November2019

November 8, 2019

Featured Recipe: Six Seafood Salad

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s
6 Seafood Salad

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll's 6 Seafood Salad

Shrimp Boil:

2 pounds of cleaned shrimp
1/8 cup crab boil seasoning
¼ cup salt
4 lemons, squeezed
2 Bay leaves
1/8 cup Creole spices
½ gallon water

Combine crab boil, salt, lemons, bay leaves, Creole spices and water in a large pot. Bring to a rapid boil and drop in shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes. Strain and let shrimp cool on sheet pan in cooler.

Green Goddess Dressing:

1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 bunches green onion, chopped
2 avocados, pitted and peeled
½ teaspoon diced fresh jalapeño
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayo
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ tablespoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon Tarragon, chopped
½ cup blended oil

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. If the dressing is bitter because of under ripe avocados add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors.

Toss boiled shrimp with Green Goddess dressing and place on washed bibb lettuce. Top with crispy onion straws and fresh lump crabmeat.

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll

Born and raised in New Orleans, Chef Alison Vega-Knoll was naturally drawn to cooking from a young age, when her French grandmother taught her to appreciate the art of blending traditional French cooking with the rich, Creole flavors of the Crescent City. As her palate matured Alison gained an appreciation for Mediterranean flavors, marrying them with Louisiana’s indigenous foods, including soft shell crabs, crawfish, shrimp, Gulf fish and regional sausages.

Alison’s first job in a restaurant kitchen was at The Little Greek Restaurant in Metairie. That small experience drove her to learn more. Under the tutelage of chefs Daniel Bonnot and Susan Spicer, she gained knowledge about fresh herbs and local ingredients and was inspired to open her own restaurant.

Alison partnered in Zissis on Metairie Road, the same location where in 1996 she opened and operated the award-winning Vega Tapas Café. Here, Alison helped make small plates a big part of New Orleans’ dining scene.

Alison’s culinary skills have won her great acclaim in New Orleans and on the Caribbean island of Antigua, where she founded The Larder with husband Drew Knoll. When they were drawn back to New Orleans, Alison knew opening another restaurant was in her future. She and Drew opened Station 6 in 2016 with much praise and approval from locals and visitors alike. New Orleans Magazine named it Seafood Restaurant of the Year in its 2017 Best of Dining issue. In addition to running a successful restaurant in Bucktown, Alison is owner of Louisiana Caviar Co. with Alden Lagasse and Amy Hollister Wilson. Together they supply Cajun Caviar products to restaurants and connoisseurs around the country.

LFF_blog_November2019_AliceFoster_thumbnail

November 8, 2019

Alice Foster – The Evolution of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation

Alice

Foster

The Evolution of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation

When I was contacted to post an article on Donna’s blog, I was happy to have that opportunity. I’m equally excited about the subject because it’s a story I’ve always loved telling. It’s been quite a while since I have thought about how the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation came about, but in doing so, it certainly has brought back great memories.

When Mike and I walked into the Governor’s Mansion, it was with a heavy heart that I beheld this beautiful, stately building so lacking in the grandeur of what my perception of a Governor’s Mansion should reflect and represent. I asked Mike, “Can you afford to redo this place?” The Governor laughed and said, “No, I can’t, and neither can the state of Louisiana. I agree the work is necessary and I agree it needs a lot of work, but we don’t have the money in the state budget. You’ll have to find it yourself.”

Hence the creation of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation. I began soliciting ideas and concepts of what it would take to complete this incredible transformation. I proceeded to form an Executive Board of people who would set policy and watch over the financial aspect of the Foundation. The newly formed Foundation assured the Mansion was decorated appropriately for a state home and kept up in the future. I also created a Board of Trustees from throughout Louisiana to handle our fundraising efforts. An Administrative Assistant was hired to conduct the day to day business of the Foundation. Next, I was fortunate enough to secure designers from all areas of the state. This incredibly talented group volunteered their services to help us return the Mansion to its original splendor.

I am, and forever will be, appreciative of the response, concern, and support I received from the citizens of Louisiana all those years ago when called upon to assist in the renovation of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. What began as a very challenging and overwhelming project in my eyes turned into one of which I am most proud to have started. There are no words to thank the hundreds of people who generously donated their time, talent, and funding to accomplish the magnificent transformation we witnessed at the Mansion during Mike’s term in office.

Those years were a culmination of hard work, determination, frustration, excitement, disappointment, and productivity. It taught me that with the guidance of a few and the strength of many, the seemingly impossible could become a reality.

Once again, eight years later, I felt that “heavy heart” feeling when it was time to leave the Mansion and the people who had become an extended family. I departed, however, with a fantastic sense of satisfaction about the work we had accomplished. My hopes were high that the new people in the Mansion would continue to preserve that beautiful building for what it is, The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion, home of the people.

About four years ago, a new First Lady, Donna Edwards, contacted me to meet with her and a group of ladies to discuss the future of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation. I am honored that Donna wanted to hear of our journey with the Foundation. She has done an excellent job, also with the help of many, to create the new Foundation. It is my hope it will continue to flourish for many administrations to come.

VISIT THE STORE

Please click the link to order and we thank you for your support of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation.

PRESERVATION FOUNDATION STORE

November 8, 2019

The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

LACAC
The Louisiana Alliance
of Children’s Advocacy Centers

The Louisiana Alliance
of Children’s Advocacy Centers

For over 38 years Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) have been caring for victims of child abuse in Louisiana. By providing a safe and child-friendly environment, CACs have helped to empower and restore the lives of thousands of kids. In 2018, CACs served over 6,000 kids across the state. Of those, 228 were either victims or at high risk of child trafficking.

Children who are trafficked first enter a CAC with law enforcement or child protection services. In a CAC, kids share their experience with specially trained and trauma informed interviewers. The CAC records the interview for court evidence, reducing the number of times a child has to talk about the details of their abuse.

Then, the CAC collaborates with all agencies involved in the investigation to ensure that children get the care they need. Throughout this process, victims meet with CAC advocates who provide support and services to the entire family. Human trafficking is a complicated type of abuse, and child victims of trafficking need specialized services. There are even centers in Louisiana that have dedicated staff to support child abuse victims who have been trafficked.

Identification of child trafficking victims is increasing, making it clear that there is more work to be done. The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC) has partnered with the Office of the Governor for a new federally funded project, the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative (LCYTC). Through the LCYTC, nine CACs or partner agencies across the state will hire Regional Child and Youth Trafficking Coordinators. These coordinators will help meet the unique and holistic needs of victims, conduct trainings in their communities, and bring together partner agencies to ensure no child falls through the cracks. CACs are poised and ready to expand their services to child trafficking victims and continue the mission of serving the children of Louisiana.

For more information about LACAC and Louisiana CACs, click here.

November 8, 2019

NOCCA Celebrates a Louisiana Masterclass With First Lady Donna Edwards

Teach MAM

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

NOCCA Celebrates a Louisiana Masterclass With First Lady Donna Edwards

Burning Cane Film Celebrated With Alumni & Students

NOCCA and Benjamin Franklin graduate, Phillip Youmans returned home to NOCCA to present his film Burning Cane, which recently won best honors at the Tribeca Film Festival. The young filmmaker hosted a special Louisiana Masterclass and screening. First Lady of Louisiana, Donna Edwards, introduced and supported the event as her continued endeavors in support of the arts throughout the State of Louisiana.

Phillip wrote, directed, edited, and produced Burning Cane during his senior year of high school at NOCCA. With the help of several notable NOCCA alumni including, Wendell Pierce and Karen Kaia Livers. After the screening, current NOCCA Media Arts and Theatre Design students were able to talk directly with actors, producers, and the creative team.

“Phillip is an outstanding artist and an inspiration to all of us,” stated NOCCA President | CEO Kyle Wedberg. “Especially those young people in Louisiana who are trying to get their voice and vision out into the world. I could not be more proud of and grateful for NOCCA alumni like Wendell Pierce and Karen Kaia Livers whose work and support led to the realization of Burning Cane and its ever expanding audience.”

NOCCA is currently looking for the next generation of young artists ready for the challenge of NOCCA pre-professional arts training. Interested high schools students should visit www.NOCCA.com to learn how to apply and begin their application.

About NOCCA

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts is Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students. NOCCA offers students from across the state tuition-free arts instruction in Creative Writing, Culinary Arts, Dance, Media Arts (Filmmaking and Audio Production), Classical Instrumental Music, Jazz, Classical Vocal, Drama, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design, and Visual Arts.

For more information, please visit www.nocca.com.

November 8, 2019

Louisiana Fosters – Unite Ministries

Louisiana Fosters

UNITE
A Foster Care Ministry

UNITE
A Foster Care Ministry

Within a year of becoming foster parents, my wife Melanie and I knew one thing for sure: God was making it abundantly clear that foster care was a more significant issue than what was happening between the walls of our home. The more invested we became, and the more we learned about the challenges facing Louisiana’s foster network, the clearer our purpose became. Armed with this purpose and backed by support from some fantastic people, we launched Unite Ministries in June 2018.

Since that launch, we have committed to a 360-degree approach as to what ails foster care in Louisiana. For us, that starts with the obvious. The Foster Friendly campaign functions with a simple yet ambitious goal: make Louisiana the most foster friendly state in America. This grassroots campaign allows Unite a chance to partner with local businesses to provide discounts and promotions to foster families. More than just discount pricing, this gives Unite and our partners the ability to say thank you to families willing to love children from hard places.

From this same perspective of appreciation, we are honored to offer “Fosterships” to foster families. Through partnerships with local dance, gymnastics, and martial art studios, we provide scholarships to children in care so that they can enjoy many activities enjoyed by their peers. Further advocating for normalcy, Unite partners with local attractions to offer transferrable season passes for families to enjoy. We hope these offers and their expansion across the state can become a recruiting tool for DCFS to attract more quality families willing to do the hard work fostering requires.

The work God is allowing us to be a part of doesn’t end there as we are currently developing upstream, innovative approaches to teens at risk and programs designed to break the cycle of children returning to care. We tirelessly approach new partners to bring about awareness to the world of foster care being lived out within our communities. As our name implies and our mission statement makes clear, we are also hopeful of motivating and uniting the local church to the issues that should belong to it, from the start. We are thankful for committed leadership from First Lady Donna Edwards and excellent, productive relationships with DCFS that together will bring about change. We are humbled to be a small part of that.

Tony Streetman
Founder, President
Unite Ministries

November 8, 2019

People of Louisiana – Schools (November 2019)

JENNY
CAREY

Louisiana

Principal of the Year

Jenny Carey Louisiana Principal of the Year

I was humbled in July to take on the responsibilities of Louisiana Principal of Year. What an honor. Now more than ever I’ve been wrestling with what it will take for our city to close the opportunity gap for so many of our students in New Orleans. I know there is not one easy, straightforward answer. There is no silver bullet.

Strong tier one curricula are a solid start. Early childhood education is vital. High impact social services are critically necessary. But if we could boil it down to one thing, it would be ensuring the unbelievably talented folks standing in front of our kids each day – our teachers – are eager to return to the classroom year after year, perfecting their craft while leading our students to success.

Accordingly, the number one job of a principal is to guarantee that students are taught by highly skilled, thoughtful, master teachers. We must work relentlessly to both hire strong teachers, AND ensure our team is constantly developed through coaching, studying, and ongoing professional development. We must obsess about the strength of our teams and constantly reflect on how they can be better supported.

In New Orleans, according to research from New Schools for New Orleans, an estimated 900 teachers, roughly 29 percent of the teachers in our district, leave New Orleans annually for reasons ranging from low pay to lack of support systems. Across the state of Louisiana, though the annual percentage is lower (13% in 2016-17), the reality is that 43% of the teachers who departed had taught for five years or less. In the last two decades of working as an educator I have seen countless teachers leave the profession before their true potential was achieved, and I am passionate about reducing teacher departure rates so that classrooms statewide have exceptional teachers leading their students.

There is much research regarding strategies for teacher retention. Along with ensuring that teachers are compensated fairly and equitably for their hard work, a few things are critically important:

Ensure teachers know they are valued and irreplaceable. Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world, but it can also at times feel like a grind. Great teachers need to know they are appreciated for working hard, for constantly going the extra mile, and for never giving up on their kids. They need to be reminded of their importance within a school building, their impact on families, and their significance within a community. And this needs to be shown not only with words, but also through actions, like safeguarding their planning period and being celebrated publicly for their success.

Support teachers through coaching and development. Teaching is a demanding job that requires both intellectual preparation and countless hours of execution. It is a job that can never be perfected, as we can always be better for our kids. Teachers deserve to grow in their role and must be connected to resources and practices that can help them constantly improve.

Help master teachers find pathways that allow them to stay in the classroom and grow professionally. This might look like taking on additional leadership roles, piloting new curriculum, or mentoring new teachers. Our most highly skilled teachers should be encouraged to think about how they want to continue to expand or deepen their impact and then assisted in making this happen.

As we move into the core of our school year, let’s all support one another to ensure we can stay in this work long enough to have the true impact on kids that has brought us all to the classroom in the first place.

November 8, 2019

People of Louisiana – Business (November 2019)

CHRISTINA

PAPPION

Artist &

Owner, Pappion Artistry

Christina Pappion Artist and Owner, Pappion Artistry

Meet Christina Pappion, an artist from New Orleans, LA, who paints live at events. An artist since childhood, Christina began painting professionally in 2013.

Christina always had a gift for drawing. She loved to draw people and families that she would see in her neighborhood. Her skills grew, and while attending high school, Christina learned how to focus and develop her craft. She also learned that artists were sometimes made to fit in a box, and she often received criticism for painting too fast. After graduating from the University of New Orleans with a degree in Fine Arts, Christina decided to paint but not just for herself. Yes, painting did soothe her spirit, but she wanted to create a piece of art that made the customer feel super special. That idea inspired her to have her new business make painting personal. After speaking with co-workers at her former job, she got the idea to start a business painting live in front of guests.

Painting live never made her scared; she loved it and thrived in it. When Christina paints live, she is typically there for five to six hours of painting, and at the end of the night, the art leaves her sight never to be seen again. She focuses on the details making sure to capture all of the bride and groom’s requests. She loves it when people talk to her and question her process. It truly is a gift.

Her first live painting was five years ago at the former Saints player Pierre Thomas “I Can Foundation” Holiday Party. While there, she realized this was her calling. With this gift, she was able to raise money for the charity and also use her talents as an artist. The painting was the highlight of the event and sold for thousands. She also decided to create art at weddings and private events.

This profession is unique and has opened many doors for Christina. She has designed this year’s season tickets for the New Orleans Pelicans. Her artwork is featured in the Smoothie King Center and the Mercedes Benz Superdome. She also is an NFL featured artist. Once a year, she works with the New Orleans Saints to create one of a kind custom cleats for the ” My Cause My Cleats” initiative. These special cleats raise awareness for the player’s causes that are very near and dear. They were them on the field and play in them. After the game is over, the cleats are auctioned, and the proceeds go to the non-profit highlighted. This year she also created custom sneakers worn at the Oscars by New Orleanian musician and composer Terence Blanchard.

Christina also wanted to share her artwork in the homes of those who love her artwork. So recently, she started selling her artwork in Fleurty Girl stores and has been doing very well!

She enjoys every moment that art brings, and hopefully, you will see her in action at an event. She is very thankful to God for this talent and knows that it comes from Him. She hopes that when you see the artwork, you see His goodness.

To find out more about her live paintings and to see her portfolio please visit her website at www.pappionartistry.com.

November 8, 2019

People of Louisiana – Military (November 2019)

DESLEY WASHINGTON
Air Force Veteran

Organizer

Women Veterans Day Louisiana

Desley Washington Air Force Veteran & Women Veterans Day Organizer

Desley Washington is a Christian, married, mother of three, earned a master’s degree in Nursing and works full time. She also spent ten years of her life serving in the military and now organizes the Women Veteran Day Celebration in Louisiana.

She recently asked her three daughters what they thought life was like for her in the military. Her oldest daughter, Brianna’s, response leaned towards social justice, saying it was probably like serving a country that was not completely ready to help all Americans. Desley, the youngest of 5 children, grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her older sister and brother were already serving in the military, Air Force, and Navy, respectively. As every baby sister wants to be like their older siblings, Desley joined the Air Force. At 18 years old, she was bright-eyed, bubbly, and clueless and had faith in the Air Force’s commercials of “Aiming High.” She felt that the Air Force was the best way to gain an education, job, and travel. She enlisted and served in the Air Force for ten years.

Desley’s middle daughter, Myla, described personal qualities. “It took a lot of courage, discipline, and a challenge being away from home.” This comment took Desley back to Basic Training. She remembers calling home crying, wondering what in the world did she get herself into. Desley was maturing, getting stronger, and mentally tougher each day.

Meanwhile, back at home, Desley’s other sister was attending Southern University School of Nursing. Desley learned that Nursing School was more difficult than Basic Training! With a desire to be equally fair to both of her older sisters, she decided not to re-enlist and attended Nursing School, where she graduated with Honors. She contributes the skills acquired in the military to making nursing school less difficult for her. She understood the value of hard work, dedication, professionalism, and resilience. Desley’s husband, Dartain, was not intimidated by her strengths, character, and tenacity. “Together, we love God, love and respect each other, protect the people and things that matter most to us,” said Dartain.

Her youngest daughter, Lynsey’s thoughts of life in the military, were straightforward. She replied when asked, “if you were assigned a job to do, you did it until it was done, AKA, mission complete.” Desley feels that her mission is not complete until every female veteran is recognized, honored, and celebrated in an exclusive Women Veterans Day Celebration throughout the city, state, and nation. Female soldiers have and continue to contribute to America’s military. Desley needs the community to help with the upcoming 3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration. The celebration is free to women veterans and is funded solely by donations.

To find out more about the event and how to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact WomenVeteransAssociation@gmail.com

November 8, 2019

People of Louisiana – Community (November 2019)

Our Lady
of the Lake

Children’s
Hospital

Our Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital

The highly anticipated new children’s hospital in Baton Rouge officially opened its doors in October! Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, located at 8300 Constantin Boulevard, currently treats more than 100,000 patients annually from all 64 parishes, as well as children from Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas.

The beautiful, new hospital boasts an emergency room that is expected to see more than 35,000 patients annually, a surgical suite of five operating rooms. It also houses a 30-bed intensive care unit, 40 medical/surgical in-patient beds, and a hematology/oncology floor with 30 in-patient specialized beds. Additionally, it has one of only eight outpatient St. Jude Affiliate Clinics in the nation.

The children’s hospital is also home to a pediatric transport team that has transported more than 1,250 patients over the last six years from the surrounding region.

“We could not have done this without the help of so many and the support of a community that believes in our mission as much as we do,” said Kelly Hurtado, executive director of the Our Lady of the Lake Foundation. “Now, our efforts will shift to focus on new initiatives and programs for the Children’s Hospital, such as supporting and expanding our services for chronic illnesses, child life programs, surgical services, and our trauma program.”

Officials say the more than 360,000 square foot facility will be an anchor for advanced pediatric care and specialized programming for patients and families from across Louisiana and the surrounding region.

“The new Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital is a dream come true. It is a state-of-the-art facility that will serve children and their families during some of their toughest times. It will have a far-reaching impact not only in the Baton Rouge community but across our great state,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.” I congratulate the Lake, its partners, and generous supporters on opening this grand facility that will help Louisianans now and for generations to come to live healthier lives.”

: Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital

: Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital

November 8, 2019

Blog – November 2019

Click to Explore

NOVEMBER 2019
Volume 2, Edition 1

November
2019

Volume 2, Edition 1

A Word from the First Lady of Louisiana

November – Happy Fall, Y’all!

This is my 12th blog post and the one year anniversary of my Loving Louisiana blog! It has been both exciting and enlightening to share with you all the amazing men and women serving in our communities who are doing such amazing work across our great state. Last month’s blog highlighted these areas and my initiatives with Louisiana First Foundation. It has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase their hard work and to share opportunities to become involved with these initiatives.

We have had guest writers, recently addressed women’s health issues, and have been increasing our blog readers each month. So, make sure you encourage others to read the blog or share it with friends and family.

This month’s special guests were quite a surprise. A special note from our pastor, Father Mark Beard who has been our friend, mentor and prayer warrior over these last few years was truly a treat. I was also surprised and honored to have a wonderful addition to the blog about the Mansion Foundation from former First Lady Alice Foster, whom I am blessed to call my friend.

So, I have contemplated what to write this month being that this is the month of the final election for governor. Over the last couple of weeks, I received emails and articles in regard to bipartisanship. I also started my own personal Facebook page, Donna H. Edwards. Facebook gives me the opportunity to talk to people about political issues and concerns, and to talk about what bipartisanship means and how important it is to the success of our state and country. Follow and like my Facebook page to stay informed about the issues.

John Bel and I have tried to raise our children knowing and understanding the premise behind being a public servant. Our beliefs tell us it is important that all people be treated fairly and all people have an opportunity to share their points of view and ideas, regardless of a political party, socioeconomic background, race or gender. It is important to treat each other with respect and dignity.

We grew up in a very small community where pretty much everyone knew one another. You wave to everyone you pass on the street because you either knew them, or because you were raised to always be friendly to everyone. We worked alongside our friends in the community, in our church, and in our schools. I do not remember ever wondering or even asking if they were Republicans or Democrats. It seems like things have really taken a sharp turn in regards to what political affiliation we belong and the way we treat each other once we know.

Somehow my small-town mind did not get caught up in much of this type of behavior. Maybe it was my parents that shielded me from bigotry and racism. I cannot remember my parents ever using ugly words or derogatory comments towards someone of another race or political party. So I would like to thank my parents for teaching me to have a heart for people. I want to also thank my husband’s parents for giving him a heart and service for people. We are both so very blessed and very grateful to have been raised by such good and Godly people.

The division that is happening in our country brings tears to my eyes. What happened to civility? What happened to treating one another with kindness even when we disagree? What happened to compromise and finding common ground to work for a common goal? I do believe it’s still there. We must do our part to encourage the flame of justice and goodness to prevail.

All of us should aspire to want people to come together at the table – including people with different life experiences – so they can learn from each other and expand their thinking.

My husband, as a State Representative, and now as the Governor, has always worked with all people regardless of party. He has worked with Republicans, Democrats and Independents in passing legislation that impacts millions of people. They are able to do so because they worked across the aisle to forge friendships based on mutual respect, love of family, love of their state, and the ultimate desire to do all they can to improve the lives of others. Isn’t that what we all should want from those we have elected to serve us in public office?

Working together has also been how our country has been successful and moved forward through the years. Looking back, we see how President Ronald Reagan had a great friendship with Democratic speaker Tip O’Neill and how it enabled them both to get real work accomplished. Senator Ted Kennedy was a friend to Senator John McCain and they respected each other and laughed with each other. Those are just a few of the many that share a love of people, not party.

“We’re all different, and I think we’ve forgotten that that’s OK”, said a very famous comedian and Louisianian. As I watched an excerpt from her show I realized her words were perfect. Click on the link at the end of this post to see the video.

We are currently in the throes of a heated campaign. It is both mentally and physically exhausting. I always said that if it is hard work and a never-giving-up attitude that gets you to the victory line, then we will win once again. This hard work and the almighty hand of God is how we won in 2015, so I am praying that the truth will rise to the top and justice will prevail and we will once again be victorious.

Lastly, let us not forget during this month of Veterans and Thanksgiving Day how much we have to be grateful for and those to whom we are grateful. We are thankful for our families, our safe homes and jobs, our many friends, and our freedom of religion and speech. We are especially thankful to those who choose to serve and have served in our military so that we can have these freedoms each and every day.

These are some quotes to remember as we move forward.

: Click on image to view

: Click on image to view

Dear God,

Help me to always be thankful for all the blessings in my life. Although there are times when I may feel sad, overwhelmed and sometimes even lonely, let me remember that my life is full. Allow me to also be a light and support to those who may need encouragement themselves. Allow me to be your vessel that I may share myself with others in order to be your light in this world.

Amen.

Click here for the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSZtjol7mJA.

Fr. Mark Beard Pastor, St. Helena Catholic Church - Amite, LA

I remember it as if it were yesterday! The Bishop’s office called, informing me that I was to move to Amite, La., as pastor of St. Helena Catholic Church. I wasn’t even sure where Amite was located, much less the Church itself. And if that wasn’t enough to add to one’s plate, I knew not one soul. I arrived early one day to visit with the outgoing pastor. We spent the day going through the ins and outs, as well as on goings of the Church parish and the City itself. He could probably feel that since this would be my first pastorate, and I was only two years into my ordination, I was becoming somewhat overwhelmed. So, when it was time for us to set the time and dates for changing over, he said: “Before you go, I want you to meet this couple.” The reason I want you to meet them is that “if there is one couple that will be at your side, make things happen and be a wonderful sounding board it will be Donna & John Bel Edwards”! Those words were prophetic. From the very outset, Donna & John Bel were involved in everything from PSR, Vacation Bible School, the Choir at Mass, and Finance/Parish Council Meetings, to K/C & Catholic Daughter Meetings. I’m not sure St. Helena would be where it is today, had they not been so involved, so vested in our little Church and to me as well. I could call at any hour, on any issue, regardless of the ongoings of their world and they took time for our Church and me as well. Well, it’s been almost ten years now since I have arrived in Amite, and the Good Lord’s promise continues to echo in my thoughts each day; I will never leave you, so he sent me a Simon, yet, this time he sent me two! Thanks, Donna & John Bel.

READ FATHER'S MARK'S PRAYER

LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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

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VISIT MANSION STORE

Alice Foster The Evolution of the Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation

PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA Making a Difference

COMMUNITY

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

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SCHOOLS

Jenny Carey

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MILITARY

Desley Washington

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BUSINESS

Christina Pappion

Meet Christina Pappion, an artist from New Orleans, LA, who paints live at events. An artist since childhood, Christina began painting professionally in 2013. Christina always had a gift for drawing. She loved to draw people and families that she would see in her neighborhood.

Learn More

FEATURED RECIPE

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s
6 Seafood Salad

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Something To Discern

November 2019

October 2019

September 2019

August 2019

July 2019

June 2019

The First Dogs are thankful and grateful TODAY and everyday!

November2019

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s 6 Seafood Salad

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll's 6 Seafood Salad

Shrimp Boil:

Green Goddess Dressing:

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll

Alice

Foster

The Evolution of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation

Please click the link to order and we thank you for your support of the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation.

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

LACACThe Louisiana Allianceof Children’s Advocacy Centers

The Louisiana Allianceof Children’s Advocacy Centers

Teach MAM

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

NOCCA Celebrates a Louisiana Masterclass With First Lady Donna Edwards

Burning Cane Film Celebrated With Alumni & Students

Louisiana Fosters

UNITEA Foster Care Ministry

UNITEA Foster Care Ministry

JENNY CAREY

Louisiana

Principal of the Year

Jenny Carey Louisiana Principal of the Year

CHRISTINA

PAPPION

Artist &

Owner, Pappion Artistry

Christina Pappion Artist and Owner, Pappion Artistry

DESLEY WASHINGTONAir Force Veteran

Organizer

Women Veterans Day Louisiana

Desley Washington Air Force Veteran & Women Veterans Day Organizer

To find out more about the event and how to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact WomenVeteransAssociation@gmail.com

Our Ladyof the Lake

Children’s Hospital

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

November2019

Volume 2, Edition 1

A Word from the First Lady of Louisiana

November – Happy Fall, Y’all!

Dear God,

Amen.

Fr. Mark Beard Pastor, St. Helena Catholic Church - Amite, LA

LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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

Alice Foster The Evolution of the Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation

PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA Making a Difference

COMMUNITY

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

SCHOOLS

Jenny Carey

MILITARY

Desley Washington

BUSINESS

Christina Pappion

FEATURED RECIPE

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s 6 Seafood Salad

Something To Discern

November 2019

October 2019

September 2019

August 2019

July 2019

June 2019

The First Dogs are thankful and grateful TODAY and everyday!

Contact Us

Contact Us for More Info

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s
6 Seafood Salad

LACAC
The Louisiana Alliance
of Children’s Advocacy Centers

The Louisiana Alliance
of Children’s Advocacy Centers

UNITE
A Foster Care Ministry

UNITE
A Foster Care Ministry

JENNY
CAREY

DESLEY WASHINGTON
Air Force Veteran

Our Lady
of the Lake

Children’s
Hospital

Our Lady of the Lake
Children’s Hospital

November
2019

Chef Alison Vega-Knoll’s
6 Seafood Salad