GRAND ISLE Shines for Tarpon Rodeo
Transcription
GRAND ISLE Shines for Tarpon Rodeo
Volume 7, Issue 2 Proudly Highlighting the News of West Jefferson, Algiers and Plaquemines JULY 2015 GRAND ISLE Shines for Tarpon Rodeo page 4 LAFITTE HONORS FALLEN MILITARY page VETERANS 9 STAYING COOL THIS SUMMER 15 page WEDNESDAYS ON THE POINT CONCERT page SERIES 19 Keep your website at the top of the “to view” list At Damonaz Designs, we specialize in SEO (Service Engine Optimization) Web Marketing Services, but do a lot more. Damonaz works to increase a company’s rankings on: • Search engines • Social media • Article marketing • Pay-per-click campaigns • And drive traffic to the company’s website Damonaz can also develop and design your website. Our goal is to help companies gain exposure through online marketing. FREE Rankings Report Available for a limited time only. Let us break down the productivity of your website, and show you where it ranks within search engines. To learn more about Damonaz Designs, contact West Bank native and UNO alum Luis Campos at (504) 265-9380 or [email protected]. When you want to make sure your website gets seen, make sure you see the good folks at Damonaz. Damonaz Designs, LLC www.damonazdesign.com • (504) 265-9380 2 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com july >> contents departments 6 8 10 11 14 16 Groups 18 Recreation 20 Community Food O’Briens Grille In Gretna Offers Fine Dining Experience Entertainment JPAS to Hold Auditions Gardening Coneflowers Provide Summer Color Year After Year Outdoors Terrytown Golden Agers Birthdays; Nicholson Golden Agers Visit Basin Canal Lighthouse Second Session of JPRD Westbank Summer Camp Begins July 6th Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library Schedule of Upcoming Events; Community Emergency Response Team Camp; Reunion Celebrates Historic Westwego High School Class 0f 1955; Fourth of July Festivities at Boomtown; 50th Reunion for Behrman High School Class of 65’ July 2015 Volume 7, Issue 2 Publisher The West Bank Beacon Managing Editor Troy Broussard Summer Forecast Calls for Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rain; July Programs in Lafitte Staff Writers Troy Broussard Health Do Your Sunglasses Really Protect Your Eyes from the Sun?; Strategies on How to Help Prevent Illness from Heat Exposure this Summer Contributing Writers Marie Giardina David Heitmeier Allen Owings Marielle Songy Associate Editor Blair C. Constant STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER King Joe features ©2015 The West Bank Beacon, LLC All rights reserved. The West Bank Beacon 4 It’s Time for Tarpon! 7 National Flood Insurance Program Call Center Opens for Policyholders and Disaster Survivors Nationwide 9 536 Lafayette Street Gretna, LA 70053 Grand Isle Hosts Annual International Tarpon Rodeo Lafitte Honors Fallen Military Veterans with Eternal Flame 17 19 Bellemeade Walking Trail takes shape Algiers Economic Development Wednesdays on the Point Summer Concert Series Email [email protected] or visit www.wbbeacon.com Send letters to the Editor to [email protected] www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 3 It’s Time for Tarpon! Grand Isle Hosts Annual International Tarpon Rodeo O n July 23, 24, and 25, the town of Grand Isle will once again host the oldest fishing tournament in the United States, the annual International Tarpon Rodeo. An estimated 20,000 participants will head to Jefferson Parish’s southernmost community on Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island to enjoy competitive fishing, great food, and entertainment for all ages. Come join Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo President, John Georges, and Admiral of the Fleet, Donny Rouse, for three days of fun, festivities, and West Bank tradition. Information on registration can be found by visiting www.tarponrodeo.org. 2015 Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Schedule of Events Wednesday, July 22 5 PM – USCG Cutter Station Grand Isle Leaves Port to Examine Island Waters Thursday, July 23 Fishing Begins 11 AM – Pavilion Opens to Public - Registration, Food, Merchandise & Educational Booths 11 AM – 3 PM – Children’s Scale Opens at Stage under Pavilion 11 AM – 2 PM – Registration for Children’s Crab Races 2 PM – Children’s Crab Races at Pavilion 7 PM – President’s Party at Pavilion open to public – (boiled shrimp) – cash bar 7 PM – 11 PM – Entertainment by Rockin Dopsie 8 PM – Scales Close at Weigh Station (Sand Dollar) Friday, July 24 11 AM – Pavilion Opens to Public - Registration, Food, Merchandise & Educational Booths 11 AM – 3 PM – Children’s Scale Opens at Stage under Pavilion 11 AM – 2 PM – Registration for Children’s Crab Races Noon – 4 PM – DJ CAPTAIN P 2 PM – Children’s Crab Races at Pavilion 3 PM – 5 PM – RJ and Jay Paul Molinere (TV show SWAMP PEOPLE) Autographs and Photos 7 PM – 11 PM – Entertainment by Top Cats, 8 PM – Scales Close at Weigh Station (Sand Dollar) WELCOME 2015 TO THE GRAND ISLE TARPON RODEO COUNCILMAN CHRIS ROBERTS 4 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com Saturday, July 25 11 AM – Pavilion Opens to Public - Registration, Food, Merchandise & Educational Booths 11 AM – 2 PM – RJ and Jay Paul Molinere (TV show SWAMP PEOPLE) Autographs and Photos 11 AM – 3 PM – Children’s Scale Opens at Stage under Pavilion 11 AM – 2 PM – Registration for Children’s Crab Races 11 AM – 3 PM – DJ CAPTAIN P 2 PM – Children’s Crab Races at Pavilion 3 PM – Children’s Awards under Pavilion 6 PM – Scales Close at Weigh Station 6 PM – 8PM – Entertainment by Wiseguys 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Rodeo Awards for Top Fishermen and Women; Bob Breck, MC; Grand Prize Drawing for BOAT/ MOTOR/TRAILER 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM – Entertainment by Wiseguys Event food provided by Cashio’s Catering, Thibodaux. Registration tickets and merchandise on sale daily at the Pavilion. Tickets and merchandise also available at Sureway, Blue Water Sports, and most Marinas. AIR COOLED ENGINES, INC. CERTIFIED GENERATOR S TECHNICIAN Family-Owned and Operated for Over 35 Years We SELL & SERVICE a complete line of generators: • MARINE • LIQUID-COOLED • AIR-COOLED • HOME-STANDBY We carry one of the LARGEST INVENTORIES of parts for generators in the area! Give us a call or stop in to see us! 2520 FOURTH STREET • HARVEY, LA 70058 WE SELL & (504) 362-6877 • FAX (504) 361-3188 METIC SERVICE DO & COLEMAN ROOF A/ CS Like us on Facebook! MONDAY-FRIDAY • 8:00AM-4:30PM CERTIFIED LPG ENGINE SPECIALISTS Helping Our Neighbors Grow! Offering small business lending on the West Bank at all our branches. Mississippi River Bank BELLE CHASSE P.O. Box 607 / 8435 Highway 23 Belle Chasse, LA 70037 504.392.1111 PORT SULPHUR 27104 Hwy. 23 Port Sulphur, LA 70083 504.391.6995 HARVEY 1440 Lapalco Boulevard Harvey, LA 70058 504.391.6965 www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 5 Contributing Writer Marielle Songy >> food In Gretna Offers Fine Dining Experience A dmittedly, the Westbank might not be the first place you think of when it comes to fine dining. While we have a wonderful selection of amazing dining establishments, when you think of a sumptuous restaurant with excellent service and white tablecloths, you might think that you have to cross the river and navigate your way through New Orleans in order to find such a place. However, O’Briens Grille, located at 2020 Belle Chasse Highway in Gretna, offers an unforgettable fine dining experience right here on the Westbank. I recently had the pleasure of having lunch at O’Briens on a lovely Friday afternoon. It was my first time there, so I didn’t really know what to expect and I hadn’t sneaked a peek at the menu online, so I was going in “uninformed.” I was greeted by a nice man behind the bar and then lead to a booth seat in the medium sized dining room. I immediately noticed that the seating is limited, so if you are going for dinner or if you have a large party, you should definitely plan on making reservations. The menu is exquisite and everything you would expect from an upscale restaurant. The appetizers range from simple to decadent and you are sure to find something that will please your palate. Some starters that sounded delicious to me were the crab and spinach cannelloni, which is fried cannelloni stuffed with jumbo lump crabmeat and spinach and topped with crab meat and Beure Blanc. The oyster and artichoke cheesecake topped with Louisiana oysters sautéed in butter, garlic and white wine also sounded like a dish that any fan of flavor is sure to love. As far as entrees, O’Briens seems to have a little bit of everything on their diverse menu. If you are in the mood for something on the light side, be sure to try one of their tempting salads. Among many others, they offer the truffled scallop salad, which is pan seared scallops, spiced candied pecans, crumbled goat cheese and pickled red onions served over mixed greens and tossed in vinaigrette. For steak lovers, who maybe don’t want to order a whole steak, the steak and spinach salad- shaved prime rib served on a bed of baby spinach, feta cheese, caramelized onions, roasted red pepper and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, is sure to hit the spot. Speaking of steak, O’Briens does steak right. You can get a filet, prime rib, bone-in ribeye, or New York strip cooked to your specifications. If you are feeling really audacious, you can get your steak topped with your choice of jumbo lump crabmeat or grilled shrimp. O’Briens also offers a variety of sauces to compliment your meal such as beurre blanc, béarnaise, bordelaise, and hollandaise sauces, as well as others. By now, you are probably wondering what I decided to get when I dined here. It was a tough decision, and with choices like the smoked duck quesadilla and the Cajun jerk yellowfin tuna, I definitely had to take a few minutes to decide exactly what I wanted. I settled on the crispy Gulf shrimp, which is Panko crusted shrimp over house made truffle mac and cheese. It is then 6 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com topped with tomato chutney and thin sliced scallions. I should reveal to you that I am a pretty huge fan of what I call “fancy” mac and cheese. To me, fancy mac and cheese is anything different from the typical mac and cheese that I can make at home. Truffle mac and cheese is definitely fancy and this version did not disappoint in the least. I know that most people would probably view the shrimp as the “star” of this dish, but it was all about the mac and cheese for me. The shrimp were large, lightly battered and fried and the addition of the mac and cheese made the entire meal fantastic. It was unique and had a lot of flavor and exceeded any expectations that I might have when I ordered it. When I return, I would love to try the Irish dip, another menu entrée that caught my eye. I am a huge fan of corned beef and prime rib and I would love to see what O’Briens does with their au jus. Just the description of this meal made me wish that I had gone to lunch hungry for a sandwich. Finally, as for desserts, O’Briens does it with style. I didn’t have a chance to try any, but some delicious standouts were the triple chocolate mousse cakemilk and white chocolate mousse layered on chocolate cake and glazed with a dark chocolate ganache, crème brûlée- the classic French custard served with fresh berries, and a French tarte- O’Briens version of the classic Tarte Tatin consisting of warm caramelized apples baked in a pastry shell and topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. With all-stars like that, you are sure to finish your lunch or dinner there with a smile. From beginning to end, O’Briens Grille was a stunning experience. Whether it’s lunch or a nice dinner with friends or your significant other, O’Briens Grille should definitely be on your radar. It’s nice to dress up now and then, and knowing that you don’t have to venture all the way into New Orleans to have a five star dining experience is enough to make anyone happy. Make your reservations at O’Briens by calling 391-7229. L Call Center Opens for Policyholders and Disaster Survivors Nationwide ast month the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) call center pilot program to serve and support policyholders with the servicing of their claims. The NFIP call center is reachable at 1-800-621-3362, and will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specialists will be available to assist policyholders with the servicing of their claims, provide general information regarding their policies, and/or offer technical assistance to aid in recovery. For those who prefer to put their concerns in writing, a “Request for Support” form is posted at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, which can be filled out and emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 540-504-2360. Call center staff will be able to answer questions, including questions such as “How do I file a flood insurance claim? What type of documentation is needed? Can I still obtain disaster assistance even though I have a flood policy?” as well as more complicated insurance questions about the extent of coverage, policy ratings, and more. The call center will also be open to disaster survivors who have general questions about the NFIP. Dine In • Carryout • Party Tray Open 7 Days a Week: Monday • Lunch: Closed | Dinner: 5pm-10pm Tuesday – Thursday • 11am-10pm Friday • 11am-11pm Saturday • 12pm-11pm Sunday • 12pm-10pm Please order by number and 30 minutes before closing time. JEFFERSON PARISH ASSESSOR TOM CAPELLA CONGRATULATES E 2015 TH GRAND ISLE TARPON RODEO PRESIDENT ADMIRAL JOHN GEORGES DONNY ROUSE 1130 Behrman Hwy. Gretna, LA 70056 Tel: (504) 394-2820 Fax: (504) 393-6547 www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 7 >> entertainment JPAS to Hold NOW OPEN with Drive Thru T he Jefferson Performing Arts Society invites you to be a part of its historical first season in their new theatre. Mark your calendars for July 10, 11 and 12 to audition for the 38th Season in the new Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Highlights include Rigoletto, Sister Act, My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins and more. Auditions are only for adults ages 17 and older at this time. Please email [email protected] for any inquiries, or visit www.jpas.org. 30 WESTBANK EXPWY • GRETNA Corner of Pratt St and WB Expwy Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! COMPLETE OIL & FILTER SERVICE INTAKE MANIFOLD TUNE-UP COMPLETE FRONT BRAKE JOB Up to 4 Qts. Oil Improve fuel mileage Save at the pump 8 Pt. Brake System Check 13.95 $59.95 $99.99 $ Expires 7/31/15 Expires 7/31/15 Expires 7/31/15 Lucky Rogers Express Car Care Inc. 366-7500 Monday–Friday • 7:30am–6:00pm 1529 8th Street • Harvey, LA 70058 (Near Best Buy) luckyrogers.com • [email protected] 8 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com Lafitte Honors Fallen Military Veterans with Eternal Flame premier s ’ n io g e r e Visit th r-round yea Free Concerts Danny Alexander Blues Band Friday, July 24 • 7pm-10pm Ross Grisham Band Friday, August 7 • 7pm-10pm City of Westwego • 419 Avenue A Westwego, LA 70094 • 504-341-9083 Keith R. Bouvier - Market Coordinator www.cityofwestwego.com T he Town of Jean Lafitte recently lit an Eternal Flame on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, to honor fallen military veterans of the Lafitte area. The ceremony took place at Jean Lafitte Town Hall. Mayor Timothy Kerner and the Lafitte Town Council, as well as members of the public, joined together in honoring local military veterans for their service and sacrifice: Gm3c Joseph L. Roberts, Coast Guard, WWII; PFC Lawrence A. Creppel, U.S. Army, WWII; PFC Sidney F. Dardar, U.S. Army, WWII, and Sgt. Warren A. Murphy, Army National Guard. F ountain P ark C entre 1901 Manhattan Boulevard • Harvey Book your Bridal or Baby Shower at the Royal Palm and receive a Complimentary mimosa for your guests. FOR LEASE RETAIL/OFFICE AVAILABLE 500-11,000 SQ FT • BUILT OUT OR • BUILD TO SUIT CALL JOHN FRANK OR CHAD GUIDRY (504) 348-1747 • WWW.FOUNTAINPARKCENTRE.COM Try Our NEW Daily Lunch Special Buy 1 Daily Lunch Special Get 2nd Lunch Special ½ Price Coupon expires 8/31/15. Coupon valid Monday thru Friday. Dine-in only. Limit one coupon per visit per table. 504-362-9780 WWW.PARROTPETES.COM Free Wifi Hours: We are now serving breakfast & lunch 7 days a week until 4pm www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 9 >> gardening Coneflowers Provide Summer Color Year After Year By Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bravado is a popular variety of coneflower with dark purple flowers. O Fasciated flowers are common on coneflowers and are fascinating and puzzling to gardeners. ne of the most popular non-woody perennials in Louisiana is the purple coneflower. The scientific name of this plant is Echinacea purpurea. It is native to an area from the Midwest into the southeastern United States. Coneflowers have long been favorites with gardeners across the South. You can use them in a perennial planting with buddleia, rudbeckias, salvia, coreopsis, lantanas, Shasta daisies, verbenas or other hardy favorites. Butterflies love purple coneflowers, too. Purple coneflowers are drought-tolerant, tough and long-lived. Flowering usually starts in late April or early May, and most coneflowers re-bloom through summer and fall. If you’re looking for a plant to enhance your landscape, new selections of this old garden favorite are making it highly desirable for our Louisiana landscapes. Flower petals in coneflowers have typically been in the soft lavender to purple color ranges. Now white forms are available. Magnus, a popular variety, was named the 1998 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This selection has vibrant, rose-purple flowers. Other popular varieties include Bravado, with 4- to 5-inch fragrant flowers and White Swan, a white-flowering form. With hybridization of the coneflower species, a whole new group of coneflowers, called the Big Sky series, has added to the color range. Big Sky coneflowers come in shades of oranges, reds and yellows. These plants originated from Itsaul Plants in Georgia and are being marketed by the Novalis “Plants That Work” program. The varieties Twilight (rose-red flowers), Harvest Moon (earthy-gold flowers), Sundown (russet-orange flowers), Sunrise (citron-yellow flowers) and Sunset (orange flowers) comprise the series collection. These varieties have been available at garden centers in Louisiana the past three years, but they One of the newer Echinacea varieties performing well in Louisiana landscape is Sombrero Adobe Orange. are not as reliably perennial as we prefer. The seed-propagated PowWow series was new several years ago. PowWow Wild Berry is an All-America Selection winner from 2011. In addition, a white version is called PowWow White. These have performed very well in LSU AgCenter landscape trials. Also new from Darwin Perennials are the vegetatively propagated Sombrero series (Salsa Red and Abode Orange have been favorites in LSU AgCenter trials) and the double-flower series Doublescoop. A new All-America Selection winner from 2013 is Cheyenne Spirit. This variety has a blend of seven different flower colors. You can do several things to help coneflowers perform ideally. These plants prefer a mostly sunny location with well-drained soil. You can buy coneflowers at garden centers in 4-inch pots or quart or one-gallon containers. We recommend a light application of a slow-release fertilizer at planting and once or twice annually thereafter. Mulch with pine straw or a similar material and remove old flowers to encourage quick re-bloom. One problem you may see with coneflowers is fasciation, which results in odd shaped flowers with crested or contorted blooms. Fasciation could be the result of insect feeding or hormone imbalances in the plants that caused an uncontrolled division of cells. In addition to purple coneflowers, you can see fasciation on sunflowers, rudbeckia and gaillardia. If recommended practices are followed, purple coneflowers can be reliable short-lived perennial in Louisiana landscapes. Availability is good at garden centers from spring through fall. The above article was produced by the Louisiana Agricultural Center. For more information log on to www.lsuagcenter.com. Be The En v y of Your Neighborhood Have a Beautiful Landscape & Lush, Green Lawn All Year Long! CTI Landscape Services, Inc. can offer YOU… Design & Installation of: Landscaping • Drainage Systems • Irrigation Systems Brick Paver Patios & Driveways Call 256-5760 10 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com outdoors << A Summer Forecast Calls for Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rain ccording to the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP), Louisiana can expect daily high temperatures in the low to mid 90s, oppressvie humidity, and a 30 percent chance of rain on most days for the next 2-3 months. The maps to the right represent the 2015 summer climate foreast (July, August and September) from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center. They are showing that temperatures for south Louisiana should be near normal, though as we move north and west New Orleans toward Shreveport and Dallas the chances for cooler than normal temperatures increases. Precipitation is expected to be below normal. This is partly related to the forecast for a rather quiet tropical/hurricane season. If this forecast lives up to its billing, it simply means it will be typically hot, but with fewer thunderstorms to cool things back down. July Programs in Lafitte Battle of New Orleans talk: Discover 1815’s Battle of New Orleans with a ranger talk at 12:15 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday at the Chalmette Battlefield of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 8606 West St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. Admission is free. For more information, call 281-0510 or visit www.nps.gov/jela. Walk the wetlands: Explore a Louisiana swamp and marsh on a ranger-guided walk from 10:00 a.m., Wednesday-Sunday at the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 6588 Barataria Boulevard in Marrero (near Crown Point). Admission is free. For more information, call 689-3690, extension 10, or visit www.nps.gov/jela. Ranger’s choice talk: Join a ranger for a short talk about nature, human history, fascinating critters, or emerging ecological challenges on 2:00 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 11 12 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 13 Contributing Writer Dr. David Heitmeier >> health Do Your Sunglasses Really Protect Your Eyes from the Sun? A s Americans are planning spring and summer vacations, many may be contemplating buying a new pair of stylish sunglasses. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reminds consumers to also be sure their favorite sunglasses provide quality protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to the AOA’s 2015 American Eye-Q® survey, 47 percent of consumers do not check the UV protection level before purchasing sunglasses. Overexposure to UV rays can cause eye and vision problems-and that’s no way to remember a fun day of outdoor adventures. Your checklist for sunglasses To be sure your sunglasses will adequately protect your eyes, follow these tips from the AOA, which can also be found in the AOA’s Sunglasses Shopping Guide. • Be sure your sunglasses block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays. While some contact lenses also offer UV protection, these should be worn with sunglasses to maximize protection. • Your sunglasses should screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. • The frame of your sunglasses needs to fit close to your eyes and contour to the shape of your face. This prevents exposure to UV rays from all sides, even from behind. • Pick lenses that are perfectly matched in color and are free of distortion and imperfection. Lenses should also have a uniform tint, not darker in one area from another. The AOA suggests a gray tint, which is particularly helpful when driving as it offers the best color recognition. Short- and long-term effects of UV exposure If the eyes are unprotected and exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, even just a few hours, individuals may experience an effect called photokeratitis, known as a “sunburn of the eye.” “Photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign-body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing,” said Karl Citek, O.D., Ph.D., chair of the AOA Commission on Ophthalmic Standards. “Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.” Long-term overexposure to UV radiation over the course of one’s life can cause more serious problems, such as damage to the eye, which can result in cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, pterygium (an abnormal growth of the white of the eye onto the cornea, or clear window at the front of the eye) and cancer of the eyelids, skin around the eye and even the eye itself. Don’t forget about kids’ eyes Parents need to be sure their children have appropriate eye protection. Unlike the lens found in an adult eye, which is more mature, a child’s lens cannot filter out UV rays as easily, possibly causing damage to the retina. “UV protection is important for people of all ages, but children’s eyes are more vulnerable since they are more transparent than an adult’s eyes,” said Dr. Citek. “When children go to play outside, they are excited and may not remember to put on sunglasses. Parents can help get their kids in the habit of wearing their sunglasses, which will help instill good eye care practices for life.” To be sure your sunglasses will properly protect your eyes from UV radiation, your best resource is your optometrist, who will also help ensure your eyes are heathy through yearly, comprehensive eye exams. The preceding article, brought to you by Dr. David Heitmeier, was a news release from the American Optometrist Association. For further questions please contact Heitmeier, Armani, Langhetee and Cangelosi Medical and Surgical Eyecare at 368-7081. You are not just an RX number, you’re family! Monday – Friday • 9am-6pm | Saturday • 10am-3pm Two convenient West Bank locations to serve you: ALGIERS 3500 Holiday Dr. (504) 367-5724 GRETNA 91 West Bank Expressway, Ste. 550 (504) 366-1200 Drive-thru windows at both locations Fill your prescriptions online at www.carrdrugs.com or download our RxLocal app on your smartphone! 14 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com health << Strategies on How to Help Prevent Illness from Heat Exposure this Summer E ach year more people in the United States die from extreme heat exposure than from hurricanes, lightening, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. During 1979-1998, 7,421 deaths that occurred in this country were attributed to excessive heat exposure. On average, approximately 300 people die each year from exposure to heat. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone understand the warning signs of heat illness and take special care of those at risk. “Older Americans and young children are at particular risk for heat illness,” the CDC advises. “This summer take a few extra minutes to check on your neighbors, friends, and family to ensure their health and safety.” People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age (the elderly and young children), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, prescription drug use, and alcohol use. Many people think electric fans are sufficient during extreme heat, the CDC notes. But while fans may provide comfort, they will not prevent heatrelated illness when the temperature is in the high 90s.” Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following: an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those people most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Tips for Preventing and Managing Heat • Take a cool shower or bath. • Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him or her how much you should drink while the weather is hot. • Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. • Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall, senior center, or public library – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. If you must be out in the heat: • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. • Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too. • Try to rest often in shady areas. • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses, and put on sun screen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels). Additional tips: • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. • Check regularly on those at greatest risk of heat-related illness: • Infants and young children • People aged 65 or older • People who have a mental illness • Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure • Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them or signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. Dreaming of a Sensational Smile? Visit New Orleans Dental Center and make it a reality! FREE Comprehensive Exam (D0150) and Full Mouth X-Rays (D0210) $201 Value. New patients only. Not valid for emergency visits. Call for details. Expires 8-15-2015. FAMILY DENTISTRY Dwight D. Landry, D.D.S. • Wendy M. Maes, D.D.S. 1901 Manhattan Blvd. Bldg. F, Ste. 201, at Fountain Park Centre 504-347-6000 NewOrleansDentalCenter.com www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 15 >> groups Terrytown Golden Agers Nicholson Golden Agers Visit Basin Canal Lighthouse Birthdays T he Terrytown Golden Agers recently celebrated June Birthdays for the following members: Jerry Casso, Antonieta Young, Richard Ward and Celia Perry, joined by Jefferson Parish Special Event Supervisor Garry Vedros. T he Nicholson Golden Age Club enjoyed a day trip and visited the Basin Canal Lighthouse, a wonderful lunch at the Blue Crab Restaurant, and coffee and beignets at Morning Call Café in City Park A great time was had by all. Everyone enjoyed ice cream and cake, socializing and playing bingo, and a fun time was had by all. Any Seniors who are residents of Jefferson Parish are welcome to stop by the Terrytown Golden Agers Club on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m., at the Senior Center on Heritage Avenue. Kneeling: Pat Ketcham, First Row: Doris Pete, Gloria Brown, Kathleen Burgett, Juanita Kinler, Felicie Breaux, Debbie Heigle, Dolores Hellwig, Leroy Cortez. Second Row: Kim Aultman, Marilyn Bankston, Joan Pitre, Geraldine Page, Sandy Pitre, Suzanne Ketcham, Eldrew Breaux, Ray Heigle, Thelma Pigford, Carmen Cortez, Shirley Sigur, Merv Bourgeois. Third Row: Brenda Cunningham, Jay Ryals, Lenard Kinler, Betty Autin, Edna Hicks, Nick Betanof and Garry Vedros- Speical Program Supervisor WB Golden Ager. 16 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com Bellemeade Walking Trail Takes Shape O n Monday, June 29, 2015, Jefferson Parish officials broke ground on the new Bellemeade Walking Trail at the intersection of Bellemeade Boulevard and Lapalco Boulevard in Gretna. The project is located on one acre of Parish-owned land and is intended to provide the Bellemeade community with both a green space and a recreational and exercise facility for the surrounding neighborhood. This project will feature wrought-iron fencing facing the streets and wood privacy fencing abutting the adjacent properties. Amenities will include a landscaped track covering 1/6 of a mile on a meandering path, pedestrian scale lighting, interior drainage, an automatic irrigation system, and paved on-site parking. Rotolo Consultants, Inc. of Slidell is performing the work at an estimated cost of $365,000.00, and should be completed in four months. Funding is provided by Council District 1. Congratulations 2015 Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo President John Georges & 2015 Admiral Donny Rouse www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 17 >> recreation T Second Session of JPRD Westbank Summer Camp Begins July 6th he second session of the Jefferson Parish Recreation Department’s Westbank Summer Camp will run from July 6- July 31. Activities offered include: arts and crafts, weekly field trips, movies, sports, games, special events, songs and skits, swimming and more. The camp hours are Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at various locations. The fee is $300 per camper per for a 4-week session. Optional before care is included and offered from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Optional after care is offered from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. for an additional $50. Fee includes medical reimbursement insurance, field trips and a $35 non-refundable service charge. Each camper will receive one camp shirt. Campers should bring a drink and daily lunch. You may register in person at 7437 Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You can also register online at jprd.org. For more information, call 349-5000. KINDER CAMP (for potty-trained campers ages 3 to 5). Must be 3 years old by January 1, 2015. Oakdale, PARD, and Terrytown DAY CAMP (for age 6 to 11). Must be 6 years old by January 1, 2015. Kings Grant, Oakdale, PARD, and Terrytown CIT CAMP (for ages 12 to 13) Kings Grant AFTER CARE (must be enrolled in same camp session.) Kings Grant, Oakdale, PARD, and Terrytown. The Beta Group’s top quality •Bringyourbusinessintoover employees, professional service 23,000homemailboxesand over75Jefferson,Orleansand and our commitment to client PlaqueminesParishnewsstands. •ThegoodnewsisThe West Bank satisfaction set us apart. Our reputation has BeaconreachesWestBank residentswithpurchasingpower. made us a well respected firm •WithThe in highBeacon’scompetitive demand. When precise adratesanddesignassistance, youaresuretorunaneffective results are required, adthatgetsresults. companies throughout Louisiana •ContactourAdSalesTeam todaytobeginadvertisingand count on The reachtheWestBank! Beta Group. P.O. BOx 2203 • Gretna, La 70054 504-227-2273 18 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com Algiers Economic Development STATE SENATOR JOHN ALARIO CONGRATULATES THE 2015 Wednesdays on the Point Summer Concert Series T he Algiers Economic Development Foundation’s (AEDF) annual Wednesdays on the Point Summer Riverfront Concert Series is well underway, and will take place every Wednesday through August 5. Concerts will be held at the foot of the ferry terminal in historic Algiers Point, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. RODEO Wednesdays on the Point began several years ago as an effort by local businesses to draw visitors to Algiers Point during the slower summer months. Since its inception, the series has continued to grow and is expected to draw more than one thousand music goers each week. This year’s lineup is a great mix of musical styles and genres. All concerts are free to the public and, along with great musical performances, guests will be able to enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. PRESIDENT Founded in 1719, Algiers Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans. “The Point” as locals call it, is located directly across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter. Ferrys run between Algiers Point and Downtown New Orleans. For more information, visit wednesdaysonthepoint. com/#sectionSchedule TARPON JOHN GEORGES July 8 AND THE 2015 July 15 ADMIRAL DONNY ROUSE Bonerama; DJ Rik Ducci August 5 Rebirth Brass Band DJ Rik Ducci The Write Brothers; DJ Rik Ducci July 22 Bag Of Donuts; DJ El Camino July 29 Amanda Shaw + The Vettes DJ Rik Ducci Spas • Above Ground Pools Gunite Swimming Pools • Renovations Replastering • Repairs • Weekly Service Primo Grills/Accessories www.poolandspacenter.net 504-885-8747 • 504-347-4282 • 5040 Lapalco Blvd. Marrero Open 6 days a week • 19 years experience • Licensed & Insured www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 19 >> community Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library Schedule of Upcoming Events T he Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library, opened in 1990, is the largest public library on the West Bank. Located at 2751 Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey, the library is 35,000 square feet and houses fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, microfilm, videocassettes, and books on tape. The library contains a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and reference materials to meet the recreational and educational needs of the community. Materials not available on site can be ordered from other libraries within the Jefferson Parish Library system. Interlibrary loan services are also available. Upcoming events include: Basic Microsoft Word 2010, Part 1 Event Type: Training; Age Group(s): Adults; Date: 7/8/2015 Start Time: 2:00 PM; End Time: 4:00 PM Description: Learn the Basics of Microsoft Word 2010. Quick Launch Toolbar, Ribbon Headings and Groups. We will look at margin settings, and dialogue box launchers. Explore the File Menu. Learn to highlight, create and edit text. Location: West Bank Regional Computer Lab Contact: Computer Training Team Contact Number: 838-1144 Presenter: Computer Training Team ZOOMobile Event Type: Summer Reading Program Age Group(s): Children; Date: 7/9/2015 Start Time: 10:30 AM; End Time: 11:30 AM Description: The ZOOmobile from Audubon Zoo brings to you the wonders of the natural world by interactive presentation and hands-on animal encounters! Location: Meeting Room Frank Levy Event Type: Summer Reading Program Age Group(s): Young Adults (Teens); Date: 7/20/2015 Start Time: 2:30 PM; End Time: 3:30 PM Description: “Instant Theater” – Teens can’t help getting caught up in Instant Theater with award-winning educator and director Frank Levy as he enlists audiences members as the cast and crew of a theatrical, historical or famous event performed on the spot. Location: Meeting Room 20 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com Special Presentation: Louisiana Movie History with the Pooles Event Type: Adults; Age Group(s): Adults; Date: 7/29/2015 Start Time: 10:00 AM; End Time: 11:30 AM Description: Ed and Susan Poole, authors of the film reference book Hollywood on the Bayou, will discuss the film history of Louisiana. The film historians say that more than 1,000 films that were produced in or set in Louisiana, in whole or in part. These include feature length films, made-fortelevision movies, documentaries and shorts. They also will discuss movie posters and they have been collecting them since the mid-1970s. Many of the posters in their personal collection are from films made in Louisiana, and they have one of the largest collections in the state. Library: Jane O’Brien Chatelain West Bank Regional Library Location: Meeting Room Contact: Chris Smith; Contact Number: 889-8143 Presenter: Chris Smith First Time Home Buyers Class (Spanish) Event Type: Adults; Age Group(s): Adults Date: 8/19/2015; Start Time: 5:00 PM; End Time: 8:30 PM Description: This class is designed to provide the necessary tools to Latino families who are in the process of purchasing a home, so that they understand the process, the truth about financing a home, important facts about choosing proper insurance coverage, etc. If the family qualifies, then this class also fulfills the HUD requirement necessary to be able to get grant assistance to purchase a home. Location: Meeting Room Contact: Chris Smith; Contact Number: 889-8143 Presenter: Puentes New Orleans. Community Emergency Response Team Camp J efferson Parish Emergency Management will co-host a free, Regional Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Camp on July 13 – July 17, 2015, at the Belle Chasse Primary School located at 539 F. Edward Hebert Boulevard in Belle Chasse. Jefferson Parish Emergency Management will be joined by Emergency Management from Plaquemines Parish, Orleans Parish, and St. Bernard Parish. The CERT Camp is open to teenagers between 12-19 years of age from across the New Orleans Metro area, including but not limited to Explorer POSTs, Venture Units, Scout groups, Church groups, and ROTC students. The Teen Community Emergency Response Team Program educates students about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and offers training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The Teen CERT Camp is a free, five-day event packed with disaster response training, team-building exercises, competitive events, and fun recreational activities. Classes are from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Additionally, an Adult Basic CERT Class will take place on July 18, 19, 2015, at Belle Chasse Primary School. Registration is underway. Transportation to Teen CERT Camp classes will be provided free of charge. For more information and to register, go to jeffparish.net, or call Jefferson Parish Emergency Management at 349-5360. Space is limited. The registration deadline is July 6, 2015. community << Reunion Celebrates Historic Westwego High School Class 0f 1955 By Marie Giardina H Fourth of July Festivities at Boomtown B oomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans will celebrate the Fourth of July with a fireworks show and live music. Fireworks Viewing Saturday, July 4 Viewing of 4th of July fireworks in Boomtown parking lot 10:30 p.m. fireworks show Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Boomers Nightclub Entertainment Saturday, July 4 Jeff Cryer’s Tribute to Motown 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Free entry Must be 21+. Photo credit: Maureen Theriot istoric because it was the last class to graduate from Westwego High School, 26 members of the Spartan Class of 1955 recently gathered at Tournament Players Club with their spouses, friends, and guests for a luncheon to celebrate their 60th Class Reunion. Classmates best summed up the prevailing themes of the event: Gloria Sampey Guidry, “What a great gathering! Brought back some fantastic memories.” Alice Guise Majorie , “Great seeing all of my old friends. Everyone looks great!” Patricia Guidry Cassagne, “What beautiful memories of the past!” Faye Schexnayder LeBlanc, “Remember Miss Townes making us ride our bikes in precision drill in the gym?” Lloyd Giardina, “In school we were like brothers and sisters.” The Class of ’55 Reunion was planned by class members Lloyd Giardina, Gerald Constant, Yvonne Nalesnik, Faye LeBlanc, Wilton Dufrene, Alice Majorie, Peter Palmer, and honorary member Marion Giardina. The event was dedicated to the memory of their deceased classmates. Entertainment was provided by classmate Wilton Dufrene, a longstanding singer in barbershop quartets. One of Dufrene’s offerings, I’m Still Havin’ Fun by Joe Liles of the Barbershop Harmony Society, captures the true spirit of the Spartan Class of 1955, “Even though I’m sixty or seventy or eighty,… even though my singing is just a little scratchy…even though my glasses are just a little thicker…I’m still havin’ fun. Havin’ fun!” Seated left to right: Leonce Barrios, Wilton Dufrene, Beverly Shally, Alice Guise Majorie, Angelina Clulee Rothacker, Jenelle Legendre Macaluso, Gloria Sampey Guidry Second row left to right: Garvin Lefort, Lilian DeWeese Boudreaux, Gerald Constant, Juanita Allemand, Patricia Guidry Cassagne, Mary Ellen Palmisano Theriot, Zeobia”BeBe” Rebstock Alario, Johanna Roussel Thibodeaux, Faye Schexnayder LeBlanc, Yvonne Bouvier Nalesnik, Betty Ledet Berger Rear left to right: Frances Bertucci Adams, Emile Landry, Lloyd Giardina, Barbara Adams Tomme, Barbara Galliano Cantrelle, Peter Palmer, Gally Thibodeaux, Janice Harrington Elliott 50th Reunion for Behrman High School Class of 65’ T he Behrman High School Class of 1965 will hold its 50th reunion on October 3, 2015 at the New Orleans Ladies Ballroom, 1771 Stumpf Boulevard in Gretna. The event will last from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Interested classmates who did not graduate with Class of 1965 are welcome to attend, but will still need to register. For more information contact Rita at 393-8129, or Cybble at 554-3739. LOUISIANA STATE REPRESENTATIVE BRYAN ADAMS WELCOMES VISITORS TARPON O R T H E 2 01 5 F TO GRAND ISLE RODEO www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 21 Serving the Westbank and surrounding areas with quality and timely repairs for over 25 years. 5 Convenient Locations 18 5th St. Gretna, LA 70053 (504) 363-1965 1801 Veterans Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062 (504) 465-5680 2044 Hwy. 59 Mandeville, LA 70448 (985) 626-7812 1609 CAROL SUE 1020 Edenborn Ave. Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 837-6121 1122 Pass Rd. Gulfport, MS 39501 (228) 563-1980 We Repair All Makes & Models Foreign & Domestic Monday-Friday • 8am-5:30pm | Saturday • 8am-12pm Make sure you tell your insurance company you want Across from the Courtyard Apartments Ray Brandt Collision Centers for all your collision needs. ASK ABOUT OUR LIFETIME WARRANTY Our Community. Your Newspaper. • Bringyourbusinessintoover23,000home mailboxesandover75Jefferson,Orleans andPlaqueminesParishnewsstands. • ThegoodnewsisThe West Bank Beaconreaches WestBankresidentswithpurchasingpower. • WithThe Beacon’s competitiveadrates anddesignassistance,youaresureto runaneffectiveadthatgetsresults. • ContactourAdSalesTeamtodayto beginadvertisingandreachtheWestBank! 22 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 >> www.wbbeacon.com 504-615-9475 [email protected] www.wbbeacon.com Since 1962 Regis Radiator Service The Best Place To Take A Leak Since 1962! FAST 1 DAY SERVICE & PICK UP & DELIVERY AUTO - SALES & SERVICE “24 HR” Service We S e ll a le W h o le s To T h e P u b li c • New & Rebuilt Radiators in Stock • Gas Tanks • A/C Condensers • Water Pumps • Heater Cores • Belts • Hoses • Plastic & Aluminum Radiators • Thermostats • Air Conditioning • Ultra Sonic Cleaning INDUSTRIAL & OIL FIELD Copon & Solder Coated Radiators • Heavy Equipment Specialists Service & Repair On Heat Exchangers & Oil Coolers 341-9118 348-2719 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm 1101 Avenue A Marrero (next to West Jeff) The Gretna Economic Development Association invites you to Explore Downtown Gretna July Calendar Current Events 7 GEDA Meeting 6:30pm Mel Ott Center 8 Gretna Council Meeting 5:30pm 29 JP Council Meeting 10am GI Gretna Economic Development presents the Gretna Heritage Festival – October 2, 3 & 4! Please join family and friends at this year’s festival! July 4, 11, 18, 25 Gretna Farmers Market Please support our GEDA Business Members: Classic Frame & Mat 838 Lafayette St 361-5141 Daul Insurance Agency 94 Westbank Expressway 362-0667 Edward Jones 500 Huey P. Long Ave 367-4467 Le Grand The Florist 537 Huey P. Long Ave 362-5757 Leithman-LeBoeuf Insurance 1025 Franklin Ave. 367-7777 GEDA invites you to join as a Business Member for $75/yr and see your company listed in our ad! For more information on these events and more, please call 504-361-7748 www.wbbeacon.com << July 2015 << The West Bank Beacon 23 The West Bank Beacon >> July 2015 P.O. Box 2246 • Gretna, Louisiana 70054 Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit #289 N.O., LA