The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

DECEMBER 2016 Vol 4 No 3 

Giving Back to the 

I-10 Bridge

editor’s 

By Brenda Hill 

HE IS... Faithful 

I 

am filled with gratitude and 

rejoice, as I reflect over this past 

year. 

January opened the door with 

opportunity and hope. I made 

decisions that introduced me to more 

personal growth and development 

than I ever imagined. 

I reminisced over the birth of my first 

born in February and celebrated "Me" 

with friends, family, colleagues and 

loved ones in March. 

April showers and tax season 

blossomed in beautiful flowers and 

numerical tasks and duties with 

deadlines. We gave thanks for our loyal 

employees and supportive advertisers 

for a prosperous and productive 

previous year. 

I shared workspace and learning 

environments with skilled individuals 

from all walks of life and backgrounds. 

May rolled in new activities and rolled 

out loved ones in various farewell 

ceremonies. 

I met newcomers and travelers from 

other places in the month of June. 

Shaking hands and bonding in 

relationships that still exist today. 

Hot sunny days in July slowed down 

activity, but I was blessed to celebrate 

my "Silver" year of holy matrimony to 

my longtime partner, “Bro. Hill”. 

"Back to School" excitement increased 

activity for many in the month of 

August. It opened the door for The 

Voice of SWLA to inquire about what 

concerns our loyal community. 

Information was gathered, and time, 

effort, with resources and relationships, 

were invested during the months of 

September and October... 

November allowed much needed time 

for reflection and focus as I counted my 

blessings one by one. 

Now that December is here with peace 

and cheer, and I set my mind on times 

and seasons when victories with 

celebrations are achieved, and storms 

arrive filled with challenges, and on 

days I give and days I receive from loyal 

individuals in warm relationships. A 

constant thought remains in my heart 

throughout every day of every year… 

Jesus is the Reason for every Season… 

Merry 

Christmas 

and a Happy New Year! 

2 December 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 3

December 2016 

LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE 

2 HE IS...FAITHFUL 

4 GIVING BACK TO THE I-10 BRIDGE 

7 ASK MR. CARL 

8 HOME HACKS AND HELPFUL HINTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS 

9 CITY OF LAKE CHARLES PUBLIC NOTICE 

12 2017 MLK JR. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE 

14 THE GIVING HEART 

15 SUCCESSFUL SELF INC. 

16 OUR PERSONAL COLONY DISORDER 

18 SLC NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: JAMES TABARY 

19 SWLA CREDIT UNION NAMES PRESIDENT/CEO 

22 SWLA CHURCHES 

24 COTTON CHILD 

26 BRIGHT TIMES AHEAD FOR ENTERGY 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Brenda Hill 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

GENERAL MANAGER | Tracy Clark 

tpllcthevoice_tracy@yahoo.com 

www.thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATION 

SHAWDASHIAN GROUP 

CONSULTANTS 

Gene R. Hill, Sr., Reginald Clark 

Published and distributed by 

TEAM PUBLICATIONS LLC. 

4310 Ryan St. Ste. 134 

Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

(337) 474-2210 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Tori Hebert, Carl Louviere, 

James Barrow, M.D.-OB/GYN, 

Madelaine Landry, Kacee Kirschvink, 

Ronald J. Blanchard, Gloria E. Jackson 

ART DIRECTOR | Vinh Alexander 

Vinh Alexander 

EVENTS COORDINATOR | Carl Hubert 

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 of 

SWLA. The views expressed in articles of The Voice of SWLA are not necessarily the views 

of the ownership or sponsors in this publication. The Voice of SWLA assumes no liability 

for errors or omissions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content. 

Volume 4 • Number 3 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM December 2016 3

Giving Back to the 

By Tori Hebert 

53,000 daily commuters. 

That is the number 

of vehicles that 

cross the I-10 Calcasieu 

River Bridge every day as 

claimed by the Southwest 

Louisiana Economic 

Development Alliance. In 

2015, The American Road 

& Transportation Builders 

Association (ARTBA) published 

highlights from the Federal 

Highway 2014 National Bridge 

Inventory. In this report, the 

National Bridge Inventory 

has the number of daily 

commuters set at 70,100. That 

is only 1,900 fewer commuters 

than the expected 72,000 

that will use the I-10 bridge 

by 2025. Providing tourism, 

revenue, and alternate 

routes for residents, the 

I-10 bridge is a vital part of 

Southwest Louisiana, the 

energy capital of the south. 

By the late 2000’s questions 

about the infrastructure, 

stability, and overall safety 

of the bridge had become a 

popular topic during public 

hearings. However, even 

with safety concerns and an 

I-10 Bridge 

unknown future for crossing 

a portion of the Calcasieu 

River, the Southwest Louisiana 

community has continued 

to press on in true southern 

fashion. 

Sulphur resident Sara Parsons 

travels the I-10 bridge 3-4 

times per day each week. 

Parsons says, “I live in Sulphur, 

but I work in Downtown Lake 

Charles. I use the bridge a lot.” 

Morning commutes are fairly 

easy for Parsons as she travels 

after morning rush hour, 

but afternoon commutes 

are a different story. “In the 

evenings, I have to leave my 

house earlier than I would 

in the morning because I 

know that there is going to 

be some sort of traffic jam” 

explains Parsons. She says 

that weekday afternoons take 

about 5 minutes to get over 

the bridge but that weekend 

afternoons can take between 

10 and 15 minutes. Whether 

it be a traffic accident, 

maintenance repairs, or just 

simply too many cars for an 

inadequate amount of space, 

the eastern commute over the 

I-10 bridge can be a nuisance. 

Lake Charles resident Alan Ball 

has similar thoughts about his 

commute over the I-10 bridge. 

“I travel the bridge a few times 

a month. I cross over it during 

both morning and evening 

hours, and on any given day 

the traffic can be backed up.” 

When asked how a major 

repair or even a full closure 

of the bridge would effect 

his commute, Ball says he 

would have to add between 

1 and 2 hours of extra travel 

time for his commute. This is 

not hard to imagine. When 

I-10 is down to one lane 

because of an accident or 

repairs, traffic is backed up for 

miles. Sometimes traffic can 

continue from the top of the 

bridge all the way to the I-210 

interchange, and on the worst 

of days it can extend beyond 

the interchange. 

For workers like Ball who can 

run day or night shifts, adding 

extra time to a commute can 

also seriously impact sleeping 

and eating habits. Ball says, “I 

would definitely have to plan 

extra time to commute, so I 

would possibly get less sleep, 

and really just every other 

part of my schedule would 

have to be adjusted.” Right 

now, an alternate commute 

using I-210 can be beneficial 

and only add a few minutes 

of extra travel time, but a 

full closure or major project 

on I-10, like the one I-210 

experienced earlier this year, 

would be an entirely different 

story. When traffic builds up in 

one area, commuters look for 

alternate routes, once those 

alternate routes are found 

they too become congested 

with traffic. 

Traffic escalated on I-10 

earlier this year while I-210 

underwent changes that 

included new exit and 

entrance ramps. Parsons says 

she did experience this extra 

congestion on her commutes, 

“During the summer I mainly 

use I-10 so the construction 

itself on 210 didn’t impact 

me, but the 210 construction 

project definitely made a 

difference in traffic for I-10.” 

But even on the worst of 

days, Parsons considers the 

bridge to not only be a part 


of our community history, 

but a part of her childhood 

as well. “The pistols [on the 

safety railings] have a lot of 

history behind them. When 

I was little my mom and my 

grandparents always told 

me that it was rumored that 

one of them was real! And 

that's a huge memory from 

my childhood. I always tried 

to look as closely as I could 

to see if I could figure it out!” 

she says. I remember when I 

was young, I always thought 

the decorations were bat 

wings. The crossed pistols on 

each side of the bridge have 

many speculative theories, 

but the most common one 

is that they are a tribute to 

Southwest Louisiana’s history 

of frequent pirate stops. The 

most prominent pirate figure 

being Jean Lafitte. 

Robin Shuler, a native of 

Southwest Louisiana who now 

resides in Anacoco, recalls 

a connection between the 

bridge and her family. “My 

grandfather, Bill Chapman, 

was the police officer who led 

the parade over the bridge 

when it first opened. He led 

the way for the escort service 

of the governor. I think it was 

the governor.” Shuler went on 

to say, “I remember when I was 

growing up, that story was 

the one I heard all the time. 

Especially from my mom!” 

This special landmark is in 

desperate need of attention 

in order to keep serving our 

community for years to come. 

Before the 135-foot marvel 

was opened in 1952, travelers 

used a small, uncomfortably 

tight drawbridge to cross 

the Calcasieu River. It was a 

simpler time for the southwest 

region, but much like today, 

Lake Charles was rapidly 

growing. The drawbridge 

was soon outdated and 

was outgrown by bustling 

community. Originally the 

new structure was a part of 

Hwy 90, but was later taken 

in as a part of Interstate 10. 

Now, the I-10 bridge is 64, its 

lifespan at opening was to last 

50 years, and is once again 

becoming an outdated and 

outgrown road way for Lake 

Charles. 

Commuters aren’t the only 

ones who rely on the I-10 

bridge as a huge part of their 

daily routine. Business like 

Sweets and Treats Bakery, 

located in Downtown, have 

also continued to carry on 

amidst the uncertainty of I-10. 

Tony Bruno, bakery manager 

and son of owner Judy, says he 

is not worried about a decline 

in business due to any work 

programs that may come to 

I-10. Bruno says, “Even when 

the I-10 ramps had major 

construction projects, our 

business was not impacted. 

Most of our customers 

are local from Sulphur, 

Dequincy, and Lake Charles, 

so I’m confident that any 

construction will not impact 

our business.” Bruno realizes 

that traveling individuals like 

the “easy-on-easy-off” access 

that the bridge offers. “We 

have a lot of pharmaceutical 

sells reps that have territories 

spanning from Houston to 

Slidell, New Orleans, and 

Monroe. They really depend 

on being able to exit and 

enter I-10 to continue their 

journey in either direction.” 

Kate Cotten, Owner of Cotten’s 

Downtown expresses similar 

thoughts about commuters 

looking for a quick stop. She 

also said that the travelers 

who stop for a bite at her 

restaurant have done their 

research on where to go. 

“Whenever we do have 

travelers from the bridge 

come into the restaurant, 

they have taken the time 

to find out what places are 

around for them to easily 

get to. Sometimes we have 

people come in after the 

search for ‘breakfast places’. 

It would be easy for them to 

stop at Waffle House right 

off the main exit, but I think 

it’s great when they look 

for something local.” I asked 

Cotten how she thought her 

business would be effected 

from repairs and closures, and 

she too was not worried about 

losing customers. Cotten 

says, “I would like to see work 

done to the bridge not only 

for safety repairs, but also to 

give the area more aesthetic 

appeal. Both the drive leading 

to the bridge and the bridge 

itself doesn’t give travelers a 

positive impression of Lake 

Charles.” Cotten likes the new 

exits that were added on the 

east side of the I-10 bridge 

and finds them appealing. 

“I think they look great, and 

I think having more projects 

like that would have an affect 

on more travelers wanting to 

take a look around town.” The 


Sarah Parson 

Alan Ball 

Kate Cotton 

art industry of Lake Charles 

has blossomed in recent 

years, and with the numerous 

festivals held every year, 

giving the I-10 drive a facelift 

may not be such a bad idea. 

A new and improved I-10 

bridge has been in the works 

throughout my lifetime, and 

even during my parent’s early 

years. The topic is nothing 

new, but time and time again, 

more important projects, 

legal hurdles, environmental 

and stability analysis have 

been in the way of any 

rehabilitation projects coming 

to life. The SWLA Economic 

Development Alliance is 

working to get the ball rolling 

on a repair plan that the I-10 

bridge so desperately needs. 

The Alliance has started the 

Infor10 campaign in order 

to communicate the urgent 

need for a better I-10 bridge, 

clear any hurdles that are 

in the way of starting the 

project, and to ultimately 

to work with city and state 

agencies to move forward 

on development projects. 

The campaign was started to 

unite the community in taking 

the action steps to make I-10 

safer for everyone. Inadequate 

capacity for the amount of 

traffic, no pullover space, 

lane reductions, constant 

protective barrier accidents, 

and a number of other safety 

concerns are only a few of 

the items that the Alliance 

has listed on their campaign 

website infor10.org. 

Promises of a new bridge 

have gone on for far too 

long. Cotten said in our 

conversation, “There really 

are people who will not cross 

over that bridge. I have a 

friend from Texas, and her 

mom is one of those people. 

It definitely is a set back for 

anyone not willing to cross 

I-10, so making improvements 

to the bridge would definitely 

be an improvement in that 

aspect.” Cotten even believes 

that an extensive project 

could help business. “I think 

that if some travelers want 

to take a break from the 

traffic and driving, they will 

want to see what is around 

town and just having that 

down time could be great 

for gaining are larger nonresident 

client base.” Even for 

those, like Parsons and Ball, 

who don’t think about what 

could structurally be wrong 

with the bridge, they have a 

clear understanding that the 

bridge could be better than 

it currently is. Ball explains, 

“I think the bridge is pretty 

safe, but of course it’s never 

a bad idea to update the 

stability and durability of 

the materials. The road itself 

needs to be kept up too in 

order to prevent pot holes and 

other traffic hazards.” Parsons 

concurs, “I don't necessarily 

think we need a brand new 

bridge, but improvements 

should be made for sure. If it 

was decided that there needs 

to be a new bridge, I wouldn't 

be mad about it.” 

The Interstate 10 Bridge has 

provided, growth, history, and 

convenience to the southwest 

region for over half a century. 

Just like some of the best 

people we know, it gives and 

gives of itself without asking 

for anything in return. The 

Infor10 campaign is turning 

the tables and asking what 

we as a community can do 

for a bridge that has been a 

defining part of our modern 

history. The Alliance is asking 

the community to join them 

in their support for I-10 

improvements by signing 

a petition on the infor10. 

org site. No donations are 

necessary in order to sign the 

petition. 

Perhaps making a better 

world for the next generation 

really does start in our own 

backyard. 


Ask Mr. Carl 

December Christmas Stocking Stuffer! 

By Carl Louviere 

During our search for the “Perfect Gift” 

in this “Holiday Gift Giving” season, 

we sometimes forget to include “much 

needed” necessities! A “Stocking Stuffer “could 

be the simple device known as a “Jump Drive”, 

“Thumb Drive”, or “back up device” of many 

names. These small devices can be plugged into 

any USB port on your computer and then be used 

to copy the many pictures and important files onto 

it for safe keeping. The versatility of taking it out and 

bringing it to wherever you go versus the “Cloud” 

backup, is that no “internet connection” is needed to 

access these files or pictures. 

Retractable Thumb Drive 

Non-Retractable 

Thumb Drive 

Snap on Caps 

So many of the Thumb Drives in the today’s market 

have Security built into them and can be locked, if 

needed, to avoid anyone else from opening those files. 

Forgetting to backup those files to an External Device is 

the number one reason that people lose their important 

documents and prized images from years gone by. These 

Drives are inexpensive ($9 - 16GB) and easy to find. I have 

found that the Thumb Drives that “Retract” into the tube 

itself are the best ones to buy, versus the ones with the 

Snap on Caps. This is because people “have a tendency” 

to lose the cap! 

Visit my website, www. 

AskMrCarl.com, 

and watch my video to show how 

to install the “Thumb Drive”, how to 

download the files onto it and how to remove 

the “thumb drive” from the USB port so as not 

to accidently break it off while moving your 

Laptop or passing by your Desktop. 

Then, should your computer quit working, you will 

always have a backup that can easily be restored! 


SWLAhealth & wellness 

Home Hacks and 

Helpful Hints for 

Weight Loss 

By: James Barrow, M.D. – OB/GYN 

While fad diets come and go, your home is here to stay. Why not 

take advantage of your environment to help support healthy 

lifestyle habits. Try these tips especially through the holidays: 

1. Reorganize your kitchen. 

According to a study at the Cornell Food and Brand lab, 

having a cluttered kitchen results in stress and can lead to 

more stress eatting. Remove unnecessary items like junk 

mail and unused appliances from your counters and table. 

(As a side note; families who eat together at the table have 

lower overall body mass indexes than families who eat in 

front of the TV, according to this same study). 

2. Make healthy food easy to spot. 

Rearrange your refrigerator and cabinets to display 

nutritional items at eye level. When you take produce 

home, wash it immediately before placing it in the fridge. 

Wash, dry and precut your salad greens for healthy lunches 

and side salads. Peel and slice oranges. Store carrots 

in one side of a double container and a serving side of 

hummus in the other, making these easy grab-and-go 

snacks. 

3. Hide the unhealthy options. 

Try not to buy junk food or processed food, but if you do, 

place it on higher shelves or behind closed cabinets so it’s 

not in your line of sight and is harder to reach. 

4. Place hand weights in sitting areas. 

Results from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study 

indicate weight training plays an important role in helping 

people maintain smaller waistlines. Continue to fit aerobic 

activities into your schedule. When you sit down at home 

to rest your legs, consider picking up light weights to 

exercise your upper body. 

5. Don’t multitask while you eat. 

Multitasking while you eat can result in mindless 

distraction, making you more likely to overeat. 

James Barrow, M.D. – OB/GYN 

If you’re tired of trying every diet on the market with little or 

no effect or don’t know where to turn next, it may be time to 

consider medical management to help you lose weight safely 

and effectively. James Barrow, M.D., is an OB/GYN who is board 

certified in obesity medicine. Dr. Barrow is a member of the 

medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center and successfully 

works with women and men to help reach their weight loss 

goals. 

To learn more, attend an upcoming FREE seminar to discover 

the elements of what a medically managed weight loss 

program entails, gain an understanding of how it’s unique and 

individualized, and learn what’s best for you. Seminars will 

be held in the Boardroom at Lake Area Medical Center on the 

following dates. Please RSVP by calling (337) 562-3747. 

• Tuesday, January 10, 2017, 6-7pm 

• Tuesday, January 31, 2017, 6-7pm 

No matter what stage of your weight loss journey you are in, 

there is help available. Whether you are considering changing 

up your environment, utilizing medical management by James 

Barrow, M.D., or you are ready to explore bariatric surgery 

options, Lake Area Medical Center is here for you. For more 

information visit LakeAreaMC.com. 


CITY OF LAKE CHARLES 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

The City of Lake Charles, in conformance with the United 

States Department of Housing and Urban Development 

(HUD) regulations, will make available to the public for 

review, the 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and 

Evaluation Report (CAPER). 

The CAPER provides information on Housing and 

Community Development activities under taken by the 

City of Lake Charles for the 2015 program year, October 

1, 2015 to September 30, 2016. The CAPER includes 

activities funded by the Community Development Block 

Grant (CDBG), the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) 

program and state-funded Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) 

Program. The purpose of the CAPER is to document how 

the City of Lake Charles spent federal funds on housing 

and community development and to assess whether or 

not the City made progress in meeting the needs of the 

community, as stipulated in the 2015-2019 Consolidated 

Plan. The CAPER will be at the following locations for review 

from December 1, 2016 to December 15, 2016 for citizen’s 

comments and input: 

• Central Library, 301 W. Claude St. 

• City Hall, 5th Floor, 326 Pujo St. 

SULPHUR 

West Cal-Cam Hospital 

Tarver Ford 

Joe's Pizza & Pasta 

Stines 

Pitt Grill 

Quaker Steak & Lube 

SPAR 

Goodwill 

Hollier's 

Dairy Barn 

LAKE CHARLES 

Reeves Uptown 

Special Touch Massage 

Pujo St. Cafe 

Kmart 

Pick up your 

copy of 

The Voice of 

SWLA while 

you’re out and about. 

CC's Coffee House 

Chase (Downtown) 

Steamboat Bill's 

Civic Center 

Carnegie Library 

Luna Bar & Grill 

MOSS BLUFF 

Peto's 

All Action Automotive 

Market Basket 

Southern Spice 

VINTON 

Post Office 

Market Basket 

Love's Truck Stop 

• Martin Luther King Center, 2009 North Simmons 

• City of Lake Charles Transit Center, 1155 Ryan Street 

The document will be submitted to the United States 

Department of Housing and Urban Development no later 

than December 30, 2016. 

Citizens are urged to read and make written comments. 

Written comments may be addressed to the Office of 

Community Development, P.O. Box 900, Lake Charles, LA 

70602 or call 337-491-1440. 

“Si usted necesita la ayuda de un traductor del idioma 

español, por favor comuníquese con la ‘La Famila Resourse 

Center’ al teléfono (337) 312-2906, cuando menos 72 horas 

antes de la junta,” which asks persons who need Spanish 

language assistance to make arrangements with the La 

Familia Resource Center on behalf of the City of Lake 

Charles within three days of the publication notice. 

McNeese 

Banners 

The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights 

Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all program and 

activities. 

For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see the 

City of Lake Charles’ website--cityoflakecharles.com or call Mayor’s 

Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department 

Head, or call the Title VI Coordinator at (337) 491-1440 

LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, STORIES & PEOPLE 


MARSHALL’S CITY COUNCIL ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

MARSHALL’S PERSONAL INFORMATION 

• Married for 25 years to Dr. Paula Mouton Simien 

• 3 children, Marshall III (21), August (17) & Grace Elizabeth (10) 

• LSU Law School, MSU (BA-Government), Washington High School 

• President – Simien Law Firm 

MARSHALL’S SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 

• Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, District 2 - December 2014 thru January 2016 

• Lake Charles City Council, District A – 2005 thru 2013 

President – 2007 to 2008, Vice President – 2006 to 2007 

• Lake Charles Port Board – 2003 thru 2005 

• Community Foundation of SWLA Board Member, 2014 thru Present 

• St. Charles Retreat Center – Advisory Board 

• IberiaBank – Advisory Board 

• Lake Charles Kiwanis Club North 

• Knights of St. Peter Claver, Council 141 - Jr. Knights Commander 

• Immaculate Heart of Mary Holy Name Society 

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

• Over $70 million in projects for District A 

• Enterprise Boulevard Parkway Extension, Phase I 

• I-10 Turnarounds at Enterprise Blvd and Kirkman St. 

• Downtown Lakefront Promenade 

• Downtown Lake Charles Public Transit Center and new City buses 

• Lake Charles Civic Center upgrades 

• New Lake Charles City Court 

• Riverside Park, Phases I & II 

• New Millennium Park and Children’s Playground 

• Council on Aging’s Whispering Hope Senior Apartment Complex 

• LC Housing Authority’s Bayou Bluff Subdivision 

• Goosport Recreation Center Water Park 

• Martin Luther King Recreation Center playground & concession stand 

• Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority adjudicated property initiative 

• Helped facilitate construction of New VA Clinic for Lake Charles area veterans 

• Helped facilitate construction of Carboline Co. new distribution warehouse 

• Helped SWLA Center for Health Services expand services to underinsured 

• Helped Abraham’s Tent construct new facility 

MARSHALL’S PORT BOARD ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

• Addressed & corrected operational deficiencies after dissolution of prior Board 

• Oversaw construction of L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort on Port property 

• Negotiated LNG facilities locating to SWLA as cornerstone for economic boom 

Lake Charles STRONG! 

“Managing Our Town - Building Our City!” 

10 

December 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 3

This coupon entitles you to 10% off 

your Total purchase. (Must present coupon) 

LOVE YOUR BODY FROM THE INSIDE OUT 

Become a VIP Member & 

“Give the Gift of a Healthier Choice” 

With a Juice Thyme Plus Gift Card 

1540 N. MLK Hwy, Suite B. Lake Charles, LA. 70601 (337) 437-4237 

James E. Burks 

ATTORNEY AT LAW 

Criminal Law 

Personal Injury 

Wills & Successions 

Tel: 337 474-6106 

Fax: 337 478-2765 

3112 Enterprise Boulevard 

Lake Charles, LA 70601 


2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Festival Schedule 

KZWA 104.9, The Vibe Foundation and the M.L.K. 

Coalition announces plans for the Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Festival held January 13-16, 2017. The theme this year is, 

The Dream: “Our Lives Begin to End the Day We 

Become Silent About Things That Matter.” 

The M.L.K., Jr. Festival honors the courageous 

effort and sacrifices of Martin Luther King, Jr., 

and celebrates its 33rd Anniversary Year. 

It was chosen as a top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society for 

the first quarter of 2016. This award is a coveted honor among 12 

member states. 

Friday January 13th 

Morning-Kick-Off Annual Memorial Breakfast 7:30 a.m. 

Christian World Ministries, 2001 E. Gauthier Road, Lake 

Charles, LA 70607. 

Guest Speaker- The honorable Judge Ron Ware of the 14th 

Judicial District Court. 

Local high school choirs performing include: Barbe, Lagrange, 

Washington Marion and Sulphur led by each school's choir 

director, and accompanied by Mr. Don McZeal and Ms. Belinda 

Williams. 

MLK Unsung Hero Award 9:00 a.m. 

First place winners from each division of the essay contest will 

read their winning essay. Open to the public and televised live 

on KPLC TV. 

Saturday January 14th 

MLK Community Clean-Up Day 8:00 a.m. 

Will be held at the MLK Center. Featuring the Boy Scouts of 

America and Washington Marion ROTC 

All Four high school choirs Barbe, LAGrange, Washington Marion and Sulphur. 

Sunday January 15th 

Gospel Extravaganza 6:00 p.m. 

Featuring performers from throughout Louisiana. 

Throne of Grace Fellowship, 2401 6th Street Lake Charles, LA 

Free Admission 

Monday January 16th 

Annual Parade 8:30 a.m. 

Line up at the Martin Luther King Center 

Parade Roll Out 11:00 a.m. 

Family Day Celebration (Zydeco, R&B, Blues, and Southern Soul 

Music) 

Celebrity Gumbo/Sauce Piquant Cook-Off Contest 

Local Vendor Exhibition (Arts, Crafts, Creole, and Cajun Foods) 

MLK 2016 Breakfast Attendees 

Everyone is invited to take part in this fun filled event. Don’t miss 

the Family Fun 

Day celebration where you can enjoy live, local and national 

entertainers with the best in 

Zydeco, R&B, Jazz, Blues and Southern Soul music. The big 

Celebrity Gumbo/Sauce Piquant Cook-Off contest as well as the 

exhibition by hundreds of local vendors featuring arts, crafts, 

Creole and Cajun food from all over Louisiana which promises to 

be a treat for all ages. 

T - Shirts can be purchased at KZWA and Unlimited 

Fashions. Pick up entry forms and pay fees at the 

business office located at 305 Enterprise Blvd., Lake 

Charles, La. 70601. Those wearing the commemorative 

M.L.K. T - shirts will get free admission and are invited to 

march in the M.L.K. parade. 

For more information and details send an email to 

mail@kzwafm.com or contact: 

Jacques Brown 

337-491-9955 or 

fax 337-433-8097 

mail@kzwafm.com 

KZWA LIVE 104.9 

305 Enterprise Blvd 

Lake Charles, LA 70601 

12 


Small & Emerging Business Development 

The SWLA Alliance for Economic Development, in partnership 

with Louisiana Department of Economic Development, is offering 

its state approved Entrepreneurial Services for persons desiring to 

start or further develop their own business. 

• Do you operate a home-based business, a startup or just want to gain a 

competitive edge for your existing business? 

• Want to learn the truth about access to business capital for your business? 

• Want to understand the priorities that drive you, create strategies in building 

more effective work/business relations with customers and employees? 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, or if you are interested 

in proven business techniques and tools, these programs may be for you. 

For program details and eligibilities contact: 

Adrian L. Wallace 

Executive Director SEED Center Business Incubator 

436-0977 · awallace@allianceswla.org 

Program & Services 

Available Include: 

Managerial & Technical 

Assistance 

~ 

DiSC Workplace/Leaders 

Programs 

~ 

Market Analysis/Planning 

Workplace Training 

Solutions 

~ 

Business Coaching 

Program 

~ 

Pre-Incubation Program 


#PositiveIsMe 

The Giving Heart 

By Ronald J. Blanchard 

T 

ranscending 

seasonal traditions 

and perpetuated 

superstitions, there exists 

within every human being 

the unlimited potential 

for unconditional love and 

generosity. Through the 

divine orchestration and 

architecture of one’s limited, 

physical anatomy, there is 

a supernatural purpose, 

spiritual physiology that 

is defined through the 

makings of humanity. 

This esoteric knowledge is 

hidden within plain sight 

and clearly demonstrates the 

inner motivation to make 

a difference in the lives of 

ones’ fellow human being. 

Careful examination and 

metaphysical education 

reveals a heavenly blueprint 

that offers a universal 

explanation for the origin 

and nature of an amazing 

creation—the giving heart! 

When considering the true 

quality of charity, one need 

not look any further than the 

human heart. This awesome 

organ is part of a vital 

metaphor that functions, 

unselfishly to ensure that 

each and every breath that is 

taken contains the essence 

of living that inspires one’s 

very existence. Within the 

initial four weeks of one’s 

life, the heart creates a 

beat, a rhythm of life that 

hopefully takes one on a 

journey that contributes to 

a better future society. Every 

day, the heart beats about 

100,000 times, sending 2,000 

gallons of blood surging 

through the human body, 

giving each and every cell 

an opportunity to be a 

productive part of the body. 

Through nearly 60,000 miles 

of blood vessels, the work 

of the heart perpetuates the 

critical flow that contributes 

to endless possibilities within 

limited mortality. However, a 

more significant lesson must 

be learned. 

Understanding the value of 

the human heart allows one 

to consider the importance 

of selflessness. One must 

know that there is never a 

need to consider a special 

occasion or day, to give 

of oneself to bring joy to 

someone else’s world. The 

qualities of the human heart 

are beyond the limitations 

of mere words. The true 

value exists within the 

life-sustaining actions that 

are clearly manifested. The 

heart reflects truth through 

a subtle syncopation that 

allows all mankind to share 

the ultimate gift of life. 

Existing as a global family, 

there is a commonality 

within each and every 

human. There is a continuous 

need to belong. Sharing that 

reality, there is an elevated 

need to empathize with 

one’s brothers and sisters. 

The lessons of the human 

heart are profound as one 

continues to listen with 

confidence to the same quiet 

beat. The message conveyed 

is a message of oneness. The 

oneness of purpose allows 

one to know and understand 

the unity of the spirit that 

causes careful consideration 

and thought. More than an 

idea, this universal precept 

forms the foundations of a 

conscientious personality 

that cares about the family of 

man. Unselfishly considerate, 

one places brothers and 

sisters first. Dancing to the 

beat of the giving heart. 

14 


TEAMPUBLICATIONSbook release 

SUCCESSFUL 

SELF Inc. 

It has been reported that 2.2 million individuals are 

behind bars and 900,000 of the 2.2 million are African 

Americans, and a significant growing proportion of the 

Hispanic population is added to this disproportionate racial 

composition. (Ryan S. King, Marc Mauer, and Malcolm C. 

Young, Incarceration and Crime: A Complex Relationship, 

The Sentencing Project, 2005) 

Our nation has encountered a rapid rise in the number of 

people in prisons and jails over the last decade. The Bureau 

of Justice Statistics documents 1-in-6 people had been 

behind bars as of 2001, and if this current trend continues, 

1-in-3 black males born today can expect to be incarcerated 

during their lifetime. (Thomas P. Bonczar Prevalence of 

Experiment in the U.S. Population 1974-2001, Bureau of 

Justice Statistics, 2003, p.8.) 

Although women imprisonment is lower than men, 

black women are more likely than white women to find 

themselves behind bars. 

(The Sentencing Project, Women in the Criminal Justice 

System, May, 2007.) 

Successful Self Inc., is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization 

with programs that serves this at-risk, incarcerated and 

former prisoner population. 

“Project Bear the Burden” is one program designed for 

service with a 36-Week 8-Step Eco Map Curriculum known 

as STRNGTH (Successful Tools for Residents in Non- 

Governmental Transitional Housing) Phase I & Phase II. 

STRNGTH Phase I & II has clinically based “Persons” in the 

Environment to provide licensed professional counseling 

with expertise in addictions, anger and depression 

management, life skills coaching and the skilled practice of 

meditation known as ‘Mindfulness.’ This voluntary program 

welcomes all individuals from all backgrounds and offers 

each an individualized plan to meet their specific needs. 

Please direct all inquiries or make tax deductible donations 

to Successful Self Inc 501(C)(3) by contacting: 

Gene R. Hill, Sr. 

Successful Self Inc. 

Founder/Prison Minister/Mentor Program Coordinator 

gene.hilsr@gmail.com 

337.377.5731 

Joseph H. Hadnot, Ph.D 

Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Education 

Author: Motivational Speaker:Mindfulness 

Most recent book: Living the Amazing Life 

afrikaneden@yahoo.com 

337.375.2155 

Patrick Steward, M.Ed. 

Specialization Family & Community Service 

Board Certified Master Addictions Counselor III 

Anger & Depression Management Specialist 

Certified Behavior Management Specialist 

New Beginnings Outreach Community Center (Successful Self Inc Affiliate) 

ps0289048@gmail.com 

337.794.5351 


Our Personal 

"Colony" Disorder 

By Madelaine Landry 

By definition, Colony 

Collapse Disorder 

is the phenomenon 

that occurs when a 

honeybee colony’s worker 

bees disappear. They 

leave behind the queen bee, 

plenty of food and a few 

bees to care for the remaining 

immature bees. 

Okay, admittedly our families 

are not honeybees. They 

just sound that way when 

they gather around a holiday 

dinner table. The loud 

buzzing sound we hear is 

argument and debate. That’s 

normal, but coming right on 

the heels of a very divisive 

election season, it may get 

deafening. The Queen bee, 

worker bees and immature 

bees swarming around the 

turkey and dressing sound 

like they can’t wait to sting 

each other. Perhaps the only 

difference in our human 

form of this disorder is there 

will be no food left behind! 

If conflict is about anything, 

it is about perception. We 

fail to see or seek mutually 

satisfying answers when we 

are deep in an argument 

with someone. Instead, 

we perceive (1) they think 

differently, and (2) they’re 

just plain wrong. Here is the 

reality about conflict with 

friends and family: It is impossible 

to avoid. Conflict is 

inevitable and its resolution, 

good or bad, is all in how we 

manage it. 

No matter how angry we get 

with one another, remember 

that we are in this thing 

called life together. The 

interdependence of those 

we are closest to, family 

and friends, is undeniable; 

our survival depends upon 

it. If we engage in division 

and opposition, rather than 

recognizing our mutual 

needs, we miss opportunities 

to find common ground, 

build goodwill and maintain 

healthy relationships. 

Dr. Thomas Seeley, a Biology 

professor who researches 

honeybee behavior at 

Cornell University, notes: 

“Conflict can be a useful 

element… it often pays 

a group to argue things 

carefully through to find 

the best solution to a tough 

problem.” 

Seeley’s research focuses 

on how bees in a hive must 

resolve their conflicts to 

ensure survival, which is 

mutually advantageous. 

Honeybees instinctively 

understand that victory 

obtained through force and 

intimidation is shortsighted. 

As humans, we need to recognize 

that getting our way 

or causing more dissension 

are not mutually beneficial 

behaviors. So why do we 

persist in it? How would it 

change around the holiday 

table if we stepped back, 

examined how we behave 

during heated arguments 

and agreed that we do not 

all think the same? Some 

of the issues are not even 

significant. Victory may be 

sweet, but unlike honey, 

it won’t last forever. Our 

long-term goal should be 

maintaining healthy relationships, 

not on always 

being right. 

When we insist on the false 

perception that winning is 

everything, we fail to look 

for mutually beneficial solutions. 

People on either side 

of an argument often get 

so hung up on getting their 

point across they fail to see 

their actions will eventually 

lead to anger and alienation. 

Refusing to budge or engaging 

in personal attacks 

are fine during a friendly 

video game, so use those 

strategies for after the table 

is cleared. 

Experts say it is oversimplification 

to think there is a 

single “best” way to resolve 

conflicts. Many factors like 

time or the relative importance 

of the issues matter. 

Communication researchers 

have studied four primary 

styles: 

Lose-Lose—Avoidance. This 

is a temporary Band-Aid 

and for insignificant issues, 

it works well. However, 

the downside is avoidance 

never eliminates conflict. 

Changing the subject, using 

humor or denying that a 

problem exists may help us 

cool down, but it can also 

leave us feeling unsatisfied. 

On major issues, avoidance 

reflects pessimism, negativity 

and a willingness to 

put up with the status quo. 

When it matters, be honest 

enough to voice your concerns 

and to listen to the 

16 


concerns of others, even if 

you disagree. 

Win-Lose—Competition. 

If every conflict is a contest, 

you may find yourself 

controlling the situation… 

alone. Others do not view 

a winner-takes-all option 

charitably. If the matter 

is life-threatening, it may 

be necessary to be right. 

However, competition 

often breeds aggression 

through bullying, character 

assassination and creating 

defensiveness. Both direct 

and passive aggression can 

leave lasting scars on relationships, 

leaving recipients 

humiliated. Do you honestly 

want to leave a table 

filled with guests who feel 

inadequate, hopeless, even 

depressed? 

Lose-Win—Accommodation. 

Sometimes it is obvious 

the issue matters more to 

someone else than it does 

to you. Accommodation 

has its benefits. But, when 

we consistently choose 

to accommodate others, 

always allowing them to 

have their way, we show 

lack of concern for ourselves. 

If you never value 

your own opinions or assert 

yourself, you become bitter 

and frustrated. Choosing 

your battles wisely is good 

advice, as is taking the high 

road occasionally. However, 

if this is your default choice, 

you may feel like you always 

get the short end of the 

drumstick. 

Win-Win—Collaboration. 

This can be the most desirable 

conflict style when an 

issue is too important to 

allow compromise. Collaboration 

seeks to find solutions 

that satisfy the needs of 

everyone involved. When we 

show concern for ourselves 

and others through mutual 

respect, everyone walks 

away from the table feeling 

valued and validated. Those 

feelings go much better 

with dessert and coffee, 

wouldn’t you agree? 

Flexibility in human behavior 

is the sign of a competent 

communicator. Choosing 

healthy relationships, 

like choosing healthy food, 

is the best way to set our 

tables for the upcoming 

holidays. Less conflict and 

chaos equal no relationship 

collapse. 

Merry Christmas 

and Happy New Year 

from all of us at 

3612 Ryan Street 

Lake Charles, LA 

337.474.4349 

5512 Hwy. 14 

Lake Charles 

337.602.6118 


SWLAsports 

SLC Newcomer of the Year: 

James Tabary 

By Tori Hebert 

James Tabary has been 

playing football since he 

was four years old. “My dad 

forced me in to the sport. 

I played with the 5 and 6 

year olds” Tabary explains. 

Getting used to the rough 

tackles and fast paced moves 

helped Tabary play for Holy 

Cross High School, Arkansas 

State University, and finally to 

receive the coveted Southland 

Conference Newcomer of the 

Year Award at McNeese State 

University. 

The 2016 football season was 

Tabary’s first with McNeese. 

Tabary said the team was 

welcoming and he felt like 

he instantly fit in with his 

teammates. Tabary says, “Most 

of the guys are from Louisiana. 

I felt like I was a little more at 

home versus when I played 

with Arkansas and most of the 

guys weren’t from Louisiana.” 

The comradery of his new 

teammates helped Tabary 

get in to the swing of playing 

with his offensive line and 

Coach Lance Guidry. McNeese 

had high expectations for 

this season, and Tabary was 

pleased with how it ended. 

Tabary stated, “I think we had a 

good season, I know we have 

18 

some things to improve on 

for next season and we have 

work to do, but overall the 

season was a great learning 

experience.” Receiving the 

Newcomer Award was also 

a great personal gain for 

Tabary who said receiving the 

award made him feel like he 

had done better this season 

than he originally thought. 

“This award has definitely 

helped my confidence. I am 

my own worst critic but this 

award shows me that I had a 

great season and even as the 

new guy to the team I had an 

impact on how we played” 

Tabary remarks. 

Tabary absolutely had an 

impact on the game. He was 

33 yards short of setting a new 

McNeese record for the most 

passing yards in a season. He 

is the second quarterback 

in McNeese history to throw 

3,000 yards in one season. 

Tabary did set a McNeese 

record for having 4 games that 

he threw 300 passing yards. 

He also tied a school record 

with 5 touchdown passes in 

one game. Tabary also had 

single season records with 

most completions and pass 

attempts in one season. With 

his help the football team was 

able to set the most passing 

yards in a season and the 

record for the most average 

passing yards per game. 

Even with so many accolades 

and such a prestigious award, 

Tabary remains humble 

and grateful for the work 

of his team. “I couldn’t have 

done any of this without my 

offensive line. If I could give 

an award to anyone, it would 

be to the entire offensive 

line. They really did protect 

me on the field and my 

accomplishments are because 

of them” Tabary added on his 

gratitude for the rest of the 

team. 

Tabary did not know that 

he won the award the 

day it was announced. He 

explains, “I actually found out 

about two days later. I was 

scrolling through twitter, and 

someone had retweeted the 

announcement. I was it and I 

was like ‘huh, wow, that’s cool’.” 

Sometimes the power of social 

media comes through for 

great reasons. 

The 2017 McNeese Football 

season will open on August 

31, 2017 at Nicholls State 

University. Tabary, who is a 

presumptive starter for next 

season, is looking forward to 

taking his confidence to the 

rest of the team. After a tough 

season, the McNeese Cowboys 

have an equally hard season 

to prepare for. With honors all 

around, 2017 is looking like 

it should bring a strong and 

exciting football season with 

it. 

Special Thanks to McNeese 

Athletics for sports statistics 


SWLAmen in business 

Southwest Louisiana 

Credit Union Names 

President/CEO 

Contributed Article 

Lake Charles, LA—The 

Southwest Louisiana Credit 

Union Board of Directors 

announced the selection 

of Ronaldo Hardy as the 

credit union’s next President 

and Chief Executive Officer, 

effective Oct. 3, 2016. 

Hardy brings 14 years of 

industry experience to the 

organization. 

“We couldn’t be more excited 

to welcome Ronaldo as our 

new President/CEO,” stated 

Mike Dronet, Chairman of 

the Board. “His work in the 

movement locally, statewide 

and even nationally speaks 

to his strong leadership 

and progressive, innovative 

approach.” 

Hardy has wide-ranging 

experience in the financial 

industry. He comes to 

Southwest Louisiana 

Credit Union after serving 

as President/CEO of Shell 

Geismar Federal Credit 

Union for the past five years. 

Prior to that, he served in 

various capacities at La 

Capitol Federal Credit Union. 

During his tenure, Hardy 

was instrumental in the 

organization’s growth and 

financial success. 

“Southwest Louisiana Credit 

Union is doing great work 

in the community, and I 

am eager to join its mission 

to offer financial services 

in a dignified way to the 

unbanked and the underbanked 

in the community,” 

said Hardy. “Through our 

work to encourage financial 

independence, we hope 

the Lake Charles area will 

recognize that we are a 

mission-focused organization 

with radical and strategic ways 

to be proactive and engaged 

with the community.” 

Hardy has a bachelor’s degree 

in business administration 

from the University of 

Louisiana at Monroe and 

will graduate from Louisiana 

State University in December 

with a master’s degree in 

human resource education. 

He serves as the Founder 

and Chairman of the LCUL’s 

Young Professionals Network, 

Chairman of CUNA’s Young 

Professionals Committee and 

Ronaldo Hardy 

is also a member of Filene’s 

Research Council. 

Southwest Louisiana Credit 

Union is a $95 million not-forprofit 

member-based credit 

union with four locations in 

Lake Charles, Sulphur and 

Westlake. To find out more, 

visit www.swlacu.com or call 

337-477-9190. 

Tis the Season! 

* 

* One call is all it takes. 

* Let us know what you’d like and we take it from there. 

* Call us for your customized baskets. 

* 

co-workers, etc. 

* Treat yourself to spice up your holiday cooking. 

* 

www.sassyoilandvinegar.com 

337-540-1408 

Liz@sassyoilandvinegar.com 


IT’S 

GEAUX 

TIME. 

IT’S HERE, Y’ALL. 

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. @2016 YUENGLING & SON, PA 17901 

20 


"Happy Holidays from all 

of us at Lake City Trucking" 


SWLAchurches 

New Sunlight Baptist Church today. 

NEW SUNLIGHT 

BAPTIST CHURCH 

CELEBRATES 120 YEARS 

By Gloria E. Jackson 

(An Abbreviated History of 

New Sunlight Baptist Church) 

In 1896, Lou Cornish, a small 

group of Christians lead by 

Rev. D. C. Bowman and God’s 

guidance, met in Cornish’s 

Haskell Street home and 

called itself New Sunlight 

Baptist Church. From meeting 

in a brush arbor to building 

their first church at 313 

Haskell Street, they grew with 

Rev. Bowman serving as its 

first pastor. The foundation 

remains steadfast with a very 

thankful people celebrating a 

very rich 120-year legacy. 

“Thankful People Serving 

a Faithful God for 120 

Years” is the theme for the 

anniversary weekend, Fri., 

Dec. 2nd through Sun., 

Dec. 4th. Events include: 

the Anniversary Musical at 

7 p.m., Fri., Dec. 2nd, 

featuring Nina Gray, Lake 

Charles native and Baton 

Rouge resident as guest 

soloist/musician with music by 

the church’s combined chorus. 

members with 40 

or more years of 

continuous membership 

will be honored during 

the "Trailblazers' Luncheon" 

on Sat., Dec. 3rd. 

and worship at 10:45 a.m., 

Sun., Dec. 4, with Rev. Dr. C.S. 

New Sunlight Baptist Church’s old edifice. 

Gordon, Jr., president of the 

Louisiana Missionary Baptist 

State Convention, as guest 

evangelist. The combined 

chorus will provide music. 

Early pastors served well 

from 1914 through 1923, and 

several had brief ministries. 

They were Rev. Henry Williams, 

Rev. Alexander Oliver, Rev. 

Edgar Keglar; Rev. J.E. Dennis, 

Rev. Robert Washington, and 

Rev. A.A. Gundy. 

In 1924, Rev. Moses Tillman 

Jackson was called. He 

successfully organized a 

general treasury system, 

presented a program to 

build a new and permanent 

structure, and in 1949, 

dedicated a $75,000 edifice to 

God. He organized numerous 

ministries, auxiliaries, and 

departments were revitalized 

until his passing in 1951. 

Rev. Victor Elijah Washington 

was chosen in 1951. A very 

young, strong pastor, Rev. 

Washington paid out the 

mortgage on its edifice, built 

22 


an annex, and built a day 

care center, the first to be 

licensed by the Louisiana 

State Department. In 

1961, he founded the Areawide 

Baptist Youth Week 

Observance which is still 

observed today. Sunlight 

Manor, a 140 unit federally 

funded apartment complex 

for low-income families was 

built, and many ministries 

were launched. Dr. V.E. 

Washington retired as Pastor 

Emeritus on April 24, 1994. He 

passed on Oct. 4, 1999. 

From October 1994 to March 

1997, Rev. Jerry Louis (J.L.) 

Franklin served as the tenth 

pastor. In 1999, Rev. Kevin 

E. Donalson became pastor, 

and the church created 

the Agape House Food/ 

Clothing pantry for the 

community. Rev. Donalson 

moved on in Dec. 2009. In 

2010, under the leadership 

of Rev. Harold Robinson, Sr., 

the church’s upstairs and 

library renovations were 

completed. He moved on in 

December 2015. 

The 240-member church has 

24 active ministries including 

the Agape House Food/ 

Clothing Ministry, Sunday 

School, Christian Education 

Board, Laymen League, 

Women’s Home Mission, 

Youth Department, Music 

Department, Children’s 

Church, Prison Ministry, 

Mission and Evangelism 

Board, and Van Ministry. It also 

hosts meetings for Alcoholics 

Anonymous. Today, members 

faithfully await its 13th pastor 

whom they believe God has 

already chosen. The church is 

located at 515 V.E. Washington 

Street in Lake Charles; its 

phone number is 436-8965. 

The 120th Church Anniversary Planning Committee 

Seated from left: Veronica Woodard, Co-chairperson; Adrian L. Wallace, 

General Chairperson; and Louisa James, Co-chairperson. 

Committee Chairpersons standing from left: Gloria E. Jackson, 

Publicity/Printing; Roma Mitchell, Program/Worship; Verda Anthony, 

Commemorative Gifts; Lizzie K. Syas, Historical; Stephanie Prescott, 

Historical Assistant; Lydia Aboagye, Commemorative Gifts; Norvell Coley, 

Decorating, and Belinda Williams, Music. 

Back row: Frank Jefferson, Finance Committee. 

Not in photo are Nathan Hartfield, Special Events/Projects; and Helene 

Jackson, Hospitality. 

KEEP YOUR 

STOCKINGS 

HO HO 

HOLIDAY 

LOAN 

RATES STARTING AT 

1.99 % APR * 

FOR ONE YEAR 

STUFFED 

THIS YEAR 

SANTA NEED A NEW SLEIGH? 

UNWRAP AN AUTO LOAN 

WITH NO PAYMENTS 

UNTIL 2017 

*ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. EXPIRES 12/31/16. 

SWLACU.COM 


SWLA book view 

Cotton Child 

Written by Tracy Brooks 

Illustrated by CJ 

Synopsis - 

Cotton Child is about a child who wants to explore and play. The 

parent is forced to work to provide for her child. The situation 

consumes the parent with feelings of guilt as she tries to convey 

to her child, she works because she has to and not because she wants 

to. Today parents are faced with the demands of life and work that can 

sometimes limit time to spend with their children. I have learned as a 

parent and educator moments of quality time are most remarkable, 

heartfelt, and special between a parent and child. 

Cotton Child 

ISBN / 9781425111212 

$9.73 

Ages 2-11 

Non-fiction 

Available At: 

www.alove4children.org www.amazon.com 

www.Barns&Noble.com 

myspace/mscottonchild 

www.traffordpublishing.com 

About the author- 

I'm so thankful for my two little blessings; as a mother I've 

learned one of the best gifts a parent can give to their child 

is quality time. It will have a tremendous impact on their life, 

and gives the parents the ability to see their child's horizons. 

Tracy Brooks was born in Alexandria, Louisiana. She grew up 

in California where she resides with her two adorable children. 

Tracy Brooks works with Parents and teaches the importance 

of Healthy Parenting and teaches the basic fundamentals of 

Building an Early Reader. Tracy makes sure she manages her 

time wisely, to give to her children quality time. 

Nannies Top Book Picks 

Palisades, CA 

Editor Lauren Shumaker & 

Felicia Serrano February 2009 edition 

Commented; 

Cotton Child is a brightly illustrated story about a little girl 

Who wants to go out and play while her mother works tirelessly 

In the cotton fields. The tale is from the little girl’s perspective, who dreams of 

Running, dancing, swimming, and playing with her mother. 

The quaint story focuses on the parent-child bond, and emphasize 

The importance of spending quality time together. Cotton child 

Will undoubted delight young reader, and the vivid, beautifully 

Illustrated pictures will captivate both parents and children alike, 

Written by Tracy Brooks, and illustrated by CJ 

Illustrated by C.J. 

24 



SWLA business 

Entergy employees helped sponsor the National Hurricane Museums' Hurricane Rita Anniversary and hurricane preparedness day. Pictured from left: Paul Joubert, Roberta 

Lawson, Warren Faulk, Lorena Ceasar, Shawn Quinn, Christine Shannon, Frank Shannon, Jason Littleton, Calvin Thibodeaux, Sheila Pounders, Jennifer Mills, Al Lester, Elizabeth 

Trahan, Ron Childress, Nicole Grille and Paul Pounders. 

Bright Times Ahead 

for Entergy and its 

Community Partners 

Contributed By Kacee Kirschvink 

People may not think about 

Entergy until their power 

goes out or their electric bills 

are due. But for an abused 

child who needs counseling 

or a senior citizen who needs 

a meal, Entergy is there to 

support them during the 

darkest of days. 

Through charitable 

contributions to nonprofit 

agencies, volunteerism in the 

community and bill payment 

assistance to qualified 

customers, Entergy gives 

back. After all, it’s what helps 

customers, communities 

and economies grow even 

stronger. 

Earlier in the fall, Entergy held 

a We Power Life celebration 

26 

in Lake Charles to shine a 

light on the outstanding 

work performed by dozens 

of southwest Louisiana 

organizations and nonprofits. 

Over the past year, these 

agencies received nearly 100 

Entergy grant contributions 

totaling nearly half a million 

dollars. This money was used 

for everything from educating 

children and providing shelter 

for the homeless to creating 

jobs and cleaning up the 

environment. 

“We rely heavily on our 

partnerships with local 

agencies in the communities 

we serve,” said Phillip May, 

Entergy Louisiana president 

and CEO. “We recognize and 

thank all of them for the hard 

work they do to achieve our 

shared goal of improving the 

lives and outcomes of our 

citizens, our communities, and 

our customers.” 

A major program that 

many may not know about 

is The Power to Care. This 

program provides funds to 

wwhelp qualified disabled or 

elderly customers pay their 

electric bills. Customers and 

employees of the company 

contribute to the fund, and 

Entergy shareholders provide 

matching funds. See and hear 

what customers who have 

experienced The Power to 

Care have to say about the 

program. 

Lake Charles is the thirdfastest 

growing U.S. metro 

economy. In 2015 its growth 

rate was 8.3 percent, so it 

is important that Entergy 

provides this region the power 

to grow. 

Therefore, Entergy is investing 

millions of dollars to improve 

service reliability, expand the 

electric system and deliver 

clean, low-cost energy to 

homes and businesses in this 

growing region. This includes: 

• Upgrading 94 miles of 

transmission lines and more 

than 25,000 poles. 

• Building the Lake Charles 

Transmission project, a 

$183 million investment 

that will increase 

generating capacity and 

reliability in mid-2018.zz 

• Spending $1 billion to 

upgrade plants and 

substations. 

• Investing nearly $200 

million to harden 

transmission, distribution 

and substations. 

By supporting local 

programs and services 

and strengthening our 

partnerships, we ensure the 


Abrahams Tent group: From left, Entergy employees Ron Childress, Jennifer Mills, 

Niraj Gharana, Roberta Lawson, Lorena Ceasar and Sheila Hardy volunteer to serve 

a meal at Abraham’s Tent. 

Entergy employees Niraj Gharana and Jennifer Mills volunteer to serve a meal at 

Abraham's tent. 

ENTERGY’S CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS 

For more than 100 years, Entergy has not only provided 

power to communities, the company has also brightened 

customers’ lives by giving back. 

Special Olympics: From left, Entergy employees Chip Arnould, Tina Northcutt, 

Sheila Pounders and Entergy retiree Jeanne O’Quinn volunteer at the Special 

Olympics event. 

• In 2015, Entergy shareholders awarded more than 

$15 million to local nonprofits through various grant 

programs. 

• A total of $460,000 in charitable grants were given in the 

southwest Louisiana region over the past year. 

• Over the past 10 years, Entergy Corporation has donated 

more than $150 million. 

entire care of those in need in 

our communities. 

“We see it as our responsibility 

to give back to communities 

we serve in a way that 

enables our customers and 

our communities to prosper,” 

said Entergy Louisiana Vice 

President of Public Affairs 

Jody Montelaro. “Together, we 

power life.” 

For more information about 

any of the items in this article, 

visit Entergy’s Community 

Page at www.entergy.com/ 

our_community/ 

Winners: A special grants drawing was held at the We Power Life Celebration in 

Lake Charles. Those agencies winning additional $1,000 grants were Oasis A Safe 

Haven for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Family and Youth 

Counseling Agency in Lake Charles. Pictured, from left are David Duplechian with 

the Family and Youth Counseling Agency, Entergy La. President and CEO Phillip 

May, Kathy Williams with Oasis and Entergy La. Customer Services Sr. Region 

Manager Chip Arnould. 


She shouldn’t have to choose. 

No one should have to choose between buying food or medication 

and paying their utility bill. Pledge as little as $2 a month and make 

a difference to our low-income, elderly and disabled neighbors. 

Choose to help. entergy.com/thepowertocare 

A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC ©2016 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

12366 Entergy ELA PowerToCare 9x11.indd 1 11/16/16 11:08 AM

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?