February2021

April 7, 2021

Blog – April 2021

The April 2021 Blog

01.

Volume 3, Edition 6

A Word from the
First Lady of Louisiana

Happy Spring, Y’all!

Oh my goodness, it’s hard to believe we are now into April. As more and more people receive the vaccine, it feels as if we are finally coming up for air, literally. There is still much work to be done and more hurdles to cross, but we are getting there my friends, finally.

I feel like my mind and body have been on autopilot, coasting along. But spring is in the air, and the vaccine is working to save lives. It brings such a feeling of joy. I feel a sense of rebirth, a recharging of the mind. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer!

April is the month we highlight work that prevents child abuse. The more I learn about childhood trauma, ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and mental disorders, the more aware I become of the need we all have to understand it better. So I hope you will find time to reflect on how you can understand childhood trauma and how it affects all of us. When we educate ourselves, we can be more aware of those around us and their needs.

I often say, if I had known more about trauma and its effects on our children, I would have been a better classroom educator. Understanding ACE scores linked to trauma is something everyone benefits from knowing. Here is a link to the CDC-Kaiser study explaining “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.”

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html.

Louisiana is fully vested in lowering the ACE scores in all of our children.

Knowing about traumatic events that impact adversity in childhood allows us to empathize and relate better to others. You will learn that there are those in your own life that may have some experience with trauma. It could be a co-worker, spouse, family member, or other loved ones. It could even be your children. Those traumatic experiences change how we react, communicate, and live our lives.

There is currently a national movement to include trauma and resilience in our approaches to legislation affecting those who have experienced it. When our leaders are informed and educated about ACEs, we can support them in “policies, programs, legislation, and appropriations that prevent and address childhood trauma and build resilience across the lifespan.” You can read more about the National Trauma Campaign here: https://traumacampaign.org.

It is essential to know about trauma, TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), and ACE. Find out about your ACE score. Only by educating ourselves will we start to make breakthroughs and put policies in place that make a difference in our future. When we know better, we do better.

Healing and hope are powerful, and a light for so many that suffer and need our love and support. I am so grateful for those working in this field and their many years of commitment and research. Significant advances in this field provide us all with an opportunity to make a difference and move our state and our children forward with positivity and hope for a better future.

I remain so grateful to you all,

You can take your ACE test here: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (MT 18:10)

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your many graces poured out upon us daily.
Thank you for the gift of hope and charity.
We ask for your healing hand upon our children,
especially those that deal with abuse.
Show us how we can be your hands and feet here on earth.
Amen.

02. FEATURE

Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers

Child Abuse Prevention Month

By Kate Shipley

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual commitment across states and agencies to raise awareness of child abuse and the importance of prevention. In a meaningful push to raise awareness and strengthen children and families in our own state, Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention Month for Louisiana.

Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) are the designated agencies in the state to coordinate trauma-informed investigations of child abuse and the delivery of services for victims. Children’s Advocacy Centers provide investigative and treatment services for victims of abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and children who witness violent crimes. Through a groundbreaking initiative led by Governor John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative, nine Children’s Advocacy Centers have specialized staff dedicated to increasing outreach, collaboration, screening, and advocacy for victims of human trafficking.

Children’s Advocacy Centers also serve as central hubs in the community for prevention. These hubs include training for adults to identify and report child abuse, prevention programming to empower children with information about online safety and healthy relationships, and family advocacy services to build resilience and prevent future harm. In 2020 alone, the Louisiana CAC network provided training for over 23,000 adults and empowered over 7,000 children with prevention education.

LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

Yes Mam, No Mam, Thank you Mam = Teach MAM!

Teach MAM
(Music, Arts, Movement)

LOUISIANA
FOSTERS

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

03. GOVERNOR'S MANSION

Garden Photos

Enjoy these beautiful pictures from the Governor’s Mansion gardens!

VIEW PHOTOS

VISIT GOVERNOR'S MANSION STORE

DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Women’s Health and the Covid-19 Vaccine:
What you should know before you Roll Up Your Sleeve

by Dr. Michelle R. Easton

PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA

Making A Difference

Volunteer
Louisiana

COMMUNITY

READ

Jessica Deon

SCHOOLS

READ

Sandra Franks

MILITARY

READ

Margaret Eckert

Leo Candles

BUSINESS

READ

04. FEATURED RECIPE

JAZZFEST ROSEMINT TEA

Are you missing Jazz Fest, too? To combat this melancholy feeling, brew up some Jazz Fest Rosemint Tea and listen to WWOZ! Tune in to WWOZ April 22-25 and April 29-May 2 as they partner with the Archive of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation to bring you “Jazz Festing In Place 2021,” featuring rare and historical sets from Jazz Fest’s past, on the traditional spring weekends of the festival!

READ RECIPE

SOMETHING TO DISCERN

05. PAST QUOTES

Gallery

: march 2021

: february 2021

: january 2021

: december

: november

: october

: september

: august

: july

: june

THE FIRST DOGS

06. THE FIRST DOGS

The First Dogs have had enough of the April showers!

07. OUR EDITOR

DELERY RICE

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.

After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, she went on to receive a Masters in Non-Profit Management from Louisiana State University. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.

March 10, 2021

Anti-Human Trafficking – Save The Date

Save The Date

Global Human Trafficking Summit

SAVE THE DATE!
Global Human Trafficking Summit

Presented by First Lady Yumi Hogan
and the State of Maryland

April 29, 2021

The Louisiana First Foundation (LFF) is excited to announce our third Global Human Trafficking Summit. We anticipate close to 400 participants at this summit, including approximately 20 First Spouses from around the country. Many outstanding professionals in this field and members of law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Justice will share successful best practices to combat this issue. Our April Human Sex Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Global Virtual Summit sponsored by the Louisiana First Foundation and presented by First Lady Yumi Hogan and the State of Maryland will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. CST.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott (Texas), and First Lady Yumi Hogan (Maryland) have joined First Lady Donna Edwards in a National Coalition Against Human Trafficking supported by First Spouses across the country. The mission of the coalition is to share resources and best practices within our states and to bring awareness of this horrific crime. Our first summit had 116 participants, and has brought about significant opportunities to exchange information and work together. Our second zoom summit had close to 300 participants! We anticipate close to 400 participants at this summit, including approximately 20 First Spouses.

If you would like to be added to the email list, please email your information to delery@louisianafirstfoundation.com.

March 10, 2021

People of Louisiana – Community (March 2021)

CAPITOL LAKE

Some Unintended Consequences
Are Wonderful

By Marie Constantin

Some Unintended Consequences Are Wonderful By Marie Constantin

What do you do when a problem is so enormous, so widespread, and has been around for so long that the mere thought of caring anymore is not an option? The answer is easy. You do what Mother Teresa did.

She was often overwhelmed. No doubt that is why she shared with the world: “We are not called to be successful, but faithful.”

When volunteers began picking litter from the shores of Capitol Lake 15 months ago, it did not take long before they realized that 41 twenty-five-gallon bags of garbage flowed in every month from the city’s untreated storm drains, ruining their efforts. Daunting as it was, they decided not to stop but instead chose to be faithful, pick it up, and advocate for the Lake. With each passing month, their clean-up efforts sent volunteers sliding down steep banks. Mosquitos bit them. They fell onto the rocks. Snakes sent them running. Fire ants ran up their legs. They wouldn’t quit.

Swarms of gnats bit them. Some hacked their way to the litter. Their skin broke out from poison ivy, and others climbed into kayaks. They worked through the heat, the cold, the ice. They didn’t quit.

When the call is to be faithful, you don’t quit.

Because Louisiana is often number one in precipitation, this can put us number one in litter entering our watersheds when we don’t intercept it in our storm canals. Because the state can get 60- 90 inches of rain in 112 rain days, our litter may only stay on the ground a few weeks before storm drains act as freeway on-ramp systems carrying litter to the belly of the Sportsman’s Paradise or the place we drink our water from, catch our fish, hunt, kayak, swim, and hike.

Put another way, Arizona’s 12 inches per year keeps litter on the streets, forcing them to look at it or do something about it while our gets washed out of sight.

Litter-catching devices are on order thanks to BRAF and the State. Once installed, 80-90 percent of the litter is intercepted before making it into the Lake.

Volunteers picked up litter and advocated for litter grabbing equipment but also, looking for statewide solutions, they turned their sights towards Florida. Thirty years ago, the Florida legislature declared stormwater to be a utility when they passed (FSA) 403.0893. This empowered communities in that state to fund stormwater treatment programs by putting them on a utility bill if they chose to do so. Today over 160 Florida communities have chosen this route. Miami now brings in 12 million a year with an average fee of $3.30/month. States have hardship credits for the vulnerable.

There are always unintended consequences in life. Some are wonderful.

When Florida communities gave themselves money to buy the equipment that catches sediments and litter from stormwater, they also had the money for canal maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, expert training in stormwater management, and money for educating the public on the importance of bagging their trash, so it does not end up in a watershed.

Here is the best part. While Florida’s stormwater utility began as an effort to fund compliance with the Clean Water Act, they quickly learned that communities that had a fully-funded program had inadvertently reduced flooding! Recognizing this, today, these programs are now often called “Flooding and Water Quality” programs.

Because volunteers chose to be faithful when faced with the impossible, picking up 907 bags in a 15-month effort, Capitol Lake will begin to heal itself when the equipment arrives. It will serve as a demonstration model on how a fully funded stormwater program could solve problems on multiple fronts.

GALLERY

CAPITOL LAKE BEAUTY

LITTER PROBLEMS

: Loose garbage and unbagged garbage contributes to litter

: Trying to enter a watershed

: Styrofoam cups break down into tiny hard-to-pick-up pieces

: Capitol Lake

: Some litter, decades old

: Capitol Lake Before and After

DEATH BY LITTER

: Brian Boudreaux photo - Death by Litter

: Brian Boudreaux photo - Capitol Lake

: Brian Boudreaux photo - Death by Litter

VOLUNTEERS

: Steven Kendall

: Tiffany Brumfield

: One of many crews

: Mark Upton

: Liz Harris, Marie Constantin

: Krieger Barbara and Kirksey pick litter

: June Peay

: Gerard Overholtz

: Fox Pest Control sends volunteer employees

: Erin Wilder-Doomes and Erica Hives-Johnson

: Erica Hives Johnson, Alvin Miller and Guy Louis James

: Brian J Boudreaux

: Kevin Harris hauls it out

: Fran U Intensive Care Earth

: Brian Biamonte, Emily Stitch, Jonathan Harnsongkram

: Fran U Intensive Care Earth

March 10, 2021

Women’s Health – March 2021

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG March 2021

Cultural Immersion in Louisiana: An International Student’s Perspective on Our Health

Written by Minqi (Maggie) Huang

On my first day in New Orleans, a kind barista on Maple Street asked me, with an infectious dose of southern hospitality: “Do you want sugar in your nitro cold brew?” “No, thank you,” I said, undoubtedly with a confused look. As a coffee-drinking native of China who has lived in various cities in the US and elsewhere over the last eight years, I have ordered this same bitter beverage in New York, Atlanta, Hong Kong, and many other places. Adding sugar was never before offered as an option.

But like many newcomers, I eventually became quite a willing “victim” of Louisiana’s unique approach to its culinary offerings. Since New Orleans and its surrounds are the American regions with the most robust local food culture, its residents are rightfully proud of and devoted to their food. A Louisiana-born nurse once told me, for example, she regretted not taking along Tony Chachere’s when she visited London. Such allegiance to local flavors helped confirm this would be my new home. After all, my mother also packed her homemade hot sauce when she visited me in the US! And I love the culinary smells of my new home city, many of which bring to mind the many night market stands in Southern China.

My newly-formed but deep affection for Louisiana has altered my hypothesis about America’s public health crisis. Unlike Asia and Europe, where local cultures survived centuries of turmoil, America is exceptionally open to innovation and expansion, so much that some might argue there is a particular element of monoculture as one goes from state to state. Undeniably, technological advancement in the food industry made our fruit and vegetables taste sweeter and look better. We can now enjoy previously seasonal foods throughout the year. And the chain restaurants we like are “everywhere.” While appreciative of this abundance of food and the comfort and consistency that goes with it, we should ask ourselves: While life has been made more convenient, are we living better and healthier? Under my previous theory of the importance of regional cuisine, Louisiana should have been the US’s healthiest state. However, health outcomes in Louisiana are ranked 50th among the 50 states by the United Health Foundation.

Women’s health is not much different. In the same report, women’s health outcomes are ranked 49th in the nation, with above national average rates for a wide range of health concerns: Chlamydia, obesity, diabetes, and maternal mortality. Despite its highly regarded food culture that attracts millions of visitors annually, Louisiana has one of the nation’s highest percentages of household food insecurity. Louisiana women are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than Louisiana men, whereas nationally, numerous studies show that men are more vulnerable to diabetic risks. We should not neglect this disparity in women’s health.

“To bring change to the world, we have to bring change to ourselves,” Iranian political activist Shirin Ebadi said when she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003. During International Women’s Month, let us begin to act locally to better the health and, therefore, the lives of the women we love, cherish, and depend on. Women have been a strong force in advocating for social change in Louisiana, such as legendary figures Leah Chase, Ruby Bridges, and Oretha Castle Haley. And critically, as Ms. Ebadi indicated, let’s make sure our self-care is at the level required to allow us to bring the full force of our immense collective talents to bear on these problems.

Although the Louisiana chapter of my life had a bit of a rocky start, I am now committed to doing my part to help make this beautiful and unique state healthier for all.

Minqi (Maggie) Huang

Maggie is originally from Guangxi, China. As a fearless adventurer, she came to the US at the age of 16 and graduated from Calvin Christian High School in Grandville, Michigan, then moved to Albany, New York, to complete her undergraduate degree in Human Biology. As a food enthusiast with a drive to discover all the great flavors the world has to offer, she came to New Orleans and attained a Masters in Medical Genetics from Tulane University. Before shifting her focus to medicine, she established and implemented an experiential program for a diverse student population at the University at Albany, developing and maintaining relationships with participants from 10 countries. Maggie is passionate about combining her genetics specialty and her interpersonal skills to help others become healthier. Outside of work, she is involved with several nonprofit organizations to raise public awareness about rare diseases.

March 10, 2021

Teach MAM – Preservation Hall Lessons

Teach MAM

Teach MAM: An Exciting Partnership to Strengthen Arts Education Across Louisiana

Preservation Hall Lessons

TEACH MAM

Preservation Hall Lessons
Free Resources for Teachers Anywhere

Preservation Hall, the storied jazz venue in New Orleans, has been the musical home for hundreds of Louisiana’s most notable musicians. Its namesake Preservation Hall Jazz Band has traveled the globe for decades, keeping traditional New Orleans music alive and beloved. Ten years ago, the Preservation Hall Foundation formed to protect, preserve and perpetuate New Orleans music. One of its pillars is passing the tradition down from generation to generation through various music education efforts.

In 2021, the foundation launched Preservation Hall Lessons, a series of online music lessons for young people that features members of the Hall’s musicians’ community. This free, online, interdisciplinary resource is available to teachers and music programs nationwide!

Preservation Hall Lessons is designed for K-12 students and includes content focused on introductory and advanced techniques for the range of instruments in a traditional jazz band, stylistic tips, and the cultural and historical context of New Orleans music. There are currently 22 lesson plans featuring exclusive videos and support materials, with more to come in the months and years ahead.

Each lesson includes an outline of educational standards addressed, the lesson’s objectives, and how to apply and evaluate that lesson. There are safe, natively-hosted videos, google docs and google slides, and many relevant tools and links to support each exercise.

Whether a classroom is “in-person” or virtual, whether students play instruments or simply enjoy music, whether one is seeking creative ways to teach math or social studies or art, there’s a wide range of lessons to meet various needs.

Nothing could replace the experience of a live performance or lesson at Preservation Hall. Still, these lessons reflect the spirit and revered traditions celebrated at the Hall by its cherished musicians.

Knowledge of and a love for New Orleans music is one of the best exports Louisiana can offer.

Please help spread the word by sharing the link. The site is easy to navigate and explore — and you can also visit the social media pages on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. If you have questions, feedback, or introductions to educators, please contact info@preshallfoundation.org.

Link to lessons: https://lessons.preshallfoundation.org

: Students with PHJB trumpeter Branden Lewis - Preservation Hall Foundation

: Louis Ford, Joe Lastie, Richard Moten, Mari Watanabe with student - photo by Camille Lenain

: Sensory Friendly Family Day - photo by Camille Lenain

: Empty Preservation Hall in February 2020 - photo by Mary Cormaci

: Preservation Hall sign and gate - photo by Shannon Brinkman

: Preservation Hall as seen from St. Peter Street - photo by Shannon Brinkman

March 9, 2021

Blog – March 2021

The March 2021 Blog

01.

Volume 3, Edition 5

A Word from the
First Lady of Louisiana

I need a break…

I have been thinking about what I would write this month, and it hit me – the real raw honesty of needing a break. Sometimes life is filled with all kinds of fillers, and as a wife and a mother, we have these running lists of tasks that we need to complete, and we are always pushing the tide to get through it all. Truth be told, we need to honor that time when we genuinely need a break. So, instead of sharing my thoughts and a message this month, I am taking a break.

Please enjoy the beautiful picture of pelicans taken by Marie Constantin at the lakes. You can read about her work in cleaning up our lakes below, in the community section. Take care this month…I need a break and so do some of you. Be kind to yourself, you deserve it!

Love to all,

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.”

-Matthew 11:28-30

Capitol Lake – Photo by Marie Constantin

02. FEATURE

Louisiana State University AgCenter

Caring for Plants After a Hard Freeze

By Heather Kirk-Ballard, PhD
Assistant Professor of Consumer Horticulture
School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences

Our winters vary in severity from year to year. This year, in mid-February, we got a dose of freezing temperatures for several days. The entire state of Louisiana got ice, sleet, and snow. With temperatures reaching as low as 20, 15, or even lower, covering plants, despite our valiant efforts, could not prevent damage to our plants. Undoubtedly, we all lost something during the recent hard freezes.

The roots of most hardy plants will be okay. Luckily, the soil was wet from recent rains, protecting against freezing soil temperatures. Even though many plants froze up top, they are still alive beneath the soil, and plants will return from their roots-rest assured.

No doubt, tender tropical plants melted like the wicked witch of the west from Oz. Under an extended hard freeze like the ones we just experienced, you may see plant stems splitting and peeling. I hate to say it, but if you see this, you’re likely burying that plant for the second time, and there will be no resurrection.

Many tropical plants turned to mush and are now brown. If you’re fortunate enough that your tropical plants survived, now that the temperatures are warming up, you can safely remove the dead foliage and add a nice thick layer of mulch around the plant’s crown and the rest of the surrounding area.

LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

Yes Mam, No Mam, Thank you Mam = Teach MAM!

Teach MAM
(Music, Arts, Movement)

LOUISIANA
FOSTERS

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

03. GOVERNOR'S MANSION

Jeffrey Carbo

The Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation is delighted to announce the partnership with Jeffrey Carbo, FASLA, and CARBO Landscape Architecture. Jeff has joined the Executive Board and has graciously donated his time to re-envision the Governor’s Mansion gardens. He and Grace Ragland, ASLA, have been working with First Lady Donna H Edwards, Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation Executive Director Sandy McClelland, and Governor’s Mansion coordinator Jennifer Gomez, to create a landscape renovation master plan aimed for completion by Fall 2023. Jeff’s vision for the grounds will be timeless and stately while focusing on preservation and maintenance ease.

Jeffrey Carbo is a Landscape Architect with over thirty-five years of experience in professional practice. The range and scope of his concerns include:

Environmental conservation.
The historical and cultural context of local and regional landscapes.
The attention to detail in the numerous places and gardens that he helped create.

VISIT GOVERNOR'S MANSION STORE

DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM

WOMEN’S HEALTH

“Cultural Immersion in Louisiana: An International Student’s Perspective on Our Health”

by Minqi (Maggie) Huang

PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA

Making A Difference

Community Lakes

COMMUNITY

READ

Twainna Calhoun

SCHOOLS

READ

Louisiana Women Veterans
Health Care Symposium

MILITARY

READ

Lauren Morris

Pink House Consulting, LLC

BUSINESS

READ

04. FEATURED RECIPE

The Crawfish Boil

It’s finally time! Crawfish season is upon us.

Crawfish boils are a long-time tradition in Louisiana. It’s a time when family and friends gather to celebrate spring, sun, and food. But when did crawfish boils begin?

READ RECIPE

SOMETHING TO DISCERN

05. PAST QUOTES

Gallery

: february 2021

: january 2021

: december

: november

: october

: september

: august

: july

: june

THE FIRST DOGS

06. THE FIRST DOGS

Spring Time Is Here!

07. OUR EDITOR

DELERY RICE

February 5, 2021

Global Human Trafficking Summit 2021

2021 Global Summit
January 28, 2021
Texas

2021 Global Summit – January 28, 2021 – Texas

The State of Louisiana continues to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating human sex trafficking across our state and country. First Lady Donna Edwards has been relentless in raising awareness in Louisiana and now across the globe! We are so blessed to have her and her husband, Governor John Bel Edwards, leading our state and taking a firm stand against human trafficking.

On January 28, 2021, First Lady Edwards held her second virtual Global Human Sex Trafficking Prevention Summit. She was honored to partner with First Lady Cecilia Abbott and the State of Texas Governor’s Office. The purpose of this Summit, similar to the first, was to convene First Spouses, international, national, and state leaders and raise awareness about the horrible crime of trafficking and to highlight best practice strategies implemented in the State of Texas to address the crime and aid victims. With more than 200 participants, the Summit began with a welcome from First Ladies Edwards and Abbott, an invocation from Bishop Joe Vasquez from the Diocese of Austin, and Bill Wolfe, Deputy Director of the Office of Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice who shared a summary of the national perspective on human trafficking. Andrea Sparks, Director of Governor Abbott’s Child Sex Trafficking Team, gave a brief overview of the Texas Model and then introduced the presenters, each of whom shared a summary of their work to achieve one of the objectives in the Texas Model: Protect, Recognize, Recover, Support Healing, and Bring Justice.

At the close of the Summit, First Lady Edwards announced a new partnership with the First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbott, to form a national coalition of First Spouses working together across the nation. The coalition will shed light on the scourge of sex trafficking and promote best practices and collaborative efforts to end it in all its forms.

First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott and the Texas Governor’s Office were grateful for the opportunity to share the Texas Model to address the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CSEY) with other states at the Summit. There is so much more to share, and we invite anyone who wants to learn more to visit our website and reach out to learn more! The Texas Child Sex Trafficking Team is already hearing from other states who want more information on some of the best practices highlighted in the Summit. This week, Texas conducted a training for the State of Louisiana on Care Coordination for child victims.

Texas is incredibly honored to partner with First Lady of Louisiana Donna Edwards to engage First Spouses across the country to fight against human trafficking. One of the major activities will be to highlight research-based and promising practices from all over the country on various ways to address human trafficking. We look forward to learning along with all the states. By working together to shed light on human trafficking and to share proven programs on how to prevent it, recognize it, and help recover and support the healing of survivors, and bring justice to exploiters, we will strengthen our individual state efforts and create a collective impact that will get us closer to the goal of eradicating human trafficking in the United States.

You can view resources from the Summits here:
https://louisianafirstfoundation.com/2020-global-human-trafficking-summit-resources/

February 5, 2021

Anti-Human Trafficking – Global Human Trafficking Summit 2021

Global Human Trafficking Summit 2021

Global Human Trafficking Summit 2021

Louisiana and Texas Join Together
for the Second Global Human Trafficking Summit

January 28, 2021

You can view resources from the Summits here:
https://louisianafirstfoundation.com/2020-global-human-trafficking-summit-resources/

February 4, 2021

Featured Recipe: King Cake

NEW ORLEANS STYLE
KING CAKE

NEW ORLEANS STYLE KING CAKE

Ingredients:

DOUGH
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) Rapid Rise yeast
1 cup milk
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, cut into 12 pieces

CINNAMON FILLING
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

ICING
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon vanilla

DECORATION
Purple, green and yellow or gold sugars or sprinkles
Miniature plastic baby

Directions:

Mix 2 1/2 cups flour and yeast in mixing bowl of stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, on low for about 30 seconds.
Heat milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and milk is between 120°F to 130°F.
With mixer on low, pour in liquids and mix until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time. Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Clean off paddle and switch to dough hook. Mix in the remaining 1 cup flour a little at a time, adding more or less flour as needed to make a soft dough. Add the softened butter, a piece at a time, kneading until each piece of butter is absorbed.
Knead for eight minutes on low. The dough should completely clear the sides of the bowl. If it is too sticky, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing in thoroughly before determining if more flour is needed. If the dough seems too dry, spritz with water from a spray bottle a couple of times, mixing in thoroughly before determining if more water is needed. Every 2 minutes, stop the machine, scrape the dough off the hook, and then continue kneading.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times by hand to be sure it’s smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball. Place dough into a greased bowl. Turn once so greased surface is on top. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
While the dough is chilling, make cinnamon filling. In small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Combine butter with cinnamon mixture and mix well.
Roll the chilled dough into a 10 x 20-inch rectangle. Spread the filling on half of the long side of the dough. Fold the dough in half covering the filling. Pat dough down firmly so the dough will stick together. Cut dough into three long strips. Press the tops of the strips together and braid the strips. Press the ends together at the bottom. Gently stretch the braid so that it measures 20 inches again. Shape it into a circle/oval and press the edges together.
Transfer the ring to a parchment lined or greased baking sheet. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled, about 1 hour. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°. Bake the cake until it is golden brown, 20 – 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes on baking sheet and then place it on a cooling rack to cool completely before icing. To hide the baby in the cake, if desired, make a small slit in the bottom of the cake and put the miniature plastic baby in after the cake has cooled.
Icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth (add additional milk if mixture is too thick or powdered sugar if too thin).
Spoon icing over top of the cake. Immediately sprinkle on colored sugar, alternating between the three colors.

EXPERT TIPS

This recipe uses Rapid Rise yeast which eliminates the time consuming first rise in a typical brioche recipe.
Use a pizza cutter to easily cut dough into strips.
The cake can also be made without braiding. Just roll up the dough jelly roll style after spreading the filling.
Mardi Gras conjures up images of fun, frivolity and feasting and no Mardi Gras celebration would be complete with a colorful King Cake. A brioche or sweet roll dough is braided, baked in a circle and decorated with icing and purple, green and gold sugars. Kind of like a crown shaped cinnamon roll all dressed up for a party.

February 4, 2021

People of Louisiana – Military (February 2021)

COVID-19

Vaccination Information
For Veterans

COVID-19 Vaccine Information For Veterans Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans who are enrolled in the federal VA health care system and would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccination should contact their VA Medical Center at one of the hotline numbers below:

Alexandria VA Health Care System in Alexandria

318.483.5083

Vaccinating veterans enrolled for VA health care who are 75 years and older or are in high-risk groups.

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport

318.990.5820

Vaccinating veterans enrolled for VA health care who are 75 years and older or who have serious underlying health issues as determined by the federal VA.

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System in New Orleans

504.507.2819 or 800.935.8387, ext. 72819

Vaccinating veterans enrolled for VA health care who are:

65 and older
ages 16-64 in high-risk groups (Dialysis, Chemotherapy, Homeless or congregate living, Long-term care facility, Spinal Cord Injury (inpatient or outpatient) and Transplant)
ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions as defined by CDC (Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, Obesity and Severe Obesity (BMI ≥30), Sickle Cell Disease, Smoking, Type II Diabetes and Pregnancy)
any age and considered essential workers as defined by CDC (First responders (firefighters, police), Health care workers, Education (teachers, support staff, daycare), Agriculture and food processing workers Manufacturing, Corrections workers, US Postal Service workers, Public transit workers, Grocery store workers, Transportation and logistics, Food service, Shelter and housing (construction), Finance, IT and Communication, Energy workers, Media workers, Legal workers, Public safety (engineers) and Water and wastewater workers) (Must bring proof of work.)

Some designated family caregivers may qualify for vaccines.

Family caregivers who are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) are eligible for vaccination when the veteran they care for becomes eligible. If the veteran you care for meets the criteria above, both you and the veteran may be able to get vaccinated now.

If you are a veteran and are not eligible to receive a vaccination through the federal VA health care system, you may be eligible to receive it through the state’s vaccine allocation. To find out if you’re eligible and to locate a vaccination site near you, visit https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine-locations/.

Note: This information is as of Monday, Feb. 1. Any updates will be posted on the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ website and social media pages.

For more information about LDVA, visit vetaffairs.la.gov, email veteran@la.gov, call 225.219.5000 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

February2021

The April 2021 Blog

01.

Volume 3, Edition 6

A Word from the First Lady of Louisiana

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your many graces poured out upon us daily. Thank you for the gift of hope and charity. We ask for your healing hand upon our children, especially those that deal with abuse. Show us how we can be your hands and feet here on earth. Amen.

02. FEATURE

Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers

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By Kate Shipley

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Women’s Health and the Covid-19 Vaccine: What you should know before you Roll Up Your Sleeve

by Dr. Michelle R. Easton

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Making A Difference

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Jessica Deon

SCHOOLS

Sandra Franks

MILITARY

Margaret Eckert

Leo Candles

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04. FEATURED RECIPE

JAZZFEST ROSEMINT TEA

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05. PAST QUOTES

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06. THE FIRST DOGS

The First Dogs have had enough of the April showers!

07. OUR EDITOR

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Preservation Hall LessonsFree Resources for Teachers Anywhere

The March 2021 Blog

01.

Volume 3, Edition 5

A Word from the First Lady of Louisiana

02. FEATURE

Louisiana State University AgCenter

Caring for Plants After a Hard Freeze

By Heather Kirk-Ballard, PhDAssistant Professor of Consumer HorticultureSchool of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences

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Teach MAM (Music, Arts, Movement)

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03. GOVERNOR'S MANSION

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A Word from the
First Lady of Louisiana

Thank you for your many graces poured out upon us daily.
Thank you for the gift of hope and charity.
We ask for your healing hand upon our children,
especially those that deal with abuse.
Show us how we can be your hands and feet here on earth.
Amen.

Teach MAM
(Music, Arts, Movement)

LOUISIANA
FOSTERS

Women’s Health and the Covid-19 Vaccine:
What you should know before you Roll Up Your Sleeve

Volunteer
Louisiana

Save The Date

Global Human Trafficking Summit

SAVE THE DATE!
Global Human Trafficking Summit

Presented by First Lady Yumi Hogan
and the State of Maryland

Some Unintended Consequences
Are Wonderful

Preservation Hall Lessons
Free Resources for Teachers Anywhere

A Word from the
First Lady of Louisiana

By Heather Kirk-Ballard, PhD
Assistant Professor of Consumer Horticulture
School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences

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(Music, Arts, Movement)

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FOSTERS

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Health Care Symposium

2021 Global Summit
January 28, 2021
Texas

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for the Second Global Human Trafficking Summit

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KING CAKE

Vaccination Information
For Veterans