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October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

Thu, 10/22/2020 - 8:48am

By JESSICA STROOPE, LSU AgCenter physical activity specialist

BATON ROUGE — October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. The LSU AgCenter offers tips for people interested in active forms of transportation, such as walking and biking:
Choose your route carefully. The best route to walk or bike is usually not the same route you would drive. Look for low-traffic residential streets. Remember, according to state law, bikes can use the full lane.
If you are on a street where it would be dangerous for a vehicle to pass, bike in the middle of the lane. Ask others in your community which roads are the best for biking and walking, and learn from their experience.
“Infrastructure often varies significantly across roadways,” said Charlie Thomas, of Bike Law Louisiana. “Choose the lowest-stress route that serves your destination. The more enjoyable your commute by biking or walking, the more likely you will be to stick with this active and healthy option to get to where you’re going.”
Ultimately, bike and pedestrian safety comes down to building roads and paths that keep everyone safe.
“Streets built to share benefit everyone from safety and equity to economy and quality of life,” said Dan Favre, of Bike Easy. “When streets are designed to be safe for people walking, biking and rolling in wheelchairs, they are safer for people driving as well.”
Speak out to support road infrastructure for all people, especially for parts of your community where people rely on biking, walking and wheelchairs for transportation.
“Get involved with local street and highway projects,” said Mark Martin, of Bike Baton Rouge. “Almost all agencies are required to hold public input meetings. Go to the meetings. Tell the agency representatives what you would like to see.”
To learn more about making active transportation easier in your community, contact Jessica Stroope or email healthy communities@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Changing a diaper causes family friction at baptism

Thu, 10/22/2020 - 8:42am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law “Brenda” often takes it upon herself to change a baby’s diaper during social gatherings with family. She never bothers to ask the baby’s parents if it’s OK to do this, and they never solicit her help. For years, I found it a bit strange, but never said anything to Brenda or another family member.
Some time ago, my in-laws and immediate family were at my son’s baptismal party. Several babies from my wife’s side as well as my own were there. My wife’s relatives aren’t well-acquainted with mine. Before our wedding, neither of our families had ever met the other.
During the festivities, my wife’s niece — who was still in diapers — appeared to have a full load in her back side. Her parents were in another room. Without informing them of the issue or asking permission, Brenda took it upon herself to change the diaper. The child’s mother walked into the room and began to loudly scold Brenda for doing it without her consent. You could see the mother was upset and scared, since she did not know Brenda at all.
After the party ended, my family couldn’t understand why the child’s mother became so upset. They thought she was some kind of nut for reacting the way she did. I fully understand why the mother became upset. Given the fact that she doesn’t know Brenda, and that one must clean the baby’s private parts when changing a diaper, I don’t understand why Brenda would take this upon herself. What’s your opinion, Abby?
STRANGE IN THE EAST

DEAR STRANGE: What your sister-in-law did may have been fine with her own family, but for her to have changed the diaper of a child whose parents she didn’t know well (and from whom she didn’t have permission!) was inappropriate.
I don’t fault the mother for being upset. Rather than blame her for reacting the way she did, it’s time someone explains boundaries to Miss Brenda.

DEAR ABBY: Being bored due to the quarantine, I signed up to Classmates.com to look for old friends. Moments later I received a response from a male classmate. We graduated the same year. I really don’t remember him, although he said he remembered me. Anyway, we started texting and exchanging graduation pictures. He still lives in our hometown; I don’t. We have started talking almost every day.
My problem is, we have so many things in common, from family to same make of car and insurance company, I have started getting a creepy feeling. It freaked me out to the point that I blocked him.
He was always respectful, but for us to have so much in common made my stomach lurch. Do you think this is possible? Or is there a chance he could be stalking me?
FREAKED OUT

DEAR FREAKED: It could be coincidental that you have so much in common, but I would never advise anyone who had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right to ignore it. Listen to your intuition and you will never go wrong.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Visitors return to local nursing homes

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:44pm

GEOFF STOUTE

gstoute@daily-review.com

At least two Tri-City area nursing homes are allowing residents to see in-person visitors after the state adopted guidance from the U.S. Health and Human Services that was issued in mid-September.
Representatives at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Morgan City and Patterson Health Care Center each confirmed that residents are allowed to receive in-person visitors.
A person who answered the phone at Maison Jardin Senior Living Community in Morgan City Tuesday said no one was available this week to release that information.
The U.S. Health and Human Services released guidelines for nursing home visits on Sept. 17, and Louisiana adopted the guidelines through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services a day later.
Both Patterson and Morgan City facilities conduct outside visits practicing safety protocol, including social distancing and masks.
“It’s modified visitation is what’s happening,” Legacy Morgan City Administrator Jeremy Ryman said. “It’s mostly outside visitation scheduled. It’s not like just walk in and do it.”
Robyn Rideau, social service director at the Patterson Health Care Center, said visitors can schedule visitation with residents during certain hours Monday through Friday.
Visitors at both facilities are screened before they are allowed to visit residents. Rideau said visitors sign a waiver prior to the visit.
“We’ll bring the resident out to them for their scheduled visit,” she said.
Ryman said they do allow some inside visits in Morgan City.
“It’s only on a case-by-case basis based on the resident’s need,” he said.
Before the in-person visits, residents visited with family members at each facility via video chats and visits at their windows. Parades were held at each facility for family members to see their family and friends.
“Of course our activity department did a wonderful job,” Ryman said. “They actually continued activities, practicing social distancing with the residents and kept them very busy to try to keep their mind off of it.”
Since May 18, nursing homes have been submitting weekly reports to the Louisiana Depart-ment of Health on COVID-19 stats in their facilities among residents and staff.
According to the Oct. 14 statistics, the latest available, the Patterson Health Care Center has had a total of 69 COVID-19 cases among residents during the pandemic. Sixty patients have recovered, and there have been nine deaths.
There have been 28 cases among staff at the facility during the pandemic, with all 28 staff members recovering.
At Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Morgan City, there have been 39 cases among residents during the pandemic. Thirty four residents have recovered, and there have been five deaths.
There were 20 cases among staff, and all 20 staff members have recovered.
“We were one of the last of the facilities in the region to have our first case,” Ryman said.
He said that the Morgan City facility practices “very strict infection control guidelines.”
At Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Franklin, which received the most attention locally during the pandemic, there have been 82 cases during the pandemic among residents, with 63 recovering. Nineteen have died.
Also, 26 staff members contracted the virus with all 26 recovering.
No stats were available for Maison Jardin Senior Living Community in Morgan City.
According to the Department of Health, only those facilities that are certified adult care facilities are mandated to report information in this report.
While any cases at other adult residential facilities are not broken down by each facility, the state does share the total of those facilities. It said that 185 adult residential facilities have had at least one COVID case among residents or staff reported, according to its Oct. 14 report.
According to the report, 1,245 COVID-19 cases have been reported among residents, while there have been 146 deaths.
The data, which is released on Wednesdays, can be found on a link at https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3965.

Scouts lend a hand

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:41pm

Submitted Photos
On Saturday, Scout Pack 438 and Troop 49 from Morgan City partnered with Katie Pechon of the Cajun Army and went to Grand Lake to assist the victims of Hurricane Delta. They cooked and served hamburgers along with a bag of chips and a bottle of cold water at Grand Lake Faith Temple and a nearby neighborhood. Then they went to McNeese State University, where they brought around 700 hamburgers, numerous bags of chips and 25 cases of water for the National Guard stationed there. They cooked a total of 1,328 hamburgers. Shown in the group picture below are, back row from left: Jeffrey Price, assistant Scout leader; Brandon Monceaux; Emily LaHoste, assistant Cubmaster; Heath Perez; Zavier Prince; and Jory Champagne, Scoutmaster. Front row: Breckin Monceaux; Avery Price; Cole Perez; Chantelle Perez, assistant Scout leader; Colleen Perez; and Brody Champagne. Not pictured is Amber Monceaux.

Legislature passes bill allowing change in COVID order

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:38pm

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

Louisiana legislators have approved a bill that would let lawmakers change a governor’s emergency order.
Members of the state House of Representatives and Senate agreed to the amendments to House Bill 4, sending it to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk where it may face a veto.
Under current law, either of the Legislature’s chambers can end an emergency order with a majority vote. The statute hasn’t been used and Senate President Page Cortez has suggested it might not hold up in court.
Under House Bill 4, which both bodies approved Tuesday, the governor would retain his ability to issue a state of emergency or disaster declaration, and still could call for a renewal after 30 days. But once the renewal is issued, the speaker of the House, president of the Senate, and the president pro tempore (the second-highest position) of each chamber would be directed to review the renewal.
If at least two of the four officers, including at least one from each body, agree that the renewed proclamation exceeds the governor’s authority or is not narrowly tailored to address the emergency or disaster, lawmakers would send the governor a description of their complaints. Legislative staff then would send ballots to the remaining members of the Legislature, who could cancel the executive order or certain provisions of the order through a majority vote of both chambers.
The bill by Rep. Mark Wright, a Covington Republican, is one of several instruments from Republicans frustrated by Edwards’ management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some lawmakers want to lift all the restrictions meant to control the spread of the new coronavirus, while others have called for tweaking the orders with legislative input.
Sen. Patrick McMath, the Covington Republican who carried the bill on his side of the Capitol, said some lawmakers are frustrated at what they see as “inconsistencies” in how the COVID-19 mandates apply to different businesses and activities. HB 4 would give legislators “a seat at the table,” he said.
Rep. Blake Miguez, an Erath Republican who has been outspoken about wanting to end the Edwards’ pandemic mandates, said HB 4 doesn’t target any particular governor. He said any governor potentially could become “tyrannical” without the potential to be checked by the Legislature.
Sen. Jay Luneau, an Alexandria Democrat, noted that all of the governor’s actions have been in line with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House’s coronavirus task force.
“It could have been much, much worse than it was,” he said, referring to the COVID-19 death count. Luneau said he wants to get back to normal but doesn’t want to get there by “stepping over a lot of dead bodies.”
Much of the discussion among House members involved Republicans seeking assurance that legislators would retain a single chamber’s ability to end an emergency order. Miguez assured them they would.
Edwards has pointed to the mitigation methods he put in place, which include capacity restrictions on businesses, limitations on crowd sizes, and a requirement to wear face and nose coverings in public, for keeping the pandemic under control.
The governor’s office on Tuesday shared White House data showing Louisiana ranks low nationally and among southern states for recent case growth and the percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive.
Edwards has said he would consider any bill that comes to his desk. But he has said that emergencies are not best managed by committee, and that he has no intention of giving up any of the tools he has to deal with the public health emergency.
The administration has been sued by a number of business owners seeking to overturn some or all of the restrictions, though no court has yet ruled against the governor.
The Senate voted 23-13 to send HB 4 back to the House, which voted 54-30 to concur in the Senate’s amendments. Neither vote total would be enough to override a veto. There were 15 House members listed as absent the first time it passed the chamber and 21 absent Tuesday.

Mark Fryou promoted to quality improvement post

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:36pm

Acadian Companies Quality Improvement Manager Mark Fryou has been promoted to director of quality improvement. He leads a team of quality improvement coordinators throughout Acadian’s service area, who focus on mentoring and coaching field personnel, evaluating medical performance through audits and real-time field evaluations, implementing and managing quality improvement initiatives and assisting with HSE management systems for the area.
As director, Fryou will continue to be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs to ensure that Acadian Ambulance continues to deliver excellent patient care and customer service. He will lead the quality improvement initiatives associated with the federal Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) program implementation. Additionally, he will provide oversight of the medical documentation programs, including training and the documentation review process.
Fryou began his career at Acadian as an ambulance driver in 1985. He obtained his EMT-Basic and EMT-Intermediate certifications before enrolling in Acadian's first accelerated paramedic program. He worked in Acadian’s Bayou Region and with Acadian Air Med in Houma. In 2002, he was one of the first two Acadian field training officers assigned to pilot the quality improvement program, which was successful and implemented company-wide a year later.
In 2003, Fryou was named as the Braun Industry/EMS Magazine National Paramedic of the Year.
Fryou is a native of Morgan City and graduated from Morgan City High School. He earned his Associate of Science degree at Nicholls State University.
“Mark has served our company as quality improvement manager since 2004. During this time, he has participated in all acquisitions, improved protocols and been involved with many other initiatives to positively impact patient care. He has also assisted in evacuation and post-event response for hurricane and flooding events throughout our service area,” said Acadian Ambulance Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chuck Burnell.

Ochsner St. Mary offers 'flu fairs'

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:34pm

Ochsner St. Mary has a new, easy and safe way for you and your loved ones to get your flu shot. Locations in Morgan City will be offering curbside or drive-through flu fairs.
Flu shots are available for patients age 6 months and older, by appointment. Book your appointment by visiting ochsner.org/flu or calling 1-866-OCHSNER.
Please bring an ID and your insurance card at your scheduled appointment time. Below is a schedule of local flu fairs:
—8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 24, Ochsner St. Mary parking lot, 1151 Marguerite St., Morgan City
—8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 14, Ochsner St. Mary parking lot, 1151 Marguerite St., Morgan City
If a drive-through fair does not work for your schedule, Ochsner offers other ways you can get a flu shot:
—Visit an Urgent Care location for a flu shot for adults and children 6 months and older.
—Primary care and pediatric physicians offer flu shots by appointment. Schedule online through MyOchsner or call 1-866-OCHSNER.
—Visit an Ochsner pharmacy and wellness location, which accepts most insurances and can administer flu shots to adults and children ages 7 and up. Walk-ins are welcome.
The flu can have a serious impact on the health of our communities, and this year with COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for everyone to get a flu shot to protect you and your loved ones.
The cost of flu shots will vary based on your health insurance.
For more information, please visit ochsner.org/flu.

SYLVIA COLE CARTER

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:31pm

July 12, 1934 — October 12, 2020
Sylvia Cole Carter, 86, a resident of Morgan City, passed away to her heavenly home on Monday, October 12, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary.
Sylvia was born on July 12, 1934, in Franklin, Louisiana, the daughter of Wesley J. Cole and Therese LeBlanc Cole.
Sylvia was a wonderful homemaker who took great pride in raising her family. She had a passion for reading and loved watching the Lifetime channel. She enjoyed watching her LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints. She loved her family and cherished every moment she was able to spend with them. After the love of her life John passed away, she survived for six and a half months with the love and help of her family. Sylvia, John and all the other family members who passed before them, are all reunited together again in heaven.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by seven children, Chris Carter of Morgan City, Nick Carter and wife Darlene of Amelia, Connie Carter Giandelone and husband Johnny P. of Berwick, Ben Carter Sr. and wife Laura of Morgan City, Molly Rulf and husband Andy of Berwick, Matt Carter and wife Wendy of Morgan City, and Lisa Morgan and husband Billydan Sr. of Patterson; 14 grandchildren, Jonathan Carter and wife Lucy, Marilyn Carter, Brandie Mitchell and husband Steve, Emily Vaughn and husband Ryan, Joni Giandelone and spouse Priscilla, Jaci Larrowe and husband Austin, Jami Giandelone, Ben Carter Jr. and wife Katie, Austin Carter, Stacey Domangue and husband Dustin, Jason Rulf and wife Robin, Ty Carter, Mattie Carter and Billydan Morgan Jr.; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rita Provost; and two brothers, O.J. Cole and wife Tina, and Ronald Cole and wife Maria. Sylvia is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Therese LeBlanc Cole; husband of 67 years, John M. Carter Jr.; two grandsons, Brad Nicholas Carter and William John Morgan; daughter-in-law, Patricia Carter; one brother, Hiliard Cole; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Provost.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Chris Carter, Ben Carter Sr., Matt Carter, Austin Carter, Johnny Giandelone and Andy Rulf. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Carter and Billydan Morgan Jr.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020, in the Morgan City Cemetery.

CHARLES HENSON

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:29pm

Charles Henson, 77, a native of Ware, Mississippi, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in New Orleans.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Henson; a son, Bobby Henson; and a sister, Brenda Jewells.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 5 p.m. at Immanuel Christian Baptist Church in Morgan City.

Kiwanis collect food gifts during election

Wed, 10/21/2020 - 1:27pm

The East St. Mary Kiwanis Club is holding an Election Day Food Drive.
Bins will be available during early voting as well.
Items collected will be donated to St. Mary Outreach. St. Mary Outreach is experiencing extremely low levels of food, hy-giene items and cleaners.
The local Kiwanis is urging residents to donate items when arriving to vote.
"Our 2020 Food Drive is your chance to provide urgently needed food and hygiene items to the less fortunate families in our local community," the Kiwanis news release states. "Please pitch in to make our effort a success and to show that our community takes care of those in need.