The Voice of Southwest Louisiana March 2019 Issue

March 2019 

Vol 6 No 8 

New to 

Southwest 

Louisiana... 

Feature 

Story 

SWLA Center for 

Health Services 

Pg. 10 

Pictured L-R: 

Jessica Jolly 

Chief Operating Officer 

JayVon Muhammad 

Chief Executive Officer 

Lead Healthcare with 

Compassion and Clarity 

"Caring for the Community, 

because at the Center is You!" 

SWLA NEWS 

L C-NORTH REPORT: Purpose of the 

LC North Redevelopment Authority 

Pg. 5 

My Senior Moment 2.0 

Mended Hearts Join to 

Help Others 

Pg. 14 

SWLA Business 

Building Wealth Through 

Tax Planning 

Pg. 16 

Q&A with Tonja Phillips, 

Make-Up Artist 

Spring Makeup for SWLA 

Pg. 24

SUNDAY 

9:30 A.M. BIBLE CLASS 

10:45 A.M. WORSHIP 

6:30 P.M. WORSHIP 

WEDNESDAY 

6:00 P.M. BIBLE CLASS 

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 March 2019 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 8

editor’s 

By Brenda Hill 

A Trumped 

Democratic 

Process 

A 

light manufacturing use 

loading facility for marine and 

construction equipment was 

proposed to the Planning and Zoning 

Commission by applicants/property 

owner, Powell Timber Company, and 

proposed purchaser of the land and 

business operator, Edward T. McCain, M 

& M Electric Services Co., LLC., a Marine/ 

Heavy Equipment Construction business 

to locate on property directly north of the 

tracts on land serving the Orleck ship off 

Enterprise Blvd. 

African Americans from the ‘North Lake 

Charles’ neighborhood opposed this 

project and highlighted how the negative 

impacts of the present salvage yards 

and other industrial enterprises along 

the riverfront affected the citizens living 

there. They expressed how allowing 

additional manufacturing/industrial uses 

would show inconsistency with plans for 

economic re-development in North Lake 

Charles near the upgraded Enterprise 

Parkway. 

On January 14, 2019, members of the 

Lake Charles Planning and Zoning 

Commission voted 4-1 against the 

project honoring the concerns of the 

North Lake Charles citizens, and the 

applicants, as were their right, appealed 

the Commission’s decision to the Lake 

Charles City Council and it was scheduled 

for February 20, 2019. 

As I have mentioned before, I spent all my 

school age years in what is referred to as 

‘North Lake Charles,’ so I was determined 

to attend that meeting and ‘Voice’ my 

supportive vision of community to the 

Editor's Pen: Partly sponsored by Angela 

Williams in loving memory of L. C. Williams. 

city council and our mayor, to uphold 

the Planning and Zoning Commission’s 

vote of 4-1 against. Mr Geyen addressed 

unbecoming comments made about 

the Planning & Zoning Commission 

members, and encouraged respectful 

communication about them. 

Doug Cook, white male with 34 years at 

Powell Timber Company stood first and 

said that this vision is “misguided” and that 

the redevelopment we propose “will never 

happen.” I disagree totally. 

African Americans from the ‘North Lake 

Charles' neighborhood including a family 

of senior citizens living there since 1926, 

were present. More opposition to this 

project were ‘Voiced’, including Marshall 

Simien, former District A City Council. 

The city council was reminded of 

their consistent support to ‘South 

Lake Charles’ residents’ concerns and 

oppositions for their neighborhoods. (Ex. 

Shell Beach Road – No Restaurant) 

Three African American city council 

members (two females and one male); 

Mary Morris, District A, (where I grew up), 

Luvertha August, District B and Council 

Vice President, and Rodney Geyen, District 

C, voted to uphold the Planning and 

Zoning Commission 4-1 vote against. 

Four white male city council members; 

John Ieyoub, District D, Stuart 

Weatherford, District E, Johnnie 

Thibodeaux, District F, (speaking as my 

voice from my district) Mark Eckard, 

District G and Council President until July 

2019, voted 4-3 and rejected the Zoning 

Board and me!! 

African Americans want to 

participate in our city's political and 

economic process, and still we are 

told we are not going to help you!! 

Oh, What Privilege!! Color It!! 

Pick up your copy of 

The Voice of SWLA while 

you’re out and about. 

SULPHUR 

• West Cal-Cam Hospital 

• Stines 

• Pitt Grill 

• SPAR 

• Goodwill 

• Hollier's 

• Dairy Barn 

LAKE CHARLES 

• Pujo St. Cafe 

• Chase (Downtown) 

• Steamboat Bill's 

• Civic Center 

• Carnegie Library 

• Luna Bar & Grill 

MOSS BLUFF 

• Peto's 

• Market Basket 

• Southern Spice 

VINTON 

• Post Office 

• Market Basket 

• Love's Truck Stop 

DERIDDER 

• Brookshires Bros. 

• City Hall 

• DeRidder Hospital 

• Post Office 

• Steamboat Bill's 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 

T HE MOD ERN S CIENCE OF 

MENTAL H EALTH 

 

 

Volume 6 • Number 8 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM March 2019 3

Mar 2019 

The Voice's Choice 

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

that spread love, joy and peace throughout SWLA. 

Tonja Phillips 

AKA - Faces By Tonja 

Tonja Phillips was born 

Tonja Johnson and reared 

in Lake Charles, LA. Tonja 

loves to share her love of 

the south and growing up 

in the culture of the Bayou. 

Her childhood was vibrant 

and filled with family. Tonja’s 

household was Christian and 

she and her siblings grew up 

in the church. As a kid she would take her baby dolls and 

draw make up on them with anything she could get her 

hands on. It made sense that after finishing high school 

at Washington-Marion High School, Tonja decided to go 

to cosmetology school at Demmons School of Beauty. 

She recounts loving the originality of the school and felt 

the school didn’t receive the proper acknowledgement it 

deserved considering the amount of amazing MUA and 

Hairstylists the school produced. 

See more on Q&A with Tonja Johnson Phillips on page 24… 

22 ADVENTURES of the Lake 

Seasons 

Change 

8 Healthy Recipes 

Editor-In-Chief 

Brenda Hill 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

General Manager 

Tracy Clark 

tracy@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

Art Director 

Vinh Alexander 

tvswlart@gmail.com 

Community Coordinator 

Ken Williamson /Sales 

sales@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

Acquisition Editor 

Braylin Jenkins 

Copy Editors 

Jason Clark 

Cecely Clark 

Ann Champagne 

Consultants 

Gene R. Hill, Sr. 

Reginald Clark 

3 EDITOR'S PEN 

A TRUMPED DEMOCRATIC PROCESS 

5 SWLA NEWS 

LAKE CHARLES-NORTH REPORT: PURPOSE OF THE LC NORTH 

REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 

8 THE GIFT OF HAIR 

SWLA BUSINESS 

9 HEALTHY RECIPES 

SWLA HEALTH CENTER 

10 SWLA HEALTH CENTER 

NEW TO SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA...JESSICA & JAYVON 

14 MY SENIOR MOMENT 2.0 

MENDED HEARTS JOIN TO HELP OTHERS 

16 SWLA BUSINESS 

BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH TAX PLANNING 

CONTENTS 

18 GARDENING 

CHARLES ENCOURAGES YOU TO CONSIDER GARDENING. 

20 PEACE FROM PIECES 

LADIES: IS HE MR. RIGHT OR MR. RIGHT NOW? 

22 ADVENTURES OF THE LAKE 

SEASONS CHANGE 

23 SWLA COMMUNITY EVENT 

LC COMMUNITY BAND SPRING CONCERT 

24 Q&A WITH TONJA JOHNSON 

PHILLIPS 

THE VOICE OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA REACHED OUT TO TONJA 

JOHNSON PHILIPS, MAKE-UP ARTIST (MUA) 

26 BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL 

SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY TOP 20 EVENT 

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 

Marshall Simien 

Emily Ashworth RN, BSN 


Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

Kelly Love 

Carra Sergeant, Ph. D.; LPC-S 

Lela Gholar Tizano 

Tonja Phillips, Make-Up Artist 

(MUA) 

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 

By Marshall Simien 

LAKE CHARLES-NORTH REPORT: 

Purpose of the LC North 

Redevelopment Authority 

This article was written by Marshall Simien, District A City Council 2009. It is being 

reprinted in response to occurrences at a recent Lake Charles City Council meeting 

on February 20, 2019. People perish without strong vision. 

The Lake Charles North 

Redevelopment Authority 

has been created. It is 

now up to the Board to be up to a 

task that is both undeniably noble 

and historically difficult. Some 

feel the Board is unnecessary. 

Some supposedly communityminded 

folks are teeing up to 

put in their potshots at this 

Board. Naysayers will issue 

invitations to dwell with them in 

their bottomless pit of excuses 

to fail. Yet others are genuinely 

instilled with a sense of hope for 

the better future that has eluded 

this community until recently. 

Some will enthusiastically offer 

encouragement and, most of 

all, prayers to uplift this Board 

as it works. Still others are so 

desperate for anything resembling 

progress, this Board will do no 

wrong. Such a broad spectrum. 

What’s up with that? 

The Board must signal very 

quickly how serious this 

community is about its 

redevelopment. Not only will it 

weather storms on the horizon, 

but also navigate icebergs hiding 

in calm waters. This ship cannot 

sink. The Board’s purpose is to 

work with government to deliver 

services, develop, and redevelop 

infrastructure, the backbone of 

every community. It is to work 

with private businesses to help 

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE ---> 


SWLA news 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 

LAKE CHARLES-NORTH REPORT: Purpose of the LC North Redevelopment Authority 

offer services and jobs to raise 

community quality of life. Even 

more important, it is to work with 

the people to help build the many 

bridges needed to cross that divide 

and mindset that eats away at 

real progress. To do so, it must 

be focused, prepared, organized, 

methodical and real about what it 

can, should and must accomplish. 

The mountain in front of this 

community can be moved but only 

by much faith and really hard work 

– from EVERYONE! 

Some people believe we have 

been handed a lemon. So, let’s 

make lemonade. All you need is 

a pitcher, some water, something 

sweet, and something to stir it 

up. The cupboard is not empty. 

The pitcher is the people of this 

community. Not only will they 

contain, maintain, carry and hold 

the progress of this community 

in their hands, but they also 

have the ability to tilt their base 

beliefs and pour out refreshment 

that can nourish growth and 

redevelopment. They must be 

cool as ice and be able to handle 

the sweat and condensation that 

comes from both outside and 

within where there is growth and 

progress. The bigger the lemon, 

the bigger the pitcher! 

Okay, what about water? There 

is actually plenty of it. The lake 

runs into the Calcasieu River which 

runs into English Bayou which 

runs into Kayouche Coulee. This 

community is surrounded by some 

of the most beautiful and pristine 

waterbodies and wetlands in this 

State. And guess what? There is a 

way to tap into it. The North Lake 

Charles Riverfront Parkway and 

Redevelopment Plan is already 

being implemented. Some believe 

it only deals with development 

of the riverfront area where the 

Enterprise Boulevard Parkway 

extension will be constructed. It 

is much more comprehensive 

than that. This Plan is for the 

redevelopment of Lake Charles- 

North in its entirety. It deals 

with substantial infrastructure 

projects, private investment to 

develop much needed services 

in the community, and housinghousing-housing. 

The waterfront is 

simply the most underdeveloped, 

underappreciated asset in the 

community. It, along with the 

I-10 corridor and MLK Highway, 

are the prime for the economic 

development pump. 

How about something sweet? 

There is a 60-acre tract of land on 

the north side of I-10 between 

the Enterprise Boulevard exit 

and Kirkman Street. Enterprise 

Boulevard between Broad 

Street and I-10 has already been 

reconstructed. Texas turnarounds 

will soon be constructed at the 

I-10 underpasses on Enterprise and 

Kirkman. At least one shopping 

center developer has expressed 

an interest in the area. How 

sweet it would be if the various 

property owners in that area came 

together and parcel assembled 

this property for future commercial 

development? The same holds 

true with the open areas along 

Enterprise between Broad and 

I-10. Would this Board be helpful 

in facilitating common ground 

between current property owners 

first, and then between them 

and potential future developers? 

This Board can be an asset to this 

community’s future growth. 

How about something to stir? 

When communities develop, 

usually housing comes in first, 

then businesses and community 

support services such as schools, 

restaurants, medical centers, 

retailers, etc. follow. Not with 

redevelopment. Everything is 

lifted up, just like everything can 

be pulled down. This community 

is home to a disproportionate 

number of adjudicated properties 

which remain out of commerce 

because the cost of clearing 

titles far outweighs the land’s 

value. What a stir it would create 

if these properties could be 

purchased, titles cleared, and 

placed back into commerce 

for newly constructed, owner 

occupied housing and business 

development. What would be 

stirred? Homeownership, and 

in particular pride of ownership, 

brings stability, investment and 

enhancement to any community. 

When people own homes, they 

become concerned about crime. 

They want high performing 

schools. They patronize 

neighborhood businesses and 

establish long term relationships 

with service providers. When the 

quality of life is uplifted, demand is 

enhanced and property values rise. 

Even rental properties are forced to 

raise their standards. Recreational 

facilities become social venues. 

That certainly should whip up 

something sweet. There is a thirst 

out there. Let’s quench it!! 



SWLA business 

The Gift 

of Hair 


Carol Brent is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia 

and began doing hair at age 14. 

Brent became manager of Avery James 

School of Cosmetology four years ago. 

Hair has been her life. “I have the gift of 

hair. “says Brent 

Avery James School of Cosmetology was formerly 

Demmon School of Beauty. The school was originally 

established in 1955 and in 2015 it was purchased and 

became Avery James School of Cosmetology. 

Cosmetology life tends to 

repeat itself. A hair style like 

the 'jerry curl, or a flat iron 

and straightening comb makes a 

comeback.’ A salon hairstylist knows 

the differences between hair textures 

and hair types. Brent’s role is to 

prepare stylists for those entry level 

skills. It is with hands-on experience 

that they become proficient and 

get a true feel for what the hair 

industry is like. Brent’s job is to teach 

professionalism and to ensure that 

students pass their test. 

Brent assists students in a multitude 

of ways, including everything from 

financial aid to personal, marital and 

home counseling, etc... 

While discussing trends, Brent shared, 

“Alternative hair is a hot trend right 

now, and is the most lucrative business 

in generating more money. Braiding 

hair and styling wigs can cost as much 

as $300.00 each.” It was interesting to 

learn that four out of five people have 

alternative hair and the average hair 

stylist can earn from $40-$50,000 a year. 

As a follow-up, The Voice of Southwest 

Louisiana February 2019 Issue 

highlighted Barbers and informed 

our readers that the March 2019 Issue 

would highlight Stylists. We asked 

Brent how stylists are trained and what 

types of equipment are used for the 

different hair textures. 

Brent shared insight by saying, “It was 

about 20 years ago when different 

hair textures, other than Caucasian 

textures, were taught and included in 

the curriculum across the board." 

Avery James School of Cosmetology 

assists each stylist with their job 

placement following each student’s 

graduation. 

One thing to keep in mind regarding 

salons and the hair industry is, if 

schools or salons close, the need for 

cosmetology will never die. 


SWLA Health Center 

Healthy Recipes 

CHILLIN' OUT 

PASTA SALAD 

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/down-home-healthy-cooking.pdf 

INGREDIENTS 

8-ounce (2½ cups) medium shell pasta 

1, 8-ounce carton (1 cup) plain nonfat yogurt 

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard 

2 tablespoons salt-free herb seasoning 

1½ cups chopped celery 

1 cup sliced green onion 

1 lb cooked small shrimp 

3 cups coarsely chopped tomatoes (about 3 large) 

NUTRITION CONTENT 

Per Serving 

Makes 12 servings 

calories: 140 total 

fat: 1g 

carbohydrates: 1g 

saturated fat: 0.1g 

protein: 14g 

cholesterol: 60mg 

sodium: 135mg 

dietary fiber: 1.3g 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; cool. 

2. In a large bowl stir together yogurt, mustard, and herb 

seasoning. Add pasta, celery, and green onion; mix well. 

Chill at least 2 hours. 

3. Just before serving, carefully stir in shrimp and tomatoes. 

ANGEL FOOD 

CAKE 

with MIXED BERRIES 

INGREDIENTS 

1 angel food cake 

1 pint blueberries 2 pints strawberries 

1 package strawberry glaze (1 cup prepared) 

1 pint blackberries 

1 lemon (sliced) 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Bake or buy an angel food cake. 

NUTRITION CONTENT 

Per Serving 

Makes 6 servings 

calories: 387 

total fat: 1.04g 

saturated fat: 0.07g 

carbohydrates: 88.64g 

protein: 9g 

cholesterol: 0mg 

sodium: 747mg 

dietary fiber: 6.70g 

2. Cut tops off one pint of strawberries. Combine with ½ pint 

of blackberries, ½ pint of blueberries, and strawberry glaze. 

Reserve remaining berries for garnish. 

3. Mix well so that berries are thoroughly coated with glaze. 

4. To serve, spoon ½ to ¾ cup of glazed berry mixture over 

each slice of cake. Garnish each slice with a slice of lemon 

and a few unglazed berries. 


SWLA Health Center 

By Braylin Jenkins 

"Caring for the Community, because at the Center is You!" 

Jessica Jolly 

Chief Operating Officer 

JayVon Muhammad 

Chief Executive Officer 

New to 

Southwest 

Louisiana... 

It’s one thing to see brick and mortar at 2000 

Opelousas Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but it’s an 

entirely different perspective to get to know the people 

who occupy the space and their stories. The Voice of 

Southwest Louisiana was honored to have met two 

women whose heart and careers have been focused on 

ensuring the black community does well. 

10 

March 2019 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 6 • Number 8

The Lake Area can now 

be proud to know that 

these two women are now 

residents of Southwest 

Louisiana and have brought 

their skills, education and 

experiences to the SWLA 

Center for Health Services 

implementing several 

key adjustments and 

changes that are already 

significantly making the 

community happier and 

most importantly healthier. 

Lead Healthcare 

with Compassion 

and Clarity 

THESE ARE THEIR STORIES. 

One of twelve girls, born and raised 

in the San Francisco Bay Area, 

JayVon Muhammad, the newly 

named Chief Executive Officer at the 

SWLA Center for Health Services, comes 

from what she refers to as a challenged 

family that faced numerous social and 

economic challenges. Like many other 

Black families in the early 1980s and 

1990s, her mother, a fashion model, 

struggled with a drug addiction, and her 

father, in addition to being the manager 

of Sly and the Family Stone, was a wellknown 

‘hustler’ in the community. She 

became a young mother in high school 

which marked the beginning of her 

journey to the SWLA Center for Health 

Services. As a young mother with a GED, 

training and experience she became a 

midwife spending much of her adult 

career in delivery with an attachment 

to pregnant teens and working in 

clinics; a strong believer of home birth. 

Muhammad has five grandchildren of her 

own, with most being home births. 

After having her daughter, she became 

a medical assistant and had the desire 

to become a foster parent. She was 21 

and there were only two homes in the 

area that would take care of pregnant 

teens. The region did not understand 

why someone at her age would want to 

become a foster parent and work with 

teenage moms. 

Working in two communities that 

faced many challenges, one of them 

being a historically black community. 

Muhammad became a midwife and was 

passionate about serving the people 

who made a way for her. Her journey in 

midwifery came with addressing many 

of the disparities in pregnancy outcomes 

for black women. Just as infant mortality 

rates are a factor, maternal mortality rates 

often go undiscussed. 

In the United States, Muhammad 

says, “Studies show that black 

women are almost 4 times as 

likely to die during child birth than 

white women.” 

Muhammad was hired as the Maternal 

Health Coordinator at a clinic in Marin 

City, California. She set up a much needed 

maternity program similar to one in the 

community she grew up in. Muhammad 

was later appointed CEO. She admits 

she was afraid of the title and position 

at first, but after much thought, she 

recognized the opportunity to work to 

influence health care for women. As C.E.O. 

Muhammad was able to oversee dollars 

associated with a variety of disciplines of 

medicine. Typically, a black person may 

get a position, but rarely can have the 

opportunity to be most effective due to 

lack of control over the money. 

"Sometimes the challenge for 

those who are trying to build in 

the black community is lack of 

resources. So, you might get a 

position, but you don't get to have 

control of the money. You don't 

get to have control over what 

programs you create, you have 

other people in your ear telling 

you from the outside in, what 

they think the community needs, 

sometimes just based on what 

others think is important." 

Six years later in 2019 Muhammad 

relocated and joined the SWLA Center for 

Health Services. Learning of Judge Gene 

Thibodeaux and Milton Bellard’s story of 

opening the clinic confirmed everything 

for her. “I have to do my part historically 

to give because it couldn’t have been 

easy for two black men to declare I’m 

going to open a clinic and then win 

some resources,” said Muhammad. She 

expressed that she accepted this role 

because of the similar stories between 

the current and former clinic knowing 

that she can potentially make a difference 

for the betterment of our community and 

its residents. 

The second God send comes in 

the form of Jessica Jolly, Chief 

Operating Officer, hailing from 

the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan. Early 

on, Jessica was exposed to poor air quality 

in her community leading her to be born 

premature. Less than five pounds, Jessica 

spent the first months of life in the hospital. 

She suffered with severe asthma 

and relied on her inhaler daily. Her 

experiences led to her interest in the 

health field. Her father who was a 

teacher, instilled in her the importance 

of education, however her health 

condition caused her to miss up to 12 

days of school each year and nearly 

failing courses. 

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE ---> 


SWLA feature story 

Initially Jessica thought she would 

pursue a career as a pediatrician. 

Jessica attended the University of 

Michigan where she earned a full tuition 

scholarship majoring in Psychology 

and minoring in Spanish. Her course 

changed after a professor told her she 

didn’t deserve to attend the University. 

This serve as a springboard to explore 

alternative options to pursue community 

health. 

Jolly shared a pivotal moment in 

her academic career that changed 

her life’s trajectory. Jessica sought 

assistance from a professor who 

she expected guidance and 

support from. Instead she was met 

with indifference and callousness. 

"I thought he was going to be 

very supportive. I attended office 

hours to receive assistance. I was 

there early and stayed late. "Do 

you know what that man had the 

nerve to tell me? He said, "You 

don't belong, you don't deserve 

to be in this class. Why are you 

here?" That moment really shook 

me because I deserved to be there, 

I worked my butt off, I got full 

scholarship and did everything I was 

supposed to. I remember having 

to go to the bathroom and take a 

moment to regroup and think.” 

That moment in her life placed a new 

objective before her to look at the 

administrative side of health systems 

and change the institutions who train 

and develop our medical professionals. In 

2007 Jolly met her first mentor, a highly 

educated, strong, and compassionate 

woman of color who showed her the 

path to public health and giving back to 

the community. 

During her internship with Henry 

Ford Health System, Jessica worked 

CONTINUED FROM PAGES 10-11 

with providers, staff, and patients to 

significantly reduce the time for those 

waiting for a bone marrow transplant. 

When Jolly arrived, the wait was 

anywhere from 12-24 months, if not 

longer. With the new process in place 

the wait time decreased to 30-40 days 

changing those lives for the better. That 

process has been replicated across the 

country. 

Jolly knew health administration was her 

niche, but she took a detour and became 

a teacher for three years in honor of her 

dad, a teacher. 

Her most significant experience gained 

came while teaching, kindergarten, 

first grade and fifth grade in an 

underprivileged community of Atlanta, 

Georgia. School was the only resource 

of their community. Jolly played many 

roles as mom, nurse, grandma and 

interacted with moms and their children 

frequently. She even assisted in a dental 

perspective. 

Many parents struggled with addictions, 

poverty and lack of education. Jolly 

felt these were the most life changing 

opportunities for her to love on the 

children and do what she could 

for them. Reflecting back gets her 

emotional just knowing how much 

of a difference she was able to make. 

Jolly shared her story of Jason, whose 

character changed after having difficulty 

with his teeth, later to learn he had an 

abscess. This experience made her want 

to go back to the medical field because 

their were no clinics in the area for 

Jason. Especially for him to access high 

quality comprehensive health services. 

Jolly had a diverse set of experiences 

that formulated her passion for health 

and health care. Her dad was diagnosed 

with HIV and his near-death experience, 

inspired her to join the AIDS Resource 

Center of Ohio, a Ryan White federal 

grantee clinic. Thanks to treatment he 

is alive today. Jolly returned to Georgia 

to work with the Emory University 

Eye Center working to expand vision 

services at eye clinics in the community. 

She helped establish certifications at a 

community-based hospital to adequately 

care for stroke and hypertension patients. 

She developed programs to assist young 

people in middle and high school enter 

the health field to give back to their 

communities. 

Hurricane Katrina put the city of 

New Orleans in a unique position to 

provide quality healthcare services. 

This lead Jolly to accept a position at 

Ochsner Health System in New Orleans. 

After facing a situation where leadership 

refused to see a grandmother and 

granddaughter on the basis of their 

insurance, she departed from the 

organization. Her thought being how 

could they turn her back on the very 

people who make them money, but 

yet the health system wouldn’t see 

them. Jolly accepted a position with the 

Louisiana Department of Health Office of 

Public Health where she advocated for 

public health and access to health care 

for vulnerable populations. This ultimately 

led her the opportunity to work in Lake 

Charles at SWLA Health Services Center 

with JayVon Muhammad, CEO. 

With shared and different focuses 

and expertise, Muhammad and Jolly 

plan to implement, grow, and expand 

services for all four SWLA sites. Obstacles 

in Louisiana particularly in the black 

community include access to care, infant 

mortality, chronic diseases, and HIV/STI 

rates. They are focused on taking steps 

beyond just plans and seeing how they 

can translate those plans in a real way 

to make change and create a healthier 

Southwest Louisiana. 

In an effort to raise more 

capital for the clinic and make 

the gymnasium profitable, 

Muhammad has just made an 

offer to a Development Director 

12 


whose sole job is to raise funding 

for the clinic which would allow 

for expansion of services that 

goes beyond what a federal 

grant allows. This goes back to 

Muhammad’s core desire for black 

people to do well. She believes 

that when black people do well, 

everyone of all nationalities and 

backgrounds benefits. 

Jolly is currently focused on 

implementing strategies that improve 

the patient, employee, provider, and 

commmunity experience. 

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana 

Editor-in-Chief Brenda Hill expressed her 

appreciation to both women for sharing 

their stories and allowing The Voice to 

use their platform for purposes such as 

these. It is no question why these two 

women featured in this piece will carry 

out both the mission and vision daily, 

ensuring that patients no longer need 

to wait outside earlier than necessary to 

make sure they are seen. Nor limit hours 

that make it more difficult for patients to 

receive care. These are only a few of the 

issues they have taken notice of and are 

working to improve for the betterment of 

our community. 

If you are unfamiliar with the center’s 

history, SWLA Center for Health 

Services is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit 

community-based organization that 

was incorporated in 1978. 

Milton J. Bellard 

Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux 

and serve them with respect and dignity. 

Also, to provide the highest quality 

of health care that is essential to the 

patient that reflects the essence of the 

health care profession while aspiring 

to eliminate all disparities in access to 

healthcare. That is why we have sought 

and have been accredited by the Joint 

Commission of Health Care Organization 

since 2006 

Milton J. Bellard, a local community 

advocate and organizer along with, 

Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux 

organized and founded Bayou 

Comprehensive Health Foundation 

Incorporated in 1978. The goal was 

to organize a community health center 

that would diminish deplorable health 

conditions for over 23,000 residents living 

in the North Lake Charles area. 

The corporation received twenty-five 

thousand dollars in grant monies in 

1981 which led to the opening of a 

free-standing health clinic on Moeling 

Street. Two physicians, Dr. Pamela Hollins 

and Dr. Reginald Sykes were brought on 

and supported by two clerical support 

staff members and Mr. Bellard. It was 

three years later that the clinic received 

a Section 330 grant from the U.S. Public 

Health Service to operate a federally 

funded community health center (FQHC) 

in the Southwest Louisiana region. 

The Center has since grown from one 

site with five employees to four facilities 

operating; Lake Charles, Lafayette, 

Crowley and Oberlin, Louisiana, nearly 

two hundred employees with an annual 

budget approaching $16 million, and an 

aim to make sure their patient services 

are coordinated across all four locations. 

SWLA Center for Health Services 

prides itself on the development and 

implementation of services to provide 

quality, cost effective comprehensive 

primary health care and support services, 

If you have a student or know of one, 

please refer them to the SWLA Health 

Center site to review the criteria and if 

eligible, apply for a scholarship with a 

deadline of March 22, 2019. 

For more on the SWLA Center for 

Health Services, please visit www. 

swlahealth.org and visit the links included 

in this article to better understand what 

our community is facing and what it all 

means in relation to you and your family. 

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse. 

aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=23 

https://www.propublica.org/article/midwives-studymaternal-neonatal-care 

https://publichealthreviews.biomedcentral.com/ 

articles/10.1186/s40985-016-0025-4 


My Senior Moment 2.0 

By Joyce R. Kebodeaux 

L-R: Jesse Hite, 

Mike Richard, 

Agnes Vaughn, 

Elena Miller, Helen 

Budge, Chip Burns. 

Back Row L-R: Kay 

Morgan, Josephine 

Edwards, Sue 

Richard, Joe Miller, 

Dave Weinfeter, 

Judy Weinfeter, 

Steve Guidry. 

L-R: Joe Miller, 

Helen Budge, 

Elena Miller. 

It’s great to be alive 

and help others is 

the motto of the 

Mended Hearts. 

Mended hearts 

based in Dallas, 

Texas is a national 

organization with 

300 chapters all over 

the country. Mended 

hearts was begun 

over 65 years ago 

and visits 200,000 

patients every year. 

14 


Mended 

Hearts 

Join to 

Help 

Others 

In Lake Charles, Chapter 18 meets monthly 

on the third Wednesday at 11 AM. The 

meeting place alternates between Lake 

Charles Memorial Hospital and Christus St. 

Patrick Hospital. Anyone interested in heart 

disease or heart problems is welcome. Guest 

speakers attend the meetings with information 

pertaining to the heart. New discoveries in heart 

health are discussed. Home health groups come 

in to discuss what they have to offer the patients. 

At the meetings healthy eating and exercise 

are encouraged. New ideas and healthy recipes 

are exchanged at the meeting A healthy meal is 

served to members at all meetings. 

Helen Budge has been a dedicated member 

since her late husband, Ray had open heart 

surgery. She is 91 years young and doesn’t 

suffer with heart disease. Helen is busy at the 

bake sale fundraiser. Last year she baked 120 pecan 

tarts. She enjoys the camaraderie of the group 

and continues to work at educating others about 

heart disease. She has served as both treasurer and 

secretary. Helen received an award last November in 

honor of her 21 years of service. 

Mended Hearts members wearing red vests can 

be seen in the halls of the hospitals. After surgery 

Mended Hearts gives a certificate to patients with 

the name of the hospital, type of surgery, name 

of visitor chairperson and the visitors sign for 

verification. If a patient is moved to rehabilitation 

the doctor must give permission for a Mended 

Hearts member to visit there. 

They visit only with those cleared by their doctors 

for their visits. Mended Hearts Visitors must be 

certified to make these visits. To be certified the 

visitor must attend a hospital seminar. It is also 

required that they get their flu shots and be tested 

for tuberculosis. Members receive the magazine,” 

Heart Beat” and pamphlets that contain information 

about new techniques and other helpful tips. Mended 

Hearts members also take part in health fairs to offer 

information and make the community aware of the 

role they play in heart health. 

Their red vests identify them as visitors. They 

visit with patients awaiting open heart surgery to 

put them at ease. They also speak with them and 

their families after surgery. Joe and Elena Miller 

became certified visitors twelve years ago right 

after his open-heart surgery. Joe is now president 

of the local chapter while Elena serves as secretary. 

Theirs is a team effort. They visit patients and 

families together. On their visits Joe tells patients 

of his own personal experiences. Elena talks to the 

caregivers about her experiences while she cared 

for Joe after his surgery. Elena said preparing their 

meals around Joe’s diet makes her own eating 

healthier. She too stresses exercising for a healthier 

heart. She goes on to say;” It is rewarding to us 

members to give back what we received.” 


SWLA business 

“Building Wealth 

Through Tax Planning” 

By Kelly Love 

Manager – tax services 

J. Walker & Company, APC 

Accumulating assets is 

a lifelong process with 

many considerations 

and changes over time. 

Basic principles involve 

increasing income and 

reducing expenses. 

The following are 

some suggestions for 

reaching a more secure 

financial future. 

Make a budget that is 

reasonable and that you can 

live with, then stick to it. It 

will take modification, but the 

important thing is to begin. 

Start with the fixed items such 

as monthly income and set 

expenditures such as rent or a 

house payment. Next, review 

discretionary items that you 

have some control over. You 

may control and reduce your 

utility costs, dining out or the 

all-inclusive cable television 

package that you may not 

really use. Review your 

spending habits from your 

check book, bank and credit 

card statements to see your 

actual activities. Consider 

how you feel about those 

expenditures and adjust your 

lifestyle accordingly. 

It’s your life and your lifestyle, 

consider what is important to 

you. Reducing debt is better 

than increasing income. An 

increase in income involves 

paying taxes on that revenue. 

Reducing or paying off debt 

does not involve being taxed 

on the payment. Additional 

principal payments on your 

mortgage reduces the number 

of years that you are in debt 

and it saves on interest 

payments. Examine your 

mortgage, auto loan and other 

loan statements. The early 

years of the loan involve very 

large payments for interest and 

far less toward the principal. 

Simply put, the bank makes 

their money first. Paying down 

in the early years is far more 

productive than near the end 

of the term. A dollar saved is 

actually a dollar earned plus 

the taxes you would pay on 

that earned dollar. 

When you receive a raise or 

bonuses, consider saving them 

and living on your previous 

level of income. Living on 

your previous salary over 

the years can help attain a 

rather painless accumulation 

of wealth. Placing the 

new-found income into a 

retirement vehicle such as 

an IRA or employer matched 

plan is even more beneficial 

as it may offer tax savings as 

well. Compounding the effect 

of saving funds, tax benefits 

and a matching employer 

contribution is a great way to 

accelerate the accumulation 

process. 

Review your prior years income 

tax returns. Did you receive a 

large refund or owe taxes? 

A large refund may 

be nice, but you 

have really given 

the government an 

interest free loan to 

use your money during 

the year. 

Consider adjusting your 

withholding so that you do 

not owe taxes but also so that 

your refund is not too great. 

Looking back on last year is 

beneficial in planning for this 

Jonald J. Walker III, CPA, CGMA 

Kelly Love, CPA 

Ming Yang, CPA 

year particularly in the areas 

that you can control such as 

retirement plan contributions. 

Consider the way you 

think. Do you get excited 

over a 20% discount on a 

$50 expenditure? That’s a 

savings of $10. What about 

a 5% discount on $200? Not 

so much? It’s the same $10. 

Remember, you will never 

save money if spending it only 

for a discount. Consider the 

purchase for its own merits – 

were you going to make the 

purchase anyway? 

16 


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 

Lake Charles, LA 70605 

PHO SAIGON 

Qualify for up to $6000 

Refund Anticipation Loan 

FREE Consultation! 

Get $50 off tax 

preparation fees. 

Just mention that 

you saw us in 

THE VOICE! 

1802 Kirkman Street 


(337) 602-6299 

THE FOUNDATION HOUSE 

720 Enterprise Blvd. | Lake Charles, LA 70601 

 

'GO..Vote.. 

GROW!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIANETICS 



 

 

 


SWLA business 

Gardening 

Basic Principles of Life 

By Braylin Jenkins 

Paul Charles began as a child growing small 

gardens with his grandfather, which is where 

he developed his green thumb, learning how to 

grow and harvest a multitude of produce. 

Before you begin, Charles says, “Having a soil test 

known as the “pH” (a scale used in chemistry to 

represent acidic, basic or neutral nature of solutions) 

is most important to decide what will grow best with 

the soil you have.” The pH test can be done at your area 

agricultural center. 

High concentrations of nitrogen can alter growth 

depending on what you plant and the time of year. 

Personally, Charles avoids using heavy commercial 

fertilizer by using rabbit and chicken manure to stay as 

natural as possible. 

The primary thing to take into consideration when 

gardening after checking the soil is the weather. If 

it’s a rainy season it will be difficult to grow anything, 

however if there’s plenty of sun it’s ideal for your crops. 

Charles’ grandfather based his gardening on the moon 

and by seasons. 

Leafy vegetables like mustard greens, kale, collards, 

turnips etc. are best during the winter/fall phase. In 

spring you cultivate your ground around February and 

the season is great for underground vegetables like 

potatoes are best. Around Good Friday, Charles plants 

his okra, beans, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. 

Another factor to consider is the ground. If possible, 

organic gardening is the best way to go, the natural 

method of growing, without the use of chemicals. 

Charles encourages you to consider gardening. 

While gardening you have the opportunity to connect 

and communicate with God and nature, relieve stress, 

take your mind off any difficulties or challenges you 

may be facing, and it can also be a great opportunity 

to teach young people basic principles of life. 

18 


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1719 BROAD STREET • LAKE CHARLES, LA 


Peace from Pieces 

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

Licensed Professional Counselor 

LADIES: Is He Mr. Right 

or Mr. Right NOW? 

I am not single. I am not taken. I am simply on 

reserve for the one who deserves my heart. 

--ANON 

OK, so you are officially in the 

dating game, either as a firsttimer, 

or as a returnee. It feels 

both thrilling and terrifying at the same 

time, doesn’t it? If you are dipping your 

toe into the dating pool as a first timer, 

you probably have NO CLUE what to 

run towards and what to run from. If, 

however, you are just out of a marriage/ 

relationship, you probably have a more 

clear view of what you are looking for in 

a partner. You have been hurt, though, 

so it is likely that you no longer trust your 

intuition. Either way, you have decided 

to send out the casting call for “Mr. Right.” 

At worst, you get a sense of what “not my 

type” looks like, in the middle, you make 

a few good friends, and at best, you find 

the partner you have been looking for. 

BRACE YOURSELF… I promise you that 

this will be a total emotional roller 

coaster ride, complete with exhilarating 

hair-raising highs and painful stomachchurning 

lows. Is it worth all that? Well, 

since highs and lows are all part of 

tapestry of day-to-day existence anyway, 

wouldn’t it be awesome to have someone 

to partner with you through that 

amusement park ride called life? 

For a while, I recommend that you just 

jump in and enjoy the ride. Relax, have 

fun and savor every moment of the 

dating process until you finally meet 

someone that you enjoy being with. Over 

time, you go on dates, sit close, kiss, hold 

hands and one day it hits you: it’s time to 

decide whether this is someone that you 

want to have in your life over the longhaul, 

or whether this is just a time-filler. 

Remembering that the operative phrase 

here is “OVER TIME,” what is your answer 

to the question: Is he Mr. Right or Mr. 

Right NOW? 

ONE 

Mr. Right makes you feel indescribably 

giddy, fluttery and happy when you have 

contact with him. You miss him when you 

are not together, but still feel connected 

to him. You feel emotionally safe, even 

when he is not in your presence. 

Mr. Right Now makes you feel 

indescribably giddy, fluttery and happy 

when you have contact with him. You 

miss him when you are not together, but 

his absence makes you nervous. What is 

he doing? Who is he with? You do not feel 

emotionally safe. 

TWO 

Mr. Right hangs on to your every 

word. He remembers things that are 

important to you, your birthday, favorite 

movie, favorite food, etc. He is eager to 

learn more about you and what your 

life experiences have been. Likewise, 

he shares these same things with you, 

because he is equally eager for you to get 

to know him. 

Mr. Right Now hangs on to HIS every 

word. He wants to be sure that you 

remember HIS birthday, HIS favorite 

movie, HIS favorite food, etc. He is eager 

for you to hear about his life experiences. 

Does he ever ask you about your life, your 

interests, your passions and then LISTENS 

when you respond? 

THREE 

Mr. Right freely shares his future hopes 

and dreams with you. By doing that, 

he opens himself up to criticism and 

scrutiny but feels safe enough with you 

to do just that. In the same vein, he 

encourages you to share your hopes 

and dreams and sincerely cares about 

challenging you and supporting you in 

pursuing those dreams. 

Mr. Right Now does not even pursue any 

discussion of “future” with you. You have 

no real idea what direction he is heading 

in and likewise, he does not know where 

you are headed – because he has not 

asked. Is it possible to have a future with 

20 


someone without knowing whether he 

even has a direction? 

FOUR 

Mr. Right is the one person who can 

actually make you forget your ex. He 

does not make the experience disappear 

from your life, but Mr. Right can help 

you not give a damn who you were with 

before him. He can safely allow you to 

talk about your pain and help you work 

through the residual damage. The real 

plot twist here, is that he allows you to 

do the same for him. 

Mr. Right Now does not care about any 

previous pain you have endured. He does 

not want to hear about it. He is THE ONE 

in your life now and he is all that matters. 

You should be happy that you were lucky 

enough to find him because he, and only 

he, can protect you from life. 

FIVE 

Mr. Right is strong enough to take care 

of you emotionally, and loving enough 

to take care of you physically. This does 

not mean that you cannot take care 

of yourself, but a healthy relationship 

requires that you allow someone else 

in your personal space to support you 

in moments that you feel emotionally 

vulnerable or, are physically ill. You return 

the favor because he will allow you to 

support him emotionally and care for him 

when he is physically ill. 

Mr. Right Now is so needy that all 

you have time to do is take care of his 

feelings and his needs. Even if you start 

to express your emotional vulnerability, 

you will notice that, in short order, the 

conversation will circle back to how he 

feels and what he needs. He is not willing 

to defer his gratification long enough 

to truly care about your feelings or your 

needs. 

SIX 

Mr. Right initiates communication with 

you. It is not always your responsibility to 

start the conversation. If you do initiate, 

he takes time to respond even if he is 

busy. Sure there are jobs that do not 

allow time for long texts or conversations, 

but, in this techno age, it takes about 

a second to acknowledge you with an 

emoji. He does not leave you hanging 

all day and half the night. 

Mr. Right Now does not reach out 

to you. If you want to talk to him, 

you have to call. If you text him, 

he make or may not respond. If 

you find yourself in the middle 

of the endless loop of “why 

doesn’t he call >>>he’s too 

busy >>>why doesn’t he call 

>>>oh well he is busy,” my 

one word of advice is RUN! 

SEVEN 

Mr. Right lets you know how he feels. He 

is comfortable enough with his emotions 

to openly express them to you. There are 

no secrets and your gut feels calm and 

safe when you think of him. You know 

that you are in his heart and that you are 

an integral part of his life. You know his 

friends, his family and all the stories of 

his past. You fit…like pieces of a puzzle, 

you fit. 

Mr. Right Now treats you like his dirty 

little secret. You have never met his 

friends or family, and what do you really 

know about his past? You feel uneasy 

when you are together and sometimes 

even catch him sneaking a side glance at 

other women on the street. 

LADIES, this is not an exhaustive list 

but just a few things to watch for while 

looking for the right one to spend your 

life with. I am not trying to paint Mr. Right 

Now as a bad guy. Mr. Right Now for you 

may actually be the perfect Mr. Right for 

someone else. Also know that dating Mr. 

Right Now is not necessarily a bad thing 

and you may learn a thing or two from 

him. Remember, you gotta kiss a lot of 

toads until you find your prince. I wish 

you well and hope you find the great love 

of your life. 

Carra Sergeant, PhD, LPC 

PEACE FROM PIECES 

COUNSELING SERVICES 

For an appointment, call 

337-515-6716 

Website: peacefrompieces.net 


ADVENTURES of the Lake 

By Lela Gholar Tizano 

Seasons 

Change 

Ethel was tired! Changing bedpans, 

cleaning soiled linens, and dealing 

with some of the meanest patients 

at the nursing home had taken its toll on 

her. One of the meanest ever was Miss 

Rosie, at least that's what everyone called 

her. But it was something about Miss 

Rosie. In some strange way, Ethel felt a 

connection to her. On her lunch break, 

the two of them would sit on the patio, 

many times in complete silence. But on 

this particular day, Miss Rosie was very 

talkative. 

"It sure is a pretty day today don't you 

think, Miss Rosie?" Ethel asked cheerfully. 

"Season about to change," she 

responded. 

“Yeah, I think so,” Ethel said. 

"How long you planning on breaking 

your back here doing all this hard work?" 

she asked, as she changed the subject. 

"It's all I can do right now Miss Rosie. I 

want to go back to school and get my 

degree, but I don't have the money right 

now. Until something better comes 

along, you're stuck with me," Ethel 

answered with a smile. 

"Humph, if you ask me, I think you ought 

to get away from here as soon as you 

can," she mumbled. 

"Miss Rosie, you trying to get rid of me?" 

Ethel joked as she ran the brush through 

Miss Rosie's silky grey hair. 

Miss Rosie waved her hand like she was 

shooing an annoying bug,"ain't nobody 

trying to get rid of you.” She was too 

stubborn to admit she enjoyed Ethel’s 

company. She was the only one who ever 

visited. 

Later that night, Ethel sat at the foot of 

her bed and massaged her aching feet. 

She tossed and turned as Miss Rosie's 

advice rang in her ears. Every word she 

said was true, but the truth was not 

comfortable for Ethel. Going back to 

college would mean she would have to 

work all day and take classes at night. 

Her plate was already full being a single 

parent. Then there was the money, the 

biggest deal breaker of all. 

"That's it," Ethel said to herself, "there's no 

way, I can do it.” 

The next morning Ethel marched into 

Miss Rosie’s room to let her know that 

she would not be taking her advice. The 

room held an uncomfortable silence. 

Miss Rosie’s bed was stripped of its linen 

and her things were packed away in the 

corner. 

The nurse walked in with an envelope 

with Ethel’s name on it. “Miss Rosie 

passed away last night but she left this 

for you.” 

Ethel steadied herself with the arm of the 

chair and tried to gain her composure. 

Through tear filled eyes she opened the 

envelope. 

“Thank you for being so kind to me. Take 

this money and go to college like I told 

you,” Miss Rosie had written on a small 

slip of paper with a check inside. 

Ethel reflected on their last visit together. 

Truer words had never been spoken 

when Miss Rosie told her “season about 

to change.” 

That day Ethel’s season changed. Because 

of her encounter with a little old lady, 

she was able to go college and get her 

degree. She was forever grateful that she 

took the time to reach out to someone 

who needed a friend. 

22 


SWLA community event 

LC Community Band 

Spring Concert 

Legends Concert: 

The Music Makers 

Sunday, March 17 at 3 PM 

Trinity Baptist Church on 

Nelson Road 

Admission is FREE 

to the public 

The Spring 2019 concert will feature special guest, 

the Bayou Bell Ringers under the direction of Bruce 

Allured. They will perform "Allegro Giocoso" from 

"The Water Music" Suite composed by legendary Baroque 

composer George Fredrick Handel. Other performances by 

the Bayou Bell Ringers include "Hallelujah" by Leonard 

Cohen, "Stairway to Heaven" by Zeplin, and "Over the 

Rainbow" by Harold Alden and Chris Peck. 

As the concert will occur on St. Patrick's Day, guests can 

look forward to hearing a piece inspired by a British poet 

of Irish descent, "The Music Makers" by Alfred Reed. Some 

of the many other selections planned for the concert will 

include "The Golden Age of Broadway," "El Gato Montes 

(The Wildcat)," and "Into the Woods," which debuted on 

Broadway in 1987 and was released as a movie version by 

the Walt Disney Company in 2014. 

Next up on the calendar will be the "Catch-A Concert 

Series" every Monday in June and the "Red, White, Blue, 

and You" concert on July 4. 

The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, and related statutes, executive 

orders, and regulations in all programs and activities. The City operates without regard to race, color, national origin, income, gender, age, and disability. 

Any person who believes him/herself or any specific class of persons, to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI/Americans with 

Disabilities Act may by him/herself or by representative file a written complaint with the City of Lake Charles. The City's Title VI Coordinator/ADA 

Coordinator may be reached by phone at (337) 491-1440, the Mayor's Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department Head. 

City of Lake Charles, 326 Pujo Street, 900 Lakeshore Drive, 1001 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 


Q&A 

By 

Tonja Johnson Phillips, Make-Up Artist 

Who started with the practice of 

Q wearing makeup? 

ATonja: The originators of 

cosmetics would be the 

Egyptians. They applied eye makeup 

called Mesdement- a mixture of 

Copper and Lead Ore to put around the 

eyes. We have now evolved from that at 

this point with makeup. 

Tonja Johnson Phillips 

Make-Up Artist (MUA) 

“I enjoy going out and listening to live music with my 

husband in DC!!!! And I love to walk around downtown 

DC and look at all the beautiful monuments.” 

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana reached out to Tonja 

Johnson Philips, Make-Up Artist (MUA), and asked her 

questions about makeup, the beginning and to share tips for 

makeup as it pertains to Southwest Louisiana. 

Enjoy her responses to our questions, experience her 2019 Spring Faces by Tonja 

and view her short video. https://www.instagram.com/p/BKD1wgogOvL/?utm_ 

source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1lxwhxxli6uc2 

https://www.neatorama. 

com/2014/05/22/ Why Did Women 

Start Wearing Makeup? 

QAre there any health concerns 

about the long-term use of 

wearing makeup? 

ATonja: It is always best to properly 

remove your make up daily and 

follow up with your daily cleansing 

regiment for long lasting beautiful skin 

and drink lots of water. 

QHow do you maintain your 

health and professional look after 

growing up in Southwest Louisiana 

experiencing its flavors, seasonings and 

cuisine? 

ATonja: I try to exercise daily by 

walking and doing yoga at home. 

I also eat lots of fruits and vegetables 

with low carbs. And I try to live a vegan 

lifestyle 2 to 3 times a week. And I drink 

lots of water. 

QWould you get us ready for Spring 

fashion by sharing some makeup 

tips pertaining to our climate and 

culture in Southwest Louisiana? 

ATonja: For Spring Look 2019 

-The Look will be: Glowing and 

Dewey skin. Bronze cheeks, shades 

of pretty pastels on the eyes! Lips for 

the Spring will be a pop of color like 

electric Pinks, Rosie Reds, and vibrant 

Corals. With the climate in Southwest 

Louisiana less is more! Create a Healthy 

Even Glowing skin with a light to 

medium coverage foundation with a 

very good setting powder and setting 

spray! Groomed Brows are a must to 

Frame your Gorgeous Sun Kiss Face. 

Lashes or waterproof mascara as well 

as waterproof eyeliner! Put on popping 

lip and you’re ready to go!! 

24 


Before 

After 

Faces By Tonja Phillips 


SWLA nonprofit 

Black 

Heritage 

Festival 

Southeast 

Tourism 

Society Top 

20 Event 

Contributed Article 

The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) recently 

honored the Black Heritage Festival as a 2019 

Top 20 Event for the month of March. 

Celebrating diversity, culture and education, the festival 

kicks off on March 9 at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 

noon to 6 p.m. The event is filled with legendary Zydeco, 

Blues and Gospel performers, as well as The Market Place, 

featuring African art, clothing and more! Admission to the 

festival is free. On Sunday, “The Other Black History,” a play 

by Lake Charles native Flint Michell, will be performed at 

the Central School Arts & Humanities Center Benjamin 

Mount Theatre. The play will begin at 4 p.m. and tickets are 

$20 for adults and $15 for students. 

The Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors 

Bureau is a member of STS, an organization that 

promotes travel to and within the southeastern part of the 

United States. The bureau nominates all area fairs, festivals 

and events quarterly. The STS Top 20 Events marketing 

program highlights the “best of the best” from submitted 

entries. 

Events are selected from each of the following STS 

member states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, 

Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, 

Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The Top 20 Events 

publication is sent to over 1,600 newspapers, magazines, 

radio stations, TV stations, AAA publications and others. 

The combined circulation of organizations using the 

publication is well into the millions. Therefore, the 

potential media coverage of these events has made the 

Top 20 Events list a coveted honor. 

PHOTO: Left to Right: Evette Gradney, Vice Chairman of the Lake Charles/SWLA CVB 

Board, and Judith Washington, Executive Director of the Black Heritage Festival. 

For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest 

Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 436-9588 or 

visit www.visitlakecharles.org 

26 


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Tracy Clark, GENERAL MANAGER 

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Our Community Is 

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Still Listening… 

Brenda Hill, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

337.707.5564 CELL 

brenda@thevoiceofsouthwestla.com 

In the McNeese SEED Center 

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

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana March 2019 Issue

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