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2
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
february >> contents
departments
6
12
16
18
20
Groups
22
Education
24
Community
Sports
Pelicans Mediocrity Leaves Many
Questions Unanswered
Gardening
Gardenias Need Proper Care
in the Landscape
Health
Simulation May Harm People’s Attitudes
Toward Blindness; February is American
Heart Month
Terrytown Golden Agers Club;
The Republican Women of Louisiana
JPPSS Students Awarded Full Tuition
College Scholarships; Legislative Youth Advisory
Council Seeking New Membership; Academy of
Our Lady Spring Sports Pep Rally
Boomtown Casino Opens 150-Room Hotel;
50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrated;
4-Wheelers Causing West Bank Levee Damage;
Celebrate Mardi Gras With Romance
February 2015
Volume 6, Issue 9
Publisher
The West Bank Beacon
Managing Editor
Troy Broussard
Entertainment
Staff Writers
Upcoming JPAS Performances
Troy Broussard
Contributing Writers
David Heitmeier
Allen Owings
Marielle Songy
Ken Trahan
Associate Editor
Blair C. Constant
features
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
King Joe
©2015 The West Bank Beacon, LLC
All rights reserved.
4
8
9
11
The West Bank Beacon
2015 Jefferson Parish
Parade Calendar
pets
A Birthday Party for PAWS
West Bank Promotions
Company Bring National
Talent To New Orleans
Terrytown Spring Festival
Gears Up For MarcH
Terrytown Spring Festival
Gears Up For March
13
Veteran Co-working Space
and Business Accelerator
Launches in New Orleans
19
Plaquemines
21
23
Next Generation Cycling
Event In March
Temporary Bypass Channel Being Implemented
in Plaquemines Parish
JEDCO and Jefferson
Chamber Launch New
Business Seminar Series
536 Lafayette Street
Gretna, LA 70053
Email [email protected]
or visit www.wbbeacon.com
Send letters to the Editor to
[email protected]
www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
3
2015 Jefferson Parish
Parade Calendar
EAST BANK Pre-Carnival Season Parade
Little Rascals; Sunday, 2/1/15, 12:00 P.M., East Bank Route
WEST BANK Carnival Season Parade
Adonis; Saturday, 2/07/15, 11:45 A.M.
Come join the fun and listen to “Chicken on the Bone” perform between
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. before the Adonis parade passes on Carol Sue. They
will be performing in front of the Shell Gas Station on Carol Sue across
from the new Walgreens. EAST BANK Carnival Season Parades
Excalibur; Friday, 2/06/15, 7:00 P.M., East Bank Route
Athena; Friday, 2/06/15, 7:30 P.M. (Following Excalibur), East Bank Route
Caesar; Saturday, 2/07/15, 6:00 P.M., East Bank Route
Centurions; Friday, 2/13/15, 7:00 P.M., East Bank Route
Isis; Saturday, 2/14/15, 6:30 P.M., East Bank Route
Napoleon; Sunday, 2/15/15, 5:30 P.M., East Bank Route
Argus; Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day, 2/17/15, 10:00 A.M., East Bank Route
Elks; 2/17/15 (Following Argus), East Bank Route
Jefferson Trucks; 2/17/15 (Following Elks), East Bank Route
4
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
Come Celebrate Family Gras 2015
Family Gras 2015 will take place Friday, February 6th through Sunday,
February 8th on the neutral ground of Veterans Memorial Boulevard across
from Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie. It’s an ideal location to see
the pageantry of Carnival and enjoy the outdoor concerts with live music
on the Festival Plaza Main Stage by national artists and Louisiana’s own.
All are encouraged to come out and enjoy the free concerts, the Fabulous
Flambeau Court and Beverage Zones, kid-friendly activities, Art Walk and
more. Costuming is encouraged on Fun Friday by wearing your carnival
colors, and on Sports Saturday by wearing your favorite team colors.
If you prefer an “up close & personal” experience with backstage access
and premium stage viewing, access to VIP food and beverage, the VIP
Royal Pass is available annually for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com.
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
5
Contributing Writer
Ken Trahan
>> sports
Pelicans Mediocrity
Leaves Many Questions
Unanswered
W
hat a road trip! The Pelicans recently lost to three bad teams in Boston, Philadelphia and New York in the midst of a five-game trip. The
record combined of those three juggernauts is 27-95. New Orleans
somehow won at Toronto, who is 26-14 and beat Detroit, who had won 9-of10 games. The Knicks had lost 16 straight games. That ignominious streak
is over after a 99-92 win over the Pelicans on Martin Luther King Day.
The Pelicans reached the halfway mark of the season 20-21 and 10th in
the Western Conference. With Kevin Durant now healthy, they are likely
looking up at Oklahoma City (ninth) the rest of the way. Phoenix
(eighth) is clear of New Orleans. They will not catch San Antonio
or anyone else in the loaded conference.
This team has not been more than two
games over .500 or two games under
.500. Halfway through the season,
their longest win streak was two
games. It simply does not matter
who the Pelicans are playing. They
play to the level of the opponent,
maddeningly inconsistent. Is it talent, injuries or coaching?
The answer is all three. There is talent but it is not top-level talent. There are
injuries but everyone deals with injuries. Is
Monty Williams getting the best out this team?
There are ready-made excuses but excuses, as you
already know, are for losers.
Those excuses are ready-made.
The Pelicans were playing the second of a back-to-back in
New York. They were playing without perhaps their two best players. New Orleans played slow. New York played harder. The Pelicans had
just 13 assists on 35 made shots. They seemed to forget what the pick-and
roll is. The excuse of being without Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday would
have more credence if the Pelicans had not beaten Detroit and Toronto
without the duo. It rings a bit hollow.
At Madison Square Garden, New Orleans defended poorly. Baton Rouge
native Langston Galloway of Christian Life Academy, on a second 10-day
contract and trying to stick around, got his first NBA start and scored
21 points. The Pelicans lost to a team with Jason Smith, Lou Amundson
and Lance Thomas, rubbing ointment into to the open wound. It burns.
It should. The Knicks were 3-17 at home, including 1-15 against Western
Conference opponents. They were 5-36, worst in the league.
In the NBA, every team has stars who miss games. Rosters must be
built to withstand those setbacks, at least when you are facing bad teams.
Everyone must play back-to-backs.
Williams has stated more than once that he has to do a better job and
said after the disastrous loss to the Knicks that he is doing plenty of selfevaluation. Will he get the opportunity? Keep in mind that he is five years
in, a long stint by any stretch in the NBA, particularly when you are not
winning. The same is true of Dell Demps.
Jrue Holiday has missed 52 of 123 games since he has been in New
Orleans. Eric Gordon played well in New York but has missed 153 of 287
games in his four seasons in New Orleans. Ryan Anderson has missed
61 of 203 games. When three of your key pieces cannot get on the floor
enough, your investments dwindle while losses on the floor and at the
pay station increase.
6
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
Tyreke Evans is a nice second or third option when he shares the ball,
not so much when he doesn’t. Anderson has floundered in his last three
games, Anderson has made just 9-of-39 shots (23%) and just 6-of-24 (25%)
from 3-point range. In his last eight games, Anderson is just 31-of-96 (32%)
from the field, including 17-of-49 (34%) from 3-point range.
Due to injuries and a lack of consistency, Williams has been unable
to settle on a consistent rotation, unable to figure out who his best
bench players are.
New Orleans is just 10-7 against sub-.500 teams and that is not good
enough to be a playoff team. Losing at Boston was not good.
Losing at Philadelphia was bad. Losing to a Knicks
team that had lost 16 straight was just awful.
Williams hit the halfway mark 148-205
in his five seasons (42% win percentage). He enjoyed a winning season
and playoff appearance in his first
season with Chris Paul and David
West on board. Since then, the Pelicans have finished dead last in the
ultra-tough Southwest Division three
straight seasons and appear headed
there again this season.
Can Demps and Williams turn things around?
Can they have success in New Orleans? Will they
be allowed to continue much longer? If you make a
change in mid-season, who do you promote or bring in?
Will it make you any better? Are Joe Dumars, who has been
around quite a bit this season and Avery Johnson, a friend of
the Saints’ organization, options?
The brain trust, including Tom Benson, Mickey Loomis and Dennis
Lauscha, must make that call. They have always liked Williams. We are
getting closer to finding out how much they like Williams and Demps,
for that matter.
Ken Trahan serves as sports director of WGSO 990 AM/WGSO.com and
is president and general manager of Sportsnola.com. Trahan is the also
the general manager and chairman of the board of the Saints Hall of
Fame Museum in the Louisiana Superdome, and runs the Life Resources
Sports Ministry.
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
7
>> pets
A Birthday Party for
B
ring on the party hats and cupcakes…Pawdi Gras turns 10! This year’s
parade will roll with a birthday party theme through the streets of
Belle Chasse on Saturday, February 21, at 8018 Highway 23. Party hats
be plentiful with beads and biscuits flying!
Something for pets and people alike, the 2015 Pawdi Gras festivities
will include event contests as well as food, beverage, craft and service
vendors. Led by 2015 Celebrity Grand Marshall, Angela Hill (WWL radio
personality), this favorite West Bank Mardi Gras parade starts at Regions
Bank and rolls through Belle Chasse featuring the parade King & Queen
and their Royal Court. What better way to support the animals of PAWS
than in celebration!
Parade Schedule:
Check-in – 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Best Costume & Best Float Contest – 12:00 noon
Announcement of Winners – 12:15 p.m.
Crowning of Pawdi Gras 2014
King and Queen – 12:30 p.m.
Parade Immediately Follows
To participate, contact PAWS
at 468-7069 or visit their website
at www.paws4life.org.
Dine In • Carryout • Party Tray
Open 7 Days a Week:
Monday • Lunch: Closed | Dinner: 5pm-10pm
Tuesday – Thursday • 11am-10pm
Friday • 11am-11pm
Saturday • 12pm-11pm
Sunday • 12pm-10pm
Please order by number and 30 minutes before closing time.
1130 Behrman Hwy. Gretna, LA 70056
Tel: (504) 394-2820 Fax: (504) 393-6547
8
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
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Contributing Writer
Marielle Songy
West Bank Promotions
Company Bring National
Talent To New Orleans
O
ne thing that I love about New Orleans is
live music. We have music and bands of all
types around here and they all contribute to
the diverse culture of our city. Another thing that
makes this city tick is our ability to host a party and
that’s why I was so excited to meet Judy Sullivan
and Wynonia Lazaro of Hurricane Promotions.
Hurricane Promotions is a company with the
mission to promote high quality musical entertainment while fundraising for the community.
Their goal is to bring professional productions to
New Orleans and promote national acts through
passion and fun. Judy and Wynonia have been
in the planning business for a long time. Friends
for over 45 years, they have always been involved
in many community activities and always enjoy
contributing to the community. Their passion for
giving back is what led to the start of Hurricane
Promotions and they are excited about welcoming
large musical acts to New Orleans and having fun
while doing so. Judy and Wynonia have worked
together on many fundraising activities for nonprofit organizations such as I Can Help, which
was the non-profit organization for Drug Court in
Jefferson Parish, Boys and Girls Club, and Pace Pew
to Do, which is an affiliated ministry of Catholic
Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. They have
also worked together on the Gretna Heritage Festival for several years.
On March 27th, Hurricane Promotions is
excited to welcome The Midtown Men to the
Mahalia Jackson Theater at 1419 Basin St., in New
Orleans, at 7:00pm. This unique musical group,
comprised of four original members of the cast
of Broadway’s Jersey Boys, brings to life the hits
of the sixties. They are in their 5th national tour
bringing their magic to audiences everywhere,
singing their favorite “Sixties Hits”, featuring
songs by The Four Seasons, The Beatles, The
The 2015 Midtown Men Launch Party in New York. From
left to right: Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Hurricane
Promotions President Judy Sullivan, Sue Vacarro, Wynonia
Lazaro, Hurricane Promotions CEO and Broadway star
Michael Longoria.
Rascals, The Turtles, Motown hits and more. The
production reunites Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and
Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer for a
one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the
music that defined an era.
Yat Pack delivers diversity, style and class through
their unique sound.
On Sunday January 11th, Judy and Wynonia flew
to New York City in order to attend an intimate
concert/cocktail party celebrating the launch of
The Midtown Men’s new Live in Concert album and
National Public Television Special and a preview
of their upcoming 2015 tour. The party was well
attended not only by celebrities, but by fans from
all over the country.
A portion of the proceeds from the performance of The Yat Pack and The Midtown Men on
March 27th will benefit Team Gleason, a charity
whose goal is to help provide individuals with
neuromuscular diseases or injuries with leading edge technology, equipment and services.
Team Gleason has also been key in creating a
global conversation about ALS and raising public
awareness of ALS by providing and documenting
extraordinary life adventures for individuals with
muscular diseases or injuries. Hurricane Promotions is proud to raise money for this worthy cause.
Adding to the excitement of what is already going
to be a fun and amazing night of music is The Yat
Pack, New Orleans’ own band modeled on the
sixties swing era. They perform classic big band
numbers by Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, and Dean
Martin, as well as the music of contemporary artists such as Michael Bublé, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker
and Harry Connick, Jr. Wherever they perform, The
Tickets to the show are available through Ticketmaster and range from $50-$100. To learn more
about The Midtown Men, please visit their website
at www.themidtownmen.com. More information
about The Yat Pack can be found at www.theyatpack.com and to stay up to date on what Hurricane
Promotions has planned next, visit their website
at www.hurricanepromotions.net.
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
9
2015 Musical Lineup
AT OAKWOOD CENTER
FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH
6PM-7PM
ANDY HYMEL
7PM-8:30PM
TRICKS
8:30PM-10PM
ZEBRA
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST
THE JOEY THOMAS BAND 2PM-4PM
THE TOPCATS
4PM-5:30PM
CHICKEN ON THE BONE
THE CHEE-WEEZ
LOVERBOY
5:30PM-7PM
7PM-8:30PM
8:30PM-10PM
SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND
2PM-4PM
UNDER REVIEW
4PM-6PM
AMANDA SHAW
6PM-7:30PM
7:30PM-9PM
10
BAG OF DONUTS
COWBOY MOUTH
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
Terrytown Spring Festival Gears
Up For March
B
By Marielle Songy
elieve it or not, Spring is quickly approaching, and what better way
to celebrate the warmer weather than with a festival! The 4th annual
Terrytown Spring Festival will be taking place on March 20th, 21st
and 22nd at the Oakwood Center, 197 Westbank Expressway in Terrytown.
With an array of live music, food, rides and games, it’s sure to be a wonderful time for the entire family and a chance to catch up with friends.
One of the best parts of the Terrytown Spring Festival is the amazing
bands that come to perform live. This year the lineup is proving to be
pretty spectacular. The headlining acts will be announced soon, but in
the meantime, you can look forward to seeing The Tricks Band playing
on Friday, March 20th from 7 p.m. to 8:30. On Saturday March 21st, Joey
Thomas will play from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Top Cats will play from 4 p.m. to
5:30 p.m., Chicken on the Bone will play from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Chee
Weez will play from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a yet to be announced headline will play from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.. On Sunday March 23rd, come out
and enjoy the music of Under Review from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Amanda Shaw
from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Bag of Donuts from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a yet to
be announced headliner will play from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. With so many
amazing musical acts you, your friends and family are sure to have a great
time partying and dancing the day (and night) away.
This year, food venders from all over will be offering delicious things to eat
as you enjoy the festivities. Cuco’s will be offering pulled pork sandwiches,
nachos and burritos. Terrytown American Legion will be serving up red
beans and rice. You will be enjoying soft shell po-boys, rib eye po-boys,
chicken on a stick, and funnel cakes, courtesy of Big Will and the Warden.
Others restaurants such as Chopstix Bistreaux Asian Cuisine, Cane’s, Cajun
Corner Seafood and many others will have delectable food for you to enjoy.
If you are in the mood for some fun and games, there will be plenty of
activities that will keep the kids busy for hours. Mitchell Bros. and sons
will be providing rides galore that adults and little ones alike are sure to
enjoy. Vendors will be out and selling their wares, so be sure to stop over
and check out the lovely arts and crafts, as well as the jewelry and the
delightful homemade items being sold.
With amazing music, food, fun and games, Terrytown Spring Festival is
one of the best ways to kick off the spring season. Please join us on March
20th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., March 21st from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and March
22nd from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a family fest that you won’t soon forget.
Tickets are $8 per day for adults and free for kids 10 and under. A pass for
all three days is $20 and does not include ride wrist bands. For more info
on the fest, please call 361-6013 or visit the Terrytown Spring Fest website
at www.terrytownfestival.com.
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
11
>> gardening
Gardenias Need Proper Care
in the Landscape
By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist
O
ne of the most widely planted landscape shrubs in Louisiana is the
gardenia. Many times from the late fall through winter, you may see
gardenias with yellow foliage and “poor-looking” growth. This is more
of an “end-of-the-growing-season” look when old leaves are being lost and
new foliage is preparing for spring emergence.
However, you should consider these key factors to optimize the appearance of your gardenias.
Gardenias occasionally are prone to disease problems. This is typically due to improper or poor management practices in the landscape. A
planting may do very well the first year with no plants being lost. Or the
opposite might happen – a planting may do poorly with all plants being
lost. Sometimes a few plants in a grouping die each year; thus, after two
to four years, you have no living plants remaining.
Here are a few points for improving gardenia performance:
Soil pH is an important consideration for all gardenias. The recommended
soil pH is 5.0-5.5. This is considered moderately to strongly acid. Adverse
nutrient availability and root growth problems occur when soil pH climbs
above 6.0 and become a major problem at soil pH above 6.5.
Landscape plantings of gardenias in the late fall and winter may appear less vigorous
and poorer growing than in spring and summer. (Photo by Allen Owings)
Proper bed preparation with good drainage is needed when planting
gardenias. Improving internal drainage and constructing raised beds
are always necessary when planting in Louisiana. Root rots will occur
if irrigation is not properly managed or adequate bed preparation or soil
drainage is not provided.
Monitor planting depth when adding gardenias to the landscape. Be
careful about piling mulch around the base of the stems, which simulates
planting too deep. The root ball should be a little higher than the soil line
when planted in the ground. Allow for soil settling.
Managing irrigation properly is important in all landscape beds, but
it is critical for gardenias and azaleas. Not too wet; not too dry – that’s
what’s needed. Soil moisture uniformity is best. Sometimes this is hard to
achieve during wet winters and dry summers. A slightly stressed gardenia
will decline rapidly when overwatered. Watering once a week during late
spring through mid-fall should be sufficient if rainfall is lacking.
Fertilization is required for good gardenia growth. Plants need nitrogen,
and iron is a requirement because these are acid soil loving plants. Gardenias need a moderate amount of nitrogen fertilizer but can be harmed
when nitrogen is applied excessively, so apply a slow-release fertilizer
shortly after spring bloom. This should handle nitrogen needs for that
growing season. Foliar or soil applications of fertilizer with iron, such as
Ironite, can help prevent yellowing of leaves – known as interveinal chlorosis – and other nutrient deficiencies caused by high soil pH, especially
with dwarf gardenias.
Recommended gardenia varieties for Louisiana landscapes include the
widely popular Louisiana Super Plant FrostProof and the well-known Daisy
and August Beauty varieties. Others include new varieties like Jubilation
and Scentsation, both of which are included in the Southern Living Plant
Collection. These are good plants to start with if you’re considering gardenias for your landscape.
You can see more about work being done in landscape horticulture by
visiting the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station website at www.
lsuagcenter.com/hammond.
12
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
Veteran Co-working Space and Business
Accelerator Launches in New Orleans
L
ast month, The Landing Zone New Orleans
unveiled its new co-working space and business incubator exclusively for United States
veterans. Landing Zone is located at 625 Celeste
Street in New Orleans.
The Landing Zone will be the only collaborative
workspace in New Orleans to specifically target
U.S. military veterans. The space is designed to
foster the camaraderie that veterans miss when
they leave the service. Committed to building
from their shared experience, the Landing Zone
will serve as a co-working facility where veterans
network and more importantly, work together in
planning and developing successful businesses.
Located in a recently renovated historic warehouse in New Orleans’ lower Garden District, The
Landing Zone will include a variety of office rental
packages for veteran members and also feature
five communal areas with amenities including a
complete kitchen and a fully equipped workout
gym -- all with the intent to help sustain New
Orleans’ community of veteran entrepreneurs.
The Landing Zone will also be home to VetLaunch, a New Orleans-based 501c3 nonprofit
organization devoted to providing resources to
veterans to help them effectively adjust from military service back to civilian life. In January 2015,
the nonprofit will launch its inaugural business
accelerator program. The program helps veterans
harness their military leadership experience as
a resource for creating sound business start-ups.
The Idea Village is working with VetLaunch on
the accelerator program, which will culminate
during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW)
in March 2015.
“My military experience taught me the fundamentals necessary to build a successful business,”
said Robert Armbruster, retired United States
Marine Corps Captain and founder of VetLaunch
and The Landing Zone. “Thanks to the support
from Idea Village, the VetLaunch accelerator will
help other veterans learn how to leverage their
military backgrounds in order to launch viable
ventures right here at home in New Orleans.”
The VetLaunch Accelerator program will provide strategic consulting, mentorship, capital
access, and peer networking opportunities to five
selected veteran entrepreneurs. Each participating veteran will meet weekly with a dedicated
“Entrepreneur-in-Residence,” who will help
them hone their business model, and navigate a
curated network of business owners and start-up
experts. The program will conclude with a pitch
competition at NOEW, and each entrepreneur
will present their venture to a panel of business
experts for possible seed capital and complimentary office space at The Landing Zone.
For more information on the program, visit
their website at www.vetlaunch.org
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
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14
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
15
U
Contributing Writer
Dr. David Heitmeier
>> health
Simulation May
Harm People’s Attitudes
Toward Blindness
sing simulation to walk in the shoes of a person who is blind -- such as
wearing a blindfold while performing everyday tasks -- has negative
effects on people’s perceptions of the visually impaired, according to a
University of Colorado Boulder study.
“When people think about what it would be like to be blind, they take from
their own brief and relatively superficial experience and imagine it would be
really, really terrible and that they wouldn’t be able to function well,” said
Arielle Silverman, who is lead author of the paper and blind. She conducted
the research as part of her doctoral dissertation in CU-Boulder’s Department
of Psychology and Neuroscience and now is a postdoctoral researcher at the
University of Washington in Seattle.
In one part of the study, after simulating blindness by having their eyes
covered, participants believed people who are blind are less capable of work
and independent living than did participants who simulated other impairments like amputation, or had no impairment.
room or down a hallway; figuring out that a water pitcher they were given had
a closed spout, opening it and then filling a glass as full as possible without
overflowing; and sorting coins into groups of common denominations.
In another part of the study, participants who were blindfolded said they
would be less capable if they personally became blind and slower to adjust to
their new world compared with study participants who weren’t blindfolded.
Afterward, all of the participants, some of whom were not blindfolded or
had different impairments, completed questionnaires asking about their
competency perceptions of blind people as well as themselves if they were
to become blind.
The findings, published online in Social Psychological and Personality
Science, demonstrate the self-centered nature with which people reflect on
other’s difficulties.
Jason Gwinn, also a CU-Boulder doctoral student in psychology at the time
of the study, and Leaf Van Boven, professor of psychology at CU-Boulder, coauthored the paper.
The findings also show that blindness simulations -- typically meant to be
bridge-builders resulting in compassion and understanding -- can sometimes
harm rather than help attitudes.
A blindness simulation that might improve people’s attitudes would go
further than the typical activity and teach people good strategies for adapting to blindness, said Silverman. Developing friendships with people with
disabilities and in other underrepresented groups, perhaps through teambuilding exercises, also is a good strategy, she said.
Silverman became interested in studying the effects of blindness simulations in part because of her own interactions with strangers enthusiastically
wanting to help her navigate her way across a street, for example.
“I noticed and wondered why people who’ve never met a blind person before
seem to intuitively have good attitudes toward blind people and people who
tell me they have interacted with a blind person before tend to seem more
condescending,” she said.
Blindness simulations are often used to train teachers and professionals in
other fields who are preparing to work with people with visual impairments.
There also are variations on blindness simulations -- activities that are
implemented with good intentions but that can exploit blindness, said Silverman. These include trust walks -- typically used as a group bonding exercise
-- and blind cafes, where diners are blindfolded and dine in the dark.
More than 100 undergraduate CU-Boulder students participated in the study,
some of whom were blindfolded and performed tasks like walking across a
16
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
Another important consideration when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of simulations is the fact that the built world and social environments
are not designed for people with disabilities.
“A lot of the disability that I experience has nothing to do with not being
able to see,” said Silverman. “Instead, it’s because I can’t access something
like a poorly designed website, for example.
“So if there’s a way for simulations to capture how much difficulty is caused
by the social environment and the built world, this could improve attitudes
and help people understand that those with disabilities are just as competent
as they are.”
The preceding article, brought to you by Dr. David Heitmeier, was adapted
from a news release. For further questions please contact Heitmeier, Armani,
Langhetee and Cangelosi Medical and Surgical Eyecare at (504) 368-7081.
health <<
February is American Heart Month
C
ardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation’s No. 1 killer.
To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963
Congress has required the president to proclaim February “American
Heart Month.” (Note this is not “Heart Month” or “National Heart Month.”)
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense—the “movie heart attack,”
where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly,
with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s
wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean
a heart attack is happening:
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.
Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they
arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car.
EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped.
Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster
treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to
the emergency room.
From www.americanheart.org.
• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of
the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes
back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include
pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat,
nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest
pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to
experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness
of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart
attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes
matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than
five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
17
>> entertainment
Upcoming JPAS
Performances
Ain’t Got No Home
Performance Dates: February 6-8, 2015, at
Teatro Wego! 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego.
The story continues...What happens to the
characters you loved from Blueberry Hill? Do
Cos and Josie get back together? Do Johnny
and Claudia get married, or does April find
a way to stop it? Does Donald finally settle
down? Does Allee still despise her motherin-law? All we know for sure is that whatever
happens, it’s accompanied by more of the best
classic songs from the New Orleans jukebox.
Sex Please, We’re Sixty
Performance Date: February 27th-March 15th at Teatro Wego! 177 Sala
Avenue in Westwego.
Mrs. Stancliffe’s Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many
years. Guest (nearly all women) return year after year. Her next-door neighbor,
the silver-tongued Bud Davis believes that they return to spend time with
“Bud the Stud” in romantic liaisons. The prim and proper Mrs. Stancliffe, of
course, steadfastly denies this. Her other neighbor, Henry Mitchell, a retired
chemist, has developed a little blue pill patented under the name “Venusia”
after Venus, the goddess of love, to increase the libido in menopausal women,
specifically Mrs. Stancliffe. The only problem is he doesn’t know if it works or
not. Bud, inadvertently gets his hands on some of the “Venusia” pills and the
fun begins as the guests arrive.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit jpas.ticketforce.com.
Have a Safe
& Happy
Mardi Gras!
18
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
plaquemines <<
Temporary
Bypass Channel
Being Implemented in
Plaquemines Parish
T
he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, and its contractors are implementing a temporary bypass channel in Empire,
Louisiana. The current waterway will be closed to boat traffic for the
construction of the new Empire Floodgate. This project is a part of the New
Orleans to Venice (NOV), Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction
System (HSDRRS).
On January 13, 2015, a temporary bypass channel in the Doullet Canal
opened for use while the new Empire Floodgate is being constructed.
Boat traffic will need to use this canal for the duration on the floodgate
construction, which will last until fall 2017. The temporary channel will
be marked with temporary buoys.
The beginning and ending
coordinates of the temporary
bypass channel are:
89 36 7.62 W
29 22 41.22 N
89 36 6.0 W
29 22 30.84 N
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
19
>> groups
Terrytown Golden
Agers Club
T
he Terrytown Golden Agers Club recently celebrated January Birthdays
for Betty Vaught, Jean Honold, Earl Hemenway, and Margie Falcone,
who celebrated her 90th Birthday. Joining the birthday celebration was
JPRD Supervisor, Garry Vedros. All enjoyed ice cream and cake, socializing and playing bingo.
Membership to the club is open to seniors who are residents of Jefferson
Parish. Meetings are held on Thursdays at 12:30 pm. at the Senior Center
on Heritage next to the library.
The Republican
Women of Louisiana
T
he Republican Women of Louisiana held their first meeting of
the year at the Royal Palm in Harvey. Plaquemines Parish Clerk
of Court and RWL member, Dot Lundin, swore in the officers for
2015. President, Marisol Tucker, 1st Vice-President, Irene Burrus, 2nd
Vice-President, Heidi Nungesser Landry and Secretary, Nancy Wolfe.
They were pleased to welcome their guest speaker, Commander Shawn
Ferguson, NOPD 4th District. The Republican Women of Louisiana
is open to all interested Republicans. For more information, contact
Heidi Nungesser Landry at 874-6141.
20
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
Next Generation Cycling
Event In March
N
ext Generation, a 501(c)3 organization that
serves more than 4,000 students through
student-led moral character clubs in local
schools, began over twenty years ago with the
goal of assisting schools in teaching students how
to cultivate good moral standards and how to
develop strong character. Their motto is “Change
the campus, change the culture”.
On March 14th, Next Generation will hold a
half century ride called the Next Gen Spin along
the south shore lakefront. “The proceeds from
the ride will support Next Generation’s efforts to
make a big difference in the lives of young people
in our local schools,” said organization leader
David Hassenboehler. “As such, I would very
much appreciate if you would save the date and
also seriously consider taking part in this great
event on March 14th. I am certain that it will be
a great time and will at the same time support a
great purpose in our community.”
Registration information can be found at http://
nextgenclubs.com/spin. The registration fee is $50
for the ride, and Next Generation is asking for
each rider to raise an additional $100 in sponsorships. If you have any questions, please email
the organization at [email protected].
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www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
21
>> education
JPPSS Students Awarded Full Tuition
College Scholarships
E
ight students from the Jefferson
Parish Public School System (JPPSS)
have been awarded four-year, full
tuition scholarships from The Posse
Foundation, including students from
Helen Cox High School, Haynes Academy
for Advanced Studies, L.W. Higgins High School, Riverdale High School,
and Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy.
“We are so excited that these eight students have been recognized for
their hard work and their accomplishments,” said Superintendent James
Meza, Jr. “It’s a huge honor to be selected as a Posse Scholar, and I congratulate not only the selected students, but also their families, teachers and
counselors, and school staff for supporting and nurturing these students’
drive for excellence.”
The Posse Foundation gives extraordinary high school students who may
be overlooked by the traditional college selection processes the resources
and the support needed to complete a four-year degree at partner universities. Posse Scholars are nominated by their high schools in their senior year
T
for their leadership in the school and the community, their academic commitment, and their overall motivation to succeed. The nominees undergo a
rigorous selections process conducted by both Posse staff and their partner
universities before being selected for the merit-based scholarship.
The newest Posse Scholars from JPPSS selected to attend Bard College in
Annandale-on-Hudson in New York are: Saul Amezcua, Helen Cox High
School, and Jazlyn Johnson, Thomas Jefferson High School.
The Scholars attending Tulane University in New Orleans are: Younes
Boulares, Haynes Academy; Keristen Edwards, Riverdale High School;
Sydney Monix, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, and; Bilal
Sarmini, Thomas Jefferson High School.
Gabrielle DeRoche from L.W. Higgins High School and Edward
Scott from Helen Cox High School are part of the inaugural Posse
cohort from the New Orleans area that is headed to Grinnell College
in Grinnell, Iowa.
For more information on The Posse Foundation, visit
www.possefoundation.org.
Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Seeking New Membership
he Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is now accepting applications for membership from high school students who have
an interest in representing the voices of other young people around
the state. LYAC is a yearly-appointed body composed entirely of students
who work to address issues affecting the youth of Louisiana.
State lawmakers created LYAC in state law during the 2007 Regular Session. Its purpose is to facilitate the communication between youth and the
legislature and to give students a unique opportunity to be involved in the
workings of state government. The council studies and addresses issues
of importance to young people, including education, community service,
employment, strategies to increase youth participation in government, safe
environments for youth, substance abuse, underage drinking, and youth
health and physical fitness, as well as other issues.
The deadline for applications is March 15, 2015. Applicants may apply
online or complete the PDF application and mail it to the address listed
on the application. Both applications may be accessed at http://civiced.
louisiana.gov. The 2015-2016 Legislative Youth Advisory Council will begin
its work in July at the State Capitol. For additional information regarding
the Council’s activities, call 225-342-2425.
Members of the council are selected from a wide pool of applicants from
around the state who display a strong interest in civic involvement. The
21-member body includes two student members selected from each of the
congressional districts and at-large members. Applicants must be between
the ages of 14 and 19 and enrolled in a public or private high school, home
school, or a GED skills program during the 2015-2016 school year.
Academy of Our Lady
Spring Sports Pep Rally
A
cademy of Our Lady recently held its
annual spring sports pep rally. Student
athletes were given patches to attach
to their athletic jackets for superior performances. Patches were given at this pep rally
for the 2014 athletic season.
Caitlyn Callais of Marrero received a
bowling patch for being a member of the
2014 District Champion team.
22
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
JEDCO and Jefferson Chamber Launch
New Business Seminar Series
T
he Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) has
partnered with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce to host a new educational seminar series for small businesses in 2015. The program, entitled
“Prosper Jefferson,” was created to assist small business owners in reaching
the next level of success in Jefferson Parish.
Over the next year, the two organizations will host 10 Prosper Jefferson
seminars, featuring speakers from the Greater New Orleans business community. Each event will highlight a new informational topic to assist our local
businesses in achieving their goals for growth, including: Business Valuation;
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch ; Social Media Marketing; Emergency Preparedness; Technology to support efficiency and growth in your business; Human
Resources; Branding; Business Financing; PR & Media Relations and Sales.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Jefferson Chamber to offer this new
event series,” says Jerry Bologna, JEDCO’s executive director. “Through this
educational programming, we’re offering our local businesses an opportunity
to gather new information that will help them thrive in Jefferson Parish. We
believe this strategic partnership will help bring this type of high-quality
programming to a greater audience. We look forward to working with the
Chamber to help our small businesses find success locally this year.”
“Nearly 2/3 of Jefferson Parish’s 18,000 businesses are considered small,”
says Jefferson Chamber President, Todd Murphy. “This collaboration with
JEDCO to bring valued educational resources to the lifeblood of our business
community is just another way the Jefferson Chamber brings value to the
business community.”
The Prosper Jefferson seminars replace the “Grow with JEDCO” and “Stayin’
Alive” seminar series. Events will rotate between the brand new JEDCO Conference Center in the Churchill Technology and Business Park on the West
Bank or the East Bank Regional Library.
The next event, How to give a good presentation/Your Elevator Speech will
be held on February 25, 2015 at the JEDCO Conference Center, 700 Churchill
Parkway in Avondale. For more information, visit www.jedco.org.
www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
23
>> community
B
Boomtown Casino Opens
150-Room Hotel
oomtown Casino New Orleans, a Pinnacle
Entertainment, Inc. property opened its $20
million hotel on January 21, 2015, with 150
rooms and enhanced amenities. The five-story
hotel features 17 suites, state-of-the-art fitness and
business centers, and expanded parking.
The hotel offers new meeting space with extensive catering options and complimentary WiFi,
including an Executive Boardroom and three new
meeting rooms, each seating up to 50.
“This is an exciting day for the Boomtown New
Orleans team and the West Bank community as we
open our brand new hotel. We will be able to better
serve our guests with new offerings and attract new
visitors and business travelers in the region,” said
Boomtown Vice President and General Manager
Harold Rowland. He adds, “The hotel addition and
expanded amenities provide an enhancement to
the experience of Boomtown Casino.”
“For nearly twenty years, Boomtown has been
a partner to the West Bank by supporting nonprofit organizations and hosting special events at
their facility. Well supported by our community,
Boomtown has strengthened their commitment
by investing over $20 million into the West Bank
to build a 150-room hotel, a venture that will
create nearly 40 new jobs,” said Jefferson Parish
Councilman Ricky Templet. He adds, “We look
forward to our continued partnership with Boomtown and their ongoing commitment to the West
Bank and Jefferson Parish.
50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrated
J
ohn and Rose Marie Meehan of New Orleans recently celebrated their
50th Wedding Anniversary. A reception was held at Chateau Country
Club, hosted with the couple’s children and their spouses, Erin Meehan,
Covington, Vlaho and Robin Meehan Mjehovich, Metairie and Mike and
Marissa Meehan Prejean, Lafayette. Their seven grandchildren, John-David,
and Alexandra Rasco, Graeme and Cole Mjehovich, and Brooks, Walker and
Michael Prejean were on hand to celebrate.
The couple renewed their vows; Father Harry Bulger officiated. The celebration included attendance of the original Maid Of Honor, Judith Fath Brown
and two of the groomsmen, Edward Brauner and Robert Guercio.
The cake topper of the bride and groom was the original one from the couple’s
wedding cake. The veil worn by Rose Marie was also from their wedding.
There was a photo booth where guests were able to take pictures to take home
as keepsakes with copies provided to John and Rose Marie. The couple married on April 12, 1964 at the Jerusalem Temple on St Charles Avenue in New
Orleans. She is the former Rose Marie Dulitz of New Orleans.
4-Wheelers Causing West Bank Levee Damage
D
uring the past two months, the Southeast
LA Flood Protection Authority – West has
reported dealing with the effects on flood-side
berms with extensive damage (rutting) caused by
four wheel vehicle activity. In one case, the four
wheeler activity destroyed a recently completed
$40,000 levee repair project.
In issuing a statement addressing the damage,
the Authority stated that it wants the public to
understand that:
T he g rass on t he ber ms of ou r levees is
integral to providing erosion protection from
rainfall events.
The ruts caused on the berms hold standing
water which is detrimental during annual federal inspections.
24
The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
It costs the taxpayers approximately $4,000 per
acre to make repairs to damaged levees.
Louisiana Revised Statute (LRS) 38:213 prohibits any riding, driving, or hauling upon this
public levee without having been issued a valid
permit to do so. This is to guard against any
damage to which the levees or integrated coastal
protection projects may thereby be exposed from
wear, tear, and abuse.
LRS 14:63 allows for a maximum fine of $500 for
criminal trespass for the first offense, $750 for the
second and $1,000 for the third or more offenses.
In addition, the SLFPA has requested the public’s
assistance to help curtail the four wheeler activity
or to have watchful citizens call the Authority when
they see this type of activity.
community <<
Celebrate Mardi Gras With Romance
J
ust in time for Mardi Gras, Beau Coup Publishing has released The Captain of Her Heart
in paperback. It’s the sequel to The Captain
and the Queen, released earlier this year, by
author Frank Borne, a resident of Harvey and
former editor of The West Bank Beacon. Available
through Amazon.com for Kindle (and in paperback shortly), the book is Borne’s fourth novel.
The celebration of New Orleans continues and
the heat is turned up when Claire Boudreaux
returns home from college and finds herself torn
between her father’s best friend, Baxter, with
whom she has a mutual love for New Orleans
heritage and has known all of her life, and a
co-worker, Jared, an accomplished investigative reporter who mentors her as she embarks
on a career as a television news reporter. She
loves them both, and struggles to make her own
decision despite external influences. Will Claire
and Baxter’s age difference and disapproving
family members cause her to choose Jared?
When Baxter, Captain of the Krewe of Sancus,
becomes embroiled in a scandal involving corrupt city officials, will Claire wash her hands
forever of him and his Carnival activities and
political machinations, or will he become the
captain of her heart? Borne encourages readers
to return to The Big Easy where the good times
continue to roll.
“If you enjoyed The Captain and the Queen,
you won’t be disappointed by its sequel,” Borne
said of the sweet romance that revolves around
the activities of a troubled Mardi Gras krewe
and its lonely captain. “Like the first one, this
book also is packed with local flavor and traditions, but the intrigue and conflict are elevated
when the heroine is courted by her coworker,
an investigative reporter who exposes Carnival
profiteering and public corruption.”
The Captain and the Queen received five stars
from InD’Tale, an online magazine that promotes
novels published by small presses.
Borne is working on Forever Her Captain, the
final book of the Captain trilogy. Fame and Misfortune, his novel about a man who becomes a
world-renowned fitness expert after losing 200
pounds, was a finalist for a 2014 RONÉ Award.
Borne also has authored numerous non-fiction
works about Jefferson Parish history. Those works
are available from the Jefferson Historical Society
of Louisiana.
The Captain of Her Heart and Borne’s other
novels are available at www.Amazon.com for
Kindle or in paperback. You may follow him on
Facebook www.facebook.com/authorfrankborne
or visit www.frankborne.weebly.com.
(504) 390-7301
www.robertsnolascenes.com
www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
25
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The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com
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The Gretna Economic Development Association invites you to
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February
Calendar
Current Events
3
GEDAmeeting•6:30pm
11
CouncilMeeting•5:30pm
11
JP Council Meeting
10amEB
14
GretnaArtWalk
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Valentine’sDayWedding
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TheMagicLadleat
GretnaFarmersMarket
February 7, 14 , 21 & 28
GretnaFarmersMarket
Many thanks to the winners of the
2014 Christmas Home & Business Decoration Contest
Area1:MaryCambre
BusinessWinnersinArea1:
Area2:722MadisonStreet
1stPlace:LeGrandtheFlorist
Area3:Ronnie&RenzoCantin
2ndPlace:10thStreetCafé
Area4:TonyGundlach
3rdPlace:GretnaPoliceStation
Area5:JulieRodriguez
HonorableMention:ClassicFrame&Mat
Please support our GEDA Business Members:
Szabo’s Party Supply
1704 Franklin Ave.
367-1156
Topper World of Gretna
1515 Lafayette St.
366-8888
Westbank ARC, Inc
401 Gretna Blvd.
361-1131
Gretna Gun Works
230 Lafayette St.
361-5422
Tool Belt Services
813-8332
GEDA invites you to join as a Business Member for $75/yr and see your company listed in our ad!
For more information on these events and more, please call 504-361-7748
www.wbbeacon.com << February 2015 << The West Bank Beacon
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The West Bank Beacon >> February 2015
P.O. Box 2246 • Gretna, Louisiana 70054
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