May 2010

INSIDE: Spring Events • Community News • Gardening Advice and More
Volume 1, Issue 12
National Flood
Insurance Program
Temporarily
Extended
After Hiatus
n the eve on the
BY
2010 hurricane
TROY BROUSSARD
season, and even
Managing
in light of many recent
Editor
flood control improvements, many West Bank area residents are
breathing a sigh of relief after Congress
finally voted in mid-April to temporarily extend the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP), a move that will make insurance
available again for thousands of Louisiana
homeowners and will help home buyers
close pending deals to purchase a home.
It appears, however, that the future of the
NFIP will once again called into question
after the most recent extension ends
in May.
Created in 1968 by Congress, the
NFIP’s purpose is to to help provide a
means for property owners to financially
protect themselves by offering flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and
business owners in participating communities, such as Jefferson Parish. However,
Congress’ delay to reauthorize NFIP twice
over as many months led to what is
known as a “hiatus”, during which time the
program could not issue new policies, increase coverage on existing policies, or issue renewal policies.
Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao, who
voted to pass H.R. 4851, which extends the
NFIP, expressed disappointment at the failure of Congress to come up with a more
permanent extension of the flood insurance
program. “Within just a matter of a few
weeks the flood insurance program will
again expire, leaving the public yet again
in a state of uncertainty about coverage,”
Cao said.
Cao added, “I am drafting legislation
to extend the National Flood Insurance
Program for five years in hopes that this
will create long-term stability in the
housing market and provide assurance
for homeowners in New Orleans and
Jefferson Parish.”
See Flood Insurance on page 6
O
Proudly Highlighting the News of West Jefferson and Algiers
May 2010
Marrero Home Featured
in St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital Fundraiser
n 30 cities across
BY
the
United
FRANK J.
States, brand
BORNE, JR.
Editor
new homes valued
from $240,000 to
$700,000 and other great prizes will be
raffled off to benefit one of the world’s
premier pediatric cancer treatment institutions, St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, located in Memphis,
Tennessee. The hospital, named for
Saint Jude Thaddeus, the Catholic
patron saint of hospitals, desperate
I
cases, and lost causes, was founded in 1962
by entertainer Danny Thomas. It has been
incredibly successful in combating childhood cancers that once meant certain
death for victims. The survival rate for acute
lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common
form of childhood cancer, has increased
from a mere four percent in 1962 when the
hospital and research facility were established to 94 percent today.
The St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway
includes five cities in Louisiana: Shreveport,
Lafayette, Monroe, Baton Rouge, and
New Orleans. This year’s New Orleans
home is located in the Brentwood
Subdivision at 7429 Duckhorn Drive in
Marrero. The house, constructed by
Willow Homes, has 3,090 square feet,
four bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, and
amenities such as granite countertops,
stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinets, and a landscaping and upgraded
paint package. It is valued at approximately $240,000. It is open for free viewing May 1 through June 6 on Saturdays,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, Noon to
5 p.m. Visitors can register to win a $5,000
shopping spree at Halpern’s Home
Furnishings Store.
Jim Barkate, a local businessman and
member of the National Board of
Directors and Governors of St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital has been
involved with St. Jude for many years and
is excited about the annual event. “The
Dream Home Program provides much
needed resources to a world class research center and hospital that directly
impacts the many families from the New
Orleans area whom are treated at St.
Jude, all at no cost to their families.”
Barkate is thankful for a host of supporters that make the effort a success. “We
are also grateful to our many local corSee Dream Home on page 6
Westwego Wins $4 Million to Replace
Storm-Damaged City Hall and Police Station
n April 20, the city of Westwego announced that it has
won a federal arbitration ruling which clears the way for
it to receive approximately $4 million in FEMA funds to
build a new city hall and police station, replacing the municipal complex heavily damaged during Katrina. The U.S. Civilian
Board of Contract Appeals, consisting of three arbitration judges,
overturned a FEMA decision to award Westwego only about
$500,000 in partial replacement costs after rescinding its own
approval for full replacement.
Westwego Mayor John Shaddinger expressed his deep
See Westwego on page 6
O
2 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
M AY 2 0 10
M A Y 2 0 10
ing Advice
s • Garden
munity New
nts • Com
and More
: Spring Eve
INSIDE
Contents
D E PARTM E NTS
5 FROM THE EDITOR
27
Memorial Day, Census, Horizon Missing Remembered
9
15
I
O
ReplaceStation
e
illion to
s $4 M Hall and Polic
ego Win
Westw amaged City
Storm-D
O
33
35
37
HISTORY
39
ENTERTAINMENT
TODAY’S DENTAL
El Mesquite
Grill
12
18
Markets, cook-offs, Country Fair, fishing rodeo and more.
Summer Fun at Timberlane Country Club
Jefferson Parish Department of Parks
and Recreation News.
19
20
28
.
Grand Isle Summer Rodeo Schedule
30
Neeb’s Helps Locals with “Handy”
Problems for Over 80 Years
32
Hardware store is a Gretna favorite
because of personal service.
17
Irving E. Schwarz, Sr. Served
in the Pacific
Governor Jindal Awards 555 Veterans
with the LA Veterans Honor Medal
New Orleans veterans honored.
MANAGING EDITOR
Troy Broussard
A Medical and Chiropractic
Approach to Sciatica
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Krystral Cooper Christen
Dimetry Cossich
Joe Darby
Mary C. Ehret
Marie Giardina
Lisa Heindel
David Heitmeier
Al Kaiser
Jim Lestelle
Cita Marchese
Joe Marino
Guy Ralph McDonald
Rafe Rabalais
Margaret H. Roberts
Dean Shapiro
Ken Trahan
George VanWormer
Colleen E. Wientjes
Olga Krivitsky
Dennis Gruwell
Richard Tucker
Victor K. Flynn
Symptoms and treatment.
A S S O C I ATE E D ITO R
Blair C. Constant
Good Harvest Depends on
Care and Weather!
STA F F P H OTO G R A P H E R
Ryan Templet
King Joe
Work and luck make the garden grow.
41
Saints Make Moves to Get
Targeted Players in Draft
New Saints will join team.
Veteran Salute
17
Government-Run Insurance Hiatus
Government Insurance lapses cause
problems for home and business owners.
Activate Your Wego. . .
Fishing rodeos run from May until August.
16
The Beauty of History
Living in and loving history in the city.
Gretna Park: A Hidden Mini-Eden on the West Bank
Westwego events to get you involved in the community.
13
Bayou Segnette to GIWW
Hurrican protection on the West Bank.
A Husband’s Tribute to His Wife on Mother’s Day
Hidden park offers serenity in the heart of the city.
PUBLISHER
The West Bank Beacon
STA F F W R ITE R S
Frank J. Borne, Jr.
Troy Broussard
Basketball Team Earns
International Title
Al Kaiser salutes his wife with appreciation and poetry.
M AY 2 0 10
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 12
—————
EDITOR
Frank J. Borne, Jr.
FOOD
ALGIERS & THE LOWER COAST
Timberlane offers summer activities and a wonderful venue.
11
Music by: Chicken on the Bone
CRIMINAL JUSTICE FORUM
JPAS Presents “101 Dalmations”
F E ATU R E S
7 May Brings Opportunities for West Bank Outings
10
Friday, June 11th
6:30 - 10:30pm
Fountain Park Center
Healthy Vision Month, Activity Protects Seniors,
Local Doctors Help in Haiti
Drainage Improvements, Crime Prevention
and Beautification
8
Beacon
Birthday
Bash!
HEALTH
Cosmetic Dentistry
Profile of Guy Dreux, Dean M. Shapiro Book Signing,
Lieutenant General Larry J. Dodgen Memorial,
Harvey Tunnel Then and Now
25
29
Cover Story
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Editor
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Ex
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After Hiaton the
PLAQUEMINES PARISH
News of
Its our First Anniversary
and We’re Celebrating with a
Jury Service and You
JEFFERSON PARISH
JEDCO Addresses Fat City
Renaissance, New Lafitte
Town Hall Gazebo, Parish
Trash Drop-Off
21
Issue 12
Volume 1,
Algiers
erson and
West Jeff
red
e Featu’s
n
ro Hom
MarreJude Childrel Fundraiser
a
t.
it
in S rch Hosp
Resea
lighting the
Proudly High
Animal Shelter Breaks Ground,
Seafood Festival, Railroad Move
Considered, Community Centers
COMMUNITY
Catholic Group Hosts
Speakers, Alla Maharajah
Named, Thomas Jefferson
Remembered, ICS Crawfish
Boil Competition, Higgins
Class of 2000 Reunion
May 2010
42
The Inconvenient Truth About
Selling Your Home
Showing your home can be a headache.
—————
© 2010 The West Bank Beacon, LLC
All rights reserved.
✴B A N K
THE WEST
BEACON
P.O. Box 2246
Gretna, LA 70054
—————
Email: [email protected]
Or visit www.wbbeacon.com
3
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
4 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
FROM THE EDITOR
Remember the Fallen
Who Paid the Ultimate Price
emorial Day,
observed the
last Monday
in May, is somewhat
taken for granted as
the unofficial beginBY
ning of the summer.
FRANK J.
We’ve come to expect
BORNE, JR.
Editor
and enjoy this threeday holiday that we’ll
likely spend barbecuing or boiling crawfish. To be sure, it’s another opportunity
to get together with loved ones and enjoy life itself. However, this very somber
day was established for us to pause to remember those who paid the ultimate
price for the cause of liberty. Thousands
of young Americans serving in the U.S.
Armed Forces around the world are in
danger so that we may be secure.
Thousands more have died in wars and
battles with hostile enemies intent to end
America as we know it. Memorial Day is
the day we remember the fallen and honor their sacrifice.
Originally begun in 1866 in New
York, the holiday was established as
Decoration Day to remember those who
died for the Union during the War
Between the States (Civil War). It was in
1868 when May 30 was established as the
official date, which was chosen specifically because it was not the anniversary
of any battle. Because it was created to
honor Union soldiers, the day was exclusively observed by northern states
until after World War I, when the day’s
purpose was broadened to remember all
war dead. In 1882, the name Memorial
Day was used, but it did not become the
common name until after World War II.
M
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
—John McCrae
Still, it wasn’t until 1967 when Memorial
Day became the official name by federal law. In 1968, federal legislation moved
Memorial Day and three other federal holidays to Mondays.
Among the more notable Memorial
Day traditions is the Veterans of Foreign
Wars collecting donations for poppies, a
small red flower native to Europe that has
become the symbol of war dead. The
flower’s significance comes from the
poem “In Flanders Fields” by John
McCrae, a Canadian physician and
Lieutenant Colonel. He wrote the poem
in 1915 during World War I. The VFW
first distributed poppies in 1922, and
shortly thereafter adopted the poppy as the
official memorial flower
of the VFW of the U.S.
The program, known as
Buddy Poppy, has raised
millions of dollars for veterans’ programs since.
This Memorial Day, fly
the American flag. Visit a
cemetery. Gather with
loved ones. The best way
to honor the fallen is to
promote and enjoy your
liberty and to remember
their sacrifice for all of us.
f you missed the April
16 deadline to mail
back your U.S. Census
form, you may be visited
shortly by a census worker. They began door-todoor visits on May 1. Their
interview will take only a
few minutes, so be sure to
give them just a little of your time.
Jefferson Parish’s response rate was about
67%, which is better than Louisiana
overall, which had a response rate of 60%.
In 2000, however, Jefferson’s mail response rate was about 70%. U.S. Census
workers will not ask for your Social
Security number, and will ask only
basic information about the number of
persons living at the residence. As mentioned in an earlier column, responding
is quick, it’s easy, and it’s important.
Billions and billions of our federal tax dollars are returned to the states every year.
An accurate count of our population is
critical. Our leaders are counting on you
to be counted. ✴
I
We Also Remember
he West Bank Beacon would like
to extend sincere condolences
to the families of the victims of the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster. On
the night of April 20, around 10:00 p.m.,
an explosion crippled the rig, killing or
otherwise wounding dozens of its 126
member crew. Of the crew on board at
the time of the explosion, 94 were virtually unharmed. Four injured crew
members were brought to West
Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero
and were later released, and more than
a dozen others were brought to medical
facilities in Mobile, Alabama. Eleven
were never recovered and are
presumed dead. The rig sank two
days later.
Horizon was owned by Transocean,
Ltd., and was constructed in 2001in
Korea. The company has a fleet of 139
such rigs, and Horizon will have a replacement cost of more than $650 million. It floated on pontoons and operated
in ocean water 5,000 feet deep, although it was capable of operating in
water much deeper. Horizon was located just about 40 miles southeast of
the tip of Plaquemines Parish. It was
leased by British Petroleum for approximately $500,000 per day and was
considered one of the most plush rigs
operating in the Gulf of Mexico, having contained amenities such as a
movie theater and bowling alley. ✴
T
5
6 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
M AY 2 0 10
amount of dollars to construct the home,
Halpern’s Home Furnishings donated the
furniture displayed in the home, and the
upgraded landscaping was donated by
Ted Anthony of Anthony’s Architectural
Landscape Construction. One lucky
winner will walk away with the keys
to a beautiful new home—all for
only $100.”
Chances to win the house cost only
$100 each, and sales are limited to 6,000
tickets. In addition, there are other outstanding prizes that increase the odds of
winning to 1 in 500. The other prizes include: $1,000 gift certificate to Camellia
Grill; $1,000 gift certificate to Jared The
Galleria of Jewelry; $1,000 gift certificate to Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse;
$1,000 gift certificate to Target; dinner
for one year, courtesy of Byblos
Restaurant; $1,000 gift certificate to
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse; $1,000 shopping spree at Hancock Fabrics; $1,000
gift certificate to PJ’s Coffee & Tea; dinner for one year, courtesy of Catch
Seafood Pub; Talo® SmartTouch®
kitchen faucet and accessories package,
courtesy of Brizo®; and a $1,000 savings bond (value at maturity date) courtesy of IBERIABANK. Tickets
purchased by June 1, 2010, are eligible
to win a Bonus Prize, a ticket package
for the 2010-2011 New Orleans
Hornets season, courtesy of the Hornets.
Winners of the house and other
prizes will be drawn during the St. Jude
television special on WVUE-TV FOX
Channel 8 on Sunday, June 13, 2010.
Tickets may be purchased at any IBERIABANK or at Hancock Fabrics in
Gretna. For more information, call
(800) 327-2559 or log on to
www.stjude.org. ✴
6/19/10
6/19/10
Flood Insurance from front cover
In the Senate, H.R. 4851 had been
held up throughout the two-week spring
recess before Congress reconvened on
April 12. On April 14, Sen. David Vitter
introduced a bill to extend the NFIP
for two months, separate and apart from
other federal programs that had been included in H.R. 4851. Vitter contended that
his bill would remove the NFIP from a debate over deficit spending that H.R. 4851
had sparked with regard to other programs
such as COBRA health care insurance
and the Emergency Unemployment
Compensation Program.
“The NFIP extension would have no
impact on deficit and debt,” Vitter said. “So
my suggestion was pretty simple. Let’s take
the NFIP extension out of the deficit
spending bill. Why stall the flood insurance
extension because of this broader debate
about continued deficit spending by the
majority? There should be no objection to
extending flood insurance. Everybody’s for
the program.”
Vitter’s bill was blocked on the Senate
floor, and H.R. 4851 ultimately cleared the
Senate by a vote of 59-38.
Senator Mary L. Landrieu, welcomed
the Senate vote to temporarily extend the
NFIP until May 31, stating, “It is a relief that,
finally, people in Louisiana who have been
waiting to buy or sell a home will be able to
get the flood insurance coverage they need
to move forward.”
As all eyes turn to the Gulf at the beginning of June, this is a subject that is sure
to be followed with much interest. To stay
up to date on NFIP funding, visit
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/index.shtm. ✴
St. Jude Dream Home from front cover
porate sponsors like Mary Beth Rittiner, a
local State Farm agent, the law firm of
Adams & Reese, Bob Bergeron of Crescent
Title LLC, Cortec, LLC, and Jon
Gegenheimer, Clerk of Court of Jefferson
Parish. Without their support our program
would not be possible,” he said. “Jim Ward
of Willow Homes donated a significant
Westwego from front cover
appreciation to Congressman Anh
“Joseph” Cao for his assistance in getting
full funding. “Congressman Cao was involved in the process from the very beginning. He was one of the first people I
called when FEMA rescinded approval
to replace the complex, and the
Congressman was extremely helpful in
communicating to the city what its options
were under federal arbitration rules,”
Shaddinger said.
As part of his work to help Westwego
win a favorable ruling, Cao briefed local officials last October on the ins and outs of
the arbitration process, and he was in regular contact with Mayor Shaddinger and
federal officials as the city pursued its case.
“This is the decision the people of
Westwego and city officials and I were
waiting for, after years of appeals
and arbitration proceedings—a ruling
that Westwego’s city hall and police
station were in fact more than 51
percent damaged from the storm and are
therefore entitled to full replacement
costs,” Cao said. ✴
T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
7
May Brings Opportunities for West Bank Outings
ne of the great things about West
Bank living is that there is always
something to do somewhere in the
area. The month of May is no different,
with many offerings for all ages.
O
2010
2010
May
Gretna Farmers’ Market,
Semi-Annual Arts & Crafts
Festival, & German May Fest
Every weekend from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m., Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna is
bustling with activity at the Farmer’s
Market, and every second Saturday with
the Art Walk. In May, however, the avenue includes the Gretna Arts & Crafts
Festival, an event which features nearly 100 vendors selling everything from
woodcrafts, needlepoint, glasswork, metal crafts, jewelry, and all sorts of other
handmade items.
On Saturday, May 8, from 9:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m., everyone is invited to
come out and browse what is available.
Food vendors and a snow ball stand
will be available, as will musical entertainment. There will be activities such
as face-painting for kids, and the
German-American Cultural Center will
host German May Fest with its very
popular beer garden, always a must-visit stop for shoppers. May Fest is from
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sponsorships are available, and vendors are needed. Vendors are provided a
10’ x 10’ space at a cost of $60 if a new
vendor, $50 if returning. For more information, log on to www.gretnala.com
or call 390-4084. Admission to all three
events is FREE!
Westwego Farmers’ and Fisheries
Market & Crawfish Cook-Off
Every Saturday in Westwego, the
Farmers’ and Fisheries Market is the
place to be for fresh produce, plants and
crafts, nuts, sweets, and more! The
market is located at 484 Sala Avenue in
the heart of Westwego’s historic district.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Admission to the market is FREE!
The 2010 Crawfish Cook-off
Competition at the Westwego Farmers
& Fisheries Market will be the place on
Saturday, May 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. Admission for all-you-can-eat crawfish is $10 per person (advance purchase
ticket) or $15 the day of the event.
Children under 12 accompanied by
parents are free. Trophies will be awarded to winners in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
categories.
Great music will be featured for the
event: Clarence “Tadpole” Henry (son of
Clarence “Frogman” Henry) will perform
from Noon until 3:00 p.m., and Treater
will perform from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
John McDonogh Day
The City of Gretna and students and faculty at McDonogh No. 26 Elementary
School are preparing to honor one of
Jefferson Parish’s most famous philanthropists John McDonogh. McDonogh
Day will be held Friday, May 7, at 9:45
a.m. at the John McDonogh cenotaph located in McDonoghville Cemetery, 520
Hancock Street, Gretna.
McDonogh was born in Baltimore,
Maryland, in 1779 and became a wealthy
businessman. He died in 1850 and bequeathed $2 million ($51 million in
2009 dollars) to public education in
New Orleans and Baltimore. The product of his generosity was 39 New Orleans
area public schools, including three in
Jefferson Parish. This year’s McDonogh
Day is the 120th, and fulfills McDonogh’s
request that students place flowers at his
gravesite annually. McDonogh 26 is the
only school still honoring the tradition.
Admission is FREE!
Mel Ott Park Country Fair
This event promises to be big and lots of
fun for families. There will be all the el-
15
ements of a country fair: a baking contest, an old-fashioned hay ride, vintage
cars, a pie eating contest, game booths,
food booths, crafts and other vendor
booths, and great music. The Crescent
City Historic Dancers, which perform in
authentic costume, and the Zydeco
Dancers are expected to perform.
Admission to the country fair will be
free, and the hours are 9:00 a.m. until
dark. If you have a vintage car you
would like to register, the cost is $20 per
car. Call (504) 361-7748 or e-mail the
Gretna Economic Development
Association at [email protected] for
more information about the event.
Grand Isle Fishing
Rodeo Season Kicks Off
On Saturday, May 1, the Alstarz
Cheerleading Academy Fishing Rodeo
takes place at the Bridge Side Marina in
Grand Isle. The weekend of Memorial
Day, May 28 to 30, Bridge Side Marina
will host the 14th Annual Grand Isle
Speckled Trout Rodeo, while Sand
Dollar Marina will host the Association
of Building Contractors Rodeo.
Grand Isle 7 Mile Wide Garage Sale
On Saturday, May 29, the Grand Isle
Tourist Center hosts the 7 Mile Wide
Garage Sale. For details, visit www.grandisle.com. ✴
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
8 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
Summer Fun at Timberlane Country Club
imberlane
Country Club is
offering plenty
of family fun this
summer. First, the
Club offers a summer
BY
MARY C. EHRET
membership for only
Contributing
$425.00.
From
Writer
Memorial Day weekend (May 29) through
Labor Day weekend (September 6), your
family can have unlimited access to the
Olympic-sized swimming pool, kids’ wading pool and playroom, dining room, tennis courts, and locker rooms. With a
summer membership, children have an opportunity to join the #1 swim team among
local country clubs, the Tigersharks. Call
(504) 367-5010 for more information.
Next, Timberlane Country Club offers a summer sports camp with everything from golf and tennis lessons,
swimming, camp tee shirts, boxed lunches, and much more. Tuition for summer
sports camp is $169.00 per week for club
members and $189.00 per week for
non-members. The camp runs from
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.
through 4:00 p.m. for ages five and up
(children must know how to swim).
After-camp care is available at $9.00 per
T
COMMUNITY
The Timberlane pool is a favorite
summer spot for young and old.
Catholic Group Hosts
Two Speakers in May and June
hour and dinner pick up for busy parents
after camp can be arranged. Sessions run
one week at a time beginning May 24
through August 2. Call the Pro Shop to
register at (504) 361-3612.
General manager Trudi Ruppenicker
and executive chef David Adcox have
grand plans for families in Summer
2010 including a Hawaiian luau, BBQs,
pool parties, dinner and movie nights on
the lawn, Tiki Bar specials, Dress-YourEra nights, and summer camp. Chef
Adcox is nationally-renowned, having
served as chef at Palace Café, the
Bourbon House, the Fairmont Hotel until it was shuttered in 2005 and, most recently, Muriel’s. Ruppenicker is an
internationally trained cook with an extensive restaurant and catering background. Together the pair has
transformed Timberlane’s dining room
experience to that of a 5-star New
Jerry Liuzza putts as Mel Robicheaux and David Nolan watch on the Timberlane green.
Orleans restaurant. Summer dining at
the club will feature Friday night dinners,
wine tastings of the month, and monthly Painting with a Twist.
Neither Summer membership nor full
club membership requires that prospective members live in Timberlane Estates.
Summer membership at $425.00 is a great
way to treat your family and yourself (all
members of your household) to a country
club summer at one of the West Bank’s
premiere private clubs.
Of course, golf is a major part of
Timberlane Country Club. In 1959,
Robert Trent Jones, Sr., designed the 72par golf course for a group of investors
and Timberlane Country Club was born.
Since then, the course has been ranked
as one of the most difficult courses in the
country. The club has survived through
the oil bust of the 1980s, the internet
bubble of the 1990s and, more recently, the events of Hurricane Katrina in
2005. After 50 years, Timberlane
Country Club continues to offer a wonderful family atmosphere and traditional amenities to its members and guests.
Timberlane Country Club is a wonderful venue for family country club activities as well as for wedding receptions,
showers, birthday parties, sweet sixteen
parties, and luncheons. For more information on all the Club has to offer, call
Trudi at (504) 367-5010. You can also
check out the Club’s web site at
www.timberlanecc.com. ✴
Jefferson Remembered on
Anniversary of Birth
Dr. John
Bruchalski,
May 27
Fr. Donald
Calloway, MIC,
June 3
From abortionist to
pro-life advocate, Dr.
John Bruchalski has
spoken all over the world
in defense of life and defending the right to conscience for doctors. Dr. Bruchalski will be the
guest speaker for a dinner event co-sponsored
by The MIR Group and the Woman’s New Life
Center on May 27, 2010, at the Landmark Hotel,
2601 Severn Avenue in Metairie. Dinner is
$50 per person. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with
dinner at 7:00 p.m. Reservations are necessary. For more information contact The MIR
Group at 849-2570 or [email protected],
or visit www.themirgroup.org or
www.womansnewlife.com to register on line.
From runaway teen to
Marian Priest — Fr. Donald
Calloway, MIC, has
inspired thousands of
people around the world to trust in our Lord’s
mercy as he shares his radical conversion story No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy. On Thursday,
June 3, Fr. Calloway will speak at St. Clement of
Rome Church in Metairie during an evening of reflection beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the Rosary; 6
p.m., Holy Mass; 6:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet
and at 6:45 p.m. with Fr. Calloway’s Talk. A book
signing will follow the talk. All are invited.
Contact The MIR Group at 849-2570
or visit www.themirgroup.org
for more information. ✴
Chief
Named
Maharajah
M
L.W. Higgins
Class of 2000
Plans 10-Year Reunion
The L.W. Higgins Class of 2000 will hold a
10-year reunion on July 24 – 25, 2010. Members
of the L.W. Higgins Class of 2000 as well as
former and present Higgins’ employees and
administrators are invited to attend. For
details, please call (504) 912-3166 or email
[email protected]
t its April 1 general membership
meeting, the
Krewe of Alla introduced its 79th
Maharajah, Bryan
Alla’s 79th Maharajah, Bryan Adams and Alla
Adams, Fire Chief
President Paul Leman. Photo by Frank J. Borne, Jr.
of the Terrytown-Fifth
District Volunteer Fire Department. Adams has been a member of Alla for 20 years and has been with
the fire department for 30 years. He was promoted to fire chief just 58 days before Hurricane Katrina
nearly five years ago. Adams will reign on Sunday, February 27, 2011, when the krewe follows its traditional route from New Orleans through Terrytown into Gretna.
Alla recently unveiled a new and improved Internet web site, www.kreweofalla.com, which features information about the krewe’s history, its meetings and events calendar, an archive of its
newsletters, membership information, and photos from recent events. ✴
A
ore than three dozen remembered U.S. President Thomas Jefferson at a wreath laying
ceremony on April 9 at the Jefferson Parish General Government Complex in Gretna.
The ceremony is held annually by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission and
Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana to commemorate Jefferson, the namesake of Jefferson
Parish, on the anniversary of Jefferson’s birth on April 13, 1743. ✴ All photos by Keith Adams.
Seniors from the Thomas Jefferson High School in Gretna attended the wreath
ceremony with principal Christy Templet (third from right).
(Right) Frank Borne, Jr.,
President of the Jefferson
Historical Society of
Louisiana (left) with Dr.
Mary Grace Curry, Chairlady
of the Jefferson Parish
Historical Commission (right).
West Jefferson
Air Force ROTC
Color Guard.
ICS Crawfish Boil Competition
housands turned out on April 10 to support Immaculate Conception School in
Marrero and to sample crawfish from 58
teams competing in the school’s 9th Annual
Louisiana Crawfish Boil Championships. In all,
more than 10 tons of the tasty mudbugs made
for good eats for the crowd that enjoyed a glorious spring day to raise money for the school.
The winners were: Best Decorated Booth:
Perino’s Boiling Pot; Best crawfish: Northrop
Grumman Corporation; Best Potatoes: Northrop
Grumman Corporation; Best Sausage: TNT
Plumbing; Best Corn: Schlumberger Technology
Corporation; and Best Miscellaneous Items:
Perino’s Boiling Pot. ✴
T
(Right) “Little John” Combel stirs a fresh batch of
crawfish ready to be served to visitors to the
Combel’s Customs booth.
(Above) Visitors to the Combel’s Customs booth eagerly sampled the Combels’ cooking.
9
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
10 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
A Husband’s Tribute to His Wife
on Mother’s Day
fter the harsh weather has subsided for another year
BY
and milder days have settled in, men of all ages
AL KAISER
prepare to honor the woman who is cherished the most,
Contributing
the mother.
Writer
This month I have chosen to tell you, the reader, about a
lady who is not just a mother, but a wife and a friend. She has been a part of
my life for 15 years, nine of them in marriage. We were blessed with a daughter, Mary-grace, two years later a boy, Kole, and five years later a second daughter, Lydia. But, if you were to ask my wife the question: “How many children
do you have?” she would eagerly include me as her oldest child.
As a career woman
in her early 30s, my
wife rises to the occaA mother has so many things to do,
sion every day to crefrom washing, ironing, cleaning to tying a shoe.
ate a warm and loving
She scrubs, she mends, she cooks and sews,
home. Most of her
days begin at 5:30
she bathes the children and washes their clothes.
a.m. to gather lunchWhen they forget to wash their faces clean,
es, wash a load of
and their clothes are the muddiest you’ve ever seen,
clothes, and prepare
who repairs the clothes and scrubs them like new?
breakfast for children
Of course, that is what a mother will do.
about to awaken for Who becomes the doctor or the nurse when they are ill?
another day of learnApplying a bandage or giving them a pill?
ing. On a daily basis,
Who becomes a teacher when a child has homework?
a coffee cup is filled
She must never her duty shirk.
and waiting for me as
Who
becomes
a detective to find a toy or book?
I give them all a kiss
For missing things she must look and look.
good-bye preparing for
Who
becomes a listener to every heartache, to every
the day ahead. As I
accomplishment that a child makes?
turn to lock the door,
a feeling of guilt conWho scolds their children when they are naughty,
sumes me for having
or remind them of God when they are too haughty?
to leave her, again, on
Who tends to her family with love and patience, too?
her own. But, she is
Of course that is what a mother will do.
unwavering in being a
mother by accepting
her responsibilities and executing them with grace. She never complains and
truly adores being a woman in love with her family. In turn, her family loves her
back and could not imagine a day without her.
When our children are asked “What do they love most about Mommy?”
Mary-grace replies, “She helps me clean my room and buys me movie star sunglasses.” Kole claims “She buys me snowballs and records my Scooby- Doo cartoons.” My reply to the same question is simply thank you for saying “I do” nine
years ago and thank you for the constant support and encouragement on the
long road to fulfilling my dream when I leave for another meeting, but thank
you most of all for being the woman you have become, a mother. We love you
and happy Mother’s Day!
On behalf of my family, I would like to dedicate this Mother’s Day poem
to all the moms throughout our West Bank circulation. ✴
A
What is a Mother?
Gretna Park: A Hidden
Mini-Eden on the West Bank
I
probably shouldn’t
BY
be doing this but
DEAN M. SHAPIRO
I’m going to anyContributing
way. I’m going to diWriter
vulge one of my
favorite secret little getaway spots where
I can – at least briefly, anyway – escape
from the stress of managing the apartment building I live in and the added
stress of trying to keep the roof over my
head by juggling a multiplicity of
deadlines for half a dozen publications
and websites.
This bucolic little Eden, to which I
more and more frequently escape now
that the weather has (finally!) warmed up,
doesn’t appear to have an official name,
but locals — the few who seem to
know about it, that is — simply call it
Gretna Park. (Maybe if I say enough good
things about it they’ll name it after me!)
It sits, almost undisturbed and un-trodupon in the lower end of Gretna, south
of Gretna Boulevard between Lafayette
Street and Claire Avenue.
One of the main reasons why I’ve
been hesitant to write about it is precisely
because of the way I just described it:
“undisturbed and un-trod-upon.” If too
many people read about it, it’s not like-
ly to stay that way, which may then force
me to look harder and farther for a comparable place for separation between myself and the rest of the human component
of the world’s living species.
Comprising what appears to be a few
hundred acres, including the lake at the
center of it, this particular portion of
Gretna Park can barely be seen from any
of the two or three roads that run closest
to it. You have to look hard to find it if you
don’t already know where it is. Even people from the neighborhood don’t seem to
know much about it. Emerging from my
latest visit there, a young man who lives half
a block away asked me, “Is there any good
fishing out there?” Living that close, one
would think that he should know better
than me. And, by the way, from what I’ve
observed, the answer appears to be “No.”
Not unless you’re fishing for minnows to
use as bait to catch the bigger fish somewhere else.
The lake, which is actually a large
runoff pond to catch rising flood water, is
encircled by trails wide enough to drive vehicles on but, fortunately, they’re not allowed. The only vehicle I’ve ever observed
there was a golf cart driven by a Gretna police officer. Fortunately, again, the kids on
the noisy dirt bikes don’t appear to have discovered this potential romping
ground for their threewheelers — yet.
In the middle of the
lake is a heavily
forested island reminiscent of City Park in
New Orleans where, on a good day, birdwatchers can observe a fair number of colorful wading waterfowl. There are also a
few small families of ducks that can be
seen, along with an occasional crowned
night heron. But don’t attempt to get TOO
close to them. They are, after all, in the wild
and have every intention of staying that way.
That’s why God gave them wings and
webbed feet. If you have your camera with
you and plan on taking pictures of them,
use your zoom feature. I’ve gotten a few
shots of publishable quality using the
zoom while managing to keep a safe distance between me and them.
Many species of colorful wildflowers
and many different types of trees abound
there as well, including a smattering of cypress trees around the lake that give it a
swamp-like appearance.
Branching off from the main trail
around the lake are a few side trails leading through the adjacent woods. Other than
the unavoidable ambient sounds of nearby civilization (planes, cars, lawnmowers,
barking dogs, chain saws, etc.) the loudest sounds you are likely to hear are the
cawing of the crows and the sweet sounds
of the songbirds calling to each other. On
my latest visit, I just happened to be standing under the tree where the colorful, red
male half of a pair of cardinals was calling
and responding to his mate not too far in
the distance. I couldn’t have felt more
11
blessed to be out there among them.
For those of you looking for the
amenities of typical parks, you may
have to look elsewhere. You won’t find any
benches, picnic tables or barbecue grills
here – at least not yet, anyway. One thing
there should be are trash cans, though,
and hopefully they will be utilized for their
intended purpose and emptied regularly. The empty soda cans lying on the
ground – thankfully few in number – appear to attest to the fact that this otherwise beautiful place is not completely
undiscovered.
And, one final observation: anyone
with a hankering for wild blackberries had
better be quicker than me (and the birds
and the bugs) if they plan on getting there
in time for the harvest. They are out there
as we speak, ripening in the sun, expecting to reach their full plumpness and
sweetness within weeks.
Gretna Park can be best accessed
from Claire Avenue, south of its intersection with Gretna Boulevard, which is
adjacent to Gretna Junior High School.
About a quarter mile down Claire, on
your left, you’ll see an open area with a
fence in front of a concrete runoff ramp
and a lake just beyond that. Park the car
on that side of the street, get out, stretch
your legs and enjoy being out in nature.
What awaits you is a mini-City Park minus the crowds, joggers, bikers, dogs
and – worst of all – the ear-blistering
boom-boxes.
Hopefully it will stay that way.
12 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
M AY 2 0 10
M AY 2 0 10
Activate
Your Wego…
o you ever get a gift or discount card in the mail that
BY
says you have to call or e-mail to activate the special
MARIE
GIARDINA
offer? Don’t you get right to activating immediateContributing
ly? This is my call to get you to “activate your Wego”— that
Writer
is to become more active in your community life. Any dictionary will tell you that you are part of a community by
just existing in that spot, but we can do a little better than that. Even if we
can’t all be stars, even if we are not all movers and shakers, we can be more
active community members by being audience, by being participants. To this
end, featured below are three upcoming events that need you as participants.
These are not to be taken as the only way you can “activate your Wego,” but
they offer you a sound step toward more community participation while giving you the immediate reward of good food, good music, and good times.
The Brandon Foret Band, the Aaron Foret Band and plenty of Swamp
Pop music with dancing and lots of food such as red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, fried catfish and hot dogs will all help you to pass a good time
as well as help lifelong citizen of Westwego, lifetime Volunteer Fireman, and
retired Westwego police officer Van
Plaisance to defray cost of a medical
procedure. The Westwego Fraternal
Order of Police, Lodge 25 is sponsoring a fund raiser on Sunday, May
23, 2010 at the Westwego AM Vets,
1211 4th Street, from noon to 6:00
p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and can be
purchased at the door or by calling
341-5428 or 756-1444. Tickets for
eats and treats can also be purchased
at the event. Officer Plaisance served
as a Westwego Policeman twenty
and one half years and retired as a Captain in December of 2004. Plaisance
is a life member of the Wego Fire Company # 1 since 1979 and is presently an inactive member. Donations made payable to Van Plaisance Medical
Fund may be mailed to Westwego Police Department, Attention Sandra
Nocito, 401 4th Street, Westwego LA 70094. This lifelong Westwego citizen and first responder needs you in the audience.
Michael J. Tassin, age 43, developed an acute medical condition on
Sunday, February 28, 2010 and remains in long term care. Mike’s friends and
neighbors are pooling their resources to hold a benefit for him on Sunday,
June 6, 2010, at the Westwego Civic Center, 1220 Avenue H, Westwego from
noon to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for a lunch plate and entertainment
by Aaron Foret and friends. Monetary donations may be forwarded payable
to Michael Tassin Benefit c/o 1233 Barbe Drive or may be made directly at
any Regions Bank. For tickets or material donations, call Shelly at 347-3174.
Tassin, an employee of Sunbelt Supply, husband of Wendy Carpenter, son
of Gail Frickey and Harold Tassin, father of Elaina Tassin Maise and Michael
Tassin, Jr. needs you to activate your Wego.
Hopefully you will read this article before the Saturday, May 8, 2010,
Westwego Farmers & Fisheries Market Crawfish Cook-off Competition (11:00
a.m. to 6:00 p. m.) at 484 Sala Avenue at 4th Street. Pre-sale tickets are $10.00
for adults; tickets at the door are $15.00 (Children 12 and under accompanied
by an adult are free). Entertainment from noon to 3 p.m. will be Clarence
“Tadpole” Henry (son of “Frogman”); from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. will be Treater.
Advanced tickets may be purchased at the Westwego City Hall Monday –
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or at the WFFM on Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. Funds raised at this event will be used to sponsor free events such
as concerts for the community and also used toward the purchase of a monitoring defibrillator and chest compression machine for Westwego EMS.
To repeat (as old schoolteachers do): These are not the only things you
can do to become a more active community member; they are just a few right
here, right now. So, go ahead, activate your Wego. And, even if you are not
in Westwego, expand your community and join us to pass a good time. ✴
D
Even if you are
not in Westwego,
expand your
community and
join us to pass a
good time.
Grand Isle Summer
Rodeo Schedule
lthough the International Tarpon
Rodeo is probably its best known
fishing competition, Grand Isle
is home to many exciting fishing contests throughout the summer and fall
on almost every weekend between
May and October. Grand Isle, Jefferson
Parish’s southernmost community and
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, truly is a sportsmen’s paradise that
welcomes with open arms outdoor enthusiasts from all over the state and country to enjoy its beauty and wildlife. Visit Grand Isle for all it has to offer…Grand
Isle is alive! ✴
A
Event
Date
Location
Alstarz Fishing Rodeo
May 1
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
14th Annual Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo
May 28-30
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
OMSA 11th Annual Cajun Tropic Fishing Rodeo
June 4-5
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
7th Annual Cut Off Fishing Club Public Rodeo
June 11-12
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
New Orleans Electrical Association Rodeo
June 4-5
Sand Dollar Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
14th Annual Swollfest Fishing Rodeo
June 10-12
Sand Dollar Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
3rd Annual Grand Isle Rotary Club Fishing Rodeo
June 18-20
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
26th Annual Creole Classic Fishing Rodeo
June 24-26
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
ABC Rodeo
June 24-26
Sand Dollar Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
8th Annual E.D. White Open Family Fishing
June 27
Sand Dollar Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Baker Hughes Fishing Rodeo
July 9-10
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Hooks for Hearts Fishing Rodeo
July 16-17
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
10th Annual LDA Fishing Rodeo
July 16-17
Sand Dollar Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Red Stick Fly Fishing Rodeo
July 16-17
Blue Dolphin Inn
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
89th Annual Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo
July 22-24
Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
South Lafourche High School Hooks and Leaders Rodeo July 31
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
10th Annual D. Jeansonne Invitational Boondoggle Rodeo August 5-7
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Mike Bourgeois “Big Daddy” Memorial Rodeo
August 13-14 Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
2nd Annual Ride the Bull Kayak Fishing Tournament
August 21
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
IFA Redfish Tour
August 28
Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
50th Grand Isle Original Redfish Rodeo
September 3-5 Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
47th Caminada Redfish Rodeo
September 24-26 Sand Dollar Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
4th Annual Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo
October 8-9 Bridge Side Marina
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
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M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
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J E FFE R S O N PAR I S H
JEDCO Plan Addresses Fat City Renaissance
he Jefferson
BY
EDGE 2020 initiaRAFE RABALAIS
tive is a conContributing
certed effort to address
Writer
a range of quality of life
issues that affect the residents, businesses,
and overall prosperity of Jefferson Parish. Led
by JEDCO, EDGE 2020 has produced seven
“implementation plans” on quality of life issues and an eighth plan outlining economic
development strategies for the coming years.
In 2009, JEDCO completed work on the
seventh plan in the series: the redevelopment
of Fat City. This plan is unique within the
EDGE 2020 initiative in that it addresses a
specific geographical area of the Parish.
Despite comprising a very small component of
the Parish’s total physical area, Fat City was
seen as an area of Parish-wide importance for
a variety of reasons. Fat City is located adjacent to Lakeside Mall, one of the largest employment centers and the largest sales tax
contributor in Jefferson. It is also at the criti-
T
cal transportation nexus of Interstate 10, the
Causeway Bridge, and Causeway Boulevard,
making it effectively the “heart” of the East
Bank of Jefferson. Fat City is also in the immediate vicinity of a number of stable residential
neighborhoods and the major concentration of
offices along Causeway Boulevard. If Fat City
were to decline further, it could potentially have
significant negative impacts on all of these commercial and residential assets.
The impetus for the Fat City Plan was not
just to prevent the negative from occurring but
also to capitalize on an opportunity. Because of
its central location and its need for redevelopment, Fat City represents one of the best opportunities to create a lively “town center” that
Jefferson so sorely lacks. With the right kind of
regulations in place and with strategic public and
private investments, Fat City could become an
exciting new “mixed use” neighborhood of high
quality residential and commercial uses in a
pedestrian-friendly environment.
To develop the Plan, an expert “task force”
New Lafitte Town Hall
Gazebo Adorns Walking Trail
hose who utilize the quarter mile walking track and playground
BY KRYSTRAL
area located behind Town Hall in Lafitte will have a new addiCOOPER
CHRISTEN
tion to the canvas that they have come to love. The Town of
Contributing
Jean Lafitte has built a gazebo for all to enjoy on the right side of the
Writer
walking trail.
The gazebo is a lovely white and gray fixture nestled among the
trees. It adds a quaint charm to an already charming locale. It can be used for family
picnics or for enjoying the serenity of the bayou while reading a book or visiting with
friends. Many parents will enjoy the shade that the gazebo has to offer on hot afternoons
while they children are playing on the swings and tot lot begging for one more minute
to play. With the addition to the gazebo it might not be such a chore to say “ok, one
more minute”.
Mayor Tim Kerner, who envisioned the project, has plans to incorporate the gazebo
into the Town’s much anticipated Christmas train ride, lighting ceremony and Halloween
Trick or Treating on the Trail activities for the children of the community. ✴
T
Linen • Towels • Aprons • Logo Mats • Paper Hand Towels/Tissue
www.looplinen.com
Call us at 504-341-3401 or 800-337-3401
manage the implementation of the Plan.
Since the completion of the EDGE 2020
initiative, JEDCO has monitored implementation on a semiannual basis. The most recent
progress report on the implementation of the
Fat City Plan highlights a number of major accomplishments including on-going infrastructure and streetscape improvements to 18th
Street (Fat City’s principal East-West street),
the completion of new draft zoning regulations
for Fat City, and the adoption of a Tax
Increment Financing district to fund further infrastructure improvements.
In the year since it was completed, the
EDGE 2020 Fat City plan has already sparked renewed interest and renewed enthusiasm for Fat
City. There is still much work to be done, but
Jefferson is making substantial progress in revitalizing a critical neighborhood and creating a
new center for the entire Parish community.
A full version of the EDGE 2020 Fat City
Plan is available on the JEDCO website:
www.jedco.org/the-jefferson-edge. ✴
■
Parish Provides Trash
Drop-Off Alternative
ecently, a new trash drop-off facility was opened at 6440 Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero (corner of Betty
Boulevard and Lapalco Boulevard). Construction on the facility by MDI Construction Company began in
2008 but was delayed due to Hurricane Gustav that year. It cost $2 million to complete. The facility offers
area residents an opportunity to dispose of particular items and automotive fluids in a
manner that is safe for the community and environmentally friendly.
The facility, located on 1.5 acres, includes a ramp for trash disposal, accommodations for eight roll-off boxes and two compactors, a waste
tire container, waste oil, gasoline, and antifreeze containers, an
automobile battery container, and recycling of scrap metal
and appliances.
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from
10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information or to make inquires, call the Jefferson Parish Department of
Environmental Affairs at 731-4612. ✴
R
Westbank owned since 1929
Hotels • Restaurants • Bars • Hospitals • Casinos • Physician’s Office
was assembled. Led by Jim Hudson, this task
force developed an extensive list of action items
and completed the Plan in 2009.
The Fat City Plan outlines nineteen specific
action items that will help to fulfill this vision of
a vibrant, revitalized Fat City. The action items
fall into five categories: regulatory changes, improvements to off-street parking, investment in
infrastructure, administration/public services,
and financial incentives. Some of the most significant action items include:
■ Adopting new zoning districts that are
unique to Fat City and that encourage a vibrant
mix of high quality and aesthetically appealing
uses
■ Developing more flexible and effective offstreet parking requirements and committing funding to expand the supply of off-street parking
■ Making major public “streetscape” improvements to dramatically upgrade the appearance of
Fat City’s streets
■ Establishing a Business Development
District (BDD) to coordinate investments and
16 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
VETERAN SALUTE
Irving E. Schwarz, Sr.
Served in the Pacific
he West Bank Beacon proudly honors the men and women
BY
who sacrificed for us and the cause of freedom.
FRANK J.
Lifelong Gretna resident Irving Edward Schwarz, Sr., was
BORNE, JR.
born in January 1924, the son of Annie Fortmayer and Gustave
Editor
Schwarz. He married Elizabeth Rau, with whom he had four children: Irving E., Jr., Suzanne Schwarz Hudson, Rosalyn Schwarz Herring, and Saundra
Schwarz Newton.
Schwarz graduated from Gretna High School in 1941 and received a degree in
machinery from Delgado Community College thereafter. He entered the U.S. Navy
in 1944 during World War II and received his basic training at Camp Pendleton near
San Diego, California. From there, he was stationed on the U.S.S. Rutland, which
sailed to ports along the west coast including San Francisco and Seattle, and to Pearl
Harbor in Hawaii. Its crew saw action at Iwo Jima in February 1945, where they were
part of a wave of U.S. troops that invaded the island. Schwarz, a MoMMC3c (Motor Machinist’s
Mate 3rd Class) whose duty was to repair motors of the landing craft, recalls that the crew “lost
a lot of boats. I couldn’t repair them because they
all sank.” The fighting was extremely fierce, and
the Rutland remained there for eight days and
lost 11 of its boats. Schwarz received a commendation letter from his commander for the
group’s service. “With coolness and courage, under conditions of gravest personal danger from
constant enemy fire, and with complete disregard
for his own safety, Schwarz contributed in an outstanding manner to the successful fulfillment of
their mission as a team,” the commander wrote.
Following its time at Iwo Jima, the Rutland sailed
to other Pacific ports where it prepared for other invasions. However, Schwarz and
his crew were one of the first transports to reach Tokyo for the signing of Japan’s surrender to the United States.
Following the war, Schwarz returned to Gretna and received training from Delgado
in refrigeration and attended Tulane University and the University of New Orleans.
At Delgado, he taught machinery for 28 years and sheet metal for two years. Thereafter,
he retired and worked at a machine shop he owned and operated.
Schwarz enjoys gardening and yard work, and is a member of the Gretna Historical
Society, the German Heritage, Cultural, and Genealogical Society, and the
American Association of Retired Persons. He has been a member of the Krewe of
Grela and was a charter member of the Gretna Sportsmen’s Club.
Thank you, Irving, for your outstanding service to our country! ✴
T
Ken Donewar has run Neeb’s Hardware for 32 years.
Neeb’s Helps Locals
with “Handy” Problems
for Over 80 Years
rom nuts and bolts to boiling pots, Neeb’s Hardware has
BY
it all. John Neeb first opened the doors of his hardware store,
MARGARET H.
located at 338 Lafayette Street in Gretna, in 1928, and,
ROBERTS
Contributing
upon retiring, sold his shop to longtime friend and employee
Writer
of 18 years, John Donewar. Donewar ran Neeb’s Hardware for
21 years, during which time his son Ken assisted him with everything from stocking shelves and sweeping floors to assisting customers. When
John retired in 1978, Ken took over what had become the family business, which
he has been running ever since.
“I now find myself helping the children of my customer’s from when my father first ran the store,” Donewar said.
Whatever your hardware needs are, Neeb’s Hardware has it. The most popular items sold include: plumbing supplies, drain supplies, fasteners and bolts
and nuts. Donewar recently added Blue Rhino propane to his store supplies; and
all you tail pinchers know how important Blue Rhino is during crawfish season.
Many customers have asked Donewar over the past 32 years for advice on
how to fix common problems around the house, but Donewar said his most frequent questions are about plumbing and how to fix a faucet.
Donewar’s said that favorite part of owning and operating a hardware store
is “Getting to meet different customers and interacting with them and helping
them solve their problems.”
For more information about Neeb’s Hardware contact Ken Donewar at 3662001 or visit Neeb’s Hardware store today. ✴
F
Governor Jindal Awards 555 Veterans from the New Orleans
area with the LA Veterans Honor Medal
overnor Bobby Jindal recently awarded 555 veterans from the New Orleans area with
the Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal at the Celebration Church in Metairie. Governor
Jindal was joined by Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) Secretary Lane
Carson and Major General Bennett C. Landreneau, Adjutant General of the Louisiana National
Guard, to award the state’s veterans with a special medal in honor of their service in the
Armed Forces.
Governor Jindal said, “These brave men and women are heroes who were willing to put
their lives on the line in defense of our freedom and liberty. The honor medals serve as a
symbol of our deep respect and gratitude for their incredible sacrifices.”
Governor Jindal signed legislation in 2008 to create the Veterans’ Honor Medal Program
in order to recognize and honor all of Louisiana’s veterans. The program is managed by the
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans’ Honor Medal is gold-plated and
comes with a blue ribbon. One side shows the state of Louisiana with “United States” embossed above and “Armed Forces” below.
The other side bears the words, “Louisiana appreciates your service to our country.”
Veterans who sustained a wound in battle will receive an honor medal designated by a silver
star and a purple ribbon. Families of veterans who were killed in action will receive an honor
medal designated by a gold star and a gold ribbon. ✴
G
17
18 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
J E F F E R S O N PA R I S H D E PA RTM E NT O F PA R K S & R E C R E ATI O N N E W S
Basketball Team Earns International Title
PRD West 12
BY
Year Old Boys
CITA MARCHESE
Biddy Basketball
Contributing
Team Had Undefeated
Writer
Season of 26-0 Earning
The Title of International Biddy
Champions
The JPRD West had a remarkable season. They were victorious in every game of
the entire season, earning the Titles of
Regional Biddy Champions and
International Biddy Champions for 12-yearold boys. They cruised through the brackets in the International Tournament
defeating New Orleans, Finland, JPRD
Eastbank, Plymouth, Pennsylvania and finally beating Patterson, Louisiana with a
score of 62-29 for the Championship. The
Regional Tournament was held in
Destrehan and the International
Tournament was held in Slidell.
This marks the third consecutive
Championship for the 12-year-old boys.
“This year ranks right up there as one of
our best teams ever!” said Head Coach
Jerry “Pops” Ureta. “They were a very talented group.”
Billy Ureta, Duane Riley and Josh
Walker also coached the team.
There were four boys in particular who
led the team. Khalea Turner, Michael
Moseley, Henre Tolliver and Olin Grant
shined throughout the season, but it is the
efforts of the entire team including Jeremy
Treaudo, Anthony McGhee, Kevin
Crayton, Jonathon Dalton, Warren Lewis,
Jorell Hawkins, Kahari Wilkens and
Devante Lockett that helped with the continuous success.
Jeremy Treaudo was chosen “Mr.
Biddy” for his outstanding play in the tournament. Congratulations to the entire
Team and Volunteer Coaches! We are
proud of JPRD West!
JPRD Athletics Division is busy with
the bustling Baseball and Softball Season
J
for boys and girls. All of the fields at
the parks are actively used daily.
Head out to one of the Parks and
catch a great game while enjoying the
fresh air and sunshine.
Anyone interested in becoming
a volunteer Coach or Concession
Stand Worker can visit the Park of
your choice and speak with the
Playground Staff.
The Leisure Service Division at
JPRD is still taking registration for
Summer Camp but you’d better hurry! They do tend to fill quickly. And
please remember that registering for
Session 1 does not guarantee a spot
for your child in Session 2. Payment Bottom row from left to right: Anthony McGhee, Kevin Crayton, Jonathon Dalton, Warren Lewis, Middle row: Coach Billy
must be received and is accepted on Ureta, Jorell Hawkins, Olin Grant, Henre Toliver, Michael Moseley. Back row: Head Coach Jerry “Pops” Ureta, Jeremy
Treaudi, Khalea Turner, Kahari Wilkens, Devante Lockett, Coach Duane Riley and Coach Josh Walker
a first-come first-served basis until the
quotas are reached at each site. There are Members certainly do keep busy. They have 5th Street in Marrero; however there is a
two four-week sessions. Session 1 runs monthly socials and dances, go on same day direct access road to the pool from the
June 7 thru July 2, and Session 2 runs July outings and meet regularly. Registration is Westbank Expressway. The pool is operated
12 thru August 6. Before and after care is open to Jefferson Parish residents age 50 and maintained by JPRD staff, and Red
available. The cost of the camp includes and up. Many members competed in the Cross Certified Lifeguards are on duty durall field trips, special events, swimming, recent Louisiana State Senior Olympics ing all operating hours of the pool. It opens
movies and much more.
Games. An awards banquet was held in Saturday, May 30, and will remain open
One week specialty camps will be of- April at Mike Miley Playground to recog- daily until Sunday, August 8. Public
fered the week before camp starts and also nize the gold, silver and bronze medal re- Sessions are Saturdays and Sundays from
the week of July 6 thru July 9. Go to cipients. Westbank Members ages 50 to 94 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and every day
www.jeffparish.net or call 349-5000 for competed. Congratulations to all that from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Camps can
more information.
participated in the games. A list of the in- call to reserve the pool for group sessions
New ZUMBA Classes will begin at dividual medal winners will be posted in on a first-come first-served basis from 10:00
Belle Terre Playground on Wednesday, June June. Complete results for the Westbank a.m. until 12:00 noon, or 12:00 noon un2 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and also Golden Age Participants will not be an- til 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. The cost per
beginning on June 5 at PARD Playground nounced until after the Annual Sports swimmer per session is $2 and they must
on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 Award Banquet that will be held on May wear appropriate swim attire. For more ina.m. For more information call Dawn 7 at Tony Mandina’s.
formation contact Dawn Lauland at 349Lauland at 349-5000 Ext. 130.
For a complete listing of all Westbank 5000. Swim Lessons are available too.
Art Instructors are needed to teach a Playground addresses, phone numbers
School is almost over and the kids will
variety of art classes for children and and contacts, please visit www.jeffparish.net be looking for something to do. JPRD has
adults. Anyone interested should contact or pick up a copy of the JPRD Brochure lots of options available as well as many
Rose Scott at 349-5000. Scott is also the at any playground, library, or in the satellite parks with walking trails and tot
contact person for one week specialty Main Office located at 7437 Lapalco lots. Break them away from video games,
camps this summer on the weeks of June Blvd. in Marrero.
computers and texting for a bit to take ad1 thru June 4 and also July 6 thru July 9.
The JPRD Swimming Pool will be vantage of the beautiful park sites available
The JPRD Golden Age Club opening soon! The pool is located at 5851 for your family to enjoy. ✴
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
Bayou Segnette
to GIWW
n a map, the porEditor’s Note: This is the third in a seBY
tion of the West
ries exploring key components of the West
JIM LESTELLE
Bank and Vicinity
Bank and Vicinity Hurricane Protection
Contributing
Hurricane Protection
Project, an unprecedented investment
Writer
Project that begins at
designed to protect from storm surge the
Bayou Segnette and
West Bank of Orleans and Jefferson and
winds its way to the Harvey Canal has lots portions of St. Charles and Plaquemines
of twists and turns, primarily because it is parishes.In next month’s issue of the West
designed to protect major population and Bank Beacon: the eastern end of the sysbusiness centers to the north and east as tem, including the Gulf Intracoastal
well as environmentally sensitive marshes. Waterway Closure Complex.
The 16 contracts that make up these
initiatives are designed to raise protection from the current 11 feet to 14 feet, and
to 16 feet where T-walls are used.
“In total, they’re expected to cost approximately $270 million,” said Pat Ketcham,
commissioner of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West, “and
they’ll provide the so-called 100-year level of protection mandated by Congress.”
The authority provides flood protection for nearly all land on the west bank of the
Mississippi River in Jefferson and Orleans parishes.
For ease of understanding, the project will be described in three primary segments:
O
Company Canal and Westwego Area
Long at risk to storm surge are the Company Canal, a major access point for the state’s
coastal fishing industry, and the Westwego homes and businesses just north and east
of the canal. To provide 100-year protection, a number of projects are under way there.
The most important is the Bayou Segnette Complex, which includes construction of T-walls across Bayou Segnette, a new 700-cubic-foot-per-second (CFS) pump
station, new sector gates to provide access for fleets and an earthen levee. All of it is
adjacent to a realigned navigation channel and tied to Westwego surge protection to
the east.
“By shifting the main line of defense against surges to the south, these projects
significantly reduce the danger to other structures, such as the Old Westwego Pump
Station, which also is being reinforced,” Ketcham said.
Also included is other important work: reinforcement, T-wall tie-ins and other
modifications to the Bayou Segnette and Westwego #2 pump stations; and construction
of new T-walls west of the city of Westwego, which can be seen from the Lapalco
Bridge at Segnette State Park.
Ivory Lounge
Gretna’s Finest
Westwego to Harvey
Leaving Westwego, projects continue generally south around developed areas such
as Westminster, Ames, Mt. Kennedy, Estelle and others. A number of existing pump
stations in this vicinity that safeguard vast areas of homes and businesses are being fortified, further protected, and tied to levees and other structures to achieve
100-year protection for those pumps.
In addition, approximately 13 miles of levees are being raised and provided with
stability berms, and another three miles of T-walls are being built where access is
limited. Vehicles will be able to travel to the unprotected side of Highway 45 following construction of a gate to be closed during surges. However, the Lafitte/Larose
Highway, a major access point for communities farther south, will be elevated over
the surge protection so traffic is unimpeded even during surge events.
Harvey Canal, South of Lapalco
Work to elevate earthen levees to 10 feet along the west side of the Harvey Canal
south of Lapalco is complete. Additional work is under way in that area to replace
any remaining sheet-pile protection with stronger T-walls, also at 10 feet. T-walls
on the east bank of the canal south of Lapalco are at 16 feet. This area was designed
as primary surge protection that will become secondary following completion of the
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) Closure Complex.
Construction of that complex is under way south of the point where the Harvey
and Algiers canals meet. “Once that is complete,” Ketcham explained, “the 14-foot
protection afforded by that unprecedented project will remove both canals and their
26 miles of existing levees and other protection from surge danger, because everything north of it will become secondary protection.
“We look forward to that day, because then the West Bank will have the type
of protection it long has deserved and for which it has fought.” ✴
• Food Menu
• Happy Hour 4-8pm Daily Drink Specials
• We also cater to Birthday Parties
Company Parties, and Anniversaries
• D.J. Every Saturday Night
• We sponsor Pool and Dart Teams
Sign up your team today!!!
MON - FRI 11AM till - SAT 2PM till
1611 Franklin St. Gretna, LA, 70053 • 504-304-7842
19
20 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
The Beauty of History
I
can’t understand
BY
why
everyone
JOE DARBY
doesn’t like history.
Contributing
I suppose that’s
Writer
kind of silly for me to
think that because a
person could just as well say, “Why doesn’t everyone like soccer?” or “Doesn’t
everybody like reality shows?” Different
tastes make the world go around.
But here’s the thing. History, of
course, is the most thrilling story ever
told, because it’s the story of everything
that’s happened to humanity. And that’s
pretty darned exciting when you think
about it.
I know many of us complain that we
have no interest in history because
our history teachers in school made it
so dull. Too often, I suppose, history is
taught in high school by assistant football coaches or others who have little interest in the subject. Come to think of
it, in my high school, the football coach
taught algebra. That probably explains
why I’m still not sure if 2X + 3Y = Z.
Or whatever.
I was very fortunate to have a high
school history teacher who knew his
subject, loved it and made it interesting
to his students. The man could also
make us laugh, finding the humor in
such things as the Stuart dynasty in
Great Britain — believe it or not.
But even before I was exposed to
that teacher I loved history, visiting the
parish library to search for books about
ancient warriors, kings and other assorted true adventures of the olden days.
I guess liking history or disliking history may be inborn in you, just like
whether you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream, or whether you’d rather
watch a mystery movie or a blow-em-up
adventure flick.
I imposed my love of history on my
daughters, but they didn’t protest. I still
feel kind of bad that I never took them
to Disney World in Orlando. Instead, conference at Louisiana State University
our summer vacations were spent vis- in Shreveport. I ate at a barbecue
iting such places as museums and Civil restaurant and, while chatting with
War battlefields. But, again, they had the waitress, told her what I was in town
fun, because I tried to explain the ex- for. The young lady said she was a stuciting aspects of what happened where. dent at LSUS, but that she didn’t realWe paid numerous visits to the ly like history. “I get confused between
Chalmette Battlefield and that always the Civil War and World War II,” she exseemed fun. I can bet that they knew plained. And guess what her major
more about Andy Jackson than most was? Education!
eight or 10-year-old girls. And many
History, of course, is not just inwere the nice summer afternoons that ternational or national, dealing with wars
we drove out to Fort Pike, on the between great nations or interesting
Rigolets, where we traipsed through the American political battles, It’s just as fascasements of the old fort and browsed cinating on the state and local level, too.
through the small museum they had
The New Orleans area is one of the
there. We’d usually top off the day by most historic sites in our country.
rolling down the
History is, litfort’s
grassy
erally,
all
The New Orleans area is
slopes. Hey, I
around you.
told you history
The area was
one of the most historic sites settled almost
could be fun.
And I was
300 years ago
in our country. History is,
proud of what
and the list of
my girls learned.
interesting
literally, all around you.
When Becky
events
in
was just two or
those nearly
three, she knew
three cenabout the presidents on the coins, par- turies is endless. And it doesn’t have to
ticularly seeming to like the portrait of be of national importance to be inter“Mr. Minken” on the penny. After all the esting, such as Andy Jackson defeating
visits to Chalmette, she was also quite the British at Chalmette, the Union
the fan of Andy Jackson.
Navy coming up the river to take the city
And one time when we were tour- from the Confederacy, or even Huey
ing the Shadows on the Teche, the Long’s shenanigans while staying at the
beautiful antebellum home in New Roosevelt Hotel.
Iberia, the guide asked the group who
When you drive along the West
knew when the Civil War was fought. Bank Expressway, you’re passing over
My Liz, who couldn’t have been more land that, many years ago, were planthan 10 or 11, promptly answered, tations and then, in the memory of many
“1861 to 1865,” surprising the guide to still living, dairy farms. And imagine
no end that such a young girl would what it was like to see the great fire that
know that.
almost destroyed Algiers in the 1890s,
And that memory brings me to an- or to visit the fantastic Harvey’s Castle,
other unhappy subject — the lack of where the Harvey Canal meets the
knowledge of history by so many young river, or to bargain with Jean Lafitte and
people. Here’s a sad example. A couple his smugglers down around Barataria.
of years ago I was attending a history
I greatly enjoy learning little known
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
HISTORY
tidbits of history. I recently found out,
to my great amusement, that the Tavern
on the Park, that nice restaurant on City
Park Avenue in New Orleans, was a
hangout for the girls from Storyville back
in the 1910s. It seems the ladies would
have Sunday afternoons off and would
go out to the restaurant, eat and drink
on its upper balcony and, no doubt, have
fun watching the “respectable folk”
entering City Park for family recreation.
Now, if that’s not a fun fact to know, I
don’t know what would be.
One great source of local history is
the JHS Newsletter, the publication of
the Jefferson Historical Society. Frank
Borne, the editor of the West Bank
Beacon, fills each edition of the
Newsletter with interesting facts and
bios of Jefferson politicians, both of the
present and past. (And in case anyone’s
wondering, Frank had no idea I was
writing about history. This is not an attempt to get a raise.)
So, if I may leave you with a suggestion. The next time you’re trying to
find something interesting to do on a
weekend, visit the Chalmette
Battlefield, or a museum. The Cabildo
and the Presbytere in the French
Quarter are fascinating, as are the
National World War II Museum and the
Confederate Memorial Hall, within a
half block of each other downtown. And
there are several good museums in
Jefferson Parish, from Gretna to
Westwego to Kenner. You can find
them listed in the Yellow Pages. Give
history a chance. It can be fun. ✴
———————————————————
Joe Darby, a former longtime West Bank
resident and a newspaper reporter for
more than 40 years, retired to
Natchitoches, La., in 2006. He writes for
the West Bank Beacon on experiences
common to all of us, no matter where we
live. He can be reached at [email protected].
JEFFERSON PROFILE
Guy Dreux
uy Dreux was born in the Livaudais Mansion in the Garden
District of New Orleans on December 13, 1824, the son of
Didier Dreux and Marie Josephine Nathalie Livaudais. Dreux
was married to Leontine Arnault and had eight children—two boys
and six girls.
Dreux was educated in France and attended college in
Kentucky for three years. Upon his return to Louisiana following
college, Dreux studied with his brother-in-law, Henry Dugue, to
become an attorney. However, that profession did not appeal to
him, and he later abandoned that pursuit. Dreux moved to Gretna,
where he served as clerk of the Jefferson Parish Police Jury, until he was elected Justice of the
Peace. After serving for several years as Justice of the Peace, he was elected the Sheriff of Jefferson
Parish in 1857, and he served three terms in that capacity.
Dreux was a Confederate veteran, having raised a cavalry company in Jefferson Parish. He was
the captain of Dreux’s Mounted Guards (Company A) established March 13, 1862. His company escorted Generals Beauregard and Bragg, as a unit of the Louisiana Division of the Army of Tennessee.
He was eventually taken as a prisoner of war and was later paroled at Meridian, Mississippi, on May
10, 1865. Lieutenant Colonel Charles Didier Dreux of the First Louisiana Infantry was his brother.
Following the war, Dreux, like many other sheriffs of the 19th century, was a planter. He later
was employed as a clerk with the firm of Imbau, Aycock & Company (later known as Aycock, Mitchel,
and Company), livestock brokers. Dreux was elected as Recorder of the 2nd District of New Orleans in
April of 1888. He also served as a legislator from New Orleans’ 5th Ward.
Dreux was a member of the Metropolitan Club, the Olympic Club, the Oriental Club, the Army of
Tennessee Association, the Veteran Confederate States Cavalry Association, and the Pelican Hook &
Ladder Fire Company No. 4.
Dreux died on February 8, 1891, in New Orleans of chronic hepatitis and nephritis with an abscessed liver and was interred in the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. ✴
G
Local Author Dean M. Shapiro to
Do Book Signing at Barnes & Noble
ean M. Shapiro, a Gretna resident and author, will be signing copies of his two latest books,
Historic Photos of Louisiana and Historic Photos of Steamboats on the Mississippi at Barnes & Noble in
Harvey on Saturday, May 22 from 12 noon-2 p.m.
The books are collections of 200 old black and white photographs compiled largely from archives
of the Library of Congress, the Louisiana State Library and the collections of various institutions of
higher learning. They are printed in hardbound, coffee table-sized volumes that are part of a series
published by Turner Publishing Company of Nashville, Tennessee. The photos in the steamboat book
date from 1860 through 1999 and those in the Louisiana book date from 1865 to 1969.
Shapiro has been a professional writer for more than 40 years, with six published books and
several thousand articles published in more than three dozen newspapers, magazines and websites.
He is currently writing for the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, NewOrleans.com,
TravelHost magazine, Where Y’At, and Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide, and is a contributing writer to the
West Bank Beacon.
Barnes & Noble is located at 1601 B, Westbank Expressway, Harvey, at Manhattan Boulevard. ✴
D
Harvey Tunnel Then & Now
ooking east toward Gretna from atop the Harvey Tunnel in 1958, one
saw a very barren West Bank Expressway dotted with only a few
homes and businesses and no elevated highway structure. The tunnel
was completed in 1958 and relieved West Jefferson residents the burden of
relying on Fourth Street for east-west travel. The Fourth Street drawbridge, as
it still does today, frequently contributed to traffic congestion on that once
bustling commercial corridor. Following completion of the West Bank
Expressway and Harvey Tunnel, commercial and residential development
gravitated south on the West Bank. In the 1980s, the elevated expressway
was constructed to add six lanes unimpeded by traffic lights and intersections
to enhance and otherwise substantially facilitate east-west travel on
Louisiana Highway 90. ✴
Memorial Held for
West Bank Hero
n April, a memorial service was held in Marrero for retired Lieutenant General Larry J. Dodgen, who died
February 20 following a heart attack. He was 60.
A native of New Orleans, Dodgen was raised on the
West Bank and graduated from West Jefferson High School
in Harvey. Thereafter, he graduated from Louisiana State
University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Later, he obtained an MBA in public administration from the University of Missouri and
a master’s degree in national security and strategy from the United States Naval War College.
Dodgen’s military education included the Air Defense Officer basic and advanced courses, the U.S.
Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Naval War College.
Dodgen’s extensive military career began in with his service as Section Leader and later
Platoon Leader, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 68th Air Defense Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood,
Texas. In 1975, he was assigned as a Firing Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion, 71st Air Defense
Artillery, 8th United States Army in Korea. He became the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding
General, 38th Air Defense Artillery, while serving in Korea. Upon his return to the U.S., he served
as Aide-de-Camp to the Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School, Fort Bliss,
Texas. Later, he commanded Battery C, 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss. From
1981 to 1982, Dodgen commanded Battery A and served as the Assistant S-3 (Operations), 3rd
Battalion, 61st Air Defense Artillery, 3rd Armored Division in Germany. In 1984, he was assigned to
the U.S. Army Chemical School, Fort McClellan, Alabama, as an NBC Analyst and later became
Chief of the Studies Branch. In 1987, he became the Executive Officer, 6th Battalion, 43rd Air
Defense Artillery, in Germany. From 1989 to 1991, he commanded the 8th Battalion, 43rd Air
Defense Artillery, which he led into combat in Saudi Arabia During Operation Desert Storm. In
1993, he returned to Germany to command the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. While in
Germany, he also became the Chief of the CINC’s Initiatives Group, Office of the Command-inChief, U.S. Army Europe. After assuming the rank of Brigadier General in 1996, he became the 6th
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy and Missions. From 1998 to 2001, he was the
Director, Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Organization (JTAMDO). From 2001 to 2003, he
was the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM). His last
assignment was as commander of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/U.S. Army
Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT).
Dodgen was highly decorated during his career. Awards and distinctions include the Defense
Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit (two Oak Leaf Clusters),
Meritorious Service Medal (four Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal, and the Army
Achievement Medal.
Following his military service, Dodgen in 2007 joined Northrop Grumman as Vice President of
Strategy for the missile systems business area and was a Sector Vice President within Northrop
Grumman’s Information Systems and the Executive Lead for the corporation’s Missile Defense
Integration Group. When he died, he was serving as the company’s Corporate Lead Executive for
Huntsville, Alabama.
Dodgen is survived by his wife, Leslie; mother Zoella Dodgen of Harvey; two brothers, George
L. Dodgen of Houston, Texas, and John W. Dodgen, of Marrero; sister Patty Dodgen of Marrero,
two nieces and three nephews. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia,
on March 11. ✴
I
1958
L
Now
(Left) Photo courtesy Jefferson Parish Yearly Review, 1958.
(Above) Photo by Frank J. Borne, Jr., 2008
21
22 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
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24 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
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ALGIERS & THE LOWER COAST
Drainage Improvements, Crime Prevention and
Beautification are all Taking Root in Algiers
ver the past 90
days since my last
article focusing on
Algiers and the Lower
Coast, the Westbank of
Orleans Parish has continBY
ued to see progress in the
VAL EXNICIOS
Contributing
myriad of efforts designed
Writer
to further improve the
quality of life of our area.
As promised, work has commenced on the significant drainage improvements to the General
deGaulle corridor by the S&WB of N.O., and the
improvements to and resurfacing of DeGaulle
by the LA. DOTD will commence as soon as the
drainage improvements are completed. Public
funding for both the drainage and $ 20+ million dollars in street improvements are already
fully funded and allocated due to the efforts of
our District 7 Senator Dr. David Heitmeier , and
will not be affected by our State’s unfortunate
and widely publicized fiscal deficits and attendant problems in 2010 or 2011. Completion of
all improvements to the General Degaulle corridor are scheduled to be completed within the
next 24 months, by March, 2012. While traffic
delays are certain to result during construction,
the much needed improvements will result in
greatly improved travel along our major Orleans
Westbank thoroughfare once completed.
Further progress also has been made in the
construction of the European style roundabout
at the intersection of Hwy. 407/Woodland and
the Intracoastal Bridge on the Lower Coast and
the construction is scheduled to be completed
O
WWL-TV served as emcee of the event that was
no later than April 30, 2010. Both the Degaulle
also co-sponsored by our own Senator David
and Hwy 407/Woodland/Intracoastal Bridge
Heitmeier, District 7.
projects are being overseen by LA. DOTD
On the “beautification” front, members
District 2 Project Engineer Nelson Capote,
of the LSU Environmental Conservation
(504) 437-3100.
Organization planted cypress, live oak and waOn the crime front, the NOPD 4th District
ter oak seedlings all along the Woodlands Trial
has achieved further reductions in our already
on the Lower Coast and Belle Chase on March
extremely low crime rates under the excep13th. About 3,200 seedlings were planted by
tional leadership of NOPD Commander Major
the end of March. The area lost approximately
David Kirsch. The GNO-Westbank Crime Forum
70% of its mature trees as a result of
hosted by Delgado Community College
Hurricane Katrina and the plantings of the
Westbank (DCCW) and the Algiers
seedlings will
Neighborhood
replenish the lost
Presidents
forestry and restore
Council (ANPC)
The area lost approximately 70%
the beauty of the
originally schedof
its
mature
trees
as
a
result
area for years
uled for late
of Hurricane Katrina and the
to come.
March was postThe state’s
poned until April
plantings of the seedlings will
projected budget
29, 2010 and was
replenish the lost forestry and
deficits for 2010 and
a resounding suc2011 are certainly
cess. All members
restore the beauty of the area
cause for great
of the public
for years to come .
concern to all of us,
were invited to
and, locally, espethis free forum
where US Attorney Jim Letten, Orleans DA Leon cially for Orleans Westbankers as they may
drastically effect Delgado Community College’s
Cannizarro, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell
Westbank Campus and its ability to continue to
Normand, Plaquemines Sheriff Jiff Hingle,
provide our children and other residents with a
Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson, Orleans
Criminal Sheriff Marlin Gusman and Councilman viable alternative to the traditional four- year
college curricula. A four year college degree is
James Carter were all invited to address area
understandably not for everyone and many of
citizens regarding the area’s crime problems
our young people want and need to learn workand how area citizens could assist in further
force skills that can provide them with good
reducing crime in Algiers and surrounding
parishes. Clancy Dubos of Gambit Magazine and paying jobs, and that can provide employers
with a much needed skilled workforce necessary to their successful manufacturing and industrial productions. I encourage everyone to
contact our area legislators, Senator David
Heitmeier (504)361-6356, Speaker of the
House Jim Tucker (504) 393-5646, and
Rep. Jeff Arnold, (504) 361-6600 to express
their keen interest in preserving state funding
of DCCW.
I look forward to continuing to share
with you exciting Algiers and Lower Coast
news in the months to come and ask that
you please join me by getting involved in
working to further improve our exceptional
quality of life on the Westbank of
Orleans Parish.
Lastly, I welcome Councilman James
Carter back to the private practice of law
and am proud to have entered into a joint venture with him to serve the legal needs of
our community. ✴
————————————————————————————————————————————
In addition to serving his Orleans Westbank
community as Chairman of the Boards of Orleans
Westbank neighborhood, crime and education organizations, Val Exnicios is Senior Trial Counsel and
Managing Counsel of Liska, Exnicios & Nungesser,
a New Orleans based civil law firm with a focus on
representing victims of serious personal injuries.
The recipient of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals
American Inns of Court 2009 Professionalism Award,
the LSBA President’s Award, CitiBusiness Leadership
in Law Award and SuperLawyers designation, Val can
be reached at (504) 410-9611 or via email at
[email protected].
26 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
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M AY 2 0 10
T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
PLAQ U E M I N E S PAR I S H
Eco-friendly Plaquemines Parish
Animal Shelter Breaks Ground
laquemines Parish recently celebrated the
ground breaking of the Plaquemines Parish
Animal Shelter, a green-energy, state-ofthe-art facility. The building will be the new office
for the Plaquemines Parish Animal Control
Department.
The Plaquemines Animal Shelter will consist of
animal-friendly design features such as a
spay/neuter clinic, an education room, indoor and
outdoor free roaming cat rooms, increased indoor
air quality, and a significantly larger capacity to
shelter animals.
The shelter also creates the rare combination of
government working with a non-profit organization
P
under one roof. PAWS (Plaquemines Animal
Welfare Society) will move into the Animal Shelter
upon completion. PAWS will continue their
spay/neuter operations, adoptions, and other programs from the new building.
“This is a great day for animals, animal
lovers, and for Plaquemines Parish,” said Parish
President Billy Nungesser. “All of the green design
elements will create a healthier and safer environment for both people and animals.”
The design for the Animal Shelter may qualify
for green energy LEED* certification. The shelter
will encompass Geothermal HVAC systems, which
will capture heat for hot water use. The building
Plaquemines Parish to Host Seafood Festival
he Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival is celebrating its sixth anniversary on
Memorial Day weekend, May 28 through May 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00
p.m. on Friday and from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and
Sunday! The Festival’s new location is 225 F. Edward Hebert Blvd. The site
is on the fair grounds at the rear of the Plaquemines Parish Government
Complex (previously known as the “State School”).
Guests will enjoy delicious seafood fished from the Gulf waters and
prepared by local restaurants, witness the crowning of the first Seafood
Queen and participate in the only sand-bagging competition ever held at a festival!
Carnival Rides, crafts from local artisans, Helicopter Rides over some of the most historical battlefields in
the Nation and continuous live music throughout the Festival are some of the many attractions.
Admission is $5 for adults and FREE for children 12 and under. Parking is FREE! In five years, the
Festival has donated over $105,000 to local charities, youth development groups and other worthwhile organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital, Knights of Columbus, the Air
National Guard, Louisiana’s Medal of Honor Park, local schools, churches and medical facilities.
The celebration kicks off Friday at 6:00 p.m. with great seafood, rides, crafts, and an 8:00 p.m. a
concert by The Chee-Weez!
An opening ceremony will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Local military service members will perform the National Anthem and provide the color guard. At 11:00 a.m. the first Seafood Queen Pageant will
be held. Headlining on the Grand Bayou Stage at 1:00 is Foret Tradition followed at 4:30 p.m. by the classic rock band, Contraflow. Bag of Donuts will rock the parish at 8:00 p.m. with their “baddest show on
earth”. Stage 23 will host local favorites Big River Band at 2:30 p.m. followed by swamp pop and variety
band Junior and Sumtin Sneaky at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday starts at 11:00 a.m. with another great line-up of bands and exciting activities. At 1:00 p.m.
on the Grand Bayou Stage, experience the excitement of Mojeaux. By popular demand, Southern Cross
from Houma, returns to the Stage at 5:00 p.m. Stage 23 will host At Close Distance at 11:00 p.m. followed
by the son of Clarence “Frogman” Henry, known as Clarence “Tadpole” Henry with the True Player Band
at 2:00 p.m. Named the Best Emerging Artist of 2009 by OffBeat Magazine, The Honey Island Swamp
Band plays at 6:00 p.m. Be ready at 9:00 p.m. for the grand finale as performed by COWBOY MOUTH!
Based on charitable commitments from area businesses and over 8,000 in attendance last year, this
festival is becoming one of Louisiana’s largest crowd-pleasers. For more information, visit www.plaqueminesparishfestival.com. ✴
T
will maximize natural light penetration,
use landscaping, and utilize light/white roofing
material in order to minimize heat gain. These efficient design elements create low operating costs
and lifetime energy savings.
“The Animal Shelter is a great addition to
Plaquemines Parish,” said Keith Hinkley, District 2
Council Member. “It’s something we’ll look back
on and be proud of.”
Plaquemines Parish is eligible for a $1.5 million reimbursement grant for using the energy efficient design.
“I want to thank Senator Heitmeier for his
ongoing support for the Animal Shelter and many
other projects in the parish,” said President
Nungesser.
State Senator David R. Heitmeier, O.D. has
supported the new center from the start. “Pets are
such an important part of our lives. Unfortunately
sometimes over-population and unforeseen circumstances create situations where animals must
be responsibly and humanely handled. I applaud
Plaquemines in leading the way with this state of
the art facility in caring for and finding homes for
pets through adoption,” Heitmeier said. ✴
Plaquemines
Considers
Moving Railroad
laquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser
has been working with railroad officials to
explore the option of relocating the railroad
in that parish. The current rail runs parallel to
Highway 23, with dozens of road crossings. Two
routes were proposed—one running along Peters
Road and crossing the Intracoastal Waterway next
to the planned Bypass Road, the other down
Destrehan Avenue on the other side of the
Harvey Canal.
“This creates the opportunity for several major
improvements. We’d get the railroad out of Belle
Chasse and that would provide the space to
expand Highway 23,” said Nungesser. “With a
wider neutral ground we’d have better turning
lanes, which would help lower the risk of wrecks
and ease traffic congestion.”
The rail company has worked with parish
officials on other improvements, including
replacing several old wooden crossings with
concrete. Most recently a swing arm was
installed at the intersection of Belle Chasse
Highway and Windsor Court as a preventative
safety measure.
With so many railroad accidents across the
country, we’re working closely with NOGC to make
every crossing in Plaquemines Parish safe,”
Nungesser said. ✴
P
Plaquemines
Community
Centers One
Step Closer to
“One-Stop-Shop”
fter the Plaquemines Parish Council
recently approved an ordinance that
allows for a public-private funding
agreement between the Parish Government,
YMCA, United Way and Plaquemines Legacy
Campaign to cover the $462,000 annual operating cost of operating four community
centers, local officials announced that a twoyear contract to operate the centers has
been awarded to the YMCA.
The state-of the art multi-purpose centers will provide a “one-stop-shop” for family
services that will encourage residents to return to the hard hit southern section of
Plaquemines Parish and are expected to be
completed this summer. The centers are designated by the state as emergency centers to
provide a safe refuge from floods, storms and
other disasters. All facilities are being elevated a minimum of nine feet and built to
withstand winds in excess of 150 mph. The
Plaquemines Parish Council on Aging will
also operate senior center programs at the
facilities in Boothville, Davant and Port
Sulphur.
The Plaquemines Legacy Campaign,
a public-private partnership, involving
Plaquemines Parish Government, FEMA,
United Way, YMCA, Plaquemines Parish
School Board and the business community,
is raising private funds to supplement FEMA
reimbursement funding for the four community centers in Boothville, Buras, Davant and
Port Sulphur. Top contributors to the
Plaquemines Legacy Campaign include
Chevron, $1 million; Entergy, $500,000 and
Shell, $337,000
A new YMCA is currently being
constructed in Belle Chasse after
ConocoPhillips contributed $5 million for the
project. The five YMCA operated facilities
will provide a parish-wide network of
community services.
Rev. Edwards of Zion Traveler’s Baptist
Church, who directs a development program
for 30 youth in Davant, said it’s been a hard
adjustment for kids since Katrina. “They lost
their homes. They lived in FEMA trailers. I’ve
seen kids with nothing to do but walk the
roads or watch TV. The new YMCA will give
them an outlet, a way to develop socially,
spiritually and civically.”
YMCA President, David Ozmore, is impressed with the strong parish leadership and
spirit of cooperation among government,
nonprofits and businesses. “The YMCA is
very excited to be members of this dynamic
team,” Ozmore said. ✴
A
27
28 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
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Government-Run Insurance Hiatus
know the words
BY
“Government-Run
RYAN DAUL
Insurance” immedi- Contributing
Writer
ately conjure thoughts of
Healthcare reform, however, I’m not quite smart enough…or possibly stupid enough…to broach that subject.
I’m more interested in talking about the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The NFIP has not been getting the attention that it deserves. Not just from legislators that aren’t extending the program,
but from Bankers, Insurance Agents and
the General Public.
I’m going to divide this article into two
parts, a bit of “a la carte” reading for you.
In an attempt to avoid the constant bias so
often present when discussing government
issues, I will present the “facts section” first.
In an attempt not to bore you to tears, I will
present the “rhetoric section” second.
Feel free to read either one first.
I
Facts Section
Over the past 60 days the NFIP has lapsed
twice. Once from February, 28th to March
2nd and after a 30 day extension, congress
allowed the NFIP to lapse again from
March 28th to April 15th with a retroactive extension back to February 28th that
will extend the program until May 31st.
COBRA health insurance subsidies for the
unemployed and payments to doctors under the Medicare health program have also
been disrupted as they were all tied into this
one bill.
What does this lapse mean to “we the
people”? It means that new flood policies
cannot be purchased. It stopped most
home closings until the hiatus was retroactively lifted.
Can flood policies be assigned to a new
homeowner? Yes, an existing policy can be
assigned provided the insured signs and
dates the endorsement request.
What is a “Hiatus”? It’s a period without authority to: issue new policies for which
application and premium payment dates are
on or after March 29th 2010; issue increased
coverage on existing policies for which endorsement and premium payment dates are
on or after March 29, 2010, or issue renewal
policies for which the renewal premium is
received by the company on or after March
29, 2010 and after the end of the 30-day renewal grace period until Congress reauthorizes the program.
title of this article. It’s a much better attention getter.) How can Congress so easily decide to backdate legislation? This is a
perfect example of why government should
not be competing with private sector businesses. Who is supposed to hold the government accountable, I mean…aside from
approximately 130 million voters? If a private company took a hiatus the government
would quickly step in and admonish the
company and then set forth a mandate for
the company to act responsibly and in the
best interest of their customers.
Unfortunately, the government is a necessary component with regard to flood insurance. There aren’t many private sector
companies that are willing or able to provide flood coverage to the nation. I’m sure
the government would prefer not to be in
the flood insurance business. However,
since the government is in the flood insurance business, I think they owe it to their
customers, constituents, bosses, moms, and
whomever else falls into the category of people that make up the nation, to supply a
product that creates some degree of stability
and certainty for the American tax payer.
Rhetoric Section
The Hiatus is interesting for many reasons.
For one, the Government has mastered time
travel. (That probably should have been the
A Whole Other Level of Rhetoric
We might as well just call this section,
“wishful thinking”.
I sincerely, hope that all individuals in
Congress understand the importance of the
NFIP and COBRA. And I hope that this
lapse is an elaborate scheme on the part of
legislatures to create some pain for the
American People, in an attempt to wake us
up. Not to the fact that republicans are good
or bad or that democrats are good or bad,
but to the fact that “we the people” ultimately have very little input into federal legislation. It’s hard to imagine that anyone in
congress was acting in their constituents’
best interest when they all decided to recess in March without reauthorizing the
NFIP and COBRA. I don’t think any
home or business owner in Southern
Louisiana would have left the Capitol on
March 28 without voting to extend flood insurance. To be fair to congress, NFIP policies are one of the few insurance policies
that allow a 30 day grace period for payment. It may help if congress just allowed
themselves that same grace period. ✴
——————————————————
Ryan Daul is a Producer with the Daul
Insurance Agency, Inc., a family owned and
operated business since 1959. Daul
Insurance handles a variety of business insurance clients at its office located at 94
Westbank Exp., Ste. A. in Gretna. Call 3620667 or email at [email protected].
29
H E A LT H
May is Healthy Vision Month
recent study by
the National
Eye Institute
found that more than
11 million Americans
have common vision
BY DR. DAVID
problems such as
HEITMEIER
Contributing
nearsightedness, farWriter
sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
While this number may sound alarming, the
good news is that common vision problems
can be detected through a comprehensive
dilated eye exam and can be corrected.
Regular eye exams are important
for maintaining good eye health. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless
procedure in which an eye care professional
examines your eyes to look for common
vision problems and eye diseases, many
of which have no early warning signs. Your
eye care professional may prescribe
corrective eyewear to help you see your
best. The most common forms of vision correction are prescription eye glasses and contact lenses.
A
Make sure your vision is the best it can be.
Healthy vision can help keep you safe when you
are driving behind the wheel, participating in
sports, or taking part in recreational activities. It
can also help to ensure that nyou maintain a
healthy and active lifestyle well into your
golden years.
Your eyes are an important part of your
health. Take care of them so you can be confident you are seeing your best. Find a window of
time to schedule an eye exam today. Visit
www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes to learn more
about eye exams and common vision problems.
Tips for Finding an Eye Care Professional
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a
healthcare provider. It’s important to find someone you have good communication with, especially when it comes to your eye health. Here are
a few tips for finding a local professional to provide your eye care:
■ Ask family members and friends about eye
care professionals they use.
■ Ask your family doctor for the name of a
local eye care specialist.
■ Call the department of ophthalmology or
optometry at a nearby hospital or university
medical center.
Contact a state or parish association of
ophthalmologists or optometrists. These
groups, usually called academies or societies, may have lists of eye care professionals with specific information on specialty
and experience.
■ Contact your insurance company or
health plan to learn whether it has a list of
eye care professionals that are covered under your plan.
■ Visit a local bookstore or library for
journals and books about selecting a physician and medical treatment. A library reference specialist can help you identify books
on finding healthcare professionals.
■ Visit http://www.nei.nih.gov
/healthyeyes/findprofessional.asp for additional recommendations and resources. ✴
——————————————————————————————————————
The preceding article, brought to you by Dr. David
Heitmeier, was a news release from the American
Optometric Association. For further questions
please contact Heitmeier, Armani, Langhetee
and Cangelosi Medical and Surgical Eyecare at
(504) 368-7081.
active. Of course, before starting any new physical activity, you should consult with your doctor.
Once you have clearance to begin your new exercise plan, here are some helpful tips for getting
started:
Do what you enjoy. Figure out what type of
exercise or activities you’re most likely to do
(e.g., walking, bicycling, running, or swimming).
Think about when and how you’d be most likely
to follow through.
Set reasonable goals. You don’t have to train
for a marathon. Walk around the block the first
day. Then try to do a little more each day. Within
a short time, you will have made significant
progress towards your goal.
Go easy on yourself. You might not be able
to handle a lot of exercise at first, so start small
and increase your activity gradually. Remember
to thoroughly warm up before each exercise session and cool down afterwards.
Make it social. Try to find a friend with whom
you can exercise. This will give you a little extra
motivation to stick with your exercise routine.
Go outside. A little sunshine and fresh air
can enhance your mood.
Whatever you do, don’t give up! ✴
——————————————————————————————————————
Dr. George Van Wormer is a chiropractor in Harvey
specializing in the non-surgical treatment of spinal
conditions. Call (504) 362-3000 for more information.
■
Active
Lifestyle
Protects
Seniors
eniors with active
lifestyles enjoy an
array of health benefits: lower risk of cardiovascular diseases,
BY DR. GEORGE
decreased incidence of
VAN WORMER,
type II diabetes, decreased
BS, DC
bone density loss, deContributing
Writer
creased risk of several
cancers, better quality of
sleep, and better cognitive function, including a
lower risk of depression and dementia.
A recent study has added one more advantage for active seniors: a lower risk of back pain.
In a high quality study, an internationally
renowned research team found that strenuous
physical activity at least once a week protects
seniors against the occurrence of low back pain.
The researchers also discovered a dose-response
association — the greater the activity, the better
the protection. Moreover, the benefits occur regardless of the type of activity.
The obvious message for seniors is to get
S
Local Doctors Spend
Easter in Haiti
eorge Van Wormer, DC, a Chiropractor from
Van Wormer Pain Relief Clinic in Harvey, and
James Todd, MD, an orthopedic surgeon
from the Bone and Joint Clinic, recently helped provide medical services to the people of Haiti as part
of relief efforts with Medishare, an organization
affiliated with the University of Miami Miller School
of Medicine.
Van Wormer and Todd traveled during the
week of Easter and arrived in Haiti to work at the
tent hospital set up at the Port-au-Prince airport.
The group of care-givers consisted of various types
of surgeons, ER, medicine and pediatric physicians,
nurses, physical therapists, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and infectious disease specialists. Normal
stay for volunteers was about one week long.
According to Van Wormer, security consisted of
armed guards surrounding the hospital controlling
those coming in and out, which made the doctors
feel secure. The UN was about one mile away and
they would bring a trailer to the camp on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday to provide burgers, hot dogs,
and chips. Dinner was held at the UN headquarters
on Tuesdays and Fridays at the doctor’s own expense. Meals provided at the hospital consisted of
MRE’s or “mystery lunch” sandwiches.
Treatments at the hospital consisted of critical
care for broken bones, crush injuries, infections, motor vehicle accidents, traumatic injuries such as machete assaults, infants and babies with childhood
diseases, and at risk pregnancies.
“It is my understanding that this was the only
hospital equipped to see critical care patients,” Van
Wormer said.
“The people of Haiti were loving, supportive and
appreciative. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting an orphanage and meeting Florence, who had
been running the orphanage for 18 years with about
65 kids, ages three-18. (www.renmenhaiti.org). Upon
entering the orphanage, we were greeted with a
song and hugs and kisses,” Van Wormer said.
There is still a great need for medical volunteers as the conditions after the earthquake are still
destitute.
Although the conditions were harsh, Van
Wormer and Todd both said that they found the experience gratifying and exciting.
If anyone is interested in sharing their talents
so that the needy will continue to benefit, please
feel free to contact Medishare directly (www.projectmedishare.org) or Drs. Van Wormer or Todd at
(504)362-3000. ✴
G
30 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
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A Medical and
Chiropractic
Approach to Sciatica
ciatica describes persistent pain felt along the sciatic nerve,
which runs from the lower back, down through the buttock, and into the lower leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest
and widest nerve in the body, running from the lower back
through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. It controls the muscles of the lower leg and provides sensation to the
BY
thighs, legs and the soles of the feet.
RICHARD
Although sciatica is a relatively common form of low back
TUCKER, DC,
BS, D.A.A.P.M.
and leg pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is actually a set of symptoms-not a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve root and causing the pain.
Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 30 and 50
years old. Most often, it tends to develop as a result of wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine.
S
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The most common symptom associated with sciatica is pain
that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back and down one leg; however, symptoms can vary wideBY DENNIS
ly depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected. Some may
GRUWELL,
experience a mild tingling, a dull ache, or even a burning senMD, MPH,
sation, typically on one side of the body. Some patients also
OCCUPATIONAL
report a “pins-and-needles” sensation, most often in the toes
MEDICINE
PHYSICIAN
or foot, and numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg
or foot.
Pain from sciatica often begins slowly, gradually intensifying over time. In
addition, the pain can worsen after prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, bending, or other sudden movements.
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
Your doctor of chiropractic will begin by taking a complete patient
history. You’ll be asked to describe your pain and to explain when
the pain began, and what activities lessen or intensify the pain.
In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical
and neurological examination that pays special attention to your
spine and legs. You may be asked to perform some basic activities that will test your sensory and muscle strength, as well as your
reflexes. In some cases, your doctor may recommend diagnostic
imaging, such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
BY OLGA
KRIVITSKY,
MD, CIME
PHYSICAL
MEDICINE AND
REHABILITATION
SPECIALIST
What are my Treatment Options?
www.dbowles.com
362-0922
2804 Belle Chasse Highway
Ph. (504) 362-0922
Gretna, Louisiana 70053
Fax (504) 362-8722
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“Protecting Your Business”
DANNY BOWLES
Keeping in mind that sciatica is a symptom and not a standalone medical condition, treatment plans will often vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem. The medical
and chiropractic doctors at Advanced Medical Center of Gretna
offer a non-surgical treatment option with the goal of restorBY
ing spinal movement, improving function while decreasing inVICTOR FLYNN,
flammation and pain. ✴
DC, CCST
————————————————————————————
Olga Krivitsky, MD, CIME; Dennis Gruwell, MD, MPH; Richard
Tucker, DC, DAAPM and Victor K. Flynn, DC, CCST are doctors with
Advanced Medical Center of Gretna. Call (504) 394-0001 for more information.
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31
32 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
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Good Harvest Depends on Care and Weather!
e’ve all heard
the terms:
April showers bring May flowers
and we can’t control
the weather. Those
BY
GUY RALPH
terms are not always
MCDONALD
true, particularly in
Contributing
this period of climatic
Writer
change
allegedly
caused by excess hydrocarbon and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) spewed into
our fragile atmosphere. The carbon
dioxide byproduct emitted by the those
gases are also blamed for global warming, reduction of our Ozone layer that
protects us from harmful solar radiation,
and the El Nino and La Nina weather
phenomena. The latter of which, not all
of the scientific community agrees upon.
One thing is certain, however. When this
writer grew up in the 1930s and 1940s,
the gardening and outdoor seasons in
south Louisiana usually followed normal
meteorological parameters: like air temperature, rainfall, and tropical weather
staying within normal ranges. Yes, there
were cyclic and natural variations, the exception not the rule, but farmers and gardeners always seemed to have windows
of opportunity to plant and harvest.
Not so today!
Trust me, if you took care of your garden and did the necessary things that you
needed to do doing the growing phase,
no doubt your should have a good harvest. Given enough time, the new gardener or the older, experienced person,
will have some type of natural crop
failure. But assuming nature has been
kind with cool nights and warm days and
reasonable garden care practiced, it’s time
to think about how to harvest, use and
save our produce.
W
Tomatoes: The Fundamentals
The vast majority of us buy what appears
as ripe, bright red, out of season toma-
toes from local supermarkets. I again reiterate that nothing can be further from
the truth as it relates to growing sites and
ripeness. Mega farm producers in
Florida, California, Mexico, Chile,
Honduras and other Latin American
countries, harvest most of their tomatoes
and other produce in the green stage and
subject them to all types of 21st Century
machinations: waxing, extra coloring, irradiation, gas treatment . . . to attract consumers. For instance, home grown
tomatoes begin in the green stage and
morph into a bright red product that occurs naturally on the vine. At the very
least, we small time producers pick
them when tinged with red streaks, the
first signs of vine ripening. We then place
them into a closed paper bag, an ideal environment for rapid ripening, where
they naturally ripen and become ready to
eat in salads, jarred or dried for later use.
Creole tomatoes produced locally are
healthy, delicious and loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. Fried green
tomatoes are delicious too.
As typical backyard gardeners who
enjoy eating what we’ve grown, our
fresh tomatoes may be used in delicious
salads, stuffed variety, salsas, spaghetti
gravy and all of the wonderful Cajun
recipes made possible by this nutritious product. Let’s assume we still
have at least a bushel of tomatoes that
we haven’t given away or eaten after harvest. Wow! What a dilemma. So what do
we do with this wonderful surplus? I’ll
tell you what I do: the easiest way is to
place the tomatoes in boiling water for
one minute. After which, we immediately
plunge them into an ice water bath to
stop the boiling process. At this point we
may now easily remove the skin and slice
them into ¼-inch slices. I use a very thin
blade, serrated knife. The tomatoes may
now be placed into a bowl and seasoned.
First, spray with a vegetable or olive oil
spray, season with a little sea salt, black
33
CRIMINAL JUSTICE FORUM
Jury Service and You
ury service is a civic duty and is a vital part in our system of justice. Jury
duty notices in Jefferson Parish are no longer sent through the mail. The
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office delivers the notice to your front door. After
being served you could be chosen to sit on either a criminal or civil jury trial.
Personally, I find that civil trials tend to be boring. This article will take you
BY
through the process of jury service in a criminal case.
JOSEPH A.
To begin with you will start your day of jury service in the large room on
MARINO, III
the first floor of the Jefferson Parish courthouse. This is the called the juror
Contributing
lounge. (No, there are no alcoholic drinks served in this lounge.) You will then
Writer
see an informative video entitled “You the Juror.” You remain here with the
large group until a judge calls for a group of potential jurors
to be brought to his/her courtroom. You will then be escorted to the courtroom by the bailiff.
Once inside the courtroom you are seated in the churchlike rows. The judge will welcome you with remarks and tell
you the type of case that you may be hearing that day. The
judge will first make sure that you meet the minimum requirements to serve as a juror: 1) U.S. citizen residing in
Jefferson Parish for at least one year, 2) 18 years or older,
3) Able to read/write English, 4) Not under interdiction or incapable of serving due to mental or physical infirmity, and
5) Not under indictment for a felony nor convicted of felony
that has not been pardoned. Additionally, you may claim an
exemption from service if you served a juror within the last
2 years or are 70 years of age or older.
Those potential jurors who remain in the jury lounge may or may not be sent to a courtroom. It
depends on how many trials are starting on your day of jury service. As a rule, you should bring a
book, magazine or a laptop to pass the time in the lounge. The clerk does provide free internet access.
Usually by some point after lunch the clerk will know whether it is OK to release the remaining pool.
Back to the courtroom, the next step in the process is a random selection of 12-14 potential jurors to be seated in the jury box. This is an upgrade in seating because these seats are far more comfortable than the wooden benches. The catch is that you are now seated in the box and are about to
be asked series of questions by the judge and the attorneys. This questioning part is called “Voir Dire.”
(Literally this means to speak the truth.) The judge will cover some preliminary questions like your
name, marital status, occupation, prior jury service, and possibly whether you have been the victim of
crime or have any relationship with law enforcement.
In jury selection for a criminal trial the prosecutor always goes next. He or she will generally ask
you questions about the law or crime that is the subject of that case. The questions asked are designed to elicit your honest thoughts and opinions. The defense attorney goes last and he or she will
also ask the panel a series of questions to determine if the jurors can give his client a fair and impartial trial. The jury selection process should probably be more appropriately called the “jury de-selection
process” because both prosecution and defense are actually looking to remove the potential jurors
that either side does not want on that case.
Each side, prosecution and defense, can strike a potential juror for “cause” if it is determined
that the juror cannot render an impartial verdict for whatever reason. Potential jurors can also be removed due to a relationship that would improperly influence the juror in arriving at a verdict. This relationship could exist between the juror and either the defendant or one of the lawyers. Lastly the most
obvious reason for a challenge for cause is that the potential juror will not accept or follow the law as
given by the judge.
The lawyers can also exercise a number of additional challenges without giving a reason to remove potential jurors that either side does want on the jury. These are called peremptory challenges
and there are a limited number of these available to the prosecutor and defense. For example, I have
removed folks for having folded arms and a scowl on their face during most of my questions. Not the
type of juror that I want to hear my case.
The part that you never see on television is that the jury selection process can take anywhere
from an hour to a full day. Some criminal trials require a 12 person jury and others only a 6 person
jury. It can take several panels to get to the required number of jurors including one or two alternates.
After the jury is finally selected, the jurors will be asked to stand and be sworn to render a true
verdict according to the law and evidence. The next step is opening statements. Your jury service will
continue until the case ends. In a future article I will cover the criminal trial. ✴
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Joseph A. Marino, III is an AV-Rated criminal defense attorney and his law firm, Marino Criminal Law, LLC, is located in Gretna. You can contact him at his office (504)362-0666 or visit his website @
www.MarinoCriminalLaw.com.
J
pepper, a little granular garlic, and a prepared Italian condiment mix. I next
place them on a drying rack (oven or dehydrator set at about 145 degrees F). I
personally use a home dehydrator with
10 shelves. Four to six-hours or so
later, the tomato slices should be dry
and pliable.
Let them cool thoroughly; place in
zip-lock bags and keep them in a refrigerator. Or, one may purchase a device to
vacuum pack. I have one and use it. The
shelf life of vacuum packed tomatoes is
double that of the zip-lock bag preserving method. Or you may place them in
Mason jars spritzed with extra virgin olive
oil. I use these as a snack food on
crackers when the occasion presents itself. Unfortunately, they don’t last long
enough for guests to partake of this delightful snack. I usually refrigerate them.
Shelf life is about three months in the
fridge. You may also want to make your
own salsa, similar to Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies product made with
green chilies.
We may also decide to use the hotpack method. Purchase a case or so of
pint sized Mason Jars and sterilize.
Instead of cutting the tomatoes into thin
slices for drying, place the whole, skinned
product in a pot and cook down to the
consistency you desire, making sure
the seasoning is done to your liking.
Follow the directions for hot packing,
leaving at least one inch of head
space in the jar. Let cool and the tops
will automatically seal. They will
last about six-months out of a refrigerated
environment.
You may also use the hot pack
method for snap or green beans, corn, artichoke hearts, beets, asparagus, or just
about any vegetable. Fruit like strawberries, cherries, pears, plums, oranges,
bananas, may be also dried or jarred. All
of the above may be put into your freezer in lieu of jarring or drying. I purchased
used a separate freezer/ fridge for my
seafood and garden products. My wife
constantly reminds me that I should use
up all of my produce and seafood before
putting more into an already overburdened medium. What can I say? I like to
be prepared for any eventuality.
Have a great gardening month. If you
have a particular vegetable gardening or
fruit tree question, please EMAIL me at
[email protected]. I will research and
answer any question you might have
about vegetable gardening. I am also listed on Facebook. ✴
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34 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
E NTE RTA I N M E NT
10 2 K I D S – 10 1 S P O T T E D D O G S !
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JPAS Theatre Kids! Presents
Disney’s “101 Dalmatians”
nly a fiend with the fitting name of Cruella DeVil could even conceive of the
BY
idea of making a fur coat out of a litter of sweet little firehouse dog pups.
DEAN M. SHAPIRO
But, if she didn’t have that horrible objective in mind, we wouldn’t have a
Contributing
story to tell and 102 children from the Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Society’s
Writer
JPAS Theatre Kids! program would have to find another production to appear in.
Instead, however, they will be onstage live at Teatro Wego! (The Westwego Performing Arts
Theatre) from May 7-16 in the production of Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.” Performances will be held May
7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees on May 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.
The 102 kids in this musical production are double-cast and directed by Matias Grau III with choreography by Sally-Rose Cragin. Set design is by Elizabeth Broomall, lighting design is by Diane Bass and
costume design is by Kelly James-Penot. Stage Managers are Robert Cheremie and Tyler P. Robinson.
General technician is William Spratt and set construction was overseen by J.R. Shuman
The kids in “101 Dalmatians” are all between the ages of seven and 12. There are two casts which
alternate performances, each of which is named after the two Dalmatian parents of the litter – Pongo
and Perdita. Here’s the “101” on the story:
In a loving home in the city of London, Dalmatian parents, Pongo and Perdita happily raise their
Dalmatian puppies, until the monstrous Cruella DeVil plots to steal them for her new fur coat! Join all the
dogs of London, as they daringly rescue the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. With a
delightfully fun score, lovable characters, and one of the most deliciously evil villains in the Disney canon,
this stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight all audiences!
In addition to public performances, JPAS Theatre Kids! will perform four special student matinees
for school groups as part of the JPAS Arts Adventure Series May 11 and 12 at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Student admission is $5 per student with one chaperone admitted free for every ten paid students. FREE
coordinating study guides are available for download at www.jpas.org. These special performances are
currently sold out.
The Westwego Performing Arts Theatre is located at 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego, in the historic
Salaville District. Tickets are $10 for kids 12 and under, $15 for students (with valid ID), Seniors 65+,
military and $18 for Adults. For tickets and information log on to www.jpas.org or call 885-2000.
O
Cast List
The Perdita Cast stars: Ariel
Aguilar, Emily Bagwell, Alexis
Baxter, Kalli Bayer, Shannon
Blackden, Emma Bologna, Fina
Bologna, Jeremy Burkart, Ethan
Carroll, Serguis Centanni, Annie
Cohen, Melissa Curlee, Maggie Earles, Tess Fouchi, Anabelle Franz, Michelle Giacontiere, Joshua Gibson,
Charis Gullage, Kevin Gullage, Sarah Hebert, Matthew Hedrick, John Connor Hill, Sarah Houin, Drew
Johnson, Jane’e Kovacs, Olivia Keefe, Bevin Kelley, Elise Kuchler, Sophia Landry, Julia Lemann, Meghan
Lovelace, Araina Longoria, Stephanie Mayer, Jorden Majeau, Mattie Majeau, Hannah Mayeux, Alyssa
Morales, Mason O’Rourke, Kyler Pisciotta, Hirlina Ramrakhiani, Alexis Romaguera, Allison Romaguera,
Justice Smith, Riley Tafaro, Tyler Taranto, Logan Tauzin, Justin Vlosich, Kaven Walker, Nicole Westerfield,
Savannah Whitney, Brandon Wilkie and Olivia Worley.
The Pongo cast stars: Vincent Acosta, Rayshaughn Armant, Noel Rae Belden, Parker Bode, Emma
Bordelon, Lexie Breaux, Madison Bourge, Lauren Cebulske, Nicholas Centanni, Allison Chartier, Kelvin
Clulee, Zachary Clulee, Luke Centanni, Jordan Cruse, Benjamin D’Antonio, Rebecca D’Antonio, Claire
Dinwiddle, Bryce Dorand, Brett Francois, Megan Gernon, Emily Gray, Casen Guttuso, Holden Grimes,
Lauren Hatfield, Madisson Hess, Sabrina Hibben, Devin Howard, Kendell Irvin, Darren Jones, Gabriella
Kemp, Phoebe Metzger-Levitt, Emily Moree, Baylee Murray, Savannah Ory, Sophia Perez, Mason Poche’,
Sohia Relayson, Emilie Redmann, Olivia Redmann, Isabella Robeaux, Rachel Romano, Ada Rome, Madilyn
Sanderson, Alexis Smith, Seth Smith, Madison Smither, Emily Smither, Kierra Sorapuru, Liam Thompson,
Gabrielle Tomba, Jacqueline Tommeraas, Gabriella Trentacoste, Troy Tumminelo and Taylor Wester.
More about Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Jefferson Performing Arts Society is committed to arts education for all ages. Through children’s programming, JPAS strives to provide excellent theatre training to the youth, while giving the community an
unforgettable theater experience.
The Jefferson Performing Arts Society is a nonprofit arts organization founded by Dennis G. Assaf
and Hannah Cunningham dedicated to artistic and cultural enrichment for the Gulf South since 1978.
Their mission is to support, produce and promote the performing arts in Jefferson and its surrounding
areas. For more information visit www.jpas.org. ✴
35
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TO D AY’S D E NTA L
Who Dat Wants a Pretty Smile?
Cosmetic Dentistry, Marriage of Art and Science
osmetic
Dentistry,
what a wonderful thing! Now,
anyone who desires a
BY
nice, pretty, comfortDR. DIMETRY
able smile can finally
COSSICH, DDS
get it! Cosmetic
Contributing
Writer
Dentistry allows us
to change, restore, replace and fix damaged teeth to look even
better than before. The best thing is that
no one will even know that those beautiful pearly whites are not all yours.
We will begin our three part series on
Cosmetic Dentistry and how it can and will
affect your life, your career and your overall well being.
The appearance of the teeth has a dramatic effect on a person’s attractiveness to
others and on their own self-image and selfesteem. Studies have shown that a person’s
appearance will have a strong effect on their
social and career success by influencing
how others perceive and react to them.
While the appearance of the teeth is
one of the most important contributors to
facial beauty, it is also probably the most
often neglected when improvements to appearance are sought. A person with low selfesteem connected to their facial
appearance can often be greatly helped by
cosmetic dental procedures.
Dental Makeovers have become more
common, less invasive, and more effective
in correcting deformities and cosmetic dental problems. The effect of these procedures can be nothing short of dramatic both
in terms of appearance and also in terms
of correcting, at least partially, personality deficiencies caused by poor self-image.
Ugly teeth are no longer a matter of fate;
they are now becoming a matter of choice
In this month’s column, we will focus
on Cosmetic Bonding with tooth colored
materials. We will then touch on a new development in dentistry, something I like to
call the “Cosmetic Denture”. In the next
two months we will learn about Whitening,
Cosmetic Veneers, all-White Crowns, full
Cosmetic Makeovers and revolutionary advances in Implants.
C
Cosmetic Bonding
For over 100 years, dentistry has restored
teeth primarily with a material made of
Mercury and Silver. It has done its job well,
although we have had to live with its weaknesses. These include cracking of the teeth
due to the expansion of the material, and
restorations turning black as the silver in
the material corrodes. In fact, I would be
surprised if the FDA would approve this
material for use today due to its Mercury
content and the health problems associated
with Mercury.
Thank goodness, we now have many
ways to provide better-quality restorations that blend with the tooth naturally.
We can provide you with composite
fillings that are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for
a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the
natural tooth, making them “invisible”. The
material is made up of glass particles in an
epoxy-type matrix. We bond this putty-like
material to the tooth with a modern dental adhesive and a high-intensity light. This
hardens the material and allows it to be
shaped and polished for immediate use.
Once completed, the tooth has a
natural appearance and is actually stronger
than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the material to
the tooth. Composite restorations not
only look better, but they are stronger and
do not cause the problems we used to have
with Silver Mercury fillings.
Another way composite bonding can
help your smile is to fix chips and broken
teeth in the front of the mouth, the area
we call the Esthetic Zone. We select a color that matches the tooth perfectly and
bond it to the tooth. We can even change
the alignment and shape of the teeth to
make it appear that you have straight teeth.
We can take a smile with some
crooked teeth and with a little bit of artistic bonding, make them appear to be perfect. Add the Whitening procedure to that
and you now have that straight white smile
you always wanted.
If you have a filling on a front tooth in
the Esthetic Zone, and you can see it, call
us immediately for a free consultation.
Cosmetic Dentures
I just want to say thanks to modern science
and technology in helping me give denture
wearers a gorgeous smile. Never before in
history have we been able to create such
beautiful, natural looking, tight fitting
dentures than today. Natural teeth transmit light in a special way that is hard to
replicate. Well, it used to be hard! High end
denture teeth look so good that many of my
patients actually tell family and friends
they are not dentures at all. And it is believable because they are so real and natural looking.
These new teeth are even made
differently than older types. They are fabricated in different layers to simulate the
natural shading of real teeth.
But what good is a pretty denture if it
is loose or uncomfortable? If you have had
dentures for a long time, the bone support
may not be there like it used to be. Thank
God we now have Implants, including the
new Mini Implants that help to stabilize
the denture and make eating enjoyable
again. I hear implant patients say all the
time, that if they knew what they know
now, they would have done this years ago.
With all the great food, and great excuses,
to eat in New Orleans, why would anybody
put off enjoying eating for a second? We
will discuss Implants and the remarkable
effect they can have on our overall well being in next month’s issue. If you can’t wait,
then call the office for a free consultation
to learn more about Dental Implants and
how they can improve your life!
The Next Step
Call the office today to set up a
30%
off
DENTURE REPAIRS
Today’s Dental
1708 Manhattan Blvd., Suite C
Harvey • 504-361-5333
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services.
New Patients Only. Offer expires 6/15/10
Consultation Appointment and review
your options. See our Special Coupons
below.
Check out our websites for more information or to request a free consult at
www.4sedastiondentists.com, www.4cosmeticdentists.com, or www.bracesofneworleans.com. ✴
———————————————————
Dr Cossich is owner and senior Dentist at
Today’s Dental, Cosmetic and Family
Dentistry, located at 1708 Manhattan Blvd
in Harvey, La. 70058, across from IHOP. Dr
Cossich is a Fellow in the Academy of
General Dentistry and a member of the
American Dental Association, Louisiana
Dental Association, the New Orleans Dental
Association, the American Academy of
Cosmetic Dentists, the Dental Organization
for Conscious Sedation, the Christian
Dental Society, the Academy for Sports
Dentistry, and the National Strength
and Conditioning Association. You can
reach Dr Cossich at 504-361-5333 or 1-800
FIX MY TEETH.
Free Cleaning
while in
Braces ($210 Value) (1110) (1120)
Today’s Dental
1708 Manhattan Blvd., Suite C
Harvey • 504-361-5333
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services.
Some restrictions apply. New Patients Only. Offer expires 6/15/10
38 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
M AY 2 0 10
FOOD
Bienvenida, El Mesquite
Grill Mexican Restaurant!
n March 10, 2010,
BY
El Mesquite Grill
MARY C. EHRET
Mexican Restaurant
Contributing
Writer
opened its doors at 516
Gretna Boulevard in the
building that housed Visko’s Restaurant for
decades. El Mesquite’s menu offers a variety of
Mexican fare as well as many house specialties.
El Mesquite offers a lunch menu from 11
a.m. through 3 p.m., Monday – Saturday. I went
for lunch that started off with complimentary
warm tortilla chips served with a carafe of
freshly-made salsa. For my entrée I had the Chile
Costeno - chili relleno served with Spanish rice,
refried beans and guacamole salad ($7.75). The
portion was huge and it was delicious. My lunch
companion had the Lunch Tortilla Soup ($8.00)
that is a broth-based soup served with taco
strips, shredded cheese and diced avocado.
Accompanying the cup of soup is a spinach,
bean and roasted pepper quesadilla with guacamole salad, sour cream and fresh pico de
gallo. It was scrumptious!
The dinner menu is extensive and includes
everything from fajitas, carne asada, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, taquitos to chimichangas. But El
Mesquite offers its own original specialties, too.
Huevos Mexicanos is steak and onions with two
sunny side eggs and pico de gallo topped with El
Mesquite’s salsa ($10.95). Chicken Mole – one of
my all time favorite Mexican dishes – is grilled
chicken breast with El Mesquite’s (secret recipe)
mole sauce garnished with fresh red onions
served with Spanish rice ($12.50).
One entrée that I must try is the Parrillada
for Two: El Mesquite steak, chicken and shrimp
grilled with Mexican sausage, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions served with refried beans,
Spanish rice, lettuce, chunky pico de gallo, sour
cream and flour tortillas ($25.00). Sounds divine!
El Mesquite offers many appetizers including Supreme Nachos ($5.50), Quesadillas El
O
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Mesquite ($8.75), Mexican Chicken Wings
($8.45), and Mexican Ceviche ($8.50). There is a
Kids’ Menu with prices ranging between $4.50
and $4.75. The dessert menu includes Tres
Leches, Flan and Fried Ice Cream. On
Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. you
can dine to live music. Plenty of free parking
is available.
El Mesquite has a full bar including
premium tequillas, Margaritas, Mojitos and
Sangria. Happy hour is Monday through Friday
from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Join El Mesquite for
their First Annual Cinco de Mayo party on
May 5 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and enjoy
dinner and drink specials and a live band outside. El Mesquite will also be open on
Mother’s Day.
El Mesquite has a private dining room with
access to the covered patio
that can be used for private
parties and meetings. A
catering menu is available
upon request. The restaurant serves continuously
during business hours: 11
a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday –
Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10:30
p.m., Friday and Saturday,
and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.,
Sundays. The phone number is 504-367-1022. You
can check out their
Facebook page, as well.
El Mesquite’s owners Nicholas Ortiz,
Gerardo Ortiz-Vazquez
and Juan Quiroz, along
with their General
Manager Lou Gomez,
look forward to serving you, your friends
and families soon. Bienvenida, El Mesquite
Mexican Restaurant! ✴
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39
40 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
M A Y 2 0 1 0 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
Saints Make Moves to Get
Targeted Players in Draft
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he wait was long
but no one
seemed to mind
much. The result of
winning a Super Bowl
was on display throughBY
KEN TRAHAN
out the marathon,
Contributing
three-day process that
Writer
was the NFL Draft.
My first impression of the 2010 New Orleans Saints player draft is that they acted like a team that
had just won a Super Bowl.
Championship teams do not have many
available roster spots. Championship
teams do not have many available starting positions. The Saints clearly went the
developmental route.
My second impression was that the
Saints knew who they liked and acted decisively to get a pair of them in the fourth
and fifth rounds, making bold moves to
trade up to obtain desired players. Time
will tell how good these moves were.
In the first round, they selected
Patrick Robinson. The 5’11, 190 pound
Robinson has good, though not great size.
He has very good speed, consistently running in the 4.4 range in the 40-yard dash
and has been clocked under that figure as
well. Robinson fits the Gregg Williams defensive philosophy well. He is a good cover-corner, as opposed to a zone coverage
player. He thrives in bump-and-run coverage. With Williams’ blitzing style,
Robinson fills the bill.
While Robinson is not a big hitter, he
is a good enough tackler. Robinson has the
physical tools but scouts describe him as
inconsistent at times and not a ballhawk. In his last two seasons at Florida
State, Robinson had just one interception.
He did have six interceptions in 2007.
Robinson is athletic and has the ability to
read and react quickly.
Clearly, Robinson will have a chance
to contribute immediately in New Orleans
as a nickel or dime back with Malcolm
Jenkins likely to move to safety on a permanent basis.
In the second round, the Saints surprised many by going for an offensive tackle, choosing Charles Brown of USC. The
6’5, 297 pound Brown is another player
who has upside but could take some time
to fulfill his potential.
Brown was converted from tight end
to tackle at USC. He carried the athleticism of a tight end to the tackle spot, a
real plus. Brown is quick and has good
feet. He moves quite well for a tackle. He
won the award as the Pac 10’s top blocker in 2009. He has a 32 inch vertical jump
and long arms, an indication of his ath- 6’4, 307 pounds with the ability to put on
letic ability. He is a left tackle, which more weight and to play outside in a
means he could play that valuable posi- pinch. He played at 320-325 at LSU prition or either side.
or to his senior season He was sought afHe is more of a finesse player, rely- ter by the Saints, who traded up to get
ing on athletic ability, rather than raw him. Woods had visited with the Saints the
strength. As such, he is more along the week prior to the draft.
lines of Jon Stinchcomb, a smart techniIn his senior season, Woods finally becian, then a mauler such as Jammal came a starter at LSU, recording 33 tackBrown or Bushrod.
les, including 5.5 behind the line of
Speaking of Jammal Brown, the scrimmage. He recorded just one sack.
move to pick Charles Brown may signal Woods became a better player and athlete
his departure. He has just one year left on in his senior season after losing 15 to 20
his contract and would command sub- pounds. He is physically strong and can
stantial money. He was not chosen by the hold his ground well. That’s good news.
current regime. The Saints won a Super Obviously, the Saints see major upside and
Bowl without him. He is coming off of hip potential with Woods. This was not a pick
surgery. He is not participating in the based on productivity. This was all about
offseason conditionpotential at a posiIf the Saints are to continue
ing program.
tion that the Saints
to make the grade as one of
In the third
can definitely use
the NFL’s elite teams, they will
round, the Saints
help at.
chose tight end Jimmy
The bad news
need two or three of these
Graham. A former
is that Woods never
drafted players to make a
basketball player who
really became the
significant impact and
played three years on
player that most
four or five players to
the hardwood before
everyone thought he
contribute
on
a
significant
basis.
moving to football exwould become when
clusively, Graham has
arriving at LSU.
a long way to go in his development. He Watching him play most of his games at
caught just 17 passes during his senior LSU, Woods played a bit high. He needs
year but five were for touchdowns.
to get his pad level lower more consisGraham has tremendous athletic tently. He had just 3.5 sacks and started
ability. He is 6’6, 260 pounds and runs a just 16 games in four seasons at LSU.
consistent 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash.
In round five, the Saints went moved
His vertical jump has been measured at up again to get center Matt Tennant of
38.5 inches, a great asset which allows Boston College. Tennant is a hard workhim to play bigger than he is. Graham will er who has the ability to backup at both
be a visible, trustworthy target for Drew center and at guard, if necessary.
Brees, a player who can rise above, alThe 6’5, 300 pound Tennant is anlowing Brees to throw jump balls, as he other good athlete who can put on some
has done with Colston and Meachem. additional weight to become stronger at
Graham is from Miami and says he the NFL level. Tennant has experience.
patterned his game after former Miami He was a three-year starter at Boston
star Jeremy Shockey, who is the current College, starting 41 consecutive games.
Saints starter at tight end. With Shockey’s He is durable.
injuries of the last few years, investing in
Along with the pick of Graham, I
a tight end was a good move by the Saints. liked this one at the top of my list with the
Graham has a long way to go as a Saints draft. New Orleans has had great
blocker. He will need to put on some success picking offensive linemen in the
weight to become a better blocker but mid to later rounds under Mickey Loomis
Graham can contribute immediately in and Sean Payton and Tennant could bethe passing game with his athletic come the latest of that ilk.
ability and frame. I really liked this
In the seventh round, the Saints
pick. Because of Graham’s affinity for chose quarterback Sean Canfield of
Shockey, the two should mesh well to- Oregon State. The left-hander is a big one,
gether with Shockey willing to mentor his going 6’4, 223 pounds. He completed 68
fellow Hurricane.
percent of his passes in his senior season
In the fourth round, the Saints sur- and passed for 21 touchdowns with just
prised many, myself included, by trading seven interceptions.
up to get LSU defensive tackle Al Woods.
While Canfield is big physically, his
This was clearly a pick based on potential. style is smaller. He played in Mike Riley’s
Woods certainly looks the part. He is West Coast offense, throwing a lot of un-
41
derneath routes, rather than throwing
down the field. He may have lasted until the seventh round because of torn
labrum surgery after his sophomore season. He showed good arm strength at his
pro day, answering some questions.
Regardless of what routes a quarterback throws, anyone who hits on 68 percent of his passes must command
attention. The most important aspect of
passing at any level is accuracy.
The negatives of the Saints’ draft were
obvious. They got no outside linebacker,
a glaring need. They did not draft a running back. They got only one player
along the defensive line though they had
already signed Jimmy Wilkerson and
Alex Brown at defensive end.
Of course, the Saints are likely not finished with stocking their team for training camp in July. Jammal Brown remains
a prized piece, tempting trade-bait that
could produce a proven outside linebacker
in return. Good left tackles, especially
those who are Pro-Bowl caliber, are hard
to find.
After the draft was over, Saints
General Manager Mickey Loomis was optimistic. “I think we’ve gotten better, but
that remains to be seen. But today, I feel
pretty good about it.”
Head Coach Sean Payton said, “we
wanted to go in being flexible, and I think
we were able to do that. We feel like we
hit some areas, and it varied on when
we selected the players. But we hit some
areas that we felt like could help
our team.”
The 2010 Saints draft was all about
potential and upside. When you pick early in the draft, it is because you have lost
the previous season and require immediately help to become a playoff contender.
When you pick late in the draft, it is because you have won the previous season
and do not require immediately help to
compete for a championship.
While that is stating the obvious, the
Saints fit this category spot-on with their
2010 draft. The key now is to develop
what would seem to be talent, somewhat
raw but promising.
While many are quick to attach
grades to drafts, I refuse to do that at this
stage. Talk to me three years from now.
Talk to me five years from now. I will be
glad to dispense with a grade at that point.
If the Saints are to continue to make the
grade as one of the NFL’s elite teams, they
will need two or three of these drafted
players to make a significant impact and
four or five players to contribute on a significant basis. ✴
42 T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
M AY 2 0 10
M AY 2 0 10
The Inconvenient Truth About Selling Your Home
hen you are
ready to put
your home on
the market, there is a lot
of work and preparation
that happens beforeBY
hand. Cleaning, declutLISA HEINDEL
tering, choosing an Contributing
Writer
experienced REAL®
TOR , staging and making the house picture perfect for those
oh-so-important marketing photos. This is
when you are most excited about the entire process, the most hopeful that your
home will sell quickly and for the best price.
When your agent calls to set that first
showing appointment, it’s kind of an
adrenaline rush. Is everything tidy? Are the
beds made? Is the kitchen clean? Do the
bathrooms sparkle? Check, check, check
and check.
You happily go for a walk or a drive or
out to eat while your home is being shown
and dream of the possibility of getting an
offer from the first person who views it. Your
head is filled with hope…hope that they
like the house, hope that they will make a
reasonable offer and hope that you can
move on to whatever it is you have planned
for the next stage of your life.
Unless you are one of the rare people
W
that gets an offer right away on your
home (the rumor is that it sometimes happens, but it’s as rare as sightings of the Loch
Ness monster in this market) then you will
lather, rinse and repeat this process.
Multiple times.
The truth that no one ever tells
you is that it can be very inconvenient
to sell your home.
After a few showings, or even worse, no
showings, you’ll start to get a little tired and
a little lax in the preparation department.
The beds are not made quite as neatly. A
few stray dishes are left in the sink when
you leave for work in the morning. The
laundry hamper is now overflowing. The
baseboards are getting dusty again. One of
the kids stained those crisp, new guest towels mopping up a mess and there is now
a faded beach towel hanging on the towel bar instead.
Of course, that’s the day that your
agent calls and wants to show the house
in an hour or two.
What will your response be?
Lately, I’ve seen more and more sellers who
are just fed up with being ready to show.
They are tired of cleaning each morning
and night and not having any appointments
scheduled. They are starting to feel a little rejected and disenchanted with the entire process. As a result, they are turning
down showings with the most common excuses being “the house is not clean” or “I’m
just not ready to show it like this.”
Stop It!
Don’t shoot yourself in the foot
99 percent of the time, if you decline a
showing you’ve lost your chance with that
buyer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve
heard an agent say “I’ll get back to you if
the buyer wants to schedule a different
time” and I have never, ever heard from
them again. There are too many homes on
the market right now (that’s why it is called
a buyer’s market) for showings to be declined for a lack of preparation.
I know it’s a pain in the rear to feel like
you are cleaning and cleaning and cleaning for a party that never starts. I know it
is disheartening to be on the market for an
extended period of time. I know it’s no fun
to feel like the wallflower at a high school
dance, passed over again and again. But,
the reality is that with stiff competition, you
need to be ready – every single day.
What can you do?
Home stagers might keel over with the va-
pors at this advice, but....
If you get a last minute call:
Pull up the covers on the beds, kick the
laundry, shoes and toys under the beds, toss
the dishes into the dishwasher, cram the
mail into the junk drawer, make a quick
pass through the house with some Febreze,
grab the dog and the garbage and go.
If you have at least an hour
before the showing:
Do all of the above and remember that a
Swiffer duster can do wonders to quickly
get rid of dust and animal hair. Console
yourself with the fact that you won’t have
to go to the gym tonight if you run through
the entire house speed cleaning.
Inconvenient? Yes, but it keeps you
from losing a showing and those can be
hard to come by.
Now, let’s sell a house.
——————————————————
Lisa Heindel is a licensed LA REALTOR®
with Keller Williams Realty Crescent
City Westbank Partners. 2600 Belle
Chasse Hwy, Suite G, Gretna, LA 70056.
Reach her online at www.WestBank
Living.com, at the office at (504) 207-2007,
by cell at (504) 616-6262 or by email at
[email protected].
WHEN:
Every Saturday • 8:30 am ‘til 12:30 pm
WHERE:
Gretna Market Place on Huey P. Long Avenue
between 3rd and 4th Streets
For more information about the Gretna Farmer‛s Market, call or write the
Market Coordinators, Gary and Marcia Madere at:
Gretna Farmer‛s Market
c/o GEDA
739 Third Street
Gretna, LA 70053
504-362-8661
There‛s always something good at the market!
T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N
43
T H E W E S T✴B A N K B E A C O N M A Y 2 0 1 0
P.O. Box 2246 • Gretna, Louisiana 70054
Pre-Sort
Standard U.S.
Postage
PAID
Permit #289
N.O., LA