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april2021

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The Governor’s Mansion: Summer Planting at the Mansion

Summer Planting
at the Mansion

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Summer Planting 
at the Mansion

As the summer approaches, the mansion grounds get special attention by removing the winter annuals and planting new annuals. The summer annuals are heartier plants and flowers that can withstand the Louisiana heat. These have been kindly curated and supervised by our voluntary Landscape Architect, Jeff Carbo. Funds for these projects have been generously donated to the Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation so that we can keep the grounds beautiful as we prepare for the return of mansion guests. If you would like to support the mansion grounds beautification project, please visit our Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation shop or join our Circle of Friends by becoming an annual member. You can find additional information on both of these by clicking the links below.

Next month, we’ll be featuring Kay Stacey and Greg Ellis’s incredible work with the Governor’s Mansion drapery throughout the home. See you all then!

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People of Louisiana – Business (April 2021)

 

LEO CANDLES

Owner, Margaret Eckert

LEO CANDLE CO. Owner, Margaret Eckert

With a bachelor’s degree, a starter job, and a passion for all things beautiful, Margaret Eckert began recycling wine bottles into candles as a hobby to occupy her free time. Demand for her all-natural handmade products soon exceeded supply, so she walked away from her day job and founded Leo Candle Co. – the rest is history! Margaret is always looking for a new idea. She has expanded her product line to include classic, everyday candles for your home, with a renewed focus on captivating scents that will bring comfort to any room.

Margaret named Leo Candle Co. after her astrological sign. Leos are creative, passionate, and natural-born leaders – traits that Margaret strives to bring to her business every day. She is passionate about creating safe, clean-burning candles without toxic chemicals and infuses creativity into each candle she makes. As a natural leader, she has turned this passion and creativity into a business she loves sharing with others. With Leo Candle Co., Margaret hopes that you can enjoy your favorite beverage repurposed into a unique candle. Each hand-poured candle is the perfect accent to any room, and we hope to add some beauty to your day!

Check out Leo Candles here:

https://leocandle.com

https://www.facebook.com/leocandleco

https://www.instagram.com/leocandleco

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People of Louisiana – Military (April 2021)

 

Sandra Franks

 

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Sandra Franks Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Each year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans sponsors an annual campaign in honor of Women’s History Month and throughout the year celebrates the contributions of these trailblazers and women veterans, representing all military branches, during and after their military service. The campaign showcases the impact these trailblazers have made on a single event or action or demonstrated over time in the areas of education, employment, entrepreneurship, homelessness, law, mental health, and wellness. This year, Louisiana’s own Sandra Franks is honored as one of the 27 women veteran trailblazers.

Franks served in United States Air Force for 23 years and retired in 1997. During her career, she was the first woman to serve as First Sergeant of a Rescue and Recovery Squadron. She was promoted to Master Sergeant under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers. She is the recipient of several awards to include Airman, NCO, Senior NCO, and First Sergeant of the Year.

In 2007, she joined Overton Brooks VA Medical Center as the public affairs officer, which she held until 2014. She is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and maintains a state office as the women veterans coordinator. She is a member of the Women’s Healthcare Committee at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and is the Community Veterans Engagement Board’s co-chair.

In 2017, she founded a non-profit organization to serve women veterans. Women Veterans of the Ark-La-Tex is the most prominent women veterans organization in Louisiana and the only women veterans group servicing east Texas and southwestern Arkansas. The mission of WVALT is to honor and assist women veterans who have and continue to pave the way to serve our country freely.

In addition to starting the women veterans’ group, Franks spearheaded a fundraising campaign that brought a women veterans’ monument to fruition in the local community. Fundraising for the memorial took over three years to raise approximately $90,000 to complete the project. The statue is a bronze, one-of-a-kind, life-size statue of a woman warrior in battle dress uniform. She stands on a granite pedestal with the inscription, “Dedicated to those who have, those who are, and those who will serve our great Nation,” and a granite base with the five bronze service seal.

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People of Louisiana – Schools (April 2021)

 

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JESSICA DEON

5th Grade/Science and Social Studies Teacher,
Rosepine Elementary, Vernon Parish

2021 State Teacher of the Year Finalist

JESSICA DEON

5th grade/Science & Social Studies Teacher
Rosepine Elementary, Vernon Parish
2021 State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist

A Letter to My Teacher Colleagues: Harness the Season of Spring

Dear Colleagues,

It is a special time of year in Louisiana.  Native azalea blossoms are brightening the local neighborhoods.  Bees dart in and out of clover patches, and each day, the colors of the sky become more vibrant as the warm sun chases away the blustery blues of winter.  Migratory birds are singing their songs as they welcome the arrival of spring.  

If you are anything like me, the beauty of this emerging season is more noteworthy than ever.  The promise of brighter days ahead is palpable.  

The calendar year may officially begin in January, but in my opinion, the first day of spring is the one that heralds the new year. The appearance of spring introduces a breath of fresh air, a renewal of energy, and the opportunity for a new perspective.

Springtime calls to the heart of who we are.   We are entering a season designed to nurture.

Teachers, this season may mark the last of the school year, but it is our time to shine.  After all, we are, first and foremost, caretakers.  We are the gardeners of our classrooms.  Your continued effort and expectation will determine the bounty of your bouquet.  

I know your knees are sore, and your hands are dirty.  We started this year’s garden with a neglected plot of land.  The obstacles have been unwelcomed and abundant:  wind, rain, ice, and disease have hung over our gardens like an unwanted haze.  Despite these undesirable conditions, we have lovingly labored away, day after day, tending for those in our care.  

Educators, we were given an arduous task in the fall, and we are well on our way to producing a record-breaking spring showcase that our colleagues will admire for years to come.  Keep going!

We have faced so much in one year.  Lately, while toiling away in my classroom garden, I have found myself reflecting upon the abrupt loss of last year’s yield.  I think back to the sadness of missing the best part of the year, my student’s faces, as they reached full bloom. In these moments, I remind myself of the promise I made to embrace new techniques upon the much-awaited return to school.  I became determined to value every moment and allow my garden to become less manicured and more spontaneous.  Keep making the most of every minute!  

As we enter the last season of the school year, I urge you to continue to monitor the settings, observe, experiment, and prune.  Growing a successful garden requires routine and systematic maintenance.  But remember the vision we had when we began the school year.  Stay mindful of the goal we set: for our students to flourish while under our care.  

Teachers, weed out the weariness.  Fertilize with love.  You know what it takes to cultivate the brightest and most hearty blooms.  Follow your intuition.  Let your passion for students propel you.   

Your talent as a nurturer is encouraging our students to take root in this state we love.  Louisiana, and across the country, has been scarred this year, but, teachers, we are the ones bringing beauty back in the smiles and successes of our students.  

Thank you for using your gifts to enrich the world.  Have a happy and productive spring, educators.  

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People of Louisiana – Community (April 2021)

 

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VOLUNTEER LOUISIANA

 COMMUNITY

Vounteer Louisiana

Do you have a desire to serve in your community? Have you been looking to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteer Louisiana is here to get you connected and involved in service to your community.

Established in 1993, under the Office of Lieutenant Governor, Volunteer Louisiana’s mission is to promote civic and community engagement and meet Louisiana’s citizens’ needs through volunteerism and national service. As the state service commission, Volunteer Louisiana is uniquely positioned to promote civic engagement and connect our citizens to service as a solution to our most pressing problems.

Volunteer Louisiana currently awards and administers AmeriCorps and Volunteer Generation Fund grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and promotes volunteerism through training, recognition, and a statewide online volunteer management system. Volunteer Louisiana also assists in the state’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) with coordinating spontaneous, unaffiliated volunteers statewide in times of disaster.

Volunteer Louisiana manages 15 AmeriCorps programs with 1,000 AmeriCorps members serving in 25 parishes. Volunteer Louisiana also manages a current portfolio of 18 Volunteer Generation Fund grants with a particular focus on disaster recovery.

Volunteer Louisiana engages citizens of all skills, interests, and abilities to serve through our online Volunteer Management System at VolunteerLouisiana.gov. Louisianans volunteer over 129 million hours per year, with an annual economic impact of $2.1 billion for our state. Volunteer Louisiana recognizes the significant contribution by volunteers through the Louisiana Volunteer Service Awards and the Community Service Diploma Endorsement. During the 2016 floods, Volunteer Louisiana connected thousands of volunteers with volunteer opportunities. It created an orderly communication system and management that minimized self-deployment and interference with the response and recovery efforts.

As Volunteer Louisiana continues to move forward, connecting volunteers with opportunities throughout the state, working to enhance emergency and disaster planning, and providing national service opportunities in our state, we can use your help!

For more information on volunteering in Louisiana, please visit our website at VolunteerLouisiana.gov.

 

 

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Women’s Health – April 2021

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG April 2021

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

Written by Dr. Michelle R. Easton

The research shows that COVID-19 doesn’t affect everyone similarly.  “Soon after the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) last winter, it became apparent that mortality rates were higher for men than for women. It is also women who are more likely to bear the brunt of the social and economic consequences of the pandemic”1.  Recent approval of COVID-19 vaccines has shifted our attention to this promising phase of the pandemic.  As women, educating ourselves regarding the vaccine and any different considerations is essential. The following article answers the “why” and “what” about COIVD-19 vaccine side effects in women.  

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Should women get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The protection and prevention offered by the COVID-19 vaccine are compelling reasons for vaccination.  Simply expressed, vaccines are designed to provide our bodies protection from foreign entities resulting in infection, serious health consequences, and potentially death.  All currently available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson) have been shown to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19.  These vaccines have been carefully evaluated using clinical trial data and must demonstrate that they are safe and effective before they are authorized/approved for use.  Additionally, the known and potential benefits must outweigh the known and potential risks.   Getting vaccinated helps not just the person getting vaccinated. It may also protect people around you, especially those at increased risk for several COVID-19 illnesses.  

Vaccination is a safer way to build protection from COVID-19.  Getting COVID-19 may offer some natural protection (known as immunity) for approximately 90 days after initial infection. However, how long this protection lasts isn’t known, and the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination lessens the risk of obtaining the disease by helping your body create an antibody (immune system) response without experiencing sickness. As a result, the COVID-19 vaccination is an essential tool to improve health outcomes and prevent or stop the pandemic.

Is it true that women have more side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine than men?

Yes, after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, women are reporting more side effects.  In general, decades of experience with hepatitis B, combined measles, mumps, and rubella, and the flu vaccines indicate that it is common for there to be a difference in side effects for men and women. Postulated reasons for variation in vaccine side effects by gender could be due to hormones, genes, women having a more robust immune system (i.e., more antibodies), dosing, and/or other factors.

CDC safety data regarding the first 13.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the United States, ~ 61% were women.   Of the 7,000 persons who reported side effects, ~79% were women.  In the case of rare anaphylactic reactions with Moderna vaccine (n=19), all were women, and with the Pfizer vaccine, 94% percent who had anaphylaxis were women (44 of the 47 people).  

The promising news is that side effects tend to be mild and short-lived.  We should share this information to decrease surprise or concern that something is wrong or that the vaccine isn’t working.   Common side effects are reflective of an effective immune system that can recognize a foreign entity in the body.  The reports of persons having strong side effects after the second dose indicate that the first dose resulted in our bodies starting to build an initial immune response and produce antibodies.  The second shot can result in a more significant reaction (side effect) because the body has seen this foreign substance before.  As a result, the body creates antibodies, wakes up your lymph nodes and other parts of the body to fight off the infection.  

Conclusion
While the pandemic is deepening pre-existing inequalities in gender and race, it is also revealing significant vulnerabilities in our social and economic systems.  The approval of the COVID-19 vaccination for use in the United States is a promising and hopeful tool in stopping the pandemic and safely allowing persons to gather, interact, live, love, and play similarly to pre-COVID-19 times.  Normalcy, now that’s a powerful word to read, hear, and that many and most seek for fall 2021 and beyond.   

References:

  1. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30568-5/fulltext
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html

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Dr. Michelle R. Easton

Dr. Michelle R. Easton, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, received both her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Doctorate of Pharmacy Degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana.  Dr. Easton completed a specialty residency in psychiatric pharmacy practice at the Medical University of South Carolina teaching hospitals in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Management Development Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is licensed to practice pharmacy in the states of Louisiana and Virginia.  

Dr. Easton has over 20 years in academia.  Highlights of her academic career include serving as Director of Experiential Education at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.  She also served as the inaugural member of the leadership team to develop the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy in Charleston, West Virginia, as Assistant Dean for Professional and Student Affairs.  She was promoted and held the position of professor and CEO Dean for ten years.  In 2019, she returned to New Orleans to support and care for her parents.  Currently, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Custom MADE Consulting, where she utilizes her John Maxwell speaker and trainer certification, Wiley Authorized Partner in Everything DiSC, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, and a Mental Health First Aid Trainer through the National Council of Behavioral Health to assist individuals and organizations in exceeding their personal/professional aspirations.

Her scholarly interests include student and practitioner professionalism, psychiatric and neurological disorders, smoking cessation, substance use disorders, medication safety/adherence, health disparities, and pharmacy services delivery to the underinsured and underserved populations.

 

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Louisiana Fosters – JOTS Birthdays

 

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JOTS
BIRTHDAYS

JOTS Birthdays

Founder Suzanne Howell

“Faith, hope, love: But the greatest of these is love.”   1 Corinthians 13:13

JOTS believes that every child deserves recognition on his/her birthday! Founded almost ten years ago by Suzanne (Achee) Howell, the mission of JOTS is to bring the magic of birthday parties, graduations, and other special events to children living in group homes or shelters and to plant the seeds of Christian beliefs.

 Currently, JOTS serves youth (ages 10-17)residing at Cornerstone, a group home located within Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux, LA, and Macdonell Children’s Home in Houma, LA. Both homes are for boys and girls who cannot remain with their families for various reasons: neglect, domestic violence, physical, sexual or substance abuse, or incarcerated parents.

How did JOTS begin? In 2011  Suzanne Achee (now Howell) was teaching high school. Her student Corey, who loved football and basketball and expressed his feelings through writing poetry, shared with her how he had bounced around in the foster system and was settling in at Cornerstone, the local group home.  A couple of coaches and teachers found out it was Corey’s upcoming 14th birthday and wanted to do something special for him. While all the kids were out during recess, they invited him to a classroom and surprised him with a cake and gifts. Corey cried and said he never had a birthday party. Over the next couple of weeks, Suzanne decided it was time to visit this group home and meet the other residents.  She tagged along with her school’s librarian to visit the facility. There, Suzanne met 16 -year- old Derrick and found out that his birthday was coming soon. She asked if he would like a party, and he responded, “Well, yes! No one has ever given me a party!” Two teenagers in one month, and both had never celebrated their special day. It was a God wink and the beginning of this new ministry!

JOTS birthday parties last about one hour. Volunteers arrive a few minutes early to set up the decorations. A couple of weeks before their special day, the birthday boy/girl chooses a theme, type of cake, and a wish list of special gifts. A typical party includes cake, ice cream, drinks, snacks, and take-home prizes for all the children! It’s all about making “our” kids smile! It’s the little things taken for granted -like playing Hot Potato or Musical Chairs- and realizing that these games are new to many children. Party themes have included princess, wrestling, My Little Pony, camouflage, Sweet 16, and a beach theme complete with pineapples and flamingos! JOTS strives to make our foster children feel wanted and special, and if for only one hour they forget about their painful past experiences, it has accomplished its goal.

JOTS has expanded to “beyond the birthday” party. Because of the tremendous support from community organizations and generous individuals, JOTS sponsors other events such as Swamp tours, Christmas parties, art lessons, driver’s ed lessons, prom and homecoming outfits, back to school shoes/bags, bedding/towels/toiletries baskets, graduation celebrations, college dorm supplies, and aging-out-of-foster care showers.

With Covid 19 restrictions and keeping the children safe, JOTS is not hosting face-to-face events. However, it continues the ministry through drop-off boxes.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Over the last several years, local organizations continue to bless this mission! JOTS friends include Thibodaux Service League, Nicholls State University Tri Sigma Sorority, Femmes Natales, First United Methodist Church of Thibodaux, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,  LeBlanc Bros. Lemonade Stand, and TaWaSi.

JOTS stands for “Johnny on the Spot,” named in memory of the founder’s husband, Johnny Achee, who died at 48 in a tragic accident. His love for his children and grandchildren lives on as JOTS delivers hope, compassion, and smiles! JOTS has a straightforward mission but so profound in its meaning. When volunteers show up, it says to the child, “You are NOT forgotten.” JOTS stands firm in its belief “Faith, hope and love; the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

JOTS is a 501 3(c) charitable organization, and 100% of its donations go directly to the children. JOTS has no administrative costs. See updated events at jotsbirthday.org or “like” JOTS Birthdays on Facebook.

Contact info: Suzanne Howell

Cell: (985) 860-0256

Email: jotsbirthdays@gmail.com

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Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

 

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Anti-Human Trafficking – Register Now

REGISTER NOW!

Global Human Trafficking Summit
 
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REGISTER NOW!
Global Human Trafficking Summit

Presented by First Lady Yumi Hogan
and the State of Maryland

April 29, 2021

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Join us for our next Global Human Sex Trafficking Summit sponsored by the Louisiana First Foundation and presented by First Lady Yumi Hogan and the State of Maryland on April 29, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.

An access link will be sent to you upon registration. 

Featured speakers include:

  • First Lady Donna Edwards of Louisiana   
  • First Lady Yumi Hogan of Maryland
  • Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services
  • Maryland Human Trafficking Taskforce 
  • Maryland Department of Social Services 
  • Safe Place Child Advocacy Center 
  • University of Maryland SAFE Center 
  • Maryland Children’s Alliance

Topics discussed include:

  • Preventing Child Sex Trafficking in Maryland
  • Child Trafficking Regional Navigator 
  • Adapting the NCA Standards for Victims of Child Trafficking
  • Resources for Victims and Families 

Visit the Louisiana First Foundation website resource page for more information on these speakers and topics.

Click this link to register!

Note: CEUs for Social Workers have been applied for at NASW.La. We will provide additional details regarding CEUs in a future email (upon approval).

 

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Teach MAM – Carolyn Scalfano

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

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

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TEACH MAM

Taking Time to Make A Difference

As educators, we often find ourselves interlaced in the lives of young individuals in unexpected ways.  Have you ever received a random email from a former or current student just telling you how much they miss you?  Or what about being requested on your social media accounts by your students?  The point is, we will never honestly know the impact that we make on every child that we meet.  

Your students may not receive undivided attention at home, and you may be the only person who shows them kindness, acceptance, and compassionate guidance. When a student arrives at your school, it is your turn to take over and teach–not only core curriculum–but valuable lessons about life: what to do when someone makes you angry, which language is appropriate to use in certain situations, and most importantly, what types of actions are unacceptable no matter where you are or who you are with at that moment.  

I had a young man in my RTI group last year. We met every morning to tend the garden and work on special art projects around the school; our group became an extremely close-knit family.  When this student missed two weeks of school, we noticed his absence every day and even reached out to his family to check-in but could not reach anyone.  When he returned to school after Christmas, our faculty was concerned about his physical well-being. He was unable to participate in activities and seemed to be in pain all the time.  

I spoke with the student and asked him if there was anything I could do to help or was something was going on.  Boy, did he have stories! There was a finely crafted excuse to cover every single question I asked.  He swore everything was fine, but my instincts told me otherwise.  

Everyone in our school—even the cafeteria manager–got involved, and we were able to get to the truth finally – everything was NOT “fine.”  This student spent five days in the hospital recovering from multiple broken bones and a plethora of other injuries due to domestic violence and neglect in his home. When he left the hospital, I was lucky enough to take him in for a few months while he recovered, and we made plans to place him with other family members.  

This student and many of my others still reach out to me, and I will always make time for them.  You never know what someone is going through, and you never know how far a small gesture of kindness can go. Let them know they matter to you. Listen to their stories. Tell them they are missed and always, always, always bug them about keeping their grades up! Consider reaching out to students who may be struggling. You never know how far that small act could go.  

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