The Voice of Southwest Louisiana July 2018 Issue

July 2018 

Vol 5 No 12 

SEE INSIDE: PLAY-Preschool Learning Academy for Young Learners...Q&A with Derrick Williams-Impact Agent

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Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday July 19, 

2018 starting at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m. 

at our Iowa location, at 320 East Miller Avenue and 

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at 4:30 p.m. at our Lake Charles location, at 3007 

Enterprise Boulevard. 

SEE PAGE 18 FOR MORE DETAILS 

2 July 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 12

editor’s 

By Brenda Hill 

Strength 

in Unity... 

“Retain all University classes at LaGrange and 

Washington-Marion Magnet High School on the 

premises of the respective schools, so that these 

students can have a normal activity and actively 

engaging high school experience.” 

-- See Page 6 

I 

have had the privilege of 

working with families of 

individuals with other abilities 

for many years. I was an Elementary 

Special Education Teacher at Vinton, 

Barbe and Brentwood, and a mental 

health professional in the private 

sector. 

The greatest obstacle I witnessed 

to these individuals; children, 

adolescents, adults and their family 

members, was being separated 

from mainstream activities. I 

witnessed responses and reactions 

of withdrawal. I experienced their 

uncooperative and sometimes 

combative behavior. They seemed 

anxious, more irritable and angry 

than normal. When I asked them 

about their feelings and behavior, 

they responded, “They always put 

me back here! They never let me 

stay up there!” These experiences 

taught me the importance and power 

of belongingness. Mainstreaming 

students from a self-contained 

classroom to a regular classroom for a 

reading, math or language class was 

helpful at times but Inclusion gave 

greater benefits. When I collaborated 

and instructed in a regular classroom 

with a regular teacher on behalf of 

all “our” children, significant increase 

in performance was assessed. 

Acceptance, compassion, interest and 

helpfulness to others was the greatest 

reward that I witnessed. 

All types of separation, segregation, 

discrimination, etc., promote or 

provoke feelings and/or ideas about 

oneself and others. Separation to the 

back gives a false sense of inferiority 

and separation up front gives a false 

sense of superiority. 

So, when I received this news, 

“Calcasieu Parish School Board 

(CPSB) Members and Superintendent 

Bruchhaus agreed to one of the 

proposals presented by the National 

Association for the Advancement 

of Colored People (NAACP) at 

the Community Forum with 

Superintendent Bruchhaus held April 

23, 2018, I felt supported that my 

voice was heard too. I graduated from 

Washington High School and all my 

children graduated from LaGrange 

Congratulations to Calcasieu Parish School Board 

Members and Superintendent Bruchhaus! 

High School. 

I am very proud of the collaborative 

efforts of NAACP, CPSB and all the 

parents that moved in support of this 

decision. 

NAACP was founded in 1909 by 

black and white activists for social 

justice in New York, and is recognized 

as the oldest civil rights organization. 

Volume 5 • Number 12 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM July 2018 3

July 2018 

The Voice's Choice 

The Voice's Choice will spotlight groups, individuals or topics 

that spread love, joy and peace throughout SWLA. 

19 SWLA News 

Human 

Trafficking 

Awareness 

Editor-In-Chief 

Brenda Hill 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

General Manager 

Tracy Clark 

tracy@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

Art Director 

Vinh Alexander 

tvswlart@gmail.com 

Sales 

Lori Ross 

loriross3422@gmail.com 

Geore Jackson, MS US Navy 

Veteran George Jackson, Master Chief, served 

in the U.S. Navy approximately 29 years and 

four months. Mr. Jackson was reaching up to 

display his flag on Veteran’s Day when his cervical 

degeneration cut his spinal cord and left him with 

tetraplegia. This condition has caused him the 

loss of use of both legs and both arms. He has 

diminished use of his right hand and can control his 

motorized wheel chair... 

( See more on page 11) 

3 STRENGTH IN UNITY... 

EDITOR'S PEN 

5 UPDATE-I-210 BRIDGE PROJECT 

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED BIDS FOR THE I-210 LAKE PRIEN BRIDGE 

PROJECT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND OPENED BY DOTD. 

6 SWLA NEWS NAACP BRANCH 6062 

APPROVED PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES COLLEGE CREDITS FOR 

STUDENTS WISHING TO OBTAIN A HIGHER EDUCATION . 

7 SWLA HEALTH, WEALTH & 

WELLNESS 

MOM, I HAVE A HEADACHE 

8 SWLA HEALTH CENTER 

HEALTHY RECIPES 

9 MIGRAINES 

THIS MONTH’S HEALTH FOCUS IS ON MIGRAINE HEADACHES. 

11 THE VOICE'S CHOICE - VETERAN 

GEORGE JACKSON 

4TH OF JULY HIGHLIGHTS 

CONTENTS 

8 NUTRITION TIPS: 

Healthy 

Recipes 

12 SWLA NONPROFIT 

KELB ETERNAL LIFE BROADCASTING 

13 MY SENIOR MOMENT 2.0 

MADD NO MORE VICTIMS 

14 SWLA FEATURE STORY 

CHRISTIAN BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES 100 YEARS 

18 SWLA EDUCATION 

PLAY - PRESCHOOL LEARNING ACADEMY FOR YOUNG LEARNERS 

19 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS 

COMBATTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

20 PEACE FROM PIECES 

IT MUST STOP: BULLYING AT SCHOOL 

22 ADVENTURES OF THE LAKE 

ONE WORD MAKES A DIFFERENCE 

24 Q&A WITH DERRICK WILLIAMS- 

IMPACT AGENT 

WE ARE THE CHANGE! 

DISCLOSURE: All materials contained in the publication are copy-righted and June 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. 

PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED BY 

Team Publications LLC. 

4310 Ryan St. Ste. 123 

Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

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4 July 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 12 

Copy Editors 

Jason Clark 

Cecely Clark 

Ann Champagne 

Consultants 

Gene R. Hill, Sr. 

Reginald Clark 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Brenda Hill 

Cheri L. Soileau, AICP, Executive/ 

MPO Director 

Emily Ashworth RN, BSN 

Barbara Grigsby R.D LDN 

Joyce R.Kebodeaux 

Dianna Ross 

Kris Welcome 

Carra Sergeant, Ph.D., LPC 

Lela Gholar Tizano 

Ronald Blanchard 

Cover By 

The Lab Design Group

SWLA news 

Editor’s Note: This series of articles provided by Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning 

& Development Commission (IMCAL) will inform, educate and update our readers on 

events affecting transportation and economic development in Southwest Louisiana. 

Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning 

& Development Commission 

Update-I-210 Bridge Project 

The much-anticipated bids for the I-210 Lake Prien Bridge project have been 

received and opened by DOTD. The apparent low bidder is Kiewit Louisiana 

at $45 million and has proposed a project time of 365 calendar days. 

By Cheri L. Soileau, AICP, Executive/MPO Director 

Before this project was 

let, it was estimated 

that it would take 

upwards to 2 years to 

complete the repairs on 

the bridge. This caused 

much discomfort throughout 

the region. However, DOTD 

acknowledged that they 

need to reduce the timeframe 

and expedite the project to 

minimize the impact to the 

region. This project is an 

example that DOTD heard the 

concerns of the citizens of the 

region and worked diligently 

to mitigate the impacts. 

However, Kiewit Louisiana 

has not yet been awarded 

the contract officially. All 

the bid documents must be 

reviewed and confirmed. Once 

that is done and the contract 

is signed, then the contractor 

will have time to assemble 

materials and personnel 

before beginning the actual 

project. It is anticipated that 

this project will begin towards 

the end of the year. Of 

course, the project duration is 

contingent upon the weather 

or any other issues which 

might cause delays. 

In general, it is important 

to understand that an 

engineer’s estimate of cost 

and time is based upon 

similar recent projects but 

there could be mitigating 

circumstances that could 

affect both items. If materials 

become scarce or if there 

is an increase in cost of the 

materials, the project cost will 

then increase-even after the 

estimate has been completed. 

If there are weather incidents 

that force worksite shutdowns, 

the project schedule could 

be impacted. Engineers work 

diligently to factor in as many 

factors as possible to try to 

get the best possible cost and 

time estimates. 

What can the public do 

during this project? Plan 

trips accordingly. Think 

about routes before traveling 

over either bridge. Think 

about time(s) of day when 

going over each bridge. The 

Calcasieu Office of Homeland 

Security and Emergency 

Preparedness is working with 

the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s 

Office, State Police and local 

law enforcement and first 

responders to ensure that 

there are emergency plans 

in place when construction 

begins on the bridge. 

There will be signage 

alerting drivers of any 

delays and all drivers are 

encouraged to get the 

Louisiana 511 app available 

in the Play or Apple store 

to keep up with any delays 

or changes during this 

construction period. DOTD 

also has an email service 

that will send alerts about 

traffic in any area(s) in the 

state: http://wwwapps. 

dotd.la.gov/administration/ 

announcements/SignUp.aspx. 

These tools are all free and 

are invaluable as construction 

begins. 

Cheri L. Soileau, AICP, 

Executive/MPO Director 

Imperial Calcasieu 

Regional Planning & 

Development Commission 

Lake Charles Urbanized 

Metropolitan Planning 

Organization (MPO) 

4310 Ryan Street, Suite 330 

Lake Charles LA 70605 

O: 337-433-1771 

C: 469-964-2015 

www.imcal.la 


SWLA news 

Lake Charles NAACP Branch 6062 

P.O. Box 488 Lake Charles, LA 70602 

Rev. J. L. Franklin, President 

337-215-5353 

June 22, 2018 

Calcasieu Parish School Board 

3310 Broad Street 


Calcasieu Parish School Board Members and Superintendent Bruchhaus, 

I would be remiss in failing to acknowledge that the School Board agreed to one of 

the proposals that we recently presented from the Forum with Superintendent 

Bruchhaus. 

“Retain all University classes at LaGrange and Washington-Marion Magnet High 

School on the premises of the respective schools, so that these students can have a 

normal activity and actively engaging high school experience. We support the 

parents who opposed this move on behalf of their students.” 

This Program provides college credit for those students wishing to obtain a higher 

education in preparation for their future. 

We commend and celebrate you and look forward to a continued alliance for the 

sake of our children. 

Thanking you, 

Rev. J. L. Franklin 

Rev. J. L. Franklin, President 

6 July 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 12

SWLA health, wealth & wellness Inform, Educate, Empower 

Mom, I have 

a Headache 

By Emily Ashworth RN, BSN 

One evening our son came into the house after 

playing a game of basketball with dad and said, 

“Mom I have a headache.” The first question I 

asked, “How much water have you drank today?” He stood 

in the kitchen thought about it and said, “None, but I 

drank some orange juice this morning with breakfast.” The 

statement made by my son is one that is echoed by so many 

as if fruit juices, soda, and other beverages are equated to 

the hydration that is received when we consume water as a 

beverage. 

Dehydration is often overlooked and in the hot summer 

months can be one of the causes of illness across the 

lifespan. When a child is born, their body is approximately 

70% water into early childhood and decreases as the child 

grows into adulthood (60%) and becomes elderly (50%). 

The proper function of our brain, kidneys, and suppleness of 

our skin all rely on our daily intake of water. 

Children, youth, and adults can experience symptoms 

such as a headache, change in mood or behavior, 

fatigue, and lack of concentration. Supplementation of 

sports drinks along with water may be necessary if you and 

your child is outside for long periods of time and participate 

in sports. Remember, when we sweat we are losing 

electrolytes along with water. It is a good idea to drink 

water regularly throughout the day. According to Healthy 

Kids, children ages 5-8 years old should drink at least 5 

glasses of water per day, 9 to 12 years old 7 glasses, and 13 

years and older 8-10 glasses. 

I am often asked when teaching seminars on hydration 

and heat stress whether or not we can become overhydrated. 

Our pituitary and kidneys play a significant 

role in the excretion of water. If your doctor has given you 

specific instructions on how much water to give your child 

or for you to intake follow them. A decrease in kidney 

function and other disorders dealing with the antidiuretic 

hormone can cause you to become over-hydrated. 

I pray that as we all enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful 

community proper hydration for ourselves and our children 

will be at the forefront of our minds. 

Be well! 

Big Gil playing basketball with Lil Gil after work. 

REFERENCES 

https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-teens/ 

choose-water-as-a-drink-kids 

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-andmetabolic-disorders/water-balance/about-body-water 

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/ 

index.html 


SWLA Health Center 

Healthy 

Recipes 

By Barbara Grigsby R.D LDN 

Healthy and 

nutritious 

recipes are 

provided by 

the National 

Cancer 

Institute. 

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/ 

causes-prevention/risk/diet/down-homehealthy-cooking.pdf 

BAKED 

PORK CHOPS 

1. Trim all fat from chops. 

2. Beat egg white with evaporated skim milk. 

Place chops in milk mixture; let stand for 5 

minutes, turning chops once. 

3. Meanwhile, mix together cornflake crumbs, 

bread crumbs, Hot ‘n Spicy Seasoning and 

salt. Remove chops from milk mixture. Coat 

thoroughly with crumb mixture. 

4. Spray a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with 

nonstick spray coating. Place chops in pan; 

bake in 375° oven for 20 minutes. Turn chops; 

bake 15 minutes longer or until no pink 

remains. 

9 

INGREDIENTS 

6 lean center–cut pork chops, ½ inch thick 

1 egg white 

1 cup evaporated skim milk 

¾ cup cornflake crumbs 

1¼ cup fine dry bread crumbs 

2 tablespoons Hot ‘n Spicy Seasoning 

(see recipe below) 

1½ teaspoon salt 

nonstick spray coating 

HOT'N SPICY SEASONING 

Mix together all ingredients. Store in 

airtight container. Makes about ¹/³ cup. 

INGREDIENTS 

¼ cup paprika 

2 tablespoons dried oregano, crushed 

2 teaspoons chili powder 

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 teaspoon black pepper 

½ teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper 

½ teaspoon dry mustard 

NUTRITION CONTENT 

Per Serving Makes protein: 17g 

6 servings 

cholesterol: 31mg 

calories: 186 

sodium: 393mg 

total fat: 4.9g 

dietary fiber: 0.2 g 

saturated fat: 1.8g 

carbohydrates: 16g 

WINTER and 

SUMMER CRISP 

1. In a medium bowl, combine 

sugar, flour, and lemon peel; 

mix well. Add apples and 

cranberries; stir to mix. Spoon 

into a 6-cup baking dish. 

INGREDIENTS 

FILLING 

½ cup granulated sugar 

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel 

NUTRITION CONTENT 

Per Serving Makes 6 servings 

calories: 284 

total fat: 6g 

saturated fat: 1g 

2. In a small bowl, combine 

oats, brown sugar, flour, 

and cinnamon. Add melted 

margarine; stir to mix. 

Sprinkle topping over filling. 

3. Bake in a 375° oven for 40 

to 50 minutes or until filling 

is bubbly and top is brown. 

Serve warm or at room 

temperature. 

5 cups unpeeled, sliced apples 

1 cup cranberries 

TOPPING 

²/³ cup rolled oats 

¹/³ cup packed brown sugar 

¼ cup whole wheat flour 

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

3 tablespoons soft margarine, melted 

carbohydrates: 54g 

protein: 3g 

cholesterol: 0mg 

sodium: 56mg 

dietary fiber: 5g 

8 

July 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 5 • Number 12

Migraines 

This month’s health 

focus is on migraine 

headaches. 

According to WebMD, you should 

lean your triggers. A change in 

diet could help those experiencing 

symptoms of a migraine headache. You 

will see in the list below that food could 

be one of your triggers. With migraines, 

one of the best things you can do is learn 

your personal triggers that bring on the 

pain. WebMD states that Red wine, caffeine 

withdrawal, stress, and skipped meals 

could be the triggers for your migraine 

headache. 

They suggest tracking your migraine 

symptoms in a diary. Note what you were 

doing before and when your headache 

came on. What were you eating? How 

much sleep did you get the night before? 

Did anything stressful or important happen 

that day? These are key clues. 

Learn Your Triggers 

• When you look at your diary, you might 

find that these things tend to lead to a 

migraine: 

• Stress 

• Menstrual periods 

• Changes in your normal sleep pattern 

• Extreme fatigue 

• Certain foods and drinks 

• Too much caffeine or withdrawal from 

it 

• Skipping meals or fasting 

• Changes in the weather 

• Exercise 

• Smoking 

• Bright, flickering lights 

• Certain smells 

7 Steps to Avoid Your Triggers 

1. Watch what you eat and drink. If you 

get a headache, write down the foods 

and drinks you had before it started. If 

you see a pattern over time, stay away 

from that item. 

2. Eat regularly. Don't skip meals. 

3. Curb the caffeine. Too much, in any 

food or drink, can cause migraines. But 

cutting back suddenly may also cause 

them. So try to slowly ease off caffeine 

if it seems to be one of your headache 

triggers. 

4. Be careful with exercise. Everyone 

needs regular physical activity. It's a 

key part of being healthy. But it can 

trigger headaches for some people. If 

you're one of them, you can still work 

out. Ask your doctor what would help. 

5. Get regular shut-eye. If your sleep 

habits get thrown off, or if you're very 

tired, that can make a migraine more 

likely. 

6. Downsize your stress. There are many 

ways to do it. You could exercise, 

meditate, pray, spend time with 

people you love, and do things you 

enjoy. If you can change some of 

the things that make you tense, set 

up a plan for that. Counseling and 

stress management classes are great 

to try, too. You can also look into 

biofeedback, where you learn how 

to influence certain things (like your 

heart rate and breathing) to calm 

down stress. 

7. Keep up your energy. Eat on a regular 

schedule, and don't let yourself get 

dehydrated. 

Pick up your copy of 

The Voice of SWLA while 

you’re out and about. 

SULPHUR 

• West Cal-Cam Hospital 

• Stines 

• Pitt Grill 

• SPAR 

• Goodwill 

• Hollier's 

• Dairy Barn 

LAKE CHARLES 

• Pujo St. Cafe 

• Chase (Downtown) 

• Steamboat Bill's 

• Civic Center 

• Carnegie Library 

• Luna Bar & Grill 

MOSS BLUFF 

• Peto's 

• Market Basket 

• Southern Spice 

VINTON 

• Post Office 

• Market Basket 

• Love's Truck Stop 

DERIDDER 

• Brookshires Bros. 

• City Hall 

• DeRidder Hospital 

• Post Office 

• Steamboat Bill's 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 

T HE MOD ERN S CIENCE OF 

MENTAL H EALTH 

 

 


10 


The Voice's Choice 

4th of July 

Highlights 

By Brenda Hill 

As we reflect back on the 

history and the truths of the 

Declaration of Independence 

in this United States of America, let 

us not forget our veterans that serve 

and fight for this union and honor 

the flag. 

Veteran George Jackson, Master 

Chief, served in the U.S. Navy 

approximately 29 years and four 

months. Mr. Jackson was reaching 

up to display his flag on Veteran’s 

Day when his cervical degeneration 

cut his spinal cord and left him 

with tetraplegia. This condition 

has caused him the loss of use of 

both legs and both arms. He has 

diminished use of his right hand 

and can control his motorized wheel 

chair. 

Prior to discharge, the Navy gave 

Mr. Jackson two medical board 

hearings to determine whether he 

was still fit to carry on his duties 

in the Navy. Both boards found his 

cervical and lumbar condition made 

him unfit to continue with his duties. 

The Navy gave a regular ‘Honorable’ 

discharge instead of a physical 

disability discharge. 

This prevented Mr. Jackson from 

collecting both retirement and 

disability he earned through 

many years of service. On 1/27/17, 

Mr. & Mrs. Jackson went to our local 

VA office and filed a claim for his 

disability. The VA Regional Office in 

New Orleans awarded Mr. Jackson 

service connection for the back 

at 0%- 7/23/17, despite their own 

doctor in the Houston VA confirmed 

loss of use of both arms and legs. 

All information is according to 

documents submitted by Paul 

Labbe, former President of 

Vietnam Veterans of America 

Chapter 564 and registered 

Agent of La. Advocacy Group 

for over 25 years. 

Labbe re-filed Mr. Jackson’s 

claim 11/10/17 and submitted 

both board hearings, the VA’s 

documentation and stated clearly 

that when any condition is service 

connected and exacerbated through 

whatever means, the disability rate 

must be awarded with existing 

amount of disability caused through 

the exacerbation. He stated that 

the approximate time for any new 

claim being awarded is three to four 

months. 

On June 21, 2018, Mr. Jackson 

received a decision on his VA 

benefits for entitlement to service 

connection for degenerative 

joint disease, spinal stenosis, 

spondylolisthesis is granted with an 

evaluation of 10 percent effective 

Nov 29, 2017. 

“The treatment of Mr. Jackson is one 

of the worst I have seen in 25 years, 

says Labbe” 

George Jackson, M.S., U.S. Navy 

Young George Jackson, U.S. Navy 


SWLA nonprofit 

Eternal Life 

Broadcasting 

Lake Charles: 

KELB 100.5 FM 

Sulphur: 

KEBL 105.5 FM 

Community 

Christian 

Radio 

As of last month, KELB & KEBL Radio now air a modified 

version of the daily Church and State program, which was created 

by Nathan Curtis more than six years ago. Since Nathan’s death 

last November, his wife, Nancy Curtis, has maintained the talkradio 

format in honor of Nathan’s memory. As a result of her 

efforts, the program will continue with a few twists. 

Station’s reach 

includes Iowa, 

Moss Bluff, Lake 

Charles, Westlake, 

Sulphur, Carlyss 

and Vinton. 

Non-Commercial 

501(C)(3) Non-Profit 

Christian Broadcaster 

Eternal Life Broadcasting 

113 Williamsburg Street 


Each weekday morning from 8-10, 

listeners will be encouraged to call 

in and talk about the two topics 

that we’ve been told are taboo in polite 

conversation: religion and politics. It 

will be an interesting and enlightening 

time when the hosts of “Religion and 

Politics” will merge the two topics while 

branching into issues such as nutrition, 

end times, recovery, education, and more. 

Many of the daily hosts are familiar to 

people of faith in Southwest Louisiana. 

Hosts for Monday are Jorgene Gibson 

and Larry Gilmore. Each Tuesday is 

hosted by Dianna Alcede. Wednesday’s 

host is Michael Forest. Thursdays are 

hosted by Paul Estes and Nancy Tower. 

Friday’s host is Glynn Wheeler, and 

Nancy Curtis will continue to support 

the program. 

KELB Radio can be found on the FM 

dial at 100.5 in east Calcasieu Parish, 

and KEBL is located on the dial at 105.5 

for those in west Calcasieu. The station’s 

reach includes Iowa, Moss Bluff, Lake 

Charles, Westlake, Sulphur, Carlyss and 

Vinton. The station’s purpose is to provide 

locally produced Christian education 

programming as a non-profit, listenersupported 

ministry not affiliated with any 

particular church or denomination. 

For more information about KELB 

Radio, visit them on the web at www. 

kelbradio.com where you can view a 

live web cast of the program or hear live 

audio streaming. Audio archives can 

also be found on the website, or contact 

Barry McCall at 337-302-3479. 

12 


My Senior Moment 2.0 

Table with pictures of victim setup 

at chapter meetings in Baton Rouge 

Donna Edwards (center) joins Lake Charles 

Chapter President Barbara Dartez (left) and her 

daughter, Julie Vezinot at the Capital. 

Barbara and Pete Dartez 

Ryan Mathew Vezinot stayed in a comma from 

October 2007 to July 2008 before he passed away. 

Senator Ronnie Johns with MADD Chapter members 

as they spend time petitioning the Legislature to pass 

stricter laws to stop drunk driving. 

MADD No More Victims 

By Joyce R.Kebodeaux 

MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving 

is a non-profit organization which 

began in California by a group of 

women in 1980. (Membership in the 

organization is open to men as well as 

women.) The group began after a 13 year 

old girl was killed by a drunk driver. The 

driver got off without serving any jail 

time. He had received a citation for a hit 

and run drunk driving just days before 

killing the young girl and had multiple 

arrests and convictions; all without 

spending any time behind bars. 

MADD is not against consuming 

alcohol but rather campaigns to 

eliminate driving after drinking. 

Nationwide there are over 600 chapters 

made up of parents, children and other 

loved ones meeting monthly. The 

Calcasieu Parish Chapter holds monthly 

meetings in the jury-pool room of the 

14th Judicial District Courthouse. 

Chapter members are joined by people 

who have recently received “Driving 

Under the Influence” of alcohol. 

To the group numbering 40 to 60 

persons who received a DUI, attending 

the meeting is court –ordered. (These 

are only those who have been cited.) A 

deputy sheriff is present. On arrival they 

present the citation at the sign-in desk 

and pay $40.00. During the meeting a 

video of families experiencing the loss 

of their loved ones is shown. There are 

alarming photos of demolished vehicles 

victims were riding in when they were 

killed. Then chapter members tell of their 

experiences of loss and grief. Receipt 

for the payment and attendance at 

the meeting is not given until after the 

meeting is over. The receipts are proof 

that those cited have complied with the 

judges’ orders and are to be taken to him. 

This is not an organization. Chapter 

President Barbara Dartez and other 

members never wanted to join MADD. 

Each month they continue to go to share 

their grief, not only to help ease their 

pain but also in hopes of sparing other 

families the same tragedy from October 

2007. Barbara’s grandson, Ryan Vezinot, 

followed behind his friends as he crossed 

the street after attending an LSU game 

and was struck by a drunk driver. He was 

in a coma, brought back to Lake Charles 

and never regained consciousness. 

Barbara and her family spent many hours 

at his bedside praying and talking to him 

before he died on July 2, 2008. 

This month marks the 10th anniversary 

of the death of Barbara’s beloved 

grandson. The memories of him 

clowning around with his cousins, 

Meagan and Molly, are ever fresh in her 

mind. Veez as his friends called him was 

known as a comedian wherever he went. 

Had he survived he would now be 34 

years old. His family is left to wonder, had 

his life not been cut short, what would he 

be doing today? Would he have a wife? 

Children? It is a pretty safe bet to say 

however he would still be making others 

laugh. 

As president, Barbara Dartez works with 

the MADD Chapter to bring attention 

to the consequences of driving while 

intoxicated. In October 2017 many joined 

her and other victims’ families in the March 

Like MADD to end drunk driving. Just a 

few weeks ago she met with legislators 

in Baton Rouge. She attends high schools 

and civic organizations to speak about the 

consequences of driving while consuming 

alcohol. As Barbara says “We’ve come a 

long way since 1980 but we still have a 

long way to go.” 

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: 

330 Alamo St. · Lake Charles, La 

MADD 

Phone: 337 433 6233 


SWLA feature story 

1st Franklin Street Santuary 

Christian 

Church Anniversary 

Baptist 

Church 

Celebrates 

100 Years 

1918 - 2018 

First Sanctuary 

“One Church, 

Two Locations” 

By Dianna Ross 

Christian Baptist Church (CBC) was 

organized in 1918 at the home of Mr. 

and Mrs. Charlie Moore by a group of 

individuals from New Sunlight Baptist Church. 

This group decided that each man would be 

assessed $10 and each woman $5 to purchase 

the first church site. A committee was appointed 

to purchase a tract of land in the 100 block of 

Nicholas Street, now known as First Avenue. The 

building on the property was renovated and 

became the first sanctuary. 

Rev. E.W. Kaigler was the first pastor and 

under his leadership, Christian Baptist became 

recognized as an official Baptist church. He served 

as pastor of two years, followed by Rev. W.J. 

Johnson who served for three years, followed by 

Rev. C. B. Bailey who served for six years. 

In 1929, Rev. Walter Calvin Clark was called to 

pastor a congregation of about 35 members on 

property valued at about $2000. Baptist Church. 

He was blessed with a broader vision for growth and 

saw the need to purchase property on the corner of 

Gallaugher and Nix (Jackson and Franklin). 

14 


Church Dedication 1955 

With that purchase, the church moved 

to 202 North Franklin Street and was 

updated but with no baptismal pool. 

Candidates for baptism were marched 

to the Calcasieu River followed by the 

deacons, deaconesses, family members 

and other members of the congregation. 

Under Rev. Clark’s leadership Christian 

Baptist Church was incorporated in 

December 1952. 

In 1953 plans were made to construct a 

new building. This work was completed 

on April 10, 1955, and the building 

(now Fellowship Hall) included a builtin 

baptismal, furnishings and other 

facilities. Membership had grown to 400. 

In 1959 the educational building was 

constructed. 

1967 improvements included air 

conditioning and interior upgrades. At 

this point membership had grown to 620. 

Rev. Clark served as pastor of Christian 

Baptist Church for 57 years until his 

retirement in 1980. He remained Pastor 

Emeritus until his death in 1986. 

1982, Rev. Al Garfield Stevens was 

called to pastor and served for 5 years. 

During his tenure additional property 

was purchased and a bus ministry was 

implemented as well as plans to build a 

new sanctuary. 

July 1987, Rev, Abbie Monroe, Jr. was 

installed as pastor and during that same 

month a groundbreaking ceremony for 

the construction of a new sanctuary was 

held. The sanctuary was completed in 

1988. 

Being led by the Holy Spirit, Edward 

Alexander Jr., became Pastor of 

Christian Baptist Church in Lake 

Charles, Louisiana on December 29, 

1994. He had a vision to “Meet the Needs 

of the Total Person - Spirit, Soul, and 

Body.” 

Pastor Alexander is married to Edriena 

Papillion Alexander and they have two 

beautiful children, Taylor and Isaiah 

and one beautiful granddaughter 

Favour. He is a graduate of McNeese 

State University, where he received his 

A.A. in General Studies, and his B.A. in 

Social Studies Education. He is currently 

the General Secretary of the Louisiana 

Missionary Baptist State Convention, 

Secretary of Calcasieu Union Missionary 

& Educational Baptist Association, 

a member of the National Baptist 

Convention, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi 

Fraternity, Inc. 

Pastor Alexander’s dedication and 

commitment to meet the needs of 

the total person is extended onto the 

Community Awareness committee for 

McNeese State University, the Board of 

Directors of Boys and Girls Village, Pastors 

on Patrol for the city of Lake Charles 

in conjunction with the Lake Charles 

Police Department, and a member of the 

Transition Team for the Mayor-Elect of the 

city of Lake Charles. 

Membership at Christian Baptist 

Church is now more than 1700 and 

continues to grow. Children’s Church, 

New Member Orientation Class, Singles’ 

Ministry, Marriage Ministry, S.P.A.R.K 

(Spiritually Prepared Anointed Righteous 

Kingdom Kids) and B.L.A.Z.E (Building 

Leaders who are Appointed Zealous and 

Effective) Youth Ministries, and Hour of 

Power (Wednesday Night Bible Study) are 

more ministries from a vision to meet the 

needs of the total person. 

Pastor Alexander, focused and moved 

by his vision, has led the CBC family to 

meet the needs of the local community 

through free outreach programs such 

as: the Dorcas Food Pantry, clothing and 

feeding of the homeless, benevolent 

fund, full meal provision for family 

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE ---> 


SWLA feature story 

members during repast, Harvey flood 

victim necessities, Annual Health and 

Resource Fair, Kingdom Karnival, Voter 

Registration drives, and Good Friday 

Fellowship. 

He gives praise to God for the numerous 

individuals who have come and accepted 

Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. 

Pastor Alexander fulfills more of his 

vision for the church with, “One Church, 

Two Locations.” Christian Baptist Church 

now has a Family Life Center located at 

4460 Ave. (South Lake Charles) The Family 

Life Center is a multipurpose facility that 

includes a gym, game room, and exercise 

room. 

You may listen to Bible Teachings of 

Pastor Alexander on radio broadcast 

every Sunday Morning from 10:30am - 

10:45am on Z-16/1580AM 

"This year we have the great 

privilege of celebrating our 

church’s centennial – marking 100 

years of ministry in Lake Charles. 

As we look back over this lengthy 

span of time, we realize how the 

Lord has directed our path and 

enabled us to touch the lives of so 

many. For this we are profoundly 

grateful." 

Christian Baptist Church will kick off 

their 100-year Church Celebration, 

“An Evening of Worship,” Centennial 

Celebration, Friday, August 17, 2018 

at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Doors 

will open at 5:00 p.m. and the event will 

begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. 

Dinner is included with an evening of 

entertainment featuring the amazing 

Anita Wilson, gospel recording artist, 

writer and producer, including local 

artists Chester Daigle and Jarius Daigle, 

promise to be an unforgettable historic 

occasion. 

Saturday, August 18, the Centennial 

Pastor preaching 

Pastor and the children 

parade will begin lining up at 9 a.m. 

on 202 North Franklin Street (North 

Location). The parade route is Opelousas 

to Goos Blvd. to Moeling Street to 

Shattuck Street back to Franklin Street. 

Entry fees are $20 for groups and $10 for 

individuals 

The Centennial picnic at 4460 5th 

Avenue (South Location) will follow with 

food, games, and fellowship from 1:00 

p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The CBC Centennial Celebration will 

continue Sunday, August 19, 2018 

and will be filled with an entire day of 

worship. Three worship services are 

scheduled beginning with an 8:00 a.m. 

service at 4460 5th Avenue (South 

Location) where Rev. Edward Alexander, 

Jr. will deliver a centennial message. The 

Pastor and Gov. John Bel Edwards 

11:00 a.m. worship service will be held 

at 202 North Franklin Street and guest 

minister Rev. Milton Ceasar will deliver 

a centennial message. The 3:00 p.m. 

centennial message will be delivered by 

Rev. Byron Broussard at the 202 North 

Franklin Street location also. 

The Christian Baptist Church family is 

blessed to serve a gracious and loving 

Father. We welcome you to come and 

celebrate this momentous and historic 

occasion with us. 

For more information about banquet 

tickets and the schedule of events 

call 337-478-6423 or visit www. 

christianbaptistchurch.org . 

Christian Baptist Church 

“One Church, Two Locations” 

Harvey relief 

16 


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According to the Organic Health Association over 

95% of vitamins manufactured contain synthetic 

ingredients. Synthetic vitamins have been proven 

to cause more harm than good, yet millions of people 

take them every day! Most over-the-counter brands, 

regardless of price, are synthetic and contain impurities 

or additives that can actually make you sick. While 

choosing the cheapest brand may be fine when it comes 

to toilet paper, your health deserves better! 

Try Shaklee and feel the difference! 

Call or Visit 

our Website for 

More Details! 

images you’ll fall in love with... 

Find us on 

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Search for The 

Voice of Southwest 

Louisiana. 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 



 

 

 

Events ⎜ Seniors ⎜ Glamour 

337.842.7202 

WWW.VINHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 


SWLA education 

18 

Preschool 

Learning 

Academy for 

PLAYYoung Learners 

Pictured left -right are Dixie Doyle ( mother), Tiffany Miller 

(sister), Tracy Williams and pastor Lawrence Miller (father). 

Tiffany, Tracy and Vernessa Guillory (not pictured) were 

voted the 2018 Trail Blazer at the Black Business Honors. 

L-R: 2018 Trail Blazers Vernessa Guillory and Tracy Williams. 

You Go Girls!! 

By Tracy Williams, Co-Owner, Director 

The words ecstatic, elated, and 

exuberant cannot describe 

the immeasurable gratitude 

and honor we feel to have such an 

awesome opportunity to work, play 

and learn with Preschoolers. The 

greatest adjective imaginable cannot 

describe or contain our excitement. 

PLAY! is an acronym for Preschool 

Learning Academy for Young Learners. 

What exactly is PLAY! – A learning 

center just for preschool learners with 

2 locations, in Iowa, La. at 320 East 

Miller Avenue and most recently 

Lake Charles, La. at 3007 Enterprise 

Boulevard. – Both locations offer an 

innovative approach for 4 year olds 

to attain greatness, learning through 

play, practicing social and emotional 

skills, hands on learning activities, 

team building techniques, all while 

acquiring an independent sense of 

autonomy. 

Our mission is to encourage, 

extol, and empower children to 

attain greatness. The Reggio Emilia 

approach is a pedagogy method 

describing student-centered ideas to 

solve learning challenges and to build 

their knowledge to move forward. 

English Sign Language, Chess, and 

College Bound (a week- long journey 

of introducing Preschoolers to college 

opportunities) are additional learning 

opportunities that we offer at PLAY! 

The school has a playground, a 

gymnasium, and multiple classrooms 

for physical play and Family 

Engagement. 

Please contact us to register your 4 

year old for the upcoming 2018- 2019 

school year and feel free to also ask 

questions and share concerns that 

may arise. 

Our Open House is scheduled 

for Thursday July 19, 2018 

starting at 2:30 p.m. and 

ending at 6:00 p.m. at our 

Iowa location, at 320 East 

Miller Avenue and Friday July 

20, 2018 starting at 11:30 a.m. 

and ending at 4:30 p.m. at our 

Lake Charles location, at 3007 

Enterprise Boulevard. 

As we open our doors stop by, visit 

and walk through the school to 

check out how we are setting up 

classrooms to foster optimal learning 

experiences. 

We have connected with Mount 

Olive Baptist Church, where Braylon 

Harris is the Pastor. The academy’s 

goals are to effectively educate 

young learners, as well as teachers 

to achieve greater knowledge to 

change the educational disparities 

in our communities and the state of 

Louisiana. As well as, offering families 

the ultimate opportunity to hear 

and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Play! is located on the grounds of the 

church right between The Family Center 

and the Administrator’s Building. 

We are passionately looking 

ahead for young learners 

--Tiffany Miller, Vernessa Guillory, and Tracy Williams 

Feel free to contact us at: 

337.802.8836 

Or email us at: Williamschildrenfirst@aol.com 


SWLA news 

Human Trafficking 

Awareness 

By Kris Welcome 

Imagine for a moment that you send 

your teenage daughter to the movies 

with some friends and she never 

returns… This sounds like a crazy and 

outlandish scenario, but everyday this is 

the reality for parents whose children fall 

victim to sex trafficking. Sex trafficking 

is an ever-growing issue plaguing cities 

across the world, and Southwest Louisiana 

is not impermeable to the onslaught of this 

epidemic. 

Sex trafficking is defined by The CDC as 

a modern-day form of slavery that is a 

branch of human trafficking. The Victim’s 

Protection Act of 2000 further defines this as 

“the recruitment, harboring, transportation, 

provision, or obtaining of a person for the 

purpose of a commercial sex act.” Yes, these 

girls are being caught up and forced to enter 

a life of sex work. This concept has found 

its way all over the world and is presenting 

many obstacles for women everywhere who 

are seeking to live in safer spaces. There are 

600,000-800,000 people trafficked across 

international borders every year. 

Trafficking primarily involves exploitation 

which comes in many forms, including: 

forcing victims into prostitution, subjecting 

victims to slavery or involuntary servitude 

and compelling victims to commit sex acts 

for creating pornography. This insane reality 

may sound like something out of a movie, 

but it is happening… 

What can we do in Southwest Louisiana? 

Talking with your kids about mature 

topics is possibly one of the toughest 

things for a parent to do, but today 

there are no secrets with the world of 

technology entering almost every hand. 

Helping your kids understand they are prey 

to some cruel people in this world is vital so 

they can better assess the situations they 

are in. Girls who are runaways looking for a 

home or support are usually the main targets 

of these operations. Many of these girls have 

suffered sexual abuse at one point in their 

lives. It is ultimately your responsibility to 

guide them in a direction of enlightenment 

and preparedness for adulthood, and these 

conversations are a part of getting them 

ready for the harsh truths they face— even 

as teens and young adults. Parents must 

speak up and teach their kids the warning 

signs they may encounter when dealing with 

someone looking to harm them in anyway. 

Understanding the signs of sex trafficking 

is key to being able to prevent someone 

you love from falling victim to this vicious 

cycle. Knowing the signs can help save not 

only your children from falling victim, but 

maybe help someone who is already caught 

in the ring. If you have gone to an airport, 

bus station, near a hotel, nail shop, or large 

sporting event, Huffington Post says you 

have most likely passed a victim without 

knowing it. Recognizing a sex trafficking 

victim can be easy: extremely anxious 

or fearful, unexplained cuts and bruises, 

appears to be in a relationship with someone 

dominating, having inconsistent details with 

their story, or reluctant to encounter law 

enforcement or seek outside entities for help. 

These victims are typically scared and have 

been brainwashed to believe that they are 

being shown love by “family” that wants to be 

there for them, but in trade for their bodies. 

If you encounter a victim, they are in 

constant present danger and most 

likely have eyes on them. If you get the 

opportunity to be alone with them ask if 

they can leave their job or house when they 

want to, where did their scars/bruises come 

from, do they get paid for their employment, 

if they’re being threatened, or specific 

questions about their housing situation. If 

they need help you should seek a safe place 

for them immediately, but if you need time 

or this isn’t possible, set up an action plan to 

save them when they’re ready. You should 

also make sure to report it to the human 

trafficking hotline at (888)-373-7888. There 

are things in place that can make a difference 

in your life as well as a victim’s. 

Teaching your children to remain 

conscious of their surroundings, 

reinforcing “stranger dangers”, and 

talking to them about this atrocious act 

specifically can help your child avoid 

being sex trafficked, and help them keep 

their friends who aren’t as enlightened 

safe as well. We must do all we can to 

protect our youth from the detrimental 

effects that sex trafficking is having across 

the world. This shouldn’t be an individual 

effort as the entire community should band 

together to ensure this knowledge is being 

adequately disseminated. 

If you believe that someone is a victim of 

sex trafficking, or you suspect someone 

is taking part in the promotion of these 

activities in your area make sure you 

do your part and speak up. We have 

a responsibility as neighbors to help 

ensure the safety of our community. When 

something like this arises, we should be 

pooling our resources and knowledge to 

counteract the atrocious plans that are being 

enacted throughout our towns. We live in 

troubled times, but that shouldn’t stop our 

zest to fight for the protection of our families. 

These monsters who are profiting from the 

abduction, abuse, and corruption of our 

children should be brought to justice. 

As you go out into the streets to live your 

lives, be more conscious about the people 

who are living nightmares around you. 

It takes a village to raise a child and it will 

take the whole village to save them from 

monsters that live amongst us. For more 

information about sex trafficking and what 

to do you can contact the National Human 

Trafficking Resource Center at (888)-373- 

7888 where someone will be able to get you 

the urgent and adequate help necessary to 

curtail these situations. 


Peace from Pieces 

IT MUST 

STOP 

Bullying at School 

By Carra Sergeant, Ph.D., LPC 

Licensed Professional Counselor 

“Around 4 years ago, my worst bully 

was a boy who, for a whole school year, 

made it his mission to make my life hell.” 

“When I was in 8th grade, I would have 

never predicted how intolerable my high 

school career would be.” 

“I always knew I was different. I was 

always told so.” 

“When I was a teen, I would have been 

mortified to admit I was being bullied. My 

junior high and high school years were 

the worst time of my life.” 

“As a mixed Asian child growing up in a 

white community, I never fit in and they 

reminded me of that every day.” 

PARENTS…these are your children 

describing their experiences at school 

and it has to stop. No child should 

be harassed for his or her unique 

characteristics. Schools should encourage 

an environment of respectful selfexpression 

for all students, and no 

group should be singled out for special 

treatment. 

Bullying is never acceptable in a 

society where all individuals are 

entitled to respectful treatment. The 

act of bullying is not a new phenomenon 

among children but one that is deserving 

of everyone’s attention. Bullying is 

defined as a “systematic, repeated, or 

recurrent conduct committed by a 

student or group of students against 

another student that causes measurable 

physical harm or emotional distress”. 

FACETS OF BULLYING 

Bullying involves aggressive, negative 

behavior in a patterned manner over 

time toward an individual or group of 

individuals of weaker power. It may take 

many forms: 

• Physical, such as hitting, pushing, 

kicking, or spitting 

• Verbal, such as negative name-calling, 

derogatory comments or descriptions 

• Social, such as deliberate isolation, or 

exclusion 

• Written, such as hand-written notes 

or electronic messages 

• Electronic displays, such as texting 

or posting pictures with negative 

messages on public websites 

Bullying is typically directed at unique 

characteristics (whether real or 

perceived by others) of an individual 

such as: 

• Ethnic or racial 

• Physical build or features of 

appearance that are unique and 

different 

• Social or economic status 

• Physical inabilities and disabilities 

20 


• Mental or scholastic disabilities 

• Speech quality or tone 

• Sexual orientation or gender identity 

• Moral or religious beliefs 

Effects of Bullying Upon Children 

Bullying has negative effects upon the 

bullied and the bully: 

• Students who experience bullying 

are at increased risk for poor school 

adjustment, sleep difficulties, anxiety, 

poor health and depression; 

• Students who engage in bullying 

behaviors are at risk for academic 

problems, substance abuse, and 

violent behavior later in adolescence 

and adulthood. 

• Youth who believe that being 

bullied is justified, because they 

are “different,” are more likely to 

face negative outcomes such as 

depression, suicide ideation, and 

prolonged victimization. 

• Bullying has been suggested as a 

single factor in child/adolescent 

suicide or increased school violence. 

While it is certainly a contributing 

factor, experts caution against 

making a direct link. In more than 

50% of all instances of suicide/school 

violence, an underlying mental health 

issue pre-dated the suicidal/violent 

event. Those extreme behaviors are 

irrational acts of desperation that 

most often occur as a culmination 

of a long term internal struggle 

with mental illness, depression, and 

isolation. 

PREVENTION 

Bullying amongst children is a serious 

problem that is far too often written 

off as a rite of passage, or as “kids 

being kids.” Studies have shown that 

bullying occurs on the playground as 

often as every seven minutes. In the 

classroom, a child is bullied every twentyfive 

minutes. Even the Internet has 

turned into an instrument of aggression 

in the form of cyberbullying, which can 

take place at any time, day or night. 

Whether it occurs on the playground, 

in the classroom, or online, bullying can 

become so severe that some children 

may avoid going to school out of fear or 

embarrassment. Parents who understand 

bullying and the effect that it has on 

kids can make strides to prevent it from 

occurring. Parents should be the primary 

focus for both prevention and correction 

of bullying behavior, with school based 

anti-bullying programs supportive of 

parental values. 

One way that parents can prevent 

bullying is by teaching their children 

not to be bullies. Parents should lead by 

example and treat others with respect. 

Creating a positive home environment 

is also critical and can help children feel 

happier with a more positive self-image. 

Any mean-spirited behavior should be 

addressed immediately, and the parents 

should explain how negative actions 

and words can be hurtful to others. 

Additionally, kids should be made aware 

of the potential legal consequences of 

certain behavior. 

Parents can help prevent their children 

from falling victim to bullies by 

helping them feel more confident and 

boosting their self-esteem. Establishing 

regular, open communication will also 

make children feel more comfortable 

about approaching their parents when 

the bullying first starts. Early intervention 

is critical and can put an end to it before 

lasting damage occurs. 

Encouraging the school to establish 

an anti-bullying program is another 

step in the right direction. Programs 

should teach kids not to bully, and should 

also explain what to do if they witness 

another kid bullied. Intervention from 

parents, schools and other children are 

all instrumental at putting an end to the 

dangerous actions of bullies. 

In designing anti-bullying programs, 

the school’s primary focus should 

be upon the high value of each 

individual student, regardless of his 

or her differences. By focusing antibullying 

programs on the topic of general 

respectfulness, the school includes all 

target characteristics of bullying, and 

avoids the pitfalls of calling undue 

attention to a particular group or perhaps 

venturing into controversial teachings. It 

is the school’s legitimate role to provide 

a safe environment for respectful selfexpression 

for all students. 

• Bullied youth report that school 

strategies encouraging increased 

acceptance, and support made a 

significant difference in their school 

experience. 

• Bullied youth note that the most 

helpful thing a school can do is listen 

and advocate on their behalf to stop 

the bullying. 

• Bullied youth also report that 

bystander intervention and public 

support from peers was the most 

significant factor in decreasing the 

instances of bullying. 

Below are several links with additional 

supportive information on school 

bullying: 

Stop Bullying .gov 

https://www.stopbullying.gov/ 

Facts About School Bullies and Bullying 

Behaviors - Bullying Statistics 

www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/ 

school-bullying.html 

Bullying in Schools - Center for Problem- 

Oriented Policing 

www.popcenter.org/problems/bullying/ 

While students have the right to hold 

differing opinions or convictions, they 

must treat one another with equal 

respect. For all individuals, bullying is 

never an acceptable behavior. 

Carra Sergeant, PhD, LPC 

PEACE FROM PIECES COUNSELING SERVICES 

For an appointment, call 

337-515-6716 


ADVENTURES of the Lake 

…In the beginning…the Word was 

God…The Word became flesh… 

John 1:1, 14 

One Word 

Makes a 

Difference 

By Lela Gholar Tizano 

Gloria plopped into the booth 

across from Stella and Jean. 

Today was her fiftieth birthday. 

For as long as they could remember 

the three of them gathered together to 

celebrate one another’s birthday. They 

had been tight since high school. They 

didn’t always agree on everything, but 

they were committed to making sure 

nothing broke the bond they shared. 

“Happy birthday, Gloria.” Her friends 

sang in unison. They noticed her blank 

expression. 

“Thank you.” Gloria forced a smile 

then let out a deep sigh and took a 

swig of her tea. “Yuck, did you taste 

this? Did you order me sweetened 

or unsweetened tea?” She asked her 

friends. 

Stella took a sip of her own. “It’s 

supposed to be sweet, I’ll just pour 

some sweetener in it.” Of the three of 

them, Stella was the most easy-going 

and sympathetic. 

“Oh no, you won’t!” Gloria snatched the 

pink packet from her hand. “And it ain’t 

that cold either.” She beckoned for the 

waitress. “Excuse me, Miss. What part of 

sweet and iced do you not understand? 

This tea is not sweet and it’s not cold 

either. Now if you don’t mind my 

friends and I would like a fresh glass of 

sweet, iced tea. Do you understand?” 

She dragged the words out slowly 

and deliberately like she was in her 

classroom teaching a new concept to 

her kindergarten students. 

Her girlfriends looked at her sideways, 

then back at one another. 

“Um, Gloria are you alright?” Jean finally 

asked. “Looks like your tea is not the 

only thing that’s bitter.” Of the three 

Jean was the most matter-of-fact and 

the one least likely to bite her tongue. 

She and Gloria were alike in that 

manner. 

Gloria waved her off with her hand. 

“Today is your birthday,” Jean continued. 

“We are here to celebrate you but if you 

got an attitude I can go back home, put 

on my muumuu and slippers, and curl 

up with a good book or watch a movie. 

I’m just saying.” 

“I’m sorry. I’ve been feeling a little 

stressed and annoyed lately.” 

“Oh, that’s ok. We know you didn’t mean 

it.” Stella said. 

“Speak for yourself, Stella. We took time 

out of our schedule to celebrate her 

birthday and she is acting like we are 

bothering her. “ Jean folded her arms 

and looked at Gloria over the rim of her 

glasses waiting for an answer. 

Once again Gloria let out a deep sigh. 

She grabbed a napkin off the table 

and dabbed the corners of her eyes. 

“I have so much going on right now.” 

Her voice trembled. “Sometimes I just 

feel overwhelmed. As you know, I have 

a daughter in college, my husband is 

working all the time, my mother’s health 

is failing, and I have my own dreams 

that I would like to pursue someday. 

Teaching kindergarten is not what I 

want to be doing for the rest of my life.” 

“Oh, Gloria. It’s going to be ok.” Stella 

wrapped her arm around her friend 

and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “I was 

reading about that.” She continued. 

“You see we are part of what’s called the 

‘sandwich generation.’ We are still taking 

care of our children and providing for 

them and at the same time we are also 

taking care of our parents too. You see 

we’re in the middle. Like a sandwich.” 

“That makes sense.” Jean chimed in. 

22 


L-R: Bffs Neva Nash, Sandra G. Perry and 

Etta Pete having dinner on a girls' trip. 

L-R: Edwards girls Sisters Tamara 

Keys Kimetha Lilly and Janet Levy 

“I think if you opened our gifts you 

would feel a lot better.” Stella handed 

her a hot pink gift bag stuffed with 

white tissue paper. Gloria opened the 

bag and noticed the only thing inside 

was a folded piece of paper. 

“Did I miss something?” She searched 

around to see if her gift had fallen out of 

the bag. 

“Just read the paper.” Stella insisted. 

Gloria cautiously unfolded the paper. 

“This has got to be some kind of joke.” 

She said, as she read the word on 

the paper. “Just what exactly is this 

supposed to mean?” She asked, as she 

folded it and shoved it back into the gift 

bag. 

“Read it aloud,” Stella demanded. 

Gloria was taken aback at the 

assertiveness in her friend’s voice. She 

reached back into the bag, grabbed the 

piece of paper, unfolded it and looked 

at her friend with a disturbed look. “Sit? 

What is that supposed to mean? Sit. 

Does that mean on top of all the things 

I have to do you are giving me a dog to 

take care of too? Listen, a dog is the last 

thing I need right now. So, although I 

appreciate your thoughtfulness I have 

to say no.” She handed the bag and the 

paper back to her. 

Stella shook her head in disappointment. 

“You got it all wrong, Gloria. It’s not a 

dog. I could see that you have been 

stressed lately and I am here for you. 

My gift to you is that I will sit with your 

mom one day a week for a few hours, so 

you can spend some time doing what 

you want to do. That way you can have 

some ‘me time.’ What do you think about 

that?” 

Gloria couldn’t contain her emotions. 

She let out a soft cry and wrapped her 

arms around her friend. “I think that is 

the most absolute, best gift I have ever 

received. Thank you so much.” 

Jean slipped her bag to Gloria. In it was 

another sheet of paper folded up neatly 

in the midst of red and white tissue 

paper. Written on it was the word “time.” 

She looked at the paper then back at 

Jean. “I’m not even going to try to figure 

this one out. I’m sure it doesn’t mean 

that I’m getting a watch. So, what does 

this mean?” 

“That my friend means that I will give 

you my time. I will listen to you without 

judging you, I will try to be there for you 

when you need me. I will spend more 

time with you to hang out when you 

feel the need to relax and unwind. How 

does that sound?” 

She smiled as wide as she could. “That 

sounds like music to my ears. You have 

no idea what you have done for me 

today. I am so blessed to have friends 

like you. Because of your support, I feel 

like I can carry this load. Thank you so 

much.” 

“How about we catch a movie.” Stella 

suggested. 

“Y’all go ahead. I will meet you in the 

car. There’s something I need to do real 

quick.” Gloria wrote a word on a piece of 

paper and tucked a generous tip inside. 

When their waitress returned to clean 

the table, Gloria reached out to hand 

her the slip of paper. 

The waitress cautiously unfolded the 

paper and found the word “sorry,” 

written inside. She looked over at Gloria 

and the two of them shared a quick 

smile before Gloria walked out to meet 

her friends. Her world was changed by 

just one word. 


Q&A 

By Ronald Blanchard 

We Are the 

Change! 

Nearly four months ago, the Calcasieu Parish District 

Attorney’s Office made a decision that may change the 

lives of countless young boys for all times. The inception 

of The Impact Agency, a unique and innovative leadership 

development program for African American middle and high 

school boys creates hope for transforming negative perceptions 

and expectations. Among these young men, middle school eighthgrader, 

Derrick Williams believes that this change begins from 

within through honest self-assessment and accountability. He 

clearly understands that one must not look beyond oneself to 

improve one’s environment. “We’re not waiting for ‘Superman or 

Black Panther’; we can be the heroes we seek to solve our societal 

problems!” A recent interview with Derrick revealed his special 

vision and insight as he shared his thought-provoking answers. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Derrick, how did 

you learn about the Impact Agency and 

how were you selected? 

AI learned about the Impact Agency 

through my middle school counselor 

and a school administrator. The Agency 

communicated with my mother and 

addressed any questions or concerns. I 

later learned that I was selected because I 

demonstrated great leadership skills. Without 

my knowledge, I was part of a ‘cafeteria 

experiment’—a simple display of leadership 

which reveals that often when leaders put 

their lunch trays away, others follow suit. I 

passed the ‘cafeteria experiment’ as well as 

references from teachers and others that 

believed in me as a ‘leader.’ 

24 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: What were your 

first impressions about the Impact 

Agency? 

AAt first meeting, I was not impressed 

with the Impact Agency. I thought 

it would be like other meetings that try to 

get students to change their behavior or 

be ‘better’. However, after listening to the 

words of the three men that created this 

program, I realized that these were men that 

were committed to making a difference in 

African American males. I began to connect 

with what they were saying because I could 

relate to many examples that were given 

about negative statistics and failure within 

our community. After those first two hours, 

I was convinced that this program could be 

beneficial. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: What kind of 

young man can the Agency help? 

AThe Impact Agency can help any young 

man that hopes to be a better person. 

One of the major goals of this program is 

to transform negative statistics attached 

to African American males into positive 

statistics. I think the Impact Agency can allow 

any young man to accomplish their dreams. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Does the Impact 

Agency address the problems of at-risk 

African-American males (drugs, violence, 

academic failure, abuse, crime, incarceration, 

death)? 

AAs I’ve said before, the Impact Agency 

is about the business of changing 

negative stereotypes that are attached 

to African American males. The Agency 


Photo By Faces of Fantasy Photography 

uses mentors from every back ground and 

experience. We have had the opportunity to 

listen to men that have been incarcerated, 

dropped out of school, sold and used 

drugs, as well as law enforcement. Our 

Sunday lessons involves more than reading 

comprehension, mathematics, and writing. 

Our teacher always brings a real person into 

the room to address life and the real world. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: What role do 

mentors play in the Agency and how 

has this helped you? 

A 

Our 

mentors play a critical role in the 

Impact Agency. They are men that 

have sacrificed their Sunday afternoons as 

well as their time throughout the week to 

be a part of our lives. They are committed 

Derrick (right) reaches to shake the hand of US Congressman Al Green (front left) as Impact Agent Experience Coordinator, 

Eric Doshier (next to Congressman) and Leonard Brown, Sr., ( middle) and other Mentors (back) stand in support. 

to sharing life lessons with us and I feel that 

they are sincere in their efforts to inform 

us about making the right choices beyond 

the classroom. Our mentors are more than 

mentors, they are like big brothers and 

fathers that some of us may not have. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Define the Impact 

Agency 

. 

AThis is an easy question. The Impact 

Agency is an organization that creates 

“Change Agents” that are committed to make 

a change at first in their community, but 

eventually, the whole world. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: How has the 

Impact Agency changed you? 

AThe Impact Agency has made me 

more aware of who I am and who I can 

become. It has changed my daily attitude 

and has made me want to be a positive role 

model for my peers. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Derrick, I 

understand that you’ve travelled to 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Houston, Texas. 

How did these experiences change your 

perspectives? I am also aware that you were 

able to talk to Louisiana Governor John Bel 

Edwards and United States Senator Al Green 

of Texas. What impact did these moments 

have? 

AMeeting Governor Edwards and 

Senator Al Green opened my eyes to 

the importance of voting and having a voice 

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE ---> 


Q&A 

CONTINUED FROM PAGES 24-25 

in what will impact all of us. I was inspired and hope to possibly 

run for office someday. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: What do you hope to achieve through 

the Impact Agency? 

A 

Through 

the Impact Agency, I hope to become a better 

person that demonstrates true concern for my community. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: How has the Impact Agency changed 

your approach to school and learning? 

AThe Agency changed the way I look at my role as a student. 

It has made me realize that I have to be a positive part of my 

learning. I can’t blame anyone but myself and realize that failure is 

not an option. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Why should a young man want to be a 

part of the Impact Agency? 

AIt is simple, a young man should be a part of the Impact 

Agency because it will transform him into the best in 

himself. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Can the Impact Agency make a 

difference in Lake Charles School Performance Scores? 

Explain. 

AI don’t know a lot about School Performance Scores, but I 

do know that if we give our best efforts in academics, the 

school will benefit. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: What is your role and obligation to the 

Impact Agency? 

AMy role and obligation to the Impact Agency is to maintain 

excellence and respect. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: Many mentoring programs fail, what 

makes the Impact Agency different and successful? 

AThe Impact Agency is different from other programs 

because it has over twenty committed mentors that will not 

allow us to fail to be the best that we can be. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: How far can the Impact Agency 

go in transforming at-risk African American males 

into contributions to society and can you contribute to its 

effectiveness? 

AThe Impact Agency can use me and others to make a better 

world of African American men that will positively impact 

society. 

QTHE IMPACT AGENCY: President Barack Obama said, “We are 

the change that we seek!” Do you agree, are you as an Impact 

Agent of change that we seek? Explain. 

AI agree with President Obama. How do I know? I look in the 

mirror and see “Change”! 

MINISTER 

COURTNEY D. JONES 

courtney.jones24@yahoo.com 

Minister: 337.532.2729 

Church: 337.419.1911 

Mill-Street-Church-of-Christ 

26 


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