks that cast the line to get people interested in coming to our area. It has a different mission from a traditional chamber in that it is focused on professional economic development.”

Mike believes that economic development is a team sport. “It is very competitive and takes a well-honed team as well as the private and public sector working hand in hand. You have to be singing from the same sheet of music, working from the same game plan. When you market your community, many times the investors have already researched your community. Having a united front to put your best foot forward is the first step in attracting big business.”

Iberia Parish is poised for growth, especially given its assets such as the Port of Iberia which offers a 2000 acre industrial and manufacturing site, its location along Highway 90/Future I-49 corridor which runs right through the parish, and the Acadiana Regional Airport, the former Naval Auxiliary Air Station surrounded by 2500 acres of developable property. The Acadiana Gulf Access Channel is currently undergoing a dredging process to deepen its access channel from 13 feet to 20 feet in depth…a huge increase which will allow heavier traffic in from the Gulf of Mexico.

Iberia Industrial Development Foundation President & CEO Mike Tarantino with First Solar CEO Mark Widmar and Iberia Parish President M. Larry Richard (Courtesy: First Solar). “

Lafayette and Iberia Parishes share a workforce with a population of approximately 600,000 people who traverse the region. What positively affects one parish also positively affects the other.

2023 has been a very busy and productive year in Iberia Parish with a number of new developments taking shape that present great potential for growth in Acadiana. The biggest announcement recently was the news of First Solar investing $1.3 Billion in a 2.3 million square foot facility at the Acadiana Regional Airport, its largest latest generation solar panel facility in the Western Hemisphere.

700 to 1,000 jobs will be created at First Solar, with a starting salary of $80,000. Mike credited UL – Lafayette’s engineering department, especially Dr. Terry Chambers of the Department of Mechanical Engineering who works with UL’s Photovoltaic (converting sunlight into electricity) Applied Research Lab, along with Dr. Mark Zappi and Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, for helping attract this facility. A vendor and supplier network to help local businesses connect to provide services to First Solar is also in the works….”A real ecosystem is needed so local suppliers can work together.”

Fusion One’s investment of $100 million at the Port of Iberia and Orleans is another big development. Fusion One processes used tires and plastic waste into green hydrogen. The local Iberia plant is expected to lead to 154 jobs with 110 new jobs and a $10 million annual payroll.

Cutting edge research is being conducted at the Pharmaceutical Lab at the UL – Lafayette Research Center where 9000 primates are housed. A $75 million investment by state and federal partners, along with UL – Lafayette, is being made to expand the Research Center and construct the Iberia BioInnovation Accelerator drug manufacturing facility at Progress Point Business Park. These investments will lead to the creation of a Level 3 biosafety lab at NIRC, the nation’s largest non-human primate center, that will enable advanced on-site research on infectious diseases. Mike explained the hope is to create a biopharmaceutical corridor that not only leads the way in research but keeps the manufacturing process local.

Delta Biofuels is investing $100 million in a bagasse pelletization renewable energy facility in Iberia Parish in Jeanerette near the Enterprise Sugar Mill. 165 direct jobs and a few hundred indirect jobs are expected to be created. Bagasse is a byproduct of sugar cane harvest such as the stalks and leaves; the product is turned into pellets to burn as energy. The product will be sold to the Asian market to replace coal in their efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. Mike Tarantino expects hiring to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

Aviation Exteriors (AvEx), which specializes in painting and decaling major aircraft owned by FedEx and the airlines, is investing in new hangar expansions that will facilitate maintenance, repair and overhaul work at the Acadiana Regional Airport and create hundreds of jobs.

Mike is excited about the diversity of new projects coming to Iberia Parish and the appeal of Acadiana to businesses looking to expand. “You can not beat Acadiana’s culture, its art and music scene, and the fact that people really want to live here shines through. Their employees will enjoy living here. When we tout this area, the culture is what makes us attractive.”

Mike wears many hats, also serving as Executive Director of the Iberia Parish Tourist Commission, and loves sharing the region’s many attractions. New Iberia was founded in 1779 by Spaniards and celebrates its unique Spanish heritage with its annual New Iberia Spanish Festival. With an award winning downtown where many local events are celebrated, it is located along the banks of the Bayou Teche. Felicity’s landing is a new draw for events to be held on the waterfront. Farmer’s markets and a new stage at the Steamboat Pavillion are also popular attractions. Conrad Rice Mill, the producer of the Konriko rice brand, is the oldest independently-owned rice mill in the United States. Jeanerette recently launched the French Bread Festival.

Mike has a podcast, The Mike Drop with Mike Tarantino, with a co-host Pat Bonin. Recorded monthly, you can find it on Spotify and learn the latest tips and trends to grow your business and learn more about why Iberia Parish is a good choice to locate.

Loreauville was recently awarded the Acadian Odyssey Monument. According to the Iberia Travel blog, “The monument is one of only two in Louisiana and 17 worldwide dedicated to those who were deported from Halifax (Nova Scotia) and scattered to various locations around the globe. Other monuments already exist in Houma, La., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and France. According to the SNA (Societe’ Nationale de l’Acadie) website, the mandate of the Acadian Odyssey Commission is three-fold: to commemorate the expulsion and odyssey of the Acadian people, to promote awareness of Acadian history and culture, and to promote the region of Acadie. The monument itself is an homage to the perseverance of the Acadians whose tenacity and faith led them through the tragic event of the “The Great Upheaval” or as it is called en Francais, le Grand Derangement.”

For more information on Iberia Parish, visit https://iberiabiz.org/

For more information on tourist attractions, visit www.iberiatravel.com

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Dreux Barra, proprietor of C’est Tout Dried Trinity Mix, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the idea behind his product and its evolution.

A humble man who is a joy to be around, Dreux and his wife, Monique, have built a home-grown company which has unlimited potential to corner the market in the U. S. and abroad. Dreux is frugal and conservative, and pays cash for the products needed to produce C’est Tout’s wares. “There is no need to go into debt to grow a company organically,” Dreux says.

Pictured: Dreux and Monique Barra of C’est Tout Dried Trinity Mix.Born and raised in Lafayette near the Saint Streets area, Dreux describes himself as “Just a camp cook….not a chef.” Dreux is employed by day with Signal Security of Lafayette, a local security guard service. Monique works full-time with C’est Tout.

In the summer of 2016, Dreux found himself with way too many bell peppers left over at the end of an abundant season in his home garden. Not wanting to waste produce, he used his experience in drying beef jerky to dehydrate the bell peppers along with some onions he had on hand. He then had a revelation: there was no dehydrated Cajun Trinity product (onions, celery and bell peppers) on the market anywhere.

Experimentation and determination led to such a delicious blend of dried onion, celery, green onion and yellow onions that his friends encouraged Dreux to jar/preserve the mix to share with others. To ensure quality as he finalized the product, he asked his mom for her opinion one day as they ate lunch at a local assisted-living facility where she resided. His mom was an LSU grad who majored in Home Economics and knew a thing or two about proper balance in foods and how they should look.

Dreux’s mom’s advice ended up playing an instrumental role in the success of C’est Tout as she advised him to add red bell peppers to the mix saying, “Every food item must have color, texture, taste and you’re missing a little color. You need a little red.” Dreux says “And don’t you know, the red bell pepper adds both color and sweetness, along with improved flavor.” This also provided a different take on the offerings from the fresh “Cajun Trinity” offered by local outlets.

This beloved Cajun Trinity of onions, red and green Bell Peppers, and celery (and garlic in one version of C’est Tout) springs to life when combined with hot liquid. Four tablespoons of the trinity mix result in one cup of vegetables when one cup of boiling water is added.

With a stable shelf life of two years with no preservatives, C’est Tout is definitely a must for every serious chef’s pantry. Dreux originally offered C’est Tout at the Moncus Park Farmer’s Market in 2017, and still finds this a wonderful place to market their product.

At the taping of this show in mid-December, Dreux and Monique would be working their 47th Saturday at Moncus Park in 2023! They also participate on the first Saturday of each month at the Delcambre Farmer’s Market which Dreux says, “are real cooks who are showing up to buy the $3.00 per pound shrimp off the boat.”

Dreux and Monique Barra, husband and wife, are hard-working partners, with Monique working full-time in packaging and shipping the product. It is a manual process to fill the bags while utilizing machinery that precisely measures the product. Orders ship within twelve hours of being placed. Dreux never envisioned selling to local stores. He thought online and farmer’s market venues would be a dream come true. But after a visit at Heleaux’s Grocery on Verot School Road with then manager, Paul, who fell in love with C’est Tout and ordered many cases of the product, Dreux realized there was a local demand. Today, the product may be bought locally at Champagne’s Grocery, Rouse’s, Fresh Pickens, Nunu’s, Louisiana Hot Stuff, and other vendors.

99 % of online sales of C’est Tout products go outside of Louisiana. Products are particularly popular with residents of Texas, Florida, and California, and have been shipped to Portugal, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and throughout the United States. Dreux says, “There are lots of displaced Cajuns!!”

For Discover Lafayette listeners who order C’est Tout online, you will receive free shipping by using the Promo Code “Free Ship.”

C’est Tout also offers home chefs an easy way to cook gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee or other local favorites by streamlining meal prep while maintaining high nutrient quality. Orders for packaged dried meals may be ordered at https://thisiscajun.com/.

This interview is full of witty commnts from Dreux which will entertain and also inspire you to learn more about Cajun cooking. “I have become a flour scientist. When you toast the flour for an (oil-less) roux. It wisps white vapors. It’s not just puffing the flour, its actually shrinking the gluten out of the flour. The gluten is the bitterness of the gumbo. The longer your render, the less bitter it gets as the gluten shrinks. By toasting the flour, we’re actually cooking out the bitterness. When you open the package and put it in the pot on your stove, the bitterness is gone.”

Discover Lafayette is proud to showcase C’est Tout Dried Trinity Mix and its newest meal packages. Thanks to Dreux and Monique Barra for their unique contribution to Lafayette and Acadiana!

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Blair Broussard, owner of Bee Positively Social, a social media consulting firm, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss effective digital marketing tools for small business owners in today’s market. Blair has also been an active real estate agent with District South by Real Broker in Lafayette since 2017.

A chance to play middle blocker for the UL – Lafayette women’s volleyball team lured Blair to Lafayette. Transferring from Centenary College after her freshman year, Blair recounted her first trip to Lafayette down I-49 with her dad and spotting a dead alligator on the side of the road. As a native of Mesquite TX you would think she would have been scared by this, but Blair thought it was cool and such a different experience from her years growing up in Dallas. The deal was sealed upon arriving at UL, where she was given a tour of the swamp on campus and of course, another chance to see an alligator!

Blair Claypoole Broussard was lured to Lafayette LA to play middle blocker for the Ragin Cajuns’ volleyball team. Noting the vastly different cultural experiences (including the alligators!), Blair says that “Volleyball is how I came to know and love Cajun Country!”

While Blair graduated in Education from UL – Lafayette and also earned an MBA from the university, she was self taught on how to market her real estate services to garner effective social media presence. She is a big fan of organic activity on social media, i.e., posting experiences as they happen rather than relying solely on scheduled posts, so that the social media algorithms don’t pick up your activity and identify it as a ‘robot.’ With that said, she does recommend that you schedule posts to occur daily and consider using paid ads for important messaging.

Blair is driven to help others tell their stories, especially small business owners who don’t know how or where to start in marketing their business. While we may wish we could just print a paper flyer and post it at the local coffee house or restaurant, the days of that being an effective marketing strategy are long over.

Blair Broussard is the proprietor of Bee Positive Social, assisting small business owners in systemizing and automating the appropriate social media tools to effectively grow their business.Today, people “post” their flyers and other advertising materials on social media. The particular platform you should select for your business is dependent upon your target business clients as every social media platform has its own demographic. Facebook and Instagram are by far the most popular but again, your preferred platform will be tied to the referral network you want to tap into. Millennials and younger people will gravitate more to Tik Tok and YouTube, especially YouTube Shorts. “YouTube shorts (short 20 second video clips) are a great way to expand your reach and grow your business. You can use that link on so many other platforms.”

For clients that are new to social media promotion, Blair will have them just pick one to start and “get their user friendly ability up.” But most businesses today have at least one medium where they post and she will help them expand their repertoire to two. Blair advises that your social media page should answer the most FAQ’s such as, “Where are you located? How can I purchase or sign up? How can I contact you?”

“Small business word of mouth referral networking is changing dramatically. Millennials are not going to leave a Google review. They will share the Instagram profile of your business. Not just your phone number. That’s how small business word of mouth is happening.” Blair recommends utilizing Linktree or Milkshake apps that optimize your social media traffic by streamlining all of your info, products and links (website, blogs, social media platforms, etc.) to be accessible in one click in your bio. Blair is a proponent of blogging as it establishes your credibility as an expert in your field. Plus, one blog post can provide weeks of content on social media posts. “All you have to do is include images and recycle your content.” It also helps you become someone that people can “know, like and trust” which will entice new clients to give you a shot.

Canva has become an incredibly popular tool for designing websites, creating high-quality graphic designs, edit photos, and much more with its built-in templates, stock images, icons and fonts. This tool, along with others, can help you build your ‘branded library’ which has your company logo, colors, and creative posts which identify your company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvpCdKA8aC4&t=8sBlair Broussard is an active agent with District South by Real Broker in Lafayette and may be reached at 337-704-7101 or blair@blairbroussard.com or https://www.districtsouthre.com/agents/blair-broussard/.
On a personal note, Blair is married to Bennett Broussard and the mother of three very young sons. She is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church. We thank her for her contributions to our community and encourage you to reach out to her for social media or real estate assistance!

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Our guests are Ari Dolegowski and Jenée Naquin, husband and wife, as well as adventurers who have lived in Lafayette since 2020. The couple moved from New York City with their son, Noam, to be closer to Jenee’s family members who live in Eunice.

Jenee is a brand stylist and digital content creator with vast experience in bringing luxury brands to life through digital marketing. A native of Eunice, she graduated from Loyola in New Orleans and then moved to NYC to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She worked in corporate design, has experienced living in a handbag factory in China in order to learn the ins and outs of the accessory manufacturing process, and was part of the team that built Jessica Simpson’s iconic handbag line. After 13 years in fashion design, Jenee founded her branding company, JSQ Creative Agency, in 2017.

Ari is a Bio-Performance Therapist, offering transformative massage sessions with a tailored approach rooted in Physical Therapy and Eastern medicine through AriD Therapy & Training. He had the good fortune to apprentice as an assistant to a doctor of physical therapy and a Chinese medical practitioner. He attended traditional Chinese medical schools and studied massage therapy for a month in Thailand. A fellow who has walked an incredibly interesting life journey, Ari played pro soccer in Chile, Tel Aviv and the U. S. Along the way, he studied at Yeshiva University in Jerusalem. Ari taught high school Physical Education in New York City before settling on his career as a bio-performance/massage therapist.

Ari and Jenée met and married in NYC after their early career international travels. While they both had strong ties to New York, they had decided it was time to move in order to pursue a different lifestyle than offered by the Big Apple. Pre-Covid, they had traveled to several places looking for a Utopian site. The onset of COVID and its shutdown of city life brought things to a head, as Jenée recalled, “If you were on the 15th floor of a highrise, like us, riding an elevator was a challenge. New York became intense and nervous. Much of the population moved out and a troubled, homeless population remained….all of a sudden taking a walk to the Park to get outdoors wasn’t fun.” Ari and Jenée took out a whiteboard and listed all the things they wanted in a good place to live. Louisiana fit the bill, and particularly Lafayette, as it was close to Jenée’s family.

Ari was a bit nervous about the big move to Lafayette, in part because of mosquitoes, but also because of our very small Jewish community. “Thank goodness for the Temple Shalom in Lafayette!” About a year after the family settled in Lafayette, Ari turned to Jenée and shared how happy he was to be be here. Interestingly, Jenée also came to realize how important Judaism had become in her life. In NYC, there was vibrant Jewish community and they were surrounded by many other Jews, even sending their son to a Jewish school. She had fallen in love with the Jewish faith and lovely traditions. “It took me coming back to Cajun Country to realize that I was a Jew!” While she had initially resisted converting her faith from Catholic to Jewish while living in New York, Jenée began studying Judaism and has now converted and is an active member of Temple Shalom.

Jenée Naquin and Ari Dolegowski in their backyard Sukkah (hut) talking about their Jewish faith during the weeklong festival of Sukkot in October 2023. Photo by Brad Bowie of The Acadiana Advocate.Jenée and Ari’s young son, Noam, whose nickname is “Kiki,” is also showing signs of being a creative entrepreneur. Learning how to juice satsumas and other fruits by his grandfather, Noam has made the local news several times due to the popularity of his fresh squeezed juice, marketed under the brand name Kiki’s Juice Box. “Noam is a born entertainer and this endeavor has been one of my favorite branding projects,” Jenée says. With the help of his mother, Noam has an active Instagram page which highlights his wares and he is learning how to successfully market his juice.

For photographic samples of Jenée creative work, visit https://www.jeneesaisquoi.com/ and for her professional services, https://jsqcreativeagency.com/. To schedule an appointment with Ari, visit AriD Therapy & Training or https://www.facebook.com/aridtherapy.

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Adam Daigle, Business Editor of the Acadiana Advocate, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the biggest business news of 2023.

The #1 story of the year is the incredible strides made in 2023 insofar as job creation is concerned. Iberia Parish is on fire with the recent announcement of First Solar’s $1.1 Billion investment to take place on thirty acres at the Acadiana Regional Airport. First Solar will produce high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The project is expected to be complete in the first half of 2026 and up to 700 high-paying jobs are anticipated to be created. This enterprise is unique in Louisiana in that it is tied to a new solar training program at UL-Lafayette where students will be educated on designing solar panels. First Solar was founded in 1999 and is among the top 10 solar panel manufacturers in the world. Along with this major announcement, other large regional employers include Amazon at 1300 employees and Stuller at 1500 employees, who have both exceeded projections for local employees.

The #2 business story of the year is the large number of local restaurants which closed in early 2023, including the iconic Cafe Vermilionville, Lotus Garden, Grub Burger, The Point Seafood and Steakhouse, BJ’s Pizza, and Luna Bar & Grill. By July 2023, the number of closings had settled down.

The #3 story of the year is the shake-up at the news desk at KATC, seeing the departure of longtime and popular news anchors Marcelle Fontenot and Jim Hummel who will be joining KADN in January 2024. The move is one being conducted nationally by KATC’s owner, E. W. Scripps Co., as a cost-cutting measure. While there will no longer be live news read by anchors at the 5 pm, 6 pm or 10 pm news slots, the company will invest in more reporters to cover breaking news stories throughout the day.

Marcelle Fontenot and Jim Hummel recently announced they had resigned from KATC News and will be joining the news desk at KADN in Lafayette.The #4 story is the recently announced departure of Anita Begnaud, CEO of the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority, whose last day will be on December 20, 2023. Anita will be moving on to work with her former boss at One Acadiana, Jason El Koubi, as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Under Anita’s leadership, the DDA was instrumental in seeing the completion of a myriad of commercial projects in Downtown Lafayette which had languished for years. She brought energy and excitement to her role as CEO and will be sorely missed.

Anita Begnaud, CEO of the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority since 2018, recently announce that she will be leaving to work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership as VP of Marketing and Communications. The #5 business story is the explosive growth occuring in the corridor at Kaliste Saloom Road and Ambassador Caffery Parkway, including the opening this year of Topgolf on December 15 and Dave & Busters which opened November 27. Adam says attracting these type of entertainment venues “brings Lafayette up a class, akin to going from a Double-A to a Triple-A baseball club” as it causes investors to take a closer look at our market and reexamine what is possible in the commercial realm. Other important commercial additions include the recently opened Chimes Restaurant and the development of the Camellia Blvd corridor near Verot School Road which is filling in with medical offices and a new Rouse’s, expected to open in early winter. This whole corridor is now serving as the commercial core of Lafayette Parish, is easily accessible by other towns in the parish, and is the economic powerhouse of the Lafayette community generating tax dollars that would have seemed impossible just a few short years ago. As Adam says, “Costco is a sales tax machine!”

Discover Lafayette is proud to name attorney Chris Granger as the recipient of our third annual Business Catalyst of the Year award. The owner of Maison Title real estate closing company and Seven Oak Grand Coteau, his property investment company, Granger has invested heavily in over 300 rental homes and has also been buying up properties for repurpose such as the former Jefferson Street Pub downtown and the old Petro House in Freetown which now houses Maison Title. Straw Cover Baking Co. recently opened up their wholesale bakery and flour mill in a former warehouse Granger purchased in Freetown at 111 Monroe Street. As a young man in his 30’s, Granger is making quite a business name for himself while revitalizing downtown properties which are prime for repurposing.

Chris Granger of Maison Title and Seven Oak Grand Coteau has been named Discover Lafayette’s 2023 Business Catalyst of the Year. Discover Lafayette would like to express our deep appreciation of Adam Daigle and the entire team at the Acadiana Advocate for the ongoing support they have given our podcast over the past few years.

Adam publishes a business article each Monday which highlights our latest podcast guest. You can subscribe online at theadvocate.com/newsletters to receive the latest business news from the ADVOCATE each weekday.

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Corey McCoy, CEO of KOK Wings & Things, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his unexpected journey into success as a restaurant entrepreneur. Growing up in a military family, he lived all over the country before moving to Lafayette to attend UL and become closer with his father. Corey served in the National Guard for six years while in school, with a top secret clearance as he worked as an Intelligence Imagery Analyst.

KOK Wings & Things was founded in 2016, when Corey, Avery Bell, Tre’Jan Vinson and Jared Johnson were Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. fraternity brothers at UL – Lafayette and living together on a shoestring while attending college.

The foursome would cook chicken wings and sauces for friends, beginning with the traditional wing recipe Corey’s dad provided them. They enjoyed hosting social events at their home to raise money for their fraternity. In order to pay for the cost of the food and supplies, they started charging for their wings. Word spread about the delicious wings and the “Kitchen on Klinton” thus began out of their home kitchen on Clinton Street.

And things went smoothly until one day, the local police came knocking on their door, informing them that it wasn’t legal to operate a commercial kitchen out of their home. They realized it was time to ‘change up’ their operations.

KOK began with an initial investment of $250 chipped in by the the partners. As Corey says, “It was everything we had!” In the beginning, the young men would put fryers in the back of a U-Haul as they went looking for customers. In time, they were ready for a food truck. Avery’s dad offered to help build a food truck on a flatbed trailer, which they found on Craig’s List. KOK would park for a few months at a time around Lafayette as they built up a dependable clientele for their wings and sauces.

As KOK became more professional, their goals for growth did also. Once they saw that they had a viable business model, they worked to scale the operations From the beginning, the four young men divided up the tasks of running the business. Corey became the CEO (even when they were still cooking in the back yard) and was in charge of organizing the overall operations of KOK. Avery was in charge of ordering food and supplies, Jared was the Chief Financial Officer, and Tre’Jan was in charge of marketing. It gave them an organized method to focus on growth. Corey credits Heidi Melancon of the Small Business Development Center for helping KOK get their first loan, get free consultations, and get their business bearing. He also credits LEDA and the UL Business school for its help for which he will always be grateful.

KOK didn’t charge sales taxes for the first two years. This turned around when Adam Curry, a CPA with Darnall, Sikes & Frederick, ordered a meal and realized that no sales tax was collected. He helped the partners get their tax and financial records in order and get their business model organized for a sustainable business model.

The Lafayette location is in the former Gallagher’s Restaurant, which property is still owned by Nidal Baldeisi. He traded free rent for a few months in exchange for the KOK partners’ working to renovate the building as they built their profits. They rented fork lifts from Lowes, got family and friends to help, and they were off in pursuit of a successful brick and mortar business.

Corey taught 8th grade history at Acadian Middle when he graduated from UL in 2016 as they built up their business. He worked until KOK turned profitable in order to ensure that he could make a paycheck. The first two years, none of the men took any paycheck from the business.

With a solid track record of growth, KOK Wings now has locations in Lafayette, New Iberia and Baton Rouge. Corey and his partners have grown their company from the grassroots level into a multi-million-dollar company with over 50 employees.

KOK Wings & Things sells much more than wings and sauces. Fried fish and small fish sliders are popular items on the menu, along with fried shrimp, and definitely worth checking out. There are 16 different sauces you can load your food with. “There are a thousand ways to eat KOK,” Corey says. KOK is also considering offering healthier options as they grow their menu.

COVID presented challenges to KOK, particularly with the skyrocketing price of chicken in 2020. The partners also pivoted by opening up a drive through during COVID, which they found much easier to accommodate than many traditional restaurants due to their experience in running food trucks. The restaurant on University Avenue in Lafayette now seats approximately 300 people with the expansion made to the back of KOK during the COVID shutdown.

KOK Wings & Things was Awarded the Young Entrepreneurial Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Louisiana District in May of 2022.

The KOK partners are committed to giving back to our community members most in need, and whenever possible have helped organizations such as Second Harvest by supporting efforts to get fresh food to people in Lafayette’s pervasive food desert in North Lafayette. This year, they founded KOK Cares, a nonprofit foundation run by Rayna Morrison, in order to give in a more organized and sustainable manner.

In March of this year, Corey was honored as a Top 20 under 40 Acadiana Leadership recipient. He believes Lafayette should be championing our local young talented people, such as our artists, teachers, and business entrepreneurs, so that we can keep our youth here.

KOK’s partners made a deliberate decision to stay in Lafayette and has built a multimillion dollar company. Corey says, “So many young people feel they have to move somewhere else to be special. That’s a problem. Whenever you feel you have to move to be special, that’s an issue. We could have had the same mindset. But we did it right here in the backyard of Lafayette and now we can affect all these other communities. Now we get to bring a piece of Lafayette to Baton Rouge. A piece of Lafayette to New Iberia, and wherever we get to grow. That should be important to Lafayette. Much more so than how to we get all these other people to pay attention to you. It’s by championing your own people do you get other people to pay attention to Lafayette.

“We lose so many people to large cities. We say we’re fighting for our youth to stay here, but I get confused by those statements. Who are we promoting? You won’t attract young people just by landing new corporate businesses or real estate deals hoping it will get people to stay. All you’re doing with that is doing the same things the big cities do on a much larger scale…. that people are already moving to. The only way to compete is to do the things the large cities can no longer do, and that is to connect with the person inside the community. Lafayette is the perfect size city. I have lived all over the country and I love Lafayette. It is the perfect sized city. It’s not too small and it’s not too big. Individuals are still very, very important and can still make a huge impact and define what this city is. If we just spend all of our time worrying about drainage and real estate deals, we’ll be fighting for things that don’t really matter within the next 20 years. People feel they have to move somewhere else to be special and that’s a problem.”

When asked by our sound engineer, Jason Sikora, what business advice Corey would give to up and coming entrepreneurs, he said, “Learn why the rules exist, instead of playing by the rules. Because often, people play by the rules the whole time and it keeps them from being able to grow. A lot of people whose business did grow didn’t play by the rules whatsoever. It’s more about learning why the rules exist so that you can understand the principle and know when to apply the rule and when not to apply the rule. I learned so much from growing KOK out of the backyard….much more than if I had earned an MBA or had a big check to go buy a physical location. Learning the ‘why’ is the most important thing.”

For more information on KOK Wings & Things, please visit https://eatkok.com/.

Thank you, Corey McCoy, for being you, sharing your story, and making Lafayette proud alongside your partners! We look forward to witnessing continued success from you, Avery Bell, Tre’Jan Vinson and Jared Johnson!

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Our guests today are Jason Stoner and Stephen Rogers, who are well-known locally for their exceptional foodie and presentation skills!

Jason and Stephen devise the menu, theme, and special tablescape (a blend of table and landscaping) in the weeks preceding each event; Jason captures the process with meticulous photography to heighten the sense of appreciation for each meal prepared with love. Jason is the chef and creator of the menu; Stephen is the master of planning the ambiance and theme of the evening and takes great care to select the perfect silverware, napkins, plates, drinkware, etc.

The couple have hosted a Sunday Dinner at 6 p.m. once each month for the past few years that began in 2017 when they hosted a special birthday supper for their family. It was such a hit their children insisted on making the dinner a weekly celebration. Over time, the event morphed into a monthly affair that is closely followed by foodies. The waiting list of people hoping to attend speaks for itself. Thousands of people watch on social media to see what unique creation and decor these two will come up with! Only a few guests are selected each month so nabbing an invitation is a fete, to say the least! Jason and Stephen have never repeated a menu or theme.

As an example, November 2023’s Sunday Dinner centered on a TexMex menu, featuring beef enchiladas on homemade tortillas and sour cream sauce, with assorted sides, all freshly prepared. The evening’s theme was Dia de los Muerxos, which originated in Mexico and is a days-long celebration in honor of family members who have passed away. The playlist was Tejano Classics on Spotify. The event was hosted in honor of Emmalyn Grace Quebedeaux, a young child who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer. The lucky Sunday Dinner guests won the privilege of attending via a raffle in support of Moving Mountains for Emmy, a go fund me fundraiser in support of the little one’s medical treatments.

For more information on how to contribute to Emmalyn Grace Quebedeaux’s medical expenses, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/moving-mountains-for-emmyStephen spoke lovingly of the inspiration he received from his grandmother who was his ‘spirit animal,’ a flamboyant and creative woman who loved design. Her inspiration was still present whenJason and Stephen’s house sat under two feet of water after the 2016 flood; they realized that in rebuilding and reconstructing their home life, they wanted to use all of the beautiful things they had been keeping in the cabinets. They now utilize beautiful family china and glassware that they inherited from loved ones such as Stephen’s grandmother. And as Jason says, “We eat with our eyes first, so we always try to plate the meal over the top.”

Jason always tries to source food items locally whenever possible, and he mentioned his love of City Girl’s Farm‘s edible flowers, microgreens, and herbs, as well as Coastal Plains Meat Company for their outstanding selections.

Jason Stoner and Stephen Rogers have a choreographed effort they employ when hosting their monthly Sunday Dinner. Stephen meets the guests, gets them a cocktail and whisks them out of the kitchen so that Jason can complete the last minute cooking. They discuss ahead of time the flow they need for the evening to be a success. The team love what they do and hope to bring the Sunday Dinner to a new level with an anticipated YouTube show that documents the monthly event from start to finish.Jason Stoner is well-known locally as being one of the principals behind Foodies of Lafayette alongside Heidi McDonald. Foodies of Lafayette spotlights area restaurants and culinary experiences in a positive way and will not allow negative feedback to destroy their aim of promoting local treasures. The site currently has over 60,400 active followers on Facebook and is growing exponentially each month. Jason and Heidi also launched a Foodies of Lafayette website recently where you can purchase merchandise and enjoy recipes submitted from fans.

In closing, we’d like to thank Jason and Stephen for the joy they bring to our local community. Their Sunday Dinner and love of food and beautiful design are treasures to be savored. Discover Lafayette is proud to showcase their loving contributions to our local culinary experiences.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Missy Bienvenue Andrade, CEO of the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA), founded in 2000, is a tax-exempt foundation whose core purpose is building legacies and improving communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. The organization focuses on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. The parish affiliates each have permanent endowed funds for their geographic region.

Missy gave great credit to Raymond Hebert, its first CEO who served until 2022, for his leadership in building an organization that is healthy and ready to move on to its next chapter of philanthropic focus in Acadiana.

As of 2022, CFA has received total gifts of $364,588,403.00 over its years of existence. Donations of all sizes are welcomed and “Donor Assisted Funds” or “Corporated Advised Funds” can be established at any level. Scholarships are also housed at the CFA. Missy explained that many times, a donor may want to make an end of the year contribution and wait until disbursing the funds until a later time; special requests and assistance from staff can help the donor make their wish come true in the timing that fits their desires. Donors can also make contributions and request that their funds be invested in the market, either under the direction of their own investment advisor or with the assistance of CFA professionals.

Missy Andrade (left) pictured with Erica Ray, Carolyn Doerle, Missy Manuel and Carlee Alm-Labar at a recent groundbreaking of the Paul A. Doerle Farmer’s Market Pavillion at Moncus Park.Missy believes an important mission of the CFA is to define how the organization may best assist Acadiana nonprofits. She looked back on 2023’s SOLA Giving Day which raised the most money ever for local nonprofits, totalling $1,829,127.00. CFA runs the back office of SOLA Giving Day which has been wildly successful over the past six years. This year Venmo and Paypal were added as payment options and this appeared to eliminated barriers to giving; CFA saw people were giving contributions in the range of $5 and $10, as well as large sums, and the event experienced the highest number of people ever giving on a single day.

CFA is entering a new phase of defining its mission. It recently hired Ekstrom, Alley Clontz & Associates (“EAC”) to assist in a comprehensive strategic plan for the organization as it determines how it can best serve Acadiana as it builds a bridge to an even more successful outreach. EAC has consulted on behalf of over 200 community foundations across the U. S. and abroad, and is a leader in its field. Rather than just studying other community foundations across the country, Missy emphasized that CFA want to ensure that our particular community needs are identified and addressed.

This is Missy’s second appearance on Discover Lafayette, as we interviewed her a few years back when she was President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana.

Missy Bienvenue Andrade previously served as CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana. You may here our earlier interview with her here The 91st annual Lafayette Civic Cup Awards will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023at the City Club at River Ranch. This years award will be bestowed upon Rodney Savoy. The CFA is handling the event. The Savoy family donated the land and beautiful building on which CFA is housed. For more information on the Community Foundation of Acadiana, please visit https://www.cfacadiana.org/

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Heather Courville, a local entrepreneur who offers beautiful handcrafted children’s clothing and accessories through her business, Banannie Bands, joins Discover Lafayette to share her journey in breaking into the business world as a seamstress who produces heirloom items.

Heather had a booth at the Junior league’s Christmas show, Tinsel & Treasures, in September, 2023. The quality of her work, the beauty of her designs, and her endearing spirit made her the perfect guest as we enter the holiday season and people are looking for that perfect gift for a young family member.

Where did her career journey begin? A very young, divorced mom who was short on funds but rich in time, Heather took sewing classes and began sewing gifts such as burp cloths, bibs and other baby items for her daughter and friends. Her hobby turned into a career upon the encouragement of Heathe, her then boyfriend and now husband, who announced one day that he had booked her at a craft show in Breaux Bridge. He said, “I have had bought you a 10′ x 10′ tent and 6 ‘ table, here’s the date of your craft show, and you will have to fill the table with baby items.” She filled the table with headbands and burp cloths, all priced at $5.00, and the items sold out fast.

Heather made a grand total of $75 at her first show. But this young mother of a ten-month old, who was three months behind on her mortgage and about to lose her house, felt her entrepreneurial spirit lit on fire. She began booking craft shows anywhere possible every weekend….Baptist church parking lots, anywhere there was a show. Low on funds, she would buy scraps of material from Lola Pink Fabrics in Lafayette and would sew items that customers requested such as pacifier clips. She caught up on her mortgage and realized she could take care of herself and daughter.

The business has grown exponentially since its early days. And her business paid for her wedding to Heathe! And as they say, the rest is history!

Surviving the COVID shutdown was a challenge and Heather pivoted to making masks which sold at retail in Drug Emporium stores. She believes that God provided for her and her business and they both have survived.

While she is not yet back to her all time high of eight employees, Heather does enjoy the help of other women who love sewing and she calls Banannie Bands a family business. Heather mentioned a former babysitter of hers…..Ms. Debbie, who makes up to 400 bibs at a time for Banannie Bands. Her mother-in-law also sews for her. Gerber baby diapers serve as the base for Banannie Band burp cloths.

Heather has never wanted a ‘brick and mortar’ store because it would be too difficult to produce enough inventory to keep the store stocked. Heather always wants to focus on custom orders that meet the needs of her customers. She brought a custom order she would be delivering after our show finished to show me a sample of her work.

Banannie Bands doesn’t sell on Amazon, but you can find creations locally at Trove & Company at 126 E. Bridge Street in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

Annie Bannanie is the nickname of her oldest daughter, who is now 12 years, and the inspiration for her business name. Capri is her youngest daughter, four years old, and Heather still makes all of her clothes.

Banannie Bands makes clothes for newborn children to 5 years of age. Heather is especially proud of her reversible rompers which give the choice of a Halloween outfit and then flipping it inside out to show a Christmas theme.

Heather details how in the early days, she worked as a receptionist at a walk-in clinic while she was building her business as a side gig. She then worked for a beloved woman who was a dementia patient but never sewed while on the job….she always waited until her off hours to produce Banannie Bands’ crafted outfits and items. But when her patient had to move on to Assisted Living, Heather finally took the jump to supporting herself as the owner of Banannie Bands.

To find out more about Banannie Bands, visit https://www.facebook.com/BanannieBands.

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Noah Brandon, CEO of Unitech Training Academy, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his mission to make education accessible to all.

Noah graduated from the College of Business at UL-Lafayette and then went on to earn his MBA from Brown University and the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid Spain.

Unitech Training Academy is a growing education institution that was originally founded by Noah’s mother, Deanna Head, in 1997, initially offering a Certified Nursing Assistant program. Today, the institution has six campuses across the state, online classes, and two early learning centers in Lafayette and Alexandria.

Noah is an advocate for all post-secondary educational offerings and is active with One Acadiana’s Workforce Development Strategy to ensure that local employers can find skilled workers that fit market needs.

Unitech staff partner with their students at Unitech to ensure that the soft skills needed to stay employed are learned while training for their new career. “There is a universal truth among all hiring managers: they want to hire people who make their lives easier, not harder. So when you’re interviewing for a job, your goal is not to tell them how great you are. Your job is to convince them that you are the answer to their problems and you’ll make their job easier.”

The majority of students at Unitech are studying allied health field courses. Classes offered include Dental Assisting, EKG/Phlebotomy technician, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, medical billing and coding, as well as Massage Therapy, IT Technician, IT Support Specialist, and Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate. At any given time there are approximately 1100 students enrolled in what Noah calls a “rolling program of enrollment” that allows students to start classes each Monday. Noah’s mom, Deanna, created this model to allow students to start a new career and obtain an education as soon as possible.

Unitech held its first graduation for the Unitech Leadership and Development Institute in October 2023.Noah is active in the community and serves as President of the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. He was honored in 2022 as an Acadiana Top 20 under 40 Award Recipient.

Noah Brandon spoke of his understanding of the importance of intentionality when dealing with others. Most of us carry around fears and insecurities, and it can show in our actions if people don’t know us. Especially as you move up the career ladder. Our insecurities can shape how people size us up. We may be shy but it can come off as aloofness. People may think, “You’re the guy in charge….you’re not supposed to be insecure!’ He believes that if you look at people with love instead of fear, it really changes the whole dynamic. “If I look at others and give them the benefit of the doubt…..it becomes so much easier to interact with people.”

For more information on Unitech Training Academy, please visit https://unitechta.edu/ or https://www.facebook.com/UnitechTrainingAcademy/

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“My Number 1 priority was not leasing my building. I didn’t want my power in business to be held in someone else’s hands. This was also the recommendation of the Louisiana Small Business Administration to me as I looked at securing my future: ‘You need to own the building!’ So I tell others: Own the building. When you do that, you stay to work a little bit longer. You pick up the slack where needed. For me….this investment is my whole retirement on the line.”

Our guest is Denise Champagne-McClure, owner of The Coffeeweed Cottage in Lafayette, which opened on May 18, 2023. While Denise never earned a college degree, her business acumen can be put up against any individual who has earned an MBA. She works hard, she’s humble, she’s an incredible business entrepreneur, and has an eye for creating a successful business model.

Coffeeweed Cottage’s name is derived from the term for chicory, the name of a coffee substitute from the roasted root of the chicory plant. Denise loves the taste of chicory coffee and wanted something unique and different associated with her shop. And trust us….the coffee is delicious!

Denise’s store is at 410 Poydras Street, at the corner of W. Simcoe and Poydras Street in North Lafayette, not far from University Avenue near the Four Corners. She purchased the 3000 square foot property in 2022, the site of the oldest mechanic shop in Lafayette owned by a multi-general family business whose roots trace back to Cecilia where Denise grew up. Before finalizing her site selection, she drove around all areas of Lafayette Parish and knew that this oldest neighborhood in Lafayette, in the original Vordenbauman Addition, in the area close to the Fightingville and LaPlace neighborhoods, was the exact right spot.

With the help of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center and Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Denise was given guidance on how to open the business of her dreams. She brought a rich and varied business background that made her a good candidate for opening up this unique endeavor: she was trained in horticulture and had worked for Coburn’s for 15 years in bath/kitchen fixture sales, having moved up the ranks from the bottom up. Note: Denise shared her gratitude to Coburn’s for the experience they afforded her, as well as to the people at LEDA, especially Mark Mouton and Lauren Titus who helped her navigate the process of developing a three-year business plan and qualifying for a loan.

Denise was inspired to reach her full potential when attending an Unleashed event by Dirk Beveridge. She realized that she could do anything she put her mind to when she heard his message about creating transformation through creating a culture of innovation and growth. For more information on Dirk please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkbeveridge/

As with any entrepreneur, Denise has had to put all of her savings on the line, as well as mortgage her house to make this endeavor a reality. When you think about shopping options in Lafayette, as well as any other town, this is why it is important to think about shopping locally. Local vendors not only offer unique products, they give back to their community through donations to charities and in-kind contributions, and also sacrifice personally to ensure that employees who live in Lafayette are paid.

Coffeeweed Cottage offers a unique array of services. One of the most unique services is their Grow Bar, where you can schedule a ‘plant bar’ for events as diverse as a bachelorette party, a team building event for work, a family get together, or birthday celebration. A $50 deposit for your event will go toward the cost of the event, where you and your friends can pick a favorite plant, a cute pot, and learn how to care for it. If your plant doesn’t make it, you have a 30-day guarantee to swap it out for another plant or have Denise and her team nurse it back it health!

You can also shop till you drop at Coffeeweed Cottage! A beautiful selection of mugs, vases, books, candles, pots, and plants are available for purchase. In addition, businesses hold meetings at Coffeeweed, vendors share their treasured creations, and friends meet for coffee and pastries all the time!

Words of Wisdom from Denise that she would share with her children as well as entrepreneurs: “Failure in something you believe in doesn’t mean you are a failure. It just means that that one venture didn’t go well. If you want something bad enough, you can do whatever you believe in……I want them to know that.”

If you are looking for a unique place to be inspired, visit Coffeeweed Cottage. But be ready to have some time to enjoy a beverage, shop, find a plant to take home, and be inspired to make your home a more beautiful place.

For more information about Coffeeweed Cottage, please visit https://www.coffeeweedcottage.com/. Or call (337)607-1410.

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R. Hamilton Davis, known to everyone as “Hammy,” came from a large family with deep roots in Lafayette. In this special replay of our interview in 2018, Hammy shared his love of his family and community. With a heart for working effectively in programs that directly improve the lives of those less fortunate than himself, Hammy spoke highly in this interview about Catholic Charities of Acadiana and United Way of Acadiana and their positive impact on our community. For the original show notes, please visit our website here.

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Our guest is Caroline Trahan, founder and owner/operator of VibraFit.

Caroline is a Corrective Exercise Specialist specializing in senior and women’s fitness. She brings a melded version of fitness, movement, and vibration platforms to our community.

Caroline has been a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and is a certified yoga instructor. Her dedication to vibrational fitness is a testament to its benefits for improving lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation, improving muscle tone and bone density, and strength training.

VibraFit is located at 301 W. University Avenue in Lafayette. Caroline’s team of professionals offer diverse and unique services which include the Energy Enhancement System, EB-Pro Ion Footbath/Detox, Oxy-Hydrogen Therapy, Molecular Enhancer/Tesla Cellular Energy, Infrared Body Wrap/Detox, and Endermology Facial/Firming Session.

You’ll have to check it out for yourself to experience the Zen environment and peaceful setting it offers its clientele. Caroline brings a lifelong commitment to fitness and in helping others reach their fullest potential in health and wellness.

To find out more about VibraFit, visit https://www.vibrafitlafayette.com/.

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Our guest is Aileen Bennett, author of the newly published book, “A Little Book About Fire.” A native of Essex, England, Aileen has lived in Lafayette for twenty years and recently became a U.S. citizen.

Aileen is an illustrator, author, designer, painter, and writer, She has written the BE YOU column highlighting local outstanding citizens for over 10 years, where she features people and the things that make them special.

Most importantly, Aileen is a creative force in Acadiana and beyond. Her heart, her humor, and her love of her fellow human beings are inspirational. “A Little Book About Fire” is a must-read book and a wonderful choice as a gift for loved ones. Thank you, Aileen, for all you do to entertain and enlighten our community!

Visit https://www.aileenbennett.com/ for more information.

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Bailey Bobbitt, Vice-President and founding member of American Petrolog joins Discover Lafayette to share his story of entrepreneurship.

American Petrolog’s focus of providing safe transportation and world-class customer service has made the company an industry-recognized leading provider of logistics services to the chemical industry.

The interesting thing about Bailey Bobbitt was that he was also a professional boxer known as ‘Bang Bang’ from 2009 to 2013 with 9 wins, 2 losses, and 5 knockouts, who trained under the tutelage of Chad Broussard. Bailey might still be boxing but for a serious retina injury that threatened to render him blind. His focus, drive, and competitiveness in sports and business make his story a compelling one that exemplifies the spirit of Lafayette that we all love.

Bailey is a Lafayette native who attended Cathedral Carmel and St. Leo Seton Schools before his family moved to Houston during the oil bust of the late 80’s. He played football at UL Lafayette and Sam Houston State as a punter and kicker.

He and his wife, Holly, are active members of of Our Lady of Fatima Church. Bailey serves on Our Lady of Fatima School’s Finance and Master Plan Committees. Holly is a special education teacher at the school. They are the proud parents of two young boys, Major and Maverick.

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Wilson Savoy, Grammy-winning accordionist, keyboard player, fiddler and singer joins Discover Lafayette to share his life’s musical journey. Wilson hails from the renowned musical family, the Savoy Family Cajun Band.

He plays with The Pine Leaf Boys and performs solo as Sweet Willy Allen. Wilson co-owns the Hideaway on Lee in downtown Lafayette and Hideaway Hall, the former Schilling Shack.

Wilson Savoy is laid-back and humble. A resident of North Lafayette, he spends time utilizing his carpentry skills when he is not performing his beloved Cajun music. As we spoke, he reflected on how serendipity led to his successful career as a Cajun musician, harkening back to a fateful day in 2004 when UL-Lafayette police told him he could not perform his music on the sidewalk on campus. Within days, he was being offered opportunities to play at Artmosphere and the Blue Moon Saloon, which led to great career success and critical acclaim.

In Roots of Fire, a soon-to-be-released film, Wilson, his brother Joel, Kelli Jones, Kristi Guillory and Jourdan Thibodeaux honor the rich history and cultural legacy of Cajun music. The Cajun contemporary scene in Louisiana has found mainstream success with Grammy nominations and wins, but shuttering venues and an aging fan base leave some questioning the music’s future. The film is a celebration of the unique sounds created when the forces of fresh talent and deep history come together to fight for cultural survival. Featuring performances from the Pine Leaf Boys, Feufollet, Jourdan Thibodeaux et Les Rôdailleurs, Bonsoir Catin, T’Monde, Anna Laura Edmiston and Roddie Romero, Roots of Fire shows how playing ‘kick-ass’ music and preserving Cajun tradition for future generations can be a shared goal.

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Dr. Nichole Stanford, English professor at UL – Lafayette and Director of the Writing Center on campus, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her work on teaching kids to learn how to dissent productively. By learning respectful negotiation, children can learn how to participate in society in a way that is a win-win for all. What a great way to grow our next crop of leaders!

Dr. Nichole Stanford earned a Ph.D. in composition from the City University of New York, with a focus on pedagogy and power theory and published a book in 2015 called Good God but You Smart: Language Prejudice and Upwardly Mobile Cajuns.

She is currently writing a book called Teaching Kids Productive Dissentgeared toward parents and educators.When Jan Swift met Nichole, she was fascinated with her theory of teaching children skills on respectful negotiation so that they can learn to participate in society productively. It is a pleasure to share her beautiful voice as she speaks of the skills needed to create a better and kinder future for us all.

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Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court, Louis J. Perret, has served our community for 23 years, having been elected to serve on November 20, 1999.

The clerk of court oversees the central repository of official records ranging from real estate sales and mortgage deeds, civil lawsuits, successions, adoptions, felony criminal charges, and much more. They help you get certified copies of birth and death certificates. The Elections Department oversees every facet of all elections that take place in Lafayette Parish. With the elections coming up on October 14, 2023, it seems very timely to hear from Louis Perret on all that’s involved in the process.

Prior to his election as Clerk of Court, Perret served as District Director of the 7th Congressional District for Congressmen Jimmy Hayes and Chris John. (1986-1999)

Perret served as co-chair of the Lafayette Bush/Cheney campaign in 2000. He served as an alternate delegate for George W. Bush at the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.

Louis Perret was selected in 1997 by the American Council of Young Political Leaders as a delegate to the People’s Republic of China. He is a Lifetime Member of the ACYPL Alumni Council. Perret serves on the Board of Directors of Louisiana Capital (Small Business Lender) and has served since 2011 as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Regional Health System of Acadiana, which includes Women’s & Children’s Hospital and the Regional Medical Center Hospital. He formerly served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Women’s & Children’s Hospital from 2003 to 2008. He has been a board member since 1994. He is a partner in Golfballs.com and he is a founding member of NOBL (Network of Business Leaders). In 2002, Perret was elected to serve a three-year term on the Our Lady of Fatima Church Pastoral Council. He served on the Finance Council, as Vice President and President during his tenure on the Pastoral Council. Perret has served since 2003 as a Cub Leader, Adult Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 446. In 2012, Perret was appointed to the Executive Board of the Evangeline Area Boy Scouts of America. Louis Perret is a NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun Shooting Instructor, as well as a Range Safety Officer. A partial list of organizations he has raised money on behalf of include The United Way, Games of Acadiana, Children’s Shelter, American Cancer Society, Duck’s Unlimited and The Acadiana Outreach Center.

Perret graduated from Our Lady of Fatima High School and The University of Southwestern Louisiana, (B.S.). He became a Certified Clerk of Court in 2000 by the Louisiana Clerks of Court Institute. In 2002, Louis Perret was the first Clerk of Court in the State of Louisiana to receive the Chancellor’s Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Missouri offered through IACREOT. He was awarded the Advanced Chancellor’s Certificate in 2008.

He is married to the former Cheryl Broussard and is the father of two children, Ann E. and Max.

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Brett Bayard of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the Rewards for Reading Program.

Since 2021, the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette has partnered with the Lafayette Parish Public School System and 24 of our parish Elementary Schools to offer the Reading for Rewards Program. This year, the program has expanded to include 36 schools, including middle schools. The goal is to inspire and excite our youngest students to read so that they can learn to love reading, thus do better in school and build a lifelong habit of reading.

Since Rewards for Reading’s inception, the level of participation and excitement for reading has skyrocketed.

Students earn points by participating in the school system’s Accelerated Reader (AR) program to become eligible for prizes. They earn one raffle ticket every nine weeks as they meet their AR goal, which goal is individualized and based upon each student’s reading level. Students can earn further raffle tickets by exceeding their goals.

Studies show that children who cannot read on grade level by 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Third grade is a crucial time in a child’s education as students transition from learning to read, to reading to learn.

The Rewards for Reading program's success is phenomenal. In its first year, 2021, The accelerated reader participation increased 58% in the second half, which school officials attributed to the program. That year, about $13k in prizes were distributed to children across the system.

This 2023-24 school year, the array of prizes to entice the students to read is amazing! Each school will be raffling off five bikes, scooters, Kindles and earbuds. Other fun prizes are also to be awarded.

Sponsors are needed to help ensure the program's success. Visit https://www.lafayettekiwanis.org/donations/ to donate or email rewardsforreading@lafayettekiwanis.org for more information on sponsoring a school.

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette for your dedication to our community and helping our youngest citizens get off to a great start in life!

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Kade Turner, Executive Director of CASA, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his passion for serving children. He first became involved with CASA in 2017 through the encouragement of former Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux who was serving as Executive Director of CASA at that time.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to serve as a child’s voice in court. They represent the best interests of abused or neglected children during juvenile court and child protection proceedings. CASA is a nonprofit organization with both private and public funding sources.

CASA works on behalf of foster children within the 15th Judicial District Court which encompasses Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion Parishes. The Louisiana Children’s Code lays out the responsibilities of CASA and its trained volunteers who provide independent, third-party, objective assessments of what they see. Funding is provided by the Louisiana Supreme Court CASA Assistance Program, Victims of Crime Act Funding, the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund, private donations and grants.

Approximately 340 children are being assisted by CASA and overseen by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Most of the children in need of care are located right here in Lafayette Parish.

Volunteers go through thirty hours of training, serve without compensation, and are appointed by the court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.  The judge will verify the volunteer’s qualifications, training, and ability to serve as a CASA volunteer, including the ability to represent and advocate for the best interest of the children assigned to him.  You must be at least 21 years of age to serve and be able to commit two years of service. No volunteer is assigned until a comprehensive criminal background check has been conducted. 

A CASA Volunteer spends time with their assigned child or sibling group getting to know the child while also gathering information from the child’s family, teachers, doctors, caregivers, and others involved in the child’s life. Approximately every six months, a report is prepared for the judge (with help from an assigned Supervisor) sharing recommendations for the child’s care. Learn more about volunteering with CASA of SoLA at casaofsola.org.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (“DFCS”) which oversees foster care services has lots of turnover and is short-staffed. CASA provides much-needed resources to help families meet the requirements to get their lives back on track. A study showed that only about 23% of families had the necessary resources to meet the requirements placed upon them by the court to be able to emerge from the system. CASA helps parents sign up for classes, arrange childcare so they can attend court-ordered classes, or provide food for the family for those times that the parent must be away.

Kade Turner has worked with CASA of South Louisiana since 2017. He assumed the role of Executive Director in May of 2022. A young man (with his 29th birthday coming up soon!) who has found his calling, Kade serves as an inspiration in our community.

Kade has also dedicated his life to helping children with health disorders. For 21 years he has been involved with the Louisiana Lions Camp in Vernon Parish for youth in Louisiana with respiratory disorders, special needs, juvenile diabetes, and childhood cancer. Lions Camp is free for qualifying boys and girls of Louisiana. All campers are sponsored by their local Lions Clubs.

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Reverend John Cannon, Senior Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church,  is our guest on Discover Lafayette. This is a special rebroadcast of an interview we did in March 2020, right before COVID shut down life as we knew it. We'll always treasure this inspirational message!

A native of Shreveport, John Cannon graduated from the University of Arkansas and LSU Law School. While working as an Assistant District Attorney in East Baton Rouge, he began to discern a call to pastoral ministry that he had first experienced as a youth in the Episcopal Church. Following that call, John attended the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. Before joining Asbury as Senior Pastor, John served as the District Superintendent for the 74 churches of the Acadiana District of The United Methodist Church.

Cannon’s first appointment as a pastor was at Church of Our Savior in Junction City, Kansas. Located near U. S. Army Fort Riley, the congregation was multi-ethnic with about fifty members, most of whom were retired military. It was a simple time for Cannon and his wife, Erin, and the church provided a home for them to live in as he commuted twice a week for two hours to attend his theological classes in Kansas City.

Asbury UMC is one of the largest churches in Louisiana, with about 1000 active members attending services in any month. Cannon explained that even in large churches, it is important to maintain a “small church feel” so that people feel connected to one another. Large congregations have to work to create that feel; small groups such as Sunday School classes or adult and children ministries are important so that each individual member can connect with others and share their God-given gifts.

Cannon’s training in his first career as an appellate attorney has many similarities with his work as a pastor. He believes the best lawyers are storytellers and the best stories are the ones that make you think and bring you to a new place of understanding. Today as a pastor, Cannon is a collector of stories….odd, humorous, and interesting stories of real people he finds in the news and saves in a manilla folder for use in his sermons. The congregation enjoys his humorous openings to sermons where the true, offbeat human story is woven into a relevant passage of scripture to more impactfully deliver the message. Cannon believes that is why Jesus used parables as he taught His messages so that the crowds could understand the teaching and relate them to everyday life. You could say that John Cannon makes his closing argument for God each and every week!

Asbury draws a diverse crowd of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and is a place of acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Cannon is proud that the congregation models what it means to be a family, even when all members don’t agree on every societal issue, and stated, “At the end of the day, we love each other, support each other, and have each other’s back.” Ultimately, it’s all about love, the love that Jesus exemplified in His two great commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:35-40.

We thank Reverend John Cannon for his contributions to our faith community. For more information on Asbury United Methodist Church, its worship services and ministries, please visit https://www.asburylafayette.org/

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Chubby Carrier joined Discover Lafayette to share his life journey in the Zydeco music world and how he learned the business from his father, Roy Carrier. In a world where artists can be taken advantage of, Chubby is an astute businessman who realized early on that he had to control his own destiny.

Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band's release in 2010 of Zydeco Junkie won the Grammy in the category of Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album in 2011. Ironically, that was the last year the Grammy's recognized zydeco and cajun music; thereafter the award goes to Best Regional Roots Album that can be awarded to any traditional American music.

His band offers a unique blend of traditional Zydeco elements with contemporary influences including elements of rock, blues, and funk. Chubby's ability to fuse different styles and his captivating stage presence have allowed him to reach a broader audience beyond Zydeco aficionados.

Chubby is a third-generation Zydeco artist following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Warren Carrier, his father, Roy Carrier, and his cousins, Bebe and Calvin Carrier.

His music is so cool, you can’t help but tap your feet and rock when you hear his band’s compelling beat.

Jan Swift met Chubby when they both served as Ambassadors for a Smoke-Free Louisiana. Many musicians have died over the years from exposure to secondhand smoke, including their mutual friend, David Egan. Luckily, Chubby has not gotten cancer and he is looking forward to many more years of sharing his unique musical talents.

When you meet Chubby, you know you are in the presence of greatness. Thank you for listening to this true hero and local talent who is proud to call Acadiana his home.

We ended our interview with his song, Another Pretty Face from his album, Back to My Roots. Please buy his music, and please buy the music of our other local artists. Their livelihoods depend upon us who all enjoy their contributions to our culture.

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Our guest is Brenda DesOrmeaux, President and founder of the DesOrmeaux Foundation.

The Desormeaux Foundation is dedicated to defending human life at all stages of development, born and unborn. This includes the infant in the womb, the elderly, the handicapped, the homeless, and all who are threatened by our present culture of death. 

To fulfill its mission, the DesOrmeaux Foundation offers family planning counseling and services at its Women’s Center of Lafayette as well as housing for pregnant women at St. Marguerite D’Youville Maternity Home. All services are offered at no charge to participants. The foundation raises money through various avenues, including its thrift stores Baby & Me Boutique and Mimi’s Attic on Jefferson Street in Lafayette. It also offers teachings through its "Theology of the Body" presentations.

The Women's Center of Lafayette on Jefferson Street offers alternative pregnancy counseling including family planning counseling, free pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds, and more. For information, call 337-289-9366.

Brenda is sincere and passionate about her mission to protect life at all stages. Her Catholic faith drives her to help others who most need it. She recounts how Mother Teresa was a catalyst for starting Lafayette's Catholic-based Women's Pregnancy Clinic after she wrote all the Bishops across the U. S. telling them to send girls to her Missionaries of Charity order in New York if they couldn't institute their own women's pregnancy centers.

Brenda implored our local diocese to open such a women's center and she was told, "If you're willing to fund it and run it, go ahead and do it." She traveled to Chicago to study how it was done there and on November 1, 1999, under the umbrella of the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, she opened the Women's Center of Lafayette. Since then, Brenda has taken over fundraising and operations under the DesOrmeaux Foundation and has instituted a total of five ministries serving our community. When asked how she manages the fundraising for such a Herculean effort, she says, "God always provides." She has never worried about fundraising and it has always appeared when needed.

The St. Marguerite D'Youville home welcomes homeless pregnant women. Each resident is provided with a place for reflection and re-direction, with the average stay being six months. This refuge is offered at no cost. Currently with an increased demand for services, St. Marguerite D'Youville houses nine residents, up from six.

Funds are raised through a variety of donations and also by the operations of Mimi's Attic Resale Store and Baby & Me Boutique located on Jefferson at Lamar Streets, near the Women's Center.

We thank Brenda DesOrmeaux for her community and faith-filled service through the DesOrmeaux Foundation. Please visit https://desormeauxfoundation.org/ for more information.

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Traci Pécot, owner of Paws and Paw Paws, and Paws MidCity, joins Discover Lafayette to share her love for all things related to dogs.

Paws and Paw Paws is a dog daycare that opened in 2017 with a mission to combine Traci’s passion for dogs with her love for members of our senior community. Traci brings her work history in healthcare with assisted living, home care, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients to her role in providing top-notch boarding and grooming facilities here in Lafayette.

There are two locations of Paws and Paw Paws: 930 Robley Drive and 111 South College Road, in Lafayette. They offer boarding, daycare and grooming services.

Paws and Paw Paws is a place where staff remain for the long haul and are treated with respect. Traci still works each day alongside her staff, taking a shift just as everyone else does. She is also responsible for all social media and web inquiries...and not only for Paws and Paw Paws, but also those of her husband, Ryan's, businesses, Adopted Dog Brewing and Tchoup's MidCity Smoke House.

Paws and Paw Paws’ cuddle buddy program offers seniors and the retired community the opportunity to spend time with dogs during the week in a rich, stimulating environment. Seniors sign up to lend their time and love to the precious dogs who need love as much as they do in their day-to-day lives.

Traci and her husband, Ryan, own two rescues, Tchoupitoulas and Paws, who remind them daily why they love dogs! And their dogs have played a role in inspiring other businesses, including Adopted Dog Brewing and Tchoup’s MidCity Smoke House.

Traci works to ensure that each dog cared for by Paws and Paw Paws is given the proper stimulation and exposure to other dogs that fits its temperament. Love and care for each pet is of uppermost importance and as you listen to Traci, you will hear this concern in her voice that each dog receive the treatment in the setting it is most comfortable in. Traci loves dogs and dogs love her back!

For more information please visit https://www.pawsandpawpaws.com/.

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Brenda Andrus joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the importance of protecting our local senior citizens and providing outlets for socialization and enriching activities. 

Employed by Home Healthcare 2000, Brenda is engaged in providing resources and enriching activities to elders and also keeps up with what is offered locally by civic and government agencies. She partners with Lafayette Consolidated Government's two senior centers, The Greenhouse Art Studio and The Rosehouse, both of which recently reopened in April 2023.

Brenda is an inspirational woman who has never met a challenge she could not overcome. Her passion is in helping our elderly neighbors and she works to ensure that no one is forgotten or neglected. During COVID, she cooked weekly meals for seniors who may not otherwise have gotten a nutritious hot meal. She has also organized an annual bus trip since 2009 to various locales throughout the South which affords the opportunity for local seniors to hear good music and visit historic sites such as the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN where Dr. Martin Luther King was shot. She keeps the trip affordable and interesting, always inviting a Lafayette-based performing artist to join the bus tour so that they can play at an out-of-town venue.

We love a recent quote of Brenda's that is the epitome of her life story: “Giving to our elders with food, games and healthy educational materials is a wonderful way to show appreciation and respect for their contributions to our communities and society. For many seniors, social isolation and loneliness can be major challenges, and spending time with them can be incredibly meaningful and beneficial." She has lived out this mission of giving both as a dedicated volunteer in the community and as an employee with Home Health Care 2000.

For more information on how you can volunteer or get involved, please call Brenda Andrus at (337)258-1666. For more information on Lafayette's Senior Centers, visit https://www.lafayettela.gov/ParksRecreation/Centers-Activities/senior-centers.

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The founders of C’est La Joie Academy, Charlotte Cobb and Mamie Perkins, join Discover Lafayette to share their drive to offer three-year-olds a safe place to have fun while they develop a lifelong quest for learning and exploration.

C’est La Joie Academy offers a play-based, nurturing, French Immersion environment where three-year-olds are surrounded by the arts and the natural world. Charlotte and Mamie share the power of joyful investigation as a way to guide a child's inner scholar, even before they learn letters and numbers.

Mamie studied French and Spanish while at UL-Lafayette and partnered with CODIFIL, having the opportunity to travel to France to earn a Masters degree as part of its Escadrille program, a two-year graduate program. She then taught for a total of six years at Evangeline Elementary and Prairie Elementary in their French Immersion programs. This experience taught her the value of "trust-based relational intervention" which still guides her teaching style. She dreamed of 'what could be' in a smaller classroom for younger students, something holistic and organic for little ones.

Mamie Perkins, left, pictured with Charlotte Cobb, her business partner in C'est La Joie Learning Academy. Mamie is the lead teacher and the academy's business details are handled by Charlotte. 90% of the conversations and lessons are in French.

Research suggests that a high-quality learning experience serves as a catalyst for children’s long-term success. Exposing children to a second language at 3 years old is the optimal time to learn without having to study….it is organic. And as Mamie says, "Play resets the brain." Learning takes place optimally when conducted in a fun, relaxed setting.

Located on a 1.5-acre lot near Rue de Belier at Mamie's home in Lafayette, the academy will open during the school year from 9 am to 12 pm. Tuition is $600 per month. For more information, visit https://www.cestlajoieacademy.com/

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Heidi McDonald of Foodies of Lafayette joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her passion for sharing positive news about all things related to good food.

Foodies of Lafayette is a local group that supports local restaurants while cultivating a positive experience for its members.  It is promoted via its Facebook page where local restaurants can post daily and weekly specials, members post queries about eating establishments, learn where to source ingredients, and share recipes or photos of their kitchen creations. 

Foodies of Lafayette’s FB page is not a food critique page and does not allow negativity or bad reviews—it’s a positive place. There’s no advertising, politics, drama or anything else complicating it. Four moderators help in keeping the FB page clear of harsh words as the group endeavors to promote wonderful food offered everywhere from gas stations to high-end restaurants. With social media being a magnet for rude and mean words, this Foodies page is a site for sore eyes and a delightful experience in how to uplift others as the good news is shared.

Jason Stoner, unavailable for taping this episode, joined the group in January 2020 and was appointed moderator shortly after.  His contributions to the page have been significant.  Jason & Stephen’s Sunday Dinners are over the top and they currently host different Foodies of Lafayette members once a month, never repeating a Sunday Dinner.  Much planning and passion from the atmosphere, playlist, table, and food prove their love for entertaining guests through a fabulous dining experience.  Jason assists with the day-to-day operations of the page and planning Foodies of Lafayette events.

Fuji Sushi has been awarded the 2023 Culinary Excellence Award by Foodies of Lafayette. The first restaurant to receive this award, the restaurant's owners will be recognized later this year.

Heidi's experience at Fuji Sushi, 4416 Johnston Street, Suite A, in Lafayette, sparked her vision to create Foodies of Lafayette.  She identified the pure passion that Fuji brings to the table and found it troubling that few people knew about them. Their food and service were second to none, but like many restaurants, they had little or no budget for advertising.  Heidi started Foodies of Lafayette in December 2019, thus creating an accessible place for establishments to get the word out about their restaurants and Foodies to get the information they're looking for without advertising, politics, drama or anything else complicating it. Her vision worked in a big way. Fuji Sushi and others now have a forum to post daily and weekly specials, new menu items, and photos. Heidi thought a few of her friends would join and is mind-blown by all the responses the page now generates.  The page currently has approximately 49,000 members and is growing at a rate of 500 per week. 

Foodies of Lafayette's success has led Heidi and Jason Stoner to take the group's reach one step further. Plans are in the works to create a line of merchandise such as ball caps, t-shirts, backpacks, and koozies emblazoned with the logo so that fellow "foodies can quickly identify their peeps in a crowd," as Heidi puts it.

Heidi McDonald pictured with her husband and her sweet young family. She works by day for JP Morgan Chase and in her 'spare' time, runs Foodies of Lafayette. We thank Heidi for her generous spirit and love for all things food! Visit Foodies of Lafayette to find out more about all of the local delicious food you can find locally.

In closing, we want to share one of the best-kept secrets in town: Ochsner Lafayette General's cafeteria offers some of the best food in town at unbelievable prices. One of Heidi's favorite dishes is the crawfish etouffee! Who would have thought?

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Notre Dame Football Coach Lewis Cook, Jr. and Gaylon White, the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Coach of a Lifetime: The Story of Lewis Cook Jr., Legendary High School Football Coach, join Discover Lafayette to discuss Louie's incredible and historical journey in coaching over the past 50 years.

Coach Louie Cook is renowned for being among the best high school football coaches ever and for his winning teams. He has been inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. In 2019, the New Orleans Saints honored him as their High School Coach of the Year.

One of Coach Cook's favorite movies is "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." There is a great quote, " When the legend becomes fact, print the legend! Gaylon says, "We printed the legend!"

Getting to the top of Coach Cook's field has involved staying true to the three F’s: Faith, Family, and Football, in that order. Young men learn that character, discipline, and doing the right thing will lead to a bright future.

Coach Cook playing quarterback for Rayne High School.

Coach Cook's mission is to build young men into adults who respect others, follow the rules, and develop discipline in all areas of life. It's not about winning....it's about the process, about showing up and doing the right thing. All the other things, such as winning, take care of themselves if you get the fundamentals down. And Coach Cook motivates his young players to do the right thing by treating them as people who are capable of doing the right thing! We wish all young men had mentors such as Coach Louie Cook who took the time to look them in the eye when they are talking....and treat them as they were the only person in the room...in the world!

Gaylon White's newest book on Lewis Cook, Jr. may be pre-ordered at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

One of his proteges was the outstanding Orlando Thomas who played under Coach Cook at Crowley High School and then USL, before going on to play for the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Cook and Thomas enjoyed a bond that was unbreakable and full of love. Orlando Thomas was one of many stars that Cook coached, including Brandon Stokley and Jake Delhomme.

Pictured here with a sculpture given to him by NFL Defensive Back Orlando Thomas commemorating him as "Coach of a Lifetime" is Coach Lewis Cook, Jr. Sadly, Orlando Thomas who wore the number 42 on his jersey passed away at 42 years of age. His father passed away at the age of 42. Gaylon Thomas pointed out the poignancy of his life: Orlando was the 42nd draft pick in the NFL draft in 1995. Coach Cook was in effect, his father.

"The one word you hear the least from our staff is 'winning.' We preach more to the kids that if you do the right thing, if you work hard, everything takes care of itself. We don't harp on the outcome of what they are doing. A winning record doesn't make you a winner. A losing record doesn't make you a loser. It's how you go about doing the things you do every day. We preach to the kids, just do things right."

Coach Louie Cook, pictured center, being honored as Saints High School Football Coach of the Year in 2019.

There are 160 young men at Notre Dame High School this year....and in this summer's first practice on June 5th at 5:30 a.m., 73 boys showed up. By 6 am, when everyone was present for practice, there were 121 boys. They average between 110 and 115 for seven days now! The coach doesn't cut players; anyone who wants to play is on the team.

We first met Gaylon White a couple of years ago on this podcast when he released a book entitled, The Best Little Baseball Town in the World” which highlighted Crowley LA and the Evangeline Baseball League. His writing style is impeccable and he pulls the reader in with his attention to detail and ability to become a part of the story being shared. He is also able to solicit well-known sportsmen and coaches who vouch for the stories he tells. Interestingly,

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Erica Melancon Fox, Executive Director of the Maison Freetown African American History Museum, joins us today to share her incredible journey. A musician, a historian, and a lover of a good story, Erica shares stories that are golden. Her parents always supported her journey in music, dance, and all things that allowed her to share her spirit. Our community is so much better off because of their investment in her talent!

Highly accomplished in the world of performing arts, Erica is a professional songwriter who has sung with Rice University's Orchestra, served for eight weeks as lead actress and singer in “Ain’t Misbehavin” at the National World War 2 Museum, and toured with various national musical companies.

Erica Melancon moved to LA right after high school and attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, acquiring a record deal right off the bat. She had a college sponsorship, but no money to speak of but wanted to follow her dream of being a recording artist. She had no manager, and knew no one, but was guided by God to follow her calling. She learned very early on how to be a business person as she also learned what it was like to be 'canned!'

She was discovered when she sang the National Anthem at the Staple Center in Los Angeles. Her journey led her to be a part of the Motown productions of the Funk Brothers, a talent trove that wrote all the classic songs we love.

Erica is classically trained but loves all types of music, including Country! Erica has opened for shows at Acadiana Center for the Arts and Festival International de Louisiane. She received a 2020 Grammy Consideration for Best R&B song: "I Still Love You" on her This is 2020 album.

"I feel like I've lived many lifetimes. My life is a song. That is the basis of everything I do. I have always loved sound and writing and literature since I was a four-year-old kid. I was always outside singing and didn't realize I was writing songs when I was singing to the trees and the birds and making shows and performing with my imaginary friends. My love for literature for song came from my father who appreciated all types of music.

She had the opportunity to interview Calvin Moret, the last surviving Louisiana member of World War II's famed Tuskegee Airmen, an accomplished soldier and woodworker who played down what his talents were. "It makes you wonder what are my talents...what more can I do?"

Erica learned that Lafayette still had a surviving member of the WWII Battalion, all-black Female soldier of the 6888th  (SIX TRIPLE EIGHT) Central Postal Directory Battalion, Major Fannie Melancon, and pursued interviewing her to pursue the knowledge of people of that time period.

We ran into each other recently at a tribute of the WWII all-black Female soldiers of the 6888th  (SIX TRIPLE EIGHT) Central Postal Directory Battalion at the Freetown Maison museum. Erica makes incredible contributions to our community each and every day and it is a pleasure to share her story!

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Roy Devillier, founder of Roy’s Fresh Lemonade, and his daughter, Cynthia Devillier Thompson, join Discover Lafayette to discuss the family-run business Roy started almost 30 years ago. They truly represent the American way of working hard and having a good time in the process as they make a living.

Roy is a retired pharmacist who began his adventure with lemonade in 1994. He had attended a flea market as a funnel cake vendor and wasn’t able to find lemonade that tasted good. Roy decided that he could make a refreshing lemonade that would wow festival-goers.

He began experimenting with water, sugar, and lemons. Some concoctions were too sweet, some too sour, and some were just plain bad. But after about a week of testing his recipe, Roy hit it right and Roy’s Fresh Lemonade was born. Initially, Roy would make 30 gallons at a time in a large vat, with Cynthia helping by stirring the lemonade mix with a wooden paddle. Eventually, Roy realized that the manufacturing had to be made more efficient and came up with a stirrer that was 4 feet long and automated the process.

Roys’ first client was a Lafayette Walmart and his lemonade is now distributed and served at large events across the U. S. Once you buy a cup, refills are half-price....always. You can bring a cup from 10 years ago and the offer is honored. Roy's Fresh Lemonade is also offered at local restaurants such as Deano's, Old Tyme Grocery, Prejean's Restaurant, Why Not convenience stores, and L.T. Seafood Restaurant.

The National High School Rodeo held annually in Wyoming counts on Roy's Fresh Lemonade to wow participants and supporters. Roy says the Rodeo is the "Super Bowl for High School rodeo participants and all 50 states are represented." (Photo by Ed Glazar of the Gillette WY News Record)

The lemonade began to be distributed on a large scale after Roy served it at a Native American tribal event in Oklahoma. The event promoter wanted to offer Roy's lemonade in their ten casinos, and "That's how we got into the distribution business." Once the lemonade got a foothold in popularity, the distributer asked for the right to market to others and things really took off.

Roy's Fresh Lemonade is now manufactured by a beverage co-packer in Dallas, which allows the Devillier family to sell to a broader market across the U. S. "What do Coke and Pepsi do? They sell concentrated syrup to vendors. So, fifteen years ago, I turned Roy's Fresh Lemonade into a concentrated syrup to keep up with the demand. It has a shelf life of approximately one year and I can go anywhere I want, and can sell one box or 50 boxes." Roy Devillier

Cynthia and her husband, Allen, work full-time in support of Roy’s Fresh Lemonade,  They manage inventory, distribution, and marketing of Roy’s. Cynthia is the only child of Roy and Mary Devillier.  Cynthia graduated from UL with her master’s in communication and worked in government, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors.

Cynthia Devillier, her husband, Allen, and their two daughters make Roy's Fresh Lemonade a true family business success working alongside Cynthia's dad, Roy.

Roys Fresh Lemonade can be contacted at (337) 849-4460 for orders or for more information visit their Facebook page.

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This replay of our interview with Wade Berzas is the most popular interview we have aired over the past six years. Wade was the sole survivor of the horrific plane crash that occurred 48 seconds after departing the Lafayette airport on December 28, 2019, en route to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. He joined Discover Lafayette to discuss how the incident changed his life forever. He now lives his life “48 seconds at a time.” Wade Berzas is a man of faith and lives life to the fullest.

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Our guest is Sandi Chalmers, co-owner of the Acadiana Cane Cutters Baseball team.

Sandi and her husband, Richard, acquired a franchise from the Texas Collegiate League in September 2010 to start the Acadiana Cane Cutters. Play officially began in the 2011 season.

The Acadiana Cane Cutters are the primary tenant of Fabacher Field where Lafayette, Broussard, and Youngsville meet. Before the first pitch was thrown, the Chalmers made many capital improvements to the entire facility, including adding over one thousand stadium seats and nearly two hundred premium seating locations, giving Fabacher Field its current 1,400-seat capacity.

Richard and Sandi Chalmers work tirelessly to ensure a top-notch experience for players and fans alike. The Chalmers find host homes for the players as they provide the opportunity for the young men to showcase their talents and perhaps make it to the major leagues. Home games at Fabacher Field always include entertainment for the fans, and you can enjoy delicious food and adult beverages at an affordable price.The TCL is a collegiate, summer baseball league designed to give the top professional prospects a chance to play in a minor-league baseball atmosphere while maintaining their amateur status. College players who aspire to make it to the big leagues can showcase their skills in front of fans and baseball scouts.

The 2022 season was historic for the Acadiana Cane Cutters as they won their first Texas Collegiate League Championship.

The Texas Collegiate League opens play on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, as the Cane Cutters travel down I-10 to face off against the rival Baton Rouge Rougarou. The home opener for Acadiana Cane Cutters is Thursday, June 1st against the Victoria Generals, at Fabacher Field in Youngsville, with Cutter fans hoping for the same outcome that won the championship for the Cutters in 2022.

Sandi and Richard have a love of baseball that runs deep, and they would center their family vacations with their twin sons around watching Major League Baseball across the U. S. Their love for the game still runs true, and Sandi shared that their deepest desire is to be a part of the fabric of our community and to offer safe and affordable family fun. For Richard, it is about player development and helping the players’ game; Sandi reminisced about one of their players being drafted by the Astros. The Chalmers also offer internships with the Acadiana Cane Cutters which have afforded their young assistants opportunities and skills to move on to rewarding careers in baseball management and other industries.

For more information, visit https://www.canecuttersbaseball.com/ If you are interested in sponsoring a game or supporting the Acadiana Cane Cutters, call Richard Nunnally at (337)295-5677.

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Greg Gautreaux joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his career as a public servant in Lafayette’s Parks and Recreation Department and acclaimed NFL referee.

Greg dedicated his career in service to Lafayette’s Parks and Recreation department managing its athletic programs, therapeutic recreation, pools, and parks. He got his start as a referee as a student at Teurlings High School, class of 1972, which was the genesis of his lifelong love of officiating; he recently retired with 50 years of service in officiating and still serves as assignments secretary for the Lafayette Area Football Officials Association.

For sixteen years, he officiated high school football; Nelson Stokley and Gerald Broussard helped him break into college officiating. Greg served for 32 years as a college official and was an active NFL football official serving as a field judge. In 1998, he met an NFL scout who attended a Tulane-Rutgers game that Greg was officiating. Not long after, he got a letter inviting him to work NFL Europe games which he enjoyed for four years before being called up to serve for the NFL.

Greg’s career highlight was officiating at Super Bowl XLIII in the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. This is the pinnacle of achievement as referees earn the honor of working the Super Bowl by being the highest-rated official (in Greg’s situation, as a field judge) throughout the season. As Greg says, “You are expected to start out perfect and improve from there!” To qualify as an official at the conclusion of that season, Greg handled 2400 plays and only had two misses! Think about that!!

Greg Gautreaux officiating at Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl win over the Arizona Cardinals in 2009You have to stay in good health to have the privilege to work with the NFL. There can be many challenges when serving as an official. “I’d run four or five miles per day to stay in good shape. You usually run and walk up to six miles per game. The NFL makes sure the referees pass fitness tests before they are cleared for their year contract of service. 119 NFL referees work per season, rotating the crew as needed.

Greg Gautreaux at the taping of Discover Lafayette in the RADER studio displaying his ring from Super Bowl XLIII.Greg’s home study holds a plethora of football memorabilia he has collected over his lifetime, as well as the memories he cherishes.

The official NFL Super Bowl XLIII jersey worn by Greg Gautreaux as a field judge. State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux and Greg Gautreaux as young referees. The two worked together for Lafayette’s Parks and Recreation Department for many years.Greg is still an active proponent of a strong parks and recreation department in Lafayette. Our Parks and Recreation Department, which encompasses 28 city parks, is woefully underfunded, still being covered by a 1.92-mill recreation tax that was enacted in 1961 when Lafayette only had four parks. The millage brings in about $2 million per year. Compare this to Youngsville’s per capita collections for parks which is nearly 10 times Lafayette’s; Broussard collects more than 7 times on a per capita basis.

One of Greg’s favorite memories is being a key part of the genesis of disc golf in Lafayette. Five parks offer the program, which allows people to spend time having fun with very little investment in equipment. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, “Disc golf is played much like golf except, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).”

We thank Greg Gautreaux for his lifelong dedication to making our park’s system the best it could be. And in closing, Greg noted there is a shortage of high school referees. Anyone interested in learning more should check out https://www.becomeareferee.com/louisiana/

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Robert Jarred and David Begneaud, board members of Scenic Lafayette, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss their mission to keep Lafayette beautiful and free of clutter and trash. They are both active and engaged volunteers.

Scenic Lafayette is a citizen-based advocacy group committed to preserving and enhancing the natural and built environment of our community. through: Policy, Partnerships, Public education, and Projects.

Founded in 2014, Scenic Lafayette promotes beauty as a valuable asset for those who live, visit, and conduct business in Lafayette. Its vision is to embrace calm, cleanliness, and the natural landscape of public and private spaces.

Scenic Lafayette is one of 49 state and local affiliates of Scenic America, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the visual character of our country’s roadways, countryside, and communities, and inspired by the Lady Bird Johnson and the Highway Beautification Act.

One big recurring problem we discussed was the proliferation of illegal signs that are posted in public spaces. Our guests jokingly recounted that “I buy golf carts” is the newest offender in our community as you see the signs posted throughout the area. The signs are typically posted in the middle of the night so David and Robert spoke of regularly getting up at 3 a.m. to start taking down the illegal signs. You can help by calling 311 to report litter and illegal signage.

Let’s clean up our neighborhoods! If you see a broken utility/phone post be sure to report it by calling 311 or 337.291.8800. AT&T will soon be digging up, fixing or replacing broken telephone cable boxes throughout Lafayette Parish. Lafayette City Councilwoman Liz Webb Hebert took it upon herself to address this issue….it has blown up across the state as other communities say they have the same problem. David Begneaud says, “The issue is being fixed and is coming around! This is important, as our visitors enter Lafayette they see this blight. Visitors who are considering moving here pay attention to these things.”

The issue of blighted green utility provider boxes found in public spaces throughout the community was also discussed and our guests reported the communication provider was responsive to requests for help in addressing the problem.

David Begneaud with his wife, Alice, volunteering at the Southern Garden Festival bringing awareness and educating the public on blight, litter and illegal signage in our city. You can now report litter and illegal signs by calling 311 or go to www.311.Lafayette.servicesA few of the initiatives of Scenic Lafayette: The Azalea Trail Revitalization Project; Signage Policy Improvement and Enforcement; Landscape and Tree Policy Improvement and Enforcement; Art and Architecture Guide; Streetscape Improvement; Utility Infrastructure Visual Enhancement; Billboard Control; and Litter Abatement.

Lafayette experiences a high level of trash being strewn on its streets and our interstate interchanges. Trash flies out of the back of citizens’ pickup trucks as well as municipally-contracted trash pickup trucks. David Begneaud said he has heard Matt Stuller quote statistics several times, saying,”South Louisiana has the highest per capita of open-bed pickup trucks in the nation.” David said further, “When you go down the interstate, whenever you are the contracted person to cut the grass, you have to pick up the litter first, and you see litter bags full of trash every 25 to 50 yards filled with trash for miles as they prepare to cut the grass on interstate medians.”

Municipalities can actively control the amount of blight that is tolerated. As David Begneaud said in a shout-out to Youngsville LA after discussing his awareness of how U. S communities control blight: “Go to Youngsville, LA. Youngsville has zero tolerance for non-compliant signs. Zero. Drive through the City of Youngsville and you’re not going to see vinyl banners strapped between the utility pole and a temporary pole hammered into the ditch. Word gets around.”

This interview with Robert and David is an excellent opportunity to hear the passion of local volunteers who dedicate their free time to help all of us better enjoy our community. We thank both for their tireless efforts on behalf of Scenic Lafayette!

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Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, joins Discover Lafayette to share his life story and dedication to improving our state’s educational climate.

Dr. Savoie has served as president of UL-Lafayette since 2008. Before serving at UL, Dr. Savoie served as Louisiana’s commissioner of higher education for 12 years.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UL Lafayette, and thereafter earned a doctor of education degree in educational leadership and administration from Columbia University’s Teachers College in New York City.

He has served in leadership positions for Louisiana governors Mike Foster, Kathleen Blanco, Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards.

Under Dr. Savoie’s leadership, the university has made incredible strides, significantly of note in 2021 when it achieved its designation as a Carnegie R1 university. This is the highest designation bestowed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, The Carnegie Classification’s 2021 update includes nearly 3,900 institutions. Only 137 of them, or 3%, attained R1 status. Colleges and universities are reviewed after three years to maintain this prestigious ranking.

This is a heartwarming interview of Dr. Savoie as he shares growing up in Sulphur, LA, meeting his late wife, Gail, while still in high school, and his memories of his own college days at USL.

We thank Dr. Savoie for taking the time to visit and for his service to our community. UL-Lafayette is a bedrock of our community, having been founded in 1898, and is our best asset for culturing upcoming leaders who can stay in Lafayette and build their own success stories.

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Butch Roussel, the founder of the 24-Hour Citizen Project, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his passion for empowering others to make our community spaces great. He opened the show by speaking of his most important passion ever, his family: his lovely wife, his two children, and a third on the way!

The 24-Hour Citizen Project connects citizens with expertise and financial backers to make community-focused ideas a reality. The organization is responsible for nearly $130,000 in private funds toward almost 30 public projects including Downtown’s Lafayette sign, Krewe de Canailles, the Musical Instrument Library, the Eyes of the Sun poetry mural installation, and more.

Applications for citizen-driven projects will be accepted beginning in June 2023. All ideas of worthy of consideration.

Butch Roussel, founder of the 24 Hour Citizen Project, and Kate Durio, co-founder of ReCover Acadiana, merged their two organizations in Civicside.com as a more effective way to engage citizens to enact change. The two are good friends and longtime civic activists.

Butch is a graduate of UL-Lafayette and Johns Hopkins University where he finished in Biotechnology Business. Since 2011, Butch has managed clinical trials for government, pharmaceutical and small biotechnology companies through his company, Vivo Research, LLC. He has worked through the Best Pharmaceutical Children’s Act to help expand drug labels for pediatric populations and worked on numerous epilepsy, opioid abuse potential, cardiovascular stroke, and gene therapy trials.

For more information, email info@24hourcitizenproject.com or visit https://24hourcitizenproject.com/ or https://civicside.com/projects

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Rusty Cloutier joins Discover Lafayette to talk about the current state of the banking Industry. Many know Rusty as the founding President and CEO of MidSouth Bank which was organized in 1984 and has since been acquired by Hancock Whitney.  He has consistently been one of the leading and vocal advocates of community banking in the U. S.

Rusty is a past chair of the National Advisory Committee of Fannie Mae, as well as past chair of the Independent Community Bankers of America. He served as a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Smaller Public Companies and is a former Director of the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. 

Rusty is also the author of Big Bad Banks, How Greed and Ego among the big shots in banking and government created the crisis that wrecked our economy.

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In 2015, Don Bacque released “A Walk in the Park: A Vietnam Comedy”, a comedic book about his experiences in the Vietnam War, in which he served in the Army’s 5th Special Forces, popularly known as the Green Berets because of their distinctive service headgear. H

He stated that at least two God-inspired occurrences facilitated the completion of this book: First, he found that his memories of the war were fading but when he was packing to move to his new house he came across wartime letters he had written to his wife, Cookie, that served as the basis of his manuscript; and, second: Don was encouraged by his close friend, Carl Bauer, to join Carl’s writing class where he had to submit a chapter of his life story for each class, which eventually kept him on track to finish the project. Carl Bauer didn’t live to read the outcome of Don’s story about his feelings on the war, but Carl’s life lives on through his magnetic energy which ignited Don and so many others of us to follow our path and make a difference in life.

Don details the adventure that led him to Vietnam and it is one to which we can all relate as it was “never supposed to happen.” He had mistakenly believed that his poor eyesight would spare him from combat: Why would the Army send a man who was legally blind into combat if he might lose his glasses and mistakenly shoot the wrong side?? How could a man who was afraid of heights be made to jump from planes and into war zone conflicts??

As Don recounts the many close friends he made, the lessons learned, and the gradual disillusionment he experienced as the futility of the Vietnam War became apparent, “A Walk in the Park” is an important read for all generations. To purchase the book, please visit Amazon here.

The resulting work is one you will enjoy as you also learn about the foibles of military service and the true grit required of our men and women who serve and protect the United States of America and our allies! The adventure that began for Don Bacque on February 11, 1968 changed his life and led him to be the well-grounded man he is today. Inspirationally, Don is well aware that God’s grace is real and that heroes, while not necessarily recognized, walk among us every day.

We thank Don Bacque also for his service to our community, as he served as a Louisiana State Representative from 1988 to 1992, and was the founding chair of Leadership Lafayette. He also organized a Vietnam Veterans group in Lafayette and served as the state co-chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee that built a monument in New Orleans to honor the 881 veterans from Louisiana who did not return from the war.

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Master Baker Patrick Poupart, proprietor of Poupart’s Bakery, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the rich history of his bakery. Located at 1902 W. Pinhook in Lafayette, Poupart’s is the only authentic French bakery in Acadiana, opened by his parents Francois and Louise Poupart in 1967. The bakery currently employs 23 people to keep up with the demand for its services.

The elder Poupart studied at Compagnon Du Devoir, an apprentice guild in France where he and his twin brother trained professionally in the culinary arts. After serving in the military and working in Paris, Francois received an offer to work as a pastry chef in Louisiana in 1962 and brought his wife, Louise, with him.

Francois soon discovered that his strong French accent was not a barrier here, and was in fact appreciated and complimented by locals The baked goods offered by the Poupart family have enticed their loyal following ever since Francois opened Poupart’s in 1967.

Patrick followed in the footsteps of his father, and literally grew up at the bakery, as the family lived upstairs. Baking was always a part of his life from his youngest memories and all bakery chores had to be completed before he could engage in other activities. Patrick went to bakery school in France for one year after graduating from St. Thomas More High School and found the education to be a confirmation of the basic baking principals his father had taught him through the years.

A visit to Poupart’s is like taking a walk through heaven. Fresh breads, sweet treats, French pastries, cookies, dobash cakes, fruit tarts, there is something for everyone. Patrick explained that French baking techniques are more delicate and the pastries are more delicate and prettier confections than heavier American desserts such as pies and cookies.

Dobash cakes are the best-selling cakes and are available year round for various occasions. Poupart’s has bread routes in Lafayette and Baton Rouge and sells its pistolettes, ciabatta, french, sourdough, focaccia, and various breads to stores throughout the region.

Poupart’s offers breakfast and lunch options onsite, and caters events. All foods are made fresh in house. As for their confections, you can special order a dessert that is not typically on their menu; provide direction and they will deliver delicious results!

We thank Patrick Poupart for joining us and sharing his story. Congratulations to the Poupart family for enjoying a successful 56 years in business!

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Wade Berzas and Jeff Benton, professional implementers with the Entrepreneurial Operating System, known as EOS Worldwide, are our guests. EOS focuses on Vision (everyone on the same page), Traction (focus and discipline), and Healthy (Leadership.)

Wade was originally a guest on Discover Lafayette in December 2021. To this day, he has been our most popular guest for all who have been inspired by his faith and journey. Wade survived a horrific plane crash in a flight that lasted just 48 seconds as it descended on the travelers’ journey to watch LSU in the Peach Bowl in December 2019.

Wade Berzas and Jeff Benton both have coaching skills and life experiences that enable them to teach businesses about this proven EOS process to reach their fullest potential. There are six key components that EOS utilizes as it works with entrepreneurial leaders: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and Traction. Rather than apply spot-treatment style consulting that only solves one piece of the growth puzzle – EOS is a proven holistic coaching approach that is simple to follow and transforms companies into total growth engines.

In this podcast, we hear humorous anecdotal evidence about how business leaders can hit a wall that prevents advancement to the next level of success. EOS Worldwide utilizes timeless techniques that enable entrepreneurs to reach previously unimaginable success.

To find out more about EOS Worldwide and our two guests, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/what-is-eos. For more about Wade Berzas, visit eosworldwide and for Jeff Benton, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/jeff-benton.

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Lauren Bercier, co-founder and CEO of Something Borrowed Blooms, a rent-and-return floral boutique in Lafayette, is our guest on this rebroadcast of a show originally taped in 2019.

Created with Lauren’s cousin and co-founder Laken Swan in 2015, Something Borrowed Blooms’ design team creates wedding floral collections using premium silk flowers.

Something Borrowed Blooms is a go-to source for any bride to be who wants to have a beautiful wedding while also being frugal with the budget. Discover Lafayette is proud to be watching Lauren Bercier and Laken Swan as they build this business right here in Lafayette LA meet the needs of brides across the U.S.!Since we originally spoke, Something Borrowed Blooms has experienced incredible growth and recently partnered with national bridal retailer David’s Bridal to reach more customers in the wedding market.

Laken Swan and Lauren Bercier, co-founders of Something Borrowed Blooms.Something Borrowed Blooms also has a line of Spring Inspired Home Decor, a collection of premium silk florals and greenery for your home which you can view here.

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The 16th annual Hopefest Music Festival and 5K is being hosted by the St. Thomas More Catholic High School junior class on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at Moncus Park. Aylin Yigiter and Ellie Bond, Junior year students at STM, joined us to discuss the fun and festivities offered by Hopefest and why they are involved.

St. Thomas More High School juniors Aylin Yigiter and Ellie Bond joined Discover Lafayette to discuss Hopefest 2023.The day begins with a 5K race benefiting the STM Options program at 9 a.m. Participants may pre-register or make a donation here.

The music festival kicks off on the waterfront at Moncus Park with live entertainment from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is free to the public. The Festival features the music of Dave Barnes, Brandon Heath, and Matt Wertz.

Hopefest is an outdoor festival with live music, fun family-friendly activities, and much more. All proceeds from Hopefest are directed to two recipients that care for people in need. One recipient is the STM Options Program, which enables special needs teens to receive a St. Thomas More education. The other recipient for 2023 is the RescYOU Group, whose mission is to provide financial aid for end-of-life expenses and offer emotional support for families who have suffered the loss of a child from one year of age to seventeen years old (or are currently enrolled in high school) in the Acadiana area.

Hopefest 2023 will be held at the beautiful Moncus Park. Please note that parking will be accommodated at Cajun Field and buses will be provided to assist Hopefest’s patrons. Please support this wonderful cause!Best wishes on a successful Hopefest 2023! Thanks to all involved for making a real difference in our community.

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Our guest is Marie Ducote, proprietor of Cajun Food Tours. Marie exemplifies the joie de vivre or joy of life that makes our culture so special.

Marie is probably one of our region’s most enthusiastic and compelling ambassadors of Cajun history, culture, and cuisine. Her faith is also a driving force in her life as she credits God’s persistent nudging to get her to finally take the leap and do what she loves.

We had the pleasure of going on a morning Cajun Food Tour as Marie’s guest and visited five local restaurants which included Ton’s in Broussard, Nunu’s Supermarket in Youngsville, Fezzo’s, T’Coons, and Poupart’s Bakery. We can all attest that this tour is something visitors and locals alike should not miss!

A former history teacher, Marie teaches her guests about how Lafayette grew and the many other cultures that influenced our current Acadian and Creole culture.

Besides the Cajun Food Tour, Marie offers the All-Day Cajun Experience, a Breaux Bridge WalkingFood Tour, and the Around the World in Acadiana Taste Tour.

To learn more about Marie Ducote and Cajun Food Tours, visit https://www.cajunfoodtours.com/tours/

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Warren Perrin, renowned historian of Acadian culture and a man who has dedicated his life to promoting the accurate history of the Acadians, is our guest on this special rebroadcast of Discover Lafayette.

Author of “Acadian Redemption,” a biography of Beausoleil Broussard, Perrin has worked tirelessly to reinvigorate the Acadian pride movement, most notably through his Petition for an Apology from Queen Elizabeth II for the Acadian deportation from Nova Scotia. The Queen signed a Proclamation granting such an apology on December 9, 2003. Perrin established the Acadian Museum in Erath, LA. He has been engaged in many activities on behalf of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, known as CODOFIL; he served as President of CODOFIL from 1994 to 2010.

Warren Perrin Holding Proclamation by Queen Elizabeth Apologizing for the Acadian Deportation from Nova ScotiaPerrin is a partner at Perrin, Landry & deLauney in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was a member of the UL – Lafayette (then known as Southwestern Louisiana Institute) weightlifting team which won eight national championships between 1957 and 1971, and established itself as one of the nation’s most-successful collegiate lifting programs. A documentary film tentatively entitled, The Ragin 13, by filmmaker Nicholas Campbell, is currently being filmed and traces the inspirational underdog story of this exceptional team and its achievements.

CODOFIL celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018 and was featured in the Governor’s Office in the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

For more information on the Acadian Museum, please visit http://www.acadianmuseum.com. Information on CODOFIL may be accessed at https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/codofil/index.

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Lafayette Parish is celebrating its Bicentennial this year with ongoing celebrations commemorating the time the Louisiana State Legislature carved off the western half of St. Martin Parish in 1823 to form a new parish named after the Marquis de Lafayette.

Two years earlier, in 1821, Jean Mouton donated a parcel of land to the community then known as Vermilionville for a Courthouse and a Cathedral. Mouton became known as the founder of Vermilionville that in 1884 became the City of Lafayette in honor of the French marquis who fought in the American revolution.

Our guest is Sami Parbhoo who is heading up the series of events throughout 2023 that will honor the history of our parish and look to what the future holds.

Lafayette Parish enjoys a proud history of various cultures coming together, starting with the indigenous Atakapa-Ishak, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Opelousas, who were the first to inhabit the area. Acadian refugees settled in the area after Le Grand Dérangement from Canada in 1755 when Great Britain captured the land from France. The Acadians married other native, French, Spanish, and African settlers, forming the rich culture and history of Lafayette Parish.

For more information and a list of events taking place, please visit www.lafayette1823.org.

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Our guest is Dr. Thomas Bond who specializes in regenerative medicine. Dr. Bond graduated from LSU in New Orleans and served as LSU Medical Center Chief of Sports Medicine. During his three-year tenure at LSU, Dr. Bond was the Medical Program Director for the LSU Sports Medicine Fellowship Program.

He founded Total Care Health and Wellness Medical Center in 2007. In 2018, Dr. Bond opened the Regenerative Medicine Institute of Louisiana. Former athletes and local business people who have been treated by him enthusiastically tout the success of Dr. Bond’s treatment protocols in relieving them from debilitating pain without surgery.

Dr. Bond was trained in allopathic medicine, which is the traditional Western medicine that focuses on treating symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation or surgery. But, after years of playing football and racing mountain bikes, taking his fair share of tumbles and breaking bones, he experienced a final blow with a bad car accident in 2002 that led to his pain becoming unbearable. He did all the standard allopathic procedures, such as anti-inflammatory medicine and physical therapy, but nothing worked. He was then told he needed a three-level fusion which at the age of 30 did not bode well for his future health and wellness.

Thus began Dr. Bond’s research on regenerative medicine. He met other physicians he trusted that were doing international mission work in Honduras that helped hundreds of people and had his first regenerative procedure done in an open-air setting in a church there. And it was a success! Immediately. And amazingly, the doctors were all treating each other. This was called prolotherapy in 2003, using a dextrose solution invented by German physicians over one hundred years ago.

Listen and learn more about the latest techniques offered by Dr. Thomas Bond, the first physician in Louisiana to offer interventional regenerative therapy using Prolotherapy, PRP, Platelet-Lysate, and Stem-Cell procedures, which he offers along with his traditional Western medical practice for patients who experience chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain.

For more information, visit https://bondmedicalcenter.com/our-services.

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Father Floyd Calais, known as “Flo” to his friends and family, joins Discover Lafayette to share his incredible faith journey. He is well known not only for his service as an active priest but also as a beacon of faith and hope for his many friends who visit him weekly to receive a blessing from God.

Father Floyd Calais as a young man. He still looks quite the same as he did 83 years ago!Father Calais was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on June 3, 1950, and has served at churches in New Iberia, Melville, Richard, and Abbeville. He also served at Charity Hospital and St. Genevieve in Lafayette, with his last service being as Pastor at Holy Cross Church.

Father Floyd Calais during his ordination with his mentor, Father Braquet at the far right.Father Calais retired in 1994 after 40 years in the priesthood. Olivia Savoie of Raconteur Life Story Writing was our conduit to meeting Father Calais and we thank you, Olivia, for your continued partnership with Discover Lafayette in helping us identify the people who define our community!

Father Calais with his mother, Aline Calais, in the early 1990s.The high points in our interview relate to Father Calais’ appreciation for the mentorship of Father Braquet, the importance of Charlene Richard as being a conduit to miracles for his flock, and to be honest, the words of Father Calais as an older man who understands the importance of love for his fellow man.

Father Calais at Charlene Richard’s grave in 2022

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Richard Zuschlag, Chairman of the Board & CEO of Acadian Companies, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his incredible life journey. Still working full-time, Richard shares his love and admiration for Acadian’s loyal employees who have made the company’s success possible.

Richard came to Lafayette from Pennsylvania in 1970 as a communications engineer for Westinghouse. In 1971, when new federal regulations caused funeral homes to discontinue using their car-based chassis for emergency transport, Richard joined with two friends, Roland Dugas and Richard Sturlese, to form Acadian Ambulance Service in Lafayette Parish. They opened for business on September 1, 1971, at 12:01 a.m., with two ambulances and eight employees. Richard is the only employee left from the early days, yet many of Acadian’s team have been with the company their entire career; the employees and management team are loyal to Acadian’s mission of delivering the highest quality emergency medical support and care.

Over 50 years later, Acadian has grown to approximately 5,000 employees in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Its six subsidiary companies include Acadian Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, Acadian Total Security, National EMS Academy, and Safety Management Systems. Last year, Acadian transported approximately 700,000 people across their four-state region.

Acadian Companies is privately owned and under Richard’s leadership, it became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan known as ESOP in 1993 to allow the employees to share in the company’s financial success.

Over the years, Richard has learned that the heart of Lafayette is one of giving, of faith, and of people helping one another. Listening to his words will inspire any young entrepreneur who is looking to help others by meeting their needs. We thank Richard for sharing his experiences of success, and also for sharing that he has made mistakes and is grateful to have learned what is important in life. It’s also interesting to hear his thoughts on being a young man moving to Lafayette from Pennsylvania in July during our typical 99-degree weather and 100% humidity, and how he quickly grew to love Lafayette, its people, and its culture, including the spicy food!

Richard’s civic work has included fundraising for worthy causes ranging from the Boy Scouts to UL-Lafayette, The World War II Museum, and local schools. Among many, many awards, he has been the recipient of the Lafayette Civic Cup, received the Distinguished Citizen Award, and has been named a “Louisiana Legend” by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. He was instrumental in setting up the first enhanced 911 system in the state which gave the operator both the address and the phone number for persons calling for emergency assistance.

For more information on Acadian Companies, please visit https://acadian.com/.

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Lafayette lives for Mardi Gras! This episode is a special repeat of our interview with Rick Chappuis and John Swift who joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the history of Mardi Gras in Lafayette LA.

The first recorded Mardi Gras festivity took place on Feb. 14, 1869, at the Court House downtown. Although it was a simple party with a band, and nothing like what we experience today, it was all the community needed to see how much fun Mardi Gras could be! Today, the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association carries on the tradition and works to ensure that Mardi Gras remains a safe, family-friendly event.

Thank you for listening. This interview was the second interview Discover Lafayette recorded. We hope you have enjoyed our podcasts over the past six years; we have only scratched the surface of covering all the wonderful people and cultural activities which make Lafayette a very special place….the gateway to South Louisiana!

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Dr Jason Cormier, a Lafayette neurosurgeon, joins us for his second interview, this time to focus on traumatic brain injuries, in athletes of all ages who are engaged in high-impact sports.

Dr. Cormier actively assists the NCAA and the NFL in working to prevent brain injuries. We reached out to him after Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed suddenly during a Monday Night football game after rising from a hit. And sadly, just two weeks after Hamlin’s injury, Russell Gage was injured late in the 4th quarter in the Tampa Bay/Dallas Cowboys game after a rough hit to the head rendered him unable to get up. After being transported off the field on a cart, Gage was diagnosed with a concussion and possible neck injuries. With high-profile NFL injuries making the news, some wonder if football will always be a part of our lives.

While NFL Football seems to be one of the roughest and toughest of all sports, Dr. Cormier provides insight into the dangers of all sports’ activities. Basketball players routinely suffer from concussive head injuries. Death rates in the NFL are 6 per million; in equestrian activities, the death rate is 20 per million, and in girls’ soccer, the death rate is 15 per million.

In the U. S., 1.6 to 3.8 million concussive injuries occur each and every year, and these are only the ones that are reported so the figure may be much higher. 300,000 of these injuries are from football and Dr. Cormier reports that 62,000 of these take place in high school-age players. All in all, there is a 19% likelihood that you will sustain a concussion or head injury if you participate in any high contact sports. And if you have had a concussion, it is likely that you also sustained some type of neck injury.

Gladiator sports have been appealing to spectators going back to the Roman Empire time period. It is unlikely that we will see a diminished interest in today’s exciting, but dangerous sporting activity. So, Dr. Cormier recommends that parents get as much information as they can for their children as to how to protect them with current technology and best practices. And above, emphasize a reliable and time-tested way to survive in the world: an education!

The Q-Collar is a device Dr. Cormier recommends for any athlete in high-impact situations. It is the only FDA-cleared sports equipment that helps protect athletes’ brains during head impacts. The technology is based upon the physiology of the woodpecker and the battle ram, two animals who live by striking their heads. (The woodpecker strikes its head 25,000 times per day or 85 million times in its lifetime, resulting in no brain injury; battle rams create a force of 780 pounds each time they hit each other, which is like being hit with a baseball bat at 80 miles per hour!) The Q Collar by Q30 provides 1.5 pounds of light pressure over the jugular veins at the neck which increases blood amount in the brain to prevent the slosh effect or movement of the brain upon impact. Dr. Cormier calls it an “airbag inside the skull” and says it decreases concussions up to 90% of the time. The collar costs about $200.00.
Dr. Cormier is an engaging guest and full of information on the latest protective technologies to protect our most precious commodity: our brain. We thank Jason Cormier for his contributions to the medical community here in Lafayette and across the U. S.!

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Our guest is Don Briggs, founder of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, who shares his incredible career journey in the oil and gas business.

A native of Miami, Florida, Don was an active young man who played football for Miami High School at their home field, the Orange Bowl! From his youngest years, he had a strong work ethic and was employed delivering newspapers, working at Top Value, and helping his father repair fiberglass boats or as a journeyman moving heavy equipment. Don also modeled and was featured in a few national publications with his brother and sister. He attended the University of Florida on a football scholarship.

Love was the catalyst that prompted Don to move to Lafayette in 1961 when he married Georgia Speights. He transferred his college credits to USL and he and his wife had two children, Brett and Tammy Dee. To make ends meet, he worked at Owen Drilling Company from 6:00 pm to midnight seven days a week, and worked his way up the ladder serving as safety director. After a few years, Don started Aztec Pipe and Supply where he sold refurbished pip reclaimed from old oil wells.

Don’s holdings grew as he started Aztec Well Head (sold refurbished well heads), Aztec Mud Chemical (mud company), and he purchased land off Hwy. 90 in Broussard and built three warehouses and offices to house his growing business. Don’s hard work had really paid off.

By 1978, Aztec was successful and was acquired by a publicly-traded company, Newpark Resources. The sale was highlighted in the Wall Street Journal and Don stayed on as President of Newpark Drilling Fluids. Don lived a flamboyant lifestyle during this heyday of the local oil and gas industry, flying around in a private jet, driving “my custom-made Excalibur Mercedes with a gold dashboard,” and serving as King of the Krewe of Troubadours. Don also recalled spending “a lot of unnecessary time at La Fonda, and of the hundreds of faces painted on the walls, mine was the first one.” He enjoyed skiing and bought homes in Beaver Creek, Colorado and Duck Key in Florida.

In 1986, the oil and gas industry crashed and the price of oil and gas nosedived. Don had invested heavily in local commercial real estate and the buildings were soon empty. People moved out in droves looking for work. Laid off from Newpark Resources and unable to keep everything afloat financially, Don was forced to declare bankruptcy along with so many other Lafayette entrepreneurs.

Surviving this tumultuous time, Don was able to see what was really important: his family. He also refocused his energies on bettering the oil and gas industry’s fortunes in Louisiana as he came to realize that “not all hurdles the industry faced were solely market-driven.”

Don garnered the support of oil and gas industry leaders and founded the Louisiana Independent Oil and Gas Association, now known as Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (“LOGA”). The group started “with 12 founding members and grew into an association representing more than 1,200 members.” He served as President of LOGA for over 25 years and was a highly effective spokesperson for the industry as he worked to fight tax increases and oppressive regulations. Don worked tirelessly to educate the public and government officials about how important the oil and gas industry is to Louisiana. His legacy of building and safeguarding oil and gas operations in the state of Louisiana can not be overstated and will never be forgotten.

Gifford Briggs, Don’s son, joined LOGA in 2007 as membership coordinator and in government relations. He moved up in the ranks, becoming LOGA’s vice president, and became LOGA’s President in 2018 when Don retired. Photo credit: Don Kadair.On September 30, 2016, Don suffered a horrible accident at a vacation home in North Carolina, falling down stairs and fracturing his skull. He was airlifted to Asheville and underwent surgery to remove a part of his skull. Airlifted back to Lafayette, Don contracted E. coli pneumonia and there was little hope for survival. But Don did survive, fought through physical therapy to regain his speech and mobility, and eventually made it to TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, the acclaimed facility for traumatic brain injury patients.

The accident and its aftermath, however, left Don depressed and he felt hopeless. He faced another surgery to have a titanium plate implanted to close his skull and felt he was looking “death in the face.” But two friends, Patty Fournerat and Senator Ronnie Johns, encouraged him to have faith in God, his Father. Senator Johns actually texted Don immediately prior to his surgery that he was about to attend aa Mass at St. Peter’s in Rome on behalf of Don Briggs. Don recounted that “he was overwhelmed with such a peace that it’s hard to describe in words. I was suddenly fearless.”

Don recovered and soon dedicated his time to calling upon patients at Our Lady of Lourdes who were in rehabilitation, to tell his story and to give them faith that they too could recover.

In 2017, Don was named “LAGCOE Looey” and received the Meritorious Service Award by the Professional Landmen’s Association of New Orleans. in 2018, he officially retired as President of LOGA.

We’d like to acknowledge Olivia Savoie, of Raconteur Life Story Writing, who captured the full story of Don Briggs’ life and incredible accomplishments. The book was commissioned by his dear friends, Bryan Hanks and Bill Fenstermaker. The quotes utilized in this article are captured from “Isn’t it Beautiful” and are Don’s words. Photo credit: Brad Bowie of the Acadiana Advocate.Don Briggs has lived a full life and is proud of his family, his friends, and his body of work. Most importantly, “My life has been most enhanced by my relationship with and work for Jesus. He changed my values, my perspective, and my mission. After my fall, the renewal of my faith and my recovery gave me a platform to share my story as well as the good news of Jesus Christ. Although my accomplishments in my business and through LOGA are notable, I have discovered that my true purpose in life is to respond to a higher calling and that my greatest joy derives from helping and loving my fellow man.” (Quote from “Isn’t It Beautiful: The Story of Don Briggs.”

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Our guests are Mary Broussard Perrin and Beverly Constantine Fuselier, authors of Healing Traditions of South Louisiana.

Their book provides a fascinating history of South Louisiana’s traditional healing arts from the dawn of civilization to today. Part One is about traiteurs (male) and traiteuses (female), their prayers, and rituals. Part Two presents the native medicinal plants that grow wild in South Louisiana, their properties and their traditional uses.

Mary and Beverly are traiteurs who treat whatever is ailing you, such as back pain, wounds, warts, anxiety, sunstroke, etc. Traiteurs work with healing plants, occasionally “making medicine” when needed. And Mary and Beverly are dedicated….right before we began taping, they worked all morning at the Healing Garden at Vermilionville!

Pictured is La Maison du Traiteur (“The Healer’s House) at Vermilionville, surrounded by Le Jardin du Traiteur (The Healer’s Garden), sponsored by the Lafayette Parish Master Gardeners Association (LPMGA). The site is open for tourists to visit all year. Mary Perrin recommends the best time to visit is on one of the Culture Days held during the summertime where you will enjoy a guided tour. To view the complete garden guide, visit here. Healing Traditions is a beautiful testament to our Acadian culture and the traditions that have been carried down by one generation after another. It is also a beautiful testament to the Native Americans who first arrived in South Louisiana more than a thousand years before European settlers, who had discovered “a rich diversity of plant and animal life in its bayous, prairies, and marshes….they uncovered a multitude of powerful natural curatives, plants that could stop bleeding, cure infections, relieve pain, reduce fever, stop swelling, soothe troubled minds, and more. In short, Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet was well stocked.” These generous Native Americans shared their plant curative knowledge with the Acadians’ traiteurs as they settled into their new home in South Louisiana.

According to Healing Traditions of South Louisiana, Elderberry was “revered for its medical and reputed magical qualities” and the Acadians and Native Americans considered it vital to their medical needs. It is considered to be the “queen of the Healer’s Garden.”The book is a beautifully written account of local healing herbs and the healing touch and prayer of traiteurs. A beautiful gift to give, Discover Lafayette thanks Mary Perrin and Beverly Fuselier for the time and talent they invested to make Healing Traditions a reality!

Healing Traditions of South Louisiana is available for purchase at Beausoleil Books, Vermilionville, the Acadian Museum of Erath, Books Along the Teche, and Longfellow State Historic Site.

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Elizabeth Abdalla and Melissa Maeker, board members of Wild Cat Foundation, SpayNation, and Krewe des Chien, are here to discuss their mission to reduce dog and cat overpopulation in Acadiana through the operations of these 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Both women are passionate spokespersons about their involvement in treating our companion pet population, as well as the feral cat population, humanely and offering high-quality care to these vulnerable, innocent animals.

Wild Cat Foundation was created to support no-kill solutions to the stray cat overpopulation in Lafayette and the surrounding area. It is celebrating its 20th year of operation in 2023. Since 2010, Wild Cat has supported the operations of SpayNation which offers high-quality, lost-cost spay/neuter surgeries to the public and rescue organizations, and incredibly, over 70,000 animals have been neutered since the organization’s inception. While Wild Cat Foundation is not a rescue organization, they do have adoptable pets at all times. Visit https://wildcatfoundationla.org/ for more information.

In 2018, Wild Cat took over operations of Acadiana’s favorite dog and family parade, Krewe des Chien. All proceeds are dedicated to supporting local animal shelters’ funding for food and care of the rescues.

Krewe des Chien Parade is an annual Mardi Gras Parade celebration open to dogs and their loyal human family members. Please consider signing up for the 2023 parade to be held on February 11, 2023, in Downtown Lafayette! It only costs $25 to register and there are also spots available for dog royalty! And please, dogs only….no cats, pigs, goats, cows, or bunnies! For more information, email krewedeschien@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/KreweDesChienAcadiana’s favorite family & dog-friendly parade is back again this year with proceeds benefitting local rescue groups! Established in 1998, Krewe des Chien is a non-profit organization and has been fundraising and distributing funds to the many animal assistance organizations in the Acadiana area in need of financial support. Since the first parade for dogs, Krewe des Chien has raised more than $400,000 in support of its MISSION… to reduce the number of unwanted animals through public education about the benefits of spaying and neutering and to involve the community in an effort to achieve this mission.

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023, 12 p.m.

Sponsorships & Royal Court Positions are available. Visit the website for PAST opportunities and general information – www.krewedeschiens.org. The website will be updated soon with 2023 information!

Registration 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on February 11.

$25.00 fee to participate and join the Krewe – Includes two adult humans (children can walk with their parents for free) and one dog to walk in the 2023 parade. payable by cash or check on the day of the parade. Once the website is updated you may also register for the Krewe and pay via credit card online.

Membership is open to all pet lovers! Parade rules:

• No throwing edible treats
• No retractable leashes
• DOGS ONLY – No cats, cows, bunnies, goats, etc… please
• participants must sign the Liability Waiver “Participant Agreement Release”
• Individuals/groups must have a dog(s) to walk in the parade

In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances or weather, your participation fee will be considered a donation by the Krewe des Chien to be distributed to local rescue organizations that are registered to participate in the parade.

Many people abandon their cats when they move or are unable to care for their pets. Then, these cat’s offspring are born feral. TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Return) has been proven to be the only humane method to reduce the population of unwanted felines who have never experienced contact with humans. While we may think of them as ‘homeless,’ in fact they exist in colonies and are self-sufficient. There can be anywhere between 10 and 200 cats living in a colony. Wild Cat Foundation trains and advises colony caregivers on how to humanely trap feral cats which are then transported to feral-friendly veterinarians for vetting, then returned to their colonies. It can be difficult to trap feral cats, so please reach out to Wild Cat/SpayNation for assistance.

Some feral cats will never be suitable for adoption but have much to offer our community. A few lucky cats that came into SpayNation’s community cat program are shown above. These fortunate community cats have caregivers that went the extra mile to make sure they were trapped, vaccinated, neutered and returned to their outdoor homes. Some of these community cats live in backyards while others live on the property of local businesses. During the month of November 2023, SpayNation spayed/neutered 272 community cats.

In conjunction with WildCat Foundation/SpayNation, the Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center introduces “Cats Clocking In,” Lafayette’s working cat program. A working cat is a domestic cat that is unsuitable for traditional adoption and instead “works” for its food, shelter and care by hunting and deterring rodents from its “employer’s” property. They are commonly employed where pest control is needed such as barns, farms, factories, warehouses, stores, and private property. A benefit of using a working cat is that they alleviate the need for harmful pesticides which can inadvertently harm pets and wildlife such as hawks and owls. https://www.lafayettela.gov/lascc/adopt/working-catsExecutive Director Paula Stude of SpayNation is credited for outstanding leadership of the organization’s outreach. Elizabeth and Melissa both spoke of her successful management of paid staff as well as crew of volunteers who make it all happen. One recent success was the receipt of a grant to pay for pet oxygen recovery masks needed when our fire department is saving dogs and pets trapped in a fire. Petco and PetSmart have been tremendous resources of grants for our region.

For more information, please visit https://spaynation.net/

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Our guest is Ryan Pécot, proprietor of Tchoup’s MidCity Smokehouse, a full-service BBQ restaurant and bar located at 117 S. College Road in Lafayette. Discover Lafayette is proud to partner with Eat Lafayette and Lafayette Travel to showcase this young entrepreneur whose creative concepts are redefining the ‘cool’ culture of Lafayette.

Ryan’s work ethic started early in life when he said he’d like a car and his dad, Kirby Pécot, told him to go get a job. He took an entry-level job at Outback Steakhouse dumping the trash cans and worked his way up to management and becoming a part of the training team for the chain. Today, Ryan’s typical workday is jam-packed as he also serves as Senior Retail Leasing and Development Advisor with Stirling Properties, a career he began after graduation from UL-Lafayette in 2001, and as the owner of Paws & Paw Paw’s boarding/daycare/grooming facilities with his wife, Traci. Another endeavor, Adopted Dog Brewing, is also anticipated to open soon at 329 Dulles Drive (near SLCC) which will be the only brewery within the city limits of Lafayette.

Ryan and Traci have always enjoyed traveling and looking for offbeat restaurants and breweries while on the road. Ryan calls himself a beer aficionado as well as a lover of good BBQ, so finding great local restaurants tucked away unexpectedly in the middle of a neighborhood while on the road always brings joy. These adventures are what inspired Ryan to open Tchoup’s in mid-city Lafayette as he didn’t see anyone in Lafayette offering the unique combo of BBQ, a full-service bar and outdoor seating, all tucked away in a 2600-square-foot structure that incorporates many of the homey elements of the original dwelling built decades ago.

As a seasoned commercial realtor, Ryan approached his restaurant’s location with the same special care he affords all of his retail clients. Tchoup’s venue was not chosen randomly; it was selected specifically for its geographic location in the core of Lafayette, the “Mid City,” and Ryan hopes this moniker will become a trend with many others following suit. He believes the side roads, what he calls “B” streets, off of Johnston Street have something very special to offer the residential neighborhoods that don’t typically have the option of a restaurant near their home. He knew immediately that Tchoup’s site was the perfect location for his original concept and did a lot of the carpentry work himself to maintain his vision. When you walk in, you feel instantly at ease; Tchoup’s has a lovely feel that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive occasions.

Tchoup’s opened in June 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Even with the incredible challenges brought about by the shutdown, Tchoup’s has grown into a popular dining destination known for its comfortable ambiance and for being a friendly place to bring your dog. Tchoup’s even offers a complete menu for your dog to choose from, including selections such as dog beers (broth-based) and dog treats such as Crunchy Rabbit, Jones’ Whole Pig Ear, or Hawaiian Luau Bites!

Tchoupitoulas was the inspiration for Tchoup’s MidCity Smokehouse. Ryan and his wife, Traci, are both dog lovers and opened Paws & Paw Paw’s boarding/daycare/grooming facilityTchoup’s offerings are all ‘scratch,’ meaning everything is freshly prepared from start to finish and of the highest quality. There is no freezer or microwave on site. Food is brought in fresh and cooked fresh. Ryan spoke of how he enjoys doing business with local vendors and fills up a shopping cart of sausage each Tuesday at NuNu’s.

Ryan credits other local restauranteurs for the great support they have offered him. He partnered with Social Entertainment’s Gus Rezende and John Peterson who helped him draft his employee handbook and navigate other start-up issues.

The Burnt Bacon Ends are a huge hit and consist of pork belly with a homemade special rub, brown sugar and a sweet chili glaze. The “Whole Hog” is also a popular item for first timers who want to taste a bit of everything Tchoup’s has to offer. Ryan loves the salads, in particular the Tchoup’s Wedge salad with honey-lime vinaigrette dressing. Traci Pécot is said to love the smoked shrimp or turkey quesadillas!

In 2017, Ryan, alongside his wife, Traci, developed Paws & Paw Paw’s boarding/daycare/grooming facility as a full-time job entrepreneurship opportunity for her. The maturing business now has a second location and is recognized as a best-in-class company in the Acadiana area. For more information on Tchoup’s MidCity Smokehouse, please visit https://www.eatmidcitybbq.com/ or their Facebook page. Thanks to Ryan Pécot for enriching our options for delicious American BBQ, craft beers, fine whiskeys and joie de vivre!

Lafayette, Louisiana offers a variety of locally owned restaurants that serve a plethora of delicious cuisines, including the smoked BBQ of Tchoup’s MidCity Smokehouse! To get a flavor of all our region offers, visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/eatlafayette/ to check out what may suit your palate!

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Adam Daigle, Business Editor of the Acadiana Advocate, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the biggest news stories of 2022.

The top five stories give our community great hope for the future, even with inflation dampening the economy.

The #1 story of the year is the phenomenal growth in South Lafayette led by the developments in the second phase of the Ambassador Town Center near Costco in South Lafayette at the corner of Creek Farm Road and Ambassador Caffery Parkway. Expectations are that Dave & Busters and the popular Topgolf are on the way. Also in the works are Jet Coffee, luxury apartments, and a discount tire retailer.

The #2 story of the year is the opening of the Lofts at the Municipal in Downtown Lafayette. Offering 68 units, the site is at the former federal courthouse, police station, and library. Adam says, “The successful completion of this project showed everyone that Lafayette can do hard things.” The project required a new sewer lift station installed with the help of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority and historic tax credits which made the numbers work for the developers.

The Lofts at the Municipal opened in April 2022. Located at 124 E. Main Street in downtown Lafayette, the Lofts offer 68 high-end rental units with a pool, workout facility and much more. It offers walkability to all things downtown, a much-needed amenity for the continued growth of downtown.The #3 story is the sale of LHG Group to UnitedHealth’s Optum health service business for $5.4 Billion. LHG was started by Ginger and Keith Myers who are originally from Palmetto. Ginger saw the dearth of options for home health care and the couple built LHC into a powerhouse in 37 states, with 700 employed here in Lafayette. Adam shared that UnitedHealth has plans to invest considerable resources into LHC to further prop up the company’s success in the home health arena.

The #4 story of 2022 is the local real estate market. For some time, interest rates were so low people could get a loan for next to nothing while sellers got top dollar for their listing. With interest rates being raised frequently by the Federal Reserve as a means to tamp inflation, there has been a dramatic cool down in home sales. We’re now seeing fewer buyers and fewer pending sales as we close out 2022. Adam reports that there are more and more single-family rentals coming onto the market, some in nice gated communities with their lawns being maintained.

The #5 story is the opening of the new Lafayette Regional Airport Terminal. This project is a shining example of how a community can come together to fund and build a much-needed facility as our new, modern and spacious terminal. Lafayette parish taxpayers passed an 8-month, 1 cent sales tax with helped the community match state and federal dollars. With no debt, the new airport terminal will serve our community’s need for years to come.

Stories to watch out for include the explosive growth of SafeSource Direct in Broussard. The pandemic brought to light the dependence of the U. S. on Chinese imports such as masks and other PPE items. SafeSource responded to the need to provide American-made products and in partnership with Ochsner Health and Trax Development has grown beyond expectations. With its newly FDA-approved gloves, up to 2200 employees are projected to be on board when the current expansion is underway, a huge jump from the originally estimated 1200 employees. The company’s success is tied to other industries such as chicken plants and others who have a need for masks, aprons, gloves, etc.

Another emerging story is the site selection for a new Performing Arts Center in Lafayette. Everyone knows the old Heymann Performing Arts Center needs to be replaced, but the question is where does it go? One study recently concluded that it be located across from the Cajundome next to the Hilton Garden Inn. A group of downtown civic leaders, including Sam Oliver and the Acadiana Center for the Arts, are pushing for an additional study to determine the best location based on return on investment. Other towns such as Greensboro, North Carolina, made the decision to relocate their PCA downtown and it has spurred immense economic activity.

Discover Lafayette is proud to name developer Ravi Daggula as the recipient of our second annual Business Catalyst of the Year award. Ravi has invested in restoring and bringing back properties such as The Nickerson House, the Charles Mouton Plantation, and Esprit de Coeur into commerce, offering beautiful venues for events and special occasions. He recently bought the old Dat Dog building downtown and is working on making the old Travelodge on Pinhook into the most unique place in Lafayette, with the look of an old Motor Inn and a place where people can hang out and have fun. Several other projects are in the works with a group of investors who want to inject life into Lafayette’s venues. While people might say the government can make some revitalization projects a reality, it’s the private energy and funding that provide the means to make it happen. Ravi Daggula, thank you for your unique eye. You see what should be done and continually serve as the driving force to make it happen.

Ravi Daggula and Jan Swift at taping of Discover Lafayette

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Dr. Jason Cormier of Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital joins Discover Lafayette to share his phenomenal story of success as well as overcoming trials and tribulations. He is not only a renowned neurosurgeon, but he is also a race car driver, accomplished musician, inventor, and author of the newly released “Driven” which he wrote to encourage others on ways to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.

A native of Lafayette, Dr. Cormier is a graduate of St. Thomas More. At LSU, he played point guard alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Jackson under the tutelage of Coach Dale Brown and played pro ball for a brief time in Europe. He went on to graduate from LSU Med School and was a neurosurgery resident at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for six years where he trained in complex spinal surgery.

Dr. Cormier has been named one of America’s top Surgeons in the field of neurosurgery by the Consumers Research Council and Guide to America’s Top Surgeons and has worked extensively with Traumatic Brain Injuries and assists NCAA Football, the NFL, NASCAR, the Jockey’s Guild, various rodeo organizations and other sports representing athletes in high-contact sports.

Since 2014, he has been listed in the “Leading Physicians of the World” for Neurosurgery, and recognized as an international expert in brain injury and concussion. He has been awarded the Castle Connolly Top Doctor in the field of Neurosurgery, and recently served as the 19th President of the Society of Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, an international organization working with experts to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients afflicted with neurological disorders.

Humble in the recounting of his story, Dr. Cormier says, “No one stressed education more than my mother” who taught science at UL-Lafayette and at Lafayette High for many years. He wanted to play in the NBA but when his career was cut short his mom pushed him to pursue higher education. Always being good in science, medicine was a natural fit.

Specializing in complex brain surgery which includes vascular neurosurgery and arteriovenous malformation (a tangle of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen circulation), Dr. Cormier says he handles about 95% of the aneurisms that come into Lafayette. He also performs minimally invasive procedures to take out tumors in the brain and treats brain trauma.

Dr. Jason Cormier is proud of the team he works with at Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital and gives them much credit: “It’s a team effort. You can’t do it alone in a silo as one human being. You need a team. I tell every single patient I operate on that I have a good team backing me up and that I have the good Lord. I believe that from start to finish when you walk in the door. Buffy Domingue, CEO, and her administrative team are also a big part of that.”

Dr. Cormier credits Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital for being the first to bring in the MiRus IO Expandable Lumbar Interbody technology which allows him to perform less invasive spinal neurosurgery on people suffering from degenerative disc disease. Cleared for use by the FDA in August 2021, the MiRus IO allows the surgeon to enter collapsed disc space and expand it by inserting the device into the disc. This minimally invasive procedure calls for a 26 mm incision versus the traditional 26-inch incision. When operating in a small corridor such as allowed by the MiRus IO, outcomes are dramatically changed for spinal surgery patients. There is less blood loss, the patient can get up and walk on the same day as the procedure, and there is a reduced need for pain medications.

The MiRus IO Expandable Lumbar Interbody Technology utilizes MoRe® Rhenium-based Superalloy technology, a noncorrosive metal that is the strongest in the world. It is non-corrosive and far superior to nickel or iron inserts which can cause pain in patients. Dr. Cormier says, “I have to credit Lafayette Surgical for bringing in this technology and having the confidence that we can accomplish the goal of helping the patient with less invasive procedures. I can now do what I was trained to do through smaller corridors with the same or better outcomes than a few years ago.”

Dr. Cormier is not one to rush a patient into surgery. “If your x-rays are horrible but you are not in pain, don’t have surgery. Unfortunately, some do have the surgery, end up in pain, and need revision surgery.” He will perform a motion preservation surgery in lieu of a fusion to help people keep their mobility. “Get a second opinion if you are on the fence. If you are in pain, typically there is some kind of option. If you do need surgery, we’ve been blessed to have phenomenal specialists in this community. You don’t have to rush to Houston to have surgery.”

A new invention called the Q-Collar is a device Dr. Cormier recommends for any athlete in high-impact situations. It is the only FDA-cleared sports equipment that helps protect athletes’ brains during head impacts. Cormier actively serves on their medical advisory committee. The technology is based upon the physiology of the woodpecker and the battle ram, two animals who live by striking their heads. (The woodpecker strikes its head 25,000 times per day or 85 million times in its lifetime, resulting in no brain injury; battle rams create a force of 780 pounds each time they hit each other, which is like being hit with a baseball bat at 80 miles per hour!)

The Q Collar by Q30 provides 1.5 pounds of light pressure over the jugular veins at the neck which increases blood amount in the brain to prevent the slosh effect or movement of the brain upon impact. Dr. Cormier calls it an “airbag inside the skull” and says it decreases concussions up to 90% of the time. Dr. Cormier grew up in a competitive family and jokes that his older brother, John, and sister, Delores, would all race to brush their teeth. His goal was to be a team doctor for Formula One and eventually created a safety group for the racing industry alongside the renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Julian Bailes, Dr. Alan Appley, and Dr. Dani Bidros. They pulled together surgeons and doctors who had been athletes in the past and created the Motorsports Safety Group.

According to the Motorsports Safety Group website, “Dr. Jason Cormier crafted his strategic partnership with the ARCA racing series’ safety initiative Program to form a “Motorsports Healthcare Education Plan” Medical car- a high profile, interactive activation designed to reach millions of race fans throughout the country. utilizing the strength and demographic reach of NASCAR and the ARCA racing series, their mission is to provide a comprehensive, grassroots marketing campaign focused on preventative health care education and wellness training.”A race car driver himself, Dr. Cormier started out racing go-carts which he says can travel up to 130 miles per hour. He has also had the opportunity to test race cars at Talledega and has driven at speeds up to 187 miles per hour. When asked how safe that is, he joked, “Is it safer to be on a track with other professional drivers or on Johnston St. with people texting and dealing with their kids? I’d rather be on the track any day of the week with professionals because they know how to avoid you, they know how to take a hit. While you see accidents on tracks, they are nothing compared to day-to-day life.”

Music has also been an integral part of Dr. Cormier’s life since his younger days at STM when he was a DJ alongside his entertainer friends, Marcus Lyle Brown and Carl Martin, who both went on to fame as an actor and singer, respectively. In 2015, Dr. Cormier’s passion for music was reignited when he attended Hang Out Fest in Orange Beach, AL where Skrillex was on stage. He remembers it was a place of “young energy, people having fun. No one was concerned with politics, there was no violence, just together having a good time and it was safe. Dr. Cormier had met Hall of Fame Cajun Fiddler Hadley Castille, who had told him, “Doc, I don’t think I’m a good fiddler, I just make music that makes people feel good.” Jason Cormier now carries the inspiration that Castille gave him every time he creates an original track or a remix. His first album had over 2.5 million plays in Spotify, under the name “CORM!!”

Jason Cormier recently completed his autobiography entitled “Driven – Hip-Hop, Fast Cars, Basketball and Brain Surgery” where he shares the seven characteristics he has developed for overcoming challenges on his path to success. Surviving the death of a brother, as well as abuse and depression in his younger days, Dr. Cormier outlines ways we can all stay mentally strong and focus on success. Four tenets that Dr. Cormier recommends when dealing with diversity: (1) Invest in yourself; (2) Surround yourself with positive people; (3) Be accountable; and (4) Read or write something every day. His overriding message: “People need to know there are resources, whether it is a friend, coach or clinic; there are so many good things here in Lafayette!”

Shaquille O’Neal is a close friend of Dr. Jason Cormier from their days playing LSU basketball together. O’Neal’s quote from the back of “Driven: Hip-Hop, Fast Cars, Basketball and Brain Surgery:” “What’s up, Doc? Jason Cormier is definitely one guy who can say, ‘I got skillz on the basketball court, on the race track, behind the turntables, and in the operating room. He could say it but his actions say it for him. Now he shows you how you can do it too.”Dr. Jason Cormier wrote his autobiography, Driven, which will be released on 10, January 2023. It may be pre-ordered at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Find out more at https://www.thedrivenbook.com/

We thank Dr. Jason Cormier for his many contributions to our community and the medical community in Lafayette and beyond! Discover Lafayette also thanks Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital for its support of our podcast and for introducing us to the cutting-edge technology available here in Lafayette.

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JP MacFadyen, Executive Director of Moncus Park since August 2021, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the progress made during 2022 to open the park’s long-awaited amenities. Previous to serving as ED, JP served the park as Operations Director for two years overseeing construction and developing processes and procedures for daily operations.

JP is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA with a concentration in Operations from the University of Houston.

After graduation from Notre Dame, he stumbled across a job opening at Rockwell International. He ended up being hired to work as a space shuttle flight operations specialist as Missions Operations Director at Johnson Space Center in Houston. He looks back and says in March of the year he was interviewed, “It was the best time of year visiting Houston coming down from Notre Dame. The weather was warm and wonderful.” And there he landed!

His specialty was onboard propulsion, which meant de-orbiting rockets and the thruster jets that changed the altitude of the space shuttles once they were in orbit. At that time, everything prior to computers was still worked out on paper and his first job was the configuration of checklists for safety procedures.

JP met his wife, Michelle, in Houston while they worked together at NASA. She was an electrical engineer, a Eunice native and a graduate of UL – Lafayette.

JP MacFadyen: “I always say, when you marry a Cajun, it’s not a question of if, but when that you’ll move back home.” In 2005, he moved to Lafayette with his wife Michelle and their four children. The family then opened Great Harvest Bread Co., the first green-certified restaurant in the state of Louisiana. They sold their interest in Great Harvest Bread Co. in 2018 and JP worked as a small business consultant before he joined Moncus Park in 2019 as operations director. He has served as Executive Director since August 2021.

We are thrilled to welcome JPto update us on the many improvements that have been added over the past year in 2022. With the support of major donors, community support, and quality staff, Moncus Park has truly become an outdoor paradise in the heart of Lafayette. More than 230,000 visitors have been to the park since January 1, 2022!

The wood from the original barn at the UL Horse Farm was saved and used for the construction of the treehouse.JP emphasized the importance of the leadership of the Co-Chair of Moncus Park’s Board of Directors, Lenny Lemoine, who encouraged the board to go ahead and open up the park to the public early in 2022, even though the construction was not yet complete. Without that leadership, many of the park’s great community events would not have occurred this year. Discover Lafayette sends kudos to JP MacFadyen, Lenny Lemoine, and the entire board of Moncus Park for the gift you have given our community!

Lafayette natives have played a large role in the unique attractions at Moncus. Park. The designer of the water feature which evokes the unique character of our region, Jim Garland, is a UL-Lafayette grad who also designed the unique water feature at the Hilliard Art Museum. Jim’s early works included the design of the water features at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas.

JP and the team at Moncus have taken great strides to preserve cherished bits of the original Horse Farm. The original wood of the farm is incorporated into the Savoy Family treehouse which opened this year. It offers easy access for children of all ages to enjoy. The treehouse, designed by world-renowned designer Pete Nelson, is nestled within a Live Oak in the new Louisiana-swamped-themed play area.

Moncus Park’s Amphitheater seats 3000 plus people and was underwritten by First Horizon Bank.People always ask, “who owns the park, how was it purchased, and how is it maintained?” Moncus Park is a public/private park conservancy that operates in a manner similar to large parks in other urban cities such as Central Park in NYC or Audubon Park in New Orleans. The city of Lafayette owns the land which it purchased 10 years ago with the plan that Moncus park would run as a nonprofit supported by private donors, including people who are now joining as yearly members. Moncus Park has a 99-year lease but doesn’t get any tax dollars from the city of Lafayette. The State of Louisiana has contributed capital outlay dollars to build the restrooms and to upgrade the Farmers’ Market Pavillion.

Moncus Park officially opened in January 2022. Even though the construction wasn’t finalized, the board wanted to open the park for people, dogs, and kids…the best thing has been rolling down the big hill now known as “Orlando Mountain”….the highest place in Lafayette, 60 feet above sea level. People also love fishing in the ponds, bands playing at events, and quiet time during the day when you take a walk.

The amenities that have been underwritten by local families and corporations have made Moncus Park accessible to all of us. More than 42 free community programs are open to the public year-round, including yoga classes and Healthy Kids Acadiana, which focus on health and wellness, environment and nature, and arts and culture.

Orlando Mountain is the highest venue in Lafayette at sixty feet above sea level. The mountain is a popular attraction for all who want to get a birds-eye view of Lafayette overlooking the scenic Moncus Park grounds. MacFadyen says that “Moncus Park looks to create partnerships with other non-profits in three ways: (1) Educate in all things environmentally; (2) Use the park to teach best practices in health and wellness; and (3) Share the many arts and culture in our community.”

• Moncus Park is open seven days a week.
• The Park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• The Play Area is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Our Lady of Lourdes Interactive Water Adventure is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• All unimproved & unlit areas are open from sunrise to sunset.

Today, citizens in Acadiana are well-served by Moncus Park on every day of the week. For upcoming Christmas events, please see the links below for the magical wonderland open to you and your family during December 2022!

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Jason P. Reed, founder of New Bayou Books and the author of two recent novels set in Acadiana joined Discover Lafayette to share his goal of sparking a renaissance of new, modern fiction that features South Louisiana. 

A native of Eunice LA, Jason graduated from USL, served a stint with the Peace Corps, then joined the Air Force right after 9/11. He currently lives in Belgium where he works for the U. S. Department of Defense as a civilian.

Jason has an interesting and informed perspective on South Louisiana, especially after living away for so long. He says South Louisiana stands out as a “wonderfully weird, welcoming place in a country that is becoming ever more homogeneous.” Many native South Louisianians can take for granted how unique our region is.

He has found that people around the U. S. and internationally are hungry to know more about our part of the world. And to satisfy that hunger, Jason has found his calling to encourage other authors to write about contemporary life in South Louisiana. "In South Louisiana, we have our own food, our own music, we even have our own visual art, but we have work to do when it comes to modern, contemporary literature that speaks to the region. Certainly, there are giants in the field, such as James Lee Burke. But not many others that feature South Louisiana. To address that shortage, Jason founded New Bayou Books and is looking to partner with other writers to assist in publishing their works. "My calling is to be the guy who creates that spark that inspires the writers who may be the ones the next generation remembers. There are not nearly enough fictional stories about South Louisiana."

Jason P. Reed's first book, Tattoos and Tans, is about Curtis Laroux, a tattoo artist who had lived away for ten years and moved back to Eunice to open the town's first tattoo parlor, causing much consternation among local business owners. Jason established New Bayou Books to encourage writers to write about South Louisiana in contemporary times, not just a look back at historical events. Writers are encouraged to send Jason P. Reed their submissions at revolution@newbayoubooks.com.

Jason has set a goal for himself to write five books by his 50th birthday and expects to publish his third novel in early 2023.

"I believe in two things: 1) There are amazing, unknown writers hiding in the shadows of every parish in South Louisiana. I want to inspire them to get serious about their writing, and 2) There is a market for these books. Think about the advantage of buying locally. The market for South Louisiana literature is based upon the same premise."

Jason's main message for aspiring writers is, "You don't need permission to put your work out to the world. There are all sorts of inexpensive, even free publishing tools. When I wrote my first book, I was expecting to have to shop it around to publishers because that was the traditional way I learned in college. Today, there are no barriers to entering the market as an independent publisher."

And this sums up why he founded New Bayou Books: "I believe in the punk rock ethos of 'Do it yourself.' If it's worth doing, do it. Get involved and do something."

Jason P. Reed's second book, All Saints Day of the Dead, tells the story of Constance Miller who fled West Virginia and joined friends in Lafayette, Louisiana as they prepared for the annual Black Pot Festival and All Saints' Day. "All hell breaks loose on Halloween night and it takes a visiting Deacon from Vietnam, an ex-nun, and the boys from a Cajun band to pull Constance through." The cover was designed by his friend, Toby Frey. The book is available from New Bayou Books or on Amazon.

In closing, we thank Jason P. Reed for his passion for contemporary fictional literature and his drive to assist other writers in their journey. It is our pleasure to share his message: "There should be more literature that represents what life is like today in South Louisiana.

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Clarice Gallegos, Executive Director of Focus Clubhouse of Lafayette, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss her mission to help people with mental illness have a reason to get up in the morning, be around like-minded people, and have meaningful work to do.

Focus Clubhouse is a free membership community for people 18 years of age and older offering a nonclinical, safe, and enjoyable environment to people who suffer from a diagnosed mental illness. Members are provided opportunities for work, education, housing, wellness, and friendship and a chance to thrive with the support of their peers.

A great many adults who have serious mental illnesses experience repeated mental health crises resulting in frequent hospitalizations and encounters with law enforcement. Clarice struggled for years in her relationship with her son, Brian Boswell, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He had no real business skills, was homeless, in and out of shelters, and threatened suicide on two occasions.

It was in Miami that Brian found the Clubhouse model and it was there that he "finally felt that he had a sense of self and fit in." He started turning his life around through the help of the Key Clubhouse over the five years he was affiliated with the chapter. Now 48 years old, Brian moved back to Louisiana several years ago and encouraged Clarice to help him start a local chapter of Clubhouse; the Lafayette chapter is the only such Clubhouse in Louisiana.

Brian Boswell pictured with his mother, Clarice Gallegos. Brian moved back to Louisiana in 2016 and when he couldn't find a local Clubhouse, he said, "I'll just start one!" Incorporated in July 2018, Focus Clubhouse has about 20 active members, with 5 to 7 active participants on any given day. Clarice says, "Once you're a member, you are always a member."

The power of the Clubhouse International model is its effectiveness in keeping members out of crisis and on a path to recovery.  The Clubhouse Model began in 1948 in New York City and is currently being successfully used in over 300 locations in 30 countries around the world. It offers a proven method of psychiatric rehabilitation in a nonclinical setting.

"By coming to the Clubhouse, you receive love and understanding, gain a purpose, have people pushing you to believe in yourself and know that all things are possible. We say Grace every day at the Clubhouse because we're grateful to the One who has allowed us to be sustained."

Focus Clubhouse is open from 10 am to 3 pm on weekdays. Members are served lunch for $2.00 but Clarice emphasizes that if money is a problem, there is no charge. Chores such as sweeping, filing, and cooking lunch are handled by members alongside Clarice. Clarice is the rock of the organization, being there each day and ensuring that the Clubhouse operates smoothly.

Volunteers are encouraged as well as monetary contributions. Focus Clubhouse is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) so any donations are tax-deductible. It costs approximately $50 per day to support a member. For as little as $25, you can provide lunch for a member for two weeks. To learn more about ways you can help, please visit https://focusclubhouse.org/get-involved/

Focus Clubhouse is proud to have moved into its new, larger location at 1609 Johnston Street near UL-Lafayette to better serve its members.

We thank Clarice Gallegos for her heart and dedication to helping people who just need a break and a place to fit in. May God bless her and the members of Focus Clubhouse.

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Sally Scott Creed, a Licensed Professional Counselor who recently released the book, “For Crying Out Loud, The Benefit of Emotional Tears and the Movies That Bring Them On” joins Discover Lafayette to talk about why tears are necessary for emotional health. Her book has been in the making since 1998 when she had an epiphany about the role of tears in human emotional health. Sally Creed discovered that "letting out tears is a great way to release hurt, sadness, or any intense feeling and help us stay balanced."

Sally Creed's book, "For Crying Out Loud," provides a teaching tool as to (1) Why tears are necessary; (2) Why you need to allow your emotional tears to flow; (3) The best way to release your tears; and (4) A listing of 150 movies by ten categories (abandonment, childhood/family issues, grief and loss, tragedy and trauma, etc.) to help bring on the tears. The book is available on Amazon, Kindle, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble.

In practice for over thirty years, Sally specializes in play therapy with children as young as two years of age. She is also experienced in parenting issues, individual therapy for adolescents and adults, and grief and trauma issues.

As a young woman, Sally had always believed that people who cried were weak. But at a retirement party for a beloved professor in her department, she was the only one who wasn't crying at the thought of losing this mentor. A supervisor confronted her and spoke of the importance of tears and dealing with life's issues. Sally began to realize that she had used humor as a defense mechanism. And she was not alone; many people keep their emotions hidden by being the 'jokester' or are quiet and reserved, or rude and hateful toward others.

Sally's practice originally revolved around adult clients. But when she started working with children, her work was revolutionized as she witnessed the raw honesty of children. Infants cry when they experience pain or frustration as it's the only way they can express themselves. At some point, young ones learn to hold in their feelings or risk being labeled a crybaby. Sally says, "We are all grown children. And I learned that most people's problems started when they were little. When you understand how children are taught to stuff their feelings and not talk about them, you realize that most adults you work with have had bad things happen to them when they were children. We all wear masks."

Today, Sally Creed shares that "the saddest thing to me is that most adults have forgotten how to cry, or they do their best to suppress it, and the only emotion they will allow to surface is anger. I believe that expressing emotions through tears is a crucial part of our existence and helps us in not only emotional ways but also physical ways as well."

And science backs up Sally's professional opinion. The ability to cry emotionally is what separates the human race from the animal kingdom. Sally credits author William Frey and his book "Crying: The Mystery of Tears" for her understanding of the benefits of emotional tears. Frey did a study on two types of tears, irritant and emotional, and explained that while both animals and humans constantly produce a fluid called 'basal' or 'continuous' tears to keep the surface of the eye moist and prevent infection, only human emotional tears release a substance called manganese which has been implicated in mood alterations. Manganese is thirty times greater in tears than in blood serum. Sally says that "The reason people feel better after crying is that they may be removing chemicals that build up in their bodies during emotional stress. And sadly, as men do not cry as often as women, they develop many more stress-related diseases, and statistically, die earlier than women.

"I have learned to practice what I preach. I cannot stress enough the importance of emotional health. As someone who has made a career out of helping people regain their emotional health,

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Lori and Richard Hurst, owners of Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn, join Discover Lafayette to discuss their family business celebrating its 90th year in operation. Richard Hurst is a third-generation family member who has worked in the restaurant since he was four years old when he started peeling potatoes and shrimp.

Discover Lafayette is grateful for the support of Eat Lafayette and Lafayette Travel for the opportunity to highlight our local restaurants, starting with Poor Boy's Riverside Inn this month!

Pictured are Lori and Richard Hurst, owners of Poor Boy's Riverside Inn Restaurant. Lori says, "I am very passionate about eating local and shopping local. I want everyone who was born here to remember how blessed they are to have been born here. Remember we were voted 'Happiest City?' Of course, we're happy. We're eating Cajun food! We are so lucky to have this flair and everybody here knows how to cook with love! We have fun and our food tastes great and it catches every sense. Everybody should embrace our culture and share meals with their family at local restaurants. Let the restaurant cook, and serve you, and clean up for you. Come make memories!"

Lori Hurst is the public spokesperson promoting locally owned restaurants, serving as 2022 Chair of Eat Lafayette. The "water girl" of Poor Boy's Riverside Inn, Lori is passionate about sharing the many reasons we should all celebrate our Cajun culture.

Lori Hurst, chair of Eat Lafayette, says, "Restaurant people give so much back to the community. All those fundraisers...those are local restaurants supporting you. It's so important to eat locally. Support our local economy. You're missing out if you're not experiencing our local restaurants. Lafayette has so much to offer!

The Hursts are carrying on the rich legacy of Hulo “Poor Boy” Landry, who started Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn in 1932. As the Hursts tell it, Hulo used to hang out with his uncle at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans where he learned to cook by working with the guys in the kitchen. During the Depression, everyone brought something to the pot to make a meal to feed a crowd. Lori Hurst says back then you either put something on bread or added water to it to make a gumbo. "Poor Boy sandwiches" were a delicious meal outcome that originated in New Orleans and Hulo took a liking to them. He brought the concept back to Lafayette.

Larry Hurst, Richard and Lori Hurst along with their son, Christian, celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Poor Boy's Riverside Inn.

After developing an allergy to flour while working for Evangeline Maid bread and having to find employment to take care of his family, Hulo Landry opened a snowball business selling three snowcones for 5 cents during the Depression. A man who liked to eat, he packed a huge 'poor boy sandwich' lunch as he left home each day to sell his wares. His customers soon clamored for these sandwiches that no one in Lafayette had ever seen. Soon loyal customers convinced him to add his unique poor boy sandwiches to the snowball cart menu. And one benefactor, Judge Kaliste Saloom, helped Hulo open his first small restaurant on St. John Street in Lafayette so that people could sit down together and socialize while they ate his delicious food.

Hulo Landry pictured in 1932 in his first business enterprise, his snowball stand, which was the genesis of Poor Boy's Riverside Inn which has been in business for 90 years.

Success led Hulo to open up a larger restaurant in 1939 on the Vermilion River at Pinhook near the bridge. Originally known as Huff's Riverside Inn when he purchased the property, Hulo renamed it "Poor Boy's Riverside Inn" in recognition of the nickname given to him by his loyal patrons. The restaurant endured flood after flood, even the renowned flood of 1940 which closed it down for three months after the waters rose to the roof of the building. Lori Hurst recounted how Hulo had to abide by a city agreement to have his restaurant work...

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Chris Gondran, Senior Vice President and Director of Information Security for Home Bank, guides us on how to protect ourselves from internet identity thieves.

Chris earned an MBA from UL – Lafayette and has earned several industry certifications in Information Systems Security. His career has been built on helping others keep their assets safe. We're grateful to Home Bank for bringing us this much-needed message during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

It seems so often we’re either getting bogus texts or emails from someone trying to hack our personal account data or reading about data breaches occurring while others fail to protect their customer databases. We can all agree that the days of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are long gone, yet criminals are still "robbing the bank" as we all find ourselves vulnerable to cyber security thieves!

Cybersecurity is the protection of digital information systems. Chris says he "likens it to anything connected to the internet. Emails, cloud applications, and or a wire transfer such as an ACH payment."

We are more vulnerable than ever before. Protecting your username and passwords is a critical step. It's a 'no-no' to use the same passwords for all of your online accounts. Think of all the accounts you use: Facebook, LinkedIn, your bank account, your car note, paying the electric bill, etc. Your information can end up on the dark net, a parallel internet that criminals use to sell your data to hackers. So if your Facebook account is hacked, the criminals will take that combination of username and password and attempt to use it on all your other online accounts. Chris says that criminals have sophisticated automated computer systems and subscription software they can use to run thousands of log-in data info at any given time. Visit ic3.gov to file a complaint with the FBI (IC3) if you believe you have been the victim of an Internet crime or if you want to file on behalf of another person you believe has been such a victim; the site is also a treasure trove of information of scams and crimes being committed throughout the U. S.

October is CyberSecurity Awareness Month. It is an important reminder that human error is the biggest cause of cybersecurity breaches and we must stay on high alert. Responsibility and accountability for our online information rest upon each of us. Criminals are outthinking us all the time. There are even companies that offer malicious tools as a service. Bad actors who know nothing about hacking can go on the dark web, buy a database of email addresses and download them into software that will do the hacking for them. Chris Gondran noted that some of these companies are so big they have HR departments.

What motivates Cybercriminal activity? The most popular is financial gain, followed by people holding grudges against you (former employee or girlfriend/boyfriend), and espionage (foreign countries who disagree with our policies and just want to hurt the enemy via cybersecurity means).

Chris says "it's always a cat-and-mouse game between the security world and the criminals. Once they realize what we're doing to bypass them, they figure out new ways to get around it."

Criminals use various methods to trick us and use deception to get us to perform an action contrary to our best interests. What to look for in "social engineering?" "Vishing" is the use of voice messages, "smishing" is the use of text messages, and "phishing" is an email....all of which are utilized to reel us in for a scam. Scammers will send out 100,000s of messages knowing that a small percentage of people who receive them will be vulnerable and accept the bait. If you get a message that you question, tell the person you'll call them back. Then check it out, particularly if it is unsolicited. Log into your account if you get a suspicious email about an account; chances are the message is spam. Do not click links or open attachments within unsolicited emails or text m...

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State Senator Fred Mills, chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, joins Discover Lafayette to talk about recent news concerning the effectiveness of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services ("DCFS"), in particular Child Protective Services, after recent news of the deaths of two toddlers, each two years of age. One died following his third fentanyl overdose and the other was found in a trash can after dying from blunt force trauma.

These tragic deaths caused the operations of DCFS to come under intense scrutiny as legislators pushed for answers. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee is calling a series of oversight meetings every six weeks to discuss and monitor the agency's handling of child welfare cases. Senator Mills says the purpose of the oversight is to have DCFS come up with a game plan for improvement, provide a timeline to achieve their goals, and also inform on the return on investment in changes made.

Chronic underfunding has left the agency short-staffed for years with the budget being slashed under the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal. Senator Mills also says that current and former employees report that the agency's environment is 'toxic" and staffers are working 17 to 18 hours per day. There is a 25% attrition rate at DCFS yet only about 7.8% report leaving over pay issues; people leave because of work conditions. Employees report that supervisors at high levels don't understand what caseworkers in the field experience. Mills did note that there has been conflicting testimony from supervisors who say they are working to put all hands on deck to address the shortage of staff.

DCFS receives about 100,000 calls per year from physicians, teachers and laypeople reporting potential cases of abuse with about 20,000 of those calls turning into cases to be handled. With high-risk Level 1 reports of abuse, DCFS has a statutory mandate to react within 24 hours and staff members report that there is not enough manpower to handle the volume as well as these mandated timelines. With 400 authorized jobs not being filled currently, each case worker is pushed to the maximum. In 2008, DCFS had 5,242 employees; in 2021 it had 3,561 full-time workers.

Senator Mills reports that the majority of the calls requesting help for children are from the East Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. August and September of each year see a huge spike in calls to DCFS as children are returning back to school and teachers and physicians interact with the young ones. Senator Mills gets many calls from grandparents asking for help as they witness their grandchildren struggling in abusive environments; their own children (the parent) may be on drugs, the family is dysfunctional, and the children are in danger. They ask, "What can we do?"

The average entry-level age of a caseworker is 35 as DCFS experiences trouble hiring people right out of college. The Senate Oversight Committee asked if outreach in all 64 parishes was being done to recruit through special job fairs and working with local economic development agencies. There has also been talk of modifying job requirements to be able to entice people to come to work. Currently, a social worker degree is required but older workers who have been with DCFS for 30 to 40 years say they have no degree, just experience and a great passion for the work. These older, seasoned workers feel DCFS is spending too much time trying to recruit based on education when the agency is unable to fill positions. They say, "If you have attrition and can't fill positions, what you're offering is not selling."

DCFS is working to add a team approach to handling cases and reports of abuse. Importantly, a medical component to assist the caseworkers was reported this week as 50 positions are to be filled to add nurses to make home visits to families where the infants were exposed to drugs in utero. Senator Mills also said that retired law enforcement officials could be hired t...

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Toby Aguillard, Roya Boustany, and Jules Edwards III met on October 13, 2022, at a forum sponsored by the Lafayette Parish Bar Association. Each had the opportunity to discuss their unique qualifications to serve as our newest Lafayette City Court Judge.

The Bar Association did not endorse any candidate and Discover Lafayette does not either; we are proud to make this forum available to the general public so that Lafayette residents can make an informed decision upon exercising their right to vote.

The election will take place on November 8. Early voting takes place at the Registrar of Voters Office from October 25 through November 1, 2022, from 8:30 am to 6 pm, excluding Sunday.

Each candidate offers extensive legal experience and a passion for public service. In this audience populated by local attorneys, the questions were a bit more technical than in a usual forum yet this podcast will give our listeners a chance to hear what drives each candidate.

Toby Aguillard has always felt called to public service. As a young man, he graduated from St. Joseph’s Seminary College, a Benedictine college and monastery in Covington, then followed his heart when he realized that marriage was important to him. He served as Lafayette City Police Chief under former Mayor-President Joel Robideaux. Toby worked as Deputy Sheriff for the Cameron and East Baton Rouge Sheriffs' offices and following graduation from Southern University Law Center as a prosecutor in the DA's office in Cameron Parish and the Louisiana Attorney General's Office. He served as director of the Internet Crimes Division of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately prior to his appointment as Chief in Lafayette. In order to build trust in the Lafayette community, he continued the community outreach program initially begun under former Deputy Chief Reginald Thomas, where officers walked door to door to meet with residents; he believes that these community outreach sessions gave him unique insights into how to deal with City Court litigants.

"My biggest challenge serving as Lafayette City Police Chief was the day that we lost Officer Michael Middlebrook. Everything came after that. There was an immediate firestorm over insurance benefits for his family. There were 300 police officers who were angry that Michael Middlebrook gave his life and his family lost their benefits immediately. It was about negotiating with the City Council and the Mayor-President to negotiate the issue. The Police Union was down my back and it was an extremely difficult time. But in a few days, we were able to smooth it out. I had to take a strong leadership role, telling my guys, 'You have to trust me.' And they did. My experience working with the budget as Chief will also be of great value to the City Court." Toby Aguillard

Roya Boustany, the youngest candidate at 36 years of age and a graduate of Southern University Law Center, serves as a Chief Felony Prosecutor for District Attorney Don Landry. She recounted how she always wanted to be a prosecutor and wants to give both victims and defendants a voice. One young victim of rape at the age of 11 left a lasting impression upon Roya as the young girl stated that Roya was the first person to ever listen to her. Roya stays busy in court and has prosecuted many felony criminal cases, including those involving the gamut from theft to rape and murder. She previously served as Public Defender. Roya is extremely involved in leadership positions in the community, serving as President-elect of Junior League of Lafayette, President of the Lafayette Young Lawyers Association, a graduate of Leadership Lafayette XXXII, and Acadiana Center for the Arts Board member, among many other activities.

"I've handled thousands of cases as a prosecutor in my career. The judge needs to be an open-minded, fair, equitable, caring, and compassionate person. That is what we all want and expect. You expect someone to listen to you,

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This is a re-release of our interview originally conducted with Ceci Neustrom in May 2022. Since our first interview, Ceci celebrated her body of work by unveiling two new portraits representing the Bergeron and Trahan families at the Hilliard Art Museum on October 12, 2022. We thought it was fitting to once again share her beautiful story during this week of Festivals Acadiens de Creoles in Lafayette.

Ceci never pictured herself as an artist. Growing up as an older daughter in a family of 13 children in Mississippi, Ceci was a nurturer who took care of things…she cooked, sewed, and cleaned. “Art was never a part of my life.” We taped this episode at the offices of BBR Creative with owner, Cherie Hebert, who has supported Ceci’s art.

Ceci graduated from USL and married football star Michael Neustrom, who eventually served as Lafayette Parish Sheriff for 16 years. They have made a good team and are the proud parents of six children.

A native of Mississippi, Ceci studied to become an educator, and then found her career evolving into being a landman, or as she became known, a “landmam.”

For decades, she researched the ownership of land and mineral rights of families in South Louisiana and became immersed in the interconnectedness of the Acadian families in our region. Her work in the local courthouses inspired her to learn more about the families who had settled here after the 1755 expulsion of Acadians who had become owners of vast expanses of land in our region. She’d sit at their kitchen tables or on their farms and get to know their stories as she figured out who owned mineral rights to the properties their families had settled on generations before.

Then, at the age of 55, her husband Mike gave her the gift of art lessons with Pat Soper, an acclaimed local art teacher and painter. Ceci had no inkling that she herself had artistic talent and had only doodled before she took up classes. She was angry with Mike for putting her in a position to fail. But, she didn’t fail, soaring once she tapped into her dormant ability to paint. She ended up as a resident artist at the renowned Art Studio League in New York City. Ceci found that she loved the experience of creating, of “joining in the experience of creation with our maker. It felt to me like a miracle that I could do this. I didn’t believe that I could do this.”

Chief Judge James McKay of the 4th Circuit convinced Ceci Neustrom to paint his portrait. This work set her on the path to loving the art of portraiture, of capturing the essence of the human form. “I discovered figure painting. It’s what spoke to my heart.” Judge McKay played football at USL with Ceci’s husband, Mike Neustrom, in the 1970’s.

Ceci has grown as an artist and has since created breathtakingly beautiful oil portraits of locals, as well of present-day descendants of Acadian settlers who arrived in south Louisiana in the mid-1700s. She has named this the “Acadian Heritage Series.”

To date, her work showcases the Babineaux, Bergeron, Breaux, Broussard, Comeaux, Guidry, Hebert, LeBlanc, Prejean, and Trahan families.

While many of us are familiar with events surrounding the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in 1755, paintings depicting that era always seem to include large groups of people, not individuals affected by the tragedy.

Ceci’s oil portraits draw you in and make things real. You can feel the strength and the grit, of the Acadians who survived and thrived. It’s hard to explain the energy that surrounds these paintings that honor our region’s Acadian lineage.

Ceci was helped greatly by local experts in the Acadian culture. Cheryl Perret helped Ceci get started in identifying Acadian families who might participate in her series. Special thanks go to Mary and Warren Perrin of the Acadian Museum for their historical knowledge. Suzanne Breaux also was of great help, who is a fiber specialist,

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Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his career and the scope of responsibilities of his office. He is the 27th Sheriff to serve Lafayette and has served in that capacity since January 2016.

A native of Iota, Sheriff Garber graduated from LSU-BR and SMU Law School in Dallas. While in undergrad school, he worked with the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher before moving up to corrections. He then worked as a game warden with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sheriff Garber joined the City of Arlington, TX Police Department where he spent ten years, being chosen for the prestigious motorcycle unit. He also gained enforcement experience in patrol, traffic enforcement, field training, police sniper, and SWAT (Special Operations).

It was while Sheriff Garber worked in Arlington that he realized he wanted a Ph.D. level education and pursued law studies. He jokingly recalled if he knew how hard it would be to juggle so many responsibilities he may not have chosen law school; but he did well and looked at each law course as a financial investment as he had to put himself through school, not qualifying for assistance due to his income as a police officer.

Sheriff Garber next served in the U. S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations as a Civilian Special Agent, Criminal Investigator in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star Medal for his actions. His time in Iraq included deployment as a Battlefield Interrogator which put him in the war zone alongside frontline shooters. He recounted that he spent several tough weeks at Fort Huachuca in Arizona learning prescribed interrogation techniques and was able to meld them with his own experiences and talents from serving in law enforcement.

On his service in Iraq, Sheriff Mark Garber said, "Your perspective changes when you work with people who are getting killed. You want to survive and you want to protect each other. That's what the goal is. But I never saw circumstances where torture would produce reliable information to give to a ground commander that could be trusted. I preferred other methods. My role was to give advice and to get senior leadership of al-Qaeda taken out."

Upon returning to the U. S. Sheriff Garber continued service with the U. S. Secret Service, then returned to Lafayette where he served as an Assistant DA prosecuting felonies for the 15th JDC before being elected in 2015 to serve as Sheriff. This year, in 2022, Sheriff Garber became an FBI National Academy Graduate.

Lafayette's Sheriff is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Parish under the Louisiana Constitution. The Sheriff shares jurisdictions with the other cities' police departments (Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Lafayette, Scott, Youngsville.) Its Narcotics Division works extensively with the Lafayette City Police Department. When needed, the other police departments call upon the Sheriff for assistance and resources.

"What are our core functions to serve the community? We incarcerate people. We investigate crimes. We answer calls for service. These are the three pillars of our service that directly influence and affect safety. Safety is our basic need and you can't engage in commerce or education until you are secure. That's our #1 concern."

When Sheriff Garber took office in 2016, there were 900 prisoners being housed in the downtown Jail, a facility designed to hold about 300. "People were sleeping in unsecured common areas. The overcrowding led to health issues and staff morale was low. Garber implemented strict protocols to turn around the situation and improve safety for all. Today the jail holds approximately 600 prisoners and the Sheriff's Annex can hold about 150 individuals.

We spoke of the backlog of untried criminal cases as a result of the COVID shutdown. Garber pointed out that Pre-Covid, these cases were already way behind, and then the district court was shut down for 18 months.

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Dr. Jeffrey Joseph, otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon of Acadian ENT joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his 29-year career in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Joseph works with a team of other ENT specialists and staff, including Drs. Bradley Chastant and Ryan Chastant.  Their practice recently merged with Camellia ENT, which has been in operation since 1990, and now includes Drs. David Foreman, Lane Anzalone, and Jimmy White.

Dr. Joseph has been seeing patients in Southwest Louisiana since 1993. His professional acumen in performing rhinoplasty and rejuvenation surgery on the aging face has made him well-known and in demand in our community. He is also known nationally and in 2003, Dr. Joseph was the only Louisiana facial plastic surgeon included in the book "The Beauty Makers" featuring talented facial plastic surgeons in the U. S.

A native of Crowley, his father owned Emile Joseph Menswear in the Northgate Mall and in the South College Shopping Center. Dr. Joseph was always interested in medicine since he was a young boy, and followed the advice of his best friend's dad, the late Nolan Edwards, who told him if he was going to be a doctor, he should be a plastic surgeon because he liked to draw and paint. "I started thinking this would be a good avenue for me to do the two things that I'm most passionate about, taking care of people and drawing and painting!"

At Acadian ENT, each doctor has their own niche and you have plastic surgery options as well as treatment for allergy and sinus issues, hearing loss, and hearing aid and cochlear implants. Patients have access to skincare and facial treatments, and innovative laser procedures. The full suite of services offered include • Allergy Center • Skincare Center • Hearing & Balance Center • Facial Plastics Center • Radiological services / CT Scan • Onsite pharmacy • Onsite surgical suite • Hearing aid repair options. In particular, Dr. Joseph is proud to offer a convenient onsite CT scanner so that patients don't have to go to another facility to get a scan taken. Dr. Joseph practices at their office at 1000 W. Pinhook Rd, Suite 201 and the South Lafayette location is at 1039 Camellia Blvd. Acadian ENT also has offices in Kaplan and Crowley.

While Acadian ENT offers a full array of skin care services, Dr. Joseph gives simple advice to take care of your skin and avoid unnecessary damage. "Wash with soap such as Purpose or Cetaphil. Use sunscreen and a topical Vitamin C or retinol product. It all starts with taking care of your skin and protecting yourself from the sun. Consistency with good products is the key."

Dr. Joseph won't operate on smokers and he works to try to get people to their ideal weight prior to surgery to obtain the best results. The most requested "anything" is people wanting to look like a Kardashian. Many of his patients have had skin cancer removed and need reconstruction of their face post-Mohs surgery to restore symmetry.

While most plastic surgeons perform 12 to 20 facelifts a year, Dr. Joseph performs over 100, which is a lot for a town of our size. While surgery can cause immense bruising and discoloration for the first few days, Dr. Joseph follows up with his patients every day for the first five days to check the healing process and give an accurate assessment to the patients as to how well they are healing. On the fifth day, stitches are removed and the patient's hair is washed in the office. Most bruising is gone by the 7th day and by the 10th-day post-surgery, the typical patient can get out and about. Supplements such as arnica and bromelain work wonders to keep bruising and swelling under control. And more common sense advice from the doc: Vicks salve (Vaporub) helps with bruising for anyone....surgery or not.

With 29 years of experience, Dr. Jeffrey Joseph has seen his practice evolve. Focusing on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, his advice to potential patients is "Don't pick the proced...

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Our guest is Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the 54th person to serve the State of Louisiana in this capacity.

Billy Nungesser's drive to rebuild the tourism industry of Louisiana as we exit the pandemic is admirable, and we are well on the way to breaking the historic number of visitors we experienced in 2019 right before the pandemic. "In 2019, over 53 million people visited Louisiana leaving behind $1.9 billion in tax dollars, over $1,100 for each Louisiana family. By 2023, we'll be back to record-breaking numbers, In Louisiana, we treat strangers like family. You leave Louisiana with a friend for life and you keep coming back. Especially in the Acadiana region."

Billy brings a unique joie de vivre to his position. Enthusiastic and hard-working, he became nationally known 12 years ago when serving as President of Plaquemines Parish in the aftermath of one of the biggest environmental disasters in history, the BP Oil Spill. He became the voice of Louisiana’s frustration and the New York Times named him the "hardest working man in Louisiana."

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser pictured hunting with South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pam Evette in Louisiana swamps, 2022

Never seeing himself as a politician, Billy and his wife were living in Plaquemines Parish where they had built a riding center for special needs kids. With the 26 horses (and a few donkeys) they offered, he said, "We watched miracles happen in these young lives who had been wheelchair-bound." He also was a rancher with 400 head of cattle and 200 head of elk and had a successful business converting shipping containers into offshore living quarters.

When Katrina hit in 2005, Billy found himself not only with animals to rescue, but neighbors who were stranded with no help. He took in 30 people who lived with him for months. Commissioner Agriculture Mike Strain's dad and uncle, who were in the cattle business with him, lived with him for a year after Katrina, rescuing animals. "I never saw a politician come by. I got so aggravated that people were left on their own." He got angry enough to run for Plaquemines Parish President and won. He became a voice of Louisiana and its people.

Billy Nungesser in the aftermath of the 2010 BP oil spill which was one of the biggest environmental disasters in U. S. history, leaving so many birds dead and destroying our seafood industry along the coast.

Billy was elected to serve as our Lt. Governor in 2016. The Office of Lieutenant Governor oversees many departments, with its main responsibility being Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, overseeing state parks and nine museums. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is also an important focus, as Lt. Gov. Nungesser strives to build awareness in our citizens of the importance of cleaning up our state.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser spoke highly of Matt Stuller and his initiative, Parish Proud, for its heroic efforts to clean up Lafayette Parish and end the habit of littering. We can all do our part to pitch in and change our culture. For more information on Parish Proud, visit https://parishproud.org/

He also believes that the Historical Preservation and Revitalization of Downtowns throughout Louisiana is of critical importance. For an overview of grants and tax incentives, visit https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/historic-preservation/main-street/.

As a former Parish President of Plaquemines, Billy shared the importance of all businesses, strip malls, and restaurants putting out trash bins so that it is easy to dispose of trash. "When I was Parish President, we put out 20 trash cans along Hwy. 23 at an angle where people could throw their trash from their cars. 90% of garbage went into the trash cans or near enough so that it was easy to dispose of." He shared that less than 17% of our people actually litter. "It's time to clean up our state just as you clean up your home when you invite people over. Hopefully one day we won't have to spend millions to pick up trash.

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We’re joined by Dr. Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist and Endowed Chair at UL- Lafayette B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration.

This is Dr. Wagner's second interview, the first having been conducted in March of 2020, right before the pandemic shut down things for a while and threw the employment market a curve ball unlike any other.

The pandemic recession was historic. Dr. Wagner always tracks economic data and was taken aback by the number of job losses we saw in a short period of time, saying, "It was like nothing we had seen in 80 to 100 years."

Thankfully, the U. S. has regained all the jobs that were lost. Lafayette has done very well in the past six months compared to the rest of Louisiana, with many job gains in the healthcare sector. The oil and gas sector has not lost jobs but is still hovering at about 13,000, where we were at the end of 2014 when the bottom fell out of the market.

With oil and gas still being the highest-paying job field in Louisiana, the state of this industry is of crucial concern. Dr. Wagner reflected on the mid-1980s when the energy industry peaked and constituted one-third of Louisiana's economy; 33 cents of every dollar earned at that time was tied to oil and gas. Today, it's 1%. In Dr. Wagner's view, "We're now seeing the consequences of antiquated tax policies put in place decades ago which are not conducive to attracting business. By historically relying upon oil and gas production as a captive resource with our tax system built around that commodity," we can expect stagnant business conditions.

Southern states tend to rely upon sales taxes rather than property taxes, which in Dr. Wagner's view is a less stable and regressive way to tax citizens. He prefers to see a property tax as the main source of revenue as it is more stable and less impactful on lower-income individuals who end up spending a bigger chunk of their income on taxes when they purchase basic commodities.

Healthcare is driving job growth in Acadiana and is our top employer along with education, with 20% of our jobs coming from these two sectors. Six percent of our local economy is oil and gas related. Wagner noted that our region recovered very quickly after the hit it took in late 2014. "It says a lot about our people as not many regions have bounced back after such a blow to their economies."

With UL-Lafayette now being designated as a Carnegie R1 university (top-tier research institution), Lafayette and the surrounding region have much to celebrate. Dr. Wagner said this recognition will attract talented people and not just academics who want to work for UL. Lafayette will be viewed as a hub for creativity, talent, and innovation. Innovation is what drives a region. Other metro areas that have R1 universities, such as Austin, Columbus OH, and Raleigh/Durham, have all grown exponentially and are known for attracting talent. He noted that he could think of only two thriving metro areas that don't have R1 universities: Boise, Idaho has Hewlett Packard and attracts top talent; and Rochester, Minnesota has the Mayo Clinic and is a medical hub.

"Lafayette is a great place to live with a great university. I've worked at other R1 universities and I've never seen in other places the connection that our people have here to the university such as UL does. The community support for UL-Lafayette is amazing. And what a great place to live! People can work remotely anywhere now and have options as to where they can live. We have a very unique culture compared to the rest of the country and could become a bedroom community for Houston and other thriving metro areas. We can capitalize on our quality of life."

Inflation is the biggest problem we're facing today. He doesn't predict much growth into next year due to inflation. While people saved at record levels during the early stage of the pandemic due to uncertainty about the future, the stimulus package spurred spending at high levels,...

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Dr. Malcolm Stubbs, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the latest technique to restore mobility to patients with degenerative hip issues.

In particular, we discuss the ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) robotic hip surgery procedure that Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital has recently added.

Dr. Stubbs graduated from LSU and LSU School of Medicine where he served as Chief Resident in orthopedic surgery. After completing a fellowship at the Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, he served as a staff orthopedic surgeon in the U. S. Air Force. Today, he practices at the Lafayette Bone and Joint Clinic and performs arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, shoulder reconstruction and replacement, and hip and knee replacement surgery at the physician-owned Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital.

When Dr. Stubbs graduated from medical school in 1993, arthroscopic surgery on the knee was rather commonplace; he says that "The move to minimally invasive surgeries was kicked off by the early pioneers of arthroscopic surgery of the knee. Thereafter, arthroscopic procedures advanced to repair the shoulder, and today, surgical practices have evolved to include this minimally invasive surgery on the hip, elbow, and almost every part of the body.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, surgeons and engineers worked together to develop robotic surgery, which has only become commonplace in the last decade. A robotic device is an additional tool to enhance the procedure for hip and knee replacement as the robot and robotic arms help guide the surgeon in making accurate and precise cuts to the bone while performing replacement surgery. The surgeon is still performing the surgery, but with the help of the robot, the procedure is conducted with more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques.

Robotic procedures have been shown to be highly effective in avoiding misalignment and getting a tight fit based on the individual's anatomy. While the procedure is still relatively new, the expected outcome is that robotic procedures will improve the longevity of prostheses and lead to better outcomes for patients. Already, studies are showing a reduction in patient pain and reduced length of hospital stays.

Most people are leery about having hip replacement surgery and before it occurs, all other alternatives such as weight loss, physical therapy, medicine, and exercises such as yoga have typically been tried to no avail. In the past, the most common approach used to perform total hip replacement was a posterior hip replacement, where the surgeon would make the incision at the back of the hip close to the buttocks.

With the newer direct anterior approach (front of the hip) developed in the past few years, patients' abductor muscles that operate around the hip joint are better protected from the damage caused by cutting, and patients are able to get up and walk quicker with less pain when these muscles aren't violated.

With ROSA (robotic surgical assisted) hip procedure surgery using a direct anterior approach, Dr. Malcolm Stubbs says it "makes a better approach even better! Patients say, 'Doc, I wish I had had this surgery sooner." Hip replacement surgeries are occurring in more and more younger patients in their 50s and some in their 40s, and Dr. Stubbs isn't sure if this is a result of an increase in arthritic conditions or the improved prostheses which make for better surgical outcomes. Whatever the case may be, this ROSA hip minimally-invasive surgical procedure has been shown to reduce patient pain and length of hospital stays.

Dr. Stubbs' clinic, the Lafayette Bone and Joint Clinic, is affiliated with Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital, a physician-owned hospital. Dr. Stubbs is one of 34 physician owners. He emphasized that other physicians who want to utilize this specialty hospital...

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Donielle Watkins, Co-Director of the D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation of Acadiana, joins us to discuss her passion for helping individuals with special needs have access to fun and enriching activities.  

Donielle and her husband, Brian, founded D.R.E.A.M.S. in 2008, so that their son, Logan, who was born with spina bifida, could participate in activities and sports along with other kids with special needs. "DREAMS began when we were sitting at a baseball game one day and Logan looked over at us and asked, 'When am I going to get to play?' It stopped us in our tracks."

Logan Watkins was the inspiration behind the DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana. His indomitable spirit is a source of joy for all who know him.

There were no organized sports activities of any kind for children with special needs. Donielle found a program that had had some success up North and established a Little League with fifty kids with special needs. After the ball game was over, Logan looked at his mom and asked, "When does basketball start?" Logan just wanted to be like every other kid.

The acronym, D.R.E.A.M.S., stands for Disability, Resources, Education, Activities, Management, and Services. DREAMS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit serving 700 kids in Lafayette, Vermilion, Iberia, and St. Martin Parishes. Participants enjoy year-round activities such as basketball, softball, soccer, bowling, gardening, cheer, dance, music therapy, swimming, art, theater, and fitness classes.

It boggled Donielle's mind how fast DREAMS grew. Many volunteers stepped up to offer arts, gardening, and sports activities. Individuals such as Damon Vincent of TrainUnique have even gone on to open a professional gym for people with special needs and provide for his family.

DREAMS welcomes all and has participants from five years of age to 60 years of age, with many having Downs syndrome, autism, or cerebral palsy.

"When you have a child with special needs, you accept certain things. He'll never play football. You accept that it's a new way of life. But who doesn't accept it? Little Logan. When we were sitting at a baseball game one day and he looked over at us and asked, 'When am I going to play?' it stopped us in our tracks."

With a small budget, Donielle works hard to spread the word of DREAMS' work. Many people who would benefit don't know DREAMS exists. The 2010 Census indicated that 12,000 individuals in Lafayette parish would benefit from this service. The need is great and there is much work to be done.

With a full-time job as an accountant, Donielle Watkins spends all of her spare time working to grow the reach of DREAMS. Her husband and Co-Director of DREAMS, Brian, is a special education teacher at St. Thomas More high school in the Options program; In 2014, Brian was awarded Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Governor’s Office for Special Needs.

D.R.E.A.M.S. Manufacturing Company has recently been established to create jobs for individuals with special needs in the Lafayette community. This work was jump-started by a $25,000 grant from the La. Department of Revenue and a donation of $5,000 to pay for wrapping the food truck. Currently staffed by 21 employees with unique needs, they manufacture ten different types of Kane River Meat Pies that are baked and sold at 12 grocers across Acadiana. At special events where they bring the food truck, you can purchase 2 stuffed pies and chips for $10.00 Donielle loves to bring the meat pies to businesses and will pre-contract with businesses that have 50 or more employees to bring the truck for lunches. "Eventually we'll be the Subway of meat pies," Donielle says. With tempting offerings such as boudin & cheese, spicy Mediterranean beef, and chicken alfredo, she may just be right!

Donielle's long-term goal is to build Unity Village Community, a safe, independent living space for people 18 years old and up with special needs. She has worked on this for years and of course,

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Dr. Rachel Pruchno, the author of Beyond Madness, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss how 11.2 million adults and 1.9 million children (statistics as of 2017) live with serious mental illness and how their families have a front-row seat to the ravages of serious mental illness as they try to make their way in the world. Mental illness can manifest at all stages of life, from within the womb to much later in life.

Dr. Pruchno is a mental health professional with a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies. Her book details her own experience with her mother, who suffered from mental illness and committed suicide, as well as her adopted daughter who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Her mission is to help get rid of the stigma of mental illness and encourage people to speak up as they share resources and reach out to others for help. It is imperative to obtain early treatment as it helps the long-term results for the patient.

Beyond Madness is an urgent book addressing what Pruchno sees as a serious lack of information and resources for families as well as people in helping professions like teachers, clergy, and police.” I think that people need to be prepared for a long journey to find good care." says Pruchno. "But I think what's really important — and I wish I had known that at the time — is that you're not alone. You're not the only person going through this."

Dr. Rachel Pruchno's book, Beyond Madness, may be purchased on Amazon here, as well at Barnes and Noble and other major book retailers.

Even though Dr. Pruchno is a psychologist, she didn't readily know who to reach out to when her adopted daughter developed a serious mental illness. Sadly, there is a shortage of psychiatrists in the U. S. as many are retiring and they aren't being replaced.

Pruchno is driven to share her knowledge and to encourage people to speak up with friends, family, neighbors, and health professionals as they endeavor to find treatment for their loved ones. Many people stay quiet due to fear of the stigma of mental illness and the thinking that their family is the only one suffering. Pruchno admits that she never spoke openly with her friends about the mental illness in her family, even her psychologist friends, and wonders now how her life might have been easier if she had done so.

"After all the work I've done, I believe it's the odd family that doesn't have mental illness in it. It may be a nephew or a cousin if not one of your close family members. It's so prevalent and we've buried it for so long. I want people to learn from my own struggles. I've tried to make sense of it and Beyond Madness is written for lay people, for people who need it."

In the United States, approximately half of all people with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive disorders, do not get treatment. Many rely upon alcohol and illicit substances to deal with their symptoms.

Nearly a quarter of adults with a serious mental illness meet the criteria for substance use disorder. Relative to the general population, people with serious mental illnesses are 4.6 times more likely to be smokers, 4.0 times more likely to be heavy alcohol users, 3.5 times more likely to be heavy marijuana users, and 4.6 times more likely to use recreational drugs. Among adolescents who had experienced a major depressive episode within the past year, the proportion who used illicit drugs was more than twice as high (33.0%) as that for youth who had not had a depressive episode (15.2%). Adolescents with a past-year major depressive episode also were more likely than those without an episode to use marijuana, nonprescribed psychotherapeutics, inhalants, and hallucinogens.

Psychology Today has a website (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists) to help you find a psychiatrist in your area. With many doctors not accepting new patients, it can take a while to get in and Dr.

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Tracy Wirtz, Manager of Public/Media Relations for Cox, joined Discover Lafayette to talk about Cox’s participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program which can save money on eligible consumers’ internet bills.

In November 2021, Congress passed an infrastructure bill creating the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which directed $14.2 billion to help low-income consumers connect to high-speed Internet. Eligible households with active internet service with Cox will receive up to $30 off their monthly bill for their internet service and equipment (or up to $75 if they live in a tribal area).

A household may qualify if they have Cox Connect2Compete Internet or Lifeline Phone plus Internet.

A household may also qualify if they are enrolled in other eligible government assistance programs, including:

Free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Federal Public Housing (including Section 8, Multi-family units, and Public Housing Authorities)Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)Head StartPell Grant recipient for the current academic yearTribal Programs (and proof of living on tribal lands) including:o    Any of the programs listed aboveo    Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistanceo    Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)o    Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservationso    Tribal Head Start (for those who meet the Head Start income qualifying standard)MedicaidSupplemental Security Income (SSI)Veterans Pension & Survivors BenefitsProof income is 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines (three consecutive pay stubs or a tax return). Note: 200% of federal poverty guidelines is approximately $53,000 for a family of four. You can look up the income maximum for your household at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/federal-poverty-guidelines/

To determine if you are eligible, visit https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/affordable-connectivity-program.html You may be asked to verify your identity using your mobile phone number and your date of birth or by uploading your driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. You may also need to provide documentation of income, unemployment status, or participation in one of the government assistance programs listed above.

Cox is also participating in PCs for People where eligible households which do not have a computer can receive a one-time discount of $100 on refurbished laptops or desktop computers (while supplies last). Cell phones are not included in this offer as the intent is to assist people in getting a keyboard for work or school activities and reach their full potential through digital technology.

Tracy joined Cox a year ago after spending more than three decades in radio and television broadcasting, most notably on KATC TV3 and KLFY TV10. She focuses on community relations, media relations, employee engagement, and charitable giving opportunities for Cox.

Tracy Wirtz is well-known in our community, having worked in television and radio for over 30 years. She started working for Cox on August 23, 2021, and the following weekend, Hurricane Ida hit. As a broadcaster experienced in crisis communication, she understands that people need information. "They're asking, what now? Working on the other side, in this space, has been invigorating and eye-opening."

Cox Enterprises is a fourth-generation family-owned company started in 1898 by James M. Cox. Through its major divisions, Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, they are leaders in the communications and automotive industries with national brands including Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Cox Homelife.

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Dr. Kip Schumacher, founder of the Schumacher Group (now SCP Health), one of the largest healthcare management companies in the U. S., joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his medical career journey and creation of the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation which funds charitable initiatives focused on improving quality of life, education, crisis response, and healthcare measures. Erica Ray, Director of Operations for the foundation, also joined us.

Kip is a Lafayette native, having attended Hamilton Elementary School and Lafayette High. He graduated from USL (now UL-Lafayette) and LSU Medical School.

A successful entrepreneur at an early age, Kip made costume jewelry from brass, silver, and gold wire to fund his higher education. His creations caught the eye of Barbara Abdalla, and the iconic Lafayette retailer, Abdalla's, was the first to buy from him.

While he started out in pediatrics, Kip would moonlight in the ER and he fell in love with emergency room medicine. It was an environment where he got to know people of all ages from all walks of life and he realized how challenging access to medicine could be for so many people. He worked for 17 years as an ER doc at Opelousas Medical Center and it was there that Kip realized there had to be a more efficient way to treat patients while helping the hospital make the financial side work.

In 1980 when Kip started working at Opelousas General, the hospital contracted separately with each doctor. Kip approached the management team with a proposal to let him manage hirings, payroll, scheduling, and medical malpractice claims; he witnessed how effectively the doctors worked when they operated as a team rather than as separate independent contractors answering to the hospital.

His chance to expand his management acumen came about when a doctor friend at Iberia General approached him to take over their administrative operations when he retired. Kip found the work rewarding and it followed his calling to provide the type of medical service they did at Opelousas General. His mission was to provide quality care for the patients and he came to understand that success was dependent upon all of the healthcare providers working as a team, and respecting one another. This team concept in medicine was relatively new at the time.

Kip had learned that it wasn't his prescribed treatment that made a difference in patient outcomes, "It's everything around that patient that makes a difference." He endeavored to ensure that each team member from the ward clerk, the nurses, and the doctors, were respected. "That was the strategy that led me down the path of starting Schumacher Group. It's a simple philosophy that I've found has held a lot of people back, not just in medicine, but in business in general and in life. They don't stop and look at the people around them and realize that their lives are so dependent upon people that they don't show the respect that they could. Look at everyone around you and see how they fit into the grand scheme of what it is you're trying to accomplish."

He established the Schumacher Group in 1994 with the goal of helping hospitals streamline their Emergency Room operations with staffing, scheduling, billing, insurance, and quality management. Kip grew the Schumacher Group from managing the ER services at 10 facilities in one year to 50 facilities in 5 years.

After experiencing exponential growth over the years, Schumacher merged with other companies to widen its array of services. Today, SCP Health is one of the largest healthcare partners in the country serving over 8 million patients in 30 states. Kip's dream of bringing his caring touch to help our most vulnerable get the most efficient access to healthcare has truly become a reality.

"One thing I've learned is that if you have a really good mission and a vision that you can communicate very effectively, it makes success a lot easier. You'll attract the kind of people who believe ...

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Damon Vincent, owner of Unique Health & Fitness (currently being rebranded as TrainUnique) in Lafayette joins Discover Lafayette to share his passion for helping others. Damon has dedicated his professional career to helping athletes with special needs.

A young man of 26, Damon grew up with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a condition that prevents adrenal glands from producing sufficient cortisol. While his parents allowed him to have a normal life by playing football, wrestling, and riding dirt bikes, he was always on medication and had to wear a medic alert. He was "hell-bent on pushing himself" and didn't want his condition to hold him back. The experience shaped Damon's mindset and he is following his personal and professional calling to empower others, especially individuals who have special needs.

His work with people of all backgrounds led him to partner with the DREAMS Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with special needs. In August 2020, Damon opened Unique Health and Fitness, Louisiana's first and only dedicated fitness and health center for Unique Individuals. DREAMS' founder, Donielle Watkins, helped Damon get Unique Fitness off the ground; today, All of DREAMS' meetings, art programs, cheer practices, etc. are held at the facility. "We couldn't have gotten started without the help of Donielle and DREAMS."

"I was blessed to find my calling at an early age. I wanted to provide a place of belonging in a community that was really focused on the communal aspect of getting better together. It's a group of people coming together with the same end goal in mind, to be fitter, healthier, and more independent. I'm a fitness professional and this is how I know how to do that....at the gym. It's a mission of community and self-improvement. Always striving, never giving up."

Damon says of this special population (which can include people with cerebral palsy, Spina Bifida, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, autism, and Downs syndrome), "They are champions on their own. These individuals already have it mentally. They've been fighting their whole lives They've had to work so hard all their lives and have not been able to make excuses. So when they come into the gym, it's about equipping them with the tools and opportunities to let that shine out. That's why I love it so much! It's different than working with the general population.

Pictured are members of Unique Health and Fitness, soon to be rebranded TrainUnique. Damon's new studio is located at 133 Digby Avenue, Lafayette LA. Damon has partnered with the Gladiators Academy of Lafayette and Ignite Fitness Club at this new facility. While people of all ages are welcome, the club focuses mainly on teens and adults and offers a full-on fitness program after therapy.

Damon provides a professional and comprehensive fitness solution designed for all individuals who need a Unique approach to fitness for their Cognitive or Physical needs. He wants to see people moving and being fit their entire lives. Damon mentioned that while there are typically a lot of therapies available for children, once a person reaches their teens and moves into adult life, those opportunities can dwindle. The gym is a place for "unique people to move and be fit their entire lives."

You won't see weight machines at this gym as the lack of neuromuscular engagement involved with machines is not helpful to individuals with special needs. Free weights offer optimal resistance training and give the athletes the ability to learn to control their movements. It also makes the athletes stronger and gives them the independence to be able to lift themselves, go to festivals, get out and enjoy life. Flexibility and cardiovascular fitness are also targeted.

The athletes recently enjoyed competing in the club's "Unique Olympics" and there was serious competition going on in categories such as martial arts,

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Bob Giles, owner of Giles Automotive with locations in Lafayette, Alexandria, Opelousas, and El Paso TX, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the journey that led him to focus on philanthropy and giving back to the community.

Bob grew up in the car business, learning from both his grandfathers and his father who owned car dealerships in Texas. After graduating from Texas A & M in accounting, Bob worked for his dad’s VW dealership. Wanting his own dealership led Bob to move to Lafayette and on his birthday in February 1982, he opened his own shop offering VW, Audi, and Porsche vehicles.

Quick to acknowledge the help of his father and uncle, Bob recounted with gratitude how he got his start in business with a total of $120,000 in costs. First National Bank was his lender and a new facility was built by JB Mouton. At that time in 1982, the oil and gas industry was still in its heyday and property prices in Lafayette were steep; Bob found an affordable site "way down on Johnston" that fit the bill for his dealership.

While the first year in business was a huge success, shortly thereafter the oil and gas industry tanked. Porches' prices went up dramatically and the Audi company experienced problems with their vehicles. It was a tough time to be in business but Bob kept his focus and made it through Lafayette's lean times. His initial automotive lines were dropped and his business evolved to fit the market.

Bob says of his lifelong work ethic, "The greatest motivation for me is fear of failure. It has always motivated me to do whatever I had to do to be successful, including working seven days a week."

By 1990, Giles Automotive offered Volvo and Subura. That year, Bob purchased the Nissan dealership from Benny Benezech. He recently opened Giles Hyundai in Alexandria, LA.

Bob has enjoyed loyal employees who have stayed with him over the years. "The most important component of any business is the people you have working there. That is more valuable than the product or location. It's all about the people."

"I've learned over the years that people are the most important thing in business. You cannot pay a valued employee too much; they will bring that value back to you many times over. If I could go back and give myself advice, the # 1 thing you can do for your business is to hire the very best people possible. Make sure they are happy. Happy employees are the only ones that can make your customers happy."

In 2021, Bob was awarded the Louisiana Automotive Dealers Association (LADA) Dealer of the Year Award and nominated by his Louisiana peers to compete for the national Time Dealer of the Year. Out of a field of 16,000 franchised dealers across the U. S., Bob was named 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year. This award is the highest that a dealer may ever receive and it celebrates franchised new car and truck dealers for exceptional business performance and outstanding community service.

Bob Giles, with his wife Sandy, celebrating being named Time Dealer of the Year in Las Vegas in March 2022.

Today's automotive market has been turned on its head due to COVID and supply chain issues. Bob says he typically used to carry 350 new vehicles at his Nissan dealership; today it averages about 20 new vehicles. With a shortage of used cars on the market as consumers hold on to what they have, preowned vehicles have also gone up in value and are in demand. Consumers with a trade-in are a welcome sight at the dealership!

Bob also frequently makes the news for his generosity. About fifteen years ago, he made a commitment to give back in a meaningful way to the community. "It's where we live, where we raised our children, where my employees and families live. I'd like to set an example of how to give back. Together we can do so much more than one person can do alone.

Many of Bob's beloved causes are shown at https://www.gilesgivesback.com/causes. A founder of Hunters for the Hungry,

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The proprietors of Lucky’s Fire & Smoke, Lafayette’s newest restaurant, discuss their unique cuisine which features farm-direct American Wagyu beef, poultry, locally sourced seafood, and plant-based offerings.

Acclaimed chef and author, Jimmy Schmidt, a three-time winner of the James Beard award who created this fine-dining concept along with Lucky’s co-owner, Eddie Khoury, a restauranteur of 30 years who brought this unique restaurant to Lafayette, join our discussion.

Over the years, Chef Jimmy Schmidt’s culinary accomplishments have been consistently recognized. He has been named on the Food & Wine Magazine Honor Roll of American Chefs,  Cooks Magazine Who’s Who of Cooking in America, Gourmet Magazine America’s Best Restaurants, USA Today’s 10 Best Destinations in Southern California and awarded a 5 Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. And yes, he has served as guest chef judge on Top Chef.

Jimmy has also published many cookbooks and contributed to Bon Appetit, Cuisine, Gourmet, Food & Wine.

In 2018, Jimmy Schmidt and his team created a new way to enjoy the wonderful flavors of American BBQ with Lucky’s Noble Fire & Smoke. When his longtime friend and colleague, Eddie Khoury, realized the unique concept of Lucky's, he convinced Jimmy to help him bring it to the Lafayette market; Lucky's is the first of its kind to open in the U. S.

Lucky's Fire & Smoke is located at 6774 Johnston Street, Lafayette LA 70503. It offers a Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10 am to 3 pm, and is open Tuesday through Saturday 5 to 10 pm, and Sunday, 5 to 9 pm. Visit https://luckyslafayette.com for more information. The featured photo is Lucky's stuffed Deviled Egg dish featuring Wagyu beef bacon on top. Lucky's Lafayette location is the first to open in the U. S.

Jimmy grew up in Champagne, Illinois, working on the family farm as a kid, which influenced his appreciation of whole foods and nature, something he only came to realize as an adult. His cooking skills are deeply based on science and influenced by his background in engineering, as his focus is not only on taste but nutrition, extracting the maximum health benefits from each meal prepared.

While in college, Jimmy studied electrical engineering at the University of Illinois and went to France to earn language credits where he took cooking classes for entertainment. While there, he fell in love with food and wine and studied under Madeleine Kamman. He earned a culinary degree from Luberon College and the French Institut Technique du Vin diploma from Maison du Vin in Avignon.

Jimmy followed Madeleine to Boston where he worked for her in the restaurant business for a number of years; he graduated magna cum laude and first in class with a Professional Chef’s diploma from Modern Gourmet. He pursued higher education at Harvard University Graduate School of Business from 1999 through 2001. Madeleine generously shared with Jimmy not only what food was, but the recipes and the chemistry behind great cuisine. Jimmy says, "It lit a fire under me to always reach out to learn more." He's always focused on the science behind cooking and creating great dishes.

Chef Jimmy Schmidt's whole focus is on the science behind the preparation of foods. "You instinctually crave foods in season. They'll all have the highest amount of nutrition and flavor right off the tree and plant. As a chef that focuses on developing flavors, hand in hand with fresh foods comes great nutrition. I ask how can I make this taste better. My scientific research is to understand how things taste better and how can I use culinary techniques to accentuate flavor while also releasing bioactive ingredients that are nutritionally based so that diners can absorb bioflavonoids in their body to benefit from the meal?"

The name, "Lucky's Fire & Smoke," was inspired by the book "Catching Fire - How Cooking Made Us Human," written by Richard Wrangham.

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Dr. Joe Abraham and Joan Wingate are both enthusiastic and tireless supporters of our Lafayette Parish library system. They joined us to discuss their mission to instill a love of reading in our children and families and to emphasize the importance of citizens' support of our library system so that we can continue to offer free and equal access of materials to all residents, 24/7.

Joe is President of the Lafayette Parish Library Foundation. He’s a physician, research biologist, and the award-winning author of Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths: From Alexander to Hitler to the Corporation.

Joan has served on the Foundation in various positions, leading ‘Lafayette Loves Libraries,’ as president, and currently serves on the Library Board of Control, the governing body of Lafayette Parish Libraries.

The foundation supplements taxpayer funding of our libraries by encouraging private donations that provide books and services and fund special programs. Its sister organization, Friends of the Library, has raised $1 million over the past 40 years.

With the library being in the news so much, it seemed like a good time to be reminded about the importance of having a viable library system that is accessible to everyone, no matter their age or socioeconomic background.

"It's important to raise awareness of our public library's needs and what we can do to support it. In 2002 when the library tax was passed (to support a 20-year plan to build regional branches and refurbish the Main branch), we got busy and focused on building the new sites. We know we also need to educate the public as to the many resources the library offers and the importance of reading. We want to be able to offer free and equal access, 24/7, to all of our resources." Joan Wingate, photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Advocate.

Lafayette Parish is blessed with an award-winning library system, having received the coveted James O. Modisette Award for Public Libraries in 2020. It is the highest honor that a public library can receive in Louisiana. And its private donors are generous: almost every year, Lafayette is #1 in private donations made through Friends of the Library and the Foundation. Yet, if you compare Lafayette Parish's library public funding to the other eight metropolitan areas of Louisiana, it is dead last.

The library staff members are efficient and effective in what they do in running its nine branches (four regional, the Main Library, smaller branches, plus the Bookmobile). Per capita, Lafayette sees more of its resources (books, movies, digital materials, etc.) checked out than any other metropolitan area in the state, even compared to New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

People flock to the libraries for all sorts of purposes; they study for exams, get access to the internet, participate in the various programs put on, or reserve meeting rooms that are free for use by the public. On 2022's opening day of the annual Summer Reading Challenge, approximately 1000 children participated, with pizza being served compliments of the Library Foundation. As Joan says, "The library is truly a safe haven, welcoming people to educate and discover themselves."

Summer reading programs are designed to encourage students to keep reading during the summer months as a fun and easy way to prevent a decline in reading achievement. With the 2022 Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge, all participants have been encouraged to reach a personal goal of 600 minutes and a combined community goal of 2,000,000 minutes read or activities participated in from June 1 to July 31. Prizes are awarded for every 600 minutes of reading and a grand prize will be awarded.

Controversies over the past few years relating to programming displays have resulted in the library being in the middle of a political arena. It has returned to its original mission: a focus on reading and the joy of reading. Book displays now highlight mysteries, summer reading selections,

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Retired Federal Judge Richard "Dicky" Haik, Sr. joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his distinguished career in law after serving on the bench for 32 years.

Judge Haik grew up in New Iberia and proudly went to Catholic High of New Iberia along with other notables who have followed him, including retired Sheriff Mike Neustrom and UL-Lafayette's current football coach, Michael Desormeaux. He reflected on his admiration of the late Coach Bobby Banna who "was not only a coach but a teacher of life." Haik played football on scholarship at USL and after graduation in general business in 1972, went on to graduate from Loyola Law School in 1975 following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ted Haik.

Judge Haik served in the Louisiana Army National Guard obtaining the rank of Captain and company commander for his unit. He served as a Captain in the US Army Reserves from 1980 to 1983.

In 1984 at the age of 34, Judge Haik was elected as a state court judge (without opposition!) for the 16th Judicial District, covering Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes. In state court, his caseload included family and custody issues, as well as criminal sentencing, which was personally difficult for him to rule on and led to many sleepless nights. But that is part of the job, and he followed his dad's advice from childhood to "Listen to everyone's advice and do what you think is right."

In 1991 at the age of 40, Judge Richard "Dicky" Haik was nominated by Pres. George H. W. Bush to serve on the federal bench for the U. S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, where he served as chief judge of the court from 2002 to 2009. The Federal Court is a much stricter court system than state courts, and Haik says to young attorneys: "If you haven't tried a case in federal court, it's advisable to get counsel from someone who has before you try your case." He's been blessed with 42 talented law clerks and said five or six of his former clerks have gone on to serve as judges.

Haik had a few high-profile cases including the Lafayette Parish Public School System's desegregation case where he ruled on April 24, 2006, that after 41 years, the school system was free from judicial oversight of its operations. "I did what I thought was right."

There was also an unfortunate incident that happened not long after he was appointed to the federal bench. He was approached with an offer to make $2 million in exchange for ruling a certain way on a case worth much more than that. Speaking of this dark and scary time in his life, Haik says, "The fellow didn't know me that well." He went to the FBI and U. S. Attorney and personally assisted investigators in gathering evidence to obtain federal indictments against the individuals involved. "They wired up my camp at Cypremort Point with cameras and tape recorders, which went on for several months." Haik had around-the-clock guards to ensure his safety until the suspects were arrested. Two of the three went to jail.

"I've also enjoyed good cases tried by good lawyers. The bottom line is I always enjoyed being on the bench. Federal court is more formal, very seldom did we allow people to continue cases, and you knew where you were going in federal court."

Dicky Haik pictured with his family.

Judge Haik retired in 2016 and now is of counsel with Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik, where he focuses on mediation matters. In that position, he has the pleasure of serving alongside his son, Richard T. Haik, Jr.

Haik coaches his grandsons in flag football and is very involved with all of his kids and grandkids. A neighbor lets the team utilize a big, empty lot for team practices during the Spring and Fall. He's learned to be a bit more laid back when dealing with these littlest players as they progress. "To me, football was a life lesson and I learned the best from the best. I enjoy teaching sportsmanship."

We thank Judge Richard "Dicky" Haik for his exemplary career in s...

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Yvette Girouard, legendary softball coach, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss her incredible career on the 50th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX which made it illegal to discriminate in educational programs that receive federal funds.

A native of Broussard, Yvette served as head softball coach at UL-Lafayette from 1981 to 2000, and then at LSU from 2000 to 2011. She won over 75 percent of her games on the collegiate level.

Yvette has been named coach of the year by three separate conferences: the SEC (four times), the Sun Belt (2000), and the Southland (1984, 1985 & 1987), as well as Louisiana Coach of the Year 13 times.

Yvette Girouard is one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA Division 1 History.

She is one of only 3 coaches to take two teams to the Women’s College World Series. She has been inducted into the Louisiana Softball Coaches Hall of Fame, the UL Lafayette Athletic Hall of Fame, LSU Athletic Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, and the National Fast Pitch Coaches Hall of Fame.

Today, many of us take equal opportunities in sports, especially for women, for granted. But for Yvette, who attended Comeaux High School and then USL before Title IX had taken root, the opportunities were slim to none. The only sport available to Yvette was softball. And there were no scholarships offered to the women volleyball players.

Yvette began playing softball in Lafayette at 18 and was picked up by a New Iberia team the next year; both were slow pitch teams. She had never seen fast pitch softball until she was 19 and saw men playing. Fastpitch softball is a fast, underhanded throw clocked at speeds of up to 70 mph. Yvette says at 43 feet, that pitch is comparable to one Nolan Ryan would pitch in his heyday.

In 1976, Yvette was hired at Lafayette High to coach fastpitch softball. One catch: there was no softball field for women and Yvette and volunteers had to build their own field. She says, "I hand-tilled the infield." After four years at Lafayette High, she returned to work for her family's restaurant, Ton's Drive-In in Broussard.

Then in 1981, USL called and offered her a job coaching softball. Once again, there was no field, and more amazingly, no player scholarships to entice good players. The team consisted of walk-ons, mainly from Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Houston which had established fastpitch teams. It took quick work to get it together; Yvette was hired in October and their first game was the next February. In those days, the kids played all the games and didn't specialize in sports.

Getting the USL softball team was a Girouard family effort. Her mom made the first uniforms, taking the men's discarded basketball warmups and converting them into pants. Her dad gave her a truck to use to store the team equipment. Her starting part-time salary was $3,000 and she continued to work part-time at Ton's to make ends meet where other coaches could call her to schedule games and work out arrangements. After 10 years as she had become full-time, her salary was $25,000.00 and she had cajoled seven scholarships from USL for recruiting players. At the end of her tenure, there were eleven scholarships awarded each year.

Dr. Ray Authement had promised to build Yvette a softball field, and she recalled the location being the old dairy farm before Cajundome Blvd. or Bourgeois Hall had been constructed. A bull greeted her on her first visit to the property.

In no time, Yvette's teams grew in national stature as well as became quite popular in the local community who grew to love attending games and rooting on the girls.

"Our softball games became the event you wanted to be at. It became my passion. It became my child. I gave birth to it and it kept getting bigger and bigger. And I could sell it. I'm a Cajun girl, I graduated from here. Once we became really, really good, my girls were the Cinderellas of the town."

Even with success,

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The Acadiana Advocate's Ken Stickney joined Discover Lafayette to share his life story as a career journalist. He is a man with a compassionate heart who truly loves what he does for a living.

Ken is a native New Englander who grew up in Peabody, Massachusetts, just north of Boston. He moved to the Deep South more than 40 years ago to complete his education – and stayed. It was on a whim that he joined his brother to visit New Orleans one holiday on a fun road trip, and he became enthralled with our region. He ended up studying philosophy at a Jesuit university, Spring Hill College, in Alabama. He's always found the South a fascinating place, particularly Louisiana.

He has since spent 42 years in the newspaper business, almost all of it in the Deep South or in Gulf Coast states, and has held almost every newsroom position from reporter to editor. He has worked for Louisiana newspapers in Monroe, Lake Charles, and Lafayette since 1999. Once he moved to Louisiana, he took a course in Louisiana history so that he could understand our state and its rich legacy.

Ken's focus has always been on how the news he's reporting affects the people involved and their neighborhoods, as well as who they were. Issues such as zoning can profoundly impact people's quality of life and the value of their homes, and his reporting has reflected those realities. He recalled when the legendary Alabama coach, Bear Bryant, died in 1982 and he was asked to cover the burial; a highlight of that sad event was seeing Joe Namath at the burial ceremony.

During his career, he has chronicled events in communities from McComb, Mississippi to Tuscaloosa (twice), from Atlanta to Port Arthur, Texas. He has handled news beats from public safety to higher education, business to religion. In a staffing pinch, he spent two weeks handling the recipes for a mid-South daily newspaper’s society pages. He has written about murders and rescues, birth announcements, and obituaries.

He spoke of how over his years of reporting the South has evolved from being a unique region, with its own mannerisms, customs, and politics, into a homogenous area more akin to the rest of the country.

In 2009, Ken Stickney was awarded the American Society of Newspaper Editors’ top national award for editorial writing, and he has won or shared national, regional and state news writing awards, as well as editorial and column writing awards across the South. He has worked for Louisiana newspapers in Monroe, Lake Charles, and Lafayette since 1999 and is currently with the Acadiana Advocate.

A longtime “non-traditional” student, Stickney holds an associate’s in liberal arts from North Shore Community College in Massachusetts; a bachelor’s in philosophy from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama; a master’s in communication from The University of Alabama, where he was a Graduate Council Fellow; and a master’s in history from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He has been an adjunct college instructor in communications and history.

Ken has written a thesis on World War II correspondent John Henry, the father of one of his close friends who was a sportswriter for the Hearst News service. Henry covered the Departments of the Army and Navy from five continents during WWII, a fete probably not matched by any other journalist. Among other places, Henry was stationed at Casablanca along with Walter Cronkite; his papers are now at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. Mr. Henry's life inspired Ken.

With the funding awarded by a grant, Ken had the opportunity to tour Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1984 to interview Japanese civilians about the aftermath of the bombing, an experience of a lifetime.

Ken also wrote a thesis on Unionist newspaper editor James G. Taliaferro of Catahoula Parish and has completed a draft of a biography on a Louisiana oilman, C. Paul Hilliard.

He and former Lafayette newswoman Blue Rolfes are co-researching a book on the three sainthood causes being purs...

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Ceci O'Keefe Neustrom never pictured herself as an artist. Growing up as an older daughter in a family of 13 children in Mississippi, Ceci was a nurturer who took care of things...she cooked, sewed, and cleaned. "Art was never a part of my life."

She attended and graduated from USL, and married football star Michael Neustrom, who eventually served as Lafayette Parish Sheriff for 16 years. They have made a good team and the proud parents of six children.

A native of Mississippi, Ceci studied to become an educator, and then found her career evolving into being a landman, or as she became known, a "landmam."

For decades, she researched the ownership of land and mineral rights of families in South Louisiana and became immersed in the interconnectedness of the Acadian families in our region. Her work in the local courthouses inspired her to learn more about the families who had settled here after the 1755 expulsion of Acadians who had become owners of vast expanses of land in our region. She'd sit at their kitchen tables or on their farms and get to know their stories as she figured out who owned mineral rights to the properties their families had settled on generations before.

Then, at the age of 55, her husband Mike gave her the gift of art lessons with Pat Soper, an acclaimed local art teacher and painter. Ceci had no inkling that she herself had artistic talent and had only doodled before she took up classes. She was angry with Mike for putting her in a position to fail. But, she didn't fail, and she soared once she tapped into her dormant ability to paint. She ended up as a resident artist at the renowned Art Studio League in New York City. Ceci found that she loved the experience of creating, of "joining in the experience of creation with our maker. It felt to me like a miracle that I could do this. I didn't believe that I could do this."

Chief Judge James McKay of the 4th Circuit convinced Ceci Neustrom to paint his portrait. This work set her on the path to loving the art of portraiture, of capturing the essence of the human form. "I discovered figure painting. It's what spoke to my heart." Judge McKay played football at USL with Ceci's husband, Mike Neustrom, in the 1970's.

Ceci has grown as an artist and has since created breathtakingly beautiful oil portraits of locals, as well of present-day descendants of Acadian settlers who arrived in south Louisiana in the mid-1700s. She has named this the "Acadian Heritage Series."

To date, her work showcases the Babineaux, Breaux, Broussard, Comeaux, Guidry, Hebert, LeBlanc and Prejean families.

While many of us are familiar with events surrounding the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in 1755, paintings depicting that era always seem to include large groups of people, not individuals affected by the tragedy.

Ceci’s oil portraits draw you in and make things real. You can feel the strength and the grit, of the Acadians who survived and thrived. It’s hard to explain the energy that surrounds these paintings that honor our region’s Acadian lineage.

Ceci was helped greatly by local experts in the Acadian culture. Cheryl Perret helped Ceci get started in identifying Acadian families who might participate in her series. Special thanks go to Mary and Warren Perrin of the Acadian Museum for their historical knowledge. Suzanne Breaux also was of great help, who is a fiber specialist, knew the importance of utilizing the brown cotton relied upon by the Acadians, and loaned Ceci the outfit from Glen Pitre's Belizaire the Cajun for Jerry Prejean to wear. Patsy Foster of the Acadian Village loaned Ceci her outfit to be used in the portrait paintings. And Ceci made some of the clothing used, in particular the Evangeline style cloak worn by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco's granddaughter, Kathleen Boulet.

Candid photos of a few portrait subjects

In closing,

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Rafael Garcia, proprietor of Café Habana City, Lafayette’s first Cuban restaurant, joins Discover Lafayette to share his story of gaining political asylum in the U. S.

Rafael relocated to Lafayette with several family members on March 31, 1998, and as he remembers, "we landed at 11:45 a.m. after taking four flights to travel from Havana to the Lafayette airport." The Diocese of Lafayette's Office of Migration and Refugee Services was instrumental in helping them get their feet on the ground. With six months of food stamps and one month's rent paid to stay at University Place Apartments with other Cuban immigrants who were mainly asylum seekers from Guantanomo Bay, Rafael set out to get work and learn how to live as a permanent resident of the U. S.

Rafael worked for four years for a company dealing with injection molding plastics before opening Cafe Habana City in 2002. In 2007, the restaurant moved to its current location at 911 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette. Diners experience homestyle Cuban cuisine which is lovingly prepared by "mothers and grandmothers of his family." With thirty different menu options prepared with rich seasonings such as garlic, cumin, bell peppers, oregano, onions, and bay leaf, a signature beef dish to enjoy is Ropa Vieja which translates to "old clothes."

In 2019, Cafe Habana City was named one of the top 20 Best Cuban Restaurants in America by Top 7 Travel for its authentic Cuban cuisine. 

A native of Havana, Cuba, Rafael became a political dissident after his mandatory three years serving in the military from the ages of 17 to 20 years old. (Although it is a violation of U. N. protocol to have children under the age of 18 serve in the military, Cuba's policy is to pick up teenagers in the summer for conscription after graduation from high school). Rafael noted that he was fortunate to have escaped battle conflict. In 1991, Cuba got out of the Angola War where they had supported the Communist People's Movement; over 10,000 Cuban soldiers were either dead, wounded, or missing. "The Angola War was not our war. Many Cubans lost their lives there."

A bitter opponent of the Castro regime, Rafael spoke of being born in 1971 in the middle of Cuban communism. He was a voice of Radio Marti, an American state-run radio station in Miami that transmits news in Spanish and is an illegal source of news in Cuba as it doesn't toe the communist party line. He was jailed many times for speaking up against the government and at one point, was expected to serve 35 years in prison. While Rafael's arrests were related to peaceful protest, violent protesters are either shot to death or jailed for life.

A sad byproduct of Cuba's communism is that it divides families and friends who pay the price if you are a dissident. Rafael had studied Industrial Design for one year after his military service but was kicked out of school due to his continued protests against the government. "Educated people can't associate with dissidents as the government will confiscate everything. The rest of the people make a living by selling Black Market items. You have your money confiscated if you show off. Stay humble, save money, and don't paint your house or buy a car. This is what socialism does to people. This type of Mafia government takes everything."

His daughter was born in 1996 and Rafael feared for her life if he did not get out of Cuba as he would undoubtedly be incarcerated for decades for his actions. He views himself as fortunate to have been able to get out before this occurred. With the help of U. S. Immigration, Rafael and several family members were granted permanent residency in the U. S., a status which is good for 10 years and allows immigrants to work legally, buy property, attend school, and build a life. Rafael has since become a U. S. citizen along with other family members and now has the right to vote.

Rafael Garcia, along with his wife, Sophia,

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Ron C. Henderson and Ron Camarota of the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s Office of Consumer Advocacy join Discover Lafayette to speak on the ins and outs of home insurance policies, figuring out how to get adequate coverage, and what your rights are as a consumer, especially after a storm. With hurricane system here, this is an important topic.

Knowing what your home insurance policy covers is critical to understanding your rights after a storm or catastrophic damage occurs. The Louisiana Department of Insurance is on a mission to educate consumers before they experience the heartbreak of being inadequately insured in the wake of a disaster.

In Louisiana, flood damage is a common occurrence as 57 of our 64 parishes experience flooding. However, since 1964 in the U. S., flood damage coverage has been excluded from standard homeowner's insurance policies; it must be purchased separately under a policy underwritten by FEMA. This is the only insurance resort available to homeowners under Congress's National Flood Insurance Program. Many a homeowner policyholder has been devastated to learn they have no insurance coverage after a flood.

Flood insurance covers water damage "from the ground up." That is, it kicks in when a storm causes water to enter your home from the ground level. Traditional homeowners/commercial policies will cover damage from "top-down" water damage that occurs.

Your deductible can drastically affect the cost of your premium. Ron Henderson gave an example of his father who had maintained a $50 deductible for decades and wondered why his rates were so high. Once he determined he could afford a $10,000 deductible, his premiums were reduced accordingly.

The Louisiana Department has an online rate-shopping tool to help you compare insurance rates among companies to get the best rate for your individual needs. Visit https://www.ldi.la.gov/online-services/shop-your-rates/homeowners-comparison-guide.

When speaking with insurance agents, be prepared to ask the right questions. Always ask for alternatives to what is quoted. "Can I get a better option? Can I get a static fee deductible or do I have to go with a percentage of the hurricane damage? What is excluded from coverage? What is the Additional Living Expense allowance under the policy in the event I am displaced? Is this covering Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost of damaged property? Is mold covered?"

A storm deductible typically ranges anywhere from 2%-5% of a home’s total insured value - so if a home is insured for $200,000 and has a 5% deductible, the first $10,000 in repairs must be paid out of pocket by the policyholder. If you can negotiate a lower deductible for these occurrences, it may well be worth it.

Both guests stressed the importance of reading your insurance policy. Familiarize yourself with the sections and what each cover. Insurance policy language is effective for one year at a time and changes are reflected in each one-year renewal period, perhaps causing you to experience changes in contractual terms that you may not desire. Most consumers never take the time to read their policy and are shocked when confronted with a damage claim that is not reimbursable or not reimbursed at the level needed to get back on their feet. It is critical to be proactive in understanding what your policy covers and take steps to add coverage if it is not initially offered. You can always purchase an endorsement or rider to expand existing coverage on things such as antique furniture, jewelry and other valuables. Keep up with the value of your home as it may be prudent to raise your coverage as real estate prices inflate.

Ron Henderson says "You get what you pay for." Not meaning that the insurance company doesn't want to reimburse you, but "they will only reimburse you for what your policy covers."

"Insurance companies want to pay their claims, what they owe you. They will never pay you more than they owe you.

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Lo Graham, a Lafayette native making her mark in the film and television industry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her starring role in Unhuman, a Blumhouse Productions horror movie, premiering digitally on June 3, 2022. You can rent the movie anywhere you get your streaming services.

Unhuman follows a group of high school students whose school bus crashes on a field trip. The press release states, "Relationships are tested once they realize they are being stalked by an attacker who intends to drive them out and straight into a horrifying fight to survive."

The movie was filmed in New Orleans in the heat of the summer last year. While most of the actors were from LA, the majority of the crew supporting the movie were talented professionals from the New Orleans area.

As part of an ensemble cast of young actors, Lo comes face to face with evil in this roller-coaster romp. Lo says "It's like the Breakfast Club meets the Walking Dead," with the typical stereotypes found in horror movies, and she plays the mean, popular girl. "Lots of comedy and action. It was so much fun making this teen movie with a twist of horror that Blumhouse does best."

While Lo has found a niche as a “scream queen” character since her earliest role in Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, she embraces her love of acting and is ready to branch out into a wider variety of roles.

Lo Graham has also made her mark on television with roles in CBS's NCIS: New Orleans, Fox's Scream Queens, a recurring role on Fox's primetime series Filthy Rich, and in the Columbia Pictures film, This Is The End. She has worked with stars such as Kim Cattrall, Juliette Lewis, and Seth Rogan.

Lo Graham with Juliette Lewis(left) and Kim Cattrall (right) of the Fox Series Filthy Rich.

Lo is a graduate of Lafayette's Ascension Episcopal School and LSU's Manship School of Mass Communications in Broadcast Journalism. She first began modeling and pursuing acting roles through Images Model & Talent Agency as a young teen and fell in love with it. She recounted that her first speaking roles came about in Sci-Fi movies while filming in Lafayette with Ken Badish's Active Entertainment who helped her get her start in the industry.

Louisiana is a great draw for filmmakers. Lo has been fortunate to be able to balance her work between Los Angeles and Louisiana. Louisiana lures many productions due to our generous film industry tax credits. "People love to film horror sci-fi in Louisiana because of the landscape here. In New Orleans and surrounding areas, we have so many spooky, historical elements." As an example, right before we filmed this interview, Curmudgeon Films, led by Griff Furst, filmed a Morgan Freeman movie entitled 57 Seconds here in Lafayette.

Acting coaches have taught Lo to get in tune with the "child-like" version of herself with an active imagination. This is a critical skill in today's modern film industry which operates virtually until filming begins. "Whenever I'm acting, I've learned to put myself aside and play. Be that character and think like that character. Especially in auditions. Today, auditions are all self-taped and happen at your house. People used to go into an office to audition for a casting director. Now people tape themselves with a reader off-camera giving you their lines; you record yourself and send it off."

While she was auditioning for Unhuman, Lo said she had to imagine the plot of the whole movie as she was initially taping her audition so that she could get in character to scream realistically. While the initial phase of earning parts has changed, the industry is so virtual today that actors can live literally anywhere and just send in audition tapes for a role. This has made the industry more inclusive for a wider range of actors.

"It's so important to take care of yourself while filming given the crazy hours. When I would get home from filming,

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Cherie Hebert, CEO and sole proprietor of BBR Creative, a creative marketing agency, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss her journey in building a robust, woman-owned business.

It’s been 25 years since BBR was originally created by three young women who happened to be blond (Cathi Pavy), brunette (Cherie), and redhead (Sara Ashy), hence the name BBR Creative. Cherie's mission for BBR Creative is to be remembered as a business that cares about the people who make their work happen, the businesses they serve, and the community.

A graduate of USL in Fine Arts, focusing on graphic design, Cherie worked at several advertising agencies before partnering with Pavy and Ashy to start BBR Creative. In the early days, the business was basically a creative design shop that developed promotional items for small businesses. Cherie was the 'account person' and worked to build their clientele. "Everyone should have a decent database and list of people to communicate with, those who continually buy from you. That is the cheapest thing you can do to grow your business, no matter what business you are in."

As time went by, the firm branched out to representing larger entities. Today, Cherie says "the thing we do best is "supporting organizations that already have marketing teams in place but need help in augmenting their teams or handling special projects." Five main areas of client focus for BBR Creative have been education, healthcare, food and beverage, home services, and financial services. She proudly noted that Home Bank was a client for eight years and they have banked with Home Bank for 20 years. "It is important to have a good banker!"

"I always knew I wanted to own my own business. There is a lot of freedom associated with that as well as challenges, so that's why I wanted to take the risk. The most fabulous thing about being young is that you are naive and take on things you wouldn't have if you were older and understood what it takes to get there. But back then, I wasn't!

Since 1997, BBR has served well over 650 brands. "The very essence of what a marketing company does is to help other businesses grow. BBR helps other businesses grow and that is the only reason we exist."

Cherie Hebert of BBR Creative has learned over the years that small businesses are typically undercapitalized when it comes to marketing their services. "They don't budget or raise the funds necessary to fund the marketing needed to acquire clients. If you are a car wash at a busy intersection, that may be okay, but there are so many other businesses that don't have that luxury and they have to work to strategically to attract clients. So many people go into business every day, and they don't know that it takes money to build a client base. There is no one cookie-cutter approach, you can't use the same recipe for every type of business."

In celebration of its 25th year in business, BBR Creative has chosen 25 activities of appreciation for clients, people, and the community it calls 25 Do Good Days. In 2022, BBR has already undertaken projects to honor employees of Oschner Lafayette General, presented Ceci Neustrom's Acadian Heritage Series of artwork during Festival Acadiens, and sponsored a full-day conference put on by American Advertising Federation-Baton Rouge for students who want to know more about the advertising business. Currently (May 30 to June 23, 2022 ), BBR is partnering with Rouses and SuperOne to collect shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, and hand sanitizer for homeless individuals. For more information on the 25 do-good-days, visit https://bbrturns25.com/.

When hiring, Cherie looks for 'creative thinkers, and she thinks a liberal arts education is desirable because it allows students to see the world from a lot of different perspectives. From a 'skill standpoint,' she notes "there is a big gap in digital marketing right now. Channel experts are needed.

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Francis X. and Cathi Pavy joined Discover Lafayette to talk about Pavy Art + Design, their contemporary line of Acadian-inspired textiles derived from the iconic artwork of Francis X. Pavy.

Pavy Art + Design's offerings are inspired by Francis X Pavy’s visual vocabulary and iconic imagery­—aka Pavicons. Textiles and wallpaper are derived from his original artwork and he designs and hand paints every pattern and colorway in their collection. "It is important to me that the artwork has a narrative behind it, to have depth, meaning, and experience behind it," says Francis Pavy.

While Pavy Art + Design is primarily focused on business-to-business sales, individuals can also buy direct. Cathy says, "Our goal is to get into showrooms to the trade across the country" so that everyone can get to know what is special about Acadiana.

The business was conceptualized in 2019; the Pavys had "always talked about extracting elements of Francis' paintings and creating textiles." The process of converting art into a textile design is a business that has allowed the couple to honor their mutual South Louisiana heritage, which they both cherish. Francis spoke of the prevalence of native grasses such as Tunica, Cane, Marsh, and Briar and how his patterns each embody a story about South Louisiana.

Pavy Art + Design offers delightfully colorful designs for any home decor based upon the work of Francis X. Pavy.

Francis has been creating art for forty years in his studio in Downtown Lafayette. He was originally inspired as a child by a Saturday morning syndicated show called "Drawing with Jon Gnagg," and his parents signed him and his sister, Camille, up for art classes with the acclaimed Elemore Morgan who was teaching at that time at Girard Park. Francis kids that he hounded his parents for a drawing kit and he still has a piece of it.

He also learned photography while still a young boy when his dad documented their lives through his photos. Francis had a darkroom in the attic and learned to develop the film. He still "takes photographs in his head" when he is inspired to paint.

"Sometimes I'll see something in my head and the image haunts me. Or, someone will explain something to me and I'll visualize it in my head and the image keeps coming back again and again. I think of it as taking photographs in my head."

Francis is an internationally acclaimed painter and mixed-media artist known for his vivid works capturing the folklore of South Louisiana. Both Francis and Cathi stressed the importance of their formative years, being raised in families that played music and loved to dance to Cajun music. The discovery and reinvention of Cajun Culture is a new experience for every generation according to Francis. "The younger kids playing music interpret it in their own way, which is no different than the 80s when Beausoleil came out. I think our culture is reinvented every so many years. Even before us, it was Dewey Balfa and Iry LeJeune who changed Cajun culture after the war and the Newport Folk Festival. We have a dynamic culture that is always changing."

In 1990, Rolling Stone Magazine dubbed Francis the “Picasso of Zydeco.” Collectors of his art include The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Morris Museum of Art, Ron Howard, Paul Simon, and Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia, among others. His work is featured on the TomTom Club album cover of the Talking Heads. Lorne Michaels of SNL fame discovered Francis' work while traveling to Louisiana a couple of times and he has the artist's work front and center in his office in NYC and his home in Montauk on Long Island.

While Francis is an internationally known painter, Cathi brings years of experience to the business; she has been a brand strategist with more than 20 years as an agency partner and creative director. Well known in our community for her work in the industry, Cathi’s heart is also in the service work she does,

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The W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center, an extension of the high schools in the Lafayette Parish School System, offers students career and technical education in automotive, cosmetology, culinary, medical, industrial technology, and welding programs. Principal Holly Boffy joined Discover Lafayette to share the school's mission and new programming being offered in the upcoming 2022-23 school year.

Students must be enrolled in the Lafayette Parish School System to participate and they attend the Career Center for three hours per day taking technical and career classes. No one graduates from the Career Center, they only attend part of their school day and graduate from their home base school. There is no tuition for the programs, but some minor fees may be involved depending upon the curriculum. Public school buses transport the students to and from their home base school.

Program fields include Auto tech, Auto paint and body, Remote Vehicle Tech, Cosmetology, Culinary, Digital Media, Manufacturing Tech (Computer-aided design and Metal Cutting) Medical (nursing and medical assistant, EMT), Robotics and Welding.

The Career Center is implementing an HVAC program in the Fall of 2022 along with electrical programs. There is still space for students in the new programs, as well as in machinery and the paint and body program; families are encouraged to visit https://www.lpssonline.com/schools/careercenter for more information. In a typical year, the application process opens up in January.

The training received while in high school enables students to enter the workforce full-time upon graduation or continue on to community college, a four-year university, or apprenticeship programs. The Career Center partners with South Louisiana Community College and students can earn dual enrollment credits with the tuition being covered by LPSS.

These early career experiences are invaluable as students learn whether or not their career choice is the correct fit for their interests while they are still young. "It empowers the students," says Principal Boffy. She cited one example of a teacher who had originally earned credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant. While that career path turned out not to be for her, she was able to work as a CNA while putting herself through a traditional four-year college, using her trade and not incurring debt.

"It's important to mentor your children, to have conversations about what makes them happy. What gifts do they have that they can use to contribute to others in their career? I believe the Career Center is one of the best-kept secrets in Lafayette Parish," says Principal Holly Boffy.

Students have to have decent grades to enroll in the Career Center as they must also earn their other core credits such as History, English, etc. to graduate.

The Career Center is committed to the region's 55 by 25 Initiative, with a goal of increasing the proportion of working-age adults in Acadiana with postsecondary degrees, certificates, or other high-value credentials to 55 percent by 2025.

One program that reaches out to serve the community is the Culinary program which utilizes the Culinary Cafe on-site at the Career Center. With adequate space to hold luncheons or banquets, the space is open for rentals to the public. You provide your budget to the students who will then prepare a meal from scratch and serve your guests at the tables provided.

Shown are students at the Culinary Cafe at W. D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center. To be certified, students must complete 400 hours working the industry and pass 3 different tests to earn the Pro-Start National Certificate of Achievement, an industry-recognized certificate that signifies a strong foundation in the basic management and culinary skills considered critical to success by restaurant industry leaders.

We thank Principal Holly Boffy for her commitment to seeing all students receive the highest and best form of education su...

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BJ Smith, and his mom, Kim Lanclos-Smith, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss how their world was forever changed when BJ suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of an ATV accident at the age of 15.

BJ is now an artist, and has found joy painting with acrylics for the past five years. He has taken his trauma and converted it into the beauty and sanctity of life through his art. He loves to share his art. His mom, Kim, has become an advocate for the many challenges and financial needs that a family faces when caring for a loved one with a traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI.

BJ was an adventurous teen with dreams of playing professional football who was stopped in his tracks by a tragic ATV accident on August 8, 2005. A young teen staying in Houston with relatives one summer to improve his football skills, BJ was on a racing four-wheeler going 60 mph when a dog ran out in front of him and he swerved to miss it. He was thrown 25 feet with no helmet on, breaking bones, and suffering internal injuries and road burns from the tumble.

BJ's brain injuries were so horrific that he was DOA upon arrival at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. He stayed in the ICU with a 10% chance of survival, in a coma for three weeks, as his head had taken the brunt force of the accident. His surgeon has stated that he has no idea how BJ survived. His recovery has been miraculous and he was never even expected to be able to walk, yet he survived whole. However, BJ lost his ability to be self-sufficient, plan for the future, or focus on goals in life.

"A brain injury is a lot like a hurricane. It devastates everything it touches. After so many years, I'm learning to find my center. The harder the storm is, it's the best place to be. We've been given life to experience. At this point in my spiritual journey, I embrace it in my solid form, each and every day. There is so much more on the spectrum of life than we can perceive."

His mom, Kim Lanclos-Smith, has dedicated her life to taking care of BJ and is his main caretaker, with the help of aides financially provided for in the last ten years under the New Opportunities Waiver ("NOW") program administered by the State of Louisiana's Department of Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities. People with BJ's condition must have suffered this disability before the age of 21 to qualify for the waiver. Each year, BJ and Kim must reapply for the NOW waiver to continue to receive much-needed assistance to ensure that BJ is adequately cared for. For Acadiana residents who need more information, visit the Acadiana Area Human Services District.

As BJ has progressed in his recovery, his love of art has developed and increased. He loves painting in free form, sometimes flinging acrylic paint all over the room. Even though he has lost 60% of his vision and is legally blind, he experiences color as he feels it in his heart. He says that is "where he lives."

"If you open your eyes, color is everywhere. Embrace that feeling of the color we've been given. The energy of color is amazing, the spectrum to be on. You are color, your eyes are color, we are color," says BJ Smith.

BJ had a near-death experience and with that came a spiritual awakening. "Heaven was full of love." He gives advice to people such as "Don't ever talk down to anyone." He is not scared to die as he knows that "God owns me."

Every nine seconds someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, which is about 3 million people per year. It often goes undiagnosed and it is very difficult to get paid care for victims of TBI. Kim shared that 25 to 80% of the prison population has pre-crime TBI, with over 60% reporting head injuries. Well-known pro football players such as Aaron Hernandez and others have suffered massive head injuries and ended up in prison for their violent acts. The Brain Injury Association of America provides a wealth of information on the subject.

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Heather Blanchard, Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates of South Louisiana ("CASA") joins Discover Lafayette to discuss their mission to help children and families when there has been abuse or neglect.

Heather is a passionate spokesperson for CASA, having first served the organization in her first job after college, then served on its board for six years, and returning to lead as Executive Director. CASA of South Louisiana is now partnered with the United Way of Acadiana and housed in its office to more effectively leverage its resources.

"CASA volunteers are the eyes and ears for the judge. They work with the families, the teachers, and the counselors. Ultimately they write a report to the judge on what is happening in the child's life and recommend where they should be permanently placed."

CASA works to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Through its volunteers, CASA advocates for safe, permanent, and nurturing homes for children who through no fault of their own have been removed from their homes and must rely upon the court to decide their future.

CASA of South Louisiana works within the 15th Judicial District Court which encompasses Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion Parishes. The Louisiana Children's Code lays out the responsibilities of CASA and its trained volunteers who provide independent, third-party, objective assessments of what they see. Funding is provided by the Louisiana Supreme Court CASA Assistance Program, Victims of Crime Act Funding, the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund, and grants.

Volunteers go through thirty hours of training, serve without compensation, and are appointed by the court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.  The judge of the court will verify the volunteer's qualifications, training, and ability to serve as a CASA volunteer, including the ability to represent and advocate for the best interest of the children assigned to him.  No volunteer is assigned until a comprehensive criminal background check has been conducted. When asked who the 'best' volunteers are, Heather jokingly said, "Our best volunteers are retired teachers. They've seen and worked with all different walks of life so they are very understanding."

A CASA Volunteer spends time with their assigned child or sibling group getting to know the child while also gathering information from the child’s family, teachers, doctors, caregivers, and others involved in the child’s life. Approximately every six months, a report is prepared for the judge (with help from an assigned Supervisor) sharing recommendations for the child’s care. Learn more about volunteering with CASA of SoLA at casaofsola.org.

Heather stressed that nine times out of ten, a child is better off with their family of origin. When they enter the foster care system, the first goal is always reunification with their family. Children aren't normally removed from their families unless there is harm involved, as removing a child from their home is very traumatic. In some cases, CASA volunteers assist in the family home to monitor circumstances and provide resources. Heather gave one example of a mom who had her children taken away because at meal time she would throw potato chips on the floor. "She didn't know better. That is how she was raised. She needed training and support. She loved her children but didn't know better."

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services ("DFCS") which oversees foster care services has lots of turnover and is short-staffed. CASA provides much-needed resources to help families meet the requirements to get their lives back on track. A study showed that only about 23% of families had the necessary resources to meet the requirements placed upon them by the court to be able to emerge from the system. CASA helps parents sign up for classes, arrange childcare so they can attend court-ordered classes, or provide food for the family for those times that the parent must be away.

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has served in this office for more than 15 years. First elected to public office in 1975 as Chair of the Jefferson Parish Council, he then served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1981-2001. His public service career also includes 33 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard where he retired with the rank of Colonel and received the prestigious Legion of Merit medal. 

"Everything depends on insurance. Our homes, life, protection of our family, our businesses, and our economy, all depend on insurance. Insurance commissioners across the country are tasked with keeping insurance affordable and available. That requires a balance between protecting consumers and making insurance available at a reasonable price for consumers."

The past two hurricane seasons have been the worse since Katrina and Rita. Louisiana had fifteen years of relatively quiet hurricanes seasons. But given the location of our state, Louisiana is in the center of the Gulf and we get hit more on a per capita basis than any other state by far. "Hurricane Ida's core of probability for landfall stretched from the Sabine River on our western border to the Pearl River on the eastern border. It never left. It was always headed to Louisiana."

Hurricanes Laura and Ida were the second most powerful hurricanes in history with 150 miles per hour winds, only surpassed by the 1856 "Last Island Hurricane" which brought devastation to Southern Louisiana with 156 miles per hour winds. Laura resulted in $9.6 Billion dollars in insurance losses; Ida has resulted so far in $10.6 Billion in losses.

As a result of the staggering claims, some Louisiana insurers have gone bust. Fortunately, the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association ("LIGA") is in place to protect property and casualty policyholders Recovery from LIGA is capped at $500,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence, a benefit that only eight other states, besides Louisiana, in the U. S. provide.

Donelon looked back to the days of Governor Kathleen Blanco as an example of how the state worked to keep private insurers afloat in the aftermath of massive claims following Katrina and Rita. Without these private insurers, the State of Louisiana would have to become the insurer for all levels of risk, not just those that are currently covered by the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Company (which covers those unable to get private insurance due to special circumstances). Working to create incentives to attract companies to our market after many carriers left the state due to the high risk of doing business post-Katrina, Blanco also worked to have our first statewide building code enacted to ensure that structures were built more able to "weather the storms."

It's always best to prepare yourself for the damage that may be caused by a hurricane. For the department's tips on hurricane preparedness, visit https://www.ldi.la.gov/consumers/insurance-type/homeowners/hurricane-resource-center.

A package of bills are currently working their way through the Louisiana Legislature as a means to protect consumers of insurance products. Deemed "The Catastrophe Reform Package," they include the following:

Create the “Louisiana Fortify Homes Program," patterned after a similar program in Alabama, to provide grants for homeowners to retrofit their roofs and homes to a higher standard better able to withstand hurricane winds. The "Three Adjuster Rule" which would kick in after a policyholder is assigned a third adjuster. At that point, a new primary contact must be assigned who will remain on the case until the claim is closed and the company must also provide two methods of contacting the permanent adjuster."Additional Living Expense" would clarify that coverage for living expenses for up to 14 days incurred after an evacuation, whether mandated or voluntary, would be provided to policyholders. Minimum Capital and Surplus Requirements would be raise...

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John Zollinger, Executive Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking at Home Bank, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the ways you can stay vigilant to fight fraudsters working 24/7 to get access to your financial assets. With over $5 billion in check fraud last year alone, it's an important topic to understand.

Banks work diligently to protect their clients' financial holdings. It is a time and energy-intensive challenge and it behooves each of us to be more aware of the ways we can protect ourselves on the front end.

Banking has changed dramatically from the days of teaching kids how to open a checking account and write checks. John spoke of the dangers of check fraud and how we should start relying less on paper checks in lieu of online banking solutions. 

It has become commonplace for checks to be stolen and then 'washed' by eraser or chemical baths which remove the ink and allow an alteration to the original. While most checks have security features such as watermarks, threads, and holograms, and alterations can look like a third-grader did the task, with one million checks being deposited per month many fakes slip through the cracks. While artificial intelligence is used to forage out fakes, unless a check is made out for over $10,000, it is unlikely to be picked up on. So criminals make up for it in volume, and as John Zollinger says, "the check fraud business is an industry."

"Stop writing checks when you can. Writing a check and handing it to somebody is probably still safe and secure. But writing a check and putting it in the mail with the USPS is not secure. There are people who steal mail out of the blue postal boxes. They will duplicate keys to the mailbox and take the mail out or they pick the box up and take the whole thing with them. USPS employees have also been implemented in fraud by stealing checks."

John Zollinger is on a mission to educate bank customers and the public about the desirability of using Automated Clearing House ("ACH") transfers for payments to third parties. By making these electronic transfers directly from your bank account, you have a low-cost way to conduct a secure transaction. "ACH is so much cheaper. While it can cost $3 to $5 for every check a business will write (cost of the check, the printer toner, the envelope, the stamp, time involved to mail it, etc.) it costs 10 cents per ACH transfer. ACH transfers clear in a day or two. From a payment perspective and efficiency, you can't beat the ACH process."

He also advocates for the "Positive Pay" app, an optional check fraud prevention service for businesses that use online banking. The customer uploads into Positive Pay all issued check data with information on the payee, date, amount, etc. Checks presented for payment against the bank account are compared to the information sent by the business to Home Bank. Any check not on the issued check list is sent back to the client as an exception for review, to either return or approve the item. This gives the business a chance to ferret out fraud or mistakes with ongoing assistance from the bank.

"Our ability to serve clients through technology continues to improve. We spend more today on technology than on our facilities. Ten years ago the industry said checks were going away. We said the same thing five years ago, but checks are still here. I don't know if they'll ever go away unless banks say they won't continue to offer that service. Zelle, Venmo, and other cash-trading apps are very secure. They can be trusted. Especially Zelle which was created by Wells Fargo. But there is no practical difference between Zelle and Venmo."

John recommends that you should be leery of almost anything and everything that comes into your email inbox with a link to click. Don't automatically trust emails as that is where hackers come in. You can head off almost anything insofar as a financial loss by taking your time to investigate the message.

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We welcome Louisiana-based oil entrepreneurs Charlie Goodson, CEO of Petroquest, and Mark Miller, CEO of Merlin Oil &Gas, to discuss the current state of the energy industry, as well as how the war in Ukraine has affected the prices of fuel for people worldwide.

Both are active operators in the industry with over 40 years of experience and have served on the board of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association for years as well as being spokespersons for the industry on the national level. They speak of the challenges that face operators, both big and small, as they determine the best way to invest millions of dollars that may take years to recoup.

"We're victims of our own success, as our friend Paul Hilliard of Badger Oil Corporation likes to say. We've been so good at what we do in this business that politically, we're being punished in Washington, who look at oil and gas men and women as people of immense wealth. That's not the case."

Investments in new drilling operations are not made lightly, as they can take four or more years to come to fruition if made onshore, and five, ten, and up to fifteen years if situated in the deepwater Gulf. And to raise money in today's climate, oil and gas entrepreneurs rely upon high-net-worth individuals to invest in their ventures; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming an increasing megatrend causing investment funds to steer away from funding traditional drilling ventures in lieu of renewable energy projects.

"There are a lot of reserves left but finding people willing to put up the capital and ride through the regulations put upon us is very difficult. If an oil company drills a well today, it will be produced at prices two to five years from now and no one knows what that will be. "

With political winds shifting rapidly, seasoned professionals must navigate the landscape that determines their ability to stay afloat financially. And these two men's companies are among the few remaining active in Louisiana after we lost so many oil and gas companies following the 2015 collapse in energy prices, the devastation of the COVID pandemic causing oil to trade below $0 briefly in 2020, and the relocation of many companies to others states in the wake of Louisiana legacy lawsuits.

A brief history of how energy sources have evolved seems in order so that we can understand where we are today and how to bridge the gap to total reliance upon renewable energies. In the mid-1800s, coal was the #1 source of fuel in the Industrial Revolution. In 1865, oil was discovered and unleashed untold potential in manufacturing and transportation capabilities. And interestingly, natural gas had been used for centuries, including by Native Americans in the U. S. (and back to 500 B. C. by the Chinese who used bamboo "pipelines" to transport gas that had seeped to the surface to boil water), but only became a viable widespread source of energy for home heating and cooking, and commercial manufacturing and processing plants, once pipelines began to be built in the 20th Century. Nuclear energy was expected to be the bridge fuel from hydrocarbons but the trifecta of the Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima disasters put the kibosh on that.

While many environmentalists push for a quick jump into total reliance on renewable energies such as wind and solar along with a transition to electric vehicles, both guests affirmed that it will take 50 to 100 years to accomplish a total transition away from fossil fuels. Mark noted that he has a 20-year old petroleum land intern who is expecting the oil and gas energy business to be her career for the next fifty years. And with everyone desiring to find a sustainable way to move from hydrocarbons to renewable energy, Charlie noted JP Morgan Chase's CEO Jamie Dimon's thought that the world needs a Marshall Plan for the U. S. as to how we should move forward. Charlie Goodson's dream is to look toward the future saying,

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Jacob Mouton, the proprietor of Crawfish Jake, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his career in crawfish and farming. A young man only 25 years of age, he is a hard-working entrepreneur offering a service in high demand.

Jacob has made a name for himself by offering high-quality prepared crawfish, crab, and shrimp for personal and corporate events, as well as orders available via drive-thru for pickup at Crawfish Jake located at 106 Roselawn Blvd in Lafayette. 

An Agriculture graduate of UL-Lafayette, Jacob Mouton got his start in catering crawfish while a Freshman at UL-Lafayette. His KA friends at LSU asked him to cater their crawfish boil and word soon spread he began getting college and corporate events booked.

Since he was a young boy in elementary school, Jake has helped out on the rice and crawfish farm in Mowata owned by his Uncle Jimbo and Aunt Kathy (Hundley). Having learned the crawfish trade from his family, Jake explained how rice and crawfish farming go hand in hand; farmers will rotate growing the two between their acreage to ensure a bountiful harvest. When the rice is cut, the farmer will flood the field, leaving the stalk for the crawfish to eat. Then when the field is drained, the crawfish bury themselves into the ground as they mature to be harvested the next season. On March 29, 2022, Jacob was busy planting rice at the farm, readying for the upcoming season.

"We always bring extra when catering. You never want to be that guy that runs out of food. If you want to ensure a riot, then run out of food. No one cares if the DJ doesn't show up, but if the food runs out, somebody's going to get hurt!"

Jacob sources his fresh crawfish from the Hundley farm in Mowata, LA. He explained that most of the crawfish in the world come out of the 25-mile area surrounding Mowata, which is located north of Crowley.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/CrawfishJake1 for the latest menu and to check out their weekly specials.

Along with boiled crawfish, Crawfish Jake also offers boiled blue point crab (St. Mary Parish-based), King Crab (Alaskan-based), and shrimp fresh from Delcambre, along with the usual sides and sauce.

"Everything is boiled. No fried food. I think I'm the only restaurant in America where I cook everything in three pots!

Catering has become a big part of Jacob's business. He has a boil scheduled in Washington DC in May, has done events in Houston and Orange Beach, and recently returned from South Carolina. Lafayette-based people around the country love their crawfish!

Crawfish Jake has an in-demand catering business and has served crawfish lovers across the country.....including the Governor of Louisiana. The live crawfish are transported in refrigerated trucks to ensure a safe product.

Jacob employs four people at his on-site location at 106 Roselawn and has 15 to 16 people working for him during his busiest times of catering. Most of the employees are college kids and his friends who understand his business. Labor and fuel costs have risen dramatically in the past couple of years and as with all other consumer goods, have affected the retail cost.

When asked about advice he would share with other entrepreneurs, he encourages people to "just go for it. If you enjoy something and think you can make a living doing it, just do it." He further explained, "I've found out in life that serving people is what makes me happy. Bringing them fishing, bringing them hunting, and serving crawfish is fun for me."

Always one to enjoy being outdoors, he is also Coast Guard certified as a captain. He has the best of all worlds, farming, catering, and during the summers, running a boat for a construction company based out of Baton Rouge.

For more information, visit https://www.crawfishjake.com/ or contact Jacob Mouton at (337) 288-8241 or crawfishjakela@gmail.com

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Babette Werner, committee chair of Festival des Fleurs de Louisiane, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the upcoming annual Garden Show and Sale to be held on April 9, 2022, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blackham Coliseum. Tickets are $5.00 and the first 300 people who attend will get a free sunpatien plant.

There is something for everyone, with children's planting activities, flower designs, and horticulture samples by the Lafayette Garden Club. The Orchid Society and Bonsai Society of Acadiana will have displays. Nel’s Creole Connection, Le Papillion Cajun Soul Food, and Sneaux to Geaux will have food trucks on site.   

There will be 70-75 booths inside and outside Blackham Coliseum offering a wide variety of native plants, shrubs, annuals, perennials, roses, daylilies, hibiscus, orchids, herbs, and much more.  Also available for sale are garden supplies and accessories, pottery, tools, gardening books and art, unique gifts, ornamental pieces, and a Festival t-shirt.

The public is invited to bring their own carts. There will be some available but if you have your own, you will not have to wait until one is free to use.

The Lafayette Parish Master Gardeners will give 4 presentations: 9:00 am: Pup Propagation of a Staghorn Fern; 10:00 am: Bromeliads, a winner for plant lovers; 11:00 am: Marcelle Bienvenu, (a master gardener and the famous chef and cookbook author), will talk about Herbs – the Culinary and Medicinal Uses of Herbs; and at 1:00 pm:  Installing your own Home Gardening Irrigation System (how to do it yourself for huge cost savings)

The Master Gardeners will also have an “Ask A Master Gardener” table where you can ask your gardening questions. If you have a weed, insect question, or have a plant id question, bring in a sample of the plant so that they can help with your problem.

New this year:  The Society for Louisiana Irises will be presenting their Louisiana Iris Show at the festival on Saturday. This is the perfect opportunity to view hundreds of Louisiana Iris blooms on display and the chance to purchase some for your yard. Society members will also be available to answer all of your questions and give information on growing Louisiana Irises! The iris group’s first meetings were at SLI (now UL-Lafayette in the early 1940s.

Everyone loves a raffle! Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the event. The big prizes are a large patio table with 6 swivel chairs and an umbrella, a Gorilla gardening cart, a container from Girouards Nursery, and a beautiful galvanized can painted with Louisiana irises. There are many other smaller prizes and $1 tickets can be purchased for those.

The festival is the primary fund-raising event for the Ira Nelson Horticulture Center, part of UL Lafayette, to supplement the Center’s annual budget. The proceeds have gone for needed repairs and improvements, including central AC/Heat, floor replacement, greenhouse benches, irrigation, electrical work, and other projects. The Center has been a focus of UL Lafayette horticulture education for students, faculty, and the community since 1960.

The festival is the only fundraiser each year for the Ira Nelson Horticulture Center. Originally dedicated as the Ornamental Horticulture Center in 1960. Five years later the center was renamed to honor Professor Ira S. Nelson, who was instrumental in its design and construction.  The Center is now a part of the College of Geosciences.

The Ira Nelson Horticulture Center ("INHC") includes nearly 17,000 square feet of greenhouse space which houses a diverse collection of plants from throughout the world.  Plants from the collection are propagated to continue the species.  INHC produces annual and perennial plans for the university campus. Plants are used for decorating at university functions such as graduations, receptions, and press conferences.

The facility is open to the public from 7 am to 4:15 pm Monday through Thursday,

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Don Washington, a partner in the Jones Walker law firm, joined Discover Lafayette to share his life and career journey as well as his dedication to public service.

Based out of Jones Walker's Lafayette office, Don Washington specializes in corporate compliance and white-collar defense.

A native of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Don has led an exemplary career in the military, the oil and gas industry as an engineer and attorney for Conoco, as a litigator at Jones Walker, in public service, and as a volunteer in our community.

Growing up in the small town of Sulphur Springs that Don refers to as "a Norman Rockwell" type of town, he was a member of the Future Farmers of America and even had the opportunity to judge livestock shows. Math and science were his favorite topics and he was encouraged by his family to reach for the stars. He ended up at West Point studying and graduating in Aerospace Engineering after a random comment by a high school classmate who said he was going to apply to the Naval Academy. Don recalled, "I just announced very proudly that I was going to apply to West Point! I did and I got in. Those were the days as they say."

"I believe very strongly in our country. I believe in the Constitution. I believe that our nation is exceptional. I've been to places around the planet where our nation is looked upon with high regard. For example, I took a trip to Nepal as U. S. Attorney to speak on our American criminal justice system and compare it with Nepal's, a nation of antiquity where Buddha walked 5000 plus years ago. Here we are, a 200-year old republic, and we talked to them about things they wanted to know about us because of our success. They wanted to expand their horizons."

After West Point, Don joined the Army and served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer where he trained in tactical strategies, how to shoot down aircraft, and control air space over battlegrounds. Working with gun systems and missiles, Don served during the time of the Cold War when the Soviet Union was a real threat as was China. "The Soviet military had 50,000 tanks at the Iron Curtain and the U. S. had 5000....the U. S. always had superior equipment."

After military service, Don worked with Conoco in Houston. Wanting to further his education, he attended South Texan College of Law at night, all while traveling on behalf of Conoco to sell its natural gas. South Texan College of Law is recognized by many as the "Harvard of the South" and was set up for high achievers who work as they obtain their Juris doctorate. He moved to Lafayette while working for Conoco and since then has called Lafayette home.

Don was appointed to serve as U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana by George W. Bush one week after 9/11. Then U. S. Attorney General John Ashcroft made sure that all appointees understood the gravity of the situation and that terrorists did exist in the U. S. Don spent two years rooting out plotters of terrorist activities, including those involving Wadih El Hage, a graduate of USL who was aligned with Osama bin Laden and who plotted the bombing of embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. He served until 2010. He also led federal investigations and trial teams to prosecute cases involving criminal and civil violations of federal law.  

Don recently returned to Jones Walker after serving as the director of the United States Marshals Service. He was appointed by President Donald Trump and served from 2019 to 2021. During his service, he oversaw nearly 5,500 US marshals, deputy marshalls, criminal investigators, detention enforcement officers, and administrative staff. His time of service included having to navigate the COVID pandemic as well as civil unrest that erupted after George Floyd was killed in May of 2020.

Don Washington is a great believer in the U. S. Constitution and a prosecutor at heart. Yet, he believes that everyone deserves the best criminal defense possible.

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John Bordelon, President and CEO of Home Bank and Chairman of HomeBancorp., Inc., joined Discover Lafayette to talk of his love for Lafayette, his distinguished banking career of 41 years with Home Bank, and his community involvement.

A native of Metairie, John first visited USL as a young teen when his older brother was a student. He found the people to be exceptionally friendly, unlike any other he had met. When it was time to choose a college where he would play football, he found none of the other schools could compete with the culture of USL and Lafayette. "The people in Lafayette made it exciting for me to select USL."

John played outside linebacker for USL Football as a four-year starter of the Ragin’ Cajuns football team from 1973 – 1976. The team went from a dismal record of 0-10 in his freshman year to the 9-2 record in his senior season under Coach Augie Tammariello and Defensive Coordinator Sam Robinson. "We went from having the worst record in UL history to the best record until the success of the last two seasons" under Coach Billy Napier.

John credits his college sweetheart and wife, Suzanne, for getting him on track in college. "I had my priorities a bit messed up. I was football first, entertainment second, and school third. Suzanne got me on the right track and got me focused on my career and what I wanted to be." He graduated in accounting in 1977 and initially worked as a Medicare examiner. Exactly three years after the day he started with Medicare, he joined Home Savings & Loan to capitalize on the leadership opportunities he would be afforded.

John Bordelon was honored along with Dr. Cindy Courville as 2021 UL Outstanding Alumni. The Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest honor UL Lafayette gives to a former student. It recognizes professional and personal achievements that have brought honor and distinction to the University. 

John has led Home Bank to incredible growth during his tenure. He’s overseen bank acquisitions, the Initial Public Offering of company stock in 2008, and the many technological advances in banking which have changed how bankers interact with and serve their customers.

Home Bank's headquarters in Lafayette LA. Advocate staff photo by LESLIE WESTBROOK

On the date of this podcast release, March 25, 2022, Home Bank will be converting its newest acquisition, Texan Bank, a community bank with five locations in the metro Houston area. The Merger Agreement provides that Texan Bank, operated by Friendswood Capital, will merge with and into Home Bank, with Home Bank as the survivor. Texan Bank was acquired by Home Bank in an all-cash transaction of $66.6 million.

Originally chartered as a savings and loan association known as Home Building and Loan in 1908, Home Bank has experienced incredible growth over the years. It is now the only Lafayette bank still in existence out of the dozen or so that were around when John started his banking career in 1981. The bank has survived the tough times of the 1980s oil bust and the 2008 real estate crash, and today, it employs over 450 bankers across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. It is the third-largest bank in Louisiana, with assets of $2.9 billion dollars.

"Home Bank is the only Lafayette bank remaining. When I first got into banking in 1981, there were probably a dozen. That speaks volumes to the dedication and hard work of our board and to our employees that we've put faith in for over four decades."

John recounted the timing of Home Bank's initial public offering in 2008, an incredibly risky time with the national economy and stock market in tatters. Home Bank raised $90 million on the same day that the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP"), which allowed the federal government to purchase troubled assets from financial institutions, was signed. The infusion of cash put Home Bank into the position of being the highest capitalized bank in the country at that time and the funds were used to purchase other ba...

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Guitarist and lyricist, Dustin Gaspard, who recently released Hoping Heaven Got a Kitchen, is our guest on Discover Lafayette.

A poet since he was a young boy, Dustin is a self-taught vocalist and guitarist. He has taken his love of music and writing to produce his first complete album which was released in late February 2022 and is a prayer to the memory of his grandmother and grandfather who raised him in Cow Island in Southern Vermilion Parish. "My grandfather made me the man I am today."

Dustin Gaspard will be showcasing his new album, Hoping Heaven Got a Kitchen, in a live venue at the Acadiana Center for The Arts on March 31, 2022, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Grammy Nominated band, Sweet Cecilia, a family trio from Cecilia, LA, will be the opening act for the show. Tickets may be purchased here.

Raised on vintage 50s/ 60s soul and swamp pop, and other traditional folk sounds, Dustin is an alternative folk songwriter and frontman/vocalist for Rock N Soul group DG and the Freetown Sound. After rehabbing his voice which had been silenced as a young man due to vocal strain that irreparably damaged his vocal cords, he has paid his dues in life and is ascending in the music world, humble and wise beyond his years. We can't express how much we wish him the greatest success as he continues to find his voice, his lyrics, and the audience who will raise him up.

In South Louisiana, it can be tough for songwriters that aren't Cajun musicians to get their music showcased. As Dustin says, "You can't dance to a sad-boy singer-songwriter's tunes. There is a time and a place for that."

By chance in 2019, Justin found the application process for South Louisiana Songwriters Festival Scholarship online and applying at the last minute, he was selected after a lengthy period of rehabilitating his voice during a time where he was writing more thoughtful songs, reflecting on his life. He had lost the complete range of his voice on both ends of the spectrum and it had made him think of his career in the long-term, rather than squandering his talent by abusing his voice and body. "If I'm not capable of executing the vocal athletics I had before, then I'll be a folk-songwriter and hone my craft and lyrics and how I convey myself as an artist," Dustin thought.

"I will be forever extremely grateful to CREATE Lafayette, Kate Durio, and all who were so supportive of me. My South Louisiana Songwriters Festival Scholarship continues to open doors to me."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo_5EtZnC0s

Dustin Gaspard is also an active musician with DG and the Freetown Sound, a high energy, blues, rock & roll band developed to break into the local music scene. Their music is light and free....a true fun sound that everyone can enjoy.

DG and the Freetown Sound is a high-energy, blues, and rock & roll band that Dustin Gaspard also sings with. "It's a fund band to dance to!"

Dustin Gaspard exemplifies the type of talent a community wants to see thrive and grow! Best wishes, Dustin, on a bright future!

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The Bayou Vermilion Preservation Association’s ("BVPA) efforts to educate our community about the many ways we can all help protect the Vermilion plays a crucial role in maintaining our ecosystem. Discover Lafayette welcomed Amber Robinson, Chris Adams, and Kiera Frey to the show to discuss the body of work the BVPA undertakes to educate and work with community members who want to make a difference.

In 2013, BVPA was founded by Charles and Jan Wyatt, along with dedicated members of the Lafayette Garden Club. Since those early days, the association has grown to include an active board, advisory board, and hundreds of members.

BVPA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to create awareness of our natural environment by providing education and outreach to the general community about ways to conserve, protect and enjoy the Bayou Vermilion Watershed. It works alongside and in partnership with the Bayou Vermilion District ("BVD") which was established in 1984 and funded by property taxes to “enhance the general conditions and beautification of the bayou by improving water quality, in an effort to promote [it] as a recreational and cultural asset.”  And for those who don't know what a 'watershed' is, it is the area of land that drains to a ditch, coulee, bayou, or river. Our region is in the Teche-Vermilion Watershed.

BVPA Secretary and Board Member Kiera Frey: "The polluted image of the dirty, brown body of water, that on any given day could yield tons of floating trash and debris, that Vermilion River is not the one we want tourists who come to town to soak up local culture to take home with them. Nor is it the one we want our children and grandchildren to grow up with. BVPA focuses on educating the community on the natural beauty of the 70-mile waterway, including its recreational & utilitarian value." Photo by Bryan Tuck of The Advocate.

The River Symposium is BVPA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It is an annual gathering of presenters who speak on a variety of topics related to the Vermilion River. Each year the theme changes. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, this year's symposium, Innovation on the Bayou: Harnessing New Ideas for Watershed Improvement, will be held on March 25th at the LITE Center on Cajundome Boulevard from 7:30 AM to 2:30 pm. Speakers include Warren Abadie from LCG, Tara Ross from Calcasieu Parish, Ben Malbrough with Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District, Brian Piazza, The Nature Conservancy and  Stephen Ortego with SO Studio Architecture. Cost is $27 which includes BVPA membership & lunch (student cost $5) - Sign up https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bvpas-7th-annual-river-symposium-tickets-165966681813.

BVPA promotes and educates the community on techniques for improving water quality, including green infrastructure such as rain gardens, riparian buffers, and plants to help filter stormwater and control erosion. They teach pollution prevention and ways the public can help protect the watershed, such as litter control, picking up pet waste, maintaining septic systems, preventing yard waste and soil runoff, and awareness of stormwater flows. Most people are not aware that everything eventually flows into the Bayou, even the stormwater runoff of your pet's waste in the backyard which contains bacteria and parasites.

An anti-littering poster contest is held to educate Lafayette Parish students on the importance of litter reduction and to create more interest in projects that enhance the landscape. This poster contest, a joint effort between LCG, Lafayette Garden Club, BVPA, and Parish Proud, is held in conjunction with Louisiana’s Cleanest City contest.

Most of us don't realize our direct or indirect contribution to damaging the Vermilion River's safety. Many of the bayous that flow through the Vermilion-Teche River Basin are not fully meeting their recreational uses of swimming (known as Primary Contact) because of nonpoint source pollution from such sou...

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Herb Schilling joins Discover Lafayette to look back on the profound influence his education at UL-Lafayette (formerly USL) has played in his life.

In recognition of his generosity and dedication to the university, Herb is being honored at the UL-Lafayette Alumni Association’s 25th annual Spring Gala on March 26, 2022.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Association will honor Herb Schilling at its Spring Gala 25th anniversary year event to be held from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center, 600 E. St. Mary Blvd. It will feature entertainment and food, and live and silent auctions. Art, gifts, travel opportunities, and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns merchandise are among items that will be up for bid. Tickets may be purchased here.

Herb reminisced about his upbringing in Lafayette and his lifelong friendships with his classmates. "The university has been a part of my life from birth. My mother (Olga Schilling) was a professor of secretarial sciences at the university in 1949 when I was born and we resided one block from the university on Johnston St. My mother would walk to work every day. My first schooling was at Hamilton Lab School, a laboratory school on campus to train teachers. I received my first degree from the university in 1954....I'll see who's paying attention!"

Herb Schilling graduated from the Hamilton Lab School in 1954. The University has been a part of his life since birth. He is pictured in the top row, second from left.The Hamilton Training School operated on McKinley Street on the campus of SLI, the Southwestern Louisiana Institute in Lafayette, from 1939-1977. The students were children of SLI/USL staff and faculty.

Like his father, Herbert Schilling, who came to Lafayette in the late 1920s to play baseball and became co-owner of the Lafayette White Sox co-founder of the Evangeline League, Herb loved baseball and had an encouraging future in that realm. But when he was a young boy, Clyde Wolf encouraged him to be a golfer and discouraged him from trying to compete in two sports arenas. Herb took up golf and gave up his baseball aspirations. He became a four-year letterman on the USL golf team and graduated in 1972 with a degree in business management. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

"The university is an asset to this community in that it has helped us survive the ups and downs of the oil industry. Now, it is the backbone of our community, deservedly so. The success of this university means the success of this town, and the success of this town means the success of our business."

Herb particularly credits two professors, Dr. Bernard Bienvenu and Dr. Rex Hausen, for serving as the foundation of his business success. Both Harvard-educated, they used the Harvard case-study method for teaching back in the 1960s and 1970s when Herb attended college. "USL was the only university using that method in the south," Herb said.

Dr. Bernard Bienvenu (pictured at right) along with Dr. Rex Hausen, taught Herb Schilling business principles during his days at USL studying business management. "That education is why I'm here today. One thing Dr. Bienvenu always said was 'Have balance in your life. Don't have everything in one pocket, because if that pocket rips, all the marbles will fall out and you'll lose everything." As opportunities knocked throughout Herb's life, he would pick good investments and most importantly, "good partners."

Following his father's death in 1981, Herb assumed leadership of Schilling Distributing which he has grown to heights never imagined, now distributing a vast array of beers as well as fine wines.

Schilling Distributing is Lafayette’s only locally-owned alcohol distributor, proudly serving the Acadiana area since 1950. Operating under Herbert E. Schilling II and his son, Charles “Buddy” Schilling, the company services over 1,500 retail accounts in Lafayette, Acadia, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin,

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Bryan MacDonald, CEO of SchoolMint, joins Discover Lafayette to share the story of how his company chose Lafayette LA as its new headquarters. A technology industry leader in choice, enrollment, registration, and behavior for K through 12 schools, SchoolMint serves more than 12 million students in 18,000 schools nationwide.

With over 25 years of education software industry experience, Bryan has been at the forefront in designing technological advancements that dramatically affect all aspects of the educational experience for students, parents, and schools.

Bryan got his start as a middle school math and science teacher at the University of Wyoming Laboratory School while also working as a Technology Specialist. He loved it, got immersed in statewide committees in Wyoming that were working to improve school data collection, and ended up being hired by the local school district as its technology leader. It was there that he discovered the antiquated ways the school system collected grades, student attendance, report cards, and transcripts and thought, "There must be a better way."

He looked around for tech help and discovered PowerSchool, a start-up company that was the first web-based system delivering cutting-edge services to schools and families who needed ready access to student information. "For the first time ever, teachers were using the same system as the front office and parents were using. Moms could drop off their kids, go home, get online and see if their kid made it to class." This was heady stuff for the 1990s tech world.

Bryan was enamored with the work of PowerSchool and moved to join the company which was based in Northern California. Through that role, he had the opportunity to travel to Cupertino, CA to meet with Steve Jobs to pitch PowerSchool's software. Apple bought the software and the company!

Besides Apple, Bryan's career has also led him to work with national companies such as Safari Books Online, Maximus Education Systems, and most recently Illuminate Education. He joined SchoolMint three years ago.

SchoolMint's customer base keeps growing as its services continue to evolve to meet the demands of today's schools. They offer strategic enrollment management and marketing strategies, and also offer data management and coaching to assist schools with behavior management and support.

Originally based in San Francisco, CA with employees also working in San Jose, Costa Rica, the company made the decision to move its headquarters to Lafayette in 2020 after purchasing Smart Choice Technologies in 2019, which had been founded by Casey Bienvenu when he was a student at the Carencro High Academy of Information Technology. Smart Choice Technologies' focus was on the development of student registration and lottery system software similar to that of SchoolMint. Bryan said, "They were basically doing the same things SchoolMint was doing. What if we teamed up? Why build the same things twice when we could build it together right and make it amazing?"

"SchoolMint can be summed up in three words: Attract, Enroll, and Retain. We're all about strategic enrollment management. It's a new thing for K - 12 schools, but not for higher education. We help schools make themselves known to parents and help the parents find the right school. It's a bit of matchmaking. We help with online applications and make it easy to fill out on mobile phones." Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Advocate.

During Bryan's first visit to Lafayette, he was left with a highly positive impression, especially upon seeing the "World's Happiest City" banner in the Lafayette airport. He thought, "even if it's not actually the happiest city, this is still special." Bryan also enjoyed other things about Lafayette, hearing that we were 'festival-based, food-based, and people-based." And while having a high-end fiberoptic system was important, that amenity is expected in today's business world. It was the can-do,

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Dr. Christie L. Maloyed, co-editor along with Dr. Pearson Cross of The Party is Over: The New Louisiana Politics, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the recent release of her book by LSU Press.

The Party is Over provides a comprehensive reassessment of Louisiana state politics, institutions, and policies in the 21st century. The book comprises fourteen chapters written by different political experts in Louisiana hailing from institutions such as Tulane, LSU, Southern, UL-Lafayette, UL – Monroe, and non-government organizations, where they focus on issues impacting Louisiana.

"Politics can be so negative. But political science brings an analytical framework that gives students the tools to step back from the vitriol and think about the factors influencing how our institutions work, why do people act like do, and why do they advocate for some policies over others? When you can prepare students with that research mindset, it changes the way that they're able to engage in political discourse that makes conversations much more productive."

Other books have been written about a single aspect of Louisiana politics or the history of well-known people such as Governors Huey Long and Edwin Edwards. But The Party is Over zooms out to that 20,000-foot level to assess the current state of affairs in Louisiana and the forces that brought us here.

Louisiana political analyst Jeremy Alford's writing focuses on the dramatic changes we have seen in the Louisiana legislature. His chapter takes a deep dive into the way campaigning and term limits have dramatically altered the nature of relationships in the legislature. While term limits have benefits in that people can't serve in office for life, it has also kept people from building long-term relationships. With more turnover, there is a cost to the sense of camaraderie that comes along with it.

Louisiana has always been a sui generis (unique) state, being predominantly a "big D" (Democratic) state, holding on longer than other southern states in the U. S. (which experienced the shift to a majority of Republican voters and elected officials). Democrat and Republican ideals didn't historically cause a division among our Louisianans; rather, people were either "Huey Long-ites or Anti-Huey Long-ites."

But the national trend of partisan politics has trickled down into Louisiana and in the past ten years, many elected officials have made the shift from Democratic to Republican. Interestingly, however, this dramatic shift hasn't occurred among the voting population. We still have an inordinate number of registered Democratic voters in a state where the majority of elected officeholders are Republican. In 2000, Democrats held the overwhelming number of elected seats in the Louisiana House of Representatives and Senate; in just twenty years, those numbers are upside with the Republican party holding a vast majority of the elected seats in both houses. Outside observers puzzle over this conundrum, but with Louisiana's open primary system, people can vote for candidates no matter what their registration is. There is no push to go through the process of changing parties when you can vote for any candidate no matter their party.

On the local government front, Dr. Maloyed had taught her political science students about the concept of "consolidated government" but had never experienced it. When she moved to Lafayette in 2015, she was intrigued by consolidation and glad to have the opportunity to learn more about how it worked in reality. She has found that many of the citizens of Lafayette parish who are otherwise very politically astute find consolidation very confusing; they do not understand how consolidation works. "That's somewhat baked into the design of Lafayette's system," as contrasted to that of New Orleans where things work more effectively (where the city and Parish of Orleans are truly consolidated...just one governing body which is only one of four in the countr...

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Ian Auzenne, Morning Show co-host on KPEL 96.5 with Bernadette Lee, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his journey in broadcasting. Ian is also well-known for his sports play-by-play broadcasting career. He is a delightful trivia buff who shows up prepared for any job he is called upon to handle in a cheerful and genial manner.

A Lafayette Parish native, Ian grew up in a rural area outside of Carencro around Gloria Switch Road. His father was a St. Landry Parish educator, and from a young age, Ian commuted with his dad to attend schools in that parish and graduated from Beau Chenes High School near Arnaudville, LA in 2006. He's remained friends with many of his buddies from his grade school years, and still affectionately calls out Nick and Butterbean on his morning radio show.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience Ian's Junior year in high school changed the trajectory of his life. Princeton University was inviting students from rural and poorer areas of the U. S. to apply for their "Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America" summer program. Ian was encouraged by school administrators to apply and he was selected, one of only 54 in the U. S. to be selected (and only one of four or five from Louisiana). The experience led Ian to "absolutely fall in love with Princeton" and he applied to attend college there and was accepted. He graduated from Princeton in 2010.

Ian Auzenne pictured calling plays during a Princeton-Brown game in 2009. "Those four years at Princeton molded me into the person I am now. If I wouldn't have gone there, I don't know if I'd be in broadcasting, if I'd be in sportscasting. Princeton led me directly into my career. I studied Political Science, but people who know me say I majored in WPRB, Princeton's student-run radio station, and minored in politics because I spent more time at the station than I did in the classroom or my dorm."

While at Princeton, Ian became heavily involved with the student-run radio station WPRB, where he fell in love with broadcasting and was a natural at doing sports play-by-play. He covered Princeton football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, and softball.

Ian loved Princeton so much he thought he would be staying in that region upon graduation. On April 20, 2010, however, as he was about to graduate, his beloved grandfather, Darrell Sonnier, passed away. Ian's heart told him he needed to return home to Acadiana to be close to family.

The first call he made as he was looking for a job was to Darla Montgomery, longtime anchor at KLFY. Darla was a friend and mentor of Ian's, having met him when she allowed him to job shadow her in high school. Ian was hired and served as Producer of "Meet Your Neighbor" and Editor of "Passe Partout. He even had an opportunity or two to serve as a field reporter when called upon, something he loved to do.

Ian Auzenne in the early days of his broadcasting career at KLFY where he served as Producer of Meet Your Neighbor and Editor of Passe Partout. His experience has taught him the difference between editorials (viewpoints) and delivering the facts to the listening audience. "It's easy to run your mouth off. It's more difficult to be tactful and respectful. You don't want to take the low road. At the end of the day, we're a news organization and I deliver the news. I am bound by an ethical standard, by what our profession dictates. When a polarizing issue presents itself, you have to ask, "Is it worth offering an opinion or do you just give the listeners the facts and let them sort it out."

Ian moved on to KATC-TV, serving as executive news and special events producer for nine years. He joined Townsquare Media to serve as co-host of KPEL 96.5's daily morning show in February 2021.

Daily early radio work takes discipline. With the show beginning each day at 6 a.m., Ian's day begins at the studio around 4:30 each morning so that he has time to write up the latest news and be ready to start the show promptly.

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Barry Ancelet, acclaimed Cajun folklorist, author, and songwriter, as well as the founder of Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, joined Discover Lafayette to share his love of our culture and his journey as a folklorist. We look forward to celebrating the Festival on Friday, March 18, 2022, after a hiatus due to the COVID shutdown.

Barry served on the faculty of UL-Lafayette from 1977 until his retirement in 2016. He was a professor in the Department of Modern Languages, serving as chair of the department and as the first director of the University's Center for Acadian and Creole Folklore. He developed and taught the first course on Cajun and Creole music at the university. He has been involved in over 50 record projects, providing notes, transcriptions and translations, and has written almost two dozen books on Cajun music and culture.

"My dad told me when I was a kid, 'Find something you really love to do and you'll never work a day in your life.' I got paid to visit with artists like Dewey Balfa, Dennis Magee, Canray Fontenot, and Nathan Abshire, listen to their stories and turn it into coursework and publications. When I retired, in my speech I said I was happy to be retiring before the university realized I would have done it for free."

It wasn't that long ago in Louisiana that speaking French was shunned and children were not allowed to speak the language in school for fear of reprisal. However, Barry says that he grew up in a French-speaking family who enjoyed Cajun music, and, "we never felt French was a liability." His grandmother always quoted a French proverb, "A man who speaks two languages is worth two men," translated in French as "Un home qui parle deux langues vaut deux hommes."

Barry excelled early in his French studies and loved it. At Cathedral Carmel High School, he represented the school at the Literary Rally, winning a medal. "It was like getting paid to eat candy."

Majoring in French at USL (now UL-Lafayette), he went on to study French at Indiana University where he realized his love of French was grounded in our local French-Acadian culture, not strictly traditional French history. The pre-eminent American folklorist, Henry Glassie, was on the faculty at Indiana U. and encouraged Barry to transfer into folklore, to learn about the cultural side of life, and Barry graduated with an MA in folklore from the university.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the same time as Barry's college days, Louisiana French history was beginning to be recognized for its significance. He mentions local historian Carl Brasseaux and musician Zachary Richard as two others also drawn to finding out how the region's culture came about and asking questions such as "Who are we? Why does our music sound this way? Why does gumbo taste like that? Why do our homes look like that?" Out of curiosity, they started digging and learning about the French-Canadian, African-Caribbean, and French influences which shaped the region's unique culture.

While studying French in Nice, France in the Spring of 1973, Barry was miserable and homesick. One day while walking in downtown Nice, Barry heard Cajun music floating from a store owned by Roger Mason. Barry wanted to know more about this store that showcased music that he missed, such as the Crowley Two-Step; Mason shared that he had a mentor, Dewey Balfa, who he had learned from, and encouraged Barry to go to Basile, Louisiana to meet Balfa upon his return to the States.

Dewey Balfa wasn't just a mentor to Roger Mason, he was an ambassador of Cajun culture and advocated for the revival of traditional Cajun music. In 1964, Balfa had been invited by the renowned music Smithsonian folklorist Ralph Rinzler (along with Gladdie Thibodeaux and Louis Vinesse Lejeune) to play at the Newport Folk Festival where Balfa's music was met with great excitement. He appeared twice more at the Festival and with the warm acceptance of his music,

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Lindsay Smythe, School Leader and founder of Ecole Saint-Landry in Sunset, a free, public French Immersion elementary school, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her journey in offering a quality educational experience to our youngest students.

Lindsay is a bilingual educator with 17 years of experience in education at the elementary, high school, and university levels. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and she brings a sense of joy and adventure to the classroom.

She received a Master’s in Education from LSU. Upon deciding that she wanted to pursue a Doctorate in Education, Lindsay learned that she would have to be fluent in a foreign language to earn her doctorate. She had never studied French and to accomplish this task quickly, she registered at "Débutant Une" (level one) to attend one of the only French Immersion universities in the world: Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada, which is also the original home of the Acadiens who were deported from the region in 1755.

Lindsay fell in love with the French language, as well as the Nova Scotia landscape. She describes it as a beautiful area...."There is no better place than this, with warm, friendly people. Picture the most beautiful Festival weekend here and that is Nova Scotia in the summertime."

Lindsay Smythe quickly became fluent in French by attending Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada. She recommends the experience to others who want to experience a wonderful education as well as a beautiful cultural experience. The university is situated where the Acadiens were deported in 1755 and therefore has many things in common with Acadiana. Summertime French immersion programs are offered twice each year and for those over 60 years old, tuition is half-price. Louisiana residents are accorded the additional benefit of qualifying for the Canadian price of admission. For more information, visit https://www.usainteanne.ca.

She stayed on two years teaching French at Université Sainte-Anne and then returned to the United States to teach French at Lafayette High. During her tenure there, she was named the 2016 Lafayette Parish Teacher of the Year and also nominated as the Louisiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Teacher of the Year.

Lindsay Smythe is a passionate spokesperson for a great public school system as well as for compensating teachers at a level that will entice the best and brightest students to enter the profession. She learned while teaching in Canada that teachers are paid at a much higher level than in the U. S. and the demand for jobs is incredibly competitive. Teachers typically have a wait time of five years to qualify for a permanent role as a teacher, having to first work as a long-term sub to earn their stripes.

In December 2016, Lindsay was summoned to an exploratory meeting called by Stephen Ortego and Sunset Mayor Charles James to discuss the possibility of starting a French immersion elementary school. The building that used to house Sunset High had been sitting vacant, owned by the Town of Sunset, and Ortego had realized its potential as a site for a French Immersion school. As a French teacher and resident of Sunset, Lindsay immediately saw the value of the idea and jumped in headfirst. Local teachers and education doctorates Michelle Haj-Broussard and Nicole Boudreaux drafted the Charter language, and Ecole Saint-Landry was officially approved by the St. Landry School Board as a Type 1 Charter school in 2018.

Ecole Saint-Landry is in month five of its inaugural school year at this point, with 55 students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade. There are five teachers, all fluent in French necessitated by the fact that no English is spoken in the classrooms.

The school is available at no charge to St. Landry residents and transportation is provided at satellite bus stops by the St. Landry Parish School System. No child has to travel more than five miles to access the bus transportation.

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Dirk Guidry, a Lafayette-based artist specializing in large-scale abstract art, live events, and mural paintings, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his journey in becoming an artist who has evolved into a business entrepreneur. 

A native of Galliano, Louisiana, Dirk graduated in 2012 from UL – Lafayette in Fine Arts with a concentration in painting. As a child who always enjoyed art, he was encouraged by family and teachers to cultivate his creativity in the talented and gifted program. He remembered fondly his first commissioned piece: he was hired to draw a portrait of his teacher's daughter for $5.00.

Dirk entered UL-Lafayette thinking he wanted to be a computer animator or storyboard artist. But the process of rendering the art was all about the final product and that didn't sit well, so he says he "fell into painting."

"The late Allen Jones served as a beloved professor and mentor of Dirk, and he "still hears him every day" as he works in the studio. Professor Jones had a nurturing and subtle style as he delivered his critiques, and he would let the students figure out for themselves how to improve upon their work. Dirk says, "He used to touch my paintings sometimes. One time before the critique I made sure the paint was still wet because I knew he was going to touch it. And sure enough, he hit the wet part with his pinky and he was taken aback because he never wanted to mess up anyone's painting. Needless to say, he never touched my paintings again!"

Upon graduation, Dirk didn't really know how to get started as a professional artist. So, he worked multiple jobs in the service industry, and of course, at Painting With A Twist, while he showed his art at a few shows.

He had a lucky break early on when his cousin was getting married and asked him if he knew about the "live wedding paintings" being done in New Orleans. He didn't know anything about it but agreed to do the job. This gig led to another, and after a few years, Dirk became well-known for his live event paintings and is in high demand these days. He says, "Even though it's about 8 to 9 hours of straight painting, it still feels like 10 minutes. I blink and it's over."

Dirk Guidry has become a popular live events artist who paints with a fish-eye (wide angle) lens effect. He'll arrive a few hours before an event to paint the background of the venue and allow the paint to dry somewhat. Then, he paints as the event unfolds, capturing the people and fun happenings. "People, especially kids, love to watch me paint 'Bob Ross' style. It's highly entertaining and I love interacting with others." (Pictured work by Dirk Guidry is the Greater Southwest Mardi Gras Association's 2018 Queen and Maids celebrating at brunch.)

Dirk now averages about 35 live events per year. "That's basically my day job." The live event work affords him the opportunity to earn enough to do what he calls his 'studio work,' the opportunity to craft large abstract pieces of art, as well as to have the opportunity to take time off. He has been hired to travel for an event as far away as Cabo San Lucas and gets a good deal of work in Florida and Texas.

The tough part about being an artist is having to have tough skin and learn to handle rejection. Dirk has always wanted to be selected as the Festival International Visual Artist and has applied every year for several years. He jokes that along with those rejections he also filed many others in his "We regret to inform you" email folder.

Yet Dirk persisted, and in this 36th year Festival is to be celebrated, he was named the 2022 Official Visual Artist and will produce the collectible festival poster and pin. His official work will be revealed on February 20, 2022, from 3 to 5 pm, at Warehouse 535, at the Festival's Official Kickoff Party. Tickets are only $10 and include live music by Bucks and a Louisiana Fish Fry.

The piece submitted by Dirk Guidry to the Festival judges was a 4 by 5-foot self-portrai...

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Adam Zayor, CEO of FlyGuys, an aerial drone services company based in Lafayette, LA, is our guest.

Attention to all angel investors....only 8% of commercial industries are currently using drone technology. The potential for dramatic increases in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, known as drones, is mind-boggling.

Fly Guys operates in all 50 states, in 72 countries worldwide, with over 4500 qualified and vetted contract drone pilots doing the work. It has 17 full-time employees overseeing operations and has experienced exponential annual growth of 200% per year for the past three years.

FlyGuys operates in a model similar to Uber; the company is responsible for contracting all jobs, and the pilots have their own drone equipment. "Our business is theoretically infinitely scalable in that we don't incur costs until we have revenue coming in from a confirmed job. Contract pilots range from full-time professionals handling large scale jobs to part-time hobbyists who will capture footage for a commercial real estate site."

The majority of FlyGuys' clients are large-scale companies that need consistent data collected across the country, such as telecom companies installing cell towers. In this example, the towers need to be inspected periodically, especially when adding equipment upgrades. FlyGuys scans 500 to 1000 towers every month or two, taking imagery at different elevations. The engineers at the telecom company can pull together dimensions from the data collected and build-out designs for new devices utilizing AutoCAD (commercial computer-aided design and drafting software), thereby accurately engineering new devices.

Adam Zayor started his company in 2017 with two employees while he kept his day job with Cajun Constructors where he worked in heavy industrial project management. It was on that job in Lake Charles, while working on the SASOL project, that he was introduced to drone services. Cajun Constructors would utilize drone aerial footage to obtain imagery for marketing purposes; Adam realized quickly that the technology could be used for much, much more in handling dangerous and tedious tasks typically handled by human labor.

"From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be in business. I loved building and creating things. I have to say, I wasn't as scared (about starting FlyGuys) as I should have been! I was a little blind about all the effort and the emotional toll that goes into starting a business. Especially one I was trying to drive in a new industry." Adam Zayor when asked about his thoughts on jumping in full-time to run FlyGuys.

With his background in construction management overseeing up to 2000 employees at one time, Adam explained that drones can now replace project managers who walk sites three to four times per week to monitor progress. With a drone, you can capture orthomosaic images, which are high-resolution aerial images similar to Google-earth views, where you can zero in to analyze work in progress, all from the comfort of your office and computer.

Drones were first used for industrial flare stack inspections to get footage a worker couldn't access by a crane. Today, as emerging software is being developed, it seems that the sky's the limit (pun intended!) for the usage of drone technology.

Pictures of Downtown Lafayette taken by a drone on the day of our interview by JP Juneau of FlyGuys

The agriculture industry is projected to be the biggest user of drones, but it is still early in the game. Drones can assist in precision agriculture by detecting the height of plants, the health of the plants, and projected crop yield, all allowing accurate financial metrics to be computed. By detecting pests and diseases using multispectral cameras, the farmer can quickly gain insight into how to care for the plants and ensure accurate watering. The drone will fly as close as 5 feet to the plants and up to 400 feet overhead, depending upon the data needed.

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Jackie Lyle, Executive Director of Performing Arts Serving Acadiana, known as "PASA," joins Discover Lafayette to discuss the organization's mission to provide local access to great performing arts.

Jackie has worked tirelessly over the past three decades to bring unique arts programming to Acadiana. She is a passionate spokesperson for the many ways art impacts our economy, from hiring people in transportation, printing, recording, and sound, live musicians, costumers, etc. "It's vital that this industry recovers. We have got to be in venues and selling tickets" to thrive and survive.

A native of Oberlin, Louisiana, Jackie moved to Lafayette at seven years of age and followed the stereotypical path of a young girl in the 70s. She had always loved dancing, playing the piano, and being a band member; while she loved the arts, Jackie says she never had the confidence to pursue a career as a professional performer so she graduated in Psychology from LSU. She never intended to work, but to be a wife and mother. However, upon returning home from college, her dad said, "Jackie, you need a job with health benefits!"

Always the dutiful daughter, Jackie followed her dad's advice and became a Clairol account executive, which gave her great sales training, and the opportunity to learn the ropes of business activities.

Her next career move landed her in a full-time job as an account executive with the Times of Acadiana, a start-up periodical. She had the opportunity to work with James Edmunds, Steve May, and Richard Baudoin, all well-known names in the publishing business in this region. Jackie credits this position with helping her understand how the government and community forces worked, and the management team constantly challenged her to do new things and spread her wings. By the end of her tenure with the Times of Acadiana, she led a sales team, had her own publication, and wrote a weekly column for the Times. She was ready to fly successfully on her own.

At that time, in the early 1980s, Lafayette's art scene was enriched by the productions presented by the Fine Arts Foundation which began in 1975. The non-profit brought in such renowned artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Rudolph Nureyev, and Gregory Hines. But with the oil and gas bust of the late 1980s, the Heymann Center closing for renovations, and the failure of the organization to pay its taxes, the Fine Arts Foundation folded and filed for bankruptcy in the late 1980s.

From this aftermath, PASA (originally known as the "Performing Arts Society of Acadiana") emerged under the helm of Jackie Lyle. Jackie looked back with pride on the impact that her work has had over the years, including having PASA hired to help with the opening of the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge and the Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley.

"PASA's goal is to provide local access to great performing arts. That is our #1 goal. Great performing arts you can attend locally is what makes a community great. This does not mean sold-out performances or making "x" amount of money. Our mission is local access. When we are able to return to daytime performances for local students, that will be the most important thing that we can do. So many kids never have the opportunity to step foot in the Heymann. That is a transformative experience as many kids have never seen a grand piano played. We also now have a trailer that will be our local stage to bring performances into neighborhoods. As soon as cold weather ends, we'll be going into three different neighborhoods."

PASA has also commissioned new works, which means supporting the creation of original performances of song and dance by providing direction and financing. PASA's first such work involved telling the story of the settlement of the first Acadians in our region. This pivotal work is still actively touring after more than 27 years. PASA is currently working on a new piece of commissioned work which will premiere in Denver on Septe...

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Kay Couvillon, a student life coach, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her experiences in education and how she came to love coaching.

A teacher with 46 years of experience, Kay earned a Masters's in Education, plus an additional 30 hours in education from USL, now UL-Lafayette. She has taught all grade levels, including gifted education, in Vermilion, Iberia, Lafayette, and Acadia parishes.

She got her start in 1976 after graduating as part of a class of 500 in Education, looking to get hired at one of the two teacher openings in her home parish of Vermilion. She landed the job of teaching the only class of 5th graders at E. Broussard Elementary which was named after her great, great grandfather, Ernest Broussard; her 10-year-old brother, Jude, was a student in the class of 36 pupils. "Most 5th graders are cool. They're a pleasure to be around. I discovered how much they wanted to learn and about their hopes for the future."

Kay reminisced about how different teaching was back then when all the parents were wonderfully supportive. Principal Ray Allen Faulk handed Kay just two things as she began her work....a grade book and a wooden paddle. The paddle was only pulled out once and as Kay said, "I only used the paddle once, not to hit the child but the wall. A student did something and I saw I needed to react. I took her outside and told her 'When I hit the wall with the paddle you scream. The student waited and hollered and we went back in. For the rest of the year, the discipline was amazing! I knew I was never going to hit her."

Kay had the opportunity to study how to teach gifted academic students through pioneers in the industry, Dr. Joseph Renzulli and Sally Reese of the University of Connecticut. They created a summer camp program for teachers in the field and sent them back to their home states filled with enthusiasm for this method and practice of teaching.

Kay believes that all kids are gifted, just in different areas. In gifted programs, the teachers integrate emotional intelligence as much as possible in the program as they realize its importance for success in life outside of school.

In 2004, Kay opened her life coaching practice where she offers a space of listening and discovery of life plans. Currently, she serves as an academic mentor in the athletic department of ULL and has worked with athletes in football, track and basketball who need guidance beyond tutoring. She teaches them the importance of keeping their word, being accountable, reporting in, and keeping their scholarship.

"We all have similar needs of wanting to be loved, acknowledged, and appreciated. When coaching, I start with a question, 'What's up?' because many teens feel lectured to and not listened to. Until they can think about what's up for them, they don't know what direction to go, or if they are going in the direction they want to be going in. I've learned over life that about 90% of learning takes place over conversations between people. It's so important that I listen because that is the greatest gift you can give someone. And I've learned that once you move past your fear, there is a reward on the other side."

Kay shares, "I'm so impressed with UL-Lafayette as the school wants the students to achieve academically and to succeed in life. When Coach Napier arrived, I asked, 'What do you think of Coach?' They all said, 'Coach Napier really likes us and wishes us well.' They didn't talk football, but how he wanted to be there with them. This is so important in life, to let others know we want to be there, that we like them, respect them, love them."

Kay Couvillon and her husband, Glenn Jaubert, are big supporters of UL-Lafayette athletic programs!

The world is changing so fast that Kay has seen students declare their major and by the time they graduate, that career may be obsolete. Once a student graduates, it is up to them to make decisions on their own.

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Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Conrad Comeaux joins Discover Lafayette to explain how taxes are levied and collected. Who pays for what? How is your home’s value assessed? This all really hits home when you get that bill in the mail.

Serving as Tax Assessor since 2001, Conrad previously served on the Lafayette Parish Council from 1984 to 1996. A native of Scott, he graduated from USL, now UL-Lafayette, with degrees in biology and chemistry, and received a master's degree in health administration from Tulane University.

He has been active in incorporating technology to help his office more efficiently serve the public, and was the first assessor in the state to put property values online and the first in Lafayette Parish to produce a digital map of ownership parcels.

He views the office as non-political and says "we are there to do a job." While many people may think that the Tax Assessor sets tax millages and collects taxes, in fact, his office is only involved in determining the value of three things: land, buildings, and "extra features" that affect value (such as fencing, pools, and tennis courts). So when you receive your tax bills, they are coming from the Sheriff and local municipalities, not the Assessor.

Louisiana's tax system differs from other states in the manner in which taxes are calculated. In most states the land and improvements are combined to reach a value; here, we separate out features of the property (i.e., the land is valued separately from the improvements) and taxed at different rates. Land and residential buildings are assessed at 10% of their market value; commercial buildings are assessed at 15% of market value.

In a similar vein of Louisiana being different, in other states, property taxes are typically the biggest generator of local revenue; here, it is sales taxes.

Millages collected throughout Lafayette Parish are very low compared to other parishes in Louisiana. In some years. Lafayette Parish millages are half of those collected in St. Tammany Parish. In fact, St. Tammany Parish school taxes are as high as what we are assessed for all Parish functions.

It can be challenging to assess residences in neighborhoods with a wide range of values, and he gave an example of how homes on the front end of Kim Drive vary greatly in value from those closer to the Vermilion River. Conrad's office does "mass appraising," meaning that they look at values within a subdivision, or streets within a subdivision, not each individual home. However, his office is provided with a copy of each Act of Cash Sale filed at the courthouse and they utilize the value listed on the sale as a frame of reference. If you disagree with the assessed value of your home, Conrad encourages you to call his office at (337)291-7080 to bring it to his attention. It will be adjusted if they find a mistake (such as an overestimation of total square footage).

Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Conrad Comeaux will inform the councils of local governments on tax revenues and the implications of their decisions on their votes to maintain or raise millages. Their decisions can have a long-term impact on ensuring adequate levels of funding for mandated government services.

Reassessments are typically done every four years. The Assessor's office will examine sales around a particular time frame to update values. As an example, for the 2020 reassessment, they looked at sales occurring six months before and six months after January 2019 to determine current values. With dramatic swings in market values, this process can cause people to scratch their heads wondering how a value was arrived at, but it's important to remember that the assessment is based upon a value from a couple of years back. If your home is damaged by a fire or hurricane and its value is greatly affected, please contact the Assessor's office to report the occurrence and the assessed value will be adjusted accordingly.

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Adam Daigle, Business Editor of The Acadiana Advocate, joined Discover Lafayette to look back at the biggest news of 2021.

While we have all continued to deal with the effects of COVID in our workplaces and schools this year, the economy has done remarkedly well. Sales tax collections in the City and Parish of Lafayette have been the highest on record as people spend monies left over from the PPE funding as we emerge from the lockdown. While employers may still be having trouble finding enough employees, the demand for services and goods has skyrocketed.

One of the biggest stories this year is the announcement of SafeSource Direct, a partnership between Ochsner Health with Trax Development to manufacture and distribute personal protection equipment. The joint venture is investing $150 million to retrofit an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lafayette Parish and a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in St. Martin Parish. The projects are expected to create over 1200 total new jobs between the facilities, a huge win for our region and a big step to decreasing U. S. dependence on foreign countries supplying our healthcare needs.

SafeSource Direct, a partnership between Ochsner Health and Trax Development, is investing to create two manufacturing facilities to create PPE, expected to create 1200 new jobs.

A big win for travelers is the upcoming completion of the Lafayette Airport nears substantial completion. Setting the standard on how to fund construction with a combination of federal and state dollars, coupled with a short-term (eight month) sales tax imposed locally, the project is moving along on pace to open in January 2022.

The new Lafayette Airport is expected to open in January 2022, setting the standard for how to accomplish funding and construction in the way officials promised taxpayers.

Adam shared that when he moved here in 2018, much of the business reporting centered on developments in the corridor surrounding River Ranch in South Lafayette, but not so much now. While there is buzz about Chick Fil-A moving over to the old Red Robin building near CostCo as well as the German-owned Aldi Supermarket chain coming to Lafayette (one just about completed on Ambassador Caffery, with another two stores planned on Ambassador and near Louisiana Avenue), there hasn't been big news in that South Lafayette region.

Sneaker Politics' Derek Curry recently announced that he and two partners will be developing a $50 million mixed-use, retail, residential, and entertainment project on Johnston Street near the corner of Mount Vernon Road. This is important news for one of the older areas of Lafayette which has lay dormant for years. Curry has been extremely successful with Sneaker Politics and announced his excitement about redeveloping this abandoned shopping center as a way to bring commerce back to the heart of Lafayette.

Pictured are Jim Keaty, Derek Curry, Alex Luna, and Terry Crochet at the announcement of The Forum, a mixed-use development planned on Johnston Street at Mount Vernon. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of the Advocate.

Lafayette Economic Development Authority announced big news with the hiring of Mandi Mitchell who replaced longtime CEO Gregg Gothreaux. Mandi has worked for years with Louisiana Economic Development, all while commuting from her hometown of Lafayette. We welcome Mandi and look forward to watching her use her talents and business acumen to continue to promote new development while taking care of existing businesses who keep our economy going.

The Amazon Fulfillment Center in Carencro seems to be a reality! While Adam said there has not been an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, the 1.1 million square facility seems to be bustling with activity. An online search for jobs at Amazon at the facility cites high paying wages and a potential $3,000 bonus for new employees.

Laurel Hess has been making the news the last couple of years for his business...

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AJ and Vanessa Miller have offered a Christmas wonderland at their home at 163 Antiqua Drive for the past 7 years, decorating their yard with a plethora of Christmas lights, nutcrackers, and other Christmas splendor.

Thousands of people have walked through Reindeer Lane on the way to Santa's Workshop, passing Santa's Magical Mailbox where children mail their letters to Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus personally welcome visitors on the weekends. On other days of the week, the Millers are joined by the Grinch and his sidekick, Max, who join in the spirit of Christmas.

AJ and Vanessa Miller have welcomed visitors to their home at 163 Antigua Drive in Lafayette for the past seven years. On weekends, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet their guests and offer hot cocoa and popcorn to all. There is no charge to experience this Winter Wonderland.

The Millers originally began this tradition when hosting a holiday party for Vanessa’s coworkers. They bought two 6-foot tall nutcrackers and a Christmas-themed sign, and AJ donned a Santa suit for the family-friendly party. When they saw up close the love the children had for Santa, "that was the spark that ignited the flame."

The first time AJ put on the Santa suit, a little boy ran up to him, looked at him with his big brown eyes, and said, "Santa, I love you" and gave him the biggest hug ever. AJ realized what big shoes he wore and became determined to be the best Santa he could be. He wants to continue to spread that joy to children and adults alike.

Similarly, Vanessa shared her motivation for holding the annual Wonderland. The couple wasn't fortunate enough to have children, so this is their opportunity to enjoy Christmas and see it through the eyes of children. "To see that look in the children's eyes is what inspires me," she says. You see that inner child come out in the adults. You should see the faces when Santa asks Mom and Dad what they want for Christmas," AJ chimed in.

AJ Miller at his home at 163 Antigua Drive. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Acadiana Advocate.

Both enjoyed driving with their parents to view Christmas lights when they were children. AJ was particularly inspired by Dr. Jack Gani's display of lights and decorations on Colonial Drive in White Subdivision which was a destination for Lafayette sightseers. But that experience took place in the car; the Millers wanted to provide a place where kids could immerse themselves in the experience.

Vanessa explained how this has become their Christmas "Field of Dreams....if you can dream it and believe it, it's gonna happen." She keeps a vision board in her head and works to make the experience bigger and better every year. AJ said, "If you can dream it, I'll build it." They are still on the upswing as to what it will eventually be.

The Millers can't do this alone and they are grateful for friends and neighbors who volunteer to assist. It takes many, many elves to conduct this operation, and guests are greeted by "parking elves' who help direct traffic, and elves who serve popcorn and hot cocoa on the weekends. Of course, there are elves who facilitate photo-taking so that every family member can be in the photo.....these photos are known as "Elfies!"

The Millers offer an experience with memories that last a lifetime. It has become a part of many families' Christmas tradition, with guests bringing their cats, dogs, and even iguanas. The youngest visitor to date was a two-week-old.

The last day to mail your letter to Santa is December 23. Elves bring children's letters to the North Pole and Santa responds to each and every letter.

Each year a special attraction is added. On weekends, guests are privileged to visit the Miller's back yard where Dr. Seuss's Whoville is set up for photo opportunities. In the front yard, you can visit the North Pole and be greeted by a 10 foot polar bear named "Arthur" after AJ's dad. Also hailing from the North Pole is this year's new addition,

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Wade Berzas, the sole survivor of the horrific plane crash that occurred 48 seconds after departing the Lafayette airport on December 28, 2019, en route to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss how the incident changed his life forever. He now lives his life "48 seconds at a time."

Wade, still a young man of 39, is happily married with six children from his and his wife's prior marriages, with two little ones from their union. He recounts how the day of the crash was just another normal day. "My mom was coming over the next day and we had brisket marinating...I had spent the prior day setting my goals for the upcoming year. I was going on a flight with my best friends to do something we had always talked about, an opportunity to see LSU play a road game. Friends were waiting for us there. Everyone was giving me a hard time because I forgot the playing cards."

"The whole flight lasted 48 seconds. Life flipped on top of its head. I was completely alone, strapped into my seat, burned all over my body, trying to figure out how I would get out. You quickly separate what's important from what's not. I called my wife from the field so I could get to her first so she didn't learn from social media what had happened. I wanted her to hear my voice so I could tell her, 'Don't worry. I'll be fine."

A lot of people have put "their human minds" to work trying to figure out how Wade survived. Wade believes it is impossible to understand from a human level. " God just had a different plan for me that day. For those who believe, God worked six miracles: I'm still here and he kept me here for the purpose of doing more work. Five people got to see their Maker that day."

Wade was always the guy who read the safety briefings when he worked offshore. He remembers getting out of his seatbelt which kept him in place as he hung upside down. He was able to exit the wreckage and two heroic bystanders helped him as he walked away and then collapsed in the field. Over 75% of his body was burned. He didn't want his wife to learn of the accident from social media, so he called her before he got into the ambulance so that she could hear his voice and he could tell her, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

The odds were against Wade, yet he described the peace that washed over him as he realized he was going to be fine. Even with the greater chance he would not make it than survive, he never wanted people to give up on him. Wade was expected to be in the hospital for at least three months. He was put into a medical coma to help his body rest as it fought against invasive germs and loss of fluids, all due to the loss of his skin, the body's biggest organ.

Joey Barrios, MD, Burn Surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes, was Wade's doctor; to date, Wade has had 26 surgeries, initially at the rate of twice a week, all of which have been 100% successful. Typically, skin grafting surgeries have a great probability of needing to be redone. He left the hospital after 52 days, far ahead of schedule. With hundreds of thousands of people praying for Wade's successful recovery, it is now easy to understand the power of prayer.

Wade realized that he had to surrender the outcome of his accident to God. "You don't have to go through a plane crash to find yourself in situations where you feel you can't get through it. When you embrace the suffering, with grace and commitment to get to the other side, you can accomplish things you never imagined possible." He made that commitment one minute at a time, one day at a time.

A positive mindset was critical in Wade's recovery, as it is for all of us going through trying times. He stayed positive as much as possible, allowed no negativity in his hospital room, and offered up his outcome to God. He never wanted to be called a victim; he was and is a survivor. He believes that we limit God in our human minds. "God doesn't give you more than you can handle if you allow Him to work through you.

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Dr. Vincent June, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College (SLCC), joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his mission to provide educational opportunities to all people, no matter their age or background.

Dr. June provides oversight for all academic and operational functions of SLCC’s nine campuses in eight parishes, serving more than 17,000 students annually. 

Before joining SLCC, Dr. June served diverse communities in public higher education for over two decades, including Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida A&M University and Georgia Perimeter College.

He earned a degree in business and economics from Florida A&M University, and an MBA and Ph.D. in educational leadership from Washington State University. 

South Louisiana is a natural fit for Dr. June. He was born in Belle Glade FL, near Lake Okeechobee, an agricultural area of Palm Beach County, Florida. Farmers grew sugar cane, corn, beans, celery, oranges, and tangerines, and there was also fishing. "It was a one-stoplight community."

Dr. June was fortunate to come from a background of educators. His grandmother, one of thirteen children, was an adult education schoolteacher, and that is actually how she met Dr. June's grandfather, who originally came to Florida from Jamaica to cut sugarcane. Both parents were educators.

Always thinking he would be a dentist, he was a biology major until he took a class in economics which deeply captured his interest. A professor encouraged him to change course and he switched to economics and Spanish studies.

Dr. June says he stumbled on the community college career path and his career journey has provided experience in all areas of higher education including student life, financial aid, admissions, and enrollment services.

"I came to embrace the access mission of the community college. It provides a rich and deep experience and you're exposed to so many different levels of student-types. In a comprehensive community college, there is an avenue for everyone: individuals who don't have a high school diploma, those who want a technical background, as well as those who want an associate's degree and then move on to a traditional four-year institution." Photo by Brad Kemp of the Acadiana Advocate.

SLCC is actively shifting its training opportunities to meet education and business trends. With a new strategic plan in place, the college is examining the programs that may need to be added to meet demands in fields such as nursing, welding, general studies, HVAC, automotive, commercial truck driving, and culinary arts. They are identifying optimal times to offer programs, including evening and weekend hours, to accommodate students who work full-time. Business developers in the Workforce and Corporate division of the college seek out business advice on programming that meets current workforce demands.

COVID has ushered in a plethora of funding sources to help students meet their tuition, including the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, a Louisiana initiative called "Reboot Your Career" which provides retraining for people in as short a period as 8 to 12 weeks, and the MJ Foster Promise Program created in honor of Louisiana's late governor Mike Foster.

The "Reboot Your Career" program provides short-term retraining for unemployed workers looking for high wage career pathways at reduced tuition at Louisiana's Community and Technical Colleges. For more information visit https://www.lctcs.edu/rebootyourcareer

SLCC stands out among its peers nationwide. Recently, The Aspen Institute named SLCC one of the 150 institutions  (out of over 1000 nationally) eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. This is the second year in a row SLCC has been named a Top 150 Community College.

In addition, SLCC was awarded a $1.16 million grant by the U.S.

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Kevin Guillory, Office Coordinator for the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center at UL Lafayette, BI Moody College of Business Administration, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his career journey and putting his love of God, community, and entrepreneurship to work.   

A two-time graduate of UL- Lafayette, Kevin has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master's of Business Administration. One of his greatest gifts may be his understanding of God's will and the importance of following his intuition when making important decisions in life.

His early career path took him from working with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, to learning HR skills with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville TX, to working logistics for Bruce Foods, and finally to UL-Lafayette. He worked first with UL Admissions and then landed his dream job with LEED working under the helm of Dr. Geoffrey Stewart and Jonathan Shirley.

Kevin Guillory is working his dream job at the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center at UL Lafayette. Working with people on their entrepreneurial journey has taught him a great deal about himself. While he never thought he could be a risk-taker, he has come to realize that he combines his logical and analytical skills while listening to his inner wisdom and intuition when taking bold steps. "We are all risk-takers."

In his position with LEED, Kevin coordinates the activity and logistics of the LEED Center, and in preparing grants and contracts.  In this role, he has the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs, students, and community organizations.

LEED offers technical assistance to start-up companies to support job growth in Acadiana. Three regional programs (Accelerate Northside, Accelerate Evangeline and Accelerate St. Landry) have offered six-week programs providing guidance in creating business plans, obtaining loans, understanding finances, attracting customers, and staying in business.

While the Accelerator programs would typically cost $450.00, a grant from the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Economic Adjustment Assistance funding to UL - Lafayette funds the operation, necessitating only a $25 payment by participants. Other partners have also contributed to make the program possible including LEDA, the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce, One Acadiana, the McComb Veazey coterie, the NAACP, Acadiana Workforce Solutions, the Lafayette Public Library, and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center among others.

"I've always wanted to be a part of the community. The business people I have met through the Accelerator Programs have inspired me in the way they support each other." Photo by Mary Comaci

For more information on LEED and the Accelerate programs, visit https://business.louisiana.edu/leed.

Kevin attributed his many mentors who have guided him in his journey, beginning with his dad who imparted his wisdom. He has had pastoral mentors, older co-workers, professors at UL-Lafayette (Dr. Geoff Stewart and Dr. Lise Anne Slatten), and Patrick LaBauve whom he partnered with while working with the 705 on the "Do Good Project."

Community engagement in Lafayette is important to Kevin; while he, his wife, and child live here, the rest of his family is in Lake Charles. One of his proudest achievements has been partnering with librarians at Northside High School when he visited the campus and realized there were no business or leadership books in the library. By reaching out to his colleagues at UL-Lafayette Business school, Upper Lafayette Economic Development, and others, Kevin was able to present donated business books to fill this much-needed resource for young students.

Kevin served for two years as Civic Committee Chair on the Board of Directors of The705 - Young Leaders for a Better Acadiana. He serves as Secretary for New Hope Community Development of Acadiana (which prov...

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Marc Brattin, Lafayette native and life-long musician, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his band Foundry's upcoming concert on November 27, 2021, as well as his career journey.

Marc started playing drums at age 12 and moved to Dallas at 17 to join a rock band with the encouragement of his mother. He has been successfully working in music ever since as a songwriter and drummer.

He also serves as producer, promoter, manager, and booking agent for his band, Foundry, who will be performing at the Cajundome Convention Center Saturday, November 27. The event will also stream live. Tickets may be purchased at https://www.foundryrocks.com or on Ticketmaster.

Foundry is an American Hard Rock Band featuring Marc Brattin's (drummer) along with his bandmates Chris Lorio (guitar), Niko Gemini (bass player), and Mark Boals (singer). Marc founded the band eight years ago and it is his "baby," a labor of love, which he describes as having a borderline heavy metal sound with great guitar and hard-hitting drums. The band writes its own music and features melodic vocals, "not screaming."

The band also enjoys doing "remakes" of popular hits from Lady Gaga ("Poker Face") and Pink Floyd ("Money") in keeping with Las Vegas themes, where the band is based. At the November 27th concert, they will unveil their latest remake featuring one of the most popular songs recorded by the Bee Gees.

Foundry was organized by Marc Brattin eight years ago and features a hard rock sound akin to Metallica and Black Sabbath. With melodic singing, hard-hitting drums, and great guitar, their sound typically attracts people in their 40's, 50's and 60's. Foundry is appearing at the Cajundome Convention Center on November 27, 2021.

Local sports fans will enjoy Foundry performing the National Anthem at both the UL-Lafayette Basketball game at 11 AM followed by UL-Lafayette football's last game of the season at 3PM. Marc promises it will be delivered in the traditional format with four-part harmony and will showcase the band's singing talent.

"Follow your dream and do what you want to do. Just do it. Peers, parents, and mentors will guide you and steer you, so take all that in. They have good advice for you. Being broke just isn't cool, so be responsible. But do what you want; you only live once. You'll be happy." Marc Brattin

Marc shares how there were no opportunities for hard rock musicians in Lafayette when he was coming up. Today's musicians can record in their bedroom and it comes out pretty good. But to bring a song to the radio, brand it with a video, artists still must go into a proper studio to record it "for real." The bar is still high for releasing a song. "Mp3's just don't cut it. If you want to be real, you have to go for real."

Marc also serves as Entertainment Director for FACET, an executive coaching firm founded in Lafayette LA, offering services across the U. S.

We thank Marc Brattin for sharing his story and look forward to a fun concert by Foundry on November 27, 2021, Thanksgiving weekend!

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Jim Lambert, the author of Sub Rosa and Other Stories, discusses his creative foray into the genre of short story telling. This book is a great choice for a Christmas gift or a gift to yourself if you want to dig deep and learn more about Louisiana history.

As a successful attorney, Jim has built a lifetime experience of telling his clients' stories through writing briefs for the court; but he was always constrained by the facts! His heart is exemplified by his involvement in Kairos Prison Ministry on Death Row at Angola.

In his current quest to blend the facts surrounding actual historical characters with intriguing stories of fictional marginalized characters, he has been able to start within his own mind, get in touch with his creative spirit, and has hit the mark with compelling stories that pull you in to read more. (Sort of how Netflix pulls you in within six seconds to watch the next episode!)

Jim thinks short stories should be the dominant literary genre for today's times. He's always loved reading short stories and in retirement, he has hit the mark in taking his creativity to a new level that we can all enjoy, no matter how busy we are.

Many years ago he read a book about Frank Lloyd Wright, by T. C. Boyles, "The Women," which was told from the point of view of one of Lloyd's graduate students recounting the life of this talented but complicated man. It inspired Jim to use real people as a starting point and tell their life story from the vantage point of a fictional character.

One of his stories in the book focuses on Lee Harvey Oswald as a 14-year-old young man who grew up in New Orleans. "Lee and Me," is told from the fictional perspective of Oswald who got into a fight and was helped by a classmate. Lee was grateful for the help, and as you read the story you have to wonder what could have become of the young Lee (and our country) if his life had taken a different turn.

Sub Rosa and Other Short Stories is a compilation of stories featuring a fictional story based upon events that transpired in Louisiana. It may be purchased on Amazon here.

Jim Lambert's connection to New Orleans runs deep. He was born in New Orleans and was adopted from a Baptist orphanage. As a young lawyer, he moved back to New Orleans in 1976; he then moved to Lafayette in 1978, where he has kept a home ever since. Many of his stories are steeped in New Orleans culture in a manner that only a native could share.

Each chapter in Sub Rosa shares a compelling fictional story of events that happened in Louisiana, such as the following: a young lawyer sent to investigate the murder of Black troops in the Jim Crow South, and a mental patient obsessed with the film Harold and Maude. Dwayne, the protagonist of the opening story, “Blood in My Hair,” is serving a life sentence for unintentionally contributing to the death of a police officer; the prisoner, who’s known as “Cowboy,” spent much of his adulthood riding bulls in rodeos, has been craving a similarly perfect, adrenaline-filled moment ever since his incarceration began. In “Find Franny Now,” a woman named Lydia gave up on optimism after her autistic son was diagnosed with brain cancer and her husband subsequently left her; her general lack of hopefulness extends to Franny, the titular missing teenage girl, who Lydia believes has no chance of ever being found.

In each story, Lambert reveals the humor and tragedy running through the lives of these unique human beings.

Jim shared during the interview of his childhood growing up in Alexandria and how the "Lost Cause" permeated his community and affected the way people grew up understanding the world. He would come to understand how actual riots and killings that had occurred were never shared in the history books. As an example, rumors of a race riot that occurred in Alexandria on January 10, 1942, resulting in 18 or 19 black troops being killed, were smoothed over by the U. S. Govt.

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Sherry Latour, the owner of Tops Appliances and Cabinetry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her career journey and how she came to offer a Business Accelerator and resources to many small business owners.

Sherry Latour bought Top’s 12 years ago, after retiring in a sound fiscal position. She had previously worked as the CEO of a $100 million oilfield service company owned by entrepreneur Eddie Soileau, who also built one of his companies, Sunland Construction, into the largest merit (non-union) pipeline contractor in the U.S.

Sherry's business acumen has been gained on the job. She entered the workforce right after graduating from high school with a 4.0. While she took accounting classes in high school, she took a few courses thereafter but did not pursue a degree. "I just didn't think I could pull off college, wanting to focus on family and having children."

It was Eddie Soileau of Sunland who ended up mentoring Sherry and hired her as CEO of one of his companies. She had the opportunity to "dive deep, evaluate every system, and make it as clean and efficient as possible, adding value to its selling price.  Once the company was sold to a private equity company, I worked to help merge with other companies the equity firm owned, got it compliant to go public, while growing.  After we went public, I remained a few more years."

She was 45 years old when she moved on. While she considered retirement, Soileau counseled her, "You're not the type of person to retire." So she looked for a company to buy and Tops fit the bill as it had all the elements she was looking for: "solid employee and customer base, good products to sell."

Many people know Tops as the store on Johnston Street that sells appliances and cabinetry. TOPS has been in business for over 70 years.

Tops Appliances and Cabinetry has been in business for over 70 years. Located at 5826 Johnston Street in Lafayette LA, the store specializes in top-end appliances such as Sub Zero, Wolf, and Cove.

Our interview focuses on what is going on both within and outside of the Tops building. Sherry not only sells high-end appliances but houses fifteen growing businesses. She has formed a business and mentoring community at TOPS to help small businesses thrive as they navigate start-up challenges or are looking for a more meaningful space to conduct business.

When Sherry purchased Tops, her immediate thought was business and not the sheer size of the property (64,000 square feet downstairs and 18,000 in the mezzanine) situated on 3.6 acres. One business that had previously been housed in Tops didn't survive the economic downturn after the BP oil spill and the drilling moratorium. So she looked for other businesses that might want to utilize the space.

Today, inside Tops are construction-related businesses such as Architectural Windows & Doors and Brian S. Guidry Builders. Also found at TOPS are April Guillory Designs, and The Unconventional Dietician, Daphne Olivier, who holds cooking classes in TOPS’ live showroom. Cajun Crate, an eCommerce business that ships Louisiana non-perishable food products and Cousins Smokehouse is also housed in TOPS. You will also smell the heavenly waft of products created by Charlie and the Peanut Butter Factory as you walk in the store, along with the delicious Pies created by Acadian Slice! You won't want to miss the lush offerings of Ginger Sprout Plant Co.'s offerings!

"Working with the entrepreneurs is a way to express gratitude to all my past mentors and employers that worked with me and gave me opportunities.  My consulting work funds the mentoring work, providing me with the ability to provide education grants or microloans, marketing events, to name a few.  And the consulting work is so much fun.  When we team up it's like waves that sync up and get stronger than the sum of the parts; we get smarter together!"

The relationships she has built with the entrepreneurs began organically through her work with ...

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Paige Barnett, Director of “A Song of Visions - DANCE, OPERA & JAZZ,” a unique dance, opera, and jazz performance to be held at the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington LA, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her foray into the world of production and fundraising for artistic endeavors.

The performance will be held on November 6, 2021, at 1 pm and again at 4 pm. It is choreographed by Nicole Curtis and will be presented within the chapel and on the grounds of St. John's Cathedral located at 308 Church St, Washington, LA 70589.

Paige had always wanted to offer a creative production at a spiritual place and St. John's ended up being the perfect setting; her boyfriend actually offered up the site as a safe and spiritual place for her to consider after attending a wedding there. The Washington Garden Club welcomed the opportunity to offer St. John's as the locale for the performance, especially as the COVID times are being left behind (we hope!).

Paige Barnett has known since she was a young dance student that her calling was in the arts, in particular dance. Melding her talent in art with a desire to create relevant performances, "A Song of Visions - Dance, Opera and Jazz" brings these dreams to life.

The performance focuses on 'women's consciousness," issues such as "When are you getting married? When are you having babies? When are you......??" Paige wanted to present an artistic creation that addressed these Southern cultural norms in a comical, respectful way that all people in our community can relate to.

As the performance opens up, Sasha Massey, the cantor at St. John's Cathedral in downtown Lafayette, serves as the bride and songstress. Paige shared that there is a surprise for Act II as the guests get to walk outside and participate in the Second Act.

There will be some spoken word along with singing and dancing. Paige shared, "The audience will enjoy going along for the ride as the play unfolds." The first act will take place inside the church and the second act will invite audience members to walk outside for the reception and experience a surprise experience which will make their attendance enjoyable.

Washington, Louisiana, and its mayor, Dwight Landreneau, have been working diligently to prepare visitors as they visit this delightful small town and prepare for "A Song of Visions," as have the beloved members of the Washington Garden Club. As many antique shoppers know, there are a plethora of shopping opportunities for anyone entering the Washington LA city limits! You can travel to the Washington Old Schoolhouse Mall and shop during the morning hours prior to the event. The hope is that you and your friends have a delightful day of relaxing, shopping, and enjoying fine dining in this quaint town that takes you back to simpler days.

St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, LA is the site for 'A Song of Visions.' Washington is a great place to visit to shop and enjoy historic sites. The Washington Old Schoolhouse Mall offers a fun place to shop for antiques and one-of-a-kind artifacts. It's worth a trip north!

Many well-known dancers will also be participating in the event, including Clare Cook of Basin Arts who has mentored Paige in the ways of learning how to direct, create' and present a successful event. Please listen to the entire interview to hear Paige credit all of the creative talents who make this show possible!

Buy tickets at www.vpbarnett.com/a-song-of-visions

This project is funded in part by grants from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, as well as a Louisiana Project Grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.

This project is also supported in part by ArtSpark,

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Rachel Broussard and Keesha Buteau of the Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf, join us today. We’ve invited Rachel and Keesha to share the Girl Scout story. And, as many diehard fans know, it’s almost time for the annual cookie sale. 

Rachel Broussard serves as CEO of Pines to the Gulf and has over 20 years of service with the organization. A Kaplan native, she graduated from UL-Lafayette. Her background in the military afforded her the opportunity to attend college as her tuition was covered as a benefit of her service on behalf of our country. She first worked for Acadiana Youth, and then joined the Girl Scouts in what was then known as Bayou Girl Scout Council covering 13 parishes in the Acadiana region.

Keesha Buteau serves as Chief Operating Officer and began her service with the Scouts in January 2006.  A Lafayette native, she graduated from Acadiana High School and was inspired by participating in Girls State. While she originally thought she wanted to go into law and had the opportunity to work with the District Attorney's office in the Juvenile Division, her heart broke as she saw the "kids in shackles, little kid chain gangs." She realized that she wanted to help young people before they got into trouble. While her parents were originally a bit dismayed by her shifted career focus, she has never regretted her commitment to serving youth and believes the Girl Scouts is a perfect fit.

Today, Girl Scouts of Louisiana - Pines to the Gulf serves girls in the 42 parishes west of the Mississippi River. Participants can be as young as Kindergarten and go through 12th grade. While COVID has been tough on everyone, both agreed that incorporating technology such as Zoom has been a godsend in helping organizations learn how to communicate more effectively.

The Girl Scouts members are all female and focus solely on girls and its activities are only participated in by girls. While there is a place for the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scout organization stands firm that single-sex programming is beneficial to young girls who are fighting to find their way in the world.

"Although your daughter likely goes to school with boys, and might play Saturday morning sports and share the local playground with them, the realities of her day-to-day life are anything but the same as those of her male peers. In fact, studies show that in coed learning environments, boys receive more praise than girls when they call out in class, making girls less likely to raise their hands. Furthermore, boys are allowed to problem solve on their own during class time, which fosters independence, whereas teachers tend to step in and “help” girls, leading girls to question their own abilities." Learn more at https://www.girlscouts.org/en/raising-girls/happy-and-healthy/happy/girls-only-single-gender-empowering-girls.html

The Girl Scouts were founded in Savannah, Georgia by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. The programming has consistently focused on service and the Girl Scout Promise rings true of what you expect from young leaders: "On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, to live by the Girl Scout."

The goal of the Scouts is to help the girls grow as they learn positive values, to take their skills into their communities, and make a positive difference. "That is at the core of who we are as Girls Scouts," according to Rachel Broussard, "to make lasting and respectful connections, and to go out and solve problems in our communities."

Keesha's daughter is a Girl Scout Cadet at 11 years of age, having started with the scouts in kindergarten. As her mom, Keesha limits outside activities to 2 or 3 at a time to preserve family time, and her daughter always puts Scouts at the top of the list of what she wants to participate in. The interaction with her daughters' troop continually inspires Keesha to see the value of scouting.

"Be a Friend First" is a valued program that teaches self-confid...

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Carolyn Greco, the founder of FACET, a company that offers career transition services and executive coaching, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss her celebration of 40 years in business. Carolyn is known for her expertise in the creation and administration of career management and workplace programs, and her team provides direction on individualized career strategies.

99% of FACET's clients are corporate-sponsored, meaning the company pays the cost of helping them get executive coaching or outplacement services to find a replacement job after a merger, acquisition or downsizing occurs.

Carolyn’s group also works with clients who have achieved success and are now focusing on fulfillment as they look toward a more meaningful existence.

Each client of FACET is assigned a dedicated career strategist who is assigned to work directly with them, always available, as they find their path to the right job fit.

FACET's work with a client begins with assessing their strengths and weaknesses to adequately identify their temperament to ensure the right corporate culture fit. The company utilizes tools such as the Birkman Method, Strong Interest Inventory, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and the Personal Strengths Inventory (PSI). These assessments allow companies to place people in positions that will allow them to flourish and find their permanent place of happy employment.

Carolyn shared that many times people are promoted and the higher position calls upon different skills than they utilized before or were trained to handle. It can be hard to delegate as you make the jump into higher management as you fight the tendency to do the job in the way you always have. Having a personal assessment inventory and receive executive coaching can help managers become much more successful.

COVID has caused a major upheaval in the workforce and has led people to examine their lives, wanting to identify opportunities for meaningful employment. FACET asks these people, "What do you want to do? Go back to school? Start a business? Become a consultant? Retire?"

Retirement now has a different meaning than it did in the past. As Carolyn says, "Many don't retire, they refire!!" The pressure is off and older workers can do whatever they want. Perhaps they will enter the non-profit world or volunteer for causes that have always pulled upon their heartstrings. Many need income and they can utilize their experience to benefit causes in ways they never had the freedom to do as a younger person.

As for younger workers, more young people think about what they really want to do in their work-life than past generations did. The good news is that they are supported by their families and cohorts as they determine, "Do I want to be a carpenter or a lawyer?"

Networking is still the key to career advancement and finding a great job, just as it was in the past. While Zoom and other online services have helped us navigate the COVID shutdown, you will always learn more about people when engaging in the human magic of in-person meetings. "You always find out something valuable when meeting in person with others."

LinkedIn is a powerful tool and has become the "go-to" for finding out who to reach out to in your job search. Carolyn stresses the importance of getting your LinkedIn profile and experiences up to snuff to tell the world who you are and what you offer. It can sometimes be the "3rd or 4th" connection that you have that gets you the interview you need to nail your ideal job.

Carolyn Greco has dedicated her life to helping others live their best life through their work. Her parting advice was to "Work and personal life needs to be integrated so that you, your family, your children, are happy. Live out the passion of your life." And she and FACET are there to help you achieve that dream.

For more information, please visit http://www.facetgroup.com

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Josh Goree, owner of Completeful, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his journey in building his growing empire in e-commerce.

Completeful offers a Dropshipping service that allows entrepreneurs to create an online business and sell products at little to no risk, and without having to first purchase and store merchandise to successfully fill orders.

With services such as Completeful offers, a business owner can start selling at little to no cost out of pocket, and run their business from a laptop anywhere in the world.

Dropshipping has upended the shopping experiences of consumers as online shopping continues to improve and grow in popularity. Today, about 33% of e-commerce stores use drop shipping as a fulfillment method.

To bring this home, many of you may have also heard that the former Walmart building in North Lafayette was purchased by an up-and-coming entrepreneur who is setting the e-commerce world on fire. This entrepreneur would be our guest, Josh Goree.

His story is an inspirational one for anyone wanting to have an opportunity to make passive income. Josh didn't study business at Louisiana Tech; he ran track on scholarship and wanted to be a biomedical engineer. But he became frustrated with how engineers were expected to work within pre-existing 'boxes' of thought. Josh would come up with ideas and wanted them immediately implemented.

He jumped into sales for a marketing company and learned to overcome his introverted tendencies. After approximately "500 presentations," he realized he was on the way to effectively selling products and making lucrative commissions. His goal was to buy a Raising Canes franchise.

His first traditional business that he bought was a hair salon, with no experience in the cosmetology business and with no hairdressers yet hired to work for him. Yet, over a meal at Logan's Steakhouse in Alexandria, he convinced 10 of the 14 hairdressers he met with to work for him. Josh joked that they robbed him blind, but he still made a profit and sold the salon for a profit two years after the purchase.

After a foray into being a franchisee for Jimmy John's (and he eventually had three locations (with the Monroe store recently being sold), Josh realized that the traditional retail concept limited him as to how many people he could serve based on limited capacity. He started learning all he could about the e-commerce business.

Shopify turned out to be the best bet for selling goods easily and cheaply. He sold fishing bait, bikinis, and leather jackets. "For $30 per month, you can get access to a website, drag and drop your logo onto it, and start selling." Josh learned that marketing is the key. "You can have a terrible website, but if you can drive people to your website, you can be successful. Don't believe everybody on YouTube. You can learn everything you need to know for free."

Josh Goree's advice for budding entrepreneurs: "You don't need a lot of money to get started; But, there will be times when you want to quit. Push through the disappointments. You can handle the challenges. Don't think about all the ways you may fail. You will make mistakes, but you learn from them. Just don't make the same mistake twice."

Josh began to target goods in demand in the wedding industry. He figured out how to market on Facebook and targeted all the people getting married. Trying different company names such as '"From Him to Her," "From Her to Him," Yours Personalized," and Your Wedding Things," he had success but realized the business model wasn't scalable. He was still immersed in the moment-to-moment execution of his businesses.

So about three years ago Josh built a new business model as he learned about dropshipping. He thought, "What if we carry all the inventory, have printing machines, ship the goods for others who need their orders fulfilled?" That is scalable. In July of 2019, he was traveling with one of his best friends from college, Justin Martin,

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Carol Trosclair and Dr. Brian Campbell joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the David Trosclair Memorial Scholarship in Kinesiology at UL - Lafayette.

Carol is well-known in the oil business and has been a Petroleum Landman for over 30 years. One of the most active women in our community, she is passionate and filled with the love of God and others. As you will hear in this interview, she is absolutely the best salesperson you'll ever encounter! "She could sell holy water to the devil himself," according to her close friend, Dr. Brian Campbell.

Dr. Brian Campbell serves as the coordinator of Exercise Science in the School of Kinesiology at UL – Lafayette. He is the faculty advisor to the Kinesiology Professionals Association. He met David Trosclair while teaching him, and recounted his admiration for this talented, modest young man who scored perfect scores in his classes. "David loved kinesiology because it involved a specialized experience in biomechanics and orthopedics and allowed him to help people maintain and recover mobility and provide exercise prescriptions.

After the tragic death of Carol’s son when he was a Senior, David Trosclair, in 2010, Carol and Brian established the David Trosclair memorial scholarship in Kinesiology to acknowledge his academic achievements. There are over 1200 kinesiology students at UL-Lafayette yet very few scholarships are offered to the students. As Carol recounts, "what an honor, but there was no money! We had to raise it to fund it."

David Trosclair tragically died in 2010. His mother, Carol Trosclair, and his kinesiology professor, Dr. Brian Campbell have worked to fund a scholarship in his name so that his legacy will continue.

In the first year of fundraising, Carol wanted to hold a car wash and enlisted the kinesiology students to assist. She realized she would never be able to get the students up at 9 am on a Saturday to wash cars. Plus, you never clear much money working a traditional car wash. So she went down to Todd's Car Wash and spoke with the owner, Todd Lemaire, asking him to partner for one day to raise funds for the scholarship. Lemaire generously countered and offered the whole month of September to allow $10 ticket holders to access his $25 car wash.

Carol was told by UL that if she raised $10,000 it would establish an endowed scholarship, if she raised $50,000 there would be a plaque placed in Martin Hall. They raised $11,990 the first year by preselling tickets. Todd Lemaire did not ask for any reimbursement for his expenses the first year, and still has not to this date on any of the annual fundraising efforts.

Kermit Duhon, of The Travel Machine, saw press coverage on the memorial scholarship. He called Carol and gave $150 to purchase tickets for his employees to get the premium car wash at Todd's Car Wash. With a bit of encouragement and salesmanship from Carol, they eventually "Sir, we don't just have a handout, we have four hands out. There are 1200 students in kinesiology with very few scholarship options. Won't you please sponsor a customer-designed vacation for two designed by Travel Machine?" Kermit agreed and his travel agency has partnered with this popular fundraising drive annually.

To date, over $600,000 has been raised in endowed and non-endowed scholarship monies to honor David Trosclair's memory. The Vacationing for Scholarships has been a huge success, all due to community support for this meaningful cause, Carol's passionate fundraising efforts, and generous supporters such as Kermit Duhon and the Travel Machine, Todd Lemaire and Todd's Car Wash, Tropical Smoothie, Roly Poly, Great Harvest Bread Company, Reve Cofee, and Judice Inn!

Carol Trosclair, Moon Griffon and Kermit Duhon promoting the David Trosclair Memorial Scholarship Fundraising effort in 2021.

It’s that time of year to buy your $10 raffle tickets to win a trip of your choice and $500 spending money to go along with it! Now in October 2021,

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Boyer Derise, owner/founder of Good Eats Kitchen, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his career journey as a professional chef. His story is really one of being an entrepreneur who has learned to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of today's world, especially with the challenges of the pandemic.

Boyer, a Delcambre native, always loved to cook and be around the food industry. His uncle had a diner and by the age of ten, Boyer was flipping burgers. He began his professional culinary career after graduating from the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge along with other local chefs such as Chef Colin Cormier of Pop's Poboy's. He learned how to cook in a traditional French culinary style and also was taught the mechanics of running a kitchen and the economic realities of keeping a restaurant open.

He began his professional culinary career with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Baton Rouge. That was the beginning of a 10-year career with Fleming's, where he was the youngest Executive Chef Partner in the company’s history, taking the helm of his own kitchen at age 25. Fleming's was going through an incredible expansion phase growing from 20 to 62 locations in four years while Boyer was employed with them. (Paul Fleming, a Franklin native, was the principal behind Fleming's along with Bill Allen, and then founded PF Changs and Pei Wei; he now owns Paul Morton's American Grill found throughout the Western U. S.)

The training Boyer gained from his time with Fleming's gave him more hands-on relevant learning than any classroom education would have afforded him.

Boyer also had the distinctive honor of being selected to cook for Team USA and Dignitaries at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. This came about through his future wife, Katie, a pastry chef who had first worked at the Turin (Italy) Olympics with Behind The Scenes Catering who works for NBC. Boyer networked through Katie and was hired by Behind the Scenes to run catering Olympic Pavilions for Omega and Johnson & Johnson. Although incredibly challenged by having to work with young chefs who spoke no English while putting in 20-hour days over four weeks, he looks back and realizes the experience was life-changing. As a young man in his 20's, not a bad way to learn to "adapt and overcome" in a similar mentality exemplified by the Marines.

Boyer was in a sales role with a local seafood company when he started doing meal prep in 2016 for his sister to keep her "dress ready" for her wedding. Good Eats Kitchen, in Boyer's mind, came about by accident in connection with him helping his sister and re-engaging with his first love, cooking. Timing, of course, is everything when one makes the leap from having a "side hustle" to focusing full-time on the endeavor.

Starting out working in his home kitchen for a few people at $8.00 per prepared meal, word of mouth grew this side hustle exponentially. He had always liked the 'grab and go' healthy meal concept, especially after living in Austin while working for Fleming's. For a year, he cooked out of his home kitchen; in 2017 he pulled the plug on his day job and took the plunge full-time in what would be branded as Good Eats Kitchen. His focus has always been on "just good food", without being pigeonholed into the low calorie/Keto option. It's whole food cooking, according to Boyer Derise.

Customers can order line at https://mygoodeatskitchen.com/ or walk into Good Eats Kitchen in the Oil Center at 1116 Coolidge Blvd., Suite F. Meal choices are sure to please everyone. Chef Boyer Derise's favorite meal is the Chicken Piccata and from day one the best-selling meal has been the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas. You can find options such as a blackened redfish or Indian Butter Chicken, and many many more! As Boyer says, "Come GEK ('geek") out with us!"

Each meal is individually portioned, "fresh and high quality." The only things ever frozen in the meal prep is frozen shrimp from Delcambre and canned tomato...

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The Annual Hunters for the Hungry Food Drive will be held on Sunday, September 26th from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Sportsmen and their families are encouraged to “clean out their freezers” and donate frozen game and fish. And for the 'hunters and gatherers' among us who may obtain chicken, beef, or turkey from their local grocery, those protein-based contributions are also highly welcome. It all makes a difference to help our neighbors in need of a healthy meal.

All donations are tax-deductible and will be used to feed the needy through The Refinery Mission’s shelters and programs.

Visit https://www.h4hla.org/freezer-day for more information.

Last year’s drive was a huge success and has provided enough protein-based contributions to serve over 60,000 meals to the impoverished and homeless in the greater Lafayette community. Drop-off points in the Lafayette area include UL -Lafayette's Cajun Field, First Assembly of God in Youngsville, MC Taxidermy in Carencro, Chop's Specialty Meats in Broussard, and Giles Nissan in Opelousas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmrsW7LIII&t=15s

Johhny Carrier, Executive Director of the Refinery Mission, explains how Hunters for the Hungry Food Drive came to be in our interview. Hunters For The Hungry’s mission is to encourage hunters and fishermen to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by sharing their bounty of wild game and fish in order to combat hunger. Since 1994, "Hunters For The Hungry has increased awareness of its program throughout the state by partnering with all 5 major food banks in Louisiana. By conducting multiple programs such as the Clean Out Your Freezer Day and Freshly Harvested Game and Fish Programs, the organization is providing thousands of meals for Louisiana families." Locally, businessman Bob Giles has been actively engaged and serves on the board of directors.

The Refinery Mission services men in transition from incarceration, drug-related issues, homelessness, or crisis, through Christ-centered services. Providing a home shelter, the men are given assistance and education on how to become employed, healthy, and self-sufficient individuals. For more information on the work of the Refinery Mission, visit http://refinerymission.org/

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Louisiana State Representative Jean Paul Coussan joined Discover Lafayette during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ida, which ripped up most of Southeast Louisiana. He represents District 45 which covers much of Lafayette Parish.

Jean-Paul serves as chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee and is a member of the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay and House Select Leadership Committee. He is a member of the Acadiana Delegation, the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation, and the Rural Caucus. A takeaway of our interview: Jean Paul loves having the opportunity to serve in the Legislature and with his people skills, this is a natural fit that benefits all of us.

A graduate of LSU Law School, Jean Paul is a partner at the Lafayette real estate law firm of Andrus Boudreaux Complete Title. He is also a co-founder of Cougar Construction, LLC, which focuses on residential construction and rental units in Lafayette LA.

District 45 is centrally located in the city of Lafayette and is a largely residential area. Its boundaries may be roughly described as UL-Lafayette at its eastern tip,, Fieldspan Road to the western point, bounded south by the Vermilion River and rounded out by Cameron Street to the north. With 42,000 constituents he represents, Jean Paul spoke proudly of the people he represents who understand the issues and the scope of what he does as a State Representative.

Lafayette is traversed by many State-owned roads, such as Pinhook Road and Johnston Street, which many people may not realize and wonder why they are never improved. He shared that in the upcoming months there will be big news about Lafayette Consolidated Government taking over miles of state-owned highways so that improvements may happen more quickly and Lafayette can take control of its own destiny.

When catastrophic events such as hurricanes occur, Jean-Paul says it is a team effort to pull together resources. Everyone from the local elected officials, the state legislators, top Louisiana elected and appointed leaders, and of course, our federal delegation come together to determine how they can best help their constituents get back on their feet. While Hurricane Ida devasted the Southeastern portion of Louisiana, our neighbors to the west, particularly Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, are still reeling from the havoc wreaked by Hurricanes Laura and Delta, as well as floods and freezes. He emphasized that all legislative delegations join in a nonpartisan effort to get life-saving resources such as water and generators to those most in need.

Jean Paul had just traveled to Houma early in the week and he said, "Houma is as bad as you can imagine." He along with many of his legislative colleagues have traveled to bring ice and other needed supplies to help. When you listen to Jean Paul speak, you will hear compassion and concern as well as a "can-do" attitude to render assistance as needed.

State Rep. Jean Paul Coussan, his wife Jennifer Joy Coussan, and their young family, circa 2019. Jean Paul enjoys coaching his daughter's basketball team, watching his son play football, and all the joys of being a dad and husband while he juggles work and legislative service.

There has been a high turnover in the Legislature in years of late. Once people get involved and they serve a term or two, they start to look at their options. Jean Paul Coussan likes what he is doing and in particular, loves serving as Chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee which oversees everything from Wildlife & Fisheries, the Department of Conservation (oil and gas issues)

"Relationships are key. It's sad to see people leave and many are leaving before term limits are up. There is a major turnover. A lot of people roll back into local government and state government. I enjoy what I am doing. This is a process and relationships matter...all the way up to the Governor."

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Nadia de la Houssaye, partner at the Jones Walker law firm, joined us to discuss her career journey in law and telemedicine.

Nadia chairs the firm’s telemedicine team and is co-leader of their healthcare litigation team. She works with hospitals, health systems, providers, and start-up companies to structure and integrate telemedicine, telehealth, and digital health platforms.

Her passion for the expansion and growth of telemedicine began in 1997 when she and Dr. Tom Vreeland launched one of Louisiana's first teleradiology networks. At that time, internet access was offered mainly through analog services which were incredibly slow by today's standards; she had to get a high-speed T1 line installed to be able to offer the technology.

Her interest in telemedicine predated teleradiology, and in fact, her fascination with technology began when she was a young girl and watched the Apollo 11 moon landing. And then, she happened to marry a radiologist (Dr. Tom Vreeland) who wanted to start a teleradiology practice. He was the first person she met who also had the same interests as she did.

Nadia recalled how back when Dr. Vreeland worked at UMC (now UHC), "there were boxes and boxes of x-rays sitting at all hospitals, not just UHC. There was a shortage of radiologists, and back then people didn’t read films 24/7. There was no sense of urgency even if the patient being treated had cancer or a stroke. Today, everyone wants things done in “real-time” and people expect quick results from tests. The standard of care has evolved with the evolution of technological advances.

Their teleradiology company, Nighthawk, had offices in Australia and Germany as well as the U. S., all with American trained physicians who were licensed in every state in the U. S. The company could provide 24 hour a day readings with radiologists working throughout different time zones. By the time the company went public in 2004, technology had advanced to where the transmission was almost instantaneous.

Everyone recognized that with technology, better care was becoming available to patients. Nadia believes that Tom Vreeland became a spearhead in the way medicine should be practiced. They were both visionaries in the field.

Technology has outpaced the regulatory climate for telemedicine. Active for the past 28 years in the American Telemedicine Association which has thousands of members, Nadia was one of about 50 original members in the group. Very few people understood what they were trying to accomplish and they were called “dreamers “  The goal was to get telemedicine accepted and thereby get providers fairly reimbursed for services rendered virtually.

Nadia de la Houssaye was an original member of the American Telemedicine Association. She is still active with ATA, whose mission is to work to "advance industry adoption of telehealth and virtual care, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models."

With COVID, telemedicine became necessary for the masses and has become much more widely accepted. But even prior to the pandemic, advancements in telehealth, telestroke, teleICU, and telecardiology transformed the ability for rural hospitals to have access to specialists they would not otherwise have.

As an example, rural patients can now get a teleneurologist online with a software app that allows the doctor to treat as if he had the ability to put his hands on the patient. CT scans are taken at the hospital and uploaded to the teleneurologist offsite. Critical time is thereby saved for the patient. The doctors can work simultaneously and effectively while treating the patient.

In Louisiana, Ochsner Health System has a tremendous telehealth platform that was implemented over 15 years ago.

Today, telehealth has evolved from a rare occurrence to an accepted practice that allows ...

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Ravi Daggula, the owner of several historic properties near downtown Lafayette including the Mouton Plantation, The Nickerson House, and Esprit de Coeur, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his journey.

He is also a Developer of the newly built Vermilion Lofts situated at Johnston and Vermilion Streets.

Ravi is a native of India. He moved to Lafayette to attend UL-Lafayette while he studied computer engineering. He has made Lafayette his home. Ravi’s interest in restoring historic properties and his dedication to offering beautiful event venues for downtown and North Lafayette is inspirational.

While he was originally encouraged by others to invest in Lafayette's southside, Ravi felt his calling was to pour his energy into the northside. "I took it one step at a time. I wasn't looking for other projects but other projects came to me!"

Ravi believes that once you hit 35 years of age, you will know your calling. After he graduated, he worked at several jobs and eventually realized that real estate was his calling.

He harkened back to his early days in the workforce, during 2003 and 2004, when he didn't have a car and relied on cabs. His cab driver would shuttle him by the Mouton House to pick up more customers while Ravi was sleeping in the car. Once he was able to buy a vehicle he would still pass by the property because he liked it so much.

Fast forward to 2016, and his banker encouraged him to invest in a bed and breakfast because it would be a successful entity in this area. Given his love for the Mouton Plantation and finding out that the price was right, he realized this would be a good fit for investment. At that time, however, he was more into buying and flipping real estate.

Once he owned the Mouton Plantation though he also felt and saw the bigger picture, the bigger purpose in his life.

"The Mouton Plantation has made me be the man I am today. Lafayette has helped me be where I am. This is my way of giving something back. I didn't know that at the beginning."

The Mouton Plantation was built in 1820, one of the first five homes built in its genre that are still in existence in Lafayette. (Cafe Vermilionville's structure is older.)

The historic Charles Mouton Plantation House circa 1820 is one of only five properties of its era still in existence. It is a popular venue as a bed and breakfast and special events.

It was hard to run a bed and breakfast at the beginning, but "the house provided." There is good energy in the house and most of Ravi's meetings in the house were so successful that they led to other successful projects.

Ravi believes with historic properties, you are just a temporary caretaker of the house.....you hold the baton and at some point, you will pass on the baton to others.

He invites everyone to his properties with respect and dignity, especially descendants of plantation slaves who originally made the properties successful. You must listen to his words to understand the impact of his love and his heart for the best interest of others.

Very few people in our area know the history of the historic Sterling Grove neighborhood and Ravi encourages all to visit and learn more.

His second historic purchase was the Nickerson House and the owners knew of his intent to revitalize the area. The renovation is almost over, and Nickerson will be fully renovated by the end of September 2021. It is already booked through October, November, and December of this year. It offers seven acres of land for catered events and weddings.

Ravi Daggula works hands-on at his historic properties, including the historic Nickerson House at 310 N. Sterling Street, Lafayette LA 70501. Photo on the right of Ravi is by Brad Bowie of The Acadiana Advocate.

When we spoke of how these historic properties have survived enumerable hurricanes and floods, Ravi explained that they were built in the "path of the wind" (to be able to withstand high force winds and not fight the wind...

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Our guest is Dr. Bryan Sibley, a well-known pediatrician in Lafayette who has dedicated his professional life to taking care of our youngest.

We asked Bryan to join us to discuss how the Delta variant of COVID has evolved to affect children in ways that the initial wave of coronavirus never did.

It's been a tough year and a half for all of us, including pediatricians. In the initial stages of the coronavirus pandemic, children were socially distancing, not in school and playing on their school playgrounds, no longer participating in organized sports and activities. They were staying home and playing in the backyard. For the first time in years, they weren't getting sick, breaking bones, coming down with viruses. Entire days would go by with no children being admitted to the hospital or going in with their parents to see their pediatrician.

Dr. Sibley shared that 90% of children's illnesses are caused by respiratory viruses, mostly colds. We typically think that when our little ones get the sniffles it is an allergy, but last spring when all the kids were outside playing and keeping a social distance from others, they didn't get sick!

"We usually think it's allergies when kids get the sniffles, but last spring (2020) they were all outside playing and they didn't get sick! We would go two to three days with no kids being admitted to emergency rooms, no admissions for broken arms or twisted. Children were healthy. It was awesome for public health, terrible for pediatricians!

Then in April 2021, schools and daycares were reopened, the COVID vaccines rolled out, and in May, June, and July, a wave of sick children began showing up, much sicker than pediatricians across the U. S. had ever seen. While virtually no children got COVID in 2020, by the second week of July 2021, children started getting really sick with COVID, presenting with coughs and runny noses.

The 12 to 18 year old group seem to have been hit the hardest, and almost everyone that Dr. Sibley tests in that age group have been positive for COVID. Most are not sick enough to be hospitalized but they have to quarantine and they suffer. Infants and children up to age ten or eleven have not been hit as hard with COVID at this point in time.

Previously only a handful of children had been hospitalized, but in the past few weeks, 50 to 60 children per day have been admitted to pediatric hospitals. While there have been a few deaths, most children do get better and get to go home. The Delta variant of COVID has changed all of the expectations as to who will get sick.

"This is no longer a benign process for children. The COVID vaccine is not yet available to children under twelve years of age. Testing is ongoing and we anticipate vaccine approval for children sometime this school year. The reality is this Delta variant is more contagious and more severe. Children are dying. Hospitals are at a breaking point with staff, personnel, bed space.

The mask mandate has been controversial and Dr. Sibley harkened back to the last major pandemic experienced worldwide: "Last time we had a pandemic, the Spanish Flu in 1918, people got past the crisis by wearing masks. They figured it out. Germs weren't shared and people moved on. They got better." He believes it is important for the health and safety of our children and school administrators that everyone remain masked since the children can't be vaccinated yet.

The COVID mask mandate has seemingly been of great help to the outbreak of flu. In a typical flu season, there are millions of cases of flu and thousands of people die. In the 2020-21 flu season, there were less than 5,000 cases in the U. S., an unheard-of occurrence. There were fewer cases than any season on record. The flu vanished. Mask-wearing and hand-washing measures seemed to have kept the flu away.

When we spoke of people's concerns about their personal freedoms being taken away by the mask mandates and other measures, Dr.

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Brent Henley, the founder of The Pyramid Group, joined us to discuss his life mission to build leaders and improve human performance. We post this interview with great sadness, as shortly after our interview, Brent passed away suddenly on August 8, 2021. We devote this show to Brent's memory and his life's legacy of encouraging all of us to be the best possible version of ourselves.

Brent worked with clients to increase performance in sales, customer service, supervision, and leadership. People would clamor to attend his executive retreats on strategic planning, product launches, and organizational growth.

Many listeners know Brent Henley for his leadership in running a simulated society, known as SIMSOC, for Leadership Lafayette and many other organizations. Participants are forever changed as they experience real-life societal challenges they’ve never encountered.

Brent Henley grew up in Oklahoma in a family that was highly active: his mom, B. Glorine Henley, served as Oklahoma Secretary of State (and also worked for the DNC when Bill Clinton was President), and his father, Thomas H. Henley, was chief of surgery at a large hospital. All of his family members were educated at Oklahoma institutions of higher learning.

However, with an early calling to be a United Methodist Minister, Brent moved to Louisiana to attend Centenary College where he got a full scholarship. He fell in love with the people of Louisiana. He also eventually met a beautiful woman (his future wife, Tammy) who was a “half Spanish/half redhead from New Iberia” who turned his head and eventually brought him to Lafayette.

We dedicate this show to the memory of our dear friend, Brent Henley. (November 9, 1957 - August 8, 2021)

Henley discovered through an internship at Broadmoor UMC that full-time pulpit ministry really wasn’t his calling. He changed course and got double degrees in sociology and business. He credits his many mentors at the Centenary's School of Church Careers for encouraging him to follow his God-given path. They didn’t want to force him to be “another miserable minister.”

While this was unfolding, Brent waited tables at a steakhouse in Shreveport, at Mississippi River Company owned by Dobbs House, at a time when Louisiana Downs first got started and Downtown Square was hopping. Brent became headwaiter and hired all the serving staff and trained them while he was a senior in college. They wanted him to become a management trainee and to get into the restaurant world, but Brent didn’t want to work in restaurants for the rest of his life.

Brent had a particular client at the restaurant who always requested him as a waiter on Saturday nights and talked to him about coming to work in the Human Resources Department for his organization which owned a variety of companies and employed 110 employees. Brent was hired!

He joined the local SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) chapter in Shreveport as he jumped into his new job feet first. In his first two months on the job, when he found out that his company was paying three people who were no longer employed, he stopped that abuse. At that point, he made up his annual salary in three days!

After a year, the owner of the company asked Brent to become president of the company, when he was 24 years old! He helped grow the company from $14 million to $40 million per year in eight years.

At the end of that eight years, he quit the company at 32 years of age on Christmas Eve when the partners declined to give him a bonus in lieu of using those funds to buy another business. Brent felt this was unfair, so he handed them the keys as he walked out and went home to tell his wife he had started a consulting business to help other businesses run their concerns.

The day after Christmas, he started “dialing for dollars,” getting many people to buy into his new endeavor, including Larry Wilson (owner of Wilson Learning, the world’s largest sales and leadership training...

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Joel Fruge, owner of Acadiana Prescription Shop and expert on all things relating to independent pharmacies.

Acadiana Prescription Shop has been in continuous operation since 1969 and under Fruge’s wing since 2002, where they have five pharmacists on staff. “I feel privileged to be able to work in the Oil Center, we have a great clientele,” Fruge said.

Fruge grew up with his five siblings in Eunice, three of whom now also live in Lafayette. While Fruge was attending college at LSU-Eunice, his first gig was a delivery job for a pharmaceutical company, which sparked his interest in the profession immediately. He later went to Northeastern Louisiana University’s Pharmaceutical School, and thereafter made several important connections at his first job working at the University Medical Center (now Ochsner University Hospitals & Clinics).

Fruge then went to work for K&B Drug Stores in Lake Charles, which was later acquired by Rite Aid. After moving to a small town in Texas to work for a management company, Fruge knew he wanted to come back to South Louisiana.

The first independent pharmacy that he worked for was Carmichael’s in Crowley. “Ted Carmichael was very successful, he taught me so much,” Fruge said. He quickly learned the value of customer relationships through Ted and by witnessing his work ethic firsthand.

After his time at Carmichael’s, Fruge was called to work for Acadiana Prescription Shop by its late owner, Philip Comeaux. Unfortunately, Comeaux died shortly after Fruge joined the shop in 2002. “We had so much in common, he really afforded me an opportunity to be here in the Oil Center as an independent pharmacist. We don’t plan on going anywhere,” Fruge said. He took over Acadiana Prescription Shop and kept many of its classic details, such as the “Toot & Scoot” drive-up service while also updating operations by replacing the DOS software and purchasing a fax machine. Over the years he has upgraded software and hardware to be able to consistently offer his clientele the ability to check out in two to three minutes, even when they have up to ten prescriptions filled.

Joel Fruge and his staff love working with their clientele. "It's always a great crowd. Compounding medications have been a godsend helping patients with menopausal symptoms as well as other health issues. The pharmacy even offers medical compounded prescriptions to animal patients.

Acadiana Prescription Shop is a stand-alone independent pharmacy, which means that it isn’t connected to any chain prescription store. “It took me five years to become the owner, but it went by quickly. I was so happy that the customers gave me a chance and stayed.” Fruge mentioned how neat and well-stocked his store is, which will always be of utmost importance to him as he follows in the revered footsteps of Philip Comeaux.

When discussing how outside factors impact his pharmacy business, Fruge said, “One of the biggest challenges is to be able to afford what the insurance companies decide to pay us back.” Fruge mentioned the impact in 2006 that the implementation of Medicare Part D (which covers the cost of seniors’ medicines), had on the pharmacy industry: “It brought people back to buying their medicine from the pharmacy but at a discounted rate.” Part D also ushered in the era of Pharmacy Benefit Managers who have undercut payment of drug manufacture rebates to customers and the government, and have been blamed for the shocking rise in drug prices over the past 15 years.

When discussing pharmacy benefit managers, Fruge said that their original goal was to save the government and insurance companies money. After much legislation, their practices still aren’t extremely transparent. “Last summer, many of us independent pharmacists went to the Capital in our white coats to hear the pharmacy benefit managers lobby,” Fruge said. He also mentioned that large pharmacies like CVS are trying to squash smaller independent ph...

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Executive Director and CEO of St. Landry Economic Development Group, Bill Rodier, joins Discover Lafayette to share news of the growth of St. Landry Parish as well as the current boom in growth along the I-49 corridor.

In his previous position, Bill served as Deputy Director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission and had recruitment roles with Louisiana Economic Development. He also had experience in sales: “In a different lifetime I used to run a large car dealership,” Rodier said.

Rodier began his work with the group in 2013 when the need to focus on the development of the region became a top priority in St. Landry Parish. “As an economic developer, one of the first things that I looked at when the position became available is how many opportunities St. Landry Parish had,” Rodier said. The parish has both LSU-Eunice and South La. Community College, transportation access via the I-49 corridor (north/south) and Hwy. 190 (east/west), and a booming culture and historical background.

St. Landry Parish is one of the larger parishes within Louisiana, encompassing 940 square miles, and has 12 incorporated communities, the most of any in Louisiana. It is bordered by the Parishes of Avoyelles, Point Coupee, St. Martin, Lafayette, Acadia, and Evangeline. 

June 2021 groundbreaking ceremony of a new wastewater treatment facility in St. Landry Parish near the entrance of the Clos De Bois subdivision on the I-49 S. Service Road. Officials expect continued growth in both the residential and commercial sectors of the region.

As Rodier speaks about the work of his group throughout Acadiana, interestingly he hears over and over about the direct ties people have with the parish, such as family, school, and business connections. Statistics bear this out, as many jobs in St. Landry Parish are filled with Lafayette Parish residents, many Lafayette families send their children to St. Landry Parish private schools, and St. Landry Parish residents look to Lafayette for amenities.

The Parish is uniquely known for its trail rides, making it one of the top equine regions in America. The Academy of the Sacred Heart is well-known for its equestrian program offered to its students. It is also home to Evangeline Downs, the area’s premier horse racetrack. In 2021, the Louisiana State Senate passed SR215 commending the equine industry for its cultural and economic impact to the state of Louisiana.

“If I were to describe our job, we’re almost like puzzlers…we put pieces together to make things work,” Rodier said. He strives to stimulate investment within St. Landry Parish and to attract investment from outside of the Parish borders.

Bill Rodier stressed the potential of downtown Opelousas and plans to revitalize its commercial potential. “You will continue to see a progression in downtown Opelousas…Opelousas used to be a mecca of commerce because of its geographical location and accessibility by the highways.”  A master plan has been created by the Downtown Development District that identified long-term plans for growth and development.

Commercial developments along the I-49 corridor are of utmost importance to St. Landry Parish’s growth. Locals have taken the initiative to keep up the appearance of interchanges such as in grass cutting, a task formerly done by the state only four times a year, so as to present the best face to people traveling through the region. Rodier commended other mayors for their guidance in these issues, such as former Mayor of Scott, Purvis Morrison, and Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux.

The I-49 Midway corridor, situated between Shreveport and New Orleans, has seen incredible growth over the past 10 years. St. Landry Economic Development, Acadiana Planning Commission, and the cities of Washington, Opelousas, Sunset, Grand Coteau, Carencro, and Lafayette have joined together to create a vision for the Corridor, and to promote investment and economic development within the region.

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Today’s guest is Kevin Gossen, President of Gossen Architects in Lafayette LA. Kevin specializes in traditional and historic design for custom residential dwellings. He’s followed his dream of being a residential architect that began when he was a young boy of five years old and began sketching home designs.

Kevin's work has been published many times, highlighting the attention to historic vernacular design. His designs can be found throughout the south, spanning from Texas to Florida. People who contract with Kevin Gossen or buy his custom homes know that they are receiving quality designs that will stand the test of time. A "Kevin Gossen" design is a mark of excellence.

A graduate of USL in 1981 with a Bachelor of Architecture, Kevin comes from a large family raised by Alberta and Jerry Gossen, both of whom were much admired in our community. One of seven siblings, all of his brothers and sisters live in Lafayette and remain close by making plans at least once a week to gather for lunch.

Growing up on Ronald Blvd. in the heart of Lafayette, Kevin’s love of architecture was nurtured by his dad, Jerry Gossen, who was a commercial architect and engineer who made his living in commercial and governmental work. His grandfather was a contractor. Design and build are concepts he grew up with.

“As early as I can remember, when I was a young boy, five or six years old, I was sketching houses on a large pad. In fact, I wish I still had the pads depicting those sketches. I’ve known I wanted to do this my entire life. His dad, Jerry, focused on the commercial architectural sector; he would look at Kevin’s sketches and tell him: “You need to get those houses out of your mind. You’ll never be able to make a living doing houses.” His dad meant well, with his message coming from the experience gained at his firm, O’Rourke and Gossen, with fourteen architects who exclusively designed commercial structures. Jerry was well-known for his work on Chase Tower downtown (formerly the FNB building) and Women's and Childrens Hospital, among others.

However, his mother’s creative influence on him gave him the direction to follow his dreams. “There was nothing she couldn’t do. Her influence probably had a greater influence on me than my father.” He was also greatly influenced by the beautiful work of A. Hayes Town, whose late-career was focused on traditional residential structures, after a lucrative career as a commercial architect.

“He’s been a great influence on the type of work I try to do. In the beginning, I tried to emulate Mr. Town and as I got more comfortable with my abilities I brought them to the table. I used his work as a strong influence.  However, I threw my own spin into the architecture. As an example, Mr. Town’s work focused on “living space” and downplayed the kitchen space, closets, and bathrooms. In his day, people wanted kitchens out of site and bathrooms were not the luxurious spacious ones we see today. However, Town's love of salvaged bricks and wood, and earthy textiles, is one Kevin shares and which you will see in many of his designs.

“My first love is beauty in a home and I have learned functionality along the way from clients and living life. Our homes are both functional and beautiful. We design how people live, with an eye for resale. Don’t design for the two events in your life….design for the everyday. That’s what makes a home happy. People’s habits don’t change when they move."

When a client hires Kevin, they get not only an architect but also a professional who guides them in design choices inside and outside the house. He helps clients select paint, flooring, textiles, as well as the look of the gardens, patios….all of these elements need to be integral in the design. Sometimes an interior designer can select a look out of sync with the architecture of the house; Kevin guides his clients to ensure a cohesive design from inside and out.

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We welcome Joan Savoy and Andrew Duhon of the Lafayette Public Library Foundation. Joan is the current President of the Foundation and Andrew is a longtime volunteer on behalf of the public library, having also served twice as President on the Library Board of Control.

The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created in 1992 that supplements taxpayer funding of our libraries by encouraging private donations and endowments that provide books and services and fund special programs and projects. More than $200,000 has been raised over the years and monies have been dedicated to library improvements such as enhancing the entrance to the children's wing in the Main Library, "wrapping" the bookmobile and purchasing books for the libraries.

Donors can create an endowment fund in the name of a family member, individual, or business organization with a minimum contribution of $100; once the endowment is fully funded at $1,000, one book will be donated annually in perpetuity in honor of the named endowment. The foundation's largest fundraiser is the annual luncheon which highlights local authors and awards proponents of the library system. The theme of this year’s event was “The Future Is Local!” where Second Harvest Food Bank was honored with the Foundation Award and Andrew Duhon received the President’s Award.

Since 1992, the Lafayette Public Library Foundation has purchased over 10,000 books for our libraries through private donations.  Through the endowment program, the foundation has established a continuous, long-term revenue stream for the purchase of new books and media for the library.

The Foundation is currently focused on educating the community on the many services offered by the public library system. With a 1.8 mill property tax renewal on the October 9, 2021 ballot, which raises approximately $4 million a year, Discover Lafayette is proud to share the many ways our public libraries sustain our quality of life. We also want to inform the public on the importance of adequate funding and acknowledge the many volunteers who work to maintain this community asset. We thank Joan and Andrew, along with their peers, for the selfless time they give to our library system.

The Lafayette Public Library System has nine locations to serve the citizens of Lafayette Parish. People of all ages and demographics utilize the library daily and enjoy its free Wi-Fi, meeting spaces, and of course, the ability to check out books and digital resources.  Makerspaces and Tech Labs offer the use of 3D printers and classes in digital media, paper and textile arts, electronics, and fabrication. Adults can receive free assistance from library staff in crafting or updating their resumes.

During 2018-2019, over 1 million people visited the Lafayette Public libraries, 13,338 library cards were issued, and over 2 million materials were checked out (including digital resources). During the COVID shutdown, people flocked to the libraries to use to take advantage of the free computers and Wi-Fi; the volume of materials checked out went up and the library responded to the crisis by offering a 23% increase in programming.

Of course, while the library offers 'free' services and resources to the public, its annual budget of $12 million must be met to sustain operations. Annual tax revenue is now approximately $11 million, resulting in a $1 million shortfall each year.

Just a few short years ago, the library's reserve fund was flush with a balance of $40 million. Plans were underway to build a much-needed Northeast Lafayette Parish Regional Library with the intent to tie services into underperforming schools such as Northside High, JW Faulk, and NP Moss. Additions to public meeting space at regional libraries were in the works. The Board of Control had endeavored to be good stewards with the public funds, building four new regional libraries with a combination of cash and bond revenues while maintaining a healthy cash rese...

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We welcome Jaci and Michael Russo, authors of “He Said, She Said: Branding," to Discover Lafayette.

Their new book shares the wisdom they've garnered through their combined decades of experience working in branding and with each other as a married couple.

It's important to understand that in today's world, a company's "brand" is much more than a logo or type of product. The Russos define brand in the same way as Marty Neumeier, an American icon in the world of advertising and business creativity: "A brand is a person's emotional connection to a company, product or service." That emotional connection is why consumers seek out the products that they like, that make them feel good, and that they're willing to pay more for. We can all relate to products that we're proud to wear or drive....the things that make us feel good every time we encounter them.

Jaci and Michael Russo are the co-founders of brandRUSSO, a strategic branding agency in Lafayette, LA. The agency focuses on helping their clients build their brand, help them effectively tell their story, and decipher their best business practices to effectively distinguish them from the crowd of competitors. Experience has shown that their clients may then command a premium price for their products or services once their targeted market identifies with their brand and trusts that they will deliver on their company's promises.

"He Said, She Said: Branding" can be purchased online at Amazon or at Beausoleil Books on Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette. Michael and Jaci Russo share not only their tips on effectively branding a company but how they have managed to stay married while working together for over 20 years!

About 15 years ago, the Russos sat down and analyzed how they strategically solved their clients' problems and trademarked it "Razor Branding." In a nutshell, the Russos ask clients the following questions: "Who are you talking to?" "Why should they pick you?" "What are you trying to say?" "Where should you say it?"

Razor Branding has four core elements that work for any type of business or service for which you are wanting to build a solid and loyal client base: focus (the "Who"), promise (the "Why"), connection (the "What"), and harmony (the "Where"). It works by "first identifying their client's target audience and then developing messaging, strategies, and creative that builds awareness, loyalty, and eventual advocacy."

"In the entrance to our building, we have a quote from Jef Richards: 'Creative without strategy is art. Creative with strategy is advertising.' I came across this quote while I was touring agencies in Texas back in college. I like to think if Jef had written that today, it would have said, "Creative with strategy is branding." Michael Russo

Our interview is full of colorful anecdotes that will inspire both budding entrepreneurs and established business owners to closely examine their business practices and how they place media ads. Since 2008 there has been a drastic change in marketing due to the explosion of social media. Before then, television, radio, and print ads were the way to go.

Today, Jaci and Michael call themselves 'media agnostic," meaning that there is no one (media) size that fits all businesses to effectively share messaging about a client's offerings. For some clients, it is still best to place tv ads. Others will advertise solely on digital platforms. It all depends on who the targeted market is and how best to reach them. It is interesting to note that South Louisiana is a huge radio market....." people here love their radio!"

"Consumers have all the power now. They have the ability to communicate their experience, and many businesses, such as Uber and Airbnb have built their brands upon that feedback. Uber riders have to give their driver a rating and vice versa. Everyone has access to this information. Crowdsourcing of reviews means that companies have to earn your loyalty; they can...

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Sean Trcalek, Vice President and General Manager of KATC, who is also known for his wide-ranging musical talents.  With over 30 years of experience in broadcast and sales, Trcalek previously served as general manager for KADN, KLAF, and My Network Acadiana. An active volunteer, Trcalek serves on the board of United Way of Acadiana, Acadiana Open Channel, and the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.

After graduating from USL (now UL-Lafayette) in Public Relations with an English Minor, Trcalek’s career began in 1989 at KATC. When he was just a small child, his passion for music began. “I’ve always been around music, I guess I figured at some point in time when I was growing up I would somehow make a living using my voice, and that’s kind of what happened,” Trcalek said. His enjoyed working in radio at KMDL when he was in high school. What started as a weekend disc jockey gig turned into a lifetime passion.

Sean Trcalek is a talented singer and musician who has always had a passion for his craft. “I’ve always been around music, I guess I figured at some point in time when I was growing up I would somehow make a living using my voice, and that’s kind of what happened,” Trcalek said. His career started in radio at KMDL when he was in high school. What started as a weekend disc jockey gig turned into a lifetime passion.

In college, Trcalek was involved in political media until he joined KATC right after graduation. In his career, he’s launched Cable Ad Sales for LUS Fiber, helped to build Delta Media, and created various coffee table books, but at heart, he’s a broadcaster. With a staff of over 80 individuals at KATC, Trcalek specializes in getting the station on the air. “When I started in 1989, I never thought that I would become a general manager,” Trcalek said.

“I was drawn to television because of KATC,” Trcalek said. KATC is affiliated with ABC and owned by the 150-year-old media company E.W. Scripps. KATC is a journalist-based company, which owns primarily news stations. KATC is more than just a television news station, they have mobile apps and streaming services. Starting next year, they will be the home of SEC Football. “We’re in the business of Impressions,” Trcalek said. KATC provides news in the morning, but their website stays active all day.

KATC is an ABC affiliate serving viewers in the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion.

In regard to how Covid affected advertising, Trcalek mentioned that the economy has a direct correlation to ad sales. “The big product categories for TV stations are food, restaurants, dining, medical services, legal services and the automotive industry and as a whole, all that stuff came to a halt.” Trcalek said, “The nation saw about a 40% drop in ad revenue last year.” With anchors working from home, some viewers were put off by the inevitable change.

“The role of local media hasn’t really changed…no one else can provide information on which schools are closing and what to wear to school and where to buy a car in Crowley,” Trcalek said.  He mentioned the heated term “fake news” and said, “For me as a local broadcaster, obviously it’s very troubling and concerning for a bunch of reasons.”

He states his fears that the local news may be getting lumped into opinion-based news. “We are there to provide a voice to the majority (of Lafayette) and the minority,” Trcalek said, “We are there to give voice to the voiceless.” The polarization of the country may be affecting viewers opinions on their local stations, as well as the people buying ads for the station. “Our company recognizes the dilemma that sometimes we are in, we have to address issues through newscasts that people don’t want to talk about…issues of equality, of race, of poverty, of injustice, and sometimes people don’t want to hear that,” Trcalek said.

The biggest change that Trcalek has seen over his 30-year ...

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Our guest is Scott Angelle, who discusses balancing Louisiana's "3 E's" – Environment, Energy, and Economy.

Angelle was the longest-serving Director of the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), from 2017 through 2020. He also served as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, from 2004 to 2012, and as Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

Angelle served as an elected member from District 2 of the Public Service Commission, as a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors, and chaired Louisiana’s Water Resources Commission. He also served 16 years as a police jury member in St. Martin Parish and as their first Parish President.

Growing up in St. Martin Parish in a large family, Angelle was one of nine children who were raised to respect others. "Family is everything. We were blessed to have two wonderful parents. To those who have been given a great opportunity comes a great responsibility to improve the world. We were always taught that our community is a reflection of our individual efforts." Angelle's parents owned the local Ford dealership and he recalled how values of inclusion and kindness to all were instilled in him at a young age.

Angelle's career experiences have afforded him a deep understanding of the need to protect the environment while the drilling for fossil fuels continues. His most recent experience as Director of BSEE involved promoting safety, protecting the environment, and conserving resources through the regulatory oversight and enforcement of energy industry operations on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. During his first days in office at BSEE in 2017, the General Accountability Office placed offshore oil and gas drilling on its list of unsafe and dangerous high-risk programs, not a list anyone wants to be on; over the next few years, Angelle successfully focused efforts to improve safety and on getting the industry off this list. Today, the offshore oil and gas industry is ranked as the second safest high-hazard industry in America.

Angelle stresses that the U. S. is not well-served by being reliant on foreign energy sources. He's become a student of history and shared trends that can't be ignored: from 1973 to 2019, there were six U. S. recessions that were each preceded by a spike in energy prices. His conclusion: It is in our nation's best interest to keep energy prices flat in order to keep the economy on an even keel, maintain our national security, and protect the quality of life for our citizens. "History tells us that if we lose energy independence and prices rise, we will go into a recession. People will be laid off and cars will sit on the lots. It's called 'demand destruction.'"

But not all barrels of oil are created equally. "We can be big, big winners in the Gulf of Mexico." Angelle wants people to understand the science of drilling offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and the desirability of pursuing this ecologically friendly option. The carbon intensity of oil that is extracted from the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in the Central Gulf, which is loaded with hydrocarbons (offshore of Louisiana,) is very low, in fact, its low-intensity rating is only exceeded by Saudi Arabian oil. The importance of this? The higher the carbon intensity, the more likely burning of the fuel will cause an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which will trap heat, leading to climate change. According to Angelle, "Gulf of Mexico oil is good for our economy and the environment. We can improve our environment by replacing foreign oil with Gulf oil and create jobs locally."

A big issue in America is how we are responding to climate change challenges. Angelle cited a 2016 Obama/Biden report that concluded "if we don't have regularly schedule resale of leases in the Gulf of Mexico, it will force greenhouse gas emissions to go up in America because we will have to procure our oil from higher carbon intensity provinces."

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Jerry Prejean, newly named Acadiana Market President of IBERIABANK, a division of First Horizon. Jerry brings talent and kindness to all of his interactions with others.

Prejean has 28 years of experience in the world of banking. His most recent position was Senior Vice President and private client group manager of IBERIABANK. Prejean was head of the private banking team since 2002. Though busy in the bank, Prejean still finds time to give back to his community. He has been highly involved in the Boys and Girls Club, AMIkids, Lafayette Central Park, One Acadiana, Ragan Cajun’s Athletic Foundation, Community Foundation of Acadiana, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and United Way of Acadiana.

Prejean’s parents, Joe and Inez Prejean, had limited education and were shaped by the Great Depression. “Because of their lack of education it was really forced on their kids to really focus on getting a good education and breaking the cycle of poverty,” Prejean said. Prejean graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lafayette, and then went on to major in Finance at USL where he graduated in 1992. His four siblings are also highly educated.

Prejean heard other kids at his school talking about the Boys Club. “It really resonated with me the impact that the organization had on those kids at an early age,” Prejean said. As he got into banking, an opportunity presented itself to serve as a representative on the Boys and Girls Club board. “I really probably got more out of it than the kids got out of it,” Prejean said. He sat on the board for 25 years and recently stepped down in 2019.

Prejean got his start by working full time in retail for the Abdalla family, in college. At 19, he was the full-time manager of Brother’s mall store. “I think I learned more about people and about sales, networking and getting along with people, in that retail environment than in the class room,” Prejean said. He was exposed to dealing with vendors, learned how to manage client complaints, and mastered the general business of retail. He took his people skills from retail and his analytical skills from the classroom and combined them to become the banker he is today.

He started with First National Bank of Lafayette in 1993 (in 1998 became Bank One), and moved to IBERIABANK in 2002 at a time when the bank was growing exponentially under the leadership of Daryl Byrd. His focus was on private banking, which caters to an affluent population. He builds relationships with people who desire only one point of contact for their banking needs. “As the relationship evolves, we start talking investments, estate planning and the transfer of wealth from one generation to the other,” Prejean said.

"I like the fact that as bankers, we can help people formalize their dreams and put a plan in place to help them accomplish those dreams,” It is important for young folks to manage credit card exposure and to avoid credit card debt so as not to impede future opportunities to acquire credit." Prejean wants everyone to have a chance to acquire their own wealth, in their own ways. “You can easily paint yourself into a corner with too much debt.”

We did note that Jerry Vascocu, former Acadiana Market President, has recently been named as head of the commercial lending division across the company’s twelve state region for the new combined company of First Horizon and IBERIABANK. Vascocu will remain domiciled in Lafayette.

Prejean has dedicated his life to helping children in need. He focused his volunteer work with the Boys and Girls Club and AMIkids. “Early on in working with these kids, I really connected with the kids and really saw them light up when they would have personal connections,” Prejean said. He mentioned how important it is for all kids to have someone see something in them, that they may never see on their own without the kindness of a mentor paying attention to them.

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Managing partner for Salt Capital Equity Group, owner of Cache Real Estate, and broker with Real Broker, LLC, Terrica Smith Joins Discover Lafayette to teach us how to not only survive after trauma, but thrive. Smith shares details about her affordable housing project in North Lafayette, Madeline Cove. She also sheds light on her survival story and how God, determination and pure grit led her to her bright future.

Smith is the driving force behind the Madeline Cove project, a 15-acre mixed-used development planned for Madeline Avenue in North Lafayette, in the University Corridor between downtown and I-10. The community was originally started almost 10 years ago, by out-of-state developers, right after Hurricane Katrina. The original developers spent money and time installing all of the ‘hard costs’ such as utilities, drainage, etc.

Ironically, Smith was slated to be the listing agent for homes to be built in Madeline Cove as she was newly embarking on her career in real estate after earning her real estate license in 2006. After the Madeline Cove project went bankrupt, the property was left vacant; in the ensuing years, it became a dumping ground for old tires, furniture and mounds of garbage. “It was disgusting…..you couldn’t drive through without running over garbage,” Smith said.

Madeline Cove, depicted at left, after sitting abandoned for over ten years, had become a dumping ground for trash. At right, Terrica Smith standing with a depiction of a street within her passion project, Madeline Cove.

After successfully building her career in the real estate world, Smith wanted to tap into the possibilities that North Lafayette had to offer. She mentioned that not many people were interested in the area due to its lack of schools and healthy grocery options. “I know what it’s like to feel abandoned, I know what it’s like for people to walk away from you and act like you don’t even exist. I know what it’s like for people to not believe in you” Smith said.

Terrica Smith, the youngest Black female real estate developer in the state.

Madeline Cove became Smith’s passion project. “I realized very early on that we had to be able to change the hearts and minds of people because if people instantly think that the North side is the bad side, then nobody’s going to want to invest any money over there,” Smith said. She noted how so many commercial establishments have closed down in North Lafayette, leaving a shell of its former self in the midst of a food and healthcare desert.

Smith turned to her trusted investors from around the world to invest in Madeline Cove, but they were all hesitant. She had over 100 rejections when soliciting investments, but that only lit the fire of this determined young woman more. She kept a notebook of tally marks of all the rejections she experienced, along with the name of the very first investor who told her yes.

Smith had thought that the newly developed Opportunity Zone Act established under the Trump administration would attract investors who were looking for solid ways to defer tax obligations on capital gains, but it was not so. “The issue for investors was not so much them deferring their capital gains of 30 to 40%, it was really that they did not see the vision for Madeline Cove,” Smith said. The first “yes” from an investor is what kept Smith going. “Of course it wasn’t time to throw in the towel, it was time to turn up the fire and start making more things happen, Smith said.

After countless late hour meetings and persistence, Smith finally got the investments that she needed to make Madeline Cove a reality.  While she hopes the project appeals to those who want to live in the heart of Lafayette in decent and affordable housing, she also dreams of the possibilities that will open up for commercial businesses, grocery stores, etc. when people can see that it is possible to make the community better. Replace the liquor stores and Dollar Generals with fresh fruit stands...

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Author of several baseball books, including the newly released "The Best Little Baseball Town in the World" which highlights Crowley LA and the Evangeline Baseball League, Gaylon White joins Discover Lafayette to flip through the pages of his own story and his lifelong love of baseball.

Born in 1946 in Los Angeles, White started his journey as a sportswriter for the Denver Post, Arizona Republic, and The Oklahoma Journal. His passion for sports writing led him to write four baseball books of his own after he retired from the corporate world.

Starting in 2014 he wrote The Bilko Athletic Club: The Story of the 1956 Los Angeles Angels. In 2018 he wrote Singles and Smiles: How Artie Wilson Broke Baseball’s Color Barrier. In 2019 he wrote Left On Base in the Bush Legends, Near Greats and Unknowns in the Minors.

His latest baseball book, The Best Little Baseball Town in the World: The Crowley Millers and Minor League Baseball in the 1950s, was released in March 2021. His aim is to keep alive the legacy of the Crowley Millers, the ballpark in Crowley, and the memories of the Evangeline Baseball League. Many minor league ballplayers who played for the Millers became major-league players, including Hal Newhouser, Virgil "Fire" Trucks, and Ed Lopat. George Brunet was another famous professional ballplayer highlighted in his latest book who pitched for nine major league teams.

The Crowley Millers’ biggest star was Conklyn Meriwether, a slugger who became infamous after he retired when he killed his in-laws with an ax. Their former manager, Johnny George, turned out to be a con man, who died in jail awaiting trial on embezzlement charges. During the team's heyday in first place in the league, they were torn to pieces after their star centerfielder, Andy Strong, was struck and killed by lightning during a game which he desperately tried to avoid playing. Yet, with all the irony, the Crowley Millers played great baseball and led pitchers George Brunet and Dan Pfister to stardom and careers in the majors.

White was enraptured by the magic of the world of minor league baseball from an early age. He mentioned that many of the major league teams that we know today were once minor league teams that he grew up with. Los Angeles was a minor league city until The Dodgers moved from Brooklyn in 1958. Houston, Texas was also the site of a minor league team before they landed the Houston Astros. He remembers being four years of age, living in LA, and having the opportunity to bond with his father, a busy minister, as they watched minor league teams play in his hometown.   

Peppered with statistics about baseball’s minor and major leagues and the small world of Crowley, The Best Little Baseball Town in the World caters to a wide-ranging audience. “One of the reasons for writing the book was to keep alive the legacy of the Crowley Millers, the Miller ballpark that they played in that’s still open in Crowley....in fact it’s looking better than ever, and the story of the history of the Evangeline League,” White said.

The famous Miller Stadium, originally built in 1948, was revamped during the pandemic with an investment of $5 million by the City of Crowley. According to Gaylon White, it is in better shape now than it was when built in 1948.

White stressed that in the heyday of baseball, minor league baseball appealed to Americans because so few cities had major ball clubs in the day. Only five cities in the U. S. had major league teams. The majority of America was enamored with the play of local minor league teams that were hosted in small towns across the U. S. “Most of the country, in terms of baseball being its national pastime (where it earned that reputation), was being played in the small towns of America. Fans were able to make contact with the minor league players who passed through their towns and this ignited their grass-roots appeal as fans felt they belonged.”

In 1921,

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Tessa Brown and Mechelle Roberthon joined Discover Lafayette to discuss how workplace leaders should lead. Through wit and humor, they share their expertise in how managers can best engage with frontline workers to set up companies for success. From the pandemic’s impacts on work-life to positive employee-employer relationships, Brown and Roberthon are expert human resource and talent development experts.

Lafayette native and LSU grad Tessa Brown serves as the Human Resources manager for CCI Piping Systems and has a strong passion for helping small businesses .  “There’s nothing like a family-owned business,” Brown said, and she loves working with the Cazayoux family who owns CCI Piping. Brown enjoys volunteering with the Acadiana Society for Resource Management ("SHRM"), as well as the SHRM statewide council.

Vice President and Director of Talent Development for Home Bank, Mechelle Roberthon received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, majoring in arts and humanities and behavioral sciences. "I am a diehard Rajun Cajun fan and alum!" Roberthon has a Master of Science in training and performance improvement from Capella University and is pursuing a doctorate of education in learning and organizational change from Baylor University. She moved to Lafayette from Alexandria 15 years ago to attend UL-Lafayette and that's when she met her future husband. “We are never leaving South Louisiana, we’re just not leaving,” Roberthon said. Fresh out of college, her start was in the non-profit sector. Whether it's working with Acadiana Shelter for Girls or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, Roberthon enjoys helping others succeed. Through this, she quickly found her calling for talent development. Along with her work for Home Bank, she’s involved with The Association of Talent Development (formerly known as the American Society of Training and Development).

Brown and Roberthon began working together at a corporate training center in 2014, where Brown was the Human Resources Manager and Roberthon was the Talent Development Instructor.  They quickly realized that they shared a similar passion for human and talent development. “People are people…the company is made up of people, no matter what the size,” Brown said, “Once you develop that talent, the sky is the limit.” Brown's passion is working with people and believes that if employers can build a great workplace, a great place to go every day, "think of all the amazing things you can do!"

“Human Resources and Talent Development skills are transferable to any industry, which is why I can move from healthcare to banking and Tessa can move from corporate development to manufacturing, because people are people. My personal tagline is 'I develop people who are responsible for developing the business," Roberthon stated. She further noted that businesses can’t exist without the people who make the brand valuable and explained that it just takes one person in a company of any size to make or break the company's brand and reputation. It's critical to develop the talent in workers who stand on the front lines representing the company and interacting with the consumer. And, a good working environment will positively enhance the mood of a person as they leave the workplace and go home to family and friends (and the dog!). To be effective, the creation of a positive workplace will include intentional and meaningful engagement and development of the employees, coming from employers who are genuinely interested in the best environment and work culture for their staff.

"It's critical to develop the talent in workers who stand on the front lines representing the company and interacting with the consumer. And, a good working environment will positively enhance the mood of a person as they leave the workplace and go home to family and friends (and the dog!). To be effective, the creation of a positive workplace will include intentional and meaningful e...

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Dr. Stephen Barnes, Director of the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his role in building a body of researched and well-thought-out policies to guide our state's decision-makers as they endeavor to improve lives and communities across Louisiana.

In addition to his role at the Blanco Center, Dr. Barnes is also an Associate Professor of economics at the B.I. Moody III College of Business. In 2019, he was selected to serve as the independent economist on the Louisiana Revenue Estimating Conference, a forecasting panel that sets income projections used to create the annual Louisiana state budget.

From left, Dr. Stephen Barnes, La. Senate President Page Cortez, La. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, the four members of the Revenue Estimating Conference on May 18, 2021, in Baton Rouge. Photo by Melinda Deslatte of AP.

Previously, Dr. Barnes spent 10 years in the Department of Economics at LSU. He has led studies on many topics related to the Louisiana economy, education, the coast and environment, health, and health care. To prepare him for his current concurrent role in helping Louisiana improve its station, he earned a Ph.D. in economics from UT at Austin.

A partnership between the UL-Lafayette College of Liberal Arts and the Edith Garland Dupré Library, the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center focuses on the public policy areas championed by Governor Blanco during her 25-year career in state government. These issues included education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics.

Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco served our state as governor during the challenging times of recovering from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2015. She chose not to run for re-election after her one term in office as governor. Later, Gov. Blanco bravely chose to offer the public access to knowledge on her time in office and donated ninety boxes of materials documenting decisions made during her time as governor, allowing others to share her insights and learn from past actions. The Blanco Center's mission is based upon her legacy with the aim to offer strong and informed guidance into the future as leadership choices are made that impact all of our citizens' lives.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco was elected as Louisiana’s first woman governor in 2004. In 2005, she led Louisiana through Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, the largest natural disaster in American history.

After retiring from public office, she served on a variety of boards and committees devoted to improving the lives of Louisiana residents and furthering the values of education, health care, and eliminating poverty. Governor Blanco spearheaded the development of a policy center at UL-Lafayette that would eventually carry her name. Governor Blanco passed away on August 18, 2019. Her passion for Louisiana and desire to see rigorous research shape policy live on through the work of the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center.

Many of the academic departments in UL - Lafayette's College of Liberal Arts have a natural alignment with the Blanco Center's aim to learn from the past and guide the state into a successful future with well-informed policies based upon research: sociology, political science, psychology, and history. Dr. Barnes noted that the goal is to get and keep UL-Lafayette professors engaged and have a broader academic voice involved in research. The various departments collaborate on joint grant proposals with the Blanco Center in furtherance of the mission to come up with best practices for improving the quality of life in Louisiana.

Louisiana has problems that have been systemic for generations. The Blanco Center wants to ensure that its work is focused on the relevant issues of our times and bring research to the Louisiana State Legisla...

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Brett Bayard, of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the Rewards for Reading Program in Lafayette LA. The mission of all Kiwanis clubs is to make the lives of children better.

Kiwanis partnered with the Lafayette Parish Public School System and 24 of its Elementary Schools to launch the Reading for Rewards Program. The goal is to inspire and excite our youngest students to read so that they can learn to love reading, thus do better in school and build a lifelong habit of reading.

Kickstarted by a $2500 grant from Home Bank, $1,000 from Postlethwaite & Netterville CPA's, and a great deal of financial assistance from Kiwanis members, the program has gotten off to a successful start.

Students earn points by participating in the school system's Accelerated Reader (AR) program to become eligible for prizes. They earn one raffle ticket every nine weeks as they meet their AR goal, which goal is individualized and based upon each student's reading level. Students can earn further raffle tickets by exceeding their goals.

Prizes will be awarded in person at the elementary schools throughout May 2021, beginning May 12th at Ernest Gallet Elementary. Prizes being awarded by Kiwanis members at each school include two bikes, four Razer scooters, and various goodie bags being provided by UL-Lafayette, Cox, Lafayette Parish library, and more. This is the first year of Reading for Rewards and the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette plans to build upon the program and continue encouraging our youngest to read.

Brett Bayard, Kiwanis Club of Lafayette member, and Paula Graffeo, J. Wallace James Elementary librarian, pose with two bikes that will be raffled off in May 2021 in the Rewards for Reading Program.

Rewards for Reading was inspired by a similar program created in 2006 by the Dawn Busters Kiwanis in Metairie, LA. Their program has grown tremendously since its early days and the club has seen how the rewards offered to young students have directly and positively improved educational outcomes.

Studies show that children who cannot read on grade level by 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Third grade is a crucial time in a child’s education as students transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. It is in our community's best interest to support programs such as Rewards for Reading and we thank Kiwanis Club of Lafayette for launching this program.

Our interview included heartwarming stories, including how hard it has been to find enough bikes in retail stores to meet the needs for Rewards for Reading prizes. Brett recalled how he and other Kiwanis members went from store to store, buying one bike at a time at first as the stores experienced a shortage of bikes; the COVID shutdown turned bikes into a precious commodity and for a time, almost impossible to find.

Anecdotal evidence of the popularity and early success of the Reading for Rewards program in our Lafayette public elementary schools continues to mount. Members have heard stories of kids reading books as fast as they can get their hands on them; one student even gave up his video game time to read more books! Another anecdote was of a five-year-old who is reading more than his high school-age siblings.

Kiwanis members speak of "Kiwanis Moments" when they realize the joy they experience by helping children through their clubs' activities. Kiwanis programs involving interaction with local students include Shaping Academic Resources for Kids ("SPARK"), Positive Lifestyle Activity for Youth ("PLAY"), the Healthy Living Club. Brett shared that his own meaningful Kiwanis Moment occurred when he took a young student shopping for Christmas gifts as a part of the Kiwanis annual Christmas giving program. The young girl said that was the first time in her life that she had been given an opportunity to get new clothes as she always had just gotten hand-me-downs or whatever was laying around.

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Ted Kergan, CEO of Kergan Brothers Sonic, along with the company’s President, Gary Wilkerson, joined Discover Lafayette to talk about the current difficulties the service industry is having in employing an adequate work staff as we emerge from the COVID shutdown in 2021. Business is up 50% for Kergan Bros. Sonic over last year's numbers and meeting the workforce demand is their current #1 challenge.

As Ted Kergan says, "It is a perfect storm. It's hard to find people whose financial interests are best served by going to work. After the first of the year in most years, people get their income tax refunds so they have some free money. In this case, the government released stimulus checks which turned out to be $1,400.00 per person in each household.....one of our employees came in and said his family had $10,000 in the bank. Once people got that big amount of money, they didn't want to go to work but they did want to go out and spend. It's not just our business that has been impacted, it's every single business." Wilkerson further explained, "This started last year, with the stimulus checks. Over a year, you could stay home and make $40,000 not to work. It has snowballed at this point."

The industry's supply chain has also been heavily impacted worldwide, compounding their ability to offer basic items people expect when food is ordered. Kergan explained, "As an example, we've had a heck of a problem finding straws. Specifically, our straws come from China and they're in a container ship in Long Beach CA. We literally can not get our straws out of the container ship because, in Long Beach, every longshoreman went on vacation when they received their stimulus checks. Literally every one of them!!"

With over 60 Sonic Locations across Central and South Louisiana, Kergan Bros. is one of Sonic’s most successful franchisees in the U. S and they focus on four main markets: Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Alexandria. With a workforce in place of about 2,000 people on any given day, Kergan Bros. Sonic actually has about 3,000 active employees, just as they have in past years, and offers a fun and quirky place to work where the employees are treated as family.

"We think our employees will never treat our customers better than we treat our employees. We look at our team members as our customers. Our challenge every day is to find a way to treat them with love, as we are all children of God and deserve to be treated that way. We treat each team member with love and respect. They mirror that with our customers out on the job."

The issue at hand is that as the stimulus dollars hit the market, people have more money in their pockets and they are running out to spend the money. There is a great pent-up demand. Everyone's sales have gone through the roof. As Ted Kergan said, "We have the same number of employees we had last year. But business exploded so quickly in each segment that everyone needed more employees to handle the additional business." This increased workforce need is the issue Kergan Bros. Sonic is struggling to meet. (As an aside, we spoke with Jimmy Guidry, owner of Hub City Diner in Lafayette, who shared that he is experiencing more business right now than he ever has....in the history of his restaurant.)

When asked to give his thoughts on raising the minimum wage and its impact on the labor force, Kergan said, "Because of the tight labor market, the market is driving the minimum wage higher, faster than legislation is. So in states like AZ and CA, where they've enacted the minimum wage, that's a stairstep procedure over several years. The reality is, because of the tight labor market, we have always gone into a market and looked at our competitors' wages and paid more. We're not interested in the minimum or the average employee, we're interested in the best people. Years ago, a banker in Ville Platte said to me, 'The people you pay a lot of money to, they don't cause you problems.

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Dan Jurek, Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Specialist, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss how the COVID shutdown has impacted individuals, couples, and families. Dan specializes in couples counseling.

Dan has more than 35 years of experience in adult counseling, and marriage and couples counseling, having studied at Franciscan University in Steubenville OH and earning a Masters in Catholic theology. His practice is guided by his Franciscan spirituality, following Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.

He has utilized his experience to help all age groups in our community, having first moved here in 1990 at the urging of St. Thomas More High School's Mike Keith who recruited him to work as Campus Minister. He also worked with Father Hampton Davis with the campus ministry on UL - Lafayette's campus. He received a second master's at Holy Cross in New Orleans and was licensed as a professional counselor in 2003.

Dan started Pax Renewal Center in Lafayette almost two decades ago, as he realized that counseling services were just as vital to a person’s health as exercise and nutrition. Cognizant that some people can't afford to pay for counseling, Pax offers graduate students' services who work under Dan's tutelage, thereby offering counseling at a greatly reduced rate.

The COVID shutdown hit Pax Renewal Center and other area counselors just as it did other sectors. Things slowed down dramatically at first and then picked up again last September. Dan learned quickly that Zoom calls are just not as good as in-person sessions.

"Overwhelm" has been what we have all felt according to Dan, and when you stack stresses on top of each other, "The strongest person can only carry so much weight!" Families were impacted from all angles; the respite that parents had enjoyed when their children were in school or day care evaporated overnight. The fear of COVID, Mom and Dad working from home or looking for work, and the pressing need to buy computer equipment and become IT experts so as to manage online work and school stressed even the healthiest families. For couples who were already strained, who were confined at home together with no where to go, it all amped up energy in an unhealthy way.

"It broke my heart to work with families that experienced abusive situations as it all escalated. Things can quickly move from emotional abuse to physical abuse. Kids who weren't able to attend school, getting that one square meal a day that school provided and having the opportunity to get out of their house to a safe place, their refuge was taken from them. Parents couldn't protect their kids from abuse."

As September 2020 rolled around and the world opened up a bit, couples therapy began anew online. Dan noted while Zoom "works," you had couples who weren't getting along having to sit shoulder to shoulder in an uncomfortable situation. It is also difficult for the therapist to pick up on important body language that is occurring from the chest down that is not visible on a Zoom call, such as shaking legs, clenched fists.

Use of substances rose, as have other addictive behaviors such as over/under eating, process addictions such as overuse of internet and pornography, and of course binge watching of shows on Netflix and other outlets. Rather than dealing with family or problems, people would numb out in front of the computer or television. So the pain remained.

Calling a counselor is one of the most courageous things a person can do. Calling someone and trusting them to help you feel better is typically a result of "inspiration or desperation," according to Dan. But as they present, people are typically honest about the pain they feel and share universal symptoms of trauma, such as feeling out of control, insomnia, can't eat or can't stop eating.

It's a false narrative to think you should be able to handle your problems. Dan says, people will tell him,

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Elizabeth Brooks, Executive Director of Moncus Park, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss construction underway at the park. Much has happened since our first interview with EB in 2017, and as their website, moncuspark.org/the-park/ says, the park is well on its way to becoming a world-class central park for all of Acadiana to enjoy! The park is slated to open to the public Thanksgiving 2021.

Elizabeth, affectionately known as "EB," gained local renown in 2005 when she was a student at UL – Lafayette. She and her friend, Danica Adams (the last person to live on the horse farm), learned that the 100 acre UL Horse farm tract was threatened by a potential sale by the university to a commercial developer.  Unable to accept that this treasure in the middle of Lafayette could possibly ever become just another strip mall, the two launched a successful community-wide campaign to save the property; thousands of local residents became involved, aided by the rise of social media during that same time.

After the horse farm was 'saved,' EB left Lafayette to earn graduate degrees in Community & Regional Planning as well as Urban Design earned from UT in Austin. She noted how she had never realized that urban planning was even a career option until she met Mike Hollier of LCG's Planning Department when she was working to save the horse farm space.

EB's passion is in seeing a city crafted to maximize the ultimate quality of life and she said, "The impact of the built environment and infrastructure on people's quality of life and day-to-day experiences is something we should take more control over and strive to be world-class. It doesn't just happen." As an example she noted, "Some of the streetscapes we have built (here in Lafayette) are inhospitable."

Elizabeth Brooks' passion is in seeing a city crafted to maximize the ultimate quality of life and she said, "The impact of the built environment and infrastructure on people's quality of life and day-to-day experiences is something we should take more control over and strive to be world-class. It doesn't just happen."

It turns out that many other people value quality of life here too. EB spoke of the momentum that was gained during the Save the Horse Farm campaign. "We valued harnessing that same energy to create the master plan. We hired a firm to create the master plan that didn't have a preconceived notion of what the park should be, one that would listen to the people. People felt heard. It was empowering to be able to shape our community."

The site of Moncus Park is long and narrow and is one of the old "long lots" granted once Lafayette was settled. It is very quiet once you enter, as little of the land fronts onto Johnston Street. While it made little sense to utilize the space for commercial development, it is a wonderful place for a park with its live oak trees and ravines; the master plan focuses on honoring the beautiful and natural features while enhancing the topography by adding a new four-acre lake and hilly areas.

$60 million is the projected amount needed to be raised to fully realize the goal of making Moncus Park a world-class facility. A future site to host weddings, music, and community events, as well as a planned botanical garden, Louisiana-themed playgrounds and interactive splash pad, a Treehouse Masters treehouse, amphitheatre, Veterans Memorial, dog park, and promenade (the park's main walking and jogging trail offering soft surfaces kind to runners) all cost money. And except for the $6.8 million paid by the City of Lafayette to purchase the ground from UL-Lafayette, all is being funded via private donors.

The late Jim Moncus was the first person EB called upon for financial support. She reminisced about his generosity, saying, "He looked over the list of naming rights, saw the top figure and said, 'I'd like to get involved.' It was a huge gift, a shot in the arm for fundraising efforts, and provided the minimum of what was needed to be...

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Rex Moroux, a commercial sales and leasing agent with Scout Real Estate Company, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the commercial real estate climate in Acadiana in early 2021.

Rex began his real estate career at Coldwell Banker Real Estate and in the fall of 2018, joined Scout Real Estate, a firm headed up by his mentor, the late Hammy Davis, along with Jeff Landry and Chad Ortte. Previously he had toured and recorded as a professional musician throughout the U. S. and Europe.

Things have completely changed in Rex's life since our first interview in 2018 when he was about to appear as a guest on Jeopardy, one of the only people from our region ever to achieve such an opportunity. One of the most important people in his life, Hammy Davis, passed away in October 2020 from Stage 4 brain cancer. "Hammy was the most important person in my life outside of my family...on so many levels, not just professionally. He was the greatest guy I have ever known. He was how I hope to be; if I can walk the world like him, I think I will have won."

One of the most important people in Rex Moroux's life was his mentor, Hammy Davis, who passed away from Stage 4 brain cancer in October 2020. "Hammy was the most important person in my life outside of my family...on so many levels, not just professionally. He was the greatest guy I have ever known. He was how I hope to be; if I can walk the world like him, I think I will have won."

Yet, life does go on and Hammy's tutelage has served Rex well. While Rex had never uttered the words "commercial real estate" before a fortuitous lunch with Hammy back in 2012, he now enjoys his career with Scout Real Estate. In fact, he has never been busier than he is now, even given the effects of COVID on the economy.

Scout Real Estate handles all forms of property management, from asset management, financial consulting services, maintenance oversight of properties, or any other issues facing owner/sellers of commercial real estate properties. Rex focuses on the brokerage side of the business, finding the right buyers and sellers for a transaction.

Lifelong connections help in the real estate business and Rex spoke of one such client and friend, VieMed owner Casey Hoyt, whom he helped along with partner Michael Moore in the purchase of the Talos Energy (formerly Stone Energy) building on Kaliste Saloom Road. He also represents families who inherit properties and don't know the value or best use of real estate which may have been in the family for decades. Along with his cohorts at Scout Real Estate, Rex offers professional property consulting services on a one-time basis or a longer-term arrangements.

We spoke of the difference between residential and commercial real estate transactions, with due diligence being the key difference. A commercial deal is approached totally differently from the purchase of a home, with much more financial complexity and time needed to study, inspect and investigate all aspects of the property before closing.

A commercial real estate broker can take the burden off a buyer or seller insofar as time and effort is involved in closing a deal. Brokers also offer expertise in advising on 1031 Exchanges and ensuring that a client's wealth is protected while minimizing tax burdens. A broker acting as an advocate for their client can prevent eager clients from committing to a deal before confirming it is right for their particular situation.

One 'Hammyism' that Rex shared was to "Go to work every day as if you've got $100 grand in your pocket. Meaning that if you're obsessed with the commission, you won't do right by your client. You have to be able to tell them that this is no good. You have to take the long view. You earn trust and then everybody wins. It always pays off if you keep your client's needs primarily in mind."

"What we see is that people can get too obsessed with the good aspects of a property and downplay the worst-case scenario.

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Ashley Mudd, Executive Director of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss her mission to build leaders in our community. Her quest is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or industry, has the opportunity and support needed to find their voice and passion as a community leader.

The Leadership Institute of Acadiana ("LIA") is the organization that hosts the Leadership Lafayette and Lafayette Junior Leadership programs, as well as other programs to engage people who are unable to commit to a year of engagement.

Since 1987, Leadership Lafayette operated under the auspices of the former Lafayette Chamber of Commerce which is now known as One Acadiana. Ashley credited former Chamber President Rob Guidry for having the foresight to start the program after hearing of it in his travels networking with other chamber execs around the U. S. The first class, officially named "Class One," calls themselves the "premier class." Many prominent leaders, such as Joey Durel, former Parish President of Lafayette Parish, credit Leadership Lafayette for spurring them onto greater civic and government engagement. (Read more about his story here.)

Joey Durel, former Lafayette City-Parish President credits Leadership Lafayette for his desire to run for mayor. Once his children were transitioning out of their home, Joey had more time for civic engagement and made the leap into elected office.

According to the organization's website, "At LIA, our goal is to provide experiential, collaborative leadership training programs and initiatives that offer local leaders access to the skills, knowledge and ongoing support they need to impact our community and influence the future of our region.' In practice they do this and so much more; they immerse program participants in eleven sessions during their year of engagement as they learn about our community's opportunities and challenges in education, the economy, the non-profit sector, government, incarcerated individuals, and healthcare. People forge lifelong friendships and bring about real change.

Program tuition is $2000 to participate in Leadership Lafayette, yet LIA will provide scholarships up to one-half of tuition for deserving recipients. They encourage participation from all industries, including police officers, teachers, and other fields outside of the stereotypical banker, lawyer, or business owner. Participants of all ages are welcome and encouraged; Ashley stressed that the wider the range of ages and industries, the more successful the class will be in experiencing the full benefit of Leadership Lafayette.

Past Leadership Lafayette graduates, such as Veronica Williams, Clerk of the Lafayette City and Parish Councils, assist in identifying boards and commissions that willing volunteers can join. LIA actively works to help people engage in civic endeavors and make a difference in the community.

SIMSOC ("Simulated Society") is a standard-bearer of the Leadership Lafayette experience. SIMSOC is a simulation of real society where participants learn the issues and challenges of creating sustainable societies and communities. At times it can be humorous as people of higher socioeconomic status are placed in a simulated place of low ranking in a room with no air conditioning as they navigate methods of survival. Brent Henley of The Pyramid Group has facilitated SIMSOC since the beginning of the program and still pulls out great results as participants learn empathy and leadership skills from the exercise.

Brent Henley of the Pyramid Group leading SIMSOC during Leadership Lafayette's program on April 9, 2021, at Wonderland Performing Arts in Lafayette.

LIA also offers programming for people who are not yet ready or able to commit to a year of engagement. Intro Lafayette is a two-day civic leadership class that offers presentations from "local business, civic and community leaders on the past,

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Right in time for Easter, Discover Lafayette is proud to share our conversation with Sarah Schoeffler, a woman of faith who selflessly shares her resources and talents with others. She exemplifies the meaning of "good steward" and follows a path of service that is inspirational.

Sarah is well-known for her work in beautifying Lafayette and for her delightful gardens at the home she shares with her husband, Harold Schoeffler, which they graciously open up for community fundraisers and various charitable causes. Through the years, the Schoefflers have purchased additional property contiguous to their home which is located immediately before you enter the gates of Oakbourne Country Club; it now encompasses approximately six acres of lush native plantings and beautiful flowers. Sarah describes her newest project, three years in the making, as her "meadow," which is now home to native Louisiana trees coming into their own.

Gardens of Sarah Schoeffler

First and foremost, mark your calendar for April 10, 2021, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a beautiful Garden Stroll through the grounds of Sarah and Harold Schoeffler, 3502 E. Simcoe, Lafayette LA 70501, which you can attend for $10.00. The event is hosted to benefit Family Promise of Acadiana, an organization near and dear to Sarah's heart that helps families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence. For more information on the event, visit their facebook site.

On April 10, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the natural riverside garden of Sarah and Harold Schoeffler at 3502 E. Simcoe Street in Lafayette. Admission is $10 at the garden gate and proceeds benefit Family Promise of Acadiana.

Family Promise of Acadiana is the only program in the area that offers shelter to entire families, including teen boys and single dads. The family unit must include children in order to be eligible for entry into their program. There are several host and support churches in the Family Promise of Acadiana network, including Sarah's church, First United Methodist Church in downtown Lafayette.

One of the best things about Family Promise is the sheer number of volunteers the families being served will meet while they are being assisted. Sarah shared that many people being helped end up finding opportunities to get back on their feet through the kindness of caring volunteers they meet through the various churches that provide support.

"The individuals served by Family Promise meet all kinds of caring volunteers from local churches and they can network. Somewhere along the road a volunteer might say, 'Hey, I've got the most opportune thing for you. It just works. It's a nice win-win for everyone."

Sarah has traditionally hosted a Southern Garden Festival to benefit Family Promise each April, but the COVID shutdown prevented that from happening in 2020. She looks forward to hosting the perennially favorite event this October. The garden tour has evolved over the years into a weekend gala, featuring Friday Night Dining and Dancing under the stars with a silent auction and servings of catfish personally caught by Harold Schoeffler and fried up by members of First United Methodist Church. Then, Saturday is a full day of festival activities including a tea party with refreshments served on Sarah's mother's teacups, dancing fairies, musicians who donate their talents, vendors, beekeepers, pigeon flyers, and last but not least, a Maypole featuring delightful young dancers led by their very talented dance instructor, Cissy Whipp. It would be hard to find a more family-friendly event.

Sarah and Harold Schoeffler at the 2014 Southern Garden Tour held at their home to benefit Family Promise of Acadiana. The event is a fun annual affair that has something for everyone to enjoy and you can learn more about gardening and the environment while you help raise funds for a great cause. Photo by Kris Wartelle.

Sarah credits her husband, Harold,

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Justin and Marie Centanni joined Discover Lafayette to share their journey together and how they work as a team to support each other. Independently successful in their own fields, you'll hear in this interview how their loving bond makes each of them stronger to tackle the myriad of family, work, and political issues that come their way.

Marie and Justin Centanni on their wedding day in 2004.

The couple met while in college at a Kappa Alpha Rush party, and Marie jokingly added, "I'm 5'10". I looked over and saw a boy taller than me! He was well-dressed and smart," and Marie was impressed. They were friends for years and were married after she graduated with a Master in Legislative Affairs at the George Washington University in 2004.

Marie's interest in politics stems back to her early college days as a Page in the Louisiana House of Representatives where when she met Cavan Bordelon who was a general assignments reporter for KLFY. He showed her how a full day of news could be broken down into "one piece of paper" that could be shared easily on the evening news. For the first time in her life, "I became so interested in state government and civic life, which had been so foreign to me in my own upbringing" in a family immersed in the medical field. She was hooked and went on to work at KLFY in Lafayette for two years and eventually at WAFB in Baton Rouge as a Capitol Correspondent.

Marie had met Gov. Kathleen Blanco while she was at UL-Lafayette and had the honor of serving as her Press Secretary following the double-hit of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She spoke of Blanco's kindness and strength as well as how she cared for her staff members. Blanco's decision not to run for a second term as governor was a poignant one, as Marie stated, "She was the last bi-partisan governor that we'll see. The national party politics that focused on Louisiana (post-Katrina) divided our state and I don't know that we'll ever see that division come back together."

With Blanco's retirement, Marie started Centanni Communications in 2009, where she helps people and organizations achieve their goals through targeted messaging and legislative strategy. Additionally, she serves as Director of Public Affairs at Louisiana Association of Business and Industry ("LABI"), where she calls upon her news skills to relay what's going on at the State Capitol in a precise, memorable, easily understand, and impactful way to its members. Marie also serves as Program Facilitator for the Council for a Better Louisiana's Leadership Louisiana.

Marie and Justin Centanni at the groundbreaking of Southside High School.

Justin Centanni is a graduate of Nicholls State University in Computer Information Systems, and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches. He has worked with IBERIABANK since 2010 when he and Marie moved back to Lafayette, where they had always wanted to live. Working at the downtown branch, Justin is able to walk to work from the couple's Saints Street area home and he looks forward to doing that post-COVID. His current position is Assistant Vice President - Database Analyst for the bank, which is now a part of First Horizon.

On his 37th birthday, Justin decided to run for Lafayette Parish School Board, and made that decision only one week before candidate qualifying time. It was a time of immense turmoil on the school board during the tenure of Superintendent Pat Cooper and people were ready for change-makers who could bring peace as well as stability to the budget. Justin's background in finance gave him the tools that were a good fit for the job. He turned to his wife, Marie, for help, and in the first big project they did together, she ran his campaign on a budget of $16,000 (half of which they self-financed with cash on hand).

Justin campaigned door to door and shared the story of his children, then "6, 4 and 2 years of age" and how they would be public school students.

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Mike Michot, Senior Director of State Affairs for the Picard Group, a leading governmental affairs and lobbying group in Louisiana and Washington DC, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his career of public service and community engagement.

Mike previously served the Acadiana area for 16 years, serving 12 years in the Louisiana State Senate after his initial one-term stint as Lafayette's District 43 member of the House of Representatives. In his final term in the State Senate, he was chair of the Senate Finance Committee which directs funding for all aspects of state government; he also served on various committees including the Louisiana State Bond Commission, Senate Natural Resources, Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs, Vice-Chair of Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs, and House Labor and Industrial Relations.

Left: Senator Mike Michot pictured center, with Representative Page Cortez (now Senator) and Senator Fred Mills. Right: Senator Mike Michot, with his wife Monique, after having been presented LegisGator of the Year Award by the Southwest Louisiana Chamber of Commerce

Mike has also been active in private business, having previously owned and operated Premier Medical Equipment in Lafayette for 20 years. Generous with his time, he has served as a volunteer for many community service organizations, including the Community Foundation of Acadiana, American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, United Way of Acadiana, the Academy of the Sacred Heart School, and the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette’s Opus Christi Magnum fundraiser.  Mike is also a graduate of Leadership Lafayette and Leadership Louisiana.

​The seventh of eight children of the late Louis and Patricia Ann Smith Michot, Mike grew up watching his father accomplish great business and political success with a mindset focused on hard work and giving back to others. As a young boy, Mike remembers his father flying off in his own plane to take care of business, whether it was tending to his 45 Burger Chef restaurants or heading off across the state when he was elected to the Louisiana State Board of Education in 1968 and later elected in 1971 as Louisiana Superintendent of Education. The elder Michot also was involved in various endeavors as diverse as opening the first drive-in theatre in Lafayette on Pinhook Road to running the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce to serving Lafayette Parish as a State Representative to lobbying for the National Air Transport Association in Washington DC. For a wonderful look at the many accomplishments of Louis Joseph Michot Jr.'s storied life, please visit this Legacy site.

Left: Louis Michot, Jr., Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, reading "A Cajun Night Before Christmas." Right: Rep. Louis Michot, Jr. serving a Burger Chef shake and burger to Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas Jewell.

Mike Michot jumped into politics in 1995 when State Representative Don Higginbotham announced he would not run for re-election. After having grown up around his father's influence in the political realm and having helped older brother, Rick Michot, run a three-parish race for 15th Judicial District Judge, Mike had valuable experience in campaigning. He won that race and then after one term, ran against sitting Senator Max Jordan and was also successful in that effort with the encouragement of the business sector.

His early time of service was during Governor Mike Foster's regime with a pro-business bent. Mike looked back with pride on the many accomplishments during the first term of Gov. Foster when he was honored to serve, including passage of the TOPS program, teacher pay raises to the Southern average, and other business-friendly measures. This era also brought in term-limits which limit legislators to three terms in a particular office. During our interview, Mike spoke of the good and bad that comes along with a loss of political experience when seasoned legislators ar...

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Nathanael Johnson, the owner of Rêve Coffee, joined Discover Lafayette to share his 15-year journey in the coffee business.

Since the age of eight, when Nathanael began rising early with his dad to share a cup of coffee before the elder Johnson left for work, he dreamed of having a coffee cafe in his hometown of Eunice. The dream nagged at him and eventually, he dropped out of college so that he could open his own shop.

It all started with Café Mosaic in downtown Eunice. Nathanael had already chosen the cafe's name as he felt it embodied a place that different age groups would enjoy...."a mosaic of people." When he located a desirable space in which to open, he was shocked when he walked in to see that the floor was mosaic! With financial help from his father and after a great deal of work to restore the building, Cafe Mosaic opened on March 3, 2006, when Nathanael was 21.

Cafe Mosaic in downtown Eunice, the first coffee shop opened by Nathanael Johnson on March 3, 2006, is still in business and going strong.

Nathanael shared how difficult those early days were, working around the clock and figuring out what an independent coffee shop should look like. Very few such shops existed and those that opened never seemed to stay in business very long. Further adding to the stress was a comment made by two customers within his first two weeks in business: "You're going to fail!" He was fearful of failing and remembers how he would work from 5:00 in the morning to 11:00 at night every single day. "My mom bought me one of those little kindergarten sleeping mats so I could sleep in my office when I had a chance to break away. I couldn't leave, I felt I needed to be there all the time."

Well, not only did Nathanael not fail, but three years into business he was approached to open Johnston St. Java in Lafayette. Within 2 1/2 years he decided to jump in head first and enter the roasting aspect of the business. His partner, Christopher Pickle, played a key role.

Chris Pickle after being certified by the Specialty Coffee Association. Chris is the Head Roaster for Rêve Coffee.

Nathanael knew he wanted to understand the roasting process and ensure that the highest quality of bean was selected, so he became certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, the largest coffee organization in the world. He found a broker who deals in the highest grade beans and started his micro-roasting business in 2013 in what was then Bibi's Patisserie on Pinhook.

Starting with a ten-pound Ozturk roaster that he purchased out of Turkey, he began roasting on a small scale, eventually working up to an average of 6000 pounds per month today. He says that "roasting is a trial by fire experience, and is similar to popping popcorn. When coffee beans start to release their moisture, it pops like popcorn. They call it 'first crack."

Rêve Coffee beans are now sold at over 100 locations, including Whole Foods and Champagne's locally, and micro market stores. Nathanael says he never really wanted to open up a retail Rêve Coffee shop, but he quickly realized that if he wanted the coffee sales to be successful, people needed the opportunity to taste it. "It was a hard beginning as I just wanted to be a roaster. But we wanted to make a name for ourselves" and this was the right route to take. If you’re wondering what Reve means, it is a French masculine noun translating to “dream” in English.

Nathanael was approached to enter the Baton Rouge coffee market and first opened up a kiosk at White Star Market on Government Street, which marketplace eventually closed due to the COVID shutdown. But he wanted to be in the Baton Rouge area and also ready to redefine what Rêve was going to look like in the future, offering a high-end yet comfortable vibe that blended food, cocktails, and coffee. A place where you don't leave when your meal is finished, but feel comfortable enough to stay longer and enjoy yourself.

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Discover Lafayette welcomed Christiaan Mader, founder and executive editor of the Current, Lafayette’s first non-profit digital news organization which he launched in 2018, to our show. He is also the host of Out to Lunch Acadiana, a radio show and podcast on KRVS that features Acadiana business community members.

Christian is an award-winning investigative and culture journalist, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vice, Offbeat, Gambit, the USA Today Network, and The Advocate.

Most notably, Christiaan Mader, in an investigative series as the lead reporter involving former Lafayette City Marshall Brian Pope for The Independent, along with IND editors Leslie Turk and Walter Pierce and photographers Robin May and Wynce Nonelly, was awarded the Freedom of Information Award by the Louisiana Press Association. This award is the highest honor that can be awarded to journalists in their field.

Pictured: Christiaan Mader, Leslie Turk, Robin May, Wynce Nolley and Walter Pierce celebrating winning the Freedom of Information Award on their investigative reporting of past Lafayette City Marshal Brian Pope. Photo by Travis Gauthier.

A Lafayette native, Christiaan graduated from high school at Episcopal School of Acadiana and Emory University in journalism. He spent a decade touring as a musician with The Brass Bed and to this day says, " If I had my druthers, I'd be Paul McCartney!" And, we think he really means it!

Christiaan Mader pictured alongside members of The Brass Bed, a band he toured with for ten years after college.

Christiaan loves Lafayette and attributes his good fortune of traveling as a musician for ten years as satisfying his curiosity to see the world. He realized at a young age that he loved Lafayette and was very happy to be a part of the fabric of his beloved Lafayette community; yet, he is grateful to have had the opportunity to see other places and be able to have freely chosen Lafayette as his home with no regrets.

A few years back, Christiaan returned to his journalism roots and wrote cultural pieces for Lafayette Travel (Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission). That work led to other opportunities, initially encouraged by Mary Tutwiler who was a writer for the former local periodical, The Independent. Christiaan enjoyed writing local pieces but never thought he'd end up writing political pieces, which editors Steve and Cherry May eventually encouraged him to do.

The Current has gained traction since its initial launch in a news market which includes The Advocate and the Daily Advertiser. Christiaan shared that when he originally began his digital publication, both local newspapers were following the national trends of smaller local staffs and downsizing operations. Within 14 to 16 months thereafter, things were quite different, and both local newspapers were back in the game as viable news organizations. In fact, The Advocate, owned by the John Georges family, is invested in preserving its print product and its market has grown across South Louisiana.

The cultural shift to digital media has greatly impacted traditional print journalism. Google and other social media platforms are very inexpensive ways advertisers can get out their word, and it has affected profitability of print media. Lafayette is very unusual as it may be one of the smallest markets in the U. S. with two print newspapers.

Christiaan spoke of two big trends in journalism: the loss of revenue resulting in a loss of paid journalists on staff, and fewer companies overall due to consolidation of publications. He shared that most people don't realize how labor-intensive journalism is; experience and institutional knowledge are critical factors in producing accurate and knowledgable reporting.

"If you lose local media, the risk is that you lose institutional knowledge on the various subject matters. I love what I do. And I do it because I get to do it here in Lafayette.

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Yvette Quantz, Ochsner Health System's Eat Fit Acadiana Operations and Marketing Dietitian, joined Discover Lafayette to talk about her lifelong commitment to helping others live in a state of health. Her philosophy is pretty simple: when people feel well on the inside, they can live and work well in their community.

Eat Fit is a statewide, nonprofit initiative of Ochsner designed to help the community live their healthiest, strongest lives possible that started with Molly Kimball, a registered dietitian with Ochsner Fitness Center, who set out to take the guesswork out of dining out healthfully, to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

In 2013, Kimball and her team collaborated with some of the most iconic restaurants in the New Orleans region to create Ochsner Eat Fit, a program that encourages chefs to offer nutritious, delicious meals for those who want to eat clean, watch their weight, and manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol. In a land of "decadent food," there is a great need to provide diners with information that allows them to eat delicious food with a better idea of what they are actually consuming.

With the support of funding in 2018 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, Eat Fit has expanded throughout Louisiana and Yvette Quantz serves as a proud member of the Acadiana team. Eat Fit is now operating in New Orleans, Northshore, Baton Rouge, Acadiana, Monroe, and Shreveport. Over 500 Eat Fit partners exist statewide and the numbers are growing.

Anyone can download the Eat Fit App for free at https://www.ochsner.org/eat-fit

The team of Eat Fit collaborates as a free service with local chefs and community leaders to increase awareness and improve access to healthy food options in Acadiana that meet the Eat Fit nutritional criteria. Eat Fit doesn't promote "diets" per se with strict management of calories but instead encourages people to make choices that are essential for a healthy life. So don't look for guidance on the latest fad diets; the nutritionists are more focused on how to assist restaurants in bringing food to the table that are healthy for you, without overloading patrons with foods that are high in sodium, animal fats, or added sugars. Rather than following a restrictive regimen, Eat Fit encourages a way to fuel your body with delicious foods that are prepared in a way to sustain good health.

The Eat Fit App provides resources for local, locally-owned restaurants based upon zip code that offer healthy choices, as well as recipes, events in the community, and downloadable grocery guides to help you as you shop.

At the start of LENT, Eat Fit launched an Alcohol-Free for 40 challenge that is inspiring people across the region to give up libations for 40 or so days and see firsthand the amazing health benefits they will experience.

The challenge presented by Ochsner General Health's Eat Fit: Give up alcohol completely from Ash Wednesday through Easter. Participants paid $25 to receive in-depth pre- and post-challenge metrics including labs, body composition analysis, weight, blood pressure, and before-and-after photos to get a better idea of the impacts of alcohol on their wellness. This is the sixth year of the annual challenge to encourage people to make healthy choices during Lent and be inspired to make lifelong better choices.

Ochsner General Health Systems Eat Fit - Acadiana is a supporting member of Healthy Acadiana. So many of our young people test as overweight or obese and the coalition works to change the mindset of food choices made by our local population. It brings together businesses and individuals to get out awareness of best practices in diet and exercise.

Getting outside of our own food needs, we can also be more mindful when we make choices on what to donate to local food pantries. Rather than feeling good about donating from the back of your pantry while cleaning out expired canned goods,

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Mike Fruge, founder and owner of JT Meleck Distillers, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the evolution of his family's farming business and what led him to create award-winning vodka from rice.

Mike has a great story to tell, one which not only captures the tenacity of our Louisiana farmers but also one of an entrepreneurial spirit that has led him to continue to evolve his farming operations to eke out all he can from the land. In this podcast, we celebrate that precious food commodity which our South Louisiana culture revolves around: rice. We also celebrate the tenacity of our Louisiana farmers which is exemplified by our guest.

Mike Fruge is a rice and crawfish farmer along with his brother, Mark, and he descends from a long line of rice farmers in Acadia Parish. He grew up in Branch, LA on the family rice farm founded by his great, great uncle, John “JT” Meleck, who started growing “Providence Style” rice in 1896.

John Meleck originally migrated to Louisiana from the Midwest right after the Civil War years in search of cheap land. It took the family two years to complete the trek to Louisiana by covered wagons. After learning the hard way that corn and other commodities didn't grow in Louisiana as well as they had in the Midwest, Meleck started growing what was called "Providence style rice:" the rice was planted on low-lying bottomland which depended on Mother Nature to provide the rainwater which would seep down from the higher ground to nourish the crop. Meleck's rice farm joined many other rice industry operations which took off around the turn of the 20th century.

Pictured is John Meleck, Mike Fruge's great, great uncle, driving the vehicle along with Mike’s grandfather, the little boy in the back. John Meleck is the inspiration behind the name of Fruge's JT Meleck Distillers.

Fast forward to the 1980s, when Mike and his brother, Mark, were among the first to enter the aquaculture industry. At that time, most crawfishing was considered a hobby and there weren't many commercial crawfish farms. Fruge Farms was one of the first to convert to 100% crawfish farming as a way to make a living while preventing their rice fields from being depleted. As Mike says, "We weren't the first, but we were pioneers." The terrain of Southwest Louisiana provides ideal growing conditions as the production requires flatlands that can be easily flooded and now almost all rice farmers are also crawfishermen. Today, Fruge Aquafarms is a thriving rice and crawfish farm that has grown to roughly 4000 acres.

With the initial growth of his aquaculture endeavor, Mike looked for a market and took to the road in his pickup to find buyers. He began selling his crawfish product in Dallas in 1989 and had to educate the market on how to prepare the crawfish with which they were unfamiliar. "My timing was a little early!" he said.

Today that pickup truck in which he personally delivered crawfish has grown into Dallas-based Fruge Seafood Co. which is a regional wholesale distributor of fine seafood in Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. Its #1 top seller is salmon and the company specializes in upscale fish choices for fine dining experiences. Mike is a conservative businessman who learned through the school of hard knocks how to stay profitable, without going to outside investors, while keeping this family business afloat. "Coming of age in the oilfield in the 1980s, I can't describe how bad things were. 20% of the population literally left the area. I never wanted to borrow money unless it was absolutely necessary. We've been very conservative and our risks were calculated."

Fruge Seafood has grown into a Dallas-Based regional wholesale distributor of fine seafood in Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. Its #1 top seller is salmon and the company specializes in upscale fish choices for fine dining experiences.

About 10 to 15 years ago, Mike started wondering how his fourth-generation farming business was going to look like m...

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Lafayette, Louisiana welcomed our new police chief, Thomas Lee Glover, Sr., on December 23, 2020. He joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss what his career in law enforcement has taught him and his belief in the utmost importance of involving the community as a means of enhancing law enforcement effectiveness.

A native of Tallulah, Louisiana with maternal roots from Lafayette, Chief Glover graduated from Grambling State University with a degree in criminal justice. He immediately joined the Dallas Police Department and was with the department on active duty for 36 1/2 years; the day after retiring, he immediately joined the force as a reserve officer performing many of the same duties.

Chief Glover applied for the position of Police Chief because he thought he could make a difference in Lafayette. "I came from a department that mirrored what Lafayette is going through, in Dallas we experienced the same things 25 to 30 years ago. We had the same issues on the table. I was a part of the Police Association that worked to mend the tears in the community. I am very honored to have been selected. I thank Mayor Guillory for employing me as police chief. "

"I came from a department (in Dallas, TX) that mirrored what Lafayette is going through, that we experienced 25 to 30 years ago. We had the same issues on the table. I was a part of the Police Association that worked to mend the tears in the community. I am very honored to have been selected. I thank Mayor Guillory for employing me as police chief." Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Acadiana Advocate

Mending fences in Dallas entailed hiring outside consultants to review policies from top to bottom, especially on the use of deadly force which had disproportionately affected Blacks and Hispanics. The department amended its curriculum to address appropriate training and procedures on the use of force. They also learned the importance of getting the community involved in law enforcement. While the chief says Dallas still has issues and is still working on relationships, they have come a long way, and continue to work on a daily basis to improve relations.

The Chief has learned that community policing is effective; it has been tested and it works in practice. He's learned firsthand that involving clergy, business owners, and the legal and educational communities with the police department works to take care of social ills works and successfully reduces crime. It helps to have as many eyes as possible watching the streets. "I'd rather have the 132,000 people here in Lafayette with their eyes watching out than to have only 289 officers working on crime," says Chief Glover.

As a means to encourage community engagement, all Lafayette police officers will be required to attend at least one event per week, be it a Girls Scout meeting, local church events, or other similar happenings. He's also directing a set of officers to address social ills such as trash not being picked up or code violations. His goal is also to partner with charitable groups such as Catholic Charities of Acadiana to reduce crime and reduce the number of calls coming into the 911 Center.

On community policing: "My analogy is this on how to prevent crime: think about a yard with a lot of weeds growing. You call on your yard person to cut the weeds down but they always come back. Community policing is you calling that lawn person and they treat the yard with weed preventer. And then, you only need the police or the yard guy once every other season. If community policing works like it is designed, the same thing would happen to reduce the need for policing services. Neighborhoods that traditionally have needed policing services would no longer need services because the things that created that need would have been eliminated."

"Regardless of what community you are a part of, African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or Latino, you should be treated with dignity.

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Liz Webb Hebert, Chair of the Lafayette City Council and representative for City Council District 3, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss her passion for service at the local level and working to improve the region's quality of life.

Liz Webb Hebert and Nanette Cook were selected as council chairperson and vice chair in 2021. Photo by Brad Bowie of The Advocate.

Growing up in Carencro, Louisiana, and the baby girl of her family with four older brothers, Liz learned early about the importance of speaking up effectively for herself. A lifelong resident of Lafayette Parish, she graduated from Teurlings Catholic High School and Northwestern State University.

After college, she was blessed to work for wonderful bosses who gave her free rein in using her skills in an imaginative way: first for Leonard Louvierre of Zea Rotisserie & Bar in Lafayette, and then with Greg Davis and Pam Deville at the Cajundome Arena & Convention Center. The freedom she was afforded to execute her ideas to grow business opportunities are experiences she will always cherish.

Yet, Liz was called to explore service at a higher level as a young adult. "I've always wanted to make our community better," Hebert explained, and her experience in Leadership Lafayette led her to better understand the issues facing our city and parish and how she could get involved in the process as an elected official.

In 2015, her mentors approached her to consider running for the Lafayette City-Parish Council which had an open seat upon the retirement of then-Councilman Keith Patin. With encouragement from her family and husband, Aaron Hebert, she leapt into the race, which included two formidable opponents who she describes as "incredible, friendly, courteous and kind." She made the runoff and was elected to serve her first term on the Lafayette City-Parish Council which began in January 2016.

"Fix the Charter" was passed by Lafayette Parish residents and now we have two councils: the Lafayette City Council and the Lafayette Parish Council. Liz ran and was elected to serve in Lafayette Council District 3 and assumed office January 2020.

The Lafayette City Council. Pictured from left to right: Nanette Cook, Andy Naquin, Glenn Lazard, Pat Lewis, and Liz Webb Hebert.

District 3 has 26,000 residents, and Liz says they are a joy to represent; they stay informed of the issues, are engaged, well-educated, and enjoy the highest wealth per capita among other districts in our city.

Typical issues brought to her attention by citizens include trash, rezoning issues, or concerns about not getting services. Proactive in her outreach to constituents, she attends meetings of Homeowners' Associations in her district so she can stay on top of issues of importance. Liz always encourages people to first call 311 or go online to the 311 website to report concerns such as panhandling, animal control issues, noise complaints, etc. She also wants you to reach out to her via her Facebook page to message her about problems you need help with or to use the Next Door app.

Liz Hebert also sends out a monthly newsletter to keep people abreast of issues and you can subscribe here. She fields calls and emails for those of us outside of her district to request her support for the issues facing their neighborhood and welcomes us all to inform her of current concerns.

"I want my constituents to call me so we can address issues. I can't fix a problem if I don't know about it. People may be upset about an issue for a year before they call me and I could have helped them early on." Liz Webb Hebert encouraging people to reach out for help.

Several initiatives to improve the quality of life in our community have seen fruition under Liz's stewardship. The first one that has been visible to to the community is the Adopt-A Bus Stop Lafayette. Liz was approached by friends to see how they could help when they realized how many people, both employees and strangers,

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Dr. Courtney Hopkins, Senior Chief Medical Officer of Vitalant Blood Services, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss how to adequately prepare to donate blood, a resource much needed to keep our community safe and healthy, and one that is always in short supply.

Most of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but only about 3% actually donate.

Board Certified in Clinical Pathology and in Transfusion Medicine/Blood Banking by the American Board of Pathology, Dr. Hopkins previously spent seven years with the American Red Cross.

She graduated with a BA in Biology from Arcadia University and earned her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Hopkins completed her transfusion medicine fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the David School of Medicine at UCLA.

We asked Dr. Hopkins to join us as a follow up to our interview with Amanda Landers, Regional Director of Vitalant Blood Services, which was produced in November 2020. Our discussion was centered around the fact that our region has been experiencing a critical shortage of blood donations, amplified by the COVID shutdown which has negatively impacted blood drives at schools and businesses. The shelf life of blood is short, and we must ensure an adequate supply to help patients in need. Red Cell units last from 21 to 42 days; platelets last 5 days; and plasma can be stored up to one year if frozen properly.

After that initial interview with Amanda Landers, Jan Swift was motivated to contribute to the blood supply and attempted to give blood twice, but was not qualified due to a low hemoglobin count. 

While Swift's doctor said she had healthy iron levels, the criteria for someone to qualify for a blood donation is a bit more complicated. We wanted to get to the bottom of this and asked Dr. Hopkins to explain how the blood donation process works and why Vitalant wants to ensure that blood donors remain healthy as they contribute to our community.

Low hemoglobin is a common reason people are turned away from donating blood. When you sign up to donate blood at Vitalant, technicians prick your finger to screen your hemoglobin level.

About 70 percent of your body's iron is found in the red blood cells of your blood called hemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin. Hemoglobin is essential for transferring oxygen in your blood from the lungs to the tissues.

Your blood is not actually tested for "iron," but for the hemoglobin which contains the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. When you donate a whole unit of blood, your body loses about 250 mg. of iron in that one unit donation. Vitalant wants to ensure that you leave their facility healthy and whole.

Iron deficiency is a common reason someone would have a low hemoglobin count, but not the only reason. You can increase your hemoglobin levels by eating a healthy, low-fat meal prior to your blood donation, in addition to ingesting a salty snack immediately prior to showing up for your donation.

"Hydration is key to having a positive blood donation experience. Eat a healthy, low-fat meal prior to giving blood, and ingest a salty snack immediately prior to your appointment. Drink plenty of fluids, and forgo coffee and other caffeine laden beverages as they are diuretics and will affect the outcome." Dr. Courtney Hopkins, Senior Chief Medical Officer of Vitalant Blood Services.

It's also important to be well hydrated before showing up to donate blood; coffee is a diuretic and causes dehydration so you should not count your coffee as a "beverage" when preparing to donate blood. While drinking coffee doesn't draw down your hemoglobin levels, it can cause your body to lose fluids and affect your ability to donate blood. It's best to drink extra water and lighten up on the caffeine when prepping to give.

How do you ensure an adequate iron level in your diet? There are two types of iron that your body will ingest: heme and...

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David Cheramie, CEO of the Bayou Vermilion District ("BVD"), joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the operations of his organization.

Passionate about his calling to preserve our unique culture while educating others on the topic, and stressing the interdependence of our people with the land and water, Cheramie brings a poetic voice to our podcast.

Serving as CEO of the BVD since 2011, Cheramie previously served as Executive Director of CODIFIL, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. His entire adult career has focused on francophone issues, from teaching in schools to educating others about the unique culture our region enjoys.

He calls himself a "member of the lost generation," a child and grandchild of a French-speaking family who never taught the young ones to speak the language due to the stigma of speaking "Cajun French" in the 1950s and 1960s. But fourteen generations ago, his family moved from France and his nuclear family raised him in the French ways; he always wanted to learn the language. An opportunity to spend a year in Montpellier, France as a sponsored student of CODIFIL gave him the opportunity to become fluent. An added bonus and the most wonderful lagniappe, Cheramie met "the prettiest French girl," to whom he has now been married for almost forty years.

Cheramie shared the beauty of learning a second language and how the "floodgates were broken" when he realized he was speaking, thinking, and dreaming in French. "I felt this was my real personality coming out."

He lived in France for seven years and worked as a clothing salesperson in stores throughout Southern France. Calling it a great experience as he got to know the people and culture, he became indistinguishable from the French natives. People were shocked to learn that he was a U. S. citizen and hadn't grown up in France.

In January 1989, a chance encounter with Dr. David Barry at a banquet celebrating the Bicentennial of the French Revolution led Cheramie to come back to Louisiana. At that time, Barry was Department Head of Foreign Languages at USL (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and was creating a new Ph.D. program in Francophone studies. He successfully courted Cheramie to move back and join the program; Cheramie became the second person to earn a Ph.D. in Francophone studies.

Cheramie was inspired by Dr. Barry Ancelet, another USL professor, who has been an active spokesperson in promoting the Acadiana culture and dispelling myths that denigrated the "Cajun." A prolific writer, Cheramie began writing in French and quickly published three books of poetry which were published by Centenary College's "Les Editions Tintamarre. Since those early days, he has published dozens of articles and has been a keynote speaker and presenter at conferences around the world.

David Cheramie is a passionate spokesperson for helping people understand the symbiotic relationship between our culture, the land and water. "We're a part of the land and the land is a part of us. It's inseparable. We wouldn't have the same culture if it weren't for the fisherman, the hunters, the trappers, the farmers and ranchers. It informs our culture. "

Cheramie authors En Francais, S'il Vous Plait in French and English for Acadiana Profile Magazine, and his writings bring to life the unique culture we enjoy in this region. Focusing on artists, musicians, the food, historical figures and events, he captures the essence of what makes South Louisiana so special. Cheramie quoted the old saying, "The spoken word flies away but the written word stays," to reinforce his belief that writing in French/Cajun words will guarantee that ensuing generations will retain the knowledge of this precious culture and its manner of speaking.

The BVD was founded in 1984 by an act of the Louisiana legislature to beautify, manage, and preserve the Vermilion River. It is overseen by a nine-member board whose members are appointed by various e...

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Kimberly James Boudreaux, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, shares the expansion of services offered by her organization on this episode of Discover Lafayette.

Kim has dedicated her life to being in service to others. As a young adult, she sold all her possessions and traveled abroad to work as a missionary, including time spent with Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

Our community has been blessed to have Kim Boudreaux at the helm of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, while she raises her young family with her husband, Matt. This is our second interview with Kim; you can hear our first podcast here.

In the three years since our first talk, Catholic Charities has greatly expanded the services it offers, having opened the doors to The Emily House in 2018 which offers an emergency shelter for homeless women and children. They have added new responsibilities by taking over the Immigration Services and Deaf Action Center formerly run by the Diocese, as well as assuming management of FoodNet Food Bank and Rebuilding Together Acadiana.  In 2019, Catholic Charities also became entrepreneurs by taking over ownership of Crossroads Catholic Bookstore, which is now known as Crossroads Collective. 

The organization has traditionally taken care of our most vulnerable neighbors through outreach efforts such as disaster response, as well St. Joseph Diner, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, St. Michael Center for Veterans, the Stella Maris Center, and the Monsignor Sigur Center.

Between the COVID shutdown and the disastrous hurricanes that hit Southwest Louisiana, the detrimental effects upon incomes, employment, and housing stability have been devastating. The face of homelessness changed significantly in 2020. While we traditionally related homelessness to a mental illness or substance abuse disorder, today the homeless look vastly different.

Before COVID, people could move to a family member's home when tough times hit, perhaps keeping their employment while temporarily looking for alternative housing. But the combination of COVID and job losses associated with the shutdown have greatly impacted their struggles. In many cases, doubling up with family members has been found to be unsustainable: it can feel impossible to have multiple families juggling their children's online Zoom classes while the adults attempt to work from home.

In March 2020, Catholic Charities counted 166 people in their homeless program. Unsheltered homelessness had been at an all-time low as the organization did not turn people away when they were in need and would provide a place to sleep even if it was on the floor. But the social distancing required by the pandemic proved to be too great a challenge given the existing shelter space available for sleeping quarters. And, for the first time since the 1970s, St. Joseph's Diner had to be closed because the group could not meet the legal requirements for indoor seating or keep the revolving groups of diners and volunteers safe from contracting the virus.

The decision was initially made to convert St. Joseph's Diner into a shelter and Catholic Charities continued to feed the 166 clients under their care daily. (Kim noted that others were also fed through the back door when in need.) Once the stay-at-home order was lifted, the organization worried about COVID spreading throughout its community as most people in the programs are medically vulnerable. The clients were transitioned into hotels, and Catholic Charities' staff are present on-site at the hotels 24/7, operating the same services they always have, working to maintain a safe and stable environment.

Since January 2020, the Acadiana region has experienced an 82% increase in homelessness (with family homelessness up over 200% since March 2020), along with a 77% decrease in emergency shelter beds.

Kim notes that "Prevention is such an important part of this puzzle. The experience of losing your home is very trauma...

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Stephen Handwerk, longest-serving Executive Director for the Louisiana Democratic party (2012 - 2020) and currently the Managing Partner of Garrison Strategies, met with Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to talk about today's political climate. Taylor Marie Swift, Jan's daughter, also joined in the discussion, bringing the perspective of a young, Independent voter in Louisiana.

During Stephen's tenure at the Louisiana Democratic Party office, the state party more than quadrupled its fundraising totals and vastly expanded its operational staff. Of note, they won two Gubernatorial races with the successful election and re-election of Governor John Bel Edwards.

Stephen brings more than 20 years of experience fighting for Democratic values at the local, state, and national level, including 6 years serving as Co-Chair of the National Stonewall Democrats PAC.

He lives in Lafayette with his husband of two decades and their two Great Danes - Whiskey and Mojito.

We taped this episode a few days after the siege on the U. S. Capitol, something we never would have dreamed possible when we scheduled the interview a month prior.

Stephen Handwerk joined Discover Lafayette's Jan Swift and her daughter, Taylor Marie Swift, speaking of current political events that have shaken our nation.

During this week, President Donald J. Trump was impeached by the U. S. House of Representatives for the second time, something that has never happened in the history of the United States.

Handwerk made no bones about it; he feels that the country will not be able to heal and move on unless Trump is held accountable for his actions in inciting the siege on the U. S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, the day that Congress met to approve the Electoral College votes confirming the election of Joseph Biden as our next President.

Trump supporters fight security officers at the U. S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Photo by Roberto Schmidt of Getty Images

The repercussions are great as not only are some people blaming Trump for the riot, but Trump staffers are facing the prospect of not getting jobs as they move on from the current administration, and several large corporations have backed off of giving political contributions to the elected officials who opposed the Electoral College vote affirmation.

Past Democratic elections which came up short led the party to research how they could ensure it would not happen again. With COVID, Democrats couldn't go door to door speaking with voters, but Democrats reached out to get more people to register to vote and get involved.

We spoke of the razor-close race between Al Gore and George W. Bush in 2000 where Gore conceded quickly after he lost his challenge at the Supreme Court hearing. Additionally,Handwerk recalled the gracious concession speeches made by statesmen such as John McCain and Mitt Romney when they lost their Presidential races, "calling to our better angels and holding people accountable for a world where we can look for ways to agree on 'what we agree on.'"

The national Democratic Party has a well-defined platform that helps the average working man and woman: adopting a $15 minimum wage by 2026, addressing climate change, fighting the COVID pandemic, and other issues that impact the day to day lives of the average citizen. In contrast, the national Republican Party did not adopt a national platform in 2020 but fell back upon principles of the 2016 Platform.

Demographics in Louisiana have shifted in voting tendencies in the past few years. While Democrats used to represent the majority of registered voters in Louisiana, they have slipped a bit. Today, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State's website, 1,254,915 people are registered as Democratics; 1,030,291 people are registered as Republicans, and 819,336 people are registered as "Other."

"America is so great because we have a democracy. That's why people come here. They're still coming here,

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Anya Burgess, owner of Sola Violins, a full-service violin shop in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss her journey and career in music.

Anya moved to Acadiana in 2000 as a Teach for America instructor. Growing up in Winchester, Massachusetts, she knew very little about our region. But her desire to "land somewhere different" led her to teach at Washington Elementary School in St. Landry Parish, and she has remained here ever since.

Growing up playing classical music, she was exposed to more traditional Appalachian and Irish music when she studied folklore at Indiana University. She picked up the violin during her college days, after being trained in piano in her younger days.

Anya settled in the Arnaudville area and still lives in the region on five acres on the Bayou Teche with her two boys and her husband, Richard Burgess. She loves the space they have which allows the kids to run around. She also maintains a shop behind her home where she originally repaired and built violins until she opened a full-service shop, Sola Violins, in downtown Lafayette. The moves allowed for the expansion of inventory and services and great accessibility for most of her clientele who travel from Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria, and beyond.

One of the only violin shops in the state, Sola Violins specializes in the restoration, rentals, and sales of violin family instruments. Their clientele includes everyone from students to professionals and Cajun to classical players. 

Anya is also a violinmaker, having learned how to make violins in college. Surprisingly, our area has a great number of violin players, and as Anya says, "In this region, we may have one of the most per capita of violin players!" She is a board member of the Violin Society of America. 

Anya Burgess' tools of the trade in violin making and repair.

A great deal of Sola Violins' business involves the complete restoration of instruments. Symphony players, people who inherit instruments, and people bringing in instruments damaged by the elements are included in her clientele. She works on all instruments included in the violin family including the viola and cello, as well as the occasional member of the bass family of instruments. The store also offers accessories, books and other accouterments needed to play the instruments. Sola Violins offers guidance for teachers and you can reference the list of local string teachers here.

Anya at her store, Sola Violins, in Lafayette, LA. Anya Burgess makes and plays violins. "I have an elegant presentation, but I want my store to be a welcoming place. I want it to have a living room vibe. My goal is that more people play music It's my number one goal." Photo by: Christina Clusiau

Interestingly, COVID has affected the type of business Sola Violins attracts, but not the volume of business. Anya has found herself just as busy in 2020 as in years past, but this year has seen more rentals of instruments than sales, as people have picked up instruments to pass the time. Anya rents to people of all ages and notes it is very affordable to rent an instrument as you determine before purchasing if the choice was the right fit.

A lifelong musician, Anya plays the fiddle with two Grammy-nominated Cajun bands, Bonsoir Catin and the Magnolia Sisters. She is the newest member of Magnolia Sisters, which she joined eighteen years ago. The band was first nominated for a Grammy in 2010 and again in 2015. Fellow band members include Anne Savoy, Jane Vidrine, and Lisa Trahan. She also plays alongside Bonsoir, Catin band members Kristi Guillory, Christine Balfa, Maegan Berard, Ashley Hayes Steele, and Danny DeVillier. Bonsoir, Catin was also nominated for a Grammy in 2015 and Anya recalled with delight the experience of traveling to the awards ceremony with both bands.

Anya Burgess plays the fiddle with two Grammy-nominated Cajun bands, Bonsoir,

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Adam Daigle, Business Editor of the Acadiana Advocate joined Jan Swift to discuss the biggest business news of 2020 and the Advocate’s upcoming Economic Summit to be held virtually on January 13, 2021.

While our interview last year with Adam focused on the out-migration of Louisiana residents, this year's interview provides an interesting take on how Acadiana has survived amidst the incredible economic turmoil brought on by the pandemic.

The newspaper industry took a hit in income along with all other industries and for a while, the Advocate staff experienced furlow days and a reduction in staff as the tourism drop led to the cancellation of events and the ensuing drop in advertising dollars. Yet, the Advocate held true to its 178-year-old history and has remained a reliable source of up-to-date news. Adam and his fellow journalists work both virtually from home and in the office as they continue to provide top-notch journalism from offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

The top business story of 2020, of course, is COVID and its impact on the economy. While unemployment never hit the 25% level predicted by LEDA's Gregg Gothreaux, the region still lost double the amount of jobs experienced after Hurricane Katrina. Tourism jobs in the hotel and restaurant industries were devastated. Yet, the community rallied to support restaurants, even if just for pickup meals, to help keep the industry afloat.

The hotel industry was greatly assisted by the natural disaster wreaked by Hurricane Laura. At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, hotel receipts were a mere $1 million; in September and October 2020, hotel receipts registered as one of the best ever at $9 million.

The oil and gas industry took its lumps this year, with the price of oil reaching negative numbers at one point. While our regional economy has diversified and has not experienced as hard a hit as in the past, the loss of the oil and gas folks has greatly impacted our quality of life. Their absence impacts not only the economy but trickles down to support generated for the non-profit sector.

There were big job gains to celebrate. SchoolMint, an educational technology firm, moved here from San Francisco. With the high price of doing business in the Silicon Valley area, Louisiana is an attractive alternative. Another big win for the region was the news of Westfield Hydraulics and the company’s affiliate, Westfield Fluid Controls, making a $5.1 million capital investment to establish a manufacturing facility in Lafayette. This is anticipated to create 67 new jobs with salaries of approximately $50,000 per year, as well as 106 new indirect jobs.

In late December it was confirmed that Amazon is building a 1 million square foot distribution facility in Carencro behind the former Evangeline Downs Racetrack. According to a press release by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, "more than 14,500 small and medium-sized businesses in the state participate in Amazon’s fulfillment network. From June 2019 through May 2020, those Louisiana entrepreneurs recorded a 49 percent growth in year-over-year sales." Carencro has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years with new subdivisions and retail establishments flourishing. Adam shared that the town will record #300 million in sales in 2020, a first for Carencro.

Downtown Lafayette has made a lot of progress considering the impact of COVID and the resulting economic downturn. Adam thought it would be "the year of downtown," as there has been great anticipation of the redevelopment work to be done on the old Federal Courthouse site which has been long vacant; the project has been delayed, first due to the need for environmental cleanup and then the ensuing COVID shutdown and demise of the energy sector which altered market demands for more business space in the downtown region. Yet downtown is still diversifying its offerings, particularly with Jefferson Street attracting SugarWolf Outdoor...

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Just nine months ago, Laurel Hess launched hampr, an on-demand laundry service designed to take the stress out of busy families' lives. Who could have predicted the pandemic would hit the U. S. that same month and upend our normal way of life?

Laurel Hess joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss her newest endeavor, Presto Health, a prescription delivery service made possible via an investment by Ochsner Lafayette General's Healthcare Innovation Fund II. The service launched on the 1st of December, 2020, and delivers medications to the patient’s home or preferred destination upon their discharge from Ochsner Lafayette General urgent care centers, emergency rooms, clinics, and telemedicine visits held in Lafayette Parish. The service is offered at no cost to the patient.

In early March 2020, hampr's ideal client was a busy young mom with kids, who needed a break from the incessant laundry chores. By late March 2020, everything in the U. S. was shut down and the ideal demographic quickly shifted to the "young bachelor who needed help." At that same time, Ochsner Lafayette General's Cian Robinson (who has since moved on to McLeod Health in South Carolina) approached Hess to see if hampr could deliver prescriptions. Laurel recalls her first thought was "No, we're a laundry service." But she reexamined her platform and saw that they offered a "last mile delivery platform....we can deliver anything from A to B." We said, "Absolutely Yes!!"

Hampr's team duplicated its platform and was able to get it up and running in six months. Called "Presto Health," the new prescription delivery service is a division of hampr. Having to stay HIPAA certified, its drivers are W2 salaried employees, unlike the contract laundry service workers hampr utilizes.

Presto Health employees don't handle any personal health information on the patients they assist and are only given information as to the name of the patient and their address. "We are literally just a delivery platform," says Hess. Presto Health is notified by the pharmacy once a prescription is filled and paid for, and compensated per delivery on a volume-based scale. The service is currently operating in Lafayette Parish at this time and looks to expand into the broader Ochsner network statewide as well as other areas of the U. S.

With a focus on patient and delivery driver safety, health the patient is texted when the prescription has arrived at their home and there is no interpersonal interaction. There is no need to sign for acceptance of the delivery, but Presto Health workers take a photo to prove the delivery has been completed successfully.

Hospitals across the country are looking into similar prescription delivery programs, referred to as "Meds to Beds." With a big push on improving healthcare and patient outcomes, healthcare professionals are working to ensure that healthcare is delivered to people efficiently no matter where they are. It's always in the best interest of the hospitals to keep people on their prescribed medications to keep healthcare issues in check. Hess says, "A lot of people upon discharge from the hospital may not have access to a vehicle or may not be well enough to go pick up their medication. So making sure they stay on their prescribed medication is very important. It reduces recidivism rates for the hospital....so people aren't coming back with the same issue they just left with." Presto Health is the newest wave of healthcare reform.

Ochsner Lafayette General providers are aware of the program and our hope is to get the word out to patients who will benefit from this service.

To learn more about Oschner Lafayette General's Innovation Fund, visit https://www.lafayettegeneral.com/healthcare-innovation-fund.

As an aside, Hess refers to Cian Robinson as her "fairy godfather. He sees opportunity everywhere. This program is something that hospitals across the nation are looking at.

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Casey Hoyt and Michael Moore, founders of VieMed Healthcare, Inc., the largest independent non-invasive ventilation therapy provider in the U S., joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss their journey. They were joined by Casey's dad, Max Hoyt, who has been a mentor, investor, and V. P. of Governmental Relations for VieMed until recently. They shared their journey in building a highly successful organization based upon mutual respect of their partner's talents as well as having each other's back at all times.

Close friends since their college years, they met through their mutual friend, the late Brad Dunphy. Even while hanging out in college, Casey and Mike always enjoyed talking business.

Casey learned at an early age how to work with others and for others, having grown up under the tutelage of his dad, Max Hoyt, who had started several businesses of his own, most notably Pixus Digital Printing. Starting in the work force at 15 years of age at Hub City Diner, Casey was always working and gained invaluable experience in the sales field selling alarms for ADT and "learned how to get 25 'No's' for each 'Yes'." He had found success running NimLock Louisiana (now VOXX), an exhibit and trade show service company.

Michael Moore had gotten into respiratory therapy sales at the age of 17. He found he enjoyed working with patients and loved the fundamental of sales. He had worked for a mom and pop durable medical equipment business and had built strong relationships in the healthcare industry and with local physicians.

By 2006, both Casey and Mike were ready for a new challenge and knew they could effectively combine their skills in business management (Casey) and sales (Mike.) Wanting to keep respiratory medicine front and center, the resulting endeavor was a new company, Sleep Management, which originally provided CPAPs for physicians' sleep labs.

A change in Medicare rules in 2008 allowed for home-based sleep apnea testing, and they first worked to get physician-run sleep labs to opt in to this new at-home treatment for patients. As Mike says, "It really failed!"

So they took a leap of faith and opened their own sleep apnea testing company called "Home Sleep Delivery," the first of its kind in Louisiana and only one of five in the country at the time. Payers weren't even covering the procedure at that time, but they knew it was just a matter of time before the home sleep treatment industry would be transformed and become mainstream. As Casey says, "Mike was always a good salesperson. We had a tiger by the tail the minute we turned on the light switch."

Test devices are mailed to patients and then mailed back to Home Sleep Delivery; thereafter therapy for the patient is delivered via mail and the device set up by video call with assistance from the company. That business has continued to grow and Casey and Mike look back on that early home therapy option as a precursor of how people are now successfully operating remotely during COVID times.

Casey and Mike have stayed focus on respiratory issues as their business has grown and branched out. While most people locally still look upon their business as focused on sleep apnea testing and treatment, that market is actually only 5% of their revenue. Yet, that sleep market is what led them into treating sick patients with lung disease.

VieMed provides equipment and home-based healthcare to serve patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other respiratory issues. It was in 2012 that they entered the non-invasive ventilator (NIV) therapy arm of their business as a distributor when Philips brought this life-changing device onto the market. In 2014, they rebranded to "VieMed" to more accurately reflect their business mission. "The non-invasive therapy market was" ripe for the picking" and demand was sky-high.

VieMed is based in Lafayette LA and employs 505 full-time employees across the country,

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Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Josh Guillory joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss his first year of service to the community. Guillory took office on January 6, 2020, and has faced unprecedented challenges this year as the coronavirus rolled in with its ensuing physical and economic chaos, the oil and gas market collapsed, several hurricanes hit our region, and civil unrest erupted after the fatal police shooting of Trayford Pellerin.

A young man who will turn 38 on January 8, 2021­­­­­­, Guillory is a graduate of the U. S. Airborne School and earned his wings in 2004. He comes from a family who proudly served, harking back to his paternal grandfather who was a WWI Vet, his maternal grandfather who was a WWII Vet, and his brother who served in the Air Force. Guillory served in Baghdad, Iraq as a Cavalry platoon leader. He credits his time in the military for teaching him how to make decisions, saying he was told in Officer Candidate School, "If you'll learn anything, you will learn how to make decisions!"

While working as a pharmaceutical representative and juggling the responsibilities of raising three young children with his wife, Guillory earned his law degree from Southern University Law Center while working full time and attending school at night. He credits his work in pharmaceuticals for equipping him to better understand medical issues associated with the pandemic.

Hospitals are once again at surge capacity, and immediately prior to our interview, Guillory hosted a press conference with hospital officials who reiterated that the community must follow COVID guidelines such as mask-wearing, washing hands, social distancing, and quarantining if exposed to someone with the virus. Guillory has realized that a small percentage of the people think everything should be shut down in order to get a grip on the pandemic, another small percentage think it is a hoax, and an overwhelming majority just want to strike a balance so that we can keep going. "Personal responsibility is the absolute # 1 tool in fighting COVID-19. We all know what to do and we should comply. Wash your hands like you are cleaning up after eating crawfish and putting in your contact lens," Guillory says.

"Personal responsibility is the absolute # 1 tool in fighting COVID-19. We all know what to do and we should comply. Wear your mask. Wash your hands like you are cleaning up after eating crawfish and taking out your contact lens," Guillory says.

Guillory has remained steadfast in his commitment to do more with less while not raising taxes and to focus on his core priorities of improving drainage, roads, and public safety.

Handling the pandemic has been an all-consuming priority and has also resulted in delaying the hiring of a few key hires such as permanent directors for LUS, LUS Fiber, and the Parks Department. While Guillory prefers to hire local, he also wants to ensure that the best possible candidates are vetted and the pandemic has made interviewing tough. The new Lafayette City Chief of Police is about to be named, and Guillory is proud that two local people were hired to oversee the newly created Drainage and Transportation, Roads and Bridges Departments, which were carved out of the former Public Works Department. This year's budget adds 11 positions to the Drainage Department, which fulfills Guillory's promise to prioritize improving drainage.

When asked to address the cuts made to arts and culture, Guillory stressed the importance of tapping into all stakeholder groups with an interest in maintaining the quality of offerings while also taking into consideration the constraints of the budget. With the recent defeat of the two tax propositions which would have allowed greater budget flexibility in spending operating fund (discretionary) dollars, Guillory stated that public/private partnerships are more important than ever if projects are to be adequately funded. He emphasized his appreciation for the arts,

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Jim Dore, Executive Business Coach with Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his career and passion for helping business people become leaders in their field. Jim's role in serving as Vistage Chair is to lead and challenge executives from small and midsize businesses as they learn how to make thoughtful decisions and become accountable for their actions among their peer advisory group, thereby increasing overall business results.

For most of his professional life, Jim Dore worked with Global Industries, the oilfield service and diving company started by his brother, Bill Dore, in 1973, that grew into a billion-dollar company. First hired as a teenager, Jim worked alongside his brother and grew his management skills over the years. He led teams and established markets in the U.S., Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Mexico. During his time with Global, he finished his higher education, earning an MBA from UL-Lafayette as well as attending classes at Harvard Business School's Strategic Marketing Management Program.

As Global Industries grew, the company purchased other companies that facilitated their growth and success. One in particular that Jim remembers with pride is the purchase of The Red Adair Service and Marine Company which Global Industries purchased in 1993. Adair had a worldwide reputation for excellence and wanted to sell his company (which specialized in extinguishing and capping oil well blowouts) to someone he could trust....and he trusted Bill Dore. On Red's worldwide exit tour as he introduced the Global Industries' team, the company gained great recognition and trust within the industry which significantly helped their company achieve widespread renown and acceptance in the oilfield patch.

Working with family members can be tough and Jim shared that his brother could be a taskmaster but always had the company's best interest at heart. Bill Dore had predicted in the early 1990s that Global Industries would become a billion-dollar company one day, and sure enough, it did! Bill Dore retired at the age of 60 years after netting $700 million dollars according to published reports, and Jim, his younger brother, retired at the age of 55.

The Vistage process involves several avenues of working with executives who are looking to finetune their operations for success. There are one on one private sessions that Jim Dore holds with each executive to discuss their concerns. The CEO peer advisory members also meet monthly to discuss common issues that all of the execs face, even as they hail from such diverse backgrounds as insurance, oil and gas, engineering, and until recently, Ruffin Rodrigue of the restaurant industry. Dore stressed that some of the best questions come from people outside the field of expertise of the CEO asking for guidance. Group sessions allow the members to discuss issues openly while retaining the understanding that what is said in the room stays in the room. Privacy and trust are paramount.

Having the ability to talk with other business leaders is important mentally and physically according to Dore. Significant emotional events can throw anyone for a loop and it is important to have a safe outlet in which to discuss your problems. Jim encourages people to join a group with other CEOs, even if it's not Vistage to be able to let off steam and bounce your ideas off other trusted individuals.

Vistage Group sessions allow for open discussions. "You may get questions which make you uncomfortable but accountability is important. If you don't do what you say you will, the group will call you on it. If you've been talking about a topic for six months and haven't acted on it, the group may challenge you and say it must not be important to you!"

One of Jim Dore's favorite leadership truisms was delivered by the legendary coach, Lou Holtz, which Holtz set forth in a 1988 film, "Do Right.

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Discover Lafayette welcomes Amanda Landers, Regional Director of Vitalant.

Vitalant, formed in 1943, was formally known as United Blood Services and is one of the nation's largest non-profit blood transfusion organizations. Vitalant has served as our area’s community blood provider since 1954, serving the blood needs of patients in over 27 parishes and 31 hospitals in Louisiana.  

Landers has worked at Vitalant since her college intern days when she was studying public relations at UL - Lafayette. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Landers came to Lafayette in 1998 to play tennis on a four-year scholarship. She fell in love with the people and culture and has made this her permanent home along with her husband and three children.

Amanda Landers and family. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Landers came to Lafayette in 1998 to play tennis on a four-year scholarship at UL - Lafayette. She fell in love with the people and culture and has made this her permanent home along with her husband and three children.

Most people don't think about donating blood until they have a family member or friend in need. Yet, as Landers puts it, "The blood on the shelf is what saves lives at the time of need." By the time you can donate blood, your loved one has already been supplied with what they need from existing donor blood on the shelf.

Blood and its components have a very limited shelf life. Red blood cells have a refrigerated shelf life of 42 days. Platelets last five days, and plasma can be frozen for up to one year. Anyone over the age of 16 can donate blood, with the average donor being between the ages of 36 to 55 years old; some healthy people give blood well into their 90s, knowing that their contribution is saving lives.

Jennifer LeMeunier, a local resident, giving blood at Vitalant. It takes about seven minutes to give blood, and 45 minutes of your time from start to finish to be screened and complete the donor process. Visit Vitalant to sign up and enlist your family and friends to join you!

Vitalant is encouraging youth to build the habit of giving with the hope of building the next generation of loyal donors. Donors can give red blood cells every eight weeks and platelets can be donated every seven days.

Donor blood is screened and processed for infectious diseases. As of June 1, 2020, all blood is tested for COVID antibodies. After your donation, you can visit Vitalant's donor profile to determine if you have antibodies to COVID which means you have recovered from the disease. Many people have not even known they've had the disease. If you are identified as one who has had COVID, you will be encouraged to donate convalescent plasma to help others who are struggling with COVID. This plasma has been found particularly helpful in treating patients with early-stage coronavirus.

The COVID shutdown and resulting behavioral changes and school shutdowns have drastically affected the blood donations being collected nationwide. Most hospitals don't "self-collect" blood, plasma, and platelets, and are dependent on the supply kept on hand by blood banks around the U. S.

Most of the nation's blood supply, 60% on average, is collected at mobile sites, with 40% of those donations coming from drives held at educational institutions such as elementary, middle school, high school, and college campuses. With most campuses shut down due to COVID, this avenue of collecting donations has dwindled dramatically.

This trend in reduced blood donations has been alarming apparent here in South Louisiana where it is expected that there will be 12,000 to 14,000 fewer red cell pints collected in 2020 than in a typical year pre-COVID. This is a critical drop in blood supply as even in a good year, Acadiana's annual need for 56,000 pints of blood is typically only met with local contributions of 34,000 pints. We are a receiving community, not a giving community in the larger scheme of things.

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3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jonathan Perry joined Discover Lafayette to share his journey of public service.

From his days growing up in Kaplan in a single-parent household with little money to the achievement of a law degree, service in the Legislature as a State Representative and Senator, and now as a Judge on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal, his inspirational message is of the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving your dreams.

A native and lifelong resident of Kaplan, Judge Perry received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeast Louisiana University, which is now the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Perry always wanted to be a Louisiana State Trooper, but it hadn't worked out for him. So, at the age of 25, he joined the Kaplan Police Department where his uncle and politically savvy Police Chief Steve Perry had been trying to hire him. While a cadet in training at A.L.E.T.A. (Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy) in New Iberia, he was elected Cadet President and received The John “Dooley” Hardy award which is bestowed to the Hardest Working Cadet. While at the Academy, he was also inspired by a visiting Assistant U. S. District Attorney who "lit a fire in him" and who encouraged him to pursue a career in law.

Judge Perry has the utmost respect for law enforcement and its professionals who serve with low pay and high risk, and he proudly rose to the rank of Sergeant during his service. "I loved being a police officer more than anything I've ever done up to this point in my life. I loved the interaction, being with people, and serving." Yet he was one of the few officers that had a college degree which defied the norm at that time; he decided to pursue higher education and took the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), studying while continuing to work with the department. When he didn't make a high enough score on the LSAT the first time, he became determined to pass and studied even harder, thereafter being accepted into Southern Law School.

During his third year of law school, he began his political career when he was elected to the Kaplan City Council at the age of 28. He jumped into politics because he saw that many young people in Acadiana were leaving small towns, including Kaplan, and he explained, "There were no young people in elected positions, no young professionals. Who was going to represent the young families? Who's going to represent me? They were moving out and I wanted to stay home. We need someone with fire."

Before the COVID shutdown, Judge Perry would teach a yearly Civics class on how the judicial system works, "Court in the Classroom," at N. Vermilion and Abbeville High Schools.

In 2007, Perry, a conservative Republican, was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives to serve District 47, representing Cameron and Vermilion Parishes. At that time, he was shocked to see how he was received by other House members. As a former police officer, Assistant D. A, with a flat top hairstyle, people assumed they couldn't work with him. "It was such a disappointment, I can be friends with everyone and be empathetic to their views. I don't judge based upon color, party affiliation."

Then in 2011, he won a special election for Senate District 26, which covers portions of Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry, and Vermilion Parishes. He calls the Senate "the Country Club." It's quiet in the Senate chambers, with only 39 members and the desks spread out. There is a sense of decorum as members have to walk down to the well and face the other Senators as they share their thoughts. Perry believes that service in both chambers is beneficial and "your better legislators serve first in the House and then the Senate. They know the rules and procedures on both sides. And you have to build relationships."

Perry shared how partisan and backstabbing politics can take its toll on elected officials and that he seriously considered resigning from office.

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Dr. Joshua Clegg Caffery, director of the Center for Louisiana Studies at UL- Lafayette, is our guest. Josh has deep historical ties to the university, having earned master’s and doctoral degrees in English and folklore studies from UL - Lafayette. His great-grandfather, Sen. Robert Martin, is the namesake for UL - Lafayette's Martin Hall.

Locals are familiar with "Ambassador Caffery Parkway" which is named after one of Josh Caffery's family members, Jefferson Thompson Caffery, one of the first graduates of UL - Lafayette (then known as "Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute), who served as a U. S. Ambassador to Columbia and Cuba and worked for 43 years in foreign service under eight U.S. presidents: Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, F. D. Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower.

Caffery's family has also had many successful politicians and business people of note, including Donelson Caffery, a civil war veteran and U. S. Senator representing Louisiana, as well as Patrick T. Caffery, a New Iberia native who served as a Louisiana State House Representative and member of Congress, and other family members who made profitable livings as sugar plantation owners. The late Louisiana Governor, Murphy James "Mike" Foster, Jr., was a relative, having family connections through the common thread of the Murphy family. Caffery emphasized that President Andrew Jackson was the catalyst for the opportunities opened to his family in the early 1800s which led to their economic success.

A young man, husband, and father of two small children along with his talented wife, Claire Oliver, Josh’s career has already taken many paths which have incorporated his skills and interest in folklore. He is the author of two books, “Traditional Music in Coastal Louisiana: The 1934 Lomax Collection,” which included a Grammy-nominated CD compilation, and “In the Creole Twilight: Poems and Songs from Louisiana Folklore,” a collection of poems inspired by Louisiana myth, legend, and oral history.

Joshua Caffery is the author of two books, “Traditional Music in Coastal Louisiana: The 1934 Lomax Collection,” which included a Grammy-nominated CD compilation, and “In the Creole Twilight: Poems and Songs from Louisiana Folklore,” a collection of poems inspired by Louisiana myth, legend, and oral history.

Caffery served as head of the English Department at Episcopal School of Acadiana. He was an Alan Lomax Fellow in Folklife Studies at the Library of Congress and also served a fellowship in folklore at Indiana University. He took a sojourn into private enterprise, working for the acclaimed jewelry manufacture, Stuller, in helping them identify and market the ideal pieces to meet their clients' needs.

An acclaimed musician, known for the French folksongs he performed with the Red Stick Ramblers and Feu Follet, Josh Caffery received a 2010 Grammy nomination for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album for his performance and songwriting on the “En Couleurs” album by Feufollet. He also received a Grammy nomination in 2016 for Best Regional Roots Album, "I Wanna Sing Right: Rediscovering Lomax In The Evangeline Country."

The Center for Louisiana Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette was established in 1973 to plan, promote, and pursue programs that provide scholars, students, and the public with a better understanding of Louisiana history and culture.

His current work with the Center for Louisiana Studies has included raising funds to restore the J. Arthur Roy House located at the Northwest Corner of University Avenue and Johnston Street. For locals interested in really making UL - Lafayette a destination of choice, having the Roy House restored is a wonderful way to make a difference with your tax-deductible funds. For more information and to make a contribution, please visit https://louisianastudies.louisiana.edu/about-center/roy-house. J. Arthur Roy was a prominent business man at the turn of the century and his house is the onl...

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Carlee Alm-LaBar, President and CEO of United Way of Acadiana ("UWA"), is our guest. As a young woman who first moved to South Louisiana for Teach for America teaching High School Math in Churchpoint in 1998, Carlee has proven that her heart is dedicated to public service and in leaving things better than she found them.

Many knew Carlee as a candidate in the 2019 Lafayette Parish President's race. Prior to that she worked with Southern Lifestyle Development and served as Head of Development and Planning for Lafayette Consolidated Government. She also served as assistant to City-Parish President Joey Durel, overseeing communications and community relations for LCG, and spent eight years working in the nonprofit sector at the Community Foundation of Acadiana and Acadiana Youth.

On the volunteer front, Carlee served as chair of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana, the parent organization of Leadership Lafayette; in Junior League of Lafayette, she served as chief financial officer and communications vice president; she was a long-time board member of Lafayette Youth Soccer Association and was honored as a Woman Who Means Business and a "Top 20 Under 40" young professional. She organized and led the Fix the Charter group, a citizen-driven effort that supported the reorganization of our Lafayette Consolidated Government into two separate city and parish councils.

In late February 2020, she started her new post at the helm of UWA, which was two weeks before the COVID shutdown turned our world upside down. Carlee has been focused on disaster relief ever since. The economic devastation wreaked by the COVID disaster has shone the light on the importance of UWA's work in giving people the "building blocks for a better life."

"Most of my career has been in service to others so the transition to United Way of Acadiana has been an easy one." UWA has been a perfect fit for Carlee's talents and drive to better the community.

Carlee had to quickly learn how to manage staff who were working from home while also navigating fundraising responsibilities in an environment that precludes in-person events. UWA has focused on using resources wisely in its outreach to the community; they have recently partnered with Court Appointed Special Advocates of South Louisiana ("CASA of SoLA") which is now located on UWA's campus. Carlee explains that "this is a great opportunity for cross-collaboration in helping our most vulnerable.....foster children who are in need of advocates."

With its focus on "Education, Earnings and Essentials," UWA partners with other community non-profits in coordinating volunteer resources and ensuring that basic needs are met. The organization not only funds other deserving non-profit "partners" which have been vetted for effectiveness, but it also provides direct services in areas of need that are not being met by other non-profits. Carlee explained that our region has approximately 100 to 150 active and viable non-profits; some have employees and are run as a business, while others thrive on volunteer efforts to get the job done.

United Way of Acadiana is a Nonprofit Multi-Tenant Center with Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, American Red Cross, Louisiana Emergency Medical Units (LEMU), and the Lafayette Public Library System.In addition, the Multi-Tenant Center provides a community training room for non-profits and government agencies to host trainings and meetings. The room is available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at no cost to non-profits and government agencies and for $50 per workday for private businesses and corporations. To reserve the room, call 337.233.8302.

In October 2020 as this interview was recorded, many people were still underemployed or unemployed while also having been hit by the myriad of hurricanes that battered South Louisiana. UWA is a local leader in the Acadiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster ("VOAD") and works diligently alongside 232-HE...

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Discover Lafayette welcomed Surgical Oncologist Dr. Shaunda Grisby of Oschner Lafayette General to discuss her journey in medicine and her mission in helping people be free of breast cancer.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a yearly event held to increase awareness of the disease (which is the most common cancer in women aside from some types of skin cancer), it seemed a fitting time to shine the light on Dr. Grisby. A general surgeon, Dr. Grisby is fellowship-trained in Breast Surgical Oncology with advanced techniques such as oncoplastic breast surgery, nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, and management of benign breast diseases.

Originally from Northern California, Dr. Grisby studied to earn a Doctor of Medicine at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and the David Geffin School of Medicine at UCLA, a medical program that "provides training in the scholarly and humane aspects of medicine and fosters the development of leaders who will advance medical practice and knowledge in underserved areas in the United States and abroad." She went on to be a general surgery resident at Easton School of Medicine in Pennsylvania and completed a breast surgical oncological fellowship in Michigan at the William Beaumont Hospital.

Dr. Grisby's parents were originally from the Shreveport area, and she had maintained ties to Louisiana. With Louisiana consistently being ranked #3 in breast cancer mortality, Dr. Grisby found Lafayette to fit the bill as the perfect site for her medical practice and to have the opportunity to make a real difference in health outcomes. She moved to Lafayette from Michigan in 2017.

Dr. Grisby believes that education is the first step in helping people become aware of the need to have routine check-ups and prevent cancer from becoming invasive. She has worked diligently to teach breast cancer awareness and breast cancer prevention throughout the region, sharing her compassionate and caring voice to the community. Her message on positive lifestyle choices includes such measures as eating a varied diet with a focus on healthy oils such as olive and avocado and "good" carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables, getting in exercise for 30 minutes several times a week, and limiting alcohol consumption. It's been hard during COVID for many of us to get inadequate exercise so her advice is to be creative and fit in exercise when you can, even if it means walking around the house.

In recognition of her work in Acadiana to increase breast health, Dr. Grisby was recently honored as a 2020 SPIRIT OF HOPE HONOREE by the American Cancer Society.

In recognition of her work in Acadiana to increase breast health, Dr. Grisby was recently honored as a 2020 SPIRIT OF HOPE HONOREE by the American Cancer Society.

While many believe that having a genetic mutation linked to breast cancer is the biggest risk an individual may face, in fact, approximately 12.5 % of women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime no matter what their genetic make-up or family history is. Standard protocol is that women should begin having mammograms at the age of 40; however, if the individual has close relatives (such as grandmothers, mother, sisters, or aunts on either side of the family) who have had breast cancer diagnosed by the age of 40, they should begin having mammograms by the age of 30 and have additional screenings each year. It is not recommended that mammograms be conducted on younger women as their breast tissue is at a less developed stage and mammograms can be difficult to interpret. Physicians may recommend a breast ultrasound for patients under 30 years of age as the best imaging modality.

Dr. Grisby's typical patient presents after having a diagnostic screening, diagnostic workup, and biopsy confirming breast cancer. They usually haven't suspected anything was wrong and are in relative shock at the diagnosis. In that state of mind,

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Dr. Pearson Cross, seasoned political analyst, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the political climate in this 2020 election cycle. Early voting will run through Oct. 27, 2020, preceding the November 3rd election, and it seemed a good time to have Dr. Cross join us and discuss the political landscape here and across the region.

Dr. Cross is a respected professor on UL - Lafayette's campus as well as our community, serving as Interim Head of the Department of Political Science, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science.

He is host of a weekly radio show, Bayou to Beltway on KRVS (88.7 FM), that focuses on politics and policy, and is a frequent commentator on political issues for news media at the national, state and local levels.

As a young man, Cross always wanted to be a musician and actually dropped out of college and played rock and jazz for about ten years, traveling across the Western U. S. But a "sit down" gig in Palo Alto allowed him the opportunity to stay in one place to make a living and he realized he needed to do something different, to go back to school.

Dr. Pearson Cross (pictured far right) in Banshee, the band in which he performed as a young man as they toured the Western U. S. Dr. Cross found his calling in teaching political science while working in Palo Alto CA and returned to school after taking a ten-year break from college.

A political science class spurred his interest in the subject. A teacher/mentor encouraged him to earn a PhD and pursue a career in teaching, a vocation which mirrored that of his parents and one he never dreamed he would follow. After a stint at UL - Monroe, Dr. Cross ended up in South Louisiana at UL - Lafayette where he is raising his family and has become a part of the political landscape.

COVID has turned the 2020 election cycle upside down with its resulting need to social distance and limit large gatherings. Cross reminisced about the days of "retail politics" in which politicians such as Edwin Edwards would work six or seven events a day as a way to meet constituents, march in parades, kiss babies, and raise funds; those days are "pretty much done" and social media has become more and more important.

Today, the "Matthew Principle" rules: "To those who have, get. To those who are given, more is given," says Cross. If a candidate already has a reputation and a fundraising operation, they can raise funds. But newcomers are at a great disadvantage. There is less door to door interactions. Incumbents are at a great advantage and can get by with much less advertising.

Dr. Cross anticipates a great surge in mail in/early voting and at the time of our interview, 15 million people in the U. S. had cast ballots early. On the day of this posting, October 23, 2020, at least 51 million people have already voted in advance of the November 3rd election, which number represents over a third of all votes cast in the 2016 presidential election. In some states everyone is allowed to vote by mail; in Louisiana, there are a limited number of reasons that allow mail-in ballots such as having had COVID, being over 65 years of age, or having a recognized disability. Cross stressed that while many conservatives believe that mail-in balloting leads to broad and pervasive fraud, there have been no findings to that effect although there are occasional findings of illegality or altered ballots.

Cross predicts that the national election results will be determined the night of November 3rd as Joe Biden appears headed to a solid victory. At the time of this interview, Biden had a commanding lead in the polls yet in the aftermath of the October 22nd debate, numbers are shifting slightly with Biden slipping among Independents. Swing states such as Florida, Michigan, and Texas will once again hold the key to victory for the successful candidate.

National political news has crowded out state and local po...

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Kip Judice, candidate for Lafayette City Marshall, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his desire to serve our community and bring a common-sense approach to restoring trust in the Marshall's office. The election will be held on November 3, 2020.

Kip Judice developed an interest in law enforcement when he joined the Explorer Scouts in the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's office during his Sophomore year in High School. His keen interest in operations led the staff to encourage him to apply for a job and he was hired at the age of 19 by Sheriff Don Breaux in 1985.

His first job was in the Dispatch Center of the Sheriff's office and over the years he served in various leadership capacities under Sheriff Don Breaux (1985 - 2000) and Sheriff Mike Neustrom (2000 - 2015). As Commander of the Civil Department under Sheriff Neustrom, Judice garnered experience in operations similar to the duties required of the City Marshall: issuing subpoenas, picking up people on outstanding warrants, handling evictions, and seizing property pursuant to court judgments. He also served as the department's spokesperson relaying information to the media.

Over the years, Kip Judice has been front and center working to resolve high-profile cases involving heinous criminals. One particularly disturbing case included the "South Side Serial Rapist" who had raped seven women at gunpoint over a thirteen-year period; unfortunately, the perpetrator ended up being a respected employee in the sheriff's office, Detective Randy Comeaux.

Judice was also involved in another violent criminal being brought to justice after brutally raping and killing seven women between 1992 and 2003. Serial killer Derrick Todd Lee had flown under the radar of law enforcement because he was Black and law enforcement believed that the murders could only have been committed by a white male and were only testing the DNA of white men. During the interview, Kip discussed the emerging use of DNA genomic testing in 2003 which allowed the investigators to determine there was a 98% probability that the same African American's DNA had been gathered from all of the victims. The case was quickly wrapped up as the crime labs started testing DNA of Blacks who had been arrested and Derrick Todd Lee was the match. Judice's detective work on the case led to him giving a presentation on investigative aspects in the serial killer case to the highly esteemed Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2006

Another high-profile and fascinating case Judice reflected on involved Knight Oil Tool family where one brother attempted to frame his sibling for a felony so as to cut him out of his anticipated multi-million inheritance. Again using a common-sense approach, Judice and his team solved the crime by examining the evidence which just didn't add up. Sadly, the case also involved two fellow law enforcement officers who accepted bribes to plant evidence on Bryan Knight.

Judice stayed with the Sheriff's office until May 2015 when he was hired to serve as Duson Police Chief. He inherited a police department rife with controversy after the previous four chiefs had either been indicted for crimes or were already serving prison time. The office was in disarray with only two employees who were making exorbitant amounts of money due to excessive overtime, there was no records management system, and the community had a mindset that if you knew someone in charge you could receive special favors.

Kip focused on improving the office from day one. By his seventh day in office, he had hired two additional police officers who were already certified and qualified to work in law enforcement. He was able to do this at no extra expense and actually saved the office money by getting rid of the overtime expense that had bogged down the budget. The office also caught up with the backlog of felony arrests awaiting submission to the DA’s office, created a records management system,

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Hannah Gumbo incorporates fun and whimsy into each of her artistic creations. Whether it is a 43 foot "Legacy Barn Mural" designed to tell the story of a beloved family member, a commissioned piece which captures the essence of Rodgers and Hammerstein's My Favorite Things, or illustrations for children's book, The Book That Wanted To Be Red written by Jerica Guillory, Hannah Gumbo's signature leaves a colorful imprint on beautifully designed art that is one of a kind.

Darrell Smith, left, and Hannah Gumbo in front of the barn being painted by Gumbo at 1444 Highway 758 in Eunice LA. The 43-foot mural celebrates the life of the late Calvin Smith. (Photo on left by Harlan Kirgan). More about this story may be read in the Eunice News here.

A Lafayette native, Hannah was homeschooled until she entered high school when she encountered visual art teacher, Kathy Reed, who she credits for inspiring her and many other Acadiana artists. Reed would take her students on field trips and invite area artists to come to school to share their passion for design. Hannah realized through Reed's example and nurturing that art and expression were paths worth pursuing. While she never thought she would "work" as an artist, she looked at art classes as a gift and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UL - Lafayette with a concentration in painting & printmaking. And, 'art' is definitely her day job and passion!

Hannah's work has evolved since she graduated and while she was trained to paint and draw, she joking said that her worst grade was in digital art. Ironically, today she incorporates digital art into most of her designs. Hannah uses a Wacom, which is akin to large iPad, and hops back and forth from sketches on paper and on the digital pen drawing tablet. The device allows Hannah to scale her drawings and try different colors as she works with her clients and tries out different colors and effects before finalizing the ultimate design.

Hannah's desire is to make art fun and easy, more accessible, and less intimidating to people. She loves public art because it is available to all to enjoy. She tells people, "Don't worry about dissecting art intellectually....ask yourself, 'How do you feel about it?"

Hannah Gumbo in front of the mural she painted on the Sides & Associates building in Downtown Lafayette. The work was commissioned by Downtown Development Authority and Sides.

COVID has affected Hannah just as it has so many other artists experiencing the cancellation of so many festivals and outdoor markets. Yet this time has also afforded an opportunity to indulge herself with a "Passion Project." Inspired by 100 Day Projects of other artists, she created the "Sunday Hairies" and committed to create 100 watercolor and gel pen portraits of original and iconic hairstyles sported by celebrities. Sold on Etsy, she released seven new portraits each Sunday.

Hannah Gumbo created the Sunday Hairies to create 100 original works illustrating iconic hairstyles of celebrities such as Colonel Sanders, Farrah Fawcett, and Red Lerille, which were sold on Etsy.

Making a living as a freelance artist entails wearing a lot of hats, and Hannah has learned that one of the most important is communicating clearly when defining expectations of the end result. She's learned to clarify what the client is envisioning prior to completing the final product to ensure that everyone is happy at the end of the day when the project is complete. "The silver lining is that I really get to know people and bring their visions to life."

Hannah Gumbo's work may be viewed at hannahgumbo.com.

Hannah and her husband plan to travel more as they both work remotely from home. Her family instilled a love of travel and they have been in competition to see who could be the first to travel to all fifty states. While Hannah has been to 49 states, her parents beat her out about a month ago as they checked off travel to all 50 states! Rather than "work,

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Kay Karre’ Gautreaux, a native of Lafayette and practicing attorney of 33 years, is our guest today. She is a candidate for judge in the 15th Judicial District, Division K, in Lafayette Parish, in the upcoming November 3rd election. 

A graduate of LSU Law School, Kay has experience in civil and criminal law, all areas of litigation, and managing jury and non-jury cases. She served as a law clerk for two district judges in state court (Judge Bennett J. Gautreaux) and federal court (Judge John Shaw for twelve years). Additionally, Kay has been appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court on several occasions as a judge pro tempore in Lafayette City Court. She has handled cases ranging from misdemeanor and felony crimes to civil litigation to family matters such as divorce or succession matters. She currently manages her own law firm handling private client matters at Kay Karre Gautreaux, LLC in Lafayette.

In addition to her law practice, Kay has served on the board of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association, Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers, UL Lafayette Alumni, St. Thomas More Advisory Council, Our Lady of Fatima Foundation, Our Lady of Fatima Alumni Council, Acadiana Republican Women’s Organization, Lafayette Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Lafayette Junior League of Lafayette.

Her achievements include being selected as the Outstanding Young Lawyer for State of Louisiana, University of Louisiana Volunteer of the Year, Louisiana State Bar Foundation Fellow Honoree, 2012 Distinguished Warrior Award, and Named “Best of Acadiana. ”

Kay is married to Mitch Gautreaux and they have two children, Michelle and Matthew. She is one of six siblings, four of which are attorneys, and all have been fortunate to achieve advanced education being the children of Albert and Inez Karre. Kay jokingly shared that she has 41 first cousins on her mom's side! They still gather twice a year to keep up their loving connection.

Kay's dad, Albert Karre, was a highly-esteemed attorney in Lafayette as well as a WWII hero, who taught her a great deal about serving clients and how to deal with people who trusted him to take care of their interests. In his day, the clients would deliver pecans or other goods to cover their bills if they didn't have the ready cash. Her dad was her role model and she realized she wanted to follow in his footsteps of service by providing legal services to those in need.

The Gautreaux family: Matthew, Michelle, Kay and Mitch.

A sweet note to share about how Kay got her name: her dad, Albert Karre, opened a jewelry shop in Crowley when he returned from WWII, named "Kay's Jewelers." Kay's parents bestowed that lovely name upon her and we know that tribute carries forward poignant family memories.

During our interview, Kay shared her love of Lafayette, her deep roots in the community, and her fond memories of the Oil Center as she grew up. As a student at Our Lady of Fatima High School, she would have field trips to watch LAGCOE as it was held at the Blackham Coliseum. The experiences left a lasting impression her as she learned the impact that the oil industry had on Lafayette's economy. People came from all over the country to visit Lafayette and she expressed deep regret over the demise of the oil industry and hopes people appreciate how important the oil sector has been to the development of Lafayette.

"I believe strongly in our court system and our system of justice.  I believe I can be a positive representative of this court system by helping it work fairly, efficiently, and instill confidence that I am not only knowledgeable of the law, but will follow the law.  I am the only candidate who has been a legal assistant to two judges in state and federal court, giving me experience in how a judge’s office is run. I am the only candidate actively engaged in civil and criminal litigation."

Gautreaux shared that the COVID pandemic has resulted in a tremendous backlog of cases. If elected,

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Mark deClouet of Axis Behavioral Health & Recovery, a Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, joined Jan Swift to discuss the rise in fatal opioid overdoses in the Acadiana area.

Drug dependency has impacted people from all walks of life, flying in the face of the stereotypes of those who succumb to addiction. Envision your grandmother breaking her hip at the age of 73, being prescribed opioids for the first time in her life, and becoming addicted to painkillers. People who end up with Substance Use Disorders may experience chronic relapsing conditions unless they can access appropriate behavioral health and medical treatment.

With the push against Big Pharmaceutical companies who have profited from addiction and the mandate on doctors to reduce their prescriptions of painkillers, as people suffer from withdrawals they have turned to street drugs such as heroin which may be laced with the deadly fentanyl. These drugs are easily accessible and much more affordable than prescription drugs.

Some local numbers on our rising rate of overdoses: According to current information from the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office, 57 people overdosed in 2019 compared to 46 in 2018 and 43 in 2017.

From January through May 2020, there were 23 overdoses, with 18 of those deaths being attributed to opioid overdoses. The 70508 zip code had more overdose deaths than any other zip code in the parish this year — and more overdose deaths in that zip code within the first five months of 2020 than all of 2019.

Alarming, more people die of drug overdose in Louisiana than by firearm or homicide. In 2018 nearly 40% of the 1,140 reported drug overdose deaths in Louisiana involved opioids —a total of 444 fatalities.

What may be causing this rise in overdose-related deaths? With the COVID pandemic shutdown, many people in recovery have not been able to access fellowship meetings with others who share their struggles. The required social distancing measures have raised a great challenge as people lose the means to stay in touch with their community. Many of us depend on the support of others and have been raised in a culture where we are not only exposed to continuous parties and festivals, but we are not accustomed to being socially isolated for long periods of time.

In light of the rising number of local overdose deaths and the struggle to access quality treatment programs for addiction in the region, Mark deClouet opened a second location of Axis Behavioral Health & Recovery in the Oil Center (the first being in Alexandria, LA).

The Axis team uses buprenorphine, a specific treatment modality approved by the Food and Drug Administration, to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine competes with opiates for the same receptors that opiates bind with, the ones that give a feeling of euphoria. This chemical bond is stronger than the one of the opiates; if a person happens to relapse while on the drug, they will not experience the effect of the opiates. This has been found to keep people in recovery and deter people from falling further into the throes of addiction. Additionally, you can't overdose on buprenorphine (if it is taken alone).

deClouet explained that most individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) still do not have access to or receive any form of medications to combat their addiction. Even though the approved drugs are covered by Medicaid/Medicare and all insurance companies, clinicians typically prescribe buprenorphine on a cash-basis only as they are not reimbursed at a cost-effective level. As the drugs cost $250 to $300 per month, people have to choose between taking care of their children, paying the light bill, buying groceries, or treating their addiction out of pocket with cash they don't have to spare. As you might surmise, they choose to take care of necessities and end up right back in treatment in a few months after relapsing.

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Daniel "Danny" Landry, candidate for District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District Court (covering Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion parishes), joined Discover Lafayette to discuss the upcoming election on November 3, 2020, and the reasons he has always wanted to serve the public as their District Attorney.

A lifelong Lafayette resident, Landry is a graduate of Lafayette High, LSU, and LSU Law School, and has worked for the DA's office since 1984 where he served as Felony Assistant DA in the 15th JDC for over 35 years.

In his early days with the office, DA Nathan Stansbury took him under his wing, mentored him, and demonstrated the leadership qualities that have shaped Landry's career and molded his work ethic with a focus on public service.

Landry currently serves as First Assistant DA under the current District Attorney, Keith Stutes, who is not running for re-election. His job duties include supervising budget and management operations of the DA’s office, and prosecution of major cases. The office has close to 100 employees and works to administer and prosecute misdemeanors and felony offenses, which are "Title 14" crimes under the criminal code. Funded through 14 different sources of revenue, Landry believes that public safety issues should be a top priority. "If you have good public safety in a community, people want to come in, locate their businesses and homes there. Arts and culture can thrive."

Landry is particularly proud of the case management system he implemented which "brought the DA's office into the 21st Century." With 26 law enforcement agencies throughout Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion parishes reporting to the DA's office, under the pre-existing paper-based filing system it was possible for arrest documents to be "lost" or fall through the cracks. Utilizing the new electronic tracking system for the past four years, the DA is now better able to meet the mandated 30-day review of charges, keep track of the average prison sentences meted out for crimes by judges, respond to calls from the public, and keep the entire justice system accountable to the public.

Danny Landry with his wife, Nancy, and their children Morgan, Kelly and Chris.

Landry also serves as the Pretrial Intervention Director which is designed to assist first-time offenders to examine the underlying reasons for their criminal behavior, such as socioeconomic circumstances, mental health issues, or lacking access to needed resources. He explained that many overlapping issues can lead to survival reactions such as a young woman in poverty stealing diapers for her newborn or a boy stealing bread and lunch meat because no one is taking care of him at home. These non-violent offenders don't need to be incarcerated but they do need direction and guidance counseling to get their lives on a better course to keep them from returning to the justice system.

Known for his work on major felony cases that garnered national interest, Landry reminisced about the Mickey Shunick murder investigation that "out of all the investigations and prosecutions, was one of the best executed I've ever been involved with." Thousands of tips were gathered and the team of Stutes, Landry, Alan Haney, and Roger Hamilton coordinated with many law enforcement agencies that led them to forensic evidence pointing to Brandon Lavergne, who they determined had also killed another person. Mickey Shunick's remains were unearthed in Evangeline Parish behind a pauper's graveyard. "If you had to write a book about how to prosecute, this was the case. Mickey was finally returned to her family."

Danny Landry, along with DA Keith Stutes, as they interview on NBC Dateline discussing the prosecution of Brandon Lavergne in the Mickey Shunick murder case. "If you had to write a book about how to prosecute, this was the case. Mickey was finally returned to her family."

Landry is proud to work with the capable law enforcement agencies in our area.

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Traci Aucoin, the Lafayette Parish Public School System GEAR UP Project Director, joined Jan Swift, host of Discover Lafayette.  GEAR UP stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs."

A competitive grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, GEAR UP works to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education by providing states and local community-education partnerships six-to-seven year grants to offer support services to high-need, middle and high schools. The program begins work when the youngsters are in 6th and 7th grade and follows them through high school and into post-secondary education.

GEAR UP works to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education by providing valuable educational experiences and academic support and helping students and their families prepare and plan for post secondary education.  GEAR UP's vision is to have all students ready for college and career.  

Lafayette Parish is the only school system in Louisiana that has been awarded the highly competitive GEAR UP grant. Originally awarded a six-year grant in 2008, Lafayette Parish is now in the last year of its second 7-year $13.8 million grant cycle and is working with high school seniors and college freshmen who were part of the original cohort group which began in 2014.

Approximately 3000 students participate in GEAR UP and attend Acadiana, Carencro, Lafayette, and Northside High Schools. The students began their GEAR UP journey while in the following middle schools: Acadian, Carencro, Judice, Lafayette, Paul Breaux, and Scott Middle schools. Aucoin explained that even if a student did not originally begin GEAR UP as a student in middle school, the program provides services for an entire grade at the participating high schools. This is a powerful tool for the school as it helps keep peer groups on target planning for college and focused on the success tools they will need to continue their educational journey.

GEAR UP students are encouraged from their middle school years to consider possible career choices and what education they will need to follow that path. College tours, in and out of state, as early as 6th-grade offer enrichment opportunities and food for thought for the students as they realize what is possible in their lives if they apply themselves to their school work.

Transitions from middle school to high school, and then high school to college, are difficult for any student, but especially those whose parents and family members have not finished high school or obtained any post-secondary education. In today's technology-based economy, 70% of jobs require some form of post-secondary education; Aucoin stressed that once you provide the tools to help educate a student through post-secondary, you can get each succeeding generation in his or her family to understand and appreciate the importance of receiving a similar education. You can break the cycle, drastically improve the quality of life for that family, improve health outcomes, and build success.

It's too late to start thinking about college when you're in 11th or 12th grade, and the many enriching activities offered by GEAR UP ensure that students start early, stay motivated, and on track. After school tutoring, educational travel opportunities, enrichment camps, parental assistance with FAFSA applications, and family emotional/social support profoundly affect these young lives. GEAR UP also ensures that students have access to technology and hot spots for wi-fi to have the tools to get their work done. As the students transition to college, GEAR UP makes laptops and other necessary equipment available.

Traci Aucoin has worked in education for 30 years and been a part of the GEAR UP initiative for ten years. She began her career as a high school biology and physics teacher before she moved int...

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Louisiana State Senator Gerald Boudreaux of Lafayette is our guest. Representing Senate District 24, he serves as Vice-Chair of Local and Municipal Affairs, and on the Finance and Health & Welfare Committees of the Senate. His District encompasses most of St. Landry Parish, northern parts of Lafayette Parish (where Boudreaux lives), and the region near Breaux Bridge in St. Martin Parish. Sen. Boudreaux is serving in his second term as Senator.

He is well-known for his long tenure with Lafayette's Park and Recreation Department, serving as Director for 35 years. He got his start with the department as a freshman at USL and retired in June 2020 after having served under six Lafayette mayors. Boudreaux is proud of the growth of the department over the years, providing much-needed services through a system of connected and strategically placed infrastructure which grew according to ongoing needs assessments to determine how the community could be best served.

Steep budget cuts including the closure of four recreation centers, all of which are located in North Lafayette, have stirred deep controversy in the local community. It's not only young people who have been affected by the current budget cuts affecting North Lafayette facilities, but also services to the elderly community as the Greenhouse Senior Center and the Rosehouse Senior Center have been shuttered. Boudreaux explained that the current millage, paid only by the City of Lafayette, is still at the level as when it was established in 1961 when Lafayette only had five parks, two recreation centers, and one municipal golf course. Today, that millage is expected to cover operations of 1800 acres of park grounds which encompass 35 park (28 in the city of Lafayette), three golf courses, ten recreation centers, two tennis centers, five swimming pools, and a campground.

Today with the advent of two separate city and parish councils, there is a large split in belief as to who can or should pay for services. Many families rely upon the parks system for its amenities, especially the areas of North Lafayette where transportation can be an issue for people looking for healthy outlets for recreation. Boudreaux challenges the parish council to be creative and establish a funding source to enable services to continue. When Lafayette Parish took gambling off the table 22 years ago as a source of revenue, a potential source of funding for parish services also dried up. Yet, "for those who want to gamble, they will. People travel to St. Landry and St. Martin parishes" for gambling outlets. "How is Lafayette going to generate revenue to pay for parish needs? The City of Lafayette cannot continue to sustain this effort," Boudreaux says. Perhaps it is time to revisit this issue and other ways to fund services that offer the quality of life amenities that enhance our community.

Sen. Boudreaux shared his thoughts on how law enforcement officials were never consolidated under the Lafayette Parish 1996 consolidation plan. "You have to wonder, did someone have a crystal ball then to see that it would never work? Maybe that's where we are....still trying to put a square peg into a round hole. With annexation by the cities, it's been a 'grab and take. There are only little pockets of parish property remaining."

Sen.Gerald Boudreaux shared his thoughts on how law enforcement officials were never consolidated under the Lafayette Parish 1996 consolidation plan. "You have to wonder, did someone have a crystal ball then to see that it would never work? Maybe that's where we are....still trying to put a square peg into a round hole."

A Northside High graduate, Sen. Boudreaux was a point guard on the school's basketball team and captain of the football team. When he saw that playing college sports wasn't in the cards, he began officiating high school games with the encouragement of one of his professors, the late Al Simon (who was also a Lafayette City Council Member).

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Big Brothers Big Sisters' Executive Director, Kalli Christ, and RADER's Director of Growth, Whitney Savoie, joined Jan Swift to discuss how the annual Acadiana Po-Boy Festival pandemic has pivoted in its mission to help the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana raise much-needed funding.

Whitney Savoie, Director of Growth of RADER, Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette, and Kalli Christ, Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Acadiana, at taping of Discover Lafayette podcast.

Over the past five years, the Acadiana Po-Boy Festival has raised more than $30,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, all due to the generous organizational efforts of Social Entertainment. With the COVID shutdown limiting the number of people who can attend events, Kalli Christ says that it has been necessary to "pivot" as 2020's challenges have unfolded.

RADER stepped up to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and assist in holding a safe Acadiana Po-Boy Festival that will take place from September 1st through September 30th, 2020.

https://www.facebook.com/acadianapoboyplatelunchfestival/videos/1045232832600194 Whitney Savoie of RADER discusses the importance of supporting local causes such as Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The "Pandemic Edition" of the Po-boy Festival is divided into two events: first, a Po-Boy Tasting, and second, an online Fundraising Art Raffle, which is designed to support local restaurants while it also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. With the shutdown still in full force, RADER felt this was an excellent opportunity to promote our local restaurants while also aiding in efforts to fund BBBS.

Ten Lafayette restaurants are participating and will sell their signature "special" po-boy this month. $1 per po-boy sold will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. Participating restaurants include:

Poupart's BakeryC'est Bon MangerAcadian SuperetteCentral Pizza & BarPop's PoboysDean-O's PizzaBroaddus BurgersTchoup's Midcity SmokehouseBlack CaféJohnson's Boucaniere

The second part of the festival this year is an online Facebook Fundraising Art Raffle to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. Your donation of any amount gives you a chance to win the Official 2020 Acadiana Po-Boy painting, created by local artist Trent Oubre. You can contribute here.

2020 Acadiana Po-Boy Festival Painting Designed by artist Trent Oubre will be auctioned off. You can donate here.

Social Entertainment will officially merge the Acadiana Po-Boy & Plate Lunch Festival into one event moving forward. The inaugural Acadiana Po-Boy & Plate Lunch Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Downtown Lafayette.

It cost approximately $1200 per child per year to offer services to mentor, tutor, and work with a child that is under the umbrella of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. Volunteers do not need to underwrite the cost involved in being part of the program, but many components such as background checks and training must be covered through the fundraising efforts of BBBS.

"For more than 115 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to thrive. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. They develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people." There is no better gift that you can give to a young person than a hand up to a better life through your time and experience.

For more information on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, please visit https://www.acadianabigs.com/ or their Facebook page. There are about 150 volunteers working with "littles." The organization has a waiting list for children looking to partner with "bigs.

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Michele Billeaud, candidate for 15th Judicial District Court Judge in Lafayette Parish joined Jan Swift of the Discover Lafayette podcast.

The election will be held on November 3, 2020, and is slated to have a high turnout as it coincides with many other local races such as District Attorney, City Marshall, and of course, the presidential election. Billeaud is running for Judge in Division "K" which has 115,000 registered voters and encompasses Youngsville, Broussard, most of Scott and Duson, and a majority of the City of Lafayette located south of Cameron Street.

https://www.facebook.com/101349674790880/videos/580285362690022 Michele Billeaud explains what areas encompass Division K in Lafayette Parish.

Billeaud started her legal career 26 years ago. A New Orleans native, she took time off after college to follow her best friend and move out to California. While the adventure was fun, she realized that she needed to figure out "what to do with her life." She studied law in California and on the day she graduated, returned home to study and take the Louisiana bar exam.

Billeaud's first job was in the Orleans Parish DA’s Office where she had a heavy caseload and gained invaluable experience trying all levels of criminal cases. While working there, she met Lawrence "Moose" Billeaud, a Lafayette native. The couple dated long-distance before she moved to Lafayette when they got married. While Moose is one of 17 children in the close-knit and loving family of the late Bozo and Millie Billeaud, he told Michele they could live anywhere she wanted; Michele had fallen in love with Lafayette when she visited and elected to start their married life here. The couple have two children, Ethan and Quinn.

Michele and Lawrence "Moose" Billeaud with their children, Ethan and Quinn.

Billeaud joined the law firm of Lisa Brener in Lafayette and handled civil matters such as divorce, child custody, age discrimination, and sexual harassment claims. Upon Brener's retirement, Billaud started her own law firm; she also worked for the Lafayette Parish Public Defender's Office where she was appointed Section Chief in charge of all full-time public defenders as a result of the extensive criminal law experience she had garnered in the Orleans DA's office.

Since January 2002, Billeaud has worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Lafayette Parish. She serves as felony track leader, trying everything from felony theft to the most violent crimes. 

A founding team member of the Lafayette Parish Drug Court Program, Billeaud is "a big proponent of specialty courts." The drug court helps nonviolent offenders get back on track by getting appropriate treatment, obtain job training, find employment, adequate shelter, and other things necessary to turn their lives around. She believes that anytime you can help someone help themselves, it's good for our community. Billeaud recounted that she's seen people she previously tried cases against show up in court to help others get into drug court so that they may also become a healthy, contributing member of society.

Under the direction of Judge Jules Edwards, Lafayette has also set up a Veteran's specialty Court; Billeaud would also like to see the addition of a Mental Health Court to help those most vulnerable and who end up in jail due to a lack of resources to obtain help.

Billeaud loves being in court and says the most fun part of being an attorney is" having to think on your feet." She enjoys being a prosecutor and feels a calling for public service and working in the public sector. She never thought about running for judge. But when the current Division "K" Judge Rick Michot was rendered incapable of running for re-election due to the Louisiana age requirement, she was approached by others who encouraged her to run.

Billeaud believes she brings the necessary experience to the table to serve the community as a judge, as well as the appropriate temperament to be a good jud...

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Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority, joined host, Jan Swift, to discuss the economic impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown. LEDA is a full-service, tax-funded government entity dedicated to helping the business community of Lafayette Parish.

This pandemic crisis has affected not only our nation's physical health but its economic health. Gothreaux stressed that it has also brought to the forefront issues that we need to address as our country moves forward to ensure future prosperity and provide the wherewithal to withstand the inevitable, yet unforeseeable challenges which may once again shake our economy.

LEDA's program of work involves long term economic development strategy, and the focus is on attracting new business to our community while sustaining business conditions for existing enterprises, both large and small, who are the backbone of our economy. The talented staff works to help businesses grow, find the right employees, find tax incentives, and tax breaks that exist and should be utilized.

Lafayette's forefathers did much to diversity our local economy and Gothreaux gives them much credit in forging the path for our area's creative business entrepreneurs.

In LEDA's early days in the 1970s (when it was known as the "Lafayette Harbor, Terminal and Industrial Development District"), one of its first actions was to create a business park in Broussard known as "Southpark Industrial Park." This organized investment of business space provided Lafayette Parish with the ability to compete effectively with other regions of the country and be able to offer a desirable and business-ready locale for businesses from around the country to locate in Acadiana.

Gothreaux recounted that one of the first businesses locating in SouthPark was International Paper which made corrugated boxes; the company is still there today in 2020 but operating under a different name. Countless other thriving businesses are operating in LEDA's Industrial Parks throughout the parish and include BlueBell, AT&T, Cintas, Home Furniture Distribution, and many, many others. For an overview of all of Lafayette Parish's business parks, visit LEDA's website here.

Today's office buildings are our "industrial parks," according to Gothreaux. LEDA and its protege, the Opportunity Machine, work to fill office buildings and warehouses across our community by helping businesses thrive. There is no more need to build industrial parks as the current push is to fill existing office space. An example shared was the repurposing of the former Mid-South Bank Building on Versailles Blvd. near downtown by CGI. As the economy diversifies and continues to attract IT and medical-related companies, existing office space can readily accommodate needs and supply sufficient space for new companies.

SchoolMint is Lafayette's most recent success story, illustrating our region's ability to attract software firms from the West Coast who are looking for a more appropriate place to locate headquarters. Offering 178 new positions at an average salary of $75,000, SchoolMint is relocating to Lafayette from San Francisco. One of the key players in this story was Casey Bienvenu, a Carencro and UL-Lafayette grad, who is the company's chief software architect and the force who developed the original software utilized by SchoolMint. The company is taking the country by storm with its unique way of pairing students and educational institutions with strategic enrollment platforms.

This move by SchoolMint is unusual on its face, as most companies moving out of California tend to relocate to other Western U. S. states; in this case, existing relationships with Lafayette Parish natives paved the way for a highly successful and growing firm to select our community as its new headquarters. Gothreaux projects that we will have the opportunity to welcome many other new businesses as we offer not only a superb quality of life but the ...

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Kyle Bacon, head of Jones Walkers' Lafayette office, joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss developments in downtown Lafayette, as well as today’s commercial business climate.

A Lafayette native and graduate of Lafayette High, UL-Lafayette, and LSU Law School where he was on the Louisiana Law Review, Bacon is a co-leader of Jones Walker’s commercial transactions team. His clients’ interests include oil and gas, banking, real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing.

The Lafayette office of Jones Walker is one of 13 offices the firm has across the country and is the largest law firm situated in downtown Lafayette with 17 lawyers on site. Jones Walker began in New Orleans and has had a presence in Lafayette for over 30 years; the Lafayette group was its first office outside of the New Orleans market. Situated at the top of Chase Tower on Jefferson Street, Bacon's office offers a bird's-eye view of downtown activities.

The firm's typical clients are midsize to large and most are in need of business defense matters. Bacon's work focuses on the transactional side of law and he explained that one of the benefits of hiring a large law firm is that they can offer specialized counsel in complex issues that may involve out-of-state matters.

Bacon is a proponent of seeing the continued growth of downtown and says, "It is the front porch of our community. Downtown is the epicenter of our cultural identity here in Lafayette and Acadiana. It's an important connector to the university and it's critical that we keep downtown vibrant. Festival International is such a symbol of what Downtown is all about. It's the center of our community where everyone feels welcome. We can all come together and feel as one."

"Downtown is the epicenter of our cultural identity here in Lafayette and Acadiana. It's an important connector to the university and it's critical that we keep downtown vibrant. Festival International is such a symbol of what Downtown is all about. It's the center of our community where everyone feels welcome."

Most law firms used to be located downtown which made sense as that is the locale of the Lafayette Parish courthouse and other court-related entities. Over time as South Lafayette has expanded, many lawyers have set up shop across the parish. Bacon believes that the trend could be reversed if local government officials made a concerted decision to focus efforts on downtown development. He compared this to how downtown Baton Rouge has blossomed in the past twenty years with state government's push to concentrate its offices downtown in lieu of being scattered across the city. This focus in our State Capitol spurred more development as downtown flourished and enjoyed renewed activity after years of decline.

With the dedicated professionals of Downtown Development Authority working on attracting residential housing and more retail, and the commitment of LEDA's Opportunity Machine and Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission to locate downtown, he's hopeful that more may follow suit. Bacon stated that "these developments can spur additional activity. Other folks will follow. Downtown settings also allow people to interact easily; we're social beings."

Growing up off Johnston Street in Lafayette, Bacon remembers the times when downtown was dormant. He discussed how dead downtown similarly looked during March and April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 shutdown. When businesses were allowed to reopen in May, downtown started coming back to life but with the resurgence of the pandemic, it's a little slow again.

Jones Walker survived the chaos in getting their offices back to work after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and remembered lessons learned from being a New Orleans-based law firm dealing with the aftermath. They never missed a beat in welcoming visitors and clients when the shutdown occurred in March 2020; they check temperatures of everyone entering their offices,

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Kelda Poynot, homeschooling consultant, author, and educator has helped hundreds of families navigate the maze of options for schooling their children. She homeschooled her own children over the past 20 years and just graduated her youngest child in May this year. She joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss her journey and share the many benefits of homeschooling.

Kelda was a middle school math and language teacher for seven years and also worked as a school counselor, having earned a BA in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Counseling from Louisiana Tech. She discovered the world of homeschooling when she attended a workshop on behalf of her sister; she left the meeting feeling like she "had been in a tent revival," charged up in realizing how this simple method of teaching offered a wonderful alternative to traditional teaching methods. She never dreamed that homeschooling would become her niche.

Kelda Poynot pictured with her family. All of her children were homeschooled throughout elementary, middle school, and high school, with the exception of her oldest son who attended high school at the Early College Academy at SLCC in Lafayette and who just graduated with an MBA.

While typically 3.3% of the U. S. considers homeschooling a viable choice in educating their children, several surveys have found that over 40% of American families are considering homeschooling during the 2020-2021 school year given the COVID-19 shutdown.

Experts advise that homeschooling is not for everyone, and Poynot concurs and says, "I do not ascribe to the notion that homeschooling is for everyone. There are too many factors to consider, and I don't believe that one size fits all." But for those for whom it works, it is a viable and rewarding path that affords families flexibility in scheduling their time and allows a child to learn at his or her own pace.

Transitioning to homeschooling from traditional schooling takes time, but for many children it's a relief from stress and anxiety. The pace slows down, but the academic structure and curriculums are solid. Poynot shared anecdotes of students who were anxious, almost to the point of being hospitalized when they switched to homeschooling; it typically takes about six months, but predictably, students will slow down their pace, relax and thrive in their schooling.

Poynot stressed that people shouldn't worry about proper socializing of their children if they don't attend traditional public school. Her own kids were very engaged in sports, scouts, church, volunteer activities and clubs. And she said, "When you think about it, when do you hang out with everyone that's the same age at any other time than in school? Once you get out of school, that's never how it is."

Homeschooling is different from the online public school curriculum that Louisiana school districts are offering in that the parents or caretakers take the reins and are responsible for the curriculum.

In Louisiana, children who are homeschooled must be registered with the Department of Education by the time they reach 7 years of age. According to the department’s website, approximately 20,000 families choose homeschooling each year. You do not need teacher certification to educate your child at home.

There are two homeschool education options to choose from in Louisiana: (1) Non-public school (not seeking state approval or accreditation) where the parents agree to home school for 180 days for the school year and are responsible for the curriculum. You submit a letter or email annually to the Department of Education with your intent to homeschool.  The disadvantage of this first option is that children under this program are not eligible for TOPS or participation in public school sports programs.

(2) BESE Approved Home Study: This type requires state approval and renewal each year. Diplomas awarded through an approved home study program are recognized by all post-secondar...

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Lafayette General Health System CEO David Callecod joined Jan Swift to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted our healthcare system and way of life. The bottom line is that progressing to Phase III of the pandemic, the full reopening of our economy, and returning to "normal" is totally dependent on our own individual and collective behavior changes: everyone must wear a mask, maintain social distance, wash their hands, and stay home if sick.

The reality is that for the next 18 months (and worst case scenario, the next 24 months), we will not going to be back to the life we experienced and enjoyed as "normal" before the pandemic closed down the U. S in March 2020. Moreover, some people will probably continue to wear masks from here on out, in a manner similar to Asian and European countries pattern, particularly if their immune system is compromised.

We all need to be diligent every day in making good choices as to how we work together and celebrate life as we wait for an effective vaccine to be developed. Callecod shared a telling story about a recent COVID outbreak affecting 18 anesthesiology residents and fellows of the University of Florida Health System following a private party on July 10; even with explicit warnings about private gatherings, these events continue to happen across the U. S., even among our most educated.

Locally, Callecod says it is "absolutely safe" to enter hospitals, as long as people make good choices in wearing a mask and following good hygiene procedures. Cleaning protocols are in place and the hospitals screen people before they enter.

When determining which hospital to bring trauma victims to, emergency medical responders and hospitals rely upon LERN, "Louisiana Emergency Response Network," a statewide system of care coordination that is utilized in the face of large scale emergencies such as COVID. LERN manages data on trauma cases throughout the state, and as long as LGH can handle the case with adequate staff, people will be brought to the main campus. Callecod stated, "As long as LGH can handle it from a staffing standpoint for the patient's particular situation, we'll take the patient."

There are currently over 100 COVID-19 patients at the main Lafayette General campus in the Oil Center, and they are separated from other patients in the facility. Elective procedures have been moved to other LGH campuses such as Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital and Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, in order to ensure that staff can take care of emergencies at the main campus which serves as the Level II Trauma Center for the region.

Staff shortages experienced by hospitals has been a hot topic in the news and Callecod explained what is different now from the early days of the pandemic. "On April 13 during the first peak of the pandemic cases, we didn't have a lot of community spread, so we didn't have a lot of workers out. With the peak today, with over 140 COVID patients throughout our entire system, a lot of workers are out sick. There aren't enough nurses and we have 86 employees system wide out today with COVID. Once they're back, they are fatigued and we have to be cautious with our shifts."

At the time of our interview, eight contract nurses had been recruited by LGH from outside of the region and were set to start work. The community spread of the disease is greatly impacting staffing capacity at all hospitals. Healthcare workers are in short supply as Lafayette General and other hospitals; as facilities increase ICU beds and add medical surge capacity needed to address the anticipated increased volume of patients, staffing needs will continue to grow. Typically the hospital could easily recruit out-of-state, but COVID's reach has dramatically affected the supply of available workers.

Telemedicine has transformed the delivery of medical services and the lessons learned from COVID will change protocols moving into the future.

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Erick Knezek, Navy veteran and founder of Oceanetics, Inc, , joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss his company's newest FDA approved COVID-19 medical device, the NRSAVR-100, otherwise known as the "nurse saver." The device was developed with the expertise of Dr. Doug Clement, an ER doctor affiliated with Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette, who is currently treating COVID patients, was instrumental in starting the virus screening program at the Cajundome, and has helped develop methods for testing and keeping healthcare workers safe.

Dr. Clement and Knezek are personal friends and discussed the hazards healthcare workers face when treating COVID patients, as well as the rapid rate in which the hospitals' PPE (personal protective equipment) is depleted as staff move from room to room. In a typical scenario when a patient is intubated, the physician wears an intubation hood ("splash shield") for protection from the potential release of droplets from the patient's airways, but the support staff surrounding the doctor are still subjected to the aerosolized virus particles.

A concurrent and expensive need in hospitals treating COVID patients is to have sufficient isolation rooms that keep the patient from spreading the disease to others. Negative pressure rooms are utilized to maintain lower air pressure inside the room so as to keep contaminated air from escaping into non-contaminated areas and infecting others. These rooms are expensive and in relatively short supply.

With guidance from Dr. Clement, Knezek created a design for the nurse saver to create a closed air system that surrounds the cephalic region (head, neck, and shoulders) of the patient with plexiglass and rubber barriers. The device has two valves that pump in air from the hospital's ventilation system but keep contaminated air from being released back into the room. Six rubber shrouds contain armholes so that healthcare workers can stick their arms in to access the patient to intubate, hook up monitors, insert tubes, or deliver medications without breaking the seal. The contaminants are sucked out by the nurse saver which filters the contaminated air. The design was tweaked a bit after testing and the final prototype has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

Dr. Doug Clement demonstrating how the NRSAVR-100 ("nurse saver") effectively seals in contaminated air exhaled by COVID-19 patients. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of the Advocate.

Combining the nurse saver with PPE the staff wears dramatically increases the workers' safety. As a comparison, when a patient is on a ventilator, the air is exhaled into the room, thus necessitating a negative pressure room to prevent contamination of the space. Utilizing the nurse saver affords a much more cost-effective solution ($3000 versus the cost of converting space into negative pressure rooms), allows the patient to be transported within the hospital, and eliminates the need for staff to change PPE at every room entry and exit. The device also allows the patient to be flipped to lay on their stomach (proning), to help keep the patient's lungs open.

The first few of the nurse savers have been given to Lafayette General Health and feedback is being provided. The nurse saver is the only negative pressure cephalic environment device on the market at this time. While there have been no sales yet, Knezek expressed his hope that the medical community will see the exceptional value the device provides and its ability to increase isolation capacity 100 fold. For more information on the nurse saver, visit https://www.intubationhood.com/ or https://www.oceanetics.com/.

Knezek is a graduate of Lafayette High and the US Naval Academy who earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Ocean Engineering. He served in the Navy as a Seabee Officer deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina as a dive officer, with a focus on anti-terrorism infrastructure and port security barrier development and installation.

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Caitlin Russo, the Eco Cajun, joins Jan Swift on Discover Lafayette. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Caitlyn writes the blog Eco Cajun and is a contributing writer for the Times of Acadiana.

Caitlin’s passion for environmentalism began at a young age. She credits her parents for the example they set and asked her to follow, such as using cloth bags at the grocery store and helping with the recycling of their paper, plastic, and cans.

Caitlin Russo learned responsible environmentalism at an early age from her parents. She enjoys helping people discover ways to live more sustainably and spotlighting environmental leaders. Her blog at https://www.ecocajun.com/ covers tips on everything from beauty tips, travel, wellness, style, homemade organic foods, and how to recycle properly. Zero waste is her goal and she lives the message she preaches. While saving money is always a good thing, her motivation to conserve is rooted in her desire to leave the world a better place than it is now for her daughter and future generations.

As she eats out with her family…especially during the COVID pandemic, she works to leave less of a footprint even as she supports our local vendors. “Please don’t bag the food, please don’t include plastic utensils, please no styrofoam,” she implores as the vendors serve the to-go food.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle are the environmentalist’s goal and they’re listed in that order for a reason. It’s best to reduce the use of packaging, to reuse materials when possible, and as a last resort recycle properly according to government guidelines.

Caitlin enjoys making fresh, organic food for her infant daughter, and discusses on her Eco Cajun blog how she uses a hand-me-down Baby Bullet.

Caitlin Russo, the Eco Cajun lives what she preaches. Pictured above while visiting a tiny home owned by Cherie and Jimmy Hebert, and with her young daughter, Caitlin encourages all interested in living more sustainably to start with something small and enjoy the adventure. Perhaps invest in a stainless steel mug or good quality reusable shopping bags to cut down on waste that will end up in the landfill. A big fan of consignment shopping, Caitlin selects secondhand clothing for herself and her daughter whenever possible. Local go-to shops include The Clothing Loft for women and children’s clothing and Sugarwolf Outdoor Exchange for outdoor sporting gear and accessories. Sans Paquet is in the same building as Sugarwolf and Hub City Cycles at 501 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette which sells goods you can buy pieces….no packaging. Rent the Runway is a good option for renting designer evening wear for special occasions as you save money by not purchasing a full price item you may never wear again.

Sans Paquet (Without Packaging!) in downtown Lafayette offers No Waste Bulk Shopping for items such as hand soaps, cleansing powders, towels, and sponges. Other local vendors who successfully encourage reusing goods are Something Borrowed Blooms and Pack and Paddle. For bridal events, Something Borrowed Blooms will rent beautiful high-end silk floral arrangements which are shipped around the U. S. and Canada. Pack and Paddle hosts annual garage sales which allow people to buy and sell used outdoor gear at great prices. Both Lauren Bercier of Something Borrowed Blooms and John and Becky Williams of Pack and Paddle have been guests on Discover Lafayette and their interviews offer delightful takes on their businesses.

Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep guide is a go-to health site for Caitlin as it indexes thousands of skincare, makeup, and fragrance products on toxicity ranking. The guide has a mobile app you can use while shopping to scan products and determine toxicity before you make a purchase.

Caitlin Russo encourages people to start small and not try to transition overnight to a totally eco-friendly lifestyle. It can be difficult to learn tricks of the trade overnight, but it’s a fun journey to be enjoyed by all. “Pick something small and just start with that,” Caitlin advises.

We thank Caitlin Russo for serving as an example of a life lived well, and sustainability, and sharing her message with Discover Lafayette!

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Dr. Tina Stefanski, Medical Director of the Office of Public Health in Acadiana, joined Jan Swift to discuss the current COVID-19 situation in the region. Dr. Stefanski oversees the seven parish region of Acadiana for the Department of Health in all matters relating to maintaining and protecting the health of our citizens.

A graduate of the LSU School of Medicine, Dr. Stefanski completed her pediatric residency program at LSU School of Medicine’s Medical Clinic and Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. A stint on a Public Health rotation ignited her interest in the field and she joined the Louisiana Department of Health immediately after she finished her residency requirements.

The Louisiana Department of Health is involved in all things relating to personal, preventative, and environmental health concerns. Overseeing matters as diverse as ensuring safe drinking water, mental health concerns, working with safety inspectors of restaurants, and preventative health measures such as containing the spread of COVID-19, Dr. Stefanski enjoys the scope of her work and the positive impact it has on our region’s health.

She speaks highly of our “very coordinated medical community” who proactively work together to share information and resources when the need arises. One such group that is active now is the Physicians’ Leadership Counsel co-chaired by Dr. Andy Blalock and Dr. Steve Reese and includes among its members Dr. Chuck Burnell (Acadian Companies), Dr. Ben Doga (Chief Medical Advisor of LHC Group), Dr. Rod Clark (State Board of Medical Examiners), Dr. Anu Desai (President of the Lafayette Parish Medical Society), and chief medical officers of all area hospitals. This working physician’s group discusses best practices and treatments to date on COVID, availability of beds, and other information which will benefit healthcare providers and patients in the region.

In the video below, Dr. Henry Kaufman, Chief Medical Officer of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Dr. Amanda Logue, Chief Medical Officer of Lafayette General Health discuss the spike in pandemic cases, rampant community spread after Phase II rolled out, and the tremendous growth in the number of cases in the 18 to 29 year age group. Both physicians urged the public to wear masks as a way to contain the spread of the virus, slow down the number of hospitalized victims, and be able to get to Phase III to see businesses reopen safely and get back to “normal.”

https://www.facebook.com/LafayetteGeneral/videos/404216420503740

Dr. Stefanski’s message is premised upon the fact that “no one knows what to predict….there is no way to predict what course this pandemic will take. We’re all learning together. We’ve got to listen to the experts so that we can contain the rate of growth.” She further stressed, however, “There is no mixed message as to what needs to be done to contain the spread of the virus. Every credible medical expert in the country has consistently shared the same message as to the importance of social distancing, good hygiene practices, and wearing a mask. The virus is real. Yet the message is not sticking.”

“There is no mixed message. We all know now how the virus spreads. Every credible medical expert throughout the country has consistently shared the same message as to the importance of social distancing, good hygiene practices, and wearing a mask. The virus is real. Yet the message is not sticking.”

It was initially thought that only symptomatic people would spread the virus, because that is how SARS spread. Now the medical community knows differently. 95 to 96% of cases are coming from community spread, from others who are out and about. When social distancing isn’t possible, it is best practices to wear a mask, don’t touch your face, and be aware of your surroundings.

Dr. Stefanski shared that the 18 to 21-year-old group is the most problematic sector of young people contracting the virus. They are generally not sick like older adults, typically experiencing only mild flu-like symptoms. The concern is that a wave of cases is continuing to build and it will spill over into the 70-year-old and above cohort who come into contact with these young people. These older individuals have seen a decrease in cases as of late because they’ve isolated and been careful. But “they need to be able to get out and shop too….please wear a mask,” urges Dr. Stefanski.

Deaths in the minority community, especially Blacks, are unfortunately still a disproportionate share of COVID victims. Many are over 65 with high blood pressure, diabetes and other underlying health conditions.

The majority of those hospitalized are 55 and up, and 65 and up in the ICU’s. The Acadiana area is in decent shape insofar as available hospital beds, both on the hospital floors and ICU’s.

Dr. Stefanski recounts the problem of seeing young people (or any age for that matter) meet up in small groups of 9 to 10 people as establishments have opened up and people are looser with their conduct….people who don’t normally see one another, coming from different backgrounds, where you don’t know who they’ve been around. It is becoming prevalent to learn after these get-togethers that someone has the virus, causing the whole group to self-quarantine and hope that they don’t contract the virus. “It’s just not a good idea to mix unless you’ll be outside, six feet apart from one another, and preferably wearing a mask. Think through your scenarios…..spending two to three hours inside over dinner is just not a good idea. It seems like people are partying like its 1999!”

If a person at work is diagnosed with the virus, it is not necessarily necessary to self-quarantine. If you have been in close proximity with them for 15 minutes or more you should quarantine, as the level of risk is too high that you may expose others. If your office place is large and you have little to no contact with the person who has the virus, you do not need to be concerned.

It is increasingly problematic to obtain a COVID test if you’re asymptomatic due to a shortage of tests. And, results can take ten to twelve days to get back. Dr. Stefanski says if you are symptomatic you should be able to be tested. In any event, if you’ve been exposed, the best action is to stay home and quarantine. Even if you take a test that comes back negative, you still must quarantine as the virus may not have manifested yet. The incubation process varies and some people develop symptoms in two to five days, others may take 13 to 14 days before symptoms appear.

People may test positive for four, five or even six weeks after their illness subsides. It is important to note, however, that the virus is no longer ‘live’ after 10 days, even in a person who continues to test positive. The CDC has documented that it has not been able to successfully culture the virus more than 9 days after onset of illness and you’re not likely to be contagious. Dr. Stefanski counseled, “If my symptoms start today, I start counting tomorrow as Day One. Count 10 days, and once you’re in the tenth day you are unlikely to prove contagious.” There is a caveat to workers in nursing homes, prison, and other close quarters to wait up to 14 days before returning to work.

The homeless population in the region has fared exceptionally well, much better than other areas of the country. Our Homeless Coalition non-profits have worked tirelessly to prevent the spread. This is also true with the local jail population.

It is important to answer calls from the Louisiana Department of Health as they employ contact tracers who track down who may have been exposed and alert others to their risk. The Department will be identified on your phone and answering their call is a public service….to yourself and others.

Dr. Stefanski wanted to clarify one last point on the issue of how the Department of Health reports the ‘case count.” Each individual case is counted only once in the state’s official COVID tally, even if that individual has taken multiple tests that prove positive. In other words, it is based upon the individual case, not the number of tests associated with that case. (The Department has had to revise official counts to ensure there was no duplication and the varying numbers have raised questions as to accuracy.)

Discover Lafayette would like to thank Dr. Tina Stefanski for her commitment to public health and her dedication to our community. For more information and the latest updates from the Louisiana Department of Health, visit http://ldh.la.gov/.

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Judge Jules Edwards has served in the 15th Judicial District Court for 27 years. He joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette to discuss what he’s learned from working in the state court system and his concomitant desire to help at-risk youth address behavioral problems before they end up in jail. Judge Edwards is a candidate for Lafayette City Court Judge in the upcoming election on November 3, 2020.

A native of New Orleans and a graduate of Loyola and Loyola Law School, Jules Edwards has served as a Judge for the 15th Judicial District Court since January 1, 1993. He has been a pioneer in effectively rehabilitating offenders and turning around lives through drug courts and re-entry courts. Judge Edwards thanked his parents for stressing servant leadership and the importance of obtaining an education.

Jules Edwards, Jr., father of Judge Jules Edwards III, operated Edwards Shoe Service in New Orleans. He would famously say, “I will heel you, I will save your soul, I will even dye for you!” Judge Edwards has distinguished himself with lifelong service to our country, state, and community. He enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve in the summer of his freshman year in college in 1977; he served in the Louisiana National Guard until 2007, retiring as a Colonel and recognized as the best Staff Judge Advocate in the United States. At the request of Major General Gary Whipple of Louisiana, Edwards served as Inspector General, working to ensure that the units were following proper procedures. He credits his time in the military for building his character, teaching him discipline, and instilling honor and integrity into his daily actions.

“Serving in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve taught me perseverance and how to work well with others in a selfless manner. At times, the relentless challenges we faced in training were overwhelming, but I learned that I could get through each moment, one moment at a time. “ A former Chair of the Louisiana Judiciary Commission, Edwards was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame in 2013. He is Past-President of the Louisiana District Judges Association.

Edwards is currently a member of the Advisory Council on Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education, and a Member of the Louisiana Drug Policy Board. He has worked with the Louisiana Sentencing Commission to assist the judiciary and the legislature in formulating and implementing a uniform sentencing policy to ensure that judges throughout Louisiana provide consistency in their rulings. Edwards has created and taught classes through the Judicial College to train judges on how to utilize evidence-based practices, and how to respond to people in highly charged environments by being attentive and respectful.

Judge Jules D. Edwards, III is married to Orida Broussard Edwards, and they have three adult children. His wife, Orida, has been practicing law since 1986, daughter Juliesa has been practicing law since 2016, daughter-in-law, Brittany started her practice in 2019, youngest son Julien is a financial advisor, and oldest son Jules, IV is a veteran, student, and co-owner of a small business. Anytime a person is arrested in Lafayette Parish on a drug charge, they are assigned to Judge Edwards’ Court. His goal is to nudge the drug offender from “‘The Road to Perdition’ to the road to success.” He shared that “one of the principal difficulties in society is that we don’t do an adequate job of socializing, there is no focused effort to develop young people’s character. While this is not done on purpose, they make decisions based upon what brings pleasure at that moment. They don’t think about eventual pain or how their behavior impacts others. But there are evidence-based procedures to get someone back on track.”

He further states, “It is important not to judge a person just because of the stupidest decision they make on the worst day of their life. People grow, they do change.”

Judge Edwards spoke of the positive impact Drug Court has on turning around lives. Designed to be completed in 18 months, offenders agree to go through the program and comply with certain requirements such as obtaining their GED, undergoing counseling, frequent drug testing and other measures the court sees fit. Offenders plead guilty but are not adjudicated “guilty” and if they successfully complete the program, their conviction is set aside. Edwards notes that many people have never had anyone take an interest in their lives; drug court gives weekly positive reinforcement on their smallest actions and participants build an incredible desire to please the judge and the court.

Extended jail time is never a good thing, according to Edwards, as the incarcerated individuals just learn bad behavior from their fellow inmates. He prefers to see short-term jail time orders only when necessary which gives an opportunity for the person to comply with orders that they refused to follow before incarceration. The problem is that “by the time I see folks in criminal trouble (in state district court) it is not their first rodeo. They are serving a life sentence on the installment plan and they don’t know it. They’ll serve a sentence and then they’re back again a short time later.”

“By the time I see folks in criminal trouble (in state district court) it is not their first rodeo. They are serving a life sentence on the installment plan and they don’t know it. They’ll serve a sentence and then they’re back again a short time later. That is why I’m running for City Court Judge. I’ve always been preparing to be this City Court Judge, I just didn’t know it. I want to work with people before they get on The Road to Perdition…..before the wreckage piles up.”

Edwards is running for Lafayette City Court Judge to be able to work with people before they get into too much trouble, or on “The Road to Perdition” as he puts it….before the wreckage piles up. “I’ve always been preparing to be this City Court Judge; I just didn’t know it. I want to be the person to who provides a fair shake in court. I want to learn what led that person to court and provide a forum to learn the truth.”

For more information on Judge Jules Edwards and his race for the Lafayette City Court Judge seat, please visit https://www.edwardsforcityjudge.com/.

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Dr. David Fisher, World War II Army veteran and lifelong educator, joined Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette, to discuss his storied life and the many adventures he has enjoyed in his 94 years.

We salute this hero among us who on October 2, 1945, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary service in the Pacific Theatre. Well-known for his lifelong dedication to education, he and his family are the proprietors of Fisher Early Childhood Education Centers in Lafayette

While his birthplace, the community of Evangeline, is no longer on the map, he recalled a happy childhood in the town that was the first site of the drilling of an oil well in Louisiana. For the story of that first oil discovery and commercial well drilled in Louisiana in 1901, visit http://www.energyglobalnews.com/jennings-oilfield-the-birthplace-of-louisianas-oil-industry-in-1901/.)

Born in 1925, his grandfather and father worked for Gulf Oil, and the town was full of shallow oil wells. Dr. Fisher remembers learning how to swim with the other kids in the salt dome tanks filled with the water diverted from the wells as drilling occurred. It was a time for simple pleasures. But his life would change at the age of 10 when his mother died from double pneumonia. The family moved to the “big town of Jennings” nearby soon thereafter and he lived with his grandparents.

David Fisher in 1927 After graduating from Jennings High School in 1943, Dr. Fisher joined the Army when he turned 18 and he trained to be a radio operator. He was placed on a B-29 crew and stationed in Guam, flying 22 missions over Japan.

It is not common knowledge that WWII didn’t end with the dropping of atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. When Japanese Emperor Hirohito refused to unconditionally surrender to the Allied Forces, the Last Combat Mission was flown on the evening of August 14, 1945. Dr. Fisher’s crew was on one of the B-29’s that strategically targeted the bombing of transportation centers and factories in Japan in this last effort to end the war. When their plane ran short on fuel on the return to Guam, they were forced to land in Iwo Jima, and that is where Dr. Fisher and crew learned on August 15, 1945, that the Japanese had finally surrendered.

Happy to see the war successfully completed, Dr. Fisher was honorably discharged on November 22, 1945. He returned to Louisiana and enrolled at SLI (Southwestern Louisiana Institute) at the age of 20 in the Spring of 1946, and happily recalls how he met his future wife, Shirley, when “she was in her last semester and he was in his first.”

• David Fisher and Shirley Rhodes Fisher during their college days.
• SLI Football Team Captain David Fisher in the 1940s.
• Shirley Rhodes and David Fisher at SLI Homecoming 1946.

Although he had never seen a college football game before he attended SLI, Dr. Fisher had a “successful athletic career” as he put it, and served as Captain of the football team. He was the youngest person on the team, as most of the players had served longer than him during WWII and were in their middle 20’s and older. He also excelled in track, served as Co-Captain of the team, and tried out for the Olympics. As one of the youngest players, he recalls he was also one of the youngest in his air crew while serving during the war.

Fisher’s athletic prowess was noticed by the pros, and he was drafted by the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Colts but declined, as he was more interested in returning home to Jennings where he had accepted a job as Assistant Coach at Jennings High. Dr. Fisher noted that at that time, professional football players weren’t as highly compensated as they are now and he has never looked back on that chapter of his life. He was ready to marry Shirley Rhodes and begin their life together.

David and Shirley Fisher on their wedding day in 1950. They were married for 64 years, until her death in 2015. Shirley and David Fisher enjoyed a happy life during the 1950s and beyond, living first in Jennings and then moving to Lafayette in 1959 where they bought property in South Lafayette from legendary post-war builder, D. S. “Shine” Young. Fisher continued his education, earning both a Masters and Doctorate in Physical Education from LSU. His doctoral dissertation focused on the importance of physical activity in young students and the affect it has on their ability to learn and grasp concepts.

Shirley was certified as a kindergarten teacher in college and had also taught 2nd grade while teaching during their time in Jennings. In 1961, she opened up one of Lafayette’s first kindergarten programs which she operated in their home, and the school quickly grew to over 140 children by 1970. When kindergarten began to be offered in the public school system, she added programming for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. The Fishers always understood the impact that early childhood education had on a student’s future success in learning. To accommodate the growing number of children, they added on to their home’s footprint which was situated on two large lots.

In 1970, the Fishers moved their pre-school program out of their home to its present location on Ridge Road in Lafayette, which was the original Holy Cross Church. In 1973, they purchased property on E. Farrel Road for a second location of the Fisher Early Childhood Development Center. Dr. Fisher joined Shirley full time in the business in 1980. Fisher’s South Lafayette location on E. Farrel Road opened in 1998. Dr. Fisher lovingly recalls that “I cut the grass on that lot for 25 years!” Today, Dr. Fisher’s son, Lindsey Fisher, serves as Director of the school.

David and Shirley Fisher had seven children. During their earlier days, the Fishers traveled the country on vacations with all seven children nestled in the back of their station wagon with all the luggage piled on top. In fact, at times there were 17 pieces of luggage secured on top of the station wagon. When asked to explain the secret of staying married for 64 years, Dr. Fisher noted that “I believe Shirley and I were put on this earth to have a family. I believe that is our contribution to the world. I’m proud of all of them.” While there may have been a few words exchanged as Shirley insisted that all 17 bags be taken down from their car and stowed overnight each time they stayed in a motel while on the road, David Fisher looks back with love on the times shared together.

David and Shirley Rhodes Fisher surrounded by their family. Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette met Dr. David Fisher through his daughter, Susan, as well as prior guest of Discover Lafayette, Olivia Savoie of Raconteur Story Writing Services, who assisted him in writing and gathering photos for his memoir. While Dr. Fisher had recorded his thoughts and memories throughout the years, Olivia’s editing and publishing skills helped him organize his story and made the finished result “4000 times better.” Shirley Fisher had been a prolific photographer throughout their life together and his children helped find photos that portrayed their lives and times. The resulting book was a beautiful memoir that also lays out the history of post-WWII and the early days of Lafayette’s growth.

Dr. David H. Fisher’s memoirs were produced with the capable assistance of Olivia Savoie of Raconteur Story Writing Services. Dr. Fisher was honored many times throughout his life, including by University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2012. He has served his country with distinction, worked at UL-Lafayette and in his community to further educational efforts of our young people, and has raised a family of which he is proud. We give many thanks to David Fisher for taking the time to visit with Discover Lafayette and share his voice and love of country.

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Reggie Thomas, a thirty-year veteran of the Lafayette City Police Department who recently retired, shares his journey of growing up in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, joining the police force in 1990, and how an effective police department works to build trust in the entire community in this edition of Discover Lafayette with Jan Swift.

In the aftermath of the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis, public outcry has caused intense scrutiny of the inner workings of police departments nationwide. Retired Deputy Chief Reggie Thomas is in a unique position to comment on the need for change as he has lived on both sides of the issue: growing up as a black teen in the 9th Ward in New Orleans, he was exposed to rampant neighborhood criminal activity.

Reggie was encouraged to escape his neighborhood by a kind mentor, Melvin, who led Reggie to join the Air Force upon graduation from high school. Reggie expressed special gratitude for Melvin, who took him under his wing, as Reggie’s dad had been shot and killed when he was seven.

The traumatic event of his father’s murder shaped Reggie’s beliefs as to how law enforcement should operate as his family never got closure on his dad’s death or learn who may have committed the crime. In fact, the only call ever made to his mother was in the middle of the night informing her of the death, and the promise to follow up with a visit by police never occurred.

Having never left New Orleans, Reggie was amazed at how clean and well-maintained Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio was upon arrival as a new recruit. It opened his eyes as to how the world could be.

After a stint in the Air Force, Reggie returned to New Orleans and worked in corrections with former Orleans Sheriff Charles Foti’s office. He remembers the New Orleans police as being “thugs on the street” at that time. There was no diversity in the ranks and Reggie understood why no one would call to report police harassment as “there was no one to call because nobody cared. No one (in a position of power) took it seriously.”

He shared an example of how he was mistreated right after he had gotten his badge from the Sheriff’s office. Sitting on a porch with a group of his friends, police officers stopped when they spotted the group of young black men. “The police always stopped when they saw a group.” Ordered to put their hands on the police car, Reggie explained that they weren’t doing anything but talking and that he was an officer himself. When he showed his badge to the police officer, the officer kicked it across the street saying, “You’re not a police officer, you’re just a corrections officer.” Sheriff Foti was quite upset at this incident, but it was representative of a larger problem of brutality for no reason.

Reggie moved to Lafayette with his wife, Lisa, in 1990 when she enrolled at USL. Her brother was a recruiting officer for the Lafayette City Police and he convinced Reggie to join the force. He remembers the department as being professional and respectful of its citizens, but the force was not diverse and black officers were lower in rank. Off-color jokes about race were common and he had to look the other way more often than not.

Reggie Thomas as a young man. He joined the Lafayette City Police Department in 1990 and retired after thirty years of service in May 2020. His career started off in narcotics which is dangerous work. And the worst case scenario happened on one occasion when he was returning from inter-department work in Patterson LA on an undercover drug deal. Reggie was still on duty, driving back down the highway in an old car and dressed the part of a drug dealer, admittedly speeding. He was stopped by a state trooper and ordered to “Put your hands on the hood!” While he didn’t have drugs on his person (from the undercover assignment), he did have his gun still strapped to his body. Reggie explains the trauma of the moment, saying “I feared for my life, he was so rough, and I had my gun on me.” The hood was so hot, Reggie pulled his hands back instinctively and was warned close up, in his ear, that he had only one more chance to comply. It was only when his fellow white officers who had been following him back to Lafayette pulled up and explained to the trooper that Reggie was indeed a law enforcement officer that he was released.

Growing up as Reggie has, he understands the need for the citizens to trust its police department. When he assumed the position of Lafayette’s Interim Chief in 2016, the first thing he focused on was solving murder cases. He felt it was unacceptable that so many cases were unsolved and within 90 days, the department had solved five cases. This attention to homicide cases has remained in place and last year, all homicide cases were solved. Reggie’s family history of his own father’s unsolved homicide, in which the New Orleans police never followed up, has shaped his determination to follow up with families. “I understood what it meant for a police officer to follow up. I knew if we could build trust in the community, citizens could become a real part of the police force.”

As Deputy Chief, Reggie instigated Community Walks by the police throughout neighborhoods. He knew that if you could get a leader in each community, and bring them all to the table, you could solve a lot of criminal problems. Neighborhoods such as Mc-Comb Veazey, Fightinville, Freetown, and Truman came together and opened doors to the police as they realized that the officers cared. Reggie explained that you can get information to solve crimes and get drug dealers off the streets once you have the trust of locals.

The Community Walks did more for the police than it did for the community as it gave them a chance to get to know the residents and families and relate to them. Most of an officer’s work is conducted in his car these days, generating reports, and they don’t walk neighborhoods as police did in the past. Reggie would prefer to see police assigned to one area so they can get to know the people.

“Putting more police officers out isn’t the answer,” according to Reggie. And the terms, “zero tolerance” and “more boots on the ground” have been horrible. It causes the community to feel attacked when they get ticketed for minor offenses such as jay-walking, it hurts “the good people” and you destroy the opportunity to build healthy relationships that will encourage people to open up to help solve bigger crimes and make their community safe again.

When asked how he would reform policing, Reggie first emphasized that Lafayette has a great police department. But even given that, changes in the structure of the system would go a long way in enhancing its effectiveness, as well as others throughout the state of Louisiana.

The number one way to reform the police is to have more diversity in the department, to more accurately reflect the population they are policing. Reggie realized great strides in hiring more minority officers when he served as Interim and Deputy Chief, raising the percentage from 11% to 22% in the four year period from 2016 to 2020. With a 35% minority population in Lafayette, there is still a ways to go.

The Lafayette department began actively recruiting minorities at historic black colleges such as Grambling and Southern, and local churches, four years ago. Reggie believes the best police officers come from the local neighborhoods, as they know everyone, went to high school together, and “you want to recruit those guys.”

Unlike many other police departments in the U. S., Louisiana police don’t have unions, they operate under civil service rules. Civil service is “all about seniority” so if one officer has been on the job even one day longer than a more qualified one, the seniority rules when it comes to who gets a promotion. Talent or education are not figured into the decision as to who is moved into leadership positions. It can be a morale killer according to Reggie. So reforming or eliminating civil service is a way to enable the hiring and promotion of the most competent officers.

Another issue brought up is the need to reform Internal Affairs (“IA”) within police departments. Police “police” themselves when there are allegations of excessive force, malfeasance in office, or the killing of civilians while on duty. Reggie believes that experienced civilians can provide unbiased oversight and that the IA should be independent and operate outside of the police force.

When an officer is disciplined, the letter of reprimand remains in an active file for 18 months and is then privately archived with IA. Some officers are repeat offenders over the years, but if a prior event occurred over 18 months prior, it can not be used when determining the proper discipline. The only way that an officer’s commission can be taken away is if he is convicted of a crime, and that needs to be changed, according to Reggie. He commented, as an example, that the officer in the George Floyd case had eighteen prior complaints of excessive violence, yet there he was on the street.

It is possible for police officers to quit a department before being fired and move on to join another city’s force. Smaller towns can’t typically afford the training that goes into commissioning officers and they welcome these cost savings. But this practice also reinforces keeping “bad apples” on the street and Reggie commented that he knows of some officers who are now employed at their fifth police department as they’ve moved around due to problematic behavior.

Body cameras were instituted in 2016 in Lafayette; when the sirens and lights go on, or the taser goes on, the camera is activated. Cameras give the department a first hand seat as to what happens and can help in training. Reggie believes that Lafayette is one of the top departments in the country insofar as training, equipment and personnel are concerned.

People are speaking of defunding the police, and Reggie shared his ideas of how to more effectively utilize trained professionals who may be better suited for some types of enforcement needs in the community. The police are routinely called when there is no criminal activity involved, from kids playing basketball in the street, to the next-door neighbor being too loud, to picking up mentally ill people on the street. Reggie recommends funding professionals for dealing with the mentally ill, as an example, as police aren’t trained in that area and when they show up in their uniforms it can scare the person and the situation can escalate out of control when the mentally ill person begins to fight and the taser comes out. In many communities, police departments engage civilians to show up at car accidents and non-criminal activities to help the individuals involved and keep the police out of the scenario.

Not everyone is a criminal or a thug; some are mentally challenged. If the officers can get to know people, they will be able to address the situation and shut it down before things escalate out of control. Reggie stressed the need to have a reliable partner to pull each other off if things do escalate. According to Reggie, one of the officers in the George Floyd situation had only been on the police force for two days, but he was just as culpable because he stood by and watched without taking appropriate action. Reggie stated he would have arrested Officer Derek Chauvin on the day of the event and then gone into the community to speak about what happened. But the unions prevent that course of action, mandating a “waiting period,” and that is what makes people so angry when they don’t see justice carried out. Any other individual who had committed this atrocious act would have been arrested on the spot.

This interview is an insightful look into a life dedicated to public safety for all of our citizens. Thank you Reggie Thomas for your service to our community.

For a similar podcast broadcast recently on Fresh Air, which looks into the statistics and reasons for much needed police reform, visit https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381444908/fresh-air

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Ben Berthelot has served as Executive Director of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission since 2012 and in that role, is an enthusiastic and effective spokesperson for the restaurants, hotels, and related industry tourism professionals that support our region’s unique cultural attributes. In this episode of Discover Lafayette, Ben visits with Jan Swift about the devastating impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on the tourism industry and the hopeful signs he is witnessing as Louisiana enters Phase 2.

Currently serving as Chair of Louisiana Travel Association, Ben Berthelot was appointed to the Resilient Louisiana Commission Hospitality/Tourism Task Force that counsels Gov. John Bel Edwards on the needs of the tourism industry as it emerges from the shutdown.

52% of local unemployment claims have come from people working in food service or accommodations. Since mid-March, Lafayette has lost 38,540 room nights with a $51 million impact to the economy which accounts for the typical meeting, sports, and convention traffic. This number does not include the loss of $50 million from the cancellation of Festival International or the additional loss from leisure and corporate travelers, and the many other annual festival attendees who stop in Lafayette while in the region.

Nationwide, eight million jobs have been lost in the tourism industry since mid-March 2020, which is nine times more than that affected by 9/11. In Lafayette, the effect has been dramatic; in mid-March, the room occupancy rate was down to 23% and revenue dropped by 70%.

One major shot in the arm that has helped local hotels and restaurants is the reopening of the youth sports market, which is a major draw for families around the region. In early June, a softball tournament that drew teams to the area netted over $1 million in economic activity and a 65% room occupancy rate on the Saturday night of the tournament.

While one night’s economic burst won’t turn the market around to profitability, Ben stated that it does go to show the immense power of the youth market on tourism in our market. He also pointed out that major investments made in sports complexes in Youngsville, Broussard, Carencro’s Pelican Park, and Erath are tremendous assets that will continue to draw in crowds. Further, many of the sports activities that attract the crowds are amenable to the social distancing requirements and limiting the numbers in attendance; most youth sports draw parents and grandparents rather than huge crowds of other spectators, and limiting the number of people in the dugouts to 10 can easily be accommodated.

Ben shared a few examples which highlight the impact on local employment: the Doubletree Hotel, Lafayette’s largest hotel, was down from 130 employees to 12; the Cajundome staff was down to 2 employees and has been dealt a major blow in revenue with the cancellation of the Cajunland State Fair, multiple concerts, and other events. At this point, no one knows when concerts will be allowed to take place.

The Resilient Louisiana Hospitality Task Force has made it known to state officials that Local venues must know by July 1, 2020 if events will be allowed to occur so that planning for Festival Acadien and other events may move forward, according to Berthelot.

Eat Lafayette began earlier than scheduled this year to help local restaurants with marketing and to remind area residents of the need to patronize locally-owned restaurants. With all registration fees waived, over 200 restaurants are participating; usually over the past 16 years, about 100 restaurants would participate. With Phase 2 allowing 50% occupancy in restaurants, Ben is optimistic that the restaurants will now enjoy a more stable base of customers returning to their establishments.

Lafayette was selected as the site for TBEX North America 2020– the Travel Blogger Exchange which is currently scheduled for October 7 – 9, 2020. With an average of $41 million in earned media exposure, this event is only held once a year in the U. S. and internationally and is an unprecedented opportunity to reach travel professionals, bloggers, influencers, and content creators on our area’s unique and rich culture. Ben explained that if the date has to be moved back, it would be expected to be held next Spring.

Both Lafayette and the cities around Louisiana will be focusing on the desirability of staycations and the amenities which are available right here for local residents. Affordability is a big plus for families that are on tighter budgets and even in ‘normal’ times, Louisianans are the biggest market for cities throughout the state marketing their attractions. Texas is our second biggest market for tourism.

There is a 38 to 1 return on investment in marketing dollars spent, and LCVC and other tourism agencies will be looking for federal and state dollars to get tourism back on track. This aid will be especially important as LCVC is funded by a 4% hotel occupancy tax. Without these needed dollars, times are tight as the agency looks to bolster the needs of its tourism community.

Ben Berthelot is a dedicate public servant who has served our community and state well. For more information on LCVC and local attractions, please visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/.

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“Homelessness is one paycheck away for many people in America and Covid-19 is really testing this,” says Leigh Rachal, Executive Director of Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing (“ARCH). Leigh has served in this capacity for four years and each day she is guided by her “belief in the wild idea that housing is a basic human need and that everyone should have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.”

Leigh joined Jan Swift on Discover Lafayette to provide an overview of the homeless situation in Acadiana as of early June 2020. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edward’s moratorium on evictions is set to end on June 15, 2020; Louisiana law mandates five days notice for nonpayment of rent and that means that by June 20, the first wave of homelessness is set to unfold. A second wave is expected by August 23rd as the CARES Act Eviction Moratorium is lifted and landlords owning properties that were federally financed or assisted will be able to evict their tenants.

Evicted tenants are not legally absolved from paying back due rent and will still owe these monies while trying to come up with sufficient funds to find a new place to live. The reality is that 45% of renters in Louisiana are housing “cost-burdened,” meaning that they pay more than 35% of their income on housing costs with no safety net to back them up or cover these delinquencies.

ARCH’s main funding is derived from HUD as a Continuum of Care (CoC) agency that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. ARCH is the lead agency for HUD in Acadiana and covers an eight parish region which includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion. The agency is client-centered and utilizes national best practices working to get people housed first and then providing “wrap-around support” to make sure they stay housed. ARCH also assists people who may just need a rent deposit or help negotiating with a landlord to get needed repairs done. She mentioned that many elderly and disabled persons don’t have access to adequate plumbing or a working kitchen in homes that they own and ARCH assists with those needs.

COVID-19’s impact on the economy and jobs has strained resources available to help the homeless, with an increase of 58% or over 200 families rendered homeless since the coronavirus shut down in mid-March. These families were not leaseholders but were doubled and tripled up with family or friends or staying in a hotel because they had lost their job and home before COVID hit. Money ran out or the stress of too many people under one roof led to their homelessness. Leigh spoke of the “hotel trap” many find themselves in; hotels are expensive and it can be hard to save up for a deposit and the first month’s rent when you expend all resources before the end of the month, month after month, with no savings.

Shelters have reached maximum capacity and the closure of the Salvation Army this week (which was planned before COVID) exacerbated the shortage. ARCH has negotiated with local hotel owners to put up homeless families at a reduced rate, and the hotels are also extending the offer to “get an extra room free if two are paid for.” Community donations have generously been collected to go toward this effort and emergency funding was also utilized. (Donations may be made here.) The Louisiana Housing Corporation is covering hotel costs now through the Emergency Solutions Grants fund, but this fund is not unlimited.

“We know there will be an enormous need for help with rental assistance once the moratorium on evictions begin. People keep asking me, ‘What’s the plan?’ Right now, there is no plan because there are no resources to meet the need. Without housing stability, we can’t get back to normal if employees don’t have stable housing. Landlords are struggling also. We need to be talking more about what rental assistance is needed in this community”

A total of 233 homeless households are in hotels now and new ones are being identified. Currently, 75 children from 35 households are living in hotels, and another 40 children are in family shelters. These children are vulnerable and statistics show that homeless children are more likely to become homeless adults. The psychological trauma of being homeless affects educational attainment, makes social interactions more difficult, and is an event that can scar a person for life.

The inability to pay your utility bill is a good indicator of your ability to pay your rent or mortgage. Lafayette Utility System reports that some 5000 households are sixty days or more behind on their payments. Leigh stated that if only 10% of those families become homeless, that will still be a crushing load on the homeless situation. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $750 to $800 in our region and if you need to pay two or three months to catch up on your rent, it may be an impossible situation. And this is not just affecting renters; it is affecting the landlords who are having to pay the mortgage on their rental properties. It is is easy to see the domino effect of this scenario and the anticipated fallout.

An Emergency Solutions Grant in the amount of $713,000 by HUD was recently awarded to ARCH to be used for rent and utility assistance which must be divided among the eight parish district. A recent vote by the Lafayette City and Parish Councils to direct the entirety of $850,000 in federal coronavirus funds to small businesses in lieu of housing and utility assistance was a tough blow to local non-profits serving the homeless.

Leigh Rachal knows that homelessness is a symptom of a larger issue. According to a 2019 study by Prosperity Now, 40% of Americans are only one missed paycheck away from poverty, being “liquid-asset” poor with no savings, even to meet a $400 emergency need. This is not just a problem for the poor either; middle-class and higher-income earners can find themselves in the same boat with no savings and expending too much money on the costs of housing. Acadiana is no different from the rest of the country. COVID has simply exposed another whole group of folks who are now “housing unstable” and rendered homeless.”

Anyone needed utility assistance or looking for a shelter should dial 211 for help. You will be directed to the most appropriate resource for your particular situation. All of the lead agencies working with ARCH stay in contact to keep a current assessment of resources and needs for the community as a whole.

While it may seem like charity to some, Leigh stresses that it is far less expensive as a society to invest in safety-net systems to prevent homelessness. The long term impact on lives and the ripple effect upon communities are extremely expensive. “If you invest on the front end, it is much less costly to the community,” Leigh Rachel states.

ARCH is currently accepting donations of household items to aid people once they move back into stable housing. No clothes please, but dishes, sheets, towels, and other household necessities are needed. Interested parties should email Leigh Rachal at arch@archacadiana.org, phone (337)967-0995 or visit https://www.archacadiana.org/.

Leigh Rachel is a passionate spokesperson for stabilizing our housing market and looks at the long term solutions needed to turn this tide around. She believes that COVID is an opportunity to prove that we can end housing instability. A worker making $7.25 per hour has to work 78 hours per week to pay the average rent of $800/month for a two-bedroom apartment. Increasing the availability of affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, and making housing vouchers available to extremely low-income people are the first steps to consider.

Thank you, Leigh! As we closed our interview, your ‘non-dualistic’ heart and approach to life were commended. May you continue to shine the light on the need in our community for housing stability and encourage unconditional love for each of our neighbors.

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Olivia Savoie, co-founder of Raconteur Story Writing Services, has built a successful enterprise preserving lives and legacies through the written word.

In this Discover Lafayette podcast with host Jan Swift, Olivia shared her lifelong love of writing and the joy she has always felt when in the company of older people. She has incorporated these passions into a business built upon gathering information and photos which result in heirloom stories and tribute books.

A high school teacher encouraged Olivia to be a biographer so she could do the things she loved and utilize her talents to the best and highest use. She took that sound advice and recounted that on the same day she graduated from UL – Lafayette in 2016, she “walked out of her last final exam and into her first client’s home to do a life story interview.” Raconteur means “storyteller” and Olivia selected this French name for her business as it seemed a good fit for her business as well as a loving memory of her grandmother who spoke French.

Joshua Savoie, husband and co-founder of Raconteur, “does everything but write the life histories”, handling the scheduling, helping with the photographs, and working with the families. He also brought banking experience to the upstart business. The two met at church, and Joshua is a 2015 graduate of UL – Lafayette.

Raconteur produces four types of books: (1)”Life” storybooks which capture the life events and memories of a living person; (2) “Tribute” books which honor a person who has passed away; (3)”Couple’s” Life Story which captures the stories of an elderly couple, starting with tales of each of them as a youth, moving onto to their love story, and then the path their lives took together; and (4) Corporate Histories which document a company’s rise to prominence and details of its longevity.

Olivia conducts in-home interviews to gather information, and will typically spend three hours per day over a four to five day period of time. She asks between 200 to 300 customized questions, depending on the type of book being prepared, and provides a custom photo list to guide the client on the type of photos they should gather in preparation for the book. A scanner is used to copy the photos while in the client’s home, and Olivia emphasized that she never takes precious pictures off-premises. Once the information is gathered, the Raconteur team works for a few weeks to compile the story into book form.

“It is important to keep the voice of the person, their quips, their way of communicating as their story is told,” Olivia Savoie of Raconteur Story Writing Services says. The books are between 50 to 200 pages long, depending on the type of work commissioned. She has gotten to know Louisiana’s unique culture well and hears recurring stories such as people who got in trouble for speaking French or the “hog killings.” Photo by Romero and Romero.

Most of Olivia’s clients are in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. A few have always wanted to write a book and her assistance provides just the right amount of help to get the job done. Most, however, are just interested in documenting their story to hand down to their descendants and Olivia and her team will write the whole book based upon the information provided through the oral interviews. “It is important to keep the voice of the person, their quips, their way of communicating as their story is told,” Olivia says. The books are between 50 to 200 pages long, depending on the type of work commissioned.

Raconteur’s business has grown and Olivia travels across the Southeast to meet with clients personally. About 2/3 of her work is done in Louisiana, throughout the state.

A favorite quote is by George Meredith: “Memoirs are the back stairs of history.” Olivia says that many of her clients built early Lafayette and she loves hearing about the visions that they put in place. Iconic businessman Maurice Heymann pops up often in the stories and tales of old streets such as “College Avenue” (now University Avenue) or memories of how it used to take two hours to travel to Opelousas are stark reminders of how times have changed.

A favorite quote of Olivia Savoie is by George Meredith: “Memoirs are the back stairs of history.” Olivia says that many of her clients built early Lafayette and she loves hearing about the visions they put in place. Businessman Maurice Heymann pops up often in the stories and tales of old streets such as “College Avenue” (now University Ave.) or memories of how it used to take two hours to travel to Opelousas are stark reminders of how times have changed.

When Olivia asks her clients what is most important to them, the common denominator is that people always talk about how grateful they are for their spouse, their children and grandchildren, and their faith. She shares, “It brings me into the present and reminds me of what’s important over and over again.”

Common advice shared by the elderly: “Don’t go to bed angry.” “Do what you love.” “Once you raise them, you have to let them raise their own children without your input.”

While some people know they have interesting stories to share, others may feel that they have been forgotten in their old age and left behind. Olivia remembered a 106-year-old woman who thought she didn’t have much of a story to tell. As she began to reminisce, however, she realized that she had lived an interesting life. One fellow, when asked the 60 questions about his childhood, ended up sharing information that his wife had never heard; Olivia smiled as she remembered the hours they spent laughing at all the wonderful memories.

Olivia Savoie is delightful and exudes an obvious love for her avocation of writing biographies. Her books are beautiful tributes to beautiful lives. To learn more about her services, please visit https://www.raconteurwriting.com/

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Marilyn Castle, Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District Court covering Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion Parishes, joined Jan Swift on Discover Lafayette to discuss how the operations of the courthouse have been impacted due to the pandemic shutdown.

Judge Castle received her Juris Doctorate from LSU in 1976 and then served early in her career as an Assistant DA. From 1979 until her election to the bench in November 1998, her practice focused primarily in the areas of business and commercial litigation. She has served as President of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association and is active in her community both in her church at Asbury United Methodist Church and the Bonaparte Mardi Gras Krewe.

No stranger to leading during times of crisis, Judge Castle also served as Chief Judge during 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The pandemic, however, has altered operations in the courthouse in ways no one has ever experienced and which called for unparalleled crisis management.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber took swift steps to close off the jail facility from outside traffic in his effort to keep the prisoners safe from the coronavirus, which actions have prevented an outbreak in the jail. Any new arrestees are put under a fourteen-day quarantine. No inmates have left the facility to appear in court, and the number of visitors going into the jail has been extremely limited. Most “court” appearances by prisoners have been conducted by video conference, although under Lousiana law some appearances, such as sentencing, must be conducted in person. Glass partitions separate the prisoners from visitors such as Judge Castle, and all visitors have to have their temperature checked before entering. Prisoners are separated in smaller numbers into pods to cut down exposure from the greater population.

From March 16, 2020 until the courthouse reopened for general business on May 18, 2020, all hearings were conducted by video, except for emergency hearings involving juvenile matters or for people seeking protective orders. Staff worked from home, and there were no in-court, in-person proceedings except for the emergency matters mentioned herein.

A large number of criminal court appearances such as pre-trial matters, criminal trials, and rules originally scheduled to take place during the shutdown were missed, and people whose hearings were postponed are now mandated to go to the courthouse to receive “re-service of their summons” to obtain their new date of criminal hearing, as outlined in the 15TH JDC Phase 1 Order. Based upon the alphabet according to the individual’s last name, the dates to visit the courthouse for this mandated re-service are as follows: A – I: Tuesday, May 26; J – Q: Wednesday, May 27; and R – Z: Thursday, May 28. Large tents will be set up on the E. Main side of the courthouse and people will be directed to the service desk by a bailiff. People who fail to show up can expect a sheriff’s deputy at their door with a bench warrant for their arrest.

People whose criminal hearings were postponed are now mandated to go to the courthouse to receive “re-service of their summons” to obtain a new date for their criminal hearing, as outlined in the 15TH JDC Phase 1 Order. Pictured: Chief Judge Marilyn C. Castle speaking at City Hall. Wednesday, May 13, 2020. (Photo: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network) Most of the civil trials that were scheduled during the shutdown have been reset for later this year. The majority of cases heard by the court are criminal in nature and the judges are having to work out how juries will be selected and how they will accommodate the spacing issues involved. Only a few courtrooms have a large enough capacity to seat jurors six feet apart, and the size of jury pools will be limited; people called for jury duty will not have to worry that they will be packed tightly in a small room with 100 or more people.

Attorneys will have to pay close attention to prescriptive deadlines which were suspended until June 5 by proclamation of Gov. John Bel Edwards. No default judgments have been entered and won’t be until the governor’s order is lifted and prescriptive periods begin to run again.

The Court reopened May 18 at a 25% limitation on capacity, requiring people to wear masks and sanitize their hands. People who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter. Cleaning crews sanitize the space after people leave a room. The public is asked to bring their own mask, but the court does have a limited supply of masks if needed.

Jury trials are still on hold until June 30, according to a directive from the Louisiana Supreme Court. However, anyone who has a scheduled court appearance from May 18th forward must appear. It is important, Judge Castle emphasized, that people pay close attention to information on the 15th JDC website and any official correspondence they receive.

The 15th Judicial District Court reopened May 18 at a 25% limitation on capacity, requiring people to wear masks, and excludes people who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. Jury trials are still on hold until June 30, according to a directive from the Louisiana Supreme Court. Attorneys and litigants have had to learn quickly to embrace technology as a means of affording access to the court and its judges. Apps such as Zoom have been heavily relied upon and have reduced not only the fiscal costs of transporting people from out of the parish but also the time involved in travel. Under current law, however, certain proceedings must be conducted in person and there is no allowance for a video conference. Judge Castle has enjoyed using Zoom for its convenience and the ability to see the participants’ faces up close. She is hopeful that the Louisiana Legislature will realize that requirements of in-person appearances can be loosened as we draw from the experience of the shutdown and that laws may be amended to allow for increased use of technology

The upcoming fall elections are going to bring the biggest turnover of judges that Castle has experienced in her twenty-two years on the bench. She anticipates five new judges as some of the sitting judges are retiring or seeking other elected offices. With that turnover comes a loss of institutional knowledge which will be especially challenging as the court system evolves to adapt in the aftermath of the pandemic.

To access the 15TH Judicial District Court Emergency Order on the re-opening of the court system, in particular for people who missed criminal proceedings originally scheduled between March 16 and May 18, 2020, please visit https://www.15thjdc.org/uploads/15thJDCsPhaseOneOrder.pdf.

We thank Judge Marilyn Castle for her service to our community and for taking the time to visit with Discover Lafayette. She is a wonderful role model for those in the legal profession and anyone with a passion for justice.

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Meet Gerald Gerami, owner of Rug Gallery by Gerami’s, who has followed in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his late grandfather, Joseph Patrick Gerami, who opened his first retail establishment in Lafayette in 1920.

Gerald Gerami sat down with Jan Swift, host of Discover Lafayette, to share his experience as a successful vendor who has survived the ups and downs of the marketplace in Lafayette. This interview is full of nuggets of wisdom from someone who jumped out of his comfort zone, believed in his ability to meet the needs of his community, and took the risk of opening his own retail establishment.

The original Gerami family business was started by Joseph Patrick Gerami who had immigrated to the United States from Sicily and settled in Lafayette after he returned from WWI. Gerami’s opened first as a furniture market in 1920 with the financial assistance of the iconic businessman, Maurice Heymann, who believed in investing in solid business people who could use a helping hand. Although Joseph Gerami was originally a furniture craftsman, his retail operation evolved into the opening of a second store offering flooring. This store is still open today on Jefferson Blvd. in downtown Lafayette, some 100 years after it was first opened by Joseph Gerami, and is run by his grandsons Gary and Greg Gerami.

Members of the Gerami family: Glenn, Greg, Gerald Sr., Gary, and Gerald Jr. Gerald Gerami, Jr. had been influenced by his maternal grandfather, L. D. “Dudley” Foreman, who was a longtime banker at First National Bank in Lafayette. Post-college, Gerald first went into banking as a young man and then in the late 1980s was courted by his college buddy, Don Hargroder of Courtesy Automotive, to go into auto sales.

After about 10 years in the auto business, Gerald was ready to open his own business and decided to return his family’s retail roots with a twist: he decided there was a good opportunity in Lafayette to open a stand-alone rug location which could offer complementary pieces to the flooring options his family was selling. The original Gerami’s Flooring store didn’t have the room to offer an expanded selection of area rugs, and the natural synergy between the two stores could be utilized to enhance the business of both.

In 1998, Gerald Gerami, Jr. opened Rug Gallery by Gerami’s to meet a needed niche in Lafayette’s retail market as homeowners increasingly installed hard flooring and decorative rugs were becoming more popular. The timing was good and the original location in Time Plaza on Johnston St. was a high traffic locale with a convenient location across town from the original Gerami’s. In 2014, Gerald moved his store to its current location at 105 Englewood Drive, facing the busy Ambassador Caffrey corridor and allowing him to roughly double his showroom space.

In 2014, Gerald moved his store to its current location at 105 Englewood Dr., Lafayette LA. Gerami’s clientele is mainly women who make the home decorating selections. The store’s experienced manager, Monica Cagle, has worked with Gerald since its inception. Gerald’s wife, Carla, while not full-time, travels to market to help with the selection of the rug and accessories inventory, and with day to day decisions.

Gerald and Carla Gerami with Alex Pekar at a rug market in Atlanta. Many people think that Gerami’s only offers rugs, and expensive Oriental rugs at that, but the store offers rugs in all price brackets as well as accessories to complement your home decor. Its staff will help you select the appropriate rug and accessories and you have the opportunity to take the merchandise home to see if it works with your existing decor before committing to the purchase. Gerald says that 90% of the people they help take the item home and he stands behind the guarantee, “Try it Before You Buy it!”

Service and the business’s personal touch are what have allowed the store to remain intact through the inevitable economic ups and downs the Lafayette area has faced since 1998. And, of course, the internet has challenged all local vendors worldwide, but in Gerald’s view, “You can’t get the personal touch offered by local vendors when you shop on the internet. I know people shop the internet for convenience and may have the misconception that you can buy cheaper off the internet. I know for a fact that that’s not true, especially when it pertains to my business. We’re competitive and you have to be competitive in terms of price. Otherwise, people will go to your competitors or they’ll shop online. We offer a service, not at a premium price, and provide the personal touch you’ll never get on the internet.”

“People shop the internet for convenience and may have the misconception that you can buy cheaper off the internet. I know for a fact that that’s not true especially when it pertains to my business. We’re competitive and you have to be competitive in terms of price. Otherwise, people will go to your competitors or they’ll shop online. We offer a service, not at a premium price, and provide the personal touch you’ll never get on the internet.”

When asked if he had advice for budding entrepreneurs, he offered, “You have to have the right balance of product and price, and offer a service that the customer can’t get somewhere else.”

Experience, support, and good timing are also indicators of potential success. Celebrating twenty-two years in business in May 2020, Gerald looked back and reflected on his own decision to jump into retail, leaving a comfortable, secure position to go out on his own. “It’s scary to step out of your comfort zone, from something you’re comfortable doing to something completely different. It was a risk, but I believed in myself. I knew I had my family’s support, that we were bringing a product that filled a need in the community, and that the community would support us. I knew I had the knowledge to put the whole thing together, but of course, you always have your doubts.”

“It was a risk, but I believed in myself. I knew I had my family’s support, that we were bringing a product that filled a need in the community, and that the community would support us. I knew I had the knowledge to put the whole thing together, but of course, you always have your doubts.” Gerald Gerami looking back on his 22 years in business.

We thank Gerald Gerami for sharing the story of his journey as well as a bit about his family’s history. He’s helped us “Discover Lafayette.”

For information on Rug Gallery by Gerami, visit https://ruggallerybygeramisla.com.

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Business success is contingent upon effective sales strategies, no matter what field you’re in. Looking for guidance in surviving today’s trying economic times, Jan Swift of Discover Lafayette called upon Reece Theriot of Fulcrum Sales and Marketing to share his expertise.

Reece Theriot is young, thirty years old to be exact. Yet, he has over ten years of experience in sales and marketing. A graduate of UL – Lafayette in public relations, he realized quickly that this is not a big market for publicists. Wanting to stay in Lafayette, Reece joined Arthrex, the largest medical device sales company in the U. S. He learned that he had a knack for listening to what his doctor clients needed and was able to find effective solutions. He earned his MBA from UL-Lafayette during that time.

As an instructor of Sales and Entrepreneurship in the B. I. Moody III College of Business for nine semesters, Theriot would open the class with the infamous clip of Alec Baldwin playing “Blake” in Glengarry Glen Ross where he berated the beleaguered salespeople and yelled at them that they should “Always be Closing (ABC’s)” no matter what it took. Theriot stressed that this stereotype of salespeople provides a lesson in all the wrong ways successful relationships are built with potential clients.

As a professor, he learned that it was difficult for his students to get hired, as most companies preferred to hire experienced salespeople over an entry-level candidate. As a sales trainer and consultant, he also realized that the majority of companies didn’t need sales training, they needed someone to “own the problem” of sales and help them solve it. As Theriot says, “They didn’t want the recipe book; they wanted someone to cook the recipe.”

Theriot took these lessons and opened Fulcrum Sales & Marketing to provide meaningful opportunities for sales professionals to become certified in the best techniques. Fulcrum also outsources a “boots on the ground” sales force that companies can hire to help them find new business opportunities, make product pitches, and create customer relationships. They assist with inbound and outbound marketing strategies, which used to be referred to as “pull and push” marketing.

Reece Theriot with student Jack Stromain upon completion of Fulcrum Sales and Marketing’s Apprenticeship Program. While most companies today engage in digital marketing efforts, it can be a scattershot effort aimed at “selling to everyone and making money.” Theriot says it is important to define “who” your ideal client is so that you can understand what your marketing campaign should look like and who it should target. By proactively defining your customer and identifying your company’s core strength, you can offer the specific solution for what the buyer needs to solve their problem/weakness.

The challenge is to position your product in the mind of the consumer so you can stand out as being different and distinguish your product from that offered by competitors. Theriot gave an example of service companies who will tell potential clients, “What makes us different from others is the quality of our service.” This is ineffective because everyone says that. He counseled that if you can show people how your service is similar to that which they have experienced but different in a way that meets their particular needs, the customer will recognize your value. It’s a lot easier to sell “different” than “being better,” according to Theriot.

Theriot quoted UL – Lafayette Business Professor Geoff Stewart who is known for saying, “Where the seller’s strength lines up with the buyer’s weakness, this becomes the seller’s opportunity.” Every company has external opportunities and threats. A professional salesperson will identify “who” their ideal client is, then dive in and ask questions about the prospect’s weakness and how their external threats line up with the seller’s strengths. That is where a professional salesperson has the real opportunity to serve the customer.

It’s important during this economic downturn to be intentional about getting new customers as well as retaining old ones. Many businesses grow organically over time, through word of mouth and exceptional service. In today’s trying times, however, this word of mouth marketing will slow down. Businesses will be well-served to get their message out to customers and communicate the value their service brings. People are focused on saving money and getting a return on their investment. Gear your message as to how your company can specifically meet the client’s needs and help them get value for their hard-earned money.

“It’s important during this economic downturn to be intentional about getting new customers as well as retaining old ones. Businesses will be well-served to get their message out to customers and communicate the value and return on investment that their service brings.”

Many digital ad buyers are pulling their ads to save cash, so ad prices are dropping. It is a good time to get into digital marketing if you haven’t already done so. Most businesses would benefit from this to keep their business front and center. Theriot spoke highly of Shopify as a great e-commerce tool providing a platform for the local mom and pop stores who are interested in selling online. Linkedin is Theriot’s favorite networking and information platform as it is a place for ambitious business people looking to improve themselves and make meaningful connections.

At a recent conference put on by Fulcrum Sales and Marketing along with Acadian Capital Research, sales insight was shared on “Finding Buyers When Nobody’s Buying:”

1. Understand your company’s unique strengths.
2. Let that understanding fuel your competitiveness & drive innovation.
3. Be an empathetic and genuine problem-solver.
4. Make sure you are solving the right problems for your customers; this will help you identify the untapped potential within your current customer base
5. Make it easy to do business with your company.

Reece Theriot is a generous professional who freely shares his knowledge. While sales come naturally to him, it doesn’t to many of us. We can all learn to be more focused and intentional in our efforts to sell our wares and services by following the advice of professionals. We thank Reece Theriot for taking the time to help us recognize that by helping others, we also help ourselves and our business’s bottom line. May this podcast inspire you to figure out “who” you’re helping and what your core strengths are so that you may make a difference in others’ lives.

For more information, visit https://fulcrumsales.marketing/.

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Isabella de la Houssaye is our guest on Discover Lafayette with host, Jan Swift. Isabella is a native of Crowley and has worked and traveled all over the world, first as an international finance lawyer at White & Case LLP, then as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers, and currently as the co-owner of Material Culture, in Philadelphia, a retail establishment and auction house.

Isabella is also an endurance athlete, mountain climber, and a certified yoga instructor. She has run marathons in every state in the U. S (and then some), competed in 10 Ironmans, and 20 ultramarathons.

A non-smoker, Isabella was diagnosed in February 2018 with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer disease kills more women and men in the U. S. and worldwide than any other cancer. People mistakenly believe that only smokers get lung cancer, when in fact 65% of people who get new lung cancer diagnoses never smoked or are former smokers. Scientists believe the rise in cases even as the rate of smoking decreases is linked to environmental factors such as pollution driven by fossil fuels and exposure to radon.

We spoke by telephone on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, as she was in her hometown, Crowley, Louisiana, stopping for a brief visit with family before continuing the last 1000 miles of her 3000-mile cross-country bike ride across the U. S. She is on a mission to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer to facilitate early diagnoses as well as educate on the importance of researching effective treatments. She began her trek on March 10, 2020, in San Diego, CA, and finished April 20, 2020, on the Atlantic coast in Jacksonville, FL. While she had originally had plans to bike as part of a larger group and hold cancer awareness events across the U. S., including the Miles Perret Center in Lafayette, the Covid-19 pandemic changed all that. She plans to come back when it’s safe to be in a crowd and hold public events.

Isabella de la Houssaye and her husband, David Crane, biked across the U. S. to raise awareness of lung cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of research for treatments. To learn more about Isabella, lung cancer, and enjoy her beautiful blog on mindfulness, please visit https://bikebreathebelieve.org/ Lung cancer is typically diagnosed at late Stage III or IV and there are few symptoms until the cancer has advanced and spread throughout the body. For people with Stage IV lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is less than 10%.

When de la Houssaye was first diagnosed in early 2018, the cancer was in her lungs, adrenal glands, bones, spine, and six tumors were in her brain. She had been experiencing severe Level 10 pain in her sacrum in her back area, and doctors initially thought it must be a pulled muscle because she was so active. No doctor thought that she might have lung cancer, and she had continuing racing and winning her age group in marathons and the Ironman competition. But by the time of her diagnosis, her sacrum was 100% eaten up by tumors and she was bedridden, dying.

Ironically, an MRI taken to diagnose what was thought to be a sports injury revealed tumors in her spine and a CT scan confirmed Stage IV cancer, yet her insurance company didn’t want to approve a PET scan because she was dying. She fought to get this biomarker test and the results allowed her physicians to target the best treatment based upon her specific genetic mutation. Within 24 hours of ingesting Avastin, she felt an immediate difference in her body as it responded positively; she was also able to avoid tough, old-school chemotherapy which would have been much more brutal. The tumors in her spine shrank over the next few months. She was one of the lucky ones for whom the targeted treatment worked.

“Never give up. Focus on what you have rather than what you have lost. Stay active. Keep moving. Set goals. It’s not survival of the fittest, but survival of the most adaptable. Love freely and be grateful and remember that failure is not defeat until you stop trying.” The quote is one that Isabella de la Houssaye loved in the movie, “Free Solo” about mountain climber Alex Honnold. The doctors told her it would take years for her lost bone mass to be replaced; it was thought that she wouldn’t live long enough to see that. But she started walking with poles, putting as much weight on her arms as she could so she could plow forward. She still had hopes to run marathons in the seven states in the U. S. that had not yet been checked off of her “50 State Challenge”.

Her bones strengthened and later in 2018, the same year as her diagnosis, she competed in a marathon, one step at a time, taking ten hours to reach the finish line. She was able to participate because of the kind work of the Mainly Marathon organization. Her mind turned to other challenges such as her Ironman competitions of the past, but she never thought she would bike again as she was fearful of hurting herself and possibly breaking more bones. And of course, the Ironman Challenge is a swim/bike/run event for only the most elite athletes.

De la Houssaye did recover her strength and with the help of the Ironman Foundation and Ventum Racing’s donation of a triathlon racing bike, she had the opportunity to compete in the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, a longtime dream of hers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgrT-A55nD0 “It’s not managing your fears, it’s about expanding your comfort zones.” Isabella de la Houssaye lives positively in the moment, one moment at a time. In this video, Isabella shares her determination to continue to expand her comfort zones and provides a glimpse of her finish at the Ironman competition in Kona, Hawaii. De la Houssaye had begun a daily mindfulness practice ten years before her diagnosis, at a time when she was raising five teenagers. It started with yoga where she gained a physical awareness of her body, and then it became a spiritual practice.” She shares that she learned to take the nasty teens can say and convert it into a “language of love” and not get upset with what they said; they were just doing what teenagers do.

She believes negative emotions of fear, anger, and frustration don’t serve anyone well. If you ask yourself if the negativity helps you, you know the answer is usually “no.”She’s learned to put negative emotions behind her, especially in dealing with her cancer diagnosis; she focuses instead on joy, hope, deep breathing, and gratitude for what she has, all of which help her deal with anxiety and stress. “Mindfulness teaches you to let things go” and to focus on what you can do and make the most of it.

De la Houssaye also counsels us to be conscious of the words we use that can bring up negativity. People talk of being at ‘war with cancer’ but she says, “I’m just trying to co-exist with my cancer. I don’t really need to kill it, we just need to live together.” She also believes it is important to be conscious of any underlying health conditions so that you may experience better outcomes if diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, or in her case, with cancer.

“The past two years have really been the best years of my life. There’s something about being so close to death and then realizing you’re alive. It makes every second so powerful, you become so mindful of being alive. When you take life for granted, you don’t appreciate how beautiful life is. If I do die tomorrow, it’s OK, I’ve really lived!”

De la Houssaye is now an active advocate for more awareness about lung cancer and she reflects that some doctor should have said, “Oh, you may have lung cancer.” But she never had a cough. She now knows that the experience of pain in the back is a symptom of lung cancer, but not one that many doctors will accurately diagnose. Early detection is the key to increasing your odds of long-term survival.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include Source: Mayoclinic.org*

• A new cough that doesn’t go away
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight without trying
• Bone pain
• Headache

As we closed our interview, de la Houssaye spoke of her idyllic childhood growing up in a religious family and attending Catholic schools. She remembered wanting so much to be perfect and then had an epiphany which led to great happiness and an ability to relax. “As a child, I wanted to be a saint. I had big dreams! And one day when I was 10, I realized that was too much pressure. So I decided to do one good thing a day, to make one person a day happy.”

One important step she has taken to help others be happy is through the Afghan Peace Rug Project, undertaken through her gallery, Material Culture. The U. S. Department of Defense approached de la Houssaye to enlist her to partner with women in Afghanistan to make “war rugs” in an effort to rehabilitate the economy. She agreed to the task but only if the artisans would weave images of peace. Some of the images selected revolve around family, nature, trees, flowers, animals, and sometimes school buildings. According to Material Culture’s site, “This series of unique, one of a kind rugs, each depicting the weaver’s vision of the peaceful Afghanistan all hope will emerge from the conflict, aspires to promote peace by changing people’s image of the country and stimulate the economy by replacing “war rug” collecting with “peace rug” collecting.

Afghan Peace rugs distributed by Material Culture, de la Houssaye’s auction and exhibition gallery, in partnership with a group of village rug artisans in Afghanistan. We thank Isabella de la Houssaye for her inspirational words and the example she sets for how to live life. For more information on her journey, please visit https://bikebreathebelieve.org/. For more information on lung cancer, visit the Center for Disease Control, Mayoclinic.org, or lungcancer.org.

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Are you familiar with the story of the Marquis de Lafayette, the man Lafayette, Louisiana is named after?

The Marquis de Lafayette was a hero of the American Revolutionary War, having served under General George Washington in several crucial battles. He was only 19 years old when he came to the states and he had no previous combat experience.

After the war, he returned to France and entered the political realm championing the ideals of liberty that America embodied. President James Monroe invited Lafayette to tour the United States, to instill the “spirit of 1776” in the next generation of Americans and to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary.

Lafayette visited all of the American states and was received with a hero’s welcome, traveling more than 6,000 miles, and accompanied by his son Georges Washington de La Fayette, named after George Washington.

When the Louisiana legislature divided St. Martin parish in 1824, it created Lafayette Parish. The parish name Lafayette was chosen due to the enthusiasm of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to the United States.

However, the city’s name remained Vermilionville due to the fact that the name “Lafayette” had been already given to a suburb of New Orleans. Eventually, in 1884, Vermilionville became Lafayette, and joined dozens of other cities, counties, schools, and public squares named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette.

Thanks to our Premier sponsor, Rally Marketing, for supporting our efforts to share Lafayette’s past so as to inspire pride in our community and knowledge of those who came before us!

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Ruffin Rodrigue, proprietor of Ruffino’s on the River in Lafayette, Ruffino’s in Baton Rouge, and Ruffino’s Catering in downtown Baton Rouge, is our guest on Discover Lafayette with Jan Swift.

A native of Thibodaux, Rodrigue followed in the footsteps of his dad, Ruffin Rodrigue, Sr., who played LSU football in the early 1960s as a member of the infamous Chinese Bandits. Rodrigue was an All-SEC guard at LSU from 1986 through 1989 and fondly recalled his time under the tutelage of Coach Bill Arnsparger when the team was #3 in the nation and won the SEC Championship. After graduating in Spring 1990 in Marketing, he played for the World League of American Football (now NFL Europe) until an injury in Montreal ended his career and he returned to Louisiana.

Rodrigue put his marketing degree to use working for five years at Mockler Beverage, a Budweiser distributor in Baton Rouge. He developed a friendship with T.J. Moran, the first franchisee of Ruth’s Chris who went on to become one of the largest U. S. franchisees for the steakhouse company and who also owned the wildly popular TJ Ribs and Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant. In 1998, Ruffin entered the hospitality business with Moran to manage DiNardo’s, an Italian-themed restaurant in South Baton Rouge on Highland Road named after Gerry DiNardo who had been a popular LSU football coach. As DiNardo’s coaching career went into decline it was time to rebrand the endeavor, and Moran, Rodrigue, and chef Peter Sclafani bought out DiNardo and went into partnership in 2000, renaming the restaurant “Ruffino’s.”

Being mentored by the late T. J. Moran, successful franchisee of Ruth’s Chris and owner of TJ Ribs and Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant, left an indelible impression on Rodrigue and he recounted that Moran’s motto was to “Strive to Make it Better Every Day.” Ruffin has followed that advice every day for the past 22 years.

Being mentored by T. J. Moran left an indelible impression on Rodrigue, and he recounted that Moran’s motto was to “Strive to Make it Better Every Day.” And Rodrigue has followed that advice every day for the past 22 years. Besides sharing his sage advice, Moran also taught Rodrigue how to treat people and how to do things the right way.

Inside view of Ruffino’s on Highland Road in South Baton Rouge, featuring a Blue Dog painting with Ruffin Rodrigue’s #68 jersey, along with other memorabilia from his LSU football days.

The success of Ruffino’s in Baton Rouge led to the opening of its second restaurant in Lafayette in May 2013. Rodrigue and his partners opened Ruffino’s on the River on Camellia Boulevard in the beautiful and spacious restaurant situated on the Vermilion River that was formerly owned by Cochon’s. Cochon’s, based out of New Orleans, had been in business for only nine months but failed to capture local interest. Ruffin had been advised that the River Ranch development was the perfect place to locate. The combination of delicious food, a huge bar, personality, energy, music, and all of the right intangibles outside of food that make people want to return again and again, made the restaurant a huge success. In 2018, Rodrigue bought out his partner, Peter Sclafani, and is now the sole owner proprietor of all Ruffino’s properties.

Ruffino’s on the River is situated on a beautiful setting on the Vermilion River in River Ranch at 921 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette LA 70508 As the oil and gas recession intensified in late 2014/early 2015, Rodrigue’s close friend and LSU football buddy Jamie Howard warned him that tough times were in store for South Louisiana. When the expense accounts of the energy executives dried up, he turned to the marketing of small gatherings and parties to healthcare and IT professionals and maintained a profitable enterprise. Rodrigue noted that the Baton Rouge market has historically been a more stable setting for business as the State Capitol and home to LSU’s flagship university, as well as the petrochemical industry which is less volatile and actually benefits from the low price of oil.

Fast forward to April 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home order has turned the restaurant business upside down. The overnight drop in sales has presented a challenge never encountered by Ruffin Rodrigue or any of his successful peers in the hospitality industry, even after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or the oil and gas industry declines periodically suffered over the past few decades. Veterans of the business are wondering which dining establishments will be able to hold on without an adequate revenue stream to ride out the pandemic. The bottoming out of the energy market has intensified the problems facing restaurants as people stay home and hold on to their cash. Rodrigue said that up to 50% of New Orleans restaurants may close when it’s all said and done.

The Paycheck Paycheck Protection funding authorized by Congress doesn’t work for the restaurant industry. While it was set up to help small businesses stay open and keep people employed, Rodrigue says it is impossible for restaurant owners to meet the criteria to qualify as (1) “We don’t have any business,” and (2) “Most of the hourly workers are now on unemployment.” Further, the directive that businesses utilize 75% of the PPE funds on payroll expenses is not a fit for the hospitality industry which typically employs hourly workers for the bulk of its workforce.

Rodrigue has managed to keep his salaried employees on payroll from the cash flow generated from his takeout business. He is ready to open up again and is well situated to meet the “social” and physical distancing required under government order. His restaurant and bar are both spacious and he can accommodate the guidelines to spread out tables to maintain adequate distancing. His overflow seating outside of the restaurant will complement the indoor space. But he worries that many smaller restaurants will not be able to comply with the COVID guidelines. And nobody really wants to wear a mask when they go out to eat and drink; it will also be a struggle to hear your server if they have to talk through a mask.

The only way restaurants will be able to successfully reopen, in Rodrigue’s view, is to have FDA-approved antibody testing for COVID-19. Moving forward as the economy is starting to reopen gradually and carefully with guidelines in place, he was appointed by Louisiana Senate President Page Cortez to serve on the Louisiana Legislative Advisory Task Force on Economic Recovery; the private industry group is charged with” developing policy, legislative, and regulatory recommendations to re-start the Louisiana economy and to invest in the long-term recovery of households, workers, and businesses from the COVID-19 crisis.” He is the only hospitality representative at this time on the task force.

Rodrigue is advocating that the restaurant industry is going to need grants to reopen. The funds needed to replace spoiled food, retrain the workforce, and catch up with debt service and rent may be too much for many restaurants. Once business is cut off and the entity closes, it is hard to re-enter the market and many without the desire or strength to fight it out may be lost forever.

The restaurant industry is the largest non-governmental employer in Louisiana, and Rodrigue is a passionate supporter of the Cajun culture and cuisine sustained by our local restaurants, as well as the Gulf Seafood Industry whose livelihood is dependent upon selling their product to restaurants. It’s important now to support our restaurants as much as you can by patronizing those who have maintained take-out dining. Ruffino’s has maintained its menu options and offers several family meal takeout selections which are designed to travel well from restaurant to home. For menu options, visit http://ruffinoslafayette.com

Ruffin Rodrigue has received many accolades for his work in the hospitality industry, including Louisiana’s Marketer of the Year in 2016 and Restaurateur of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association in 2015. We thank him for taking the time to visit with us on Discover Lafayette and know you will enjoy his story as much as we did!

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Steven Picou, Executive Director of the Lafayette Regional Airport, visits with Jan Swift, Host of Discover Lafayette, to discuss the ongoing progress of construction of Lafayette’s new terminal, as well as the impact the COVID-19 virus on air travel numbers at the airport.

A native of Cut Off in Lafourche Parish, Picou graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in professional aviation and obtained his commercial, multi-engine, instrument pilot’s license at Tech the same year. He has worked at other airports around the country in New Orleans, Albuquerque, and Amarillo. His experience includes remodeling and building new terminals.

Picou was hired in 2015 by the Lafayette Airport Commission as the body was poised to move forward with the construction of a larger terminal, an expanded parking lot, and other facility upgrades. In order to raise matching funds needed to obtain federal and state funding for the project, in December 2014 Lafayette Parish residents overwhelmingly approved a temporary one-cent tax to be imposed from April 1 through November 30, 2015. Approximately $33.5 million was raised during that time, with all funds being dedicated to the airport terminal project.

https://www.facebook.com/LafayetteRegionalAirport/videos/1045675319137061/ Watch the video to take a tour of the new Terminal Drive and see construction progress as of March 2020. The $90 million terminal project is funded by thirteen sources which include the local tax proceeds collected in 2015 along with federal and state grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Louisiana State Department of Transportation (DOTD) Aviation Division, La. DOTD, and airport savings. The total cost of the project may reach $130 million when a new FAA facility, rental car area, and other upgrades are completed. Lemoine Manhattan, a joint venture of The Lemoine Company and Manhattan Construction Company, is the prime contractor for the new terminal.

Construction of the new airport terminal and upgraded facilities began in 2018 and is projected to be completed in September 2021. Picou says “the project is on time and on within its budget.” Lafayette is the ‘poster child’ for the FAA as to how communities should go about funding projects and Picou says “it goes a long way when you can bring something to the table when you’re asking for financial help in building a facility.”

Picou likens his job to that as mayor of a city. He says, “I’m not elected but I do serve as the “Mayor” of the Airport working with the Lafayette Airport Commission’s seven members, who are vested with authority similar to that of a City Council. The airport has its own law enforcement (contracted with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office) and its own aircraft fire-fighting rescue services (contracted with the Rural Metro Corporation). The Airport encompasses approximately 1,116 acres over four separate tracts of land which include the airfield, hangars, terminal building, aviation and non-aviation facilities, and safety areas, all of which are overseen by Picou and the Lafayette Airport Commission.

While the airport partners with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines, it does not have control of their operations. The flight partnership is three-prong: Lafayette Regional Airport is your gateway to travel and is responsible for roadways, the maintenance of all facilities and infrastructure such as the terminal and runways, keeping the grounds safe, and providing space for parking and rental car lots. The TSA is responsible for the safe and secure screening of all passengers. (*Note that a second TSA screening line was scheduled to be opened but the pandemic has delayed this addition.) And thirdly, the airlines are responsible for selling you a seat and running the entire baggage process; the airport does not have the authority to sell seats on the airlines or secure your luggage and track it down in the event it gets lost.

Airports make money through several revenue streams including from their general aviation partners (smaller aircraft as well as the larger commercial carriers (Delta, United, American, etc. ). Landing fees, passenger facility charges, concessions, parking fees and tenants located on the airfield contribute to the airport’s revenue.

Starting May 1, the airport will open a “QTA” or quick turnaround facility at 133 Fuel Drive, which will enable the car rental companies to store their vehicles on airport property, service them, quickly clean and fuel them, and return them to their lot. The airport will charge rent to the rental car companies and charge a fuel flowage fee.

An aerial rendering of the new Quick Turnaround Facility for rental car companies, which is slated to open on May 1, 2020. Photo provided by Lafayette Regional Airport.

The Lafayette Regional Airport experienced a record number of travelers in 2019, with more than 530,000 passengers flying in and out of Lafayette. The COVID-19 virus brought that to a screeching halt. Flights are taking off daily, however, with American, Delta, and United departing to Dallas-Ft. Worth, Atlanta, and Houston, respectively. While Picou couldn’t give current numbers of travelers for April at the time of this interview, he did share anecdotal evidence of a recent Sunday where 22 passengers boarded flights. On a recent weekday, he noted there were 88 passengers processed. This is in comparison to the more than 300 passengers who would have boarded early flights from 5:30 to 7 a.m; there are normally 500 to 650 passengers per day. Picou suggests that travelers check with their airline to ensure that their flight will take off as originally scheduled, just as you normally would.

Airports nationwide have experienced a sharp drop-off in travelers and Congress included relief in the amount of $10 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration in the recently passed CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. The Lafayette airport will receive $2,862,075 in relief from the FAA under CARES, which will be utilized to continue operations, make payroll, pay utilities and meet debt its obligations. (The amount of grant funding under the CARES Act directed to each airport is based upon their average number of enplanements and debt ratio.)

The airport’s budget must be balanced each year by law, and right now, their budget is in good shape, according to Picou. While other airports around the country have flexibility in dealing with tenants who may not be able to stay current with their rent, the Louisiana Constitution prohibits the donation of goods and services by public bodies; Picou and the Airport Commission are currently working with their legal team to determine what measures may be legally taken to assist any tenant who may need rent concessions.

Picou is optimistic that things will get back to normal soon and is looking forward to the opening of the new terminal. The upgrade will include an additional 90 parking spots, and the ability to expand the new facility from 5 up to 7 gates if needed. Once the new terminal is completed, the old terminal will be demolished.

Although Picou is not actively flying these days, he jokes that he does a lot of “hangar talking” and there is nothing like the smell of jet fuel!

We thank Steven Picou for his service and leadership he brings to our community! We look forward to enjoying our new airport facility for many years to come. Visit https://lftairport.com/ for more information.