The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

Also:
• Daina Diagle: 2-Time Emmy Winner
• Robert Hardey, Westlake Mayor
• Dr. Gwendolyn Reasoner: On A Mission From God

LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE
By Tammy Caffey
Hustle and Bustle that’s what they say.
Busy, Busy during this holiday.
A celebration of gifts and toys
giving all we can for our girls and our boys.
As I am tired, I sat to be quiet
about something that I did not have to worry would ruin my diet.
When something I saw seemed to call out to me
that little old Gift back under our tree.
When was It put there? I could not remember.
I know we brought It out every December.
Looking close and longing to discover
The reason we kept this Gift, I began to uncover.
Peace, Hope, Comfort and Light,
Something I knew but seemed out of sight.
A Gift to man I started to recall.
A Gift to be given not to one, but for all.
God’s Gift to the world that began in a manger, born to Blessed
Mary, the mother of Our Savior.
God’s promise and Word was made Man, One so perfect in the
gap that only He could stand.
God gave us the Gift so we could be free
And this was the Gift I had left under our tree.
Yes I understood but how far had I come
from God the Creator and Jesus His Son.
This Treasure I found so simple yet divine
could have always been mine if I had
given the time.
Joy and love I’ll give away. I will tell this story and then I will say
Jesus came so that we might have life
and give us great joy no matter our strife.
God’s Gift, if I choose, gives life everlasting, all other gifts
are just fleeting and passing.
What about shopping and gifts that I sought. Would I need to
take back all the things I had bought?
The gifts I remembered would help spread the story
Of how a small child came to share God’s glory.
Santa and Elves to us do they show
that Charity, Hope and Love is something we should know.
All became clear when I got things in line, Jesus is first
no matter the time.
Tomorrow I’ll wake with love and reason because Jesus loves me
no matter the season.
I will let Jesus come each day in my heart and with each
new day Christmas will start.
The Voice of Southwest Louisiana sincerely misses
General Manager, Tracy Clark. She went to have a simple medical
procedure on September 23, 2015 and had to return on September 30, 2015.
Her medical needs were more serious than anticipated, and she has
remained hospitalized in New Orleans, La. ever since.
Her husband Reginald Clark, employed with LA Pipeline Rental & Industrial
Supply, Son, Timothy Clark, employed with Southern Pipe & Supply, and
daughter, Allyson Clark, MSU Nursing Student (Senior), all leave on
Fridays headed to New Orleans to love and care for her.
All of our loved ones at The Voice of SWLA, family and friends have shown much
concern, prayed many prayers and asked what they can do to help on her behalf.
Allyson has set up a GoFundMe account on her Facebook page to
assist them in a very challenging moment of their lives. Your love is appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/tracyclark
Sincerely, Brenda Hill
Editor-in-Chief of The Voice of SWLA
2 EDITOR’S PEN
4 MISS LOUISIANA USA: MAALIYA PAPILLION
6 BEHIND THE SCENES: STOP! TAKE A MOMENT
SWLA BEAUTY & FASHION:
8 FAITH AND ENTERTAINMENT
MAYOR’S NOTES:
12 WESTLAKE MAYOR ROBERT HARDEY
14 TEAM GREEN
16 DISHING WITH KAYLA FONTENOT
SWLA ENTERTAINMENT:
18 GWENDOLYN REASONER: ON A MISSION FROM GOD
21 POWER TALK WITH PASTOR MARY
22 SWLA HEALTH & FITNESS: HOLIDAY BLUES AND YOU
23 MOM! MY THROAT HURTS
24 THE GIFT OF ALLOWANCE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Brenda Hill
brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com
GENERAL MANAGER | Tracy Clark
tracy@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com
GRAPHIC LAYOUT | Kyra Labrie
voiceofswlagraphics@gmail.com
EVENTS COORDINATOR | Carl Hubert
thevoiceofsouthwestla.com
ADVERTISING
SALES MANAGER | Faye Drake
fayedrake@sbcglobal.net
337-794-5678
ADVERTISING SALES | Chester Rogers
chesterrogers@yahoo.com
337-215-0547
CONSULTANTS
Gene R. Hill, Sr., Reginald Clark
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
LeNae Goolsby, JD, Rhonda Babin,
Angie Kay Dilmore, Tammy Caffey,
Joyce R. Kebodeaux, Mark Wayne Allen,
Carl Louviere, Ana Lisa, Beth Savoie,
Pastor Mary Ringo, Dr. Gwendolyn Reasoner,
Lisa Addison, Marcia Dutton
All materials contained in the publication are copy-righted and may not be reproduced or
reprinted in part or its entirety without the expressed written permission of The Voice LLC.
The views expressed in articles of The Voice, are not necessarily the views of the ownership or
sponsors in this publication. The Voice LLC, assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Every
effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content.
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015
Published and distributed by
TEAM PUBLICATIONS LLC.
4310 Ryan St. Ste. 134
Lake Charles, LA. 70605
In the McNeese SEED Center
(337) 474-2210

By Angie Kay Dilmore
When Maaliyah Papillion was a
young girl, her mother entered Maaliyah
in various area pageants. Little
did they know, she would earn the
opportunity to represent the state of
Louisiana in the 2016 Miss USA pageant.
Maaliyah’s Miss Louisiana USA
2016 crown symbolizes years of hard
work, perseverance, and her desire
to help others pursue their goals. “I
have a chance to make a difference
in the lives of those around me and
inspire others to be everything they
ever wanted to be.”
Maaliyah, age 21, was born and
raised in Lake Charles with her parents
-- father Shawn Papillion, mother
Kristin Ned, and step-dad Kenneth
Miss
Louisiana
Teen USA 2016
Ellie Picone and
Miss Louisiana USA 2016
Maaliyah Papillion
Ned. She says she had a wonderful
childhood. “My parents supported
me throughout my childhood.” Maaliyah
took a break from pageants in
elementary school to participate in
sports. In 7th grade, when she determined
physical competition wasn’t
her style, she returned to pageantry.
“It’s been a good hobby for me,”
she says. “Pageants have helped me
make friends. I was shy and it helped
me get out of my box and find myself.”
Maaliyah attended St. Louis Catholic
High School and currently is a student
at McNeese State University, majoring
in psychology with a minor in biology.
Since winning the crown, Maaliyah has
been a busy young woman, but she’s
managing her time well and keeping
up with her studies. As Miss Louisiana
USA 2016, her duties include involvement
with numerous charities such as
Toys for Tots, appearances at festivals
and other events, and preparations for
the Miss USA pageant.
The Importance
of Diversity
African-Americans comprise 32%
of Louisiana’s population; the second
largest proportion in the United
States. Yet Maaliyah is only the second
African-American to be crowned Miss
Louisiana USA in the 63 year history
of the competition. (The first was Candice
Stewart in 1995). Maaliyah says
diversity is important to her because
Louisiana is a melting pot. “I’m part
Native-American, Spanish, French. My
family is so diverse and so is the culture
in Louisiana. It’s sad when you see
people who want to exclude other
groups that are not familiar. That’s
so unfortunate. This nation was
built on diversity. Having a diverse
community is how we learn from
each other and grow. I want to be
an advocate for the acceptance of
diversity.”
To promote diversity, Maaliyah
strives to lead by example. “I
can’t expect my community to
follow me if I’m not doing it first.
I try to show a positive image of
accepting diversity and hopefully
that image will rub off.
With my reign as Miss Louisiana,
my community will see
that.”
As an example of her
leadership qualities, Maaliyah
serves as an ambassador
and board member for
the International Club. “We
help foreigners with Visas
and other paperwork. We
also work in conjunction
with St. Frances Cabrini
Club. Basically it is a club
to help internationals feel
welcome. They come from
other countries and all
walks of life. Many come
for jobs. They may speak
minimal English.
Someone has to welcome them and
show them around. That’s what we’re
there for. We help them feel like they
belong in the community.”
Guiding Principles
Maaliyah says she lives by the
words of Proverbs 23:7. “As a man
thinketh, so he is,” she says. “I have always
had the belief that you can do
anything you want as long as you believe
in yourself. My faith in God has
carried me through. This hasn’t been
an easy journey for me. Obstacles
of doubt and discouragement were
things that I had to overcome on my
road to victory. Once that happened,
I was able to fully focus on being the
best “me” I could be, which ultimately
led to me winning Miss Louisiana USA
2016. Anything that is placed in your
heart, you can absolutely do it. It’s not
impossible. As long as I believe in myself
and put God first, there’s nothing I
can’t accomplish.”
Part of Maaliyah’s motivation to
become Miss Louisiana USA 2016 is to
have the opportunity to share her philosophy
on the importance of self-esteem.
“I want to show my community,
my state, and the nation that anything
can be done. I want to serve as a shining
light for a young girl who may
see opposition to her goals, who may
want to do something great but may
be afraid. I want to show her that it is
possible. And not only young girls but
people in general. We all have dreams
and goals we want to accomplish, but
it takes some time and the right inspiration
or motivation to get us going.
Hopefully I can serve as that inspiration
and motivate someone who is in
opposition.”
The Voice magazine wishes Maaliyah
many blessings as she serves our
state and prepares for the Miss USA
competition!
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

BEHIND
Stop...
Take A
Recipient of the 2015 National Illumination
Book Award for Best Keepsake, Gift
and Specialty Book
Recipient of the 2015 National Next Generation
Indie Book Award for Best
Religious Non-Fiction
Moment
By Mark Wayne Allen
Contributing Writer for The Voice of SWLA
The holidays are a happy time
to be sure, but they can be lonely
and depressing too. This is much
more so of a problem with the elderly
and disabled. It can be confusing
for most to know how to
help them.
With the elderly, often the
best thing to do is to talk to them.
Stop and take a moment. Honor
them with your ears, time, and
energy. Look, I’ve been in nursing
homes many times as a member
of our town and local government.
These people don’t want
trinkets. Instead, they want someone
to share their life with.
There’s an old saying about
older people. They are still alive
because of wisdom that they have
gained in their younger years.
Don’t discount what they know
because their bodies are failing.
Gifts can be nice, but think about
what you buy. With poor circulation,
blankets are always needed.
The most important thing is to
talk to them, see what they want
or need.
The disabled are pretty much
the same way. It may take a little
extra time, for instance, because
of speech problems, but the same
principle applies. I strongly urge
you to take time out of your life
and learn something from these
people. Learn who they are and
where they came from.
Even as a quadriplegic myself,
I find it difficult to find the time to
break away. My mother is not in a
nursing home, but with her health,
she could be very easily. She and
my dad both have been in a nursing
home for recuperation. Some
of our county’s disabled people
have nothing except their mind.
I’ve seen people who were
bed confined and not even able
to utter a word. In hospitals, they
always tell the families to talk to
their loved ones even though
they are unconscious because
they can still hear the words. Well,
a disabled person might not necessarily
be able to respond to your
voice, but they can still hear and
understand.
They say that laughter is the
best medicine. It releases endorphins
that promote healing and
the general well-being of the
body. I rather think that laughter
doesn’t have to be external and
visible, therefore the same principle
applies to the people who
can’t actively respond to verbal
communication.
I will leave you with a final
thought. These elderly and disabled
people were not put in the
nursing homes to vegetate and
die but to have the assistance that
they need. Please go and visit your
local nursing home. See what the
people are like. Hear in their own
words parts of history that might
not be recorded in books.
To improve memory,
focus & reaction time.
Supports long-term brain
health & enhances
mental sharpness &
protects against normal
age-related mental
decline.
Pat Landreneau
Nutrition Consultant
pat@cajunslick.com
337-230-3598
www.patsnc.myshaklee.com
Meet the Author, Book Signing on Dec. 5, and Dec. 19, 2015
from Noon - 2 pm for your signed copy, Historic City Hall, L.C.
Books available Mon-Sat at the First Floor Gallery. (337) 491-9147
Gwendolyn
Reasoner,
Author
Visa, MC and AM. EX • For more information email: drgreasoner@aol.com
Available for purchase: Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center - 1001 Ryan Street, LC - First Floor Gallery
Gallery Hours: M-F 10 AM - 5 PM, SAT 10 AM - 2 PM • www.CityofLakeCharles.com
Original art from the book Where Did the Day Go? on exhibit until Dec. 31, 2015 - Gwendolyn Reasoner: Where Did the Day Go?
3112 Enterprise Blvd. • Lake Charles, LA
(337) 474-6106
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

SWLA
By Angie Kay Dilmore
At the 2014 Emmy
Awards ceremony, Daina
Daigle sat in the audience
with her husband
and coworkers. They
anxiously held their
breath as the presenters
on stage
prepared to announce
the winner
for Outstanding
Hairstyling for a
Mini-Series or Movie.
“And the winner is . . .
American Horror Story: Coven!”
Daigle and her fellow
stylists stepped to the stage
and accepted their award. “It
was very overwhelming to say
the least,” says Daigle. “I started
crying. I’m just a Cajun girl from
Gueydan, Louisiana! What am I
doing here?” Daigle had only
worked in the entertainment
business for five years. She attributes
her quick success to God
and considers it nothing short
of a miracle.
From the time Daigle was
a child, she dreamed of being
a stylist to the stars. She grew
up in her mother’s hair salon
amidst shampoo, curlers, hair
dyes, and the smell of permanent
solution. But after high
school graduation, she worked
as a nurse for five years, then
spent a short stint as a stay at
home mom to her young son
before attending Stage One
Hair School.
Daigle initially worked in
several area salons, but she
felt frustrated. Something was
amiss. She and her husband
JoBob were having some financial
difficulties at the time
and she hadn’t forgotten her
dream. She had a friend, Crystal
Kirshaw, in the film industry
who worked her way into the
Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists
Union Local 798. “I told her if
they ever needed someone on
set to let me know,” says Daigle.
Meanwhile, money and
relationship issues continued
to plague Daigle. She recalls a
conversation at the time with
her trusted friend, Kim. “I was
really discouraged,” says Daigle.
“I’d been praying, but I didn’t
The 2015 Hairstyling
Team for American Horror Story Freak Show.
Pictured L-R: Daina Daigle, Amy Wood, Monte C. Haught (Department Head), Michelle Ceglia (Assisstant Department Head), Sherri Hamilton.
know what to do. Kim told me,
‘Daina, you need to forgive.’”
At the time, Daigle pretended
not to understand, but she
knew exactly what her friend
was talking about. Daigle had
been in conflict with a family
member for many years. Forgiving
this person was hard for
her to accept, but she knew her
friend was right. She had to let
go of the years of hurt and resentment.
Daigle has seen God working
in her life as a result of her
obedience to forgive. Not long
after that conversation, great
things started happening in
her career. Kirshaw was working
on a non-union (budget
under 1.5 million) film in Port
Allen called Scream of the Banshee,
a Sci-Fi channel film. A
spot for a hair stylist opened
up on the set. She called Daigle
and encouraged her to drop
everything and come immediately.
It was the opportunity
Daigle had been waiting for.
Through a series of events, that
film was “flipped” and became a
union film. Because Daigle was
already working on the film,
she automatically became a
union member, a feat that typically
requires years. “Normally
to become a union member,
you have to work on union
films for 180 days within three
years. Then you have to fly to
New York, interview, submit a
portfolio – it’s a big process.”
Yet there she was, brand new
to the industry and already a
union member.
After that first film, more
doors opened. In 2013, Louisiana
bypassed California as the
film-production capital of the
world. There was no shortage
of work for a union hair stylist.
She primarily worked on
low-budget films doing “background”
work, aka the extras.
But then a position opened
MARY’S LOUNGE
4017 E. Broad St.
Lake Charles, LA • 433-2952
DEC. EVENTS
Dec. 4th: Friday Nites Live
Frayed Soul • 7-11pm
Dec. 6th: Brad Brinkley and
Comfort Zone • 5pm
Dec. 11th: Friday Nites Live
Lil Late Abe Manuel
Jeff Leblanc and The Little
Chenier Band • 7-11pm
Dec. 13th: TJ Gautreaux and
La Soul • 5pm
Dec. 18th: Friday Nites Live
Katelyn Johnson Band • 7-11pm
Dec. 20th: Dirt Road • 5pm
Dec. 25th: Merry Christmas!
Dec. 27th: Aaron Istre and Under
The Influence • 5pm
The Last Of The Honky Tonks
NEVER A COVER!
Happy Time • Mon-Fri 5-7pm
$1.00 BEER
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015
up on American Horror Story,
which led to the 2014 Emmy
and another Emmy this past
year for American Horror Story:
Freak Show. She has worked
on many films including Pitch
Perfect 2, Ender’s Game, and
LBJ (a biography about Lyndon
B. Johnson). She has served as

“key” (second in line under the
hair director) on several films
such as The Long Night, a documentary
on the BP oil spill.
Daigle is currently doing background
work on Jack Reacher,
with Tom Cruise.
The entertainment world
is often a secular place, but
Daigle remains grounded
and holds tight to her faith. “I
walked into this industry knowing
that God was the reason I
was here. I knew he had placed
me in this environment for a
reason. I promised myself and
God that I would try my best
to be an example and share
my faith. I prayed about it and
it took some time to figure out
that the best way to do so is to
just lead by example. I try to
change negative talk into positive,
which is not always easy,
especially when you are working
long hours and not always
in the most favorable environments.
I’m certainly not perfect
and I slip, but I find peace
in knowing that that is what
makes me human.”
Daina and my husband (JoBob Daigle) at the Emmy's
Daigle has used her own
experiences to share what she’s
learned about forgiveness with
other family members and coworkers.
“I share my testimony
of forgiveness with anyone who
is struggling with similar issues
as I have had in the past. I believe
that God puts the people
in my life that I need to share
with. I just listen to that little
voice in my head.”
Daigle says she is blessed to
have a husband and two children,
Hayden, age 17, and
Brynlee, age 14, who support
her in her decision to work in
this business. The family lives
in Iowa, but Daigle most often
works in New Orleans, where
she keeps an apartment and
comes home on weekends.
She has turned down high
profile jobs that would require
more responsibility, travel, and
time away from her family for
extended periods. “My family
comes first.”
Daigle also shares her story
in hopes that it will inspire
others. “It doesn’t matter where
you are from. You can achieve
your dreams. If you work hard,
you can get there.”
Special to The Voice of SWLA
Katherine
Vidrine
A Lake Area
Legacy
A legacy is a culmination of accomplishments, actions
of good character and a remembrance of something greater
that will live on far beyond its creator. It’s a movement,
a meaning to life that has been created by a human who
sees past themselves.
Here in the Lake Area, we have a woman who has created
a legacy, and you can find her on the lobby floor of her
restaurant every Friday and Saturday night during lent.
Katherine Vidrine, founder and CEO of the Steamboat Bill’s
franchise, has created a legacy unlike any other.
In November, Vidrine received the Legacy award from
the Louisiana Restaurant Association.
Her legacy began, like all do, at an early age. She lived
for years making ends meet, slowly building her skill set
as an entrepreneur. She had three girls she had to provide
for. As fate would have it, she found herself ready to make
a way here in the Lake Area. She started out peddling
shrimp on the side of the road in Leesville. Years later, her
hard work led to the Steamboat Bill’s Seafood Restaurant
that we know today. But it doesn’t end there, Vidrine has
led her brand into the world of franchising. With three locations
in Louisiana and four to be built within the next
few years in Texas, this roadside peddlers dream has come
into full fruition.
When asked if she feels like she’s made it she says, “Oh
yes!! Many times over.” She never imagined that she would
be were she is today, but she gives all the credit to God for
giving her strength to overcome. Her legacy doesn’t simply
pertain to the restaurant industry. Her legacy stretches
far beyond her establishment, because throughout all the
years, she has had an open hand to anyone in need. Her
reputation to help those down on their luck is one unlike
any other. She’s tough, she’s fearless and she’s the kindest
woman you will meet.
She is a legacy.
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

MAYOR’S
Coming into the mayor’s
office only to find your city is in
much more trouble than one
could imagine would discourage
many. On November 8,
2014, this is where Westlake’s
newly elected mayor, Robert
Hardey found himself. Bob as
everyone knows him here was
born in Westlake and has always
proudly called this his home.
Before becoming mayor he
served three terms as City councilman.
When the new term as
mayor began so did that of the
police chief and several councilmen.
“We were all new,” he
said. His transition into office
was short and left him searching
for information. He relied a
lot on Becky Cryer and the city
hall staff.
He spoke to other mayors
in the surrounding areas about
their operations. “They were a
big help. Learning how their
cities operates helped me to
begin turning things around
Westlake Mayor;
Robert “Bob” Hardey
It’s not about getting Credit:
It’s about getting it done.
here in Westlake. The
last update to the Policy
and Procedure Manuel
was in 1997,” he said.
“With the help of Skeeter
Hayes and Dan Racca
we are now up to date
on that.”
The utilities bill had remained
the same for the last 10
years while the costs of these
services had steadily risen. Providers
were refusing services
and demanding immediate
payment. There was no other
way to survive except to raise
the rates of gas, water and sewer
by 50 %. In May of this year
the city voted in a 10 Mil property
tax for the Police and Fire
Departments, allowing the city
to continue operating. Thanks
to Steve Geiger and the Phillips
66 for the $115,000 grant that
was split between the fire and
police, the fire rating both inside
the city and outside went
up. Because of this the residents
both inside and outside of Westlake
now have a lower homeowners
insurance rate. The PIAL
rating is now a 2 inside the city
limits and a 3 on the outside.
The fire department, led by Jacque
Picou was instrumental in
lowering the rate.”
The mayor beamed as he
said, “For the first time ever our
accounts payable will be on the
computer instead of in a folder
and accounts payable are paid
every Friday now. Our computers
and software here at City
Hall were 20 years old. Running
DOS, it took 4 hours to run a
report for billing. With the help
of Hal McMillin and the police
jury we received $25,000 from
parish funds and $23,000 from
a grant. We installed IBM Hardware
and software which is so
much better and faster than before.”
“Selling the extra cars and
equipment helped balance the
city budget. Five employees
in Public Works and two in the
police department resigned
or retired but no one lost their
jobs even while the budget was
trimmed by $750,000.” The mayor
added “In June, the council
approved Gragson, Casidy and
Guillory, with Coy Vincent in
charge, as the new accounting
firm to do audits of the city.”
“At the present time the
City of Westlake has close to $1
million dollars in the general
fund, after paying $1.6 million
By Joyce R. Kebodeaux
on our bonds debt. We also
have $600,000.00 in the Sinking
Fund. [This is money put aside
for equipment needed in the future.]
Next year we’ll be putting
aside $125,000.00 per month to
pay the debt for 2016,” he explains.
Bob smiles proudly when he
talks about their Public National
Golf Club of Louisiana. Recreation
District1, President Bobby
Letard and the board members
approved an outstanding program
with National that allows
our district’s citizen to utilize the
golf course. The city’s monthly
billings for the golf programs
for the youth, ladies and men
[inside the Recreation District
One only] would be waived,
saving us $250,000 per year. Because
of this kind of generosity
the club house of our dreams is
becoming much closer to a reality.”
Mayor Bob gets emotional
as he speaks of the good will of
the people that stand behind
him, helping to make his job
easier. He continues “Calcasieu
Parish through Hal McMillin’s
petitioning donated $30,000 to
the Westlake Police to purchase
radar equipment, body cam-
eras and bullet proof vests. By
the end of the year or at least by
January 2016 our officers will be
able to scan driver’s licenses at
the scene and electronically fill
out the ticket. It will print in duplicate
and be sent to the Clerk
of Court electronically allowing
the ticket to be paid on line immediately.
Mike Kerns and Mike
McCahan at the Mike Hooks
Corporation are responsible for
that,” he added.
Explaining in detail he tells
about “David Morrison’s future
homes at Colonial Subdivision
will increase revenue to the
city in utilities and land taxes.
In the same tone he talks
about Donald Mosley’s Shady
Lane Villa LLC. This apartment
complex which is open housing
will bring in more revenue
to the city of Westlake. The one
and two bedroom apartments
will be rented for $800.00 to
$1,000.00 per month.
This year has been one of
many firsts for Bob Hardey and
the City of Westlake. “The community
picnic at Pondersoa Park
headed by Betty Bates, Skeeter
Hayes and the city council was
well attended and enjoyed by
all. This picnic was a community
effort with too many great
workers to personally name
them. At the picnic we honored
those active and retired in the
military. We started The Mayor’s
Armed Forces Commission.
The goal is to erect a Veteran’s
Memorial Statue for the Westlake
Veterans on the corner of
McKinley and Sampson Streets.
The foundation will support the
veterans and our civic projects.”
Soon a foundation will be set up
so Westlake citizens can make
tax-exempt donations.
“Westlake participated in
the Mayor’s Walk sponsored
by Healthier Southwest Louisiana
and won the plaque, another
first. Thanks to Michael
Bergeron of the Recreation Department,
Becky Cryer and Renee
Jones for leading our team.
Also for the first time, our new
police chief, Chris Wilrye held
a Police Academy where eight
new reserve officers graduated.
They will help in Overtime detail
and community events,” the
mayor says in appreciation.
Mayor Hardey has hosted
the S P Arnette Student of the
Month at council meetings.
He participates with the Junior
Achievement Program for middle
and high school students.
This is a program where the
students are mentored to succeed
in their finances, budgeting
their expenses and setting
priorities. He even walked the
plank at Contraband days and
attended The Golden Years
Mardi Gras Ball. He is participating
in the District Attorney’s
Christmas by collecting toys for
needy local children. He speaks
proudly of all that is happening
in the schools and the city.
When I asked about the traffic
congestion. He said this was
out of the city’s control. “Westlake
doesn’t own any of the
roads in our jurisdiction. They
are owned by the state and
the parish. Improvements to
these roads are scheduled to be
done in the near future. This will
help with the traffic congestion
brought on by the economic
impact of Sasol’s mega project.
Mayor Hardey and the City
Hall Staff wants everyone to
know they are always welcome
here at Westlake City Hall. “You
will be greeted by our friendly
smiles and to better serve you,
we are now open until 4 P.M.
every Friday. We have accomplished
much this past year.
And while there is still much
to do around here, I know that
with all the people that are supporting
our cause we will accomplish
it. Here in Westlake, La
we, DO THE RIGHT THING, FOR
THE RIGHT REASON!
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By Ana Lisa
Teams have come together
this holiday season to fulfill
wants, wishes, and desires on
wish lists. Team Green is our
Team in SWLA to consider.
Keep Greater Lake Charles
Beautiful, or Team Green, as it
is often referred to, is a Mayor’s
commission whose mission is
to develop and sponsor projects
which will enhance the
appearance and quality of the
environment in Southwest
Louisiana. They are an affiliate
of Keep America Beautiful and
Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and
also participates in the annual
Great American Clean-up. The
group is made up of citizens
appointed by the mayor to
serve on a voluntary basis and
is always in need of volunteers
and donors.
Eligha Guillory, Jr., Assistant
City Administrator- Lake
Charles, expressed that the
Southwest Louisiana community
is showing a larger
interest in taking care of their
environment, but there is always
room for improvement.
He explained how keeping
drain systems clean of grass
clippings and other items may
prevent flooding in the area,
and how costly curb side pickups
of recyclables are. However,
the goal of Team Green is
to continue litter awareness,
educate kids and their families
on how to care for their home,
and take the initiative to care
Keeping your baby happy
is hard enough.
Let us help make health care simpler for you.
For example, unlimited visits to a wide network
of doctors in your area.
Call Bayou Health at 1-855-BAYOU-4U to
choose UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
Or visit UHCCommunityPlan.com for more information.
Rides to and from
your doctor.
of their city by recycling, reusing,
and reducing the items
they use every day. “We can all
do our part,” Eligha says.
As you make your holiday
to-do lists and resolutions for
the next year, please consider
these local programs sponsored
by Keeping Greater Lake
Charles Beautiful.
ADOPT A SPOT:
Local schools, businesses, fraternities,
churches and other
community volunteer entities
commit to keeping a specific
street or area clean. A cleanup
is done at least twice a year
(spring and fall) in the adopted
area.
BEACH SWEEP:
In association with the National
Conservatory on the
third Saturday of September,
Healthy First Steps:
Get extra support
after your baby
is born.
Wide choice of
doctors and
hospitals.
has volunteers from
schools, churches, and
families gather to clean
up beaches as well as
in-land water ways,
boat docks, waterfront
parks, and the Contraband
Bayou.
CLEAN CAMPUS
CONTEST:
This event takes place
in April. Different
schools within the
Parish work to beautify
their area and create
a scrap book of
before and after pictures.
Programs are created
to maintain this effort,
and at the end of the year,
scrap books are judged.
The winning school is
awarded a trophy, receive
recognition from the City
Council, and a cash prize is
donated by local businesses.
LITTER LAW
ENFORCEMENT:
This program recognizes
those who enforce the littering
laws. Meetings are conducted
to discuss the statistics
and provide literature on litter
prevention and programs.
MERCURY COLLECTION:
Emile Guillory, Department
of Waste Water, joined Team
Green’s weekly efforts to collect
mercury and mercury-containing
items such as old
thermostats, car batteries containing
mercury, regular alkaline
batteries, etc. A bulb eater
machine is also available to
dispose florescent light bulbs
and others that also contain
mercury.
RECYCLING CENTERS:
Two Green Stations, One and
Two, are available to collect
recyclable materials six days a
week, and the Team Green roving
trucks are located in various
areas such as Kmart, Walmart,
Kroger, and Prien Lake Mall
parking lot on different days
of the week. Please check the
website for schedules.
TELEPHONE BOOK
RECYCLING CONTEST:
Local schools collect expired
telephone books at their
schools and make ready for
pick-up on Tuesdays, during
their normal Recycling Truck
stop. Team Green personnel
takes count and records the
number. The school that has collected
the most telephone books
at the end of the year gets a trophy
and a cash prize
donated by local
businesses.
Become a Team
Green on your list
to Volunteer or
a Donor of Team
Green.
Pictured above: On the right is Eligha Guillory, Team Green
Member and Marjorie Latigue, Team Green Past President
with St. Margaret Science Club and newest Team Green
Member 3 year old Caleb Ledet.
Pictured at Left: Gene R. Hill, Sr., Volunteer,
Louis Estes, Member and Adopt-A-Spot Chair Person,
Mason Lindsay, Team Green President,
Eligha Guillory, Jr., Isabella Guillory and Caleb Ledet
Pictured Below L-R- Asia Alexander says she gives a
helping hand to give back to the community &
Javontae Cullivan says he takes care of the earth so that
the earth does not become a wasteland. Both are
JROTC Washington Marion.
For more
information
on Team Green’s
programs and events, go to
the Green Guide
available on-line at www.cityoflakecharles.com Departments
>> Community Services & Development>> Keep Greater Lake
Charles Beautiful-Team Green
©2015 United Healthcare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

By Rhonda Babin
Princess Kayla’s Ingredients:
Birth Date: 01/16/1987
Parents: Kathy Ducote &
Robert Hermann
Spouse: Danny Fontenot
Sibling: Robin Ducote
Children: Hailey Graves
Pet: Ace (The Bat Dog)
Hometown: Lake Charles
Current Residence:
Lake Charles
Standard “Dishing With”
Questions:
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Chili served on top of
white rice.
Q: What did you last cook?
A: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo.
Q: What would your last
meal be?
A: The greatest thing ever...
chili on top of white rice.
Q: What do you ‘dish’ about at
the dinner table?
A: How we spent our day.
Kayla Fontenot is an excellent
customer service provider.
She is one of those people who
has a smile on their face and remains
kind, patient, and helpful
while getting the job done.
Fontenot is a medical professional
who performs EKGs
and billing for the Internal
Ace, The Bat Dog
Medicine Clinic at Memorial
Hospital. A few years ago, while
studying to earn her medical
credentials, she worked in a
very different field. Fontenot is
a former shipper, packer, and
graphic designer for The UPS
Store.
“Oh my goodness, YES!”, is
the response Fontenot gives
when asked if the shipping and
packing business flow really increases
at Christmas time. She
continues, “People come in to
ship cards, gifts, and food items
during the Christmas season
The Fontenot Family at Disney World
more than the rest of the year.”
National package shipping increases
by 12.4% in November
and December. Fontenot was
in the midst of this hustle and
bustle for two years making
certain that items arrived on
time, unbroken, and even alive.
“One of the strangest things
I ever packed was live crawfish.
The sender wanted them transported
in water,” says Fontenot.
She continues, “We took the
sacks of crawfish, hosed them
down, wrapped them in wet
newspaper, and put them in
boxes that had holes in them.
Right before they were loaded
to be overnighted to their
destination, they were hosed
down again.”
According to Fontenot,
most of the packages she
shipped were non-edible gifts.
She reasons that people send
non-food presents more often
then they send food gifts due
to the expense of making sure
it stays cold and/or fresh. When
asked the food item sent most
often from the location where
she worked Fontenot quickly
answers, “Sausage and boudin!”
When asked how many presents
she personally ships each
year, Fontenot says, “I am very
fortunate to have my family
come to Lake Charles from out
of town to celebrate with us so
oddly enough I want be sending
anything.” She continues,
“I am expecting one thing to
arrive before Christmas. I have
a cesarean section delivery
scheduled for Tuesday, November
24th.”
Baby girl Penelope will be
celebrating her first Fontenot
Family Christmas this year. “I
know it sounds cliché’, but as
long as everybody is together,
that’s all I want for Christmas,”
concludes Fontenot.
By Carl Louviere
Preparing for your purchases
for the Christmas Season?
First, Please don’t forget the
true meaning of Christmas!
All computers are not
created equal!!
Technology has become
part of our world in so many
ways over the past 10 years.
Your buying decisions could
affect your family and other
loved ones. There are some features
that come with certain
systems that give you the ability
to perform tasks that are not
installed on other systems.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1.) What will the computer
be used for? (Ex: save movies,
videos, music, etc.)
2.) Will he/she edit graphics or
just type text?
3.) Is Accidental
Insurance needed?
(Accidental Insurance
is not the same
as “Warranty” on the
computer.)
4.) Is the product
with the cheapest
price tag
the best
buy?
5.) Why get an
Antivirus?
These considerations can
help you decide how large the
Hard Drive should be. (Most
computers sold in today’s market
have at least a 1 Terabyte
(TB) Hard Drive. (1 TB =1000
Giga Bytes...uh that is big!)
A One Year” Manufacturer’s
Warranty (Mechanical not Accidental)
comes on the computer
when you purchase it. You can
purchase “Extended Warranty”
from the Manufacturer when
you “Register” your computer.
I always recommend that everyone
“Register” their product
with the Manufacturer as soon
as you make your purchase.
This could possibly prevent
loosing 1 to 2 months of warranty!
This is common because
of shipping time from on the
other side of the world.
If you are purchasing a
printer as a Christmas gift,
make sure you convey the
same message to the receiving
party. (In regard to registration)
A nice little side gift could be
the cartridges for that printer!
Cartridges that come with
printers are “starter” cartridges,
they might only have one half
of the ink. Consult with your
sales clerk. And yes, you can
purchase Extended Warranty
on printers.
Yes, I know that there is a
price war out there and I don’t
want you to pass up a good
deal...it just might be a deal!
Just make sure that it can do
the work that your family member
needs for it to do and has
the Applications on it that they
need to complete their work.
Please… make sure that your
computer comes with an Antivirus
or purchase one from your
dealer. Do not operate your
computer without an Antivirus.
You are only asking for trouble.
There are people that create Viruses
and they find out sooner
or later if your computer Does
or Does Not have an Antivirus
on it. You don’t want to “Make
their Day”, do you?
Merry Christmas and May
God Bless you during His
special time!
Expert Deer Processing
REGULAR and SMOKED BOUDIN
JALAPENO BOUDIN
SMOKED SAUSAGE and a VARIETY
CUTS OF PORK AND BEEF
SPEEDY SERVICE WITH A SMILE
6am to 6pm, M-F • 730am to 230pm, Sat
1217 Mill St. (one block off enterprise blvd)
Lake Charles, La.
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

By Victor Forbes
“The earth was
formless and void…
and God said, Let
there be light.”
(Genesis 1:2-3)
SWLA
Gwendolyn Reasoner
On A Mission
From
“With the pen of a
ready writer” (Psalm 45:1)
Gwendolyn Reasoner, Ph.D.,
sat down at her desk after
a startling dream awoke
her in the midnight hour.
She began to transcribe
the words inscribed on
her heart by none other
than the Creator of the
Universe, God Himself. In
this night vision that was
much too intense and detailed
to be a mere dream,
she was given a mission
clearly authorizing her
to be the messenger to
tell the world about the
goodness of God and the infinite
love and mercy of Jesus
Christ. This was to be done in
the form of a book to be composed
primarily for the young
but suitable for all. It was to
be hip and modern—yet eternal—in
its message. It was to
be the story of Creation: all
seven days compressed into
40 pages of delightful prose,
enthralling illustrations and
the simplest of prayers. Where
Did the Day Go? is the stunning
result.
One of the first reviews
from Ann Powell of ARP Editing,
Dallas Texas who wrote,
“Where Did the Day Go? is a
gorgeously illustrated ‘hip kids’
version of the Genesis account
of God creating our world, one
day at a time, and the ensuing
temptation and fall of man.
Endearingly quirky but recognizable
flora and fauna romp
in glowing Technicolor across
pages of God’s running commentary
that is relevant but
not irreverent. This is a user-friendly,
large-loving God
who continually asks the reader
for responses…Some are
provided, in the form of short,
spontaneous, single-sentence
prayers, including a final one
accepting God’s offer of rescue
from the effects of the
fall…
On the heels of that accolade,
Where Did the Day
Go? was awarded the 2015
National Illumination Book
Award for the Best Keepsake/Gift/Specialty
Book by
the Jenkins Group. With the
motto “Shining a Light on Exemplary
Christian Books,” the
Illumination Book Awards
are designed to honor the
year’s best new titles written
and published with a Christian
world-view. In addition,
Where Did the Day Go? was
named the Gold Winner in
the Religious Non-Fiction category
of the 2015 National
Next Generation Indie Book
Awards. Catherine Goulet,
Awards Chair at the National
Awards Reception held
in May at the Harvard Club
of New York City presented
the Gold to Gwendolyn who
attended the Gala Awards
Reception. She was personally
autographing the book
at the Book Expo America in
NY at the Jacob Javits Convention
Center.
Reasoner recently hosted
an Art Exhibition Opening
Reception and Book Signing
locally for Where Did the
Day Go? on Nov. 6th at the
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural
Center in Lake Charles.
45 brilliantly illustrated original
paintings from the book
by illustrator Loretta Shadow
Owens are on exhibit
for viewing in the First Floor
Gallery until December 31,
2015. The book is published
by In His Shadow Press and
can be purchased for $
20.00. For more information
call (800) 821-4278 or email:
InHisShadowPress@aol.com
Where Did the Day Go?
benefits hungry children
through a charity that puts
actions to work called Feed
the Children. The book project
was designed to help
feed hungry children’s minds
and bodies so they will have
hope for the future. In addition,
for 2015 1000 softcover
books have been donated
by the author and distributed
to various mission outreach
projects to children
in the US and around the
world. “This isn’t just another
story, “ Reasoner concludes.
“It’s the real story.”
Call to order: (800) 821-
4278 Hardcover / $ 19.99 /
40 pages
By Marsha Dutton
I never was a very crafty
type person, but my mother
definitely was… maybe
enough for both of us.
Each year she started
planning well in advance. She
would have Daddy take us
through drives in the woods,
and send my sisters and me to
haul the exact dead branches
she had spied, into the back
of the van. These were just for
a few of the things she had in
mind.
Depending on her mood
in a given year, the branches
might be sprayed white, silver
or gold. She would use the
smaller artistically shaped one
as centerpieces. Perhaps, we
would hang Christmas ornaments
on them or if they had a
lot of smaller twigs, the entire
tree would have colored gumballs
stuck to them. Sometimes
she used ornamental
snow to decorate them so
they seemed to have been in
a snowfall.
One year, she picked a tall
graceful, dead tree which she
used as one of the three Christmas
trees we had in various
rooms of the house. This one
was sprayed white and starting
at the top, she hung Magenta
balls in colors and sized
that graduated all the way
down from the smaller sizes to
the larger and from the lighter
Magenta to the more vivid.
The colors complemented the
various shades of green that
was the dominant color of our
Living Room. Then she swirled
Angel Hair around the tree.
The tree was placed so that it
could be seen from the street
through the large showcase
window. With the rest of the
room darkened, she had spotlights
shining onto the tree. It
was truly a fairy tale vision, I
shall never forget.
If that wasn’t enough, she
had us paint with brushes, the
leaves from Magnolia trees…
sometimes white, red or silver.
With these branches of
magnolia leaves, she sprayed
with glue and sprinkled them
with stardust. Then they were
used for arrangements on the
fireplace mantel or perhaps
a hutch. All was tastefully
and simply done. My mother
was very artistic that way. Although,
I didn’t care for all the
work that went into those creations,
I certainly appreciated
them after they were done.
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

Dear Valued Clients, Partners,
Employees and Members of our Community:
Th a n k y o ufor your continued support over these past years.
Our success within this industry would not have been possible
without your constant support.
Global Management Enterprise, LLC’s mission is to provide workforce
and personnel management to businesses and industries. We help by
developing human potential, providing training solutions with quality
job opportunities, and key components with resources to increase
productivity and compete in today’s global economy.
This is an exciting time for all of us in Southwest Louisiana. Our goal this
New Year is to add more services to our company and work closer with
you to help ensure positive outcomes and strengthen our business and
community. Again, from our Management Team and Staff, thank you
for your association, and in this New Year 2016, we wish
you many blessings, prosperity and health, and
look forward to continue
serving you.
Dalia Matheus
President
3226 Lake St,
Lake Charles, LA
(337) 477-1862
Let Us Do Your Cooking For You!
Christmas Special
Glazed Ham or Turkey - Smoked, Fried or Baked
Rice Dressing or Cornbread Dressing
Green Beans - Candied Yams
Cranberry Sauce - Sweet Potato Pie
Feeds Family of 4 - $75.00
Feeds Family of 6 - $100.00
Feeds Family of 8 - $125.00
Don’t need the entire meal? No Problem!
Turkey or ham - We buy & cook - $40.00
Turkey or ham - You buy we cook - $25.00
Get your orders in early!
337-419-9010 or 337-419-6696
Look for our new location opening in January 2016
1222 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles
Imagine what you could
accomplish if you knew you
could not fail and you were
not limited to situations, circumstances,
or other peoples’
opinions! Sometimes, imagination
is better than information.
When you can imagine,
you don’t need evidence. All
you need is an open mind and
a little faith.
When God activates your
imagination, go with it. There’s
something He desires to communicate
to you.
Consider these simple steps;
1.) Do not look for someone to
affirm what the spirit of God already
revealed to you.
2.) Do not seek counsel from
fearful or short-sighted people
to tell you who you are or
what you can accomplish. You
don’t need their permission to
WITH PASTOR MARY
Failure Is Not Final
You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and marvelous are His works! KJV Ps.139:14
succeed.
3.) Do not listen to the naysayers
who want to remind you of
your past, or say that you are a
failure, a nobody or a loser.
God is not looking for perfect
performance, nor a perfect
heart. He is looking for a perfectly
submitted heart!
Is your self-image based on
the validation of others, or is
it based on what God already
said about you? Self-image is
that personal portrait that you
carry around in your head and
it is critical to your spiritual,
emotional, and physical development.
It is ‘NOT’ based on
your past failures, regrets, mistakes,
or other peoples’ opinions.
As you approach a brand
new year, resolve within yourself
that fear and doubt will no
longer be your running buddies.
Be determined to move
forward with a renewed spirit
of enthusiasm, confidence,
faith and humility. Embrace
your bumps and bruises along
the way. While you may go
through some setbacks and
disappointments, it doesn’t
mean it is the end. Failure is a
teaching tool. It’s an opportunity
to learn a valuable lesson.
The most successful people are
the ones with the most scrapes
and bruises.
You’re never a
failure, as long as you
get up again. Failure
Is Not Final! Now you
simply know what
doesn’t work. Apply
the lesson, get back
in the race, and endure.
It’s time to grow
beyond your limitations.
Be determined to “grow
forward” in the new season
of 2016 with a can do spirit, a
positive attitude, and make a
personal declaration that you
will not miss your season,…
again!
You are invited to worship
with us at Faith Vision
Ministries, 8000 Frontage
Road, Iowa, La 70647,
10:30 a.m. Sundays, &
6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
TM PROFESSIONALS
Retirement and Insurance Management
“Professionalism At It’s Best”
Retirement Planning
(IRA’s & 401K Rollovers)
Life • Health • Disability • Annuities
Eric Doshier
Edoshier@TMProfessionals.com
Office: (337) 602-1243 • Cell (337) 263-4343
HAPPY
from our
family
to yours.
Mary Gentry
General Manager
Hampton Inn
mary.gentry@hilton.com
3175 Holly Hill Rd.
Lake Charles, LA
337.480.6443
Fax: 337.480.6436
hampton.com
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

SWLA
SWLA
Contributed Article
For most people the holiday season
brings happiness, celebration and joy. But
for some, it’s a time filled with sadness,
loneliness and anxiety. Balancing all the
emotions of the holidays can sometimes
become overwhelming.
“Holiday blues are a pretty common
problem despite the fact that as a society,
we see the holidays as a very joyous time,”
says Tammy Mitchell, MD, family medicine
physician at Lake Area Medical Center.
“Many individuals begin to feel depressed
or anxious for various reasons, and when
you don’t make the time to exercise, eat
properly and efficiently manage your time
these feelings often intensify.”
You may notice a change in your mood
when the days begin to get shorter and
there are less daylight hours. This may be
due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
“Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder
that happens every year around the
same time. In general, seasonal affective
disorder starts in fall or winter and ends in
spring or early summer,” states Dr. Mitchell.
Symptoms of SAD may include: feeling depressed,
feeling hopeless or worthless, low
energy levels, loss of interest in activities
you once enjoyed, sleep problems, and appetite
or weight changes. SAD -- like other
types of depression -- is treatable, and people
who experience symptoms should seek
help.
While people with clinical depression
or SAD should seek professional help,
those with a touch of the holiday blues can
try these strategies to assure a jolly Christmas
and a happy new year:
• Set some time apart from all hustle and
bustle to relax
• Do things that make you happy, not
things you think you SHOULD do
• Plan ahead. Make the most of your time
with the ones you love. Remember, you
don’t have to do everything with everybody
• Set limits. Be on a “stress-reduction” diet
this holiday season
• Let others share the responsibilities of
holiday tasks
• Keep track of your holiday spending
• If you are lonely, try volunteering your
time to help others
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Try something new, celebrate the holidays
in a new way
• Try to live and enjoy the present
The
Holiday
Blues
and You
The Senior Circle Chapter at Lake Area
Medical Center is hosting a seminar entitled
“The Holiday Blues and You” featuring
family medicine physician Tammy Mitchell,
M.D. on Wednesday, December 16th, at 10
a.m. at the Senior Circle Activity Center located
at 4200 Nelson Rd. Dr. Mitchell will
discuss the effects of holiday related depression
on your health and ways to avoid
it. Senior Circle is open to men and women
ages 50 and better. To RSVP, please call
(337)-475-4018.
If you feel like your sadness or anxiety
is beyond your control, please talk to your
primary care or family physician immediately.
If you need assistance finding a doctor,
visit LakeAreaPhysicians.com.
Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) is a fullservice
acute care hospital located at 4200
Nelson Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Lake
Area Medical Center is the area’s preferred
leader for Women’s Services and offers inpatient,
outpatient, medical and surgical care for
men, women and children. LAMC is an accredited
Bariatric Surgery Center and is equipped
with a 24-hour physician-staffed Emergency
Department and a Level 3 Neonatal ICU. Lake
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Quality Measures® from The Joint Commission.
Mom!
MY THROAT
HURTS
by Beth Savoie
You’ve just gotten to work
when you get a call from your
child’s school. She’s in the office
saying her throat hurts.
Strep throat has been going
around and the school wants
you to check on her. You wonder
if you’ll have to take off
work. Should she come home
or should you call your health
care provider?
A sore throat is a symptom
that can be caused by many
things. Other symptoms with
it will direct your health care
provider to the right diagnosis.
Causes for a sore throat
include:
1. Throat Infection: Strep throat
is the most familiar infection,
but there are other bacteria
and viruses that can be
the cause.
2. A symptom of another
infection: such as a
cold or sinus infection.
3. Non-infectious causes:
allergies; vasomotor
rhinitis; irritants
such as cigarette smoke, pollens,
dust, or chemicals.
Should you let your child
stay at school? Should you
call your health care provider?
What else should you look for?
Associated Symptoms:
1. Time of onset: first day, faster
onset is more likely non-infectious.
A longer progression
may be infection.
2. Fever: infection usually has
temperature >100*. Non-infectious
causes don’t generally
run fever.
3. Other Symptoms: rash, achiness,
not eating or drinking,
red throat, enlarged tonsils,
pus on the throat or tonsils.
These would make you consider
infection.
Things to let her stay at
school would include she feels
okay, throat not red, temperature
less than 100 degrees.
Monitor her at home if no temperature
but she looks like she
feels bad and has other symptoms.
Call your health care
provider if her temperature is
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over 100*, rash, not wanting to
drink, or any other concerns.
The best course of action
is prevention. Keep your body
healthy through exercise and
a healthy diet. Avoid those
with infection if you can. Good
handwashing is one of our
best defenses. Hand sanitizers
are okay, but the best is soap
and water.
If you have any questions
or concerns call your health
care provider.
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Jon Wright
Manager
1111 Hwy. 14
Lake Charles, La
Phone:
337-437-3900
Fax: 337-439-1009
Jonnie
Brown
Manager
4851 Lake St.
Lake Charles, La
Phone:
337-474-1240
Fax: 337-474-1256
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

The
“Those who plot the
destruction of others
often perish in the
attempt.”
– Thomas Moore
If recent global events
show us anything, they show
us that many of our fellow humans
are devoid of the capacity
to live in allowance of others.
There is an innate need
in these people to control
others, and this need for control,
for power, is, at the root,
driven by and driven through
self-hate and fear.
A comparable quest for
power and domination is observed
in politics. Here, the
ugliest shadows of humanity
proudly displays its face
through the onslaught of
political advertisements designed
to tear one side down
while simultaneously lifting
the self up; a campaign strategy
that is delusional at best,
but I digress. The point is,
here is another arena where
fear mongering dominates
and allowance of another is
ift of Allowance
By LeNae Goolsby, JD
so far removed from the idea
of such is laughable.
On a smaller scale, but a
more potentially damaging
one, is the absence of allowance
within the family unit.
Here we may be the recipient,
or even the unconscious imposer
of control of those we
ought to best be able to love
unconditionally…in theory.
I am presently reading, Shadows
Before Dawn, Finding the
Light of Self-Love Through
Your Darkest Times, by Teal
Swan. In the book, Teal describes
how she was not the
daughter her mother envisioned
and Teal’s inability to
conform to her mother’s ideal
created “an almost fatal dynamic.”
Teal’s mother could
neither relate to nor control
who Teal was.
The mother-daughter relationship
is an opportunity for
unconditional love to thrive,
but like so many other mother-daughter
relationships that
was not Teal’s, or her mother’s
experience.
“Love is the ability and
the willingness to allow
those that you care for to
be what they choose for
themselves without any
insistence that they
satisfy you.”
– Dr. Wayne Dyer
The family unit, in ideal
conditions, is an opportunity
for unconditional love to
thrive. What prevents this
from happening in so many
families is the passing down
from generation to generation
the baggage, the lack, the
disappointments, the unrealized
expectations of desired
unconditional love from the
parent before. We can only
be loved by our parents to the
degree that they felt valued,
felt understood, felt loved,
unless they make a conscious
decision to rise above their
own experience.
If we feel abused, emotionally
or physically, by our
parents and/or our siblings, harboring
resentment, anger, and un-forgiveness
like a precious gem, this is a surefire
way to ensure we pass what we
lack to our own children. To heal our
familial relationships we must choose
to make allowance for our mother, father,
sister(s) and brother(s).
Being in allowance of another is
not condoning or approving of the
damaging behavior, just like forgiving
another is not letting someone off the
hook for their harm. Rather, being in
allowance of another is releasing our
own need to control our wants and
our expectations from that other person.
“Be completely humble and
gentle; be patient; bearing
with one another
[and ourselves] in love.”
– Ephesians 4:2
We are only truly able to begin to
step into allowance of others, when
we first choose to step into allowance
of ourselves. Regardless of how our
parents or our siblings make us feel,
we are all unique, beautiful aspects of
the Divine, and as Zig Ziglar said, “God
don’t make no junk.” Whatever our
skills, talents, and crazy idiosyncrasies
are, they are beautiful, right, and true.
Give yourself the gift of allowing
yourself to be you, and by doing so,
over time, you will naturally be able to
gift others the same.
LeNae Goolsby, JD, is an Empowerment
Life Coach and the Practice Administrator
for Infinite Health Integrative Medicine
Center. She is also an adored wife, blessed
mother of three awesome and amazing
kids, and an infinite being in a body
working on counting her blessings at
every stop light.
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Lake Charles (337) 477-8661
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thevoiceofsouthwestla.com
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

SWLA
Contributed Article
Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development
Commission (IMCAL) proudly welcomes
Walter B. Council, II to our staff and to Southwest Louisiana.
SWLA
Council will serve the urbanized area of SWLA as the regional
Transportation Planner III. We are excited about the opportunity
to have him become apart of Southwest Louisiana through
IMCAL. A native of Greenville, NC, he has done work primarily
in Upper Marlboro, MD and Houston, TX. Some of the projects
he has done are related to bridge overpasses above rail lines,
adding lanes to city streets, airport expansion environmental
assessments, analysis of parking conditions, socio-economic
impacts of major infrastructure initiatives, along with public involvement
components. He has done research on rail transit,
teenage crash data, freight truck rollover, and land use development
He has worked with Roberta F. Burroughs & Associates,
Quadrant Consultants Inc, Center for Transportation Training
and Research, Houston Tomorrow, and in Maryland at the
Prince George’s County Planning Department. Walter has presented
at various urban planning and transportation related
conferences, including Texas American Planning Association,
Texas Institute for Transportation
Engineers, and the Transportation
Research Board.
l-r: Dr. Katrina Rankin, Katrina Barker, Dr. Larry LaVigne, Markevia Blunt, Gloria Kennison
He has received his Master’s
in City/Regional Planning
from Morgan State
University, and is working
towards completing his doctoral
dissertation, from Texas
Southern University, in
the Urban Planning and Environmental
Policy program, concentrating in transportation.
Council will bring his depth of experience to SWLA and help
our region as we prepare to experience the over $100 billion in
announced industrial expansion projects coming to SWLA, that
will have some affects to our roadways.
MEDICAL
&
CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
Wishing Everyone A
Merry Christmas and
A Very Happy New Year!
Dr. LaVigne, MBA, DC
and Staff
Lake Charles & Opelousas
2121 Lake St. 1310 Edith St.
337 433-1919
337 433-1928
By Lisa
Addison
As you walk in the
front door of Gordon’s Drug &
Fine Gifts, you soon realize you
have walked in to a very special
place. From the unique gifts to
the ice cream counter to the
attentive service in the pharmacy,
well, this surely isn’t your
typical drug store! One of our
city’s real treasures, Gordon’s is
marking its 118th year of business
in Lake Charles.
How many businesses can
boast of a “Century of Service”
to the community? Well, Gordon’s
can. The drug store has
served some local families for
several generations since the
1900s. Gordon’s was originally
established in 1897 at the corner
of Pujo and Ryan streets by
G.W. Gordon, followed by Bernice
Gordon in 1920, Gordon
Gunn in 1950 and George Paret
in 1976.
As you enjoy browsing
throughout Gordon’s, you’ll
notice wonderful gift items
like Tyler Candles, Vera Bradley
merchandise, and many
other great products including
Lampe Berger,
Claire Burke, Vita Bath, unique
Louisiana-themed gifts, gourmet
food, and great gift baskets.
At holiday times especially
the store’s peppered hams
and gift baskets are quite popular
with its customers.
Gordon’s also offers free
gift wrapping to go with those
special gifts as well as citywide
delivery. It’s easy to see
that this is a place that’s heavy
on both nostalgia as well as
its customer service. As owner
George Paret is fond of saying,
“People like to be treated as
people, not run through like
cattle.”
When it’s time to pick out
that next birthday gift or other
holiday item or if you need
a gift basket that’s prepared
with extra-special touches, just
head on over to Gordon’s Drug
& Fine Gifts and you’re sure to
find the perfect thing for the
special person on your gift list.
And after you finish shopping,
you can treat yourself to
ice cream or a milkshake at the
ice cream counter. Kids love
to stop by after school to pick
up an afternoon treat. Great
shopping, an attentive pharmacy
staff and ice cream. It just
doesn’t get much better!
Bernadette F. Navarre, Realtor®
3221 Ryan St. Lake Charles
(337) 478-8530 Ext. 120
CELL (337) 802-7410
FAX (337) 477-7217
bnavarre@flavinrealty.com
www.flavinrealty.com
Gordon’s Drug & Fine Gifts
2716 Lake St., Lake Charles.
(337) 477-6773. Open
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;
Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Together,
we have
turned
your dreams
into an
address!
Wishing You a Very Blessed and Merry
Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
DECEMBER 2015 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 3 • Number 5 Volume 3 • Number 5 VOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM DECEMBER 2015

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
BUT GOING THE EXTRA MILE.
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