The Voice of Southwest Louisiana February 2019 Issue

February 2019 

Vol 6 No 7 

Klipz & Cutz 

Barbers Making 

HiStory in the 

Neighborhood 

14 SWLA Feature Story 

3 Black History-Longer than a month 

… Deeper than a year! 

6 Asset Builders of SWLA 

Looking to Help Small Business Owners 

SWLA Health Center 

A Guide to your 

Healthy Heart 

Pg. 10 

Carra Sergeant, PhD, LPC 

LOVE: The Care and Feeding of 

the Human Heart 

Pg. 20 

Q&A with Erin Webb-TaxWebb 

What do I need to know about the 

2018 Reform Changes? 

Pg. 24 

SWLA Nonprofit 

American Job Center Program 

Helping 18-24 Year Olds 

Pg. 26

ELDER/MINISTER 

JERRY ARDOIN 

dacrewof6@yahoo.com 

Minister: 337.249.1719 

Church: 337.419.1911 

COME ON OVER 

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www.ffbla.bank 

2 February 2019 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 7

editor’s 

By Brenda Hill 

Black History 

Black History-Longer than a 

month… Deeper than a year! 

When I was in middle school, Mrs. Henry was our 

neighborhood beautician, and I will never forget my 

time with her, nor her impact on my life. 

My mother set my appointments with her for 

my hot comb press for early Saturday mornings. 

I walked to her shop right around the corner, 

anticipating the experience. 

Upon my arrival, Mrs. Henry was standing at 

her chair waiting for me. She always dressed very 

professionally and everything in her shop was pristine 

clean and quiet-sacred like church. It was only she 

and I there, no other customers, no waiting, no 

distractions nor overstimulation. 

As she hot combed my hair, she spoke ‘young 

woman’ words to me. I felt mature, respected 

and important; feeling a sense of pride and 

accomplishment. I mattered. 

Last year, I visited Mark Henry, Owner/Operator of 

Henry’s Barber and Beauty Salon and Mrs. Henry’s 

son. I walked in and felt the same pristine, sacred 

quiet. One customer was finishing in the chair, and 

the next appointment arrived early to chat. 

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana celebrates Black 

History by honoring and highlighting Barbershops 

and Beauty Salons for the month of February and 

March. Pick up your issue or subscribe for your E-News 

Magazine at www.thevoiceofsouthwestla.com. 

Ken Williamson, Community Coordinator, is 

canvassing the community to gather information 

that sheds light on how the roles of black Barbers 

and black Stylists contribute to humanity’s social and 

economic functions. 

Read the history of Gervis Ned, Mark Henry, 

Mike Francis and Eric Edwards, long time Barbers 

impacting our African American communities with 

living hope. 

We especially thank our partners and sponsors for 

supporting this vision to share a powerful piece of 

history that changes lives and the economy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 

T HE MOD ERN S CIENCE OF 

MENTAL H EALTH 

 

 

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 

Volume 6 • Number 7 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM February 2019 3

Feb 2019 

The Voice's Choice 

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

that spread love, joy and peace throughout SWLA. 

Gervis Ned 

Entrepreneur & Trailblazer 

Ned's Barbershop 

Black History in Black 

Barber Shops 

The Voice of Southwest 

Louisiana honors Black 

History by exploring issues, 

concerns and the effects 

of historical events in local 

communities as described 

by black barbers in the 

February 2019 Issue and will 

conclude with black stylists 

in the March 2019 Issue. Black barber and beauty shops 

have continued to provide everyday conversations 

of faith, politics, entertainment, education, economy 

and a special and unique social function in African 

American communities. You can find similar experiences 

and relationships of barber and beauty shops in films 

like Coming to America (1988), Malcolm X (1992), 

and Barbershop (2002). February highlights Barbershop 

owners Gervis Ned, Mike Francis and Mark Henry. 

Find them and other barbershop partners/sponsors on 

pages… (See more on Pg 14) 

12 My Senior Moment 2.0 

Fun Friends 

and the Ball 

8 A Forever Love 

My Valentine 

Editor-In-Chief 

Brenda Hill 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

General Manager 

Tracy Clark 

tracy@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

Art Director 

Vinh Alexander 

tvswlart@gmail.com 

Sales 

sales@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

Acquisition Editor 

Braylin Jenkins 

Copy Editors 

Jason Clark 

Cecely Clark 

Ann Champagne 

Consultants 

Gene R. Hill, Sr. 

Reginald Clark 

Community Coordinator 

Ken Williamson 

CONTENTS 

3 BLACK HISTORY-LONGER THAN 

A MONTH… DEEPER THAN A 

YEAR! 

EDITOR'S PEN 

5 FIRST FEDERAL BANK 

WELCOMES TREY HAYS TO 

BUSINESS BANKING TEAM 

SWLA NEWS 

6 CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY 

ASSET BUILDERS OF SWLA LOOKING TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS 

OWNERS 

9 SWLA HEALTH CENTER 

HEALTHY RECIPES 

10 SWLA HEALTH CENTER 

A GUIDE TO YOUR HEALTHY HEART 

12 MY SENIOR MOMENT 2.0 

FUN FRIENDS AND THE BALL 

14 BARBERS MAKING HISTORY IN 

THE NEIGHBORHOOD 

SWLA FEATURE STORY 

20 LOVE: THE CARE AND FEEDING 

OF THE HUMAN HEART 

PEACE FROM PIECES 

22 ADVENTURES OF THE LAKE 

OLD-SCHOOL TYPE OF LOVE 

24 Q&A WITH ERIN WEBB-TAXWEB 

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2018 REFORM 

CHANGES? 

26 SWLA NONPROFIT 

AMERICAN JOB CENTER (AJC) PROGRAM HELPS 18-24 YEARS 

OLD CONNECT THEIR PATHS TO CAREERS 

DISCLOSURE: All materials contained in the publication are copy-righted and not to 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. 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Brenda Hill 

Levert Blount 

Dianna Ross 

Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

Kenneth Williamson 

Carra Sergeant, Ph. D.; LPC-S 

Lela Gholar Tizano 

Emily Ashworth RN, BSN 

Erin Webb 

PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED BY 

Team Publications LLC. 

4310 Ryan St. Ste. 123 

Lake Charles, LA. 70605 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

337.474.2210 


SWLA news 

First Federal Bank 

Welcomes Trey Hays to 

Business Banking Team 

Trey Hays, Vice President and Business Banking Specialist, Southwest Louisiana Region 

First Federal Bank of 

Louisiana’s leadership team 

is proud to announce that 

Trey Hays has joined its 

business banking services as 

Vice President and Business 

Banking Specialist for the 

bank’s Southwest Louisiana 

region. 

“First Federal Bank will benefit greatly from 

Trey’s experience and passion. We look 

forward to the contributions he will make in 

business banking,” stated Charles V. Timpa, 

President and CEO of First Federal Bank of 

Louisiana. In his position, Trey will manage 

relationships with business clients to meet 

lending and depository service needs. 

Trey received his bachelor’s degree from 

the University of Southern Louisiana, and 

he comes to First Federal Bank of Louisiana 

with over 10 years of experience in the 

financial world – five of which as a business 

and commercial lender. Trey also serves 

on the board for the Alliance For Positive 

Growth. He and his wife, Vanessa, have 

three children. 

About First Federal Bank of Louisiana 

First Federal Bank of Louisiana is a full-service, locally owned community bank that has helped build the communities we serve for nearly 70 

years. With $855 million in assets and 17 offices currently serving 10 cities across Southwest and Central Louisiana, we are proud to offer our 

customers comprehensive retail and commercial products and services to meet all of their financial needs. Empowering people and places to 

realize and attain their dreams is what our community-first banking is all about, and that’s what our team strives to do in the communities we 

serve each and every day. Visit www.ffbla.bank to learn more. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. 


SWLA news 

Contributed Article 

CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY 

Asset Builders of SWLA Looking to Help Small Business Owners 

Business Capitalization Program orientation being held Feb. 12 

Jan. 30, 2019 - Asset Builders of Southwest Louisiana’s Business Capitalization Program wants 

to help more small business owners in Southwest Louisiana. 

The Asset Builders Program is known for helping residents in the five-parish area with low-tomoderate 

incomes to save to buy homes. With the addition of the Business Capitalization Component, 

the program is also able to help existing business owners capitalize on their investments. 

A partnership of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department, Project Build a 

Future, the Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority, the Southwest Louisiana Economic 

Development Alliance and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State 

University, this initiative is being partially funded through the Calcasieu Parish Public Trust Authority and 

other local agencies. Matches are handled through a federal Individual Development Account (IDA) run 

by Asset Builders of Southwest Louisiana, along with a partnering bank. 

Those eligible for the program are business owners in the five-parish area who meet the following 

criteria: They must live in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, or Jeff Davis parishes; must be one 

year active in business; must have a gross household income that is less than 200 percent of the federal 

poverty line and $10,000 or less in personal/business assets; must have a business banking account, EIN, 

Schedule C (if applicable), and occupational license (if required by their local government); and they must 

attend a program orientation and a series of CORE Training classes. 

Those accepted into the program would open IDAs to capitalize on their existing businesses. IDAs 

are savings accounts that match the deposits of participants - up to a pre-determined maximum. The 

match program can be as brief as six months or as long as two years. First Federal Bank and JD Bank are 

the banking partners in this initiative. 

To apply, pick up an application at Project Build A Future, 2306 3rd St. in Lake Charles, or contact Alyssa 

Hebert at 337-439-7191 or alyssah@projectbuildafuture.org. Applications will be processed in the order 

they are received. 

A program orientation is being held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Allen P. August 

Multipurpose Annex, 2000 Moeling St. in Lake Charles. The orientation will cover information such as 

eligibility criteria, eligible uses of the grant funds, and required course work. 

For more information about the program, visit www.assetbuildersswla.org. 



A Forever Love 

My Valentine 

By Levert Blount 

The Bassman 

For an example of a love that lasts 

a lifetime I need not look any 

further than my grandparents, 

Herbert and Ida Green. Their marriage 

has lasted for fifty years and will 

hopefully last for another fifty years. Here 

is a small part of their forever story. 

Herbert and Ida Green first met in 5th 

grade at Second Ward Elementary on 

Mill St. in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He 

was playing around at school with his 

boys when he saw her from across the 

way. Stunned, he stood with his mouth 

ajar, staring. He summoned up the 

courage to say to her, "You must like what 

you’re looking at." Being a shy person, Ida 

turned and walked away. 

Later, in the 9th grade, these starstudded 

lovers’ paths crossed again 

at W. O. Boston and the same thing 

happened. He saw her from across the 

way, stood in silence, then he walked up 

to her and asked her the same question 

he had asked her all those years ago, 

"You must like what you're looking at, 

don't you?" Only this time she replied, 

"You must like what you're looking at?" 

He answered, "I do! Now, can I carry your 

books and walk you home?" "I'd like that," 

she answered. That took place in 1963 

and they have been together ever since. 

56 years later and they are still together. 

On January 23, 1969 they tied the knot 

and created a family of four daughters, 

Jackie Whatley Rogers, Yolanda 

(Greg) Davis, Tracasa Green and Karen 

"Nikki " Green, six grandchildren, 

two guardian angels, and one great 

grandson. In 1987, while attending the 

funeral of Eula McArthur, Ida saw a little 

three-year-old boy holding his mother's 

hand and mourning the loss of his 

grandmother, whom he referred to as his 

best friend. Overcome with emotion and 

compassion for the little boy she leaned 

over and whispered in the ear of the little 

boy's mother, "I'll be his grandmother." It 

took some time for the little boy to warm 

up to her, but since that day he was hers, 

and she became mine. 

My grandparents enjoy spending their 

free time riding around the city of Lake 

Charles, seeing the sights and taking 

long walks around the Lake front. They 

don't need tricks to keep their marriage 

spicy, Oh, No! They say the love they have 

for one another is all they'll ever need. 

When asked what's the secret to fifty 

years of marriage they both respond, 

"Oh that's easy. Just keep God in your 

marriage and everything will work out 

fine." 

Since they never had a Church 

wedding and married at a courthouse, 

their children decided to celebrate their 

forty-ninth wedding anniversary by 

throwing them a great big 'ol wedding at 

Blake St. Church of Christ. Last year there 

were concerns about Pop's health, but by 

the grace of God he is still with us. And 

with that, we celebrate their love. Herbert 

and Ida Green, we love you! Happy 

Anniversary and may you be blessed 

with many many more. 



Healthy Recipes 

HANDS-ON TIME: 30 MINUTES | TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR, 5 MINUTES | MAKES 8 SERVINGS 

https://www.chopchopfamily.org/ 

PEACH 

CRUNCH 

KITCHEN GEAR 

Cutting board 

Sharp knife (adult needed) 

Measuring spoons 

Measuring cup 

8 x 8-inch baking pan 

Spoon, for stirring 

Medium-sized bowl 

2 forks 

Pot holders 

https://www.chopchopfamily.org/recipe/peach-crunch 

INGREDIENTS 

*Filling* 

5 to 6 ripe peaches, 

quartered, pitted, and 

thinly sliced 

2 tablespoons all-purpose 

flour 

1 to 4 tablespoons white 

sugar (depending on how 

sweet your peaches are) 

*Topping* 

2⁄3 cup coarsely chopped, 

toasted walnuts or pecans * 

1⁄3 cup whole-wheat or allpurpose 

flour 

1⁄4 cup brown sugar 

2 tablespoons white sugar 

1⁄2 teaspoon ground 

cinnamon 

1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt 

4 tablespoons (1⁄2 stick) 

unsalted butter, melted ** 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Turn the oven on and heat it to 300 degrees. 

Make the filling: Put the peaches, flour, and sugar in 

the ungreased pan, and stir until you can’t see any dry 

patches of flour. 

Make the topping: Put the topping ingredients in the 

bowl and combine, by hand or with 2 forks, until the 

mixture is crumbly. 

Put the mixture on top of the peaches. When the oven 

temperature has reached 300 degrees, carefully put the 

pan in the oven. 

Bake until the top is golden brown, about 35 minutes. 

Serve right away hot, warm or at room temperature. Or 

cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. 

* To toast nuts, put them on a baking sheet in a 

350-degree oven until they are fragrant and look a shade 

darker, about 5 minutes. 

** To melt butter, put it in a microwave-safe cup and 

heat it for 30 seconds, or put it in a small pot over low 

heat and heat just until melted, a minute or two. 

Or Else 

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crunch: Substitute 4 cups (about 

1 pound) sliced rhubarb and 1 pint strawberries, hulled 

(“Hulled” means with the leafy top and stem taken 

out.) and quartered, for the peaches. Omit the ground 

cinnamon and add an extra 2 tablespoons sugar to the 

lling. 

Peach-Blueberry Crunch: Substitute 1 cup blueberries 

for 1 peach. 

Recipe provided by chopchopfamily.org 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 



 

 

 

337.842.7202 

WWW.VINHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 

Events ⎜ Seniors ⎜ Glamour 



By Dianna Ross 

A Guide to your 

Healthy Heart 

A 

Guide to your Healthy 

Heart issued by the U.S. 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes 

of Health National Heart, Lung, and 

Blood Institute, states that taking 

care of your heart is one of the most 

important things you can do for your 

health and well-being. Heart health 

involves changing daily habits, which 

can require real effort. 

Tackle one habit at a time. For example, if 

you smoke cigarettes and eat a diet high 

in saturated fats, work on kicking the 

smoking habit first. Once you’ve become 

comfortable as a nonsmoker, begin to 

skim the fat from your diet. 

Work with your doctor and ask family 

members and friends for their support. 

Be good to your heart, and it can 

reward you with a better chance 

for a longer, more energetic life. 

In the United States, heart disease is 

the #1 killer of both women and men. It 

affects many people at midlife, as well 

as in old age, and happens to those who 

“feel fine.” 

CONSIDER THESE FACTS: 

• Every year, 500,000 Americans die 

of heart disease, and approximately 

half of them are women. 

• As early as age 45, a man’s risk 

of heart disease begins to rise 

significantly. For a woman, risk starts 

to increase at age 55. 

• Fifty percent of men and 64 percent 

of women who die suddenly of heart 

disease have no previous symptoms 

of the disease. 

A recent national survey shows that 

only 3 percent of U.S. adults practice 

all four habits that help to prevent 

heart disease: 

eating a healthy diet 

getting regular physical activity 

maintaining a healthy weight 

Avoiding smoking. 

WHAT IS HEART DISEASE? 

According to the National Institute of 

Health coronary heart disease—often 

simply called heart disease—occurs 

when the arteries that supply blood to 

the heart muscle become hardened and 

narrowed due to a buildup of plaque 

on the arteries’ inner walls. Plaque is the 

accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and 

other substances. As plaque continues to 

build up in the arteries, blood flow to the 

heart is reduced. 

Heart disease can lead to a heart attack. 

A heart attack happens when an artery 

becomes totally blocked with plaque, 

preventing vital oxygen and nutrients 

from getting to the heart. A heart attack 

can cause permanent damage to the 

heart muscle. 

Heart disease is one of several 

cardiovascular diseases, which are 

disorders of the heart and blood vessel 

system. Other cardiovascular diseases 

include stroke, high blood pressure, and 

rheumatic heart disease. 

Heart disease is a lifelong 

condition. 

Some may believe or think heart disease 

can be “cured” with surgery. This is a 

myth. Once you get it, you’ll always 

have it. It’s true that procedures such 

as angioplasty and bypass surgery can 

help blood and oxygen flow more easily 

10 

February 2019 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 7

to the heart. But the arteries remain 

damaged, which means you are still more 

likely to have a heart attack. What’s more, 

the condition of your blood vessels will 

steadily worsen unless you make changes 

in your daily habits and control your risk 

factors. 

Who Is at Risk? Risk factors are 

conditions or habits that make a person 

more likely to develop a disease. They 

can also increase the chances that an 

existing disease will get worse. Important 

risk factors that you can do something 

about are cigarette smoking, high 

blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, 

overweight, physical inactivity, and 

diabetes. Recent research shows that 

more than 95 percent of those who die 

from heart disease have at least one of 

these major risk factors. 

Certain risk factors, such as getting older, 

can’t be changed. After menopause, 

women are more likely to develop heart 

disease, and middle age is a time of 

increasing risk to develop heart disease 

for both women and men. 

Family history of early heart disease is 

another risk factor that can’t be changed. 

If your father or brother had a heart 

attack before age 55, or if your mother 

or sister had one before age 65, you are 

more likely to get heart disease. 

The good news is that you have 

a lot of power to protect and 

improve your heart health. 

While certain risk factors cannot be 

changed, it is important to realize that you 

do have control and can take important 

steps to lower your risk of heart disease. 

What can you do to reduce your 

personal risk of heart disease? 

Learn about your own risk factors! Make 

healthy changes in your diet! Engage in 

regular physical activity! 

No matter your age or current state of 

health, it’s never too late to take steps to 

protect and take care of your heart. 

Always talk with your doctor to 

get more information. 

Act to improve your heart health today! 

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood 

Institute provides information on the 

prevention and treatment of heart 

disease and offers publications on heart 

health and heart disease. 

References: 

A Guide to your Healthy 

Heart issued by the U.S. 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 

AND HUMAN SERVICES 

National Institutes of 

Health National Heart, 

Lung, and Blood Institute 

About Heart Disease: www. 

hearttruth.gov 

Your Guide to Lowering 

High Blood Pressure: www. 

nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index. 

html 

Live Healthier, Live Longer 

(on lowering elevated 

blood cholesterol): 

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd 

High Blood Cholesterol: 

What You Need To Know: 

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ 

public/heart/chol/hbc_ 

what.htm 

Act in Time to Heart Attack 

Signs: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ 

actintime/index.htm 


My Senior Moment 2.0 

By Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

Fun Friends 

and the Ball 

Krewe of Krewes is the organization of krewes like Krewe Du 

Lac. Some have been around for a long time; others not so 

long. Krewe Du Lac will be 36 years old this year. Most of its 

members live here in our area but some members travel from as 

far away as Florida, Houston and even New Orleans. Missy and 

Ronnie Bushnell joined the Krewe Du Lac 20 years ago. Why 

join a Krewe I asked? Without hesitation they together answered 

fun friends and the ball. 

Missy and Ronnie Bushnell Bikers at the Krewe du Lac Ball. 

The court has a Captain to 

keep order at the ball. When 

he steps down, he chooses his 

replacement. The court is kept 

secret and revealed at the ball. Names of 

the eligible candidates have been voted 

on by the membership. Only the board 

and the court know who they are. There 

are private celebrations and traditions 

for the court from the time they are 

voted in until the big reveal. The court 

is made up of the King Charles du Lac, 

Queen Katherine, two dukes and two 

duchesses. In 2013 Missy was elected to 

be Queen Katherine XXX. 

Every krewe has its own way of doing 

things. Krewe Du Lac is no exception. 

While other krewes have formal balls, 

Krewe Du Lac has a costume ball. At the 

ball, members of the krewe are in several 

groups. Each group has a theme and the 

members are dressed in costumes that 

depicts their theme. The themes and the 

costumes are kept secret until the big 

night. At the ball, the groups form a line 

and parade in front of the new court. 

One year the theme of Missy and 

Ronnie‘s group was Biker Gang. 

They and their group played it up big 

time with leather jackets, tattoos and 

bandanas tied around their heads. This 

year their group will have the theme 

” The Day of the Dead." That’s all they 

would say, leaving me to wonder what 

that would be like. Since I wasn’t in the 

group and the ball was days away their 

lips were sealed. 

For the Krewe Du Lac, Mardi 

Gras began in August with the 

Membership Party. The Krewe is 

limited to 180 couples. The krewe treat 

their families to a barbeque in October. 

They join the other krewes at 12th 

night with other krewes. This is the last 

celebration of the last year’s court and 

the end of their reign. Then there’s a 

formal cocktail party, the krewe ball 

and the gumbo cook-off. The krewe 

participates in the children’s parade 

and the Royal Gala. All this and more 

happens before the big day. 

On Mardi Gras everyone is excited 

at the Grand Parade. For this parade 

Krewe Du Lac has two large floats. They 

ride down the parade route throwing 

beads and trinkets to the excited crowd. 

It takes a lot of hours to maintain 

the floats and decorate for the balls 

and other functions. Members of the 

krewe get together to do the work on 

their days off and on weekends. The 

excitement and the fun make all the 

hard work worth it. 

Between visits with their daughter, 

work and krewe activities, Ronnie 

and Missy Bushnell still find time for 

themselves. Ronnie plays golf, reads 

and watches TV. Missy enjoys doing 

puzzles and crafts. Missy is a teacher in 

an elementary school and her husband 

Ronnie is a medical technician in a 

local hospital. The Bushnell’s are the 

proud parents of their daughter Sarah 

who graduated from LSU this year and 

teaches first grade in Baton Rouge. 

12 


All photos are by Mavy Decote 

King Charles DuLac XXX (Daren M. Sarver) and Queen Katherine XXX (Missy Bushnell). 

Group picture of Krewe duLac members at one of their balls. 


SWLA feature story 

Barbers Making HiStory 

in the Neighborhood By Kenneth Williamson 

Kenneth Williamson, Community Coordinator for The Voice of Southwest Louisiana 

interviewed Barbers to gather and present information indicating their empowering role in 

social and economic functions in African American communities to honor Black History. 

Gervis Ned - Ned’s 

Barbershop 

Sterilize and Sanitize is Most 

Important! 

Ken: Mr. Ned, you’ve been instrumental 

in the barber industry for many years. The 

Voice of Southwest Louisiana says ‘Thank 

You’ for the great things you’ve done 

in our community. Please share what 

barbering was like when you started. 

Gervis Ned: When I started as a Barber in 

1966, Barbering was a highly professional 

skill. The older barbers were role models 

in my life. Barber shops were the post of 

14 

the black community and everyone went 

to the barbershop. It’s not a hobby. It’s a 

business. If you take care of the business, 

it will give you a livelihood. When I 

started prices weren’t what they are now. 

As I got older the services grew along 

with the price point. I was blessed by the 

Lord who allowed me to serve on the 

Louisiana State Board of Barbers. I was 

the only black barber. I was appointed in 

1979 to serve on that board for 30 years 

under Governor Edwin Edwards. 

Ken: How did your brother get involved? 

Gervis Ned: I brought my brother on 

years after I began. I was able to start 

the first and only barber college to be 

established in Lake Charles and that is 

true to this day; my brother oversees it. 

I became a retail entrepreneur owning 

my clothing business for 38 years. I gave 

my life and service to the community 

because I firmly believe that if young 

people don’t see it, they’ll never dream 

it. So sometimes we all want to move 

out of the community when we start 

doing well, but the community really 

needs you. 

Ken: What made you get started? 

Gervis Ned: I was a shoe shine boy 

working in Mr. Grimm’s shop and 

sweeping. I learned the lifestyle of the 

barber then and when I graduated high 

school, I knew what I wanted to be. 

After graduation, I went straight to New 

Orleans to Barber School. It was either 

Shreveport or New Orleans, the only two 

black schools in the state of Louisiana. 

I’m now going into my 53 rd year, and 

I’m now 72 years old. I hope I leave this 

world better than I found it. When I see 

the young men, who are now opening 

barbershops it makes me feel good to 

know that they don’t have to stand on 

the street corner or travel out of town 

for schooling. 

Ken: What is the most important 

principle for barbers to know? 

Gervis Ned: As a barber, sterilization 

and sanitation are very important. 

We have state inspections to see that 

licenses are thorough, and shops are 

kept clean. 


Mark Henry - Henry’s 

Barbershop 2021 Moeling 

Street 

Comfortability is Key 

Almost 27 years ago my mother, 

known as Mrs. Henry, a beautician of 

35 years, approached me with the idea 

to get all her children in the business she 

started to keep her legacy going in case 

anything happens to her. Our mother 

passed a little over 20 years ago. 

I went to school scared and terrified 

because I had never picked up a 

clipper. God knows I didn't want to mess 

anyone’s hair up. It's amazing how God 

will use someone as a messenger to let 

you know what your calling really is. I 

pursued my barbers license. 

God has really blessed me in this 

field. We've had ups and downs, 

and the blessed part is; we must 

keep God amid it all because He's in 

control. The Lord has blessed me with 

a remarkable talent, not bragging; I'm 

just acknowledging what God has given 

me. During my years of cutting hair, 

I've competed in many competitions. I 

have thirteen 1st place trophies. May 

2018, the Lord blessed me with the Black 

Business Honors-Barber of the Year. 

I’ve done a lot of home cuts; I 

specialize in that. Sometimes I have 

people who are bedridden that call 

upon me, and I go and cut their hair. 

It is amazing how a haircut stimulates 

a person while they're going through 

emotional times. It helps them know we 

care and not just as a Barber. We want 

to make sure that those who are going 

through their last days have a good cut 

also. 

Ken: As a family business, you’re well 

over 50 years strong as a pillar in this 

black community, one of two main pillars 

in a black community, the black church 

and the black barber. The two places 

you go, to get all the information in the 

community. With this thought in mind, 

and you first started out in life as a truck 

driver, left there and joined your mom, 

share your ups and downs. 

Mark Henry: During barber school, I 

attended school during the day and 

worked an evening job at the Hilton 

Hotel, no longer here. I was a bellman to 

pay my way through school. There were 

some hard times, tears were shed. A lot of 

times I wanted to give up because I didn't 

believe I was going to make it. Through 

it all, with God's help, His love and His 

patience within those 9 months I went to 

take my test. I was fearful because I’m in 

a whole new opportunity experiencing 

new things. It can be scary. 

Ken: Some young people may not go 

to college but may go to Barber college. 

What is an average income for a Barber, if 

done right? 

Mark Henry: A barber’s income varies, 

one week can be slow and another 

can be busy. Some barbers can make 

between 50 to $60,000 a year if they learn 

to maintain, take care of their finances 

and not live above their means. It's a 

cash money type business. If the money 

is applied right, they can make great 

money. 

Ken: How can you maintain your 

customer base, and go about getting 

new customers? 

Mark Henry: To maintain your 

customers, show love to the customer, 

give him what he expects, and don't 

charge for everything. A customer looks 

for comfortability when he comes to the 

barbershop. A Barber doesn't know what 

a customer is going through throughout 

their day. He'll come to the barbershop 

just to get an edge, a beard trimmed 

or just for a little conversation, just to 

hear something good. To acquire a new 

customer, you must go out and present 

yourself in a way that's creative, and 

you must carry yourself in a way that's 

professional. 

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE ---> 



CONTINUED FROM PAGES 14-15 

Ken: 

Do you think different trends such 

as braids and Jerry Curls created a lot of 

change for the barber? 

Mike Francis - ‘Big Mike’ 

Barber shop 

Clipper Kings and Russell Choo 

Products—Barber Staples 

Ken: We desire to highlight barbers in 

our February 2019 issue of The Voice of 

Southwest Louisiana. Describe barbers in 

the past. 

Big Mike: In the past, everyone who cut 

hair in Lake Charles and the surrounding 

areas reflect on the old Ned Brothers 

Barber Shop on Mill Street. The shoe 

store was on the top of the building and 

the bottom was the barbershop. But it 

all depended on what side of town you 

were on, or what neighborhood you 

lived in. Nate had a different clientele 

from everybody else. There was also Mr. 

Grimm off Enterprise Boulevard by the 

old Masonic Hall, Mr. Mac on Enterprise 

Boulevard with their own respective 

clientele and a few more guys that cut 

hair back then. I started out needing a 

haircut at 13 years old in the 7th grade 

by Immaculate Heart. My brother said 

to me, “I cut my own hair. I can show you 

how to cut yours so that you don't have 

to go to the barbershop.” I said, "Let's try 

it out and see.” I have been doing it ever 

since. 

Ken: You were 13 when you last went to a 

Barber shop for your hair? Why? 

Big Mike: Yes, now I’m 46. 

I originally started cutting hair to save 

money and to help my friends in the 

neighborhood, because back then, in the 

early 80’s, we had the crack epidemic and 

Reaganomics hit Lake Charles hard. Jobs 

were scarce and a lot of my friends in my 

neighborhood dads were not there for 

them or their dads were laid off. It was 

kind of rough in those days and many 

people did whatever they could to penny 

pinch. A lot of guys would get their hair 

cut in the neighborhood, so they saved 

money by paying me and not have to 

pay the full price of $7 or $8 at the barber 

shop. The early 80’s was the peak of the 

Jerry Curl which helped people grow 

their hair out, then braids came along 

and twisting dreads. {For the most part, 

professional people back then and still to 

this day get their hair cut.} Men that are 

losing their hair will grow it out to hide 

what they are losing and comb over the 

spot that they are losing, or they will cut 

it all off and go with it. 

Big Mike: Yes and no. Yes, because 

it opened our eyes to stay educated, 

informed and on top of new styles 

and products that came out, like new 

shampoos, nourishments for the skin/ 

scalp to prevent dry scalp, other things 

that help people look better like fill in 

products and beard oils to make your 

hair grow using gels and moisturizers. 

And it helped us financially. And no, 

because we have a guy right here, Wood 

and Jermaine Clipper Kings. They deal 

with Russell Choo who is an excellent 

local businessman and hair product 

salesman that puts on the best hair show 

around here and really, the best that 

I've ever been to, so I buy my products 

local. I use a lot of Clipper Kings and 

Russell Choo products. When you deal 

with businessmen like these, they keep 

you educated and on top of your game. 

You find out about the new trends and 

you learn how to do these new cuts and 

styles right here. There are barbers that 

come here from other cities and social 

media where kids here see their styles 

and they want to imitate them. You 

either learn how to do it, or you will miss 

out on money. 

Ken: You alluded to the Ned Brothers, 

who have been in the barbershop 

business for years, even with a successful 

Barber College for training others to do 

what they do. What are your thoughts 

about that? 

Big Mike: I love Future Baber College. At 

one time it was the only way to obtain a 

barber license in this area. We now have 

the Apprenticeship Program, UFCW Local 

496, Labor Union in Metairie, Louisiana, 

for the individual that knows how to cut 

hair already and doesn’t have tuition to 

go to school nor the time because he 

works to take care of his family. You pay 

a fee to get in, start cutting in the shop 

under the union and pay your chair rent 

every week. There are many things that 

we deal with as barbers that people don’t 

16 


know. We must deal with sanitation and 

disinfection and all the laws and bylaws 

such as what you can use and what you 

can't use. Being a barber is more than 

just cutting hair especially if you own 

your own shop. 

Ken: What type of certification do you 

have to have as an Owner of the shop? 

Big Mike: As an Owner, your shop must 

be certified through the Barber Board. 

Of course, you must be a licensed Master 

Barber and you can get your Instructor's 

License with 500 or more hours. You 

can also use your shop to do the 

Apprenticeship Program. 

Ken: Does anyone ever come out and 

inspect? If so, how often? 

Big Mike: You need the standard 

paper work required by the City of Lake 

Charles, the State of Louisiana and the 

Federal Government. We are inspected 

at least once a month or once every 

other month. They come quite regularly. 

Inspectors come and see if all the barbers 

are licensed or not, and if they are in 

the Apprenticeship Program. They also 

come to see if you have a shampoo bowl 

for every two barbers, and mainly just 

to make sure that you have a handicap 

accessible entrance and handicap 

accessible bathroom. 

Ken: You mentioned a shampoo bowl. 

What is the purpose of the bowl? 

things that I have heard. A lot of stuff I keep 

to myself and I can’t let it out. If I do tell 

it, I'll lose clients, so I keep it all to myself. 

It’s therapeutic in some ways for a man to 

confide in his barber. The barbershop has 

always been the place in the city where 

brothers or sisters can come in, though it's 

not the night club or the preacher, and get 

all the information about everyday living 

and what's going on in the city. 



Neighborhood 

Big Mike: We offer different services that 

require a shampoo, like different dyes 

and sometimes we do relaxers which is 

just part of the trade. 

Ken: What are the most intriguing kinds 

of information have you heard as a 

barber? 

In 22 years, I've heard a bunch of stuff. 

The most that really comes to mind is a 

lot of fishing stories out at Toledo Bend, 

especially fishing by the damn. I've 

talked to scuba divers that were in the 

area and they said they saw catfish the 

size of a car. We hear everything here. If 

I could only write a book on some of the 

Eric ‘Lil E’ Edwards - Kutz 

N Style, Barber and Beauty 

Ken: What made you decide to go into 

the barber business? 

Eric Ned: I started off at 19 so it made 

me start with just singing the selfemployment 

how you can make money 

cash on hand at all times. I'd work maybe 

2 to 3 jobs and it just didn't seem like 

it was for me and I knew how to cut 

hair just by seeing others, and I started 

practicing on me and my little brother; 

and it turned into me knowing how to 

cut hair more than I thought I knew. 

They had a guy when I was around 19 

named Alan Babineaux, he was really a 

big inspiration on me wanting to cut hair 

because I was young. It was like he was 

doing really well as a Barber. I saw him 

as a good citizen doing things for others. 

Just by being in the Barber shop cutting 

consistently made me say I want to do 

what he's doing. I started thinking about 

how much money I could make. There 

was another guy, Josh Trahan, he owns 

cuts by Josh. He was young Barber too. 

He asked me who cut my hair and always 

cut my own hair, so he said you need 

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE ---> 



CONTINUED FROM PAGES 16-17 

to go to Barber school. By that time, 

I had a child on the way and decided 

to see what I can do in Barber school. I 

attended Michael Ned’s future Barber 

college and met Mike Francis and he 

gave me an entirely different outlook on 

it. Work this Barber thing is more than 

cutting hair it's a lot more, but it takes 

a lot of consistency and discipline. The 

Barber can do a lot just because he talks 

to everyone. He can give advice and 

take advice. He does a lot for people, 

but the people do a lot for the Barber 

too. Barbers can come together and do 

something for the community. 

Ken: How did you get the clientele that 

you have? 

Eric Ned: I believe the clientele comes 

in when I would lookout for others a 

lot, because I always trust that it will 

work out. I’ve been in the business for 

22 years including barber college; I’m 

a master barber stylist. As one of the 

only black barbers in this part of town 

I want to show that we didn't have to 

settle. We can always try to go for more, 

especially as I met other beginning 

barbers, seeing what we can do together 

and how they became the barbers they 

became. Even though we want to be in 

the neighborhood and do all that we can 

for the neighborhood, it’s good to have 

somebody that goes outside the area so 

this can get in position. 



Neighborhood 

18 

Eddie Earl Lewis - 

Cuttin Action - 13th Street 

Be True to Your Craft! 

Ken: How did you become a Barber? 

I became interested in cutting hair at 

approximately 11 years old. I used to get my 

hair cut by a long-time Barber by the name 

of Mr. Grimm, who was a prominent man 

and barber in the community. 

Mr. Grimm’s Barbershop used to be so busy 

that I would have to wait. I convinced my 

parents to invest in a set of clippers for me. 

I began by cutting my own hair along with 

the other boys in the neighborhood. 

Ken: Did you ever get formal training? 

Eddie Earl: I enrolled as a student at 

the Future Barber College which was run 

by Michael Ned. Gervis Ned, brother of 

Michael Ned took me under his wings to 

show me the ins and outs of the barber 

business. I began cutting hair professionally 

with Gallian Moses on Simmons Street. 

His tag line was “NO MISTAKES ALLOWED.” 

From Simmons Street I moved to Kirkman 

Street where I stayed for three years. Then 

I began cutting hair on 5th Avenue in the 

shopping center across from USAVE Auto 

Rental. While on 5th Avenue, my long-time 

client by the name of Henry Hunt advised 

me to continue barbering because I had a 

gift. Hunt would jokingly tell me that he 

was a college grad making less money than 

me as a barber. 

Ken: Did you ever open a Barbershop? 

Eddie Earl: I eventually opened my own 

barbershop behind my house on 13th 

Street called “Cuttin Action.” 

Ken: What types of changes have you seen 

evolve with clients? 

Eddie Earl: The changes from my start to 

now is the style of the haircut. The trend 

before was the Box or Round cut with the 

Fade. Now it’s the Twist and the Fade. Also, 

the younger Barbers can’t cut all types of 

hair and they don’t know the business of 

Barbering. 

Ken: What is the average salary you know of 

for a Barber to make? 

Eddie Earl: A good Barber can make 

anywhere from $52,000 per year to 

$104,000 per year. The key to that is to 

become a family member to your clients 

and be true to your craft or profession. 

Ken: What are some of your achievements? 

Eddie Earl: I believe I have achieved being 

connected with my community in a lot of 

different ways. Shady Patton, Willie King 

and I started the 100 Black Men Inc. Charter, 

an organization focused on mentoring 6th 

through 8th Grade boys and my wife and I 

own Cutting Innovations #1 & #2. 


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Lake Charles, LA 70605 

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Peace from Pieces 

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

Licensed Professional Counselor 

LOVE: 

The Care and 

Feeding of the 

Human Heart 

We are all a little weird, and life 

is a little weird and when we find 

somebody whose weirdness is 

compatible with ours, we join up 

with them, join together in mutual 

weirdness and call it LOVE! --Dr. Seuss 

© VINH PHOTOGRAPHY 

20 


You are living your 

life, taking care 

of what needs to 

be done, handling the 

business of each day and 

suddenly “BAM”- someone 

has snagged your heart... 

You can see them in your 

mind’s eye all the time and 

their existence in your life 

is all you can focus on. You 

can feel their presence, hear 

their voice and feel their heart 

beating with yours – even 

when you are not together. 

You tell yourself to breathe, 

but you can’t catch your 

breath. You know you should 

eat, but you just can’t swallow. 

You find yourself caught in 

waves of blissful euphoria 

alternating with mindbending 

bouts of terror. Their 

name is your first thought 

when you wake up and your 

last thought before you fall 

asleep (assuming you CAN 

sleep). OMG – you are in love 

and it is the best feeling in the 

world. You have been hurt in 

relationships before, but you 

throw caution to the wind, 

because that was the past and 

this one…well THIS one just 

may be your future. 

So the natural question at this 

point is “what can be done to 

give this relationship a better 

chance of working out?” The 

answer is: KEEP IT HEALTHY. 

HERE ARE SOME 

KEY COMPONENTS 

OF A HEALTHY 

RELATIONSHIP: 

Open and honest 

communication is the 

fundamental foundation of 

any healthy relationship. 

It is important that you 

understand each other’s 

wants and needs. That means 

you have to talk to each 

other! If something is on your 

mind, SPEAK UP! It is not 

reasonable that you will agree 

on everything, so you have to 

learn the art of compromise. 

Always be respectful and 

supportive of each other. 

Healthy relationships build 

both partners up and 

provide reassurance and 

encouragement. 

Setting boundaries is 

essential so that each 

partner has a clear 

understanding of the limits 

within the relationship. 

Being together does not mean 

you have to be connected 

at the hip. You do not have 

to share everything and be 

together 24/7. This does not 

mean that you should keep 

secrets because nothing 

damages a relationship 

faster than secrets. It is okay, 

however, not to share every 

thought, feeling or moment of 

your day. 

Healthy autonomy makes 

for a stronger relationship. 

Contrary to popular belief, you 

are not two halves coming 

together to make a whole. 

You are two whole individuals 

coming together to share your 

lives. It is healthy to engage 

in activities and hobbies or to 

have some friendships that 

do not include your partner. 

Respect each other’s specific 

likes and needs and give each 

other space to grow. 

Enjoyable time together 

is a great way to keep a 

relationship sustainable. 

It is so easy in today’s hustle 

and bustle to find yourselves 

feeling disconnected. 

Relationships are like gardens 

and require tilling and 

watering to survive. Engage 

in activities that you both 

enjoy, like going on a walk, or 

going to dinner and a movie. 

Too tired to leave the house? 

Cuddle together through a 

movie or an audiobook. Play 

board games or complete a 

jigsaw puzzle. Find ways to 

reconnect and stay connected. 

Take care of yourself! 

To many, this sounds like a 

selfish endeavor, but if you are 

not healthy and well, then you 

can’t give anything healthy 

and positive to a relationship. 

Get rest, eat well, exercise, 

keep some separate interests 

and maintain your support 

systems. 

Encouraging your partner’s 

growth actually facilitates 

your own growth. 

That does not mean you 

should attempt to change 

your partner, but it means 

you want to embark on a new 

endeavor or learn a new skill. 

Try to be encouraging of that 

growth. 

Engage in healthy discourse. 

Most arguments stem from 

our own fear or pain. 

When upset occurs, check 

out what's going on inside of 

you rather, more often than 

not, we usually aren't upset 

for the reasons we think we 

are. Accept that you may have 

differing opinions. Celebrating 

your differences will make 

living together more peaceful, 

interesting, and fun. 

Staying Best Friends is 

the best part of their time 

together. Honor each other 

in some way every day. Every 

morning you have the 

opportunity to make your 

relationship sweeter and 

deeper by recommitting to 

your mate. Feeling respected 

and cherished by the one you 

love makes life much nicer. 

Be responsible for your own 

happiness. 

No other person can make 

you happy. It's something you 

have to do on your own. If you 

feel it's your partner's fault, 

think again, and look within 

to find out what piece may be 

missing for you. 

No matter what you do, 

there are no guarantees. 

Everyone’s needs change 

with time. Always treat your 

partner the way you want 

to be treated. Give what you 

want to get. If you want to 

feel more understood, then 

be more understanding. If you 

want to feel more love, give 

more love. It sounds simple, 

but it works. Relationships 

do not work on autopilot 

– they require work! STAY 

PROACTIVE! If you are a couple 

dealing with relationship 

issues, I can help. Call now for 

your appointment: 337-515-6717 

Carra Sergeant, PhD, LPC 

PEACE FROM PIECES 

COUNSELING SERVICES 

For an appointment, call 

337-515-6716 

Website: peacefrompieces.net 


ADVENTURES of the Lake 

Old-School 

Type of Love 

By Lela Gholar Tizano 

Gussie started preparing supper while her granddaughter Riley sat 

at the kitchen table. Gussie silently watched her for ten minutes 

before she finally spoke, “why do you always have your head buried 

in that cell phone?” 

“I’m talking to my bae, Reggie,” 

Riley replied. 

“I’m assuming your bae is your 

boyfriend.” 

Riley rolled her eyes and 

shook her head, “yes 

Grandma,” she answered. 

“How are you talking to him if 

I don’t hear you speaking?” 

“Grandma, this is how we do it 

these days. I don’t have to talk 

to him, I’m texting him. “ 

Gussie shook her head, “you 

young people don’t know 

the first thing about courting. 

Back in my day you picked up 

the phone, dialed the number 

and you held a conversation 

with your boyfriend. I been 

married to “Pop Pop” for over 

fifty years and I ain’t never got 

one text from him. If he wants 

to tell me something, he picks 

up the phone and listens 

to my voice,” she told her as 

she waved the dish towel in 

frustration. 

Riley let out a deep sigh 

of annoyance, “Grandma, 

nobody courts anymore, that’s 

old school ways. We do things 

differently today,” she said as 

she continued texting. 

Gussie stood over her with 

her hand on her hip, “maybe 

you young-folk could learn a 

thing or two from the old-folk 

and our ‘old-school’ ways. If 

you did you might stay in a 

relationship longer. I been 

married to Pop Pop…” 

“I know over fifty years,” Riley 

said as she cut her off. “You 

just told me that.” 

“Don’t get sassy with me 

young lady. You and that 

boyfriend of yours need 

to come on a double-date 

with me and Pop Pop for 

Valentine’s Day. We’ll show you 

how a real date is supposed 

to look. Why don’t you text 

him and see if he wants to be 

schooled by some old-school 

folks,” she said jokingly. “Unless 

you scared,” she added. 

“Oh, it’s on,” Riley answered. 

“Then, after we go on a date 

with you and Pop Pop, Y’all 

have to come on a date with 

us and we will show you how 

the millennials turn up.” 

“Be here tomorrow night at 

seven o’clock,” Gussie told her. 

Pop Pop spent the day 

preparing for his date. He 

went to his barber for a 

haircut, washed his car and 

sent his suit to the cleaners. 

He made reservations at a 

fancy restaurant and picked 

up a bouquet of flowers. 

Riley walked in wearing a pair 

of jeans with holes in them 

and an over-sized sweatshirt 

and tennis shoes. Gussie took 

one look at her and shook her 

head. 

Gussie was wearing a 

black dress, silver jewelry 

embellishments and a pair 

of black heels. Riley took one 

look at her and shook her 

head. 

Wilson & Etta Pete married 52 years. 

“So where is Pop Pop?” Riley 

asked as she plopped down 

on the sofa. 

“He’s almost ready,” Gussie 

said. The doorbell rang. 

“Sounds like that’s him right 

now.” 

Riley had a confused look on 

her face as she looked at her 

grandmother. “I guess I’ll get 

the door,” she said. 

Standing there with flowers in 

his hand was Pop Pop. “Good 

evening, Miss Riley, is your 

grandmother home?” 

Riley let out a snicker, “Yes Pop 

Pop, you already know that. 

She lives here and so do you.” 

He ignored her sarcasm, “I 

would like to take her out on a 

22 


date if that’s alright with you,” 

he said. 

“Grandma, your date is here,” 

Riley yelled. 

“These are for you my love,” he 

said as he presented her with 

the flowers. “You look mighty 

lovely tonight,” he added. 

Gussie took the flowers and 

smelled them, “thank you 

and you look pretty dapper 

yourself,” she said as she kissed 

him on the cheek. 

Riley covered her mouth like 

she was about to throw up, 

“Oh please,” she said. 

The three of them sat and 

waited for Reggie to arrive. At 

forty minutes after seven they 

heard his horn sound. Riley 

raced to the door to meet him. 

“A gentleman comes inside,” 

Pop Pop said. 

At the restaurant, Pop Pop 

pulled out the chair for his 

wife and waited for her to 

be seated. Reggie sat while 

Riley stood and pulled out her 

own chair. When it was time 

to place their order, Pop Pop 

let his wife order first while 

Reggie held no regards for 

Riley’s meal. Pop Pop pulled 

out his wallet to pay for their 

meals while Riley paid for hers 

and after Reggie fidgeted in 

his pocket and came up short, 

she paid for his too. 

Riley noticed the extra 

attention Pop Pop gave her 

grandmother throughout 

the night. She was starting to 

feel embarrassed by the way 

Reggie treated her. It wasn’t 

until she saw the way her 

grandparents were with one 

another that she started to 

second guess her relationship. 

After fifty years of marriage, 

she could see that they were 

still in love and still had 

respect for one another. 

After their date, the couples 

went their separate ways. “Boy, 

these young folks sure do 

things differently these days,” 

Pop Pop said. “I wonder what 

they are going to teach us.” 

“I can’t wait to see.” 

A few days had passed, and 

they had not spoken to Riley. 

When she finally came over, 

she plopped down on the sofa 

next to her grandmother. 

“So, are we turning up 

tonight,” her grandma asked. 

Riley put her head on her 

grandma’s shoulder, “no, 

Grandma I don’t think I’ll be 

seeing Reggie again.” 

“Oh my, why not?” she asked. 

“I looked at how Pop Pop 

treated you and that’s what 

I want. I want my chair to be 

pulled out for me, my food 

paid for, and all those things 

Pop Pop does for you. When 

I told Reggie that he said it 

was too much work and he 

ghosted.” 

“I assume that means he’s not 

going to be coming around.” 

Riley nodded her head. 

“I guess old-school ain’t so 

bad after all, is it?” 

“I guess not,” Riley replied. 

“Looks like Y’all got it right.” 

“Oh, I don’t know. We can 

learn a thing or two from you 

young folks,” her grandma 

said. “Let me show you 

something.” 

She passed her cell phone to 

Riley, “check this out.” 

Riley snickered when she 

read the text Pop Pop sent 

her grandmother. “Pop Pop is 

pretty romantic. I guess that 

old-school kind of love is not 

that bad after all.” 

Ivory Joe and Lorna Edwards married 61 years. 


Q&A 

Erin Webb- 

TaxWebb 

Q: 

By Erin Webb 

What do I need to know about 

the 2018 Reform Changes? 

•• 

Child Tax Credit -The child tax 

credit has been raised to $2,000 per 

qualifying child, those who are under 

17, up from $1,000. A $500 credit is 

available for dependents who do not 

get the $2,000 credit. 

•• 

Standard deductions - Those who 

are married and filing jointly will have 

an increased standard deduction 

of $24,000, up from the $13,000 it 

would have been under previous law. 

Single taxpayers and those who are 

married, and file separately now have 

a $12,000 standard deduction, up from 

the $6,500 it would have been for this 

year prior to the reform. For heads 

of households, the deduction will be 

$18,000, up from $9,550. 

the new law as soon as 

possible after it passed. 

This issue affects every 

taxpayer who receives 

a paycheck. The U.S. 

tax system operates 

on a pay-as-you-go 

basis. Taxpayers must 

generally pay at least 90 

percent of their taxes 

throughout the year 

through withholding, 

estimated or additional 

tax payments or a 

combination of the two. 

THIS MEANS THAT…you need to pay 

most of your tax during the year, as the 

income is earned or received. If you 

don’t, you may owe an estimated tax 

penalty when you file. 

For employees, income tax 

withholding is the amount of federal 

income tax withheld from your 

paycheck. The amount of income 

tax your employer withholds from 

your regular pay depends on two 

things: The amount you earn. The 

information you give your employer 

on Form W–4, Employee’s Withholding 

Allowance Certificate. The IRS issued new 

withholding tables for 2018 to reflect the 

changes in tax rates and tax brackets, 

the increased standard deduction and 

the suspension of personal exemptions, 

among other things. 

Review your withholding early in 2019 

to make sure you don’t have too little or 

too much withheld from your paychecks 

this year. Just as the amount of your 

withholding has changed based upon 

the change in tax rates, you may also 

need to adjust your withholding or make 

estimated or additional tax payments due 

to other changes in the tax law. 

Remedies 

I am a firm believer in finding a tax 

preparer who engages you in your 

tax experience. No matter what anyone 

tells you tax preparation is personal. You 

deserve to have a preparer who has your 

best interest at heart. Large companies 

promise and advertise miracles, but the 

bottom line is that personal interaction 

is hands down, the best investment you 

can make. TaxWebb is open and ready to 

assist you! 

We won’t steer you wrong. We offer 

honest candid and truthful consultation. 

Call 337-602-6299 or come by 

1802 Kirkman Street for your FREE 

consultation! 

•• 

Personal exemption - The personal 

exemption has been eliminated 

with the tax reform bill, specifically 

employee deductions and personal 

itemizations. 

•• 

State and local taxes - The itemized 

deduction is limited to $10,000 for 

both income and property taxes paid 

during the year 

Federal income tax withholding may 

need adjustment 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the 

way taxable income is calculated and 

reduced the tax rates on that income. 

The IRS had to address and make changes 

to income tax withholding in response to 

24 


Did you know that home ownership has a prominent 

place in Black History? 

Indeed, owning property is vital to building wealth 

and in a capitalist society wealth equates to power. 

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s is probably the most shining 

display of that power. It was Black property owners who largely bankrolled the 

Civil Rights Movement. These owners were able to use their property to bond 

activists and protesters out of jail. 

Jonald J. Walker III, CPA, CGMA 

Kelly Love, CPA 

My parents never bought a home despite my dad working and operating his 

own shoe shine business. 

Unbeknownst to him, we grasped his concept of hard work and I was the first 

in my family to purchase a home. My mom soon became the second and it has 

trickled down throughout our family. We are now home owners and/or business 

owners. 

Black property owners also provided shelter and protection to civil rights 

workers who would have otherwise been exposed to extreme danger, or even 

death at night. It was that ownership of property that allowed some Black 

people to work in the Civil Rights Movement and exercise their right to vote 

without fear of reprisal such as getting evicted. 

Committed to the highest level 

3116 Ryan St. 

of customer service possible! 


Phone: (337) 564-6009 

www.lakecharles-la.minutemanpress.com 

In instances where activists faced intimidation like losing their jobs, Black 

property owners were able to weather the storm by using their property as 

collateral to secure credit. 

Anyone of any stature or race can own a home, call ETR to find out how! 

Our office is located in the heart of Lake Charles at 1304 Enterprise Blvd, Ste. B 

and we can be reached at 337-602-6052 office phone. Our mobile numbers 

are Elaine Boone 337-912-0091 or Crystal Craven 337-414-0571. 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 



 

 

 

 

'GO..Vote.. 

GROW!! 

 

Looking forward to serving you! 

Elaine Robertson Boone, Broker 

Executive Total Realty 

1304 Enterprise Blvd. Ste B 

Lake Charles, La 70601 

337-602-6052 o ffi c e 

Licensed by LREC 


SWLA nonprofit 

American Job Center (AJC) Program 

Helps 18-24 Years Old Connect their 

Paths to Careers 

Contributed Article 

In the fall of 2018, the 

American Job Center 

partnered with a local 

engineering company to 

provide up to 10 individuals 

an opportunity to get 

training and a permanent 

job after successful 

completion of the training. 

There was tremendous 

response and more 

applications than expected 

were received. After a review 

of the applications, eight 

individuals were selected to 

participate in this NCCER Core 

Training. Upon completion, 

as part of the partnership 

agreement, six individuals 

aged 18-24 enrolled in the AJC 

Youth Program and one adult 

enrolled in the AJC WIOA 

Adult Program then went on 

to be hired through the AJC 

On-the-Job Training Program 

with the employer making 

$19.00 per hour! 

A young woman visited the 

AJC office as a mandate 

to fulfill her obligation 

with the STEP Program as 

a TANF recipient. While in 

the office, she met with the 

staff of the AJC WIOA Youth 

Department. She was found 

eligible and was enrolled in a 

Work Experience opportunity. 

She received Leadership 

Development, Labor Market 

Information and expressed 

an interest in the medical 

field. She was placed at a 

local hospital as a Health 

Information Management 

Specialist. In addition to 

the skills she learned in 

this position, she was also 

able to cross train in other 

departments and also was 

able to observe surgeries! 

At the end of her work 

experience she was offered 

and accepted a job as a HIM 

Specialist. She is now wanting 

to also pursue a college 

education majoring in Biology 

to possibly become a surgeon. 

She feels she would not have 

been afforded the opportunity 

had it not for being referred to 

the AJC WIOA Youth Program. 

These success stories are but 

two of the many stories that 

take place at the American 

Job Center (AJC) offices. The 

AJC provides services to assist 

individuals in their search 

for employment and/or in 

obtaining training in order 

to learn the skills needed 

to secure employment. The 

AJC provides its services 

to individuals in Allen, 

Beauregard, Calcasieu, 

Cameron, Jefferson Davis and 

Vernon parishes. The AJC has 

funding available to assist 

eligible individuals with costs 

associated with obtaining the 

education or training needed 

and/or costs associated with 

obtaining employment. Our 

emphasis at this time is on 

outreach and recruitment 

efforts to those 18-24 years 

old that would most benefit 

from funding available for 

these services. Other funding 

is also available to adults. 

The AJC believes that there 

are possibly hundreds 

of individuals within 

SWLA parishes that could 

benefit from enrollment and 

participation in the Youth 

Development Program and is 

seeking assistance from the 

community with identifying 

and connecting with these 

individuals. 

Who can refer individual to 

the program? 

Those who live in the six 

parishes served should 

contact their local the 

American Job AJC listed below 

if: 

• You are between 18- 

24 years old and want 

assistance in reaching your 

employment goals, 

• You are a sponsor or 

member of a local youth 

organization and would 

welcome a speaker to share 

more information on how 

your members can benefit 

from this program 

• You are a member of a local 

Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions or 

other civic organization and 

would welcome a speaker 

to share more information 

on how your members or 

someone they know might 

benefit from this program 

as well as encourage those 

they know to inquire 

regarding participation 

• You are a member of a 

fraternal or community 

organization that serves 

a teen or young adult 

component and would 

welcome a speaker to share 

more information on how 

your members can benefit 

from this program 

• You serve in a Ministry to 

Youth/Young Adults in 

your faith organization and 

would welcome a speaker 

to share more information 

on how your members can 


• Anyone who has a relative 

or knows someone 18-24 

years old should encourage 

them to contact the local 

American Job Center 

office about attending an 

orientation to learn more 

about how they might 


26 


Call your local American Job Center Office TODAY! 

Allen 

602 Court Street Blvd. 

Oberlin, LA 70655 

O: 337.639.2175 

F: 337.639.2560 

Beauregard 

1102 West First Street 

DeRidder, LA 70634 

O: 337.462.5838 

F: 337.462.6115 

Calcasieu 

2424 3rd Street 


O: 337.721.4010 

F: 337.721.4186 

Vernon 

408 West Fertitta Blvd. 

Leesville, LA 71446 

O: 337.238.3321 

F: 337.238.3817 

Who should get involved in 

the WIOA Youth Program? 

Individuals wishing to 

participate should be 

between the ages of 18- 24 

and currently not in school. 

Interested individuals will 

attend a general orientation 

that will provide them 

with further details and 

expectations of participating 

in the program. An assessment 

will also be completed to 

identify the individual’s work 

interests, aptitudes and career 

areas. Individuals will also be 

asked to provide information 

and documents to confirm 

and validate information 

provided. These documents 

will include items such as, but 

not limited to birth certificate, 

social security card, pay stubs, 

proof of residence, etc. 

What types of services or 

supports can an individual 

expect to receive? 

The primary goal of this 

program is to assist individuals 

with securing employment. 

Needs identified in the 

assessment process will be 

used to determine if the 

eligible individual will be 

placed on a path for workbased 

training leading 

to employment or an 

educational path leading to 

employment. Participants will 

also have access to assistance 

with resume development, 

job readiness workshops, 

“practice” or “mock” interview, 

job fairs and more. 

How long does the program 

last? 

Eligible individuals are 

enrolled for a minimum of 

one year and will be expected 

to participate in follow-up 

communications for one year 

following their exit of the 

program. 

What if the individual is 

homeless? 

A number of individuals 

inquire about the program 

that have life circumstances 

that may hinder their access 

to employment including 

homelessness. Other 

scenarios for this age group 

include drop-outs, parenting 

young adults, individuals 

with disabilities, children 

aging out of foster care. The 

program is such that through 

assessment, barriers are 

identified that might hinder 

an eligible individual from 

participation. AJC staff will 

work with the participant to 

identify and connect with 

available resources to address 

the specific need. The AJC 

will accomplish this through 

its partner agencies, parish 

departments and/or through 

referrals to other agencies or 

organizations that provide the 

needed services. 

How long does the process 

take before a participant 

can begin a work experience 

opportunity or a training 

opportunity? 

Pre-enrollment processing 

will vary and is handled on a 

case-by-case basis. Enrollment 

can only take place once the 

individual provides all the 

required information and 

documents. 

How does the program 

benefit the participant? 

Individuals enrolled and 

participating in the program 

will have the opportunity to 

receive: 

First-hand instruction and 

guidance 

Learn new skills and/or 

strengthen current skills 

Introduce them to good work 

environment behaviors and 

values 

Initiate the creation of a 

network of mentor and peer 

relations 

Receive tools and resources 

to assist with obtaining 

employment 

What is expected of 

participants? 

Individuals must provide 

all requested information 

and documents prior to 

being enrolled in their 

respective employment 

path. Once enrolled, 

individual participants will 

be expected to adhere to a 

code of conduct as well as 

all policies and procedures. 

Abilities to be learned and 

practiced at a minimum would 

include, but not be limited to 

dependability, punctuality, 

honesty and ability to follow 

directions and instruction. 

The American Job Center serving Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis and Vernon Parishes are sponsored by the Calcasieu 

Parish Police Jury in conjunction with the Workforce Development Board and the Louisiana Workforce Commission. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program 

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and for persons with limited English proficiency. 


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

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

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

Medical Fitness • Dental Center • Pediatrics • Pharmacy • OB/GYN • Podiatry • Women’s • WIC • Wellness KidMed • Laboratory Behavioral Health 

Fitness Medicaid Center • Pharmacy Application • Podiatry Center • Medicare WIC • KidMed Counselors • Laboratory 

Medicaid Application Center • Medicare Counselors 

Lake Charles ~ Lafayette ~ Crowley ~ Oberlin 

Lake Charles ~ Lafayette ~ Crowley ~ Oberlin 

Call 337-439-9983 for an appointment today! 

Call 337-439-9983 www.swlahealth.org 

for an appointment today! 

www.swlahealth.org 

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In the McNeese SEED Center 

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

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana February 2019 Issue

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