The Voice of Southwest Louisiana October 2018 Issue

October 2018 

Vol 6 No 3 

IN LOURDES, FRANCE 

Beverly Castillo is Pictured with 

the Basilica in Background. 

Read Her Story "Life After Death" 

on Page 14. 

National 

Cancer 

Awareness 

Month 

10 A Breast Cancer Story 

with Two Sides 

12 Roaring for A Cure 

2018 Pink Ribbon Gala 

22 I'm A Survivor! 

“TRAFFIC 

JAMZ” 2018 

Transportation Music 

Video Contest 

OCTOBER 18 

Teen Connection Session 

Interviewing Skills 

SWLA 

FEATURE STORY 

Tommie's Fish Market

DIANETICS 

T HE MOD ERN S CIENCE OF 

MENTAL H EALTH 

 

 

 

 

'GO..Vote.. 

GROW!! 

 

Stevens’ Funeral Home 

823 N. Shattuck Street Lake 

Charles, Louisiana 70601 

Stevens’ 

Funeral Home 

The beginning of a legacy of service 

“Professional, Personal, & Caring” 

337-433-3712 

Email: stevensfuneralhome@yahoo.com 

Website: www.stevensfunerals.com 

Get Serious Get Certified! CSA sessions will begin this 

fall. One on One sessions available. National Customer 

Service Certification by The National Retail 

Federation NRF. Locations Lake Charles. Call for more information 337-912-7463 

or visit www.vividimageconsulting.net 

MINISTER 

COURTNEY D. JONES 

courtney.jones24@yahoo.com 

Minister: 337.532.2729 

Church: 337.419.1911 

Mill-Street-Church-of-Christ 

2 October 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 3

editor’s 

By Brenda Hill 

Why VOTE?? 

“I Vote” because it is simply my expression of an opinion. 

My right to decide, my show of hands, my desired choice, 

for my delegate, my representative, my companion, 

who will act or speak and respond as my voice. 

“I Vote” because it is my tally, my ticket, the alternative I opt for, 

who is familiar to my judgement and to my vocabulary. 

My ballot is acknowledged and recorded by a registrar, 

and I do it in a timely fashion because I will it to not tarry. 

“I Vote” because it is my ‘Divine and Created will,’ and my 

choosing, 

my wish, and my suffrage that calls out from my soul. 

Even if the conclusion seems like I am losing, 

“ I am included” in the count, the survey, the figures, the poll. 

REGISTER TO VOTE!! VOTE!! 

Let ‘your’ yea be yea, and ‘your’ nay be nay! 

Move! Act! Do! Work! Go! 

Be your study! 

Be your situation! 

Be your analysis! 

Be your critique! 

Be your survey! 

Volume 6 • Number 3 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM October 2018 3

Oct 2018 

The Voice's Choice 

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

that spread love, joy and peace throughout SWLA. 

We love you, Lake Charles 

for the ways you have 

enriched our lives. 

Wayne and Charlene 

Joseph were married in 

the Historic Courthouse by 

Judge Sharon Wilson, and 

on their first anniversary, 

Wayne and Charlene married 

at Immaculate Heart of Mary 

Catholic Church. 

They landed in Lake Charles from St. Croix, Virgin Islands. 

The Hovenza Refinery closed, and Wayne needed to 

work. He was offered a job with Miller Environmental in 

2015 and he took it. That’s what brought them to Lake 

Charles. They found a lovely two-bedroom townhouse off 

Nelson Rd. with all the amenities close to banks, stores, 

the highway and a hospital. They settled down to enjoy 

a similar life of the Islands in Lake Charles; catholic faith, 

friendly people, awesome food (especially the gumbo), 

Sundays at Mama Reta’s Kitchen and the rich culture. 

(See more on Pg 13) 

3 WHY VOTE?? 

EDITOR'S PEN 

5 “TRAFFIC JAMZ” 2018 

TRANSPORTATION MUSIC VIDEO CONTEST 

6 SWLA NEWS 

OCTOBER TEEN CONNECTION SESSION TO FOCUS ON 

INTERVIEWING SKILLS 

7 SWLA HEALTH, WEALTH & 

WELLNESS 

REMOTE AREA MEDICAL: OPERATION HEALING AND 

RESTORATION 

8 SWLA HEALTH CENTER 

HEALTHY RECIPES 

10 A BREAST CANCER STORY WITH 

TWO SIDES 

DR. CHRISTAL WALLER – FIGHTING BREAST CANCER, 

SURVIVING BREAST CANCER 

12 ROARING FOR A CURE 

2018 PINK RIBBON GALA 

CONTENTS 

14 SWLA Feature Story 

Tommie's 

Fish Market - 

Fresh Goods 

and Stellar 

Service 

8 NUTRITION TIPS: 

Healthy 

Recipes 

13 THE VOICE'S CHOICE 

TO LAKE CHARLES WITH LOVE 

14 MY SENIOR MOMENT 2.0 

LIFE AFTER CANCER 

16 SWLA FEATURE STORY 

TOMMIE'S FISH MARKET - FRESH GOODS AND STELLAR SERVICE 

18 SWLA TRAVEL AND LEISURE 

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR NEW TRAVEL TRADITIONS 

20 PEACE FROM PIECES 

RIDING THE BIPOLAR COASTER 

22 ADVENTURES OF THE LAKE 

I'M A SURVIVOR! 

24 Q&A - PLAY! 

PASSIONATELY LOOKING AHEAD FOR YOUNG LEARNERS 

26 SUDDEN INFANT DEATH 

SYNDROME 

SIDS 

27 TEAM PUBLICATIONS PRESENTS 

THE ART OF CLOSURE 

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. 

Editor-In-Chief 

Brenda Hill 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

General Manager 

Tracy Clark 

tracy@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED BY 

Team Publications LLC. 

4310 Ryan St. Ste. 123 

Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

337.474.2210 

4 October 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 3 

Art Director 

Vinh Alexander 

tvswlart@gmail.com 

Sales 

sales@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

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 

Katie C. Harrington, TMP 

Emily Ashworth RN, BSN 

Dianna Ross 

Dr. Christal A. Waller, SWLA For 

Health Services, Oberlin 

Consuela Colston 

Charlene A. Joseph 

Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

Kristopher Welcome 

Tina Higgins, Cruise Planners Travel 

Advisor 

Carra Sergeant, Ph. D.; LPC-S 

Lela Gholar Tizano 

Charles “Charlie” Hunter, Jr. 

(F-ABMDI) 

Cover By 

Vinh Alexander 

Photo submitted by Beverly Castillo

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 

“TRAFFIC JAMZ” 2018 

Transportation Music Video Contest 

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

In Southwest Louisiana, we 

see on-going reporting in 

the media about roadway 

crashes and fatalities. Many 

times, these are crashes caused 

by impaired or distracted 

drivers. In other instances, these 

crashes are caused by roadway 

conditions-wet roads or debris 

on the roads. Whatever the case 

may be, the state of Louisiana is 

one of two states that has made 

the conscious effort to tackle 

highway safety on several levels. 

In every Metropolitan Planning 

Organization (MPO), there is a 

Regional Safety Coordinator and 

that person heads the regional 

safety coalition. 

The coalition has been 

mentioned in this column in the 

past, but I’d like to talk a little 

more about what’s happening 

and share an exciting contest for 

young people to participate in. 

But first, let’s talk about statistics. 

Throughout 2017, in SWLA alone, 

we saw the following roadway 

and fatalities statistics: 

• Over 50% were attributed to 

roadway departures 

• 40% of those killed were 

unrestrained 

• Close to 35% involved 

alcohol 

• Nearly 31% included young 

drivers between the ages of 

15 and 24 

• Distracted Driving was a 

causative factor in close to 

24% 

• Rural Areas continue to 

be a contributing factor. 

Crashes in rural areas often 

involve high speeds resulting 

in more serious injuries, 

requiring longer emergency 

response times, and greater 

distances to trauma centers 

or emergency care. 

The Southwest Regional 

Safety Coalition is working 

hard to reduce these numbers 

but needs help. While we 

have terrific partners with the 

Louisiana State Police and local 

sheriffs and police departments, 

we can also use help from 

citizens. If you would like to 

learn more about the coalition or 

volunteer, please contact Amber 

Ashworth at amber@imcal.la or 

at 337-433-1771. We welcome 

everybody because we need 

everybody to help reduce these 

numbers, to encourage people 

not to drive under the influence, 

to buckle up and to be careful 

while driving. 

And to some more exciting 

news! The Ford Driving Skills for 

Life and the Louisiana Highway 

Safety Commission, to assist in 

spreading Transportation Safety 

Awareness to Young Drivers in 

our region, has given us a grant 

so that we can host Music-Video 

Contest! The SWLA RSC has 

gone live with the “TRAFFIC 

JAMZ” 2018 Transportation 

Music-Video Contest. This music 

video contest is for young people 

between the ages of 15-24 and 

we will be accepting submissions 

until October 29. This is an 

opportunity not only to make 

a music video to encourage 

safe and responsible driving for 

young drivers but for budding 

musicians and video/music 

students to show off their talents. 

All the information can be found 

here: https://sites.google.com/ 

view/swlarsc-trafficjamz/home. 

Cash and other prizes will be 

showcased on the coalition 

Facebook page and shared with 

other coalitions around the state 

of Louisiana. 

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 

October Teen 

Connection 

Session to 

Focus on 

Interviewing 

Skills 

By Katie C. Harrington, TMP 

Students will receive practical tips 

and techniques needed to ace 

their next interview in a “Teen 

Connection” seminar scheduled for 

Thursday, October 18, 2018. It will take 

place from 5-6 p.m. at Cpl Donald Ray 

Stevens Recreation Center (formerly 

Goosport), located at 1619 Cessford St. 

Make an Impression: 

Successful Interviewing 

Techniques will teach 

students how to make a 

great impression, so they 

can go from being good 

on paper to be the top allaround 

candidate. 

In October 2017, the City of Lake Charles 

began hosting “Teen Connection” for 

teenagers, 13 to 18 years old, in Calcasieu 

Parish. 

This fall September, October and 

November sessions, held on the first 

and third Thursday of each month, will 

take place at Cpl. Donald Ray Stevens 

Recreation Center. (View some of the 

October 4th Session held earlier at 

www.facebook.com/voiceswla.) 

The December sessions (December 6 

and 13) will take place at the Ward 3 

Recreation Huber Park Community 

Center, located at 2401 4th Ave. 

“Teen Connection” is designed to help 

teenagers learn job skills, college prep, 

social media, interview skills, and ACT 

prep among others. The classes are 

instructed by educators, government 

officials, and business leaders in the 

community. 

For further information contact: 

Katie C. Harrington, TMP 

Project Specialist-Media Coordinator 

337-491-9176 

Office of the Mayor 

326 Pujo Street – 10th Floor 

Lake Charles, LA 70601 

Office: (337) 491-1382 

Fax: (337) 491-1206 

www.cityoflakecharles.com 


SWLA health, wealth & wellness Inform, Educate, Empower 

REMOTE AREA MEDICAL: 

OPERATION HEALING and RESTORATION 

“Never forget the Mission”—Stan Brock 

By Emily Ashworth RN, BSN 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his 

righteousness; and all these things shall be 

added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 

Reflecting on a past year is seemingly 

done around New Year’s. For me, 

reflecting took place after the RAM 

event held this past September. 

I sought… and prayed… and with the support 

of City of Lake Charles leadership, Mayor Nic 

Hunter, RAM sponsors, my leadership team, 

RAM leadership, over 500 volunteers and the 

community, RAM: Operation Healing and 

Restoration was a success! 

I would like to take a moment to thank the 

team I was blessed to work with. Without the 

support of the Community Host Group (CHG) 

Leadership Team RAM: Operation Healing and 

Restoration would not have been possible. 

CHG LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

CHG Lead.............................Emily Ashworth 

CHG Lead Support................Dr. Jay Marque 

Communications Lead.........Johnathan Evans H 

Web/Digital Content...........Julie Pippin 

Recruitment Chai................John O'Donnell 

Promotions Chair................Matt Young 

Food Chair.........................Mayor Nic Hunter 

Security Chair.........Frank Fondel/Kevin Reeves 

Event Chair.................Jim Pottorff/Suzie Kingsley 

Interpreter Chair............Sylvia Stelly 

Healthcare Vol. Chair.....Angela Jouett/Bridgett Cole 

Comfort Care Chair.........Bart Leger 

HIV Test Chair.....Tara Gary/Kelly Miseles/Yvonne Lewis 

Mental Health............Lindsey Bufford 

Follow-up/Referral Chair....Diana Ross/Kayla Rigney 

Kid Zone Chair...........Amanda Johnson 

“Thank you cannot express the gratitude I feel toward 

so many who have helped this event serve patients in 

our community and the surrounding area. 

Remote Area Medical, a non-profit 

organization based in Tennessee and 

founded by Stan Brock, who passed 

away a few short weeks before our 

event, supplied us with a leadership 

team that guided us through set-up; 

clinic days, breakdown, brought all 

the equipment to host the clinic, and 

provided us with data for analysis. 

List of a few items provided by RAM: 

Total Service Summary 

Glasses 250 

Extractions 300 

Fillings 58 

Cleanings 53 

Medical Exams 189 

Adults Children Total 

Total Unique Patients 546 33 579 

Percentage 94% 6% -- 

Total Encounters 696 39 735 

Percentage 95% 5% -- 

Total Value of Care $196,274 $8,058 $204,332 

Chart: Total Unique Patients represent the total number of patients 

seen, verified by registration forms that were turned in. Total 

Encounters represent the number of patient encounters for services, 

for example; if one patient registered they may have received 2-3 

services. Total Value of Care is the amount of money it would have cost 

for the services that the patient received. 

The RAM team members tremendously blessed our patients, communities, 

and volunteers! They worked with us to ensure that our 2018 RAM event 

was a success and helped us to stand on the words of Stan Brock, Never 

Forgetting the Mission of alleviating pain and suffering to those who 

were homeless, unemployed, disabled, and to some who work hard 

every day. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 

Galatians 6:2 (NIV) 


SWLA Health Center 

Healthy Recipes 

www.chopchopmag.org/recipes 

By Dianna Ross 

NOTES 

To vary the flavor of your ice cream, try 

adding any of the following: 

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter 

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 

• 1 teaspoon vanilla 

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

PEA AND POTATO SALAD 


National Cancer Awareness Month 

CRUNCH CHICKEN 

NOTES 

Tip: When handling raw chicken, it is very 

important that you wash your hands well, before 

you touch anything else. 

“ Caring for the Community, because at the Center is You!” 

Medical • Dental • Pediatrics • OB/GYN • Women’s Wellness • Behavioral Health 

Fitness Center • Pharmacy • Podiatry • WIC • KidMed • Laboratory 

Medicaid Application Center • Medicare Counselors 

Lake Charles ~ Lafayette ~ Crowley ~ Oberlin 

Call 337-439-9983 for an appointment today! 

www.swlahealth.org 


SWLA Health Center 


A Breast 

Cancer Story 

with Two 

Sides 

Christal A. Waller 

DNP, MNSc, BSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, FNP-C 

Fighting breast cancer 

Surviving breast cancer 

By Dr. Christal A. Waller, SWLA For Health Services, Oberlin 

Photo credits to Derek Lewis, Jr/Administrator/Arkansas Primary Care Clinic, Little Rock, Arkansas 

October has been set aside for 

Breast Cancer Awareness. 

During this month, our world is 

painted with pink ribbon as a reminder of 

the fight necessary to combat this illness. 

We celebrate those who have survived 

breast cancer and commemorate those 

who fought and won eternal peace. 

In the event you find yourself on a 

breast cancer journey, I hope this story 

empowers you to positively impact your 

outcome. 

The Professional Side – I am a board 

certified Women’s Health Nurse 

Practitioner. I am also a Doctor of Nursing 

Practice and a nationally certified 

Family Nurse Practitioner. From this 

point of view, let’s discuss breast cancer. 

According to the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC), breast 

cancer is the most common cause of 

cancer death among Hispanic women. 

It is the second most common cancer 

death among all other races. This year, 

it is estimated that 266,120 new 

cases of invasive breast cancer will be 

diagnosed. About 41,000 women are 

expected to die from breast cancer in 

2018. Breast cancer is more common in 

African American women under 45 when 

compared to whites. These statistics tell 

us that breast cancer will be inescapable 

for some and highly likely that you or 

someone close to you will be affected by 

this disease. Even so, breast cancer death 

can be significantly minimized with early 

detection. Let’s talk about how. 

While scientist are diligently working 

for a cure, we should do all we can 

to prevent breast cancer death. Early 

detection is the key to death prevention. 

Finances and fears are common barriers 

to early detection. Remember, self 

breast exams are free. Contact the 

National Breast and Cervical Cancer 

Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) at 

1(888) 599-1073 or your primary care 

provider (PCP) for information about low 

cost or free mammograms. Do not allow 

fear of discovering a tumor, acquiring 

a cancer diagnosis or uncomfortable 

mammogram testing prevent you from 

receiving the benefits of early detection. 

At age 18, begin performing self breast 

exams monthly. Report any abnormality 

to your PCP urgently. Be mindful that the 

time in which a tumor is found, directly 

correlates to the intensity of treatment 

and the severity of the prognosis. The 

mammogram may be uncomfortable. 

However, testing discomfort is minimal 

compared to the pain of aggressive 

treatment or the heartache of loved ones 

bracing for your death. Mammogram 

screening should begin as early as age 

40 and should be repeated yearly or 

every 2-3 years. Your PCP or OBGYN will 

recommend the guidelines best for you. 

The Personal Side – I am a breast cancer 

survivor. In October 2012, I was given the 

diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. 

My heart stopped momentarily, my 

world changed and my journey began. I 

received six rounds of chemotherapy and 

several surgeries to fight for my life. God 

blessed me and gave me a new voice as a 

medical provider and cancer survivor and 

I can tell my own story. I am the epitome 

of hope, faith and cure for breast cancer. I 

exemplify the positive outcomes of early 

detection. My aunt began her journey 

about a year ago with an initial breast 

cancer diagnosis in the advanced stages. 

She will complete her journey soon and 

we will tell her story. ..To be continued 

in The Voice of Southwest Louisiana 

November 2018 Issue… 

10 

October 2018 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 3

What’s in Your Supplements? 

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! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 



 

 

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 

Call or Visit 

our Website for 

More Details! 

3116 RYAN ST. • LAKE CHARLES • 337-564-6009 • LAKECHARLES-LA.MINUTEMANPRESS.COM 

PHOTOGRAPHY 


SWLA nonprofit 

Roaring 

for A Cure 

2018 Pink Ribbon Gala 

By Consuela Colston 


L-R: Betty Ross, Dr. Susan Jones, Dr. Gwendolyn Duhon. Top Row: Marva Davis, Lydia 

Aboagye, Elijah Guillory, Jr., Rev. Cynthia Simpson, Alfretta Gauthier. 

October 2018 is 

National Breast 

Cancer Awareness 

Month. The Friends of 

Sisters Surviving, Inc. is a 

non-profit organization that 

has played an integral role in 

cancer awareness in our local 

community for more than 20 

years. Women are more likely 

to die from breast cancer in 

Louisiana than they are in 

other States, while young 

black women in the State 

suffer disproportionately from 

the disease (Louisiana Cancer 

Prevention, 2015). Breast 

cancer is an equal-opportunity 

killer, with Louisiana white 

women slightly below the 

national death rate, while 

black women are significantly 

higher than the rest of the 

country (LCP, 2015). 

Friends of Sisters Surviving, 

Inc. provides support to 

cancer survivors in the 

community in an effort to 

empower them in attaining 

a higher quality of life. The 

organization was founded 

in October, 1997 by Sharon 

Walters Mallet and Dr. Rose 

Duhon-Sells. The mission is 

to increase local and national 

awareness to the devastating 

impact that cancer has 

in the community. The 

organization’s objective is to 

seek and assist the uninsured, 

the underinsured, the 

uninspired and under- served 

to get clinical screenings, 

mammograms, self-exams 

and PSA screenings. Friends 

of Sisters Surviving, Inc. 

target populations that are 

hard to reach by using the 

media, television, radio, 

churches, social organizations, 

fraternities, sororities, 

billboards, community and 

church health fairs, women 

conferences and participation 

in State and National Cancer 

Organizations. 

Since its inception, the 

group has grown from the 

eight women, who initially 

shared the experiences of 

breast cancer, to over one 

hundred members who 

continue to meet on the 

third Tuesday of each month 

at Lake Charles Memorial 

Hospital to listen, share their 

stories of survival and learn 

coping skills. Although Sisters 

Surviving is geared toward 

African-American women who 

have survived breast cancer, 

all are welcome regardless of 

race, sex or type of cancer. 

The organization is funded 

through an Annual Pink 

Ribbon Gala held each year 

in October, community 

donations and grants. 

Please join Friends of Sisters 

Surviving, Inc.’s in its 2018 

Pink Ribbon Gala on October 

13th at Marilyn’s located 

at 3510 5th Avenue, Lake 

Charles, LA. The Silent 

Auction will begin at 6:00PM 

and our Program and Dinner 

at 7:00 with our special 

guest Comedians, David and 

Jennifer Griffin. The theme 

for this year is “Roaring for a 

Cure.” For ticket information, 

please contact Marva Davis 

@ 337-263-5773 or Linda 

Holmes @ 281-413-7676. 

Your generous support 

and donations will allow 

Silent Auction 6 pm 

Dinner 7 pm 

Tickets: $50 

Friends of Sisters Surviving 

to help cancer patients 

purchase medical supplies 

(e.g., compression sleeves, 

gauntlet gloves) and other 

items not covered by 

insurance. Friends of Sisters 

Surviving continue to make 

an impact in our community 

uplifting, educating, 

empowering and most of all 

supporting so many battling 

breast cancer and other types 

of cancer. 

Friends of Sisters Surviving, Inc. 

Roaring For A Cure 

Featuring: 

Comedians 

David and Jennifer Griffin 

Saturday, October 13, 2018 

Treasures of Marilyn's 

3510 5th Avenue 

Lake Charles, La 

For ticket information, please contact 

Marve Davis @ 337-263-5773 or 

Linda Holmes @ 281-413-7676 

Rev. Cynthia Simpson @ 337-304-5918 

12 


The Voice's Choice 

To Lake Charles 

With Love 

By Charlene A. Joseph 

I 

first heard of the Voice in 2016 when I saw the 

information about the Pre-Mother's Day Women's 

Conference at Faith Vision Ministries. I have read 

your publication ever since. I am leaving Lake Charles to 

return to the Virgin Islands and I wrote this article about 

my good experiences in Lake Charles. 

It has been my pleasure to support The Lake Charles 

Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and 

The Lake Charles Alumnae Foundation in their scholarship 

efforts especially since they are a staunch advertiser of the 

Voice of SWLA. 

Charlene and Wayne 

pose at Sax in the City. 

Charlene with grandchildren, Maakheru 

and Onile at the Fountain at L'auberge 

“Grow wherever you are planted” was the advice my 

friend, Norvell Coley gave me. I landed in Lake Charles 

from St. Croix, Virgin Islands. The Hovenza Refinery closed, 

and my husband needed to work. He was offered a job 

with Miller Environmental in 2015 and he took it. That’s 

what brought me to Lake Charles. 

I searched the apartment sites for weeks and finally I found 

a lovely two-bedroom townhouse off Nelson Rd. with all the 

amenities close to a hospital, banks, the highway and stores. 

My first six weeks in Lake Charles was hectic as I planned 

my wedding. Wayne and I were married in the Historic 

Courthouse by Judge Sharon Wilson. 

Over the next few months, I visited four or five churches. 

When I visited Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 

(IHM) I knew I had found a home. From Fr. Wayne’s thoughtprovoking 

sermons to the choir that put the P in praise, I 

felt I belonged. On our first anniversary, Wayne and I were 

married at Immaculate Heart. God’s been good to me! 

Life in Lake Charles is different to island life but there 

are similarities like the friendly people, the awesome food 

(especially the gumbo) and the rich culture. Some of my 

favorites are Sundays at Mama Reta’s Kitchen, enjoying a 

play at the Lake Charles Little Theater, viewing one of the 

exhibits at the Black Heritage Museum and attending any 

event at the fabulous Civic Center. 

The Coleys and Charlene Joseph 

enjoy the Delta Scholarship Gala. 

Charlene Joseph with her 

children’s book The Vienna 

Cake Mystery. 

Charlene at Dorsch Beach, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 

Wayne and Charlene wed at the 

Lake Charles City Courthouse. 

A retired educator, I relished in the joys of simple life with 

walks at Prien Lake Park, teaching my religious education 

class at IHM, visiting the Calcasieu Parish Library and 

even fishing with my son at Calcasieu Point Landing. 

While in Lake Charles, I had the honor of having my 

family visit, attend a Black and White birthday party and 

Ball, watch fireworks in 20-degree weather, listen to the 

infamous Mickey Smith Jr., work in a political campaign 

and dance to diverse sounds of Keith Frank. But, I still 

haven’t waded in the lazy pool at the Golden Nugget or 

learned to Zydeco. God willing, I’ll come back one day. I 

leave good friends like Norvell and family, Brenda, Rosalie, 

Paula, Brother Rose, Patsy, Jacque, Catherine and the 

Immaculate Heat of Mary Church family. I love you, Lake 

Charles for the ways you have enriched my life. 

Charlene Abramson Joseph, author of The Vienna Cake Mystery, 

returns to her beach in Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 


My Senior Moment 2.0 

By Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

Life 

after 

Cancer 

Beverly Castillo laughs as she tells of her 

elementary school experiences in the two 

– room school house in Reddell, Louisiana. 

“Reddell," she said, "is a small community, two miles 

north of Mamou in Evangeline Parish. From there I 

went on to Vidrine High School where I graduated in 

1958. There were 32 graduates in our class.” 

The students formed a tight relationship and 

remain close friends to this day. She reminisces 

about her life after school; marrying Shon Castillo, 

the love of her life. The couple had four boys who are 

now grown with children of their own. Beverly enjoys 

being a mother and now a grandmother. 

In the early years of their marriage Beverly toyed 

with the idea of becoming a home economics 

teacher. At Shon’s suggestion she inquired about 

the nursing classes and found it a good fit for her. 

With Shon making the military his career they moved 

to the bases where he was assigned in the states. 

Beverly attended class near their home. She said, 

“Without the help of my neighbors and friends, 

I wouldn’t have been able to get my degree. 

In Louisiana I attended classes at Louisiana State 

University at Eunice and McNeese State University. 

While living in Georgia my neighbor helped me with 

14 



the boys so I could study at the university there. It 

was hard but it kept me from worrying so much, 

especially when Shon was in Vietnam. I got my 

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.” 

When Shon retired from the military the family 

moved back to Lake Charles. Beverly worked 

different jobs at Lake Charles Memorial before 

settling into the oncology department where she 

became a certified case manager. 

Beverly had known of her family’s history of 

breast cancer with her grandmother and two 

aunts having it. In 2013 when she was diagnosed 

there was no time to lose. Her husband was ill 

and needed her at home. She began treatments 

immediately. There were complications, but it was a 

comfort that her treatments were where she worked 

and with co-workers who knew her. She made a full 

recovery and continued caring for her husband until 

he passed away. 

Beverly’s hospital training has enabled her to be 

of great assistance in the Pro-Life movement. She 

operates the ultrasound machine and does what 

she can to help out there. She is serving as president 

of the Altar Society of Our Lady Queen of Heaven 

Catholic Church for her second year. As a Sacristan 

she helps with the altar linens and in cleaning the 

church. She is also a dedicated member of The 

Catholic Daughters of America. 

In 2017 she traveled to Nicaragua with Monsignor 

Danny Torres’ Abrazando Christo Mission. 

Abrazando Cristo means Embracing Christ. 

Beverly was one of the missionaries traveling there 

to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the poor 

in mind, body and spirit. Their mission was to help 

with the needs of safety, shelter, food and medical 

treatment. Recently Beverly went on a pilgrimage 

led by Father Keith Pellerin. The trip took them to 

Portugal, Spain and France. Beverly said, ‘The whole 

trip was really wonderful but the highlight of the trip 

for me was being in Lourdes.” 

When Beverly is not volunteering or traveling 

she enjoys helping out with her grandchildren, 

entertaining friends and going out to lunch. She also 

enjoys dancing. 

When I asked how she does all this she said, “I think 

optimistically and focus on the better things.” 

Our Community Is Talking, 

And We’re Still Listening… 

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www.thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

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The Voice of SWLA 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

TEAM PUBLICATIONS LLC• 4310 Ryan St. Ste. 123 • Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

A Bridge to Publication 

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2018 

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809 Kirby St, Lake Charles 

For complete conference brochure and registration form, 

go to bayouwritersgroup.com/conference 


SWLA feature story 

Fresh Goods 

and Stellar 

Service 

By Kristopher Welcome 

L-R: Tommie Logan Jr., Hazel Logan, Tommie Logan Sr. & Thaddeus Logan receives 

Lifetime Achievement Award presented at Black Business Honors. 

Here at The Voice we 

love to keep you 

in the know about 

businesses you can support 

to keep the small businesses 

in the area thriving. It is 

extremely important that 

if we want to see growth 

within our communities, we 

must empower those in our 

immediate surroundings. 

These are the ideas that 

helped spark an era of strong 

local ownership that we have 

seemingly lost in present 

society—people were eager 

to shop with their neighbors. 

True empowerment lies in the 

eagerness to see those around 

you better the area with their 

goods and services. 

16 

Tommie Logan is the owner 

and operator of Tommie’s 

Fish Market on N. MLK 

Hwy. The fish market has 

some of the freshest seafood 

that you can get in the area: 

turtle, alligator, fish, shrimp, 

and other sea delicacies all 

find a home at his seafood 

haven. They pride themselves 

on giving their customers 

the opportunity to shop 

locally sourced seafood that 

is fresh and has skipped 

all the processes of major 

chain operations. Opened 

since March of 2010, Logan 

has grown immensely 

as a business owner and 

entrepreneur. His entrance 

into the seafood business 

wasn’t expected—not even 

by him. “I didn’t imagine this,” 

he said. “I was in the military 

for some time, and after that I 

served as an aircraft mechanic. 

One day I was laid off and my 

life changed.” 

Faithful in God’s promise to 

keep him, Logan remained 

humble and left an impression 

on the owner of the Ole 

Holbrook store that occupied 

the space that he now owns. 

“The manager offered me a 

position to help him run the 

store because he had heard 

that I was laid off from my job,” 

Logan recalled of his start. 

The testament to his faith is 

definitely something to be 

marveled. 

About five years into his 

working there, the building 

came up for sale and the 

suitor for the space asked 

Tommie to buy in with him. 

“At the time I just didn’t have 

the means to make a purchase 

like that,” Logan spoke of his 

finances at the time. However, 

after the sale, he was asked 

to be the operating manager. 

It was an opportunity he 

didn’t want to pass up and he 

continued to work skillfully 

underneath the new owner. 

Coincidentally, another five 

years later, the building was 

for sale again and Tommie’s 

efforts to improve his financial 

status were not in vain as 

he was able to take over the 

ownership of the space. 

Logan attended middle 

school and high school 

in the area, so he was 

eager to evoke change 

by staking ownership in 

the area and making a 

difference. 

They want their future 

market/restaurant to be 

an added convenience to 

your life so they’re working 

to establish a drive-thru. 

“We live in a generation of 

convenience, and there’s a 

demand for this that we can 

supply,” Logan reported on 

future plans for his business. 

Currently, there is a spike 

in the usual cost of the 


HOURS OPEN 

Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Sat 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Ph: 337-439-9554 

tommiejohnwell@yahoo.com 

1617 N. Martin Luther King Hwy 


goods and products sold 

at Tommie’s. “I am working 

hard to keep my cost benefit 

analysis in a range that will 

allow me the chance to 

salvage the price point for 

customers and keep the same 

quality he is known for. “In 5 

years, I am hoping to beat the 

rising costs to offer a plethora 

of goods and services similar 

to our seasoning. This will 

allow us to stake our branding 

outside of the restaurant and 

in the sight of our customers 

even when they aren’t near 

MLK Hwy,” he stated. 

The seasoning he is 

speaking of is his claim to 

fame. The blend of familiar 

seasonings that make the 

food in the area some of 

the best in the country, is a 

main staple of Tommie’s and 

customers can’t seem to get 

enough. “We wanted to have 

our own signature seasoning. 

My wife and I finalized the 

ingredients and worked with 

a company that has perfected 

it. It’s a combination of the 

seasonings we love, and the 

company packaged it all up 

for us. We look forward to 

selling it in stores. Not only is 

it for seafood, but can be used 

for all kinds of meats,” Logan 

explained. The entrepreneurial 

pursuit of Logan is definitely 

something we can appreciate 

in our community. 

Logan is an avid supporter 

of the MLK Center as it has 

been a part of his life and 

his two children. He wants 

to make sure that his success 

benefits not only his family, 

but his community as a whole. 

“We are interested in starting 

a scholarship for high school 

seniors that are headed to 

college in the future and want 

to make sure that we are 

representing the community 

by sowing into them our 

harvest that they help us reap,” 

Logan spoke of his desire 

to better the lives of those 

around him. 

The Logan family is hopeful 

for the growth in visibility 

they may see in light of the 

new mayor who is looking 

to make progressive change 

in the area. They know the 

mayor has a real job on his 

hand in regard to uniting 

the area across the lines that 

divide us, but they remain 

hopeful for the benefits his 

ideas may have on them. 

They believe it starts by City 

Hall leading by example. “The 

mayor could start by coming 

to see what we have to offer. 

Lead by example and show 

that it is up to the community 

to support the community. 

We can very well supply the 

demands of city parties and 

functions that go on. Everyone 

has a preference, true enough, 

but there is a lot to be said 

about the love you have for 

your community when you 

shop with businesses that 

are rooted and support the 

very community you live 

in directly,” Logan stated. 

He believes that the best 

resolution to any issue facing 

a community is simply action. 

Tommie Logan grew up in 

the area and returned home 

in 1997 from the military 

with his lovely wife to start 

a life and family of their 

own. The couple have been 

married since 1995 and their 

love is refreshing and pure. 

The couple have two sons, 

ages 19 and 15, who are the 

light of their world. Logan is 

working diligently every day 

to be a positive role model in 

the lives of his sons and has a 

strong desire to do that for the 

community as a whole. “If we 

had more community support 

we would have a better 

opportunity to soar. I don’t 

think that people understand 

the restraints and struggles of 

small businesses—especially 

black owned businesses. 

We can’t be a Wal-Mart 

or Market Basket—we 

are simply Tommie’s. 

What we do have is 

stellar customer service 

and some of the freshest 

seafood in the area.” 


5-993-3 

SWLA travel and leisure 

‘Tis the Season for New 

Travel Traditions 

By Tina Higgins, Cruise Planners Travel Advisor 

Give the gift of travel 

this holiday season 

and celebrate your 

favorite traditions onboard. 

You might even make a new 

tradition this year… a holiday 

cruise! 

Soak up the Sun 

Trade your rubber boots 

and overcoat for a snorkel 

and swimsuit! Cruise the 

Caribbean where there’s a 

port of call to meet any and 

all of your travel desires. Sail 

on a pirate ship in Barbados, 

unwind with a beachfront 

massage in Honduras or 

snorkel among a rainbow 

of fish in the Bahamas. Who 

needs the glisten of tinsel 

when you can enjoy the 

sparkle of the sun on the 

Caribbean Sea? Cruise lines 

go all-out for the holidays. 

Carnival Cruise Lines, for 

example, combines solemn 

traditions with jolly fun 

featuring the Grinch and the 

rest of the Dr. Seuss crew. 

“Sail-ebrate” the Season 

Worried about missing out on 

your favorite traditions while 

onboard? Special themed 

events and entertainment on 

board cruises throughout the 

holiday season means Santa 

will make a stop to deliver 

gifts and champagne glasses 

clink at midnight on New 

Year’s Eve. Don’t forget to pack 

your ugly holiday sweater for 

themed parties! 

Indulgent Holiday Feasts 

Can’t imagine your 

Thanksgiving without turkey 

but tired of spending your 

holidays preparing meals? 

Let onboard chefs create your 

favorite holiday meals with 

all the fixin’s and desserts to 

dazzle every sweet tooth. All 

you have to do is indulge – no 

clean up required! And after 

lunch, go out on the deck and 

check out your favorite football 

games on the large screens. 

Gift the Family with 

Experiences, Not Things 

Do your kids really need 

more toys? Give them the 

experience of seeing other 

parts of the world. Give 

them the experience of other 

cultures and foods. Studies 

show that the benefits from 

amazing experiences, such 

as travel, last longer after the 

trip is over and ultimately 

helps to form our identities. 

We remember experiences 

long afterward, while we soon 

become used to, and bored 

with, our possessions. 

Get Together and Get Excited 

Cruising is a stress-free holiday 

away from the hustle and 

bustle of the holiday season. 

Forget having to entertain your 

relatives. No matter their age 

or interest, the entire family 

will be entertained with live 

music, production shows, kids’ 

clubs and onboard activities. 

Treat yourself and your 

loved ones to a holiday to 

remember and leave decking 

the halls, carving the turkey, 

Explore 

and pouring the champagne 

to the professionals. All that’s 

left for you to do is sink your 

toes in the sand! 

Ready to plan your holiday 

vacation? 

Contact Tina Higgins, your 

Cruise Planners Travel Advisor 

today at 337-405-7650! 

AND DISCOVER 

SOMETHING NEW! 

Cruising to: Alaska, Bahamas, Canada/New England, 

Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal, Cuba and more! 

snigiH aniT 

eurT emoC smaerD 

| 0567-504-733 4297-302- 

TSLF 

oc.aniTyBsnoitanitseD.w 

m w w 

oc.srenalpesiurc@snigih.anit 

m 

anitybsnoitanitsed/m oc.kobecaF 

93# 0 C•86TS 2# 0 43 4 H•0 5-86 TS T# A 7-R 0 W•85A TS 6# 0 

04 

18 


Mon-Sat 11:AM-9:PM 

Sun 11:AM-4:PM 

Dine In ~ Order To Go ~ Catering 

337 

477-8557 

Also Known As: 

4415 Nelson Road 


PHO SAIGON 

HOURS OPEN 

Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Sat 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Ph: 337-439-9554 

tommiejohnwell@yahoo.com 

1617 N. Martin Luther King Hwy 


CONSIDER A 

CAREER with 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 



 

 

 

Lake Charles, LA 

337-494-6900 

www.lakecitytrucking.com 

Why Is Your Credit So Important? 

Debra Lewis 

Assistant Vice President 

& Loan Officer 

1135 Lakeshore Drive 

Credit can be a valuable 

resource when used 

properly. Your credit 

determines whether 

you are approved 

or denied for a loan 

request. If approved, 

it can also determine 

the interest rate charged and/or how long 

you are given to repay the loan. Both 

of these can result in a higher monthly 

payment to manage within your budget 

each month. 

Prepare BEFORE you are ready to borrow. 

Getting approved for a new loan today 

depends on how well you paid other 

loans in the past. Review your credit 

report at least once each year to ensure 

that it is accurate. Any inaccuracies 

should be disputed immediately. Work 

toward clearing any collection accounts, 

judgements and liens while maintaining 

good payment history on good debts. 

Payment history is the biggest portion 

of a credit score, so always strive to pay 

on time. 

Give Debra a call at (337) 421-1114, 

or visit www.ffbla.bank for all of your 

financial needs. 

www.ffbla.bank 

MEMBER 

FDIC 


Peace from Pieces 

By Carra Sergeant, Ph. D.; LPC-S 

Licensed Professional Counselor 

RIDING the 

BIPOLAR 

COASTER 

I 

strap in as my stomach feels 

the pulse of excitement, fear, 

exhilaration and dread. As the car 

spurts out of the gate and latches 

onto the chain, I slowly chug up, up, 

up moving vertically into the air in 

a slow steady pace toward the first 

peak. Approaching the top, I steadily 

hold my breath in anticipation of the 

out of control downward plunge that 

is about to occur. The car pauses at 

the top and then pitches downward 

at mach speed causing my stomach 

to churn and my hair to stand on end. 

I loop round and round and tighten 

my grip, preparing myself to ascend 

the next peak. I toy with the idea that 

“I must be crazy” to be taking this 

particular ride. While equally thrilling 

and terrifying, I really am ready for the 

ride to end. Being uncontrollably flung 

up and down and around in circles is 

just not fun anymore. This is not the 

description of an exciting amusement 

park ride…it is the description of my 

emotional ride on the Bipolar Coaster. 

Bipolar Disorder is one of the most 

misunderstood and misdiagnosed 

mental health issues that people 

face today. According to the National 

Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar 

Disorder affects 5.7 million adults and, 

potentially, 2.6 million children and 

adolescents. Untreated, its effects can 

easily devastate an individual and the 

family. It is not curable, but can be 

treated with medications and wellmanaged 

with therapy and behavioral 

interventions. 

Formerly referred to as Manic- 

Depressive Illness, Bipolar Disorder 

is a brain disorder characterized by 

dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and 

activity levels that can affect a person’s 

ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. 

These shifts in mood and energy levels 

are more severe than the normal ups 

and downs that are experienced by 

everyone else. 

Like heart disease and diabetes, 

it must be carefully managed 

throughout a lifetime. Unlike diabetes 

and heart disease, however, the 

diagnosis of Bipolar disorder comes 

with a stigma and a level of public 

judgment that can be as debilitating as 

the diagnosis itself. People with Bipolar 

disorder are dismissed as “not being 

worth the trouble.” We are told to “get 

over it,” “deal with it,” “suck it up” or “save 

the drama for yo’ mama.” 

The nature of Bipolar disease is 

characterized by periods of elevated 

mood and euphoria, known as 

mania, alternating with long periods 

of sadness and hopelessness, known 

as depression. Those of us with Bipolar 

disorder experience things more 

deeply than others do. And YES, while 

we tend to be more reactive, we also 

tend to be more compassionate. Once 

stabilized, the number of hypomanic/ 

depressive episodes can be reduced. 

To achieve that reduction, we expend 

a great deal of energy learning to 

manage the highs and lows that come 

with this disease. 

It is important to understand the 

Bipolar disorder is a “spectrum 

disorder” in that it spans a wide area 

of behavioral aspects. It is not a “one 

description fits all” disease. On the least 

severe end, Bipolar Disorder is called 

Cyclothymia and presents as episodes 

of hypomania punctuated with brief 

periods of mild depression. On the 

most severe end, Bipolar I Disorder 

is characterized as mixed episodes 

of mania and depression that are so 

severe that the person needs hospital 

care to be stabilized. 

I was diagnosed with Cyclothymia 

about 7 years ago. I initially treated 

the diagnosis as a shameful secret, but 

I have since chosen to be very open 

about it. It’s my way of normalizing 

a truly stigmatizing diagnosis. More 

often than not, however, people base 

their response to me on that diagnosis. 

Because I tend towards hypomania, a 

20 


symptom free day for me is met with 

“what’s wrong” or “why are you moving 

so slow.” My feelings are frequently 

dismissed as not being valid or being 

over-reactive because people assume 

that I am probably “cycling.” 

Being hypomanic for me means that 

my foot is on the throttle 85 to 90% 

of the time. On my most hyped days, 

I think I can yank ideas out of the air, 

leap tall buildings in a single bound 

and solve world peace. In reality, I 

probably AM more creative, definitely 

MORE energetic, but also EXTREMELY 

financially impulsive. I am awake when 

most people are asleep, start more 

projects than I finish and make more 

mistakes than I care to admit. 

Here is my truth: 

• I am blessed to have had an 

extremely astute therapist who 

pushed for me to be evaluated, 

diagnosed, medically managed 

and taught me behavioral skills to 

better cope with the disease. 

• I refuse to be defined by this 

diagnosis. I am not always 

hypomanic. At my core, I sincerely 

am a happy person who works hard 

to maintain a positive outlook. 

• I take this life and offer it daily to 

help people with their struggles. I 

am a better practitioner because I 

have been in the chair not only as a 

therapist, but also as a client. 

• I know that I am not crazy although 

I do have doubtful moments. 

• I am painfully aware of how my 

disease impacts my loved ones. 

This is not an easy life but I am not 

trying to be a martyr for the cause 

nor am I trying to be a poster child 

for Bipolar disorder. I am just one 

person, trying to give you a peek 

behind my veil of “crazy” and offering 

my story in the hopes that it will help 

someone else in their journey. 

According to the National 

Institute of Mental Health, 

Bipolar Disorder affects 5.7 million 

adults and, potentially, 2.6 million 

children and adolescents. 

For more information about Bipolar 

Disorder, check out these resources: 

Eight Myths About Bipolar Disorder 

https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/ 

features/8-myths-about-bipolar-disorder#1 

NIMH Bipolar Disorder 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/ 

bipolar-disorder/index.shtml 

Bipolar disorder - Symptoms and causes - 

Mayo Clinic 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases.../bipolardisorder/symptoms-causes/syc-203559 

Carra Sergeant, PhD, LPC 

PEACE FROM PIECES COUNSELING SERVICES 

For an appointment, call 

337-515-6716 


ADVENTURES of the Lake 

I'm A 

Survivor! 

Marjorie 

By Lela Gholar Tizano 

Gordan 

Miller 6 years 

cancer free. 

Angela loved working in 

her garden. She found it 

to be relaxing, therapeutic 

and educational. 

Everything she needed to know 

about life she could learn from 

her garden. The display of plants 

was a demonstration of sowing and 

reaping, peaks and valleys, even life 

and death. Oftentimes in the middle 

of a bloom, an occasional weed would 

unexpectedly pop up, trying to choke 

out life. She tried to be very careful to 

prepare for the weeds and cut them 

off but sometimes without noticing, 

one would get past her. It happened 

the day she discovered the lump in 

her breast - like a weed that sprang 

out of nowhere, it sprouted up. Shortly 

thereafter, she got the shocking news - 

it was cancer. 

She was devastated! How could this 

be happening to her? Cancer didn't 

fit into her schedule. She didn't have 

time for it - but like an unwanted 

guest, it hung around. It didn't care 

that she had been married to a 

wonderful man for twenty-one years 

and had a new grandbaby on the way, 

a career at the law firm, thousands of 

dollars in designer shoes, handbags, 

and accessories, a closet full of name 

brand clothing and it had no regard 

for how hard she'd been working to 

maintain a size 10. It wasn't fair, she 

did not deserve this. 

Life was different now. No longer 

could she waste doing things that 

were meaningless and empty. People 

were important, moments were 

precious, and the material things 

didn’t seem to matter much. 

The news traveled fast and the 

whole town started talking. But that 

didn't matter to her. She had too much 

to do and too much to think about. 

Like a soldier preparing for a battle she 

suited up and began to fight. Surgery, 

chemotherapy, and radiation were her 

weapons. Fasting and praying were 

her tools. After battling for the past 

two years she was sure she had beat it 

and in just a few short hours she was 

going to find out. 

It didn't take her long to realize 

that stopping by the grocery store 

before heading to the doctor was 

not a wise decision. It was their peak 

time, even her husband refused to 

get out of the car. All she wanted to 

do was pick up something quick for 

supper. At the far end of the store, she 

spotted Beverly James, an old high 

school classmate. She maneuvered 

down the next aisle to avoid her but 

somehow Beverly stopped her dead in 

her tracks. 

Angela eyed the blue and yellow tacky 

housedress and faded scarf Beverly 

had the nerve to wear in public. They 

exchanged a quick hug. 

"Oh, Angela. How have you been? I am 

so sorry to hear about your cancer." 

Beverly tried to keep talking but a 

sharp look from Angela made her lose 

her thought. 

"Thank you for your concern but it's 

not mine. I don't own it and I don't 

claim it." Angela replied as they stood 

in the frozen food section. 

"Excuse me?" Beverly responded. 

"You said you were sorry to hear 

about my cancer and I appreciate 

your sympathy, but the cancer is not 

22 



Benita Malbrough 

Twice a survivor 

2013, 2015. 

mine. It is something that has taken 

temporary residence in my body, but 

it doesn't belong to me." If she had a 

dollar for all the times she had to make 

that statement she'd be a rich woman. 

Beverly gasped and covered her 

mouth with her hands. "Oh Angela, 

please forgive me. I didn't realize what 

I was saying. Of all people I should 

have known better." 

"No worries. Just speak positive and 

believe God with me that I will beat 

this." 

Beverly nodded and looked down at 

the slippers she was wearing, avoiding 

Angela's eyes. 

Angela touched her hand. "Really, it's 

okay." Her tone was soft and forgiving. 

Beverly smiled faintly. "If you need 

anything, I'm here for you." 

"Actually, I am on my way to the doctor 

and I could use a prayer." Angela said. 

"If you don't mind..." 

Without waiting for her to finish 

asking, Beverly grabbed her hand 

and prayed the most heartfelt 

sincere prayer Angela had ever 

heard on her behalf. It was as if 

Beverly knew every worry, concern, 

hurt and need she ever had. Neither of 

them cared that they were surrounded 

by on-lookers and that praying right 

there in the middle of the grocery 

store was unheard of. They were 

focused on her healing. 

Immediately, Angela felt lighter, like 

a huge burden had been lifted. She 

never thought that Beverly would be 

the one to petition God for her. They 

weren’t that close, and they barely 

even spoke to one another. 

That was all the encouragement she 

needed. “Thank you, Beverly. It seems 

like you know exactly what I’m feeling.” 

Angela embraced her warmly. 

“I do know, Angela. You see, I’ve gone 

through what you’re going through. 

I’ve been where you are, and I want to 

let you know... I am a survivor!” 

This time it was Angela who gasped 

and put her hand over her mouth. She 

had forgotten how sick Beverly was a 

few years ago. “I’m so sorry,” she said. 

“Now, you stop that,” Beverly insisted. 

“I’m fine and you will be too. You just 

have to trust God. He will see you 

through this.” She gave her a quick hug 

and pushed her buggy to check out. 

Angela thought she was only going 

to the store to pick up supper, but she 

left with so much more. She left with a 

blessing. 

When she left the doctor's office she 

cried tears of joy for the best news 

she could have ever asked for - she 

was cancer free. God had done it 

for her too. He healed her body. She 

wasn't sure if her encounter in the 

grocery store had anything to do with 

her good news but one thing she was 

certain of, there were no more weeds 

in her garden. 


Q&A 

PLAY! 

Passionately 

Looking Ahead 

for Young 

Learners 

By Brenda Hill 

L-R: Tiffany Miller, Tracy Williams 

and Vernessa Guillory are sisters that 

know and understand the importance of 

exploration, discovery, community and play. 

They enjoy shopping, especially for shoes, 

hanging out at mom and dad’s homes and 

traveling. As previously mentioned in The 

Voice of Southwest Louisiana-2018, June, 

July & August Issues, PLAY! is a preschool 

program for 4 year olds. The mission is 

to empower children to attain greatness, 

and the Reggio Emilia pedagogy for young 

learners has helped them achieve that goal 

with much success and recognition. We 

asked a few questions and requested more 

details about their pedagogy, and they 

responded with information and pictures. 

QWhat is the Reggio Emilia 

pedagogy, and when and 

where did it originate? 

AThe Reggio Emilia Approach 

is a Preschool philosophy. 

The pedagogy is viewed as child 

directed which fosters an interest 

in learning. This unique approach 

to educating children originated 

in the villages surrounding 

Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World 

War II. 

QWhy did you choose a 

student-centered approach, 

over the familiar teacher-centered 

approach, for young learners at 

PLAY!? 

AAt PLAY! the Reggio 

Approach is chosen over 

familiar teaching styles because 

it stimulates children’s genuine 

interest through experimental 

learning environments, 

allowing for unlimited tangible 

opportunities. – Louisiana 

continually ranks low as to 

educational endeavors, while 

many Educators, community 

leaders, parents, and citizens 

strive for increasing test scores 

and graduation rates, as well as 

close the disparity gap among 

our children. PLAY! has created a 

unique one of a kind Preschool 

Program to heighten the normal 

learning standards, where 

children are encouraged to take 

risks, participate and have some 

control of their learning interests. 

QDescribe some of the Reggio 

inspired activities offered 

at PLAY! that extends the young 

learners' experiences. 

ASome are– 

of the Reggio inspired 

activities offered at PLAY! 

Reflection of Art – children 

reflecting on information 

gleaned from their day 

through painting individually, 

with another child, or 

with other children (Coconstruction). 

24 


Left and right-handed learners 

creating a masterpiece. 

Building with blocks and 

caring for baby Tiger Lily 

Friends interacting and collaborating on how to 

best illustrate Minnie and Mickey Mouse 

Community of Practice – 

parents and community 

helpers lead, participate and 

learn along side of children, 

through extra-curricular 

activities of Chess, American 

Sign Language, and College 

Bound, a 4-week journey of 

introducing Preschoolers to 

college opportunities. 

QSince meeting the needs of 

preferred learning styles; 

spatial, musical, kinesthetic, lefthand, 

ambidextrous, etc., is a first 

consideration, how does PLAY! 

confidently put the responsibility 

for learning in the hands of the 

student? 

A 

PLAY! 

confidently addresses 

the needs of various 

learning styles. Most Educators 

acknowledge that girls and 

boys learn and play differently. 

Therefore, at Play! morning 

learning consists of girls and boys 

going to their 4-core subjects: 

Math, Science, Language, 

and Social Living separately. 

Classrooms are designed for 

one particular subject and so 

both groups change classrooms 

throughout the learning day 

achieving learning in all subjects. 

At lunch time children are free 

to intermingle and socialize 

with whom they may choose. 

Two additional classrooms are 

designed for extracurricular 

activities; Technology, Arts and 

Crafts, Music and Movement, 

Manipulatives and Writing. A 

gymnasium is on our campus 

as well as a covered breezeway 

and an outdoor playground 

further ensuring learning styles 

are being addressed, along 

with social and emotional and 

cognition skills. 

QHow can environmental 

expression of touch, feeling, 

listening and observing help 

young learners from different 

ethnicities build relationships at 

PLAY!? 

AThe environmental 

expression for PLAY! 

moreover assists young learners 

from various ethnicities to 

build prosperous relationships 

because of our diversified 

background of working with 

children for the past 15 years in 

public, Department of Defense 

Dependent Schools (DoDDS), 

and private sectors. Through 

this program we are striving 

for exploration, discovery and 

relationship driven, building a 

rapport with the community, 

motivating children to trust their 

Teachers, while acquiring a sense 

of autonomy that empowers all 

children to attain greatness! 

QAre there any upcoming 

events that invites the 

community to PLAY!? 

A 

The 

Power of Play! – is a 

child community event 

that highlights available 

children resources in our 

area that empowers children 

mentally, socially, physically, 

and intellectually. It’s a kid’s 

world--has the emphasis on 

birth through 8-years old and 

allows your child an opportunity 

to interact with other children, 

while you learn of new and 

interesting opportunities for 

children that’s being offered in 

our community. 

PLAY! 

Open House 

When: 

Saturday, Nov 10, 2018 

Time: 

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m 

Where: 

3007 Enterprise Blvd. 

L.C. LA 70601 

For more information 

contact Tracy Williams at 

337.802.8836, or email 

Williamschildrenfirst@aol.com 


SWLA health, wealth & wellness Inform, Educate, Empower 

Sudden Infant 

Death Syndrome 

SIDS 

By Charles “Charlie” Hunter, Jr. (F-ABMDI) 

Chief Investigator 

Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office 

Southwest Louisiana Safe Sleep Task Force 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, 

or SIDS, is explained as the sudden 

or unexplained death of an infant 

(usually under one year of age) that 

remains undetermined following a 

complete death scene investigation, 

review of the medial records, complete 

autopsy, and toxicology/microscopic 

studies. To date, there is no definitive 

cause of SIDS and it cannot be predicted 

or prevented. However, several SIDS risk 

factors have been identified through the 

course of investigations surrounding SIDS 

related deaths. These risk factors, which 

are supported by the American Academy 

of Pediatrics, include the prone (belly 

down) sleeping position, soft surfaces/ 

bedding, exposure to cigarette smoke 

(both during and after pregnancy), 

low birth weight, less than 18 months 

between births, and bedsharing. 

Ways to reduce SIDS risk factors include 

breastfeeding, utilizing a pacifier to 

sleep, do not overheat during sleep, and 

simply follow the ABC’s of safe sleep. 

The ABC’s make sure the infant sleeps 

Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. The 

crib should be empty with only a fitted 

sheet with no bumper pads, blankets, or 

stuffed animals. 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) 

is a well-known cause of death in 

infants and is the most commonly 

used term used to describe these 

deaths. You are right in saying Calcasieu 

Parish has the highest rate in the state; 

however, these are not SIDS related 

deaths. Calcasieu Parish leads the 

state by 1.5 times in preventable infant 

deaths. These are those deaths due 

to an unsafe sleep environment. With 

any death of an infant, a complete and 

thorough examination is conducted as 

well as an autopsy and both toxicology 

and microscopic studies. A scene 

investigation requires completing the 

Sudden Unexplained Infant Death 

Reporting Form (SUIDI) developed by 

the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as 

well as performing a doll re-enactment. 

After all of these are completed the 

determination of SIDS or an unsafe/ 

improper sleeping environment is 

determined. 

In those deaths where there are no 

signs of illness/injury, no documented 

medical history, normal test results, and 

no unsafe sleep environments identified; 

those deaths are commonly classified as 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 

Most commonly, the investigation 

reveals several SIDS risk factors (which 

several are also unsafe/improper sleeping 

environments) and evidence of either 

overlaying or suffocation. Overlaying 

is defined as one or more individuals 

preventing the air exchange necessary to 

maintain life and suffocation is defined 

as a factor such as bedding, wedges, etc. 

that prevents the air exchange necessary 

to maintain life. The most common 

misconception regarding infant deaths is 

that all deaths are related to SIDS when 

most deaths are completely preventable 

due to an unsafe/improper sleeping 

environment. 

Our area has the Southwest Louisiana 

Safe Sleep Task Force to help support 

family in southwest Louisiana with 

any support needed. The Calcasieu 

Parish Coroner’s Office has partnered 

with the National Cribs for Kids 

Initiative to provide portable pack n’ play 

cribs to families that need a safe sleep 

environment for their infant. Monthly 

classes are held for new and expectant 

parents, caregivers, and grandparents 

that educate about Sudden Infant 

Death Syndrome and unsafe sleep 

environments. There are also multiple 

Community Baby Showers as well as the 

annual Stroll & Roll event to promote 

awareness. 

26 


TEAM PUBLICATIONS presents The Art of Closure 

The Art of 

Closure 

—Lonnie Jones, Jr.— 

The Bipolar Charge (Intro) 

L-R: Lorner J. Jones, published author of God's Gift, Lonnie Jones Jr., The Art of Closure, Donna 

Dixon, Owner/Operator-Garden of Eden, LLC on Broad St. in Lake Charles, and Poet Ashley J, 

published poet of Chains are Broken. 

Garden of Eden, LLC hosted a ‘Spoken Word’ event that provided a 

venue for local poets and authors to read or perform their inspirational 

writings. A mixed audience of Baby Boomers and Millennials poured in 

and left inspired and eager to return for more. Visit Garden of Eden, LLC on 

Facebook for upcoming 'Spoken Word' events dates and time. Pick up The 

Voice of Southwest Louisiana November 2018 Issue featuring Donna Dixon. 

Lonnie Jones, Jr. is a local 

author that invites his readers 

into his thinking processes 

when the bottom falls out 

of life, and the top explodes 

from its connections. 

The Bipolar Charge (Intro) is 

just one of his inspirational 

writings describing his highs, 

lows, climbs and falls in life. 

Contact Lonnie Jones 

at 318.426.1385 for 

more details and presale 

information about 

The Art of Closure, or 

TEAM PUBLICATIONS at 

337.474.2210. 

Half of me is comfortable, 

the other half is close to the edge. 

Part of me wants to be in love, 

the other part just wants 

a woman in my bed. 

A third of my heart is loaded 

with passion, the rest is still 

recovering from an 

emotional laceration. 

I'm positively charged by 

an ambitious soul. 

Once in a while I'm shocked 

by negativity, then this causes 

my mind to take a stroll. 

-- The Art Of Closure Page 124 


ALUMINUM WORKS 

We Specialize In Screens, Screen Rooms 

And Aluminum Awnings 

Jonathan Browning 

OWNER 

www.bayousouthaluminumworks.com

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana October 2018 Issue

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