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Quintuplets born at Phoenix hospital are ‘angels’

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 10:04am

By MELISSA DANIELS, The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — Bringing five babies into the world has left Jamie Scott feeling tired, excited and ultimately blessed.
She delivered quintuplets by Caesarean section after 29 weeks of pregnancy on March 21 at Dignity Health St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix.
“I feel so blessed when I look at each of their little faces, and each of their little souls I can feel,” she said.
She and her husband Skyler Scott temporarily moved from Utah to Phoenix in December to get care at St. Joseph’s. The hospital, in partnership with the Elliott Center for Multiples, is a go-to facility for pregnancies with high-order multiples, or triplets or more.
The new Scott children include three girls —Violet, Daisy, Lily — and two boys, Logan and Lincoln. All were born weighing less than three pounds.
The babies are doing well; no one needs a breathing tube or is on antibiotics, said Dr. Vinit Manuel, who is the medical director of what St. Joseph’s calls its Nursery Intensive Care Unit. He said they’ll likely spend the next five to six weeks in the hospital.
The Scotts amassed more than 53,000 Facebook followers and more than 35,000 Instagram followers during the pregnancy. Speaking to the media on Friday, the Scotts praised their health care team. Jamie Scott required eight weeks of bed rest.
“They really made it so bearable and wonderful,” Skyler Scott said. “And I really believe that some of the best, most angelic people in the world somehow find their way into the NICU.”
The Scotts have a 12-year-old son, Shayden and a 7-year-old son Landon. They learned they were welcoming quintuplets after struggling to get pregnant for a third baby and seeing a fertility specialist. When they learned they were expecting five babies, they “researched like crazy” to find the best care, Jamie Scott said.
The high-risk pregnancy saw complications; at 21 weeks, the sac surrounding one of the babies ruptured. But it eventually began to heal itself, something Dr. John Elliott said he hadn’t seen before in a quintuplet pregnancy.
Throughout the pregnancy, Jamie Scott gained 73 pounds — just shy of a 75-pound goal — while consuming around 4,000 calories a day. Elliott wanted to deliver the babies at 34 weeks, but a 29-week delivery was still longer than the national average of less than 27 weeks for quintuplets, Elliott said.
Much of the journey was shared on their Facebook and Instagram pages, dubbed “Five Two Love” as a nod to the “scquints” and their two sons. At first, Jamie Scott was hesitant to share details of her pregnancy publicly.
“The messages of love and hope that we’ve received from around the world have really helped strengthen us to get through this tough time of very, very high risk pregnancy,” she said.
The Scotts plan to return to their community in St. George, Utah, once the babies and mom are healthy enough to travel. A GoFundMe account set up for the family has raised more than $25,000 in two months.
For now, the Scotts are focused on keeping the babies fed, with mom pumping breastmilk every three hours, and looking forward to getting their family of nine under one roof.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I’m very, very tired right now, but I know with doing this it’s gonna take the two of us and a whole village of people back home.”

Recalls include space heaters, toy sets

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 10:02am

By The Associated Press

Vornado space heaters are being recalled this week because a certain model can potentially overheat while in use, posing a fire hazard.
SPACE HEATERS
DETAILS: Vornado VH101 Personal Vortex electric space heaters sold in the following colors: black, coral orange, grayed jade, cinnamon, fig, ice white and red. The heaters measure about 7.2 inches long by 7.8 inches wide by 7.10 inches high and have two heat settings (low and high) and a fan only/no heat setting. “Vornado” with a “V” behind it is printed on the front of the unit. The model/type “VH101,” serial number and ETL mark are printed on a silver rating label on the bottom of the unit. They were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Menards, Orchard Supply, Target and other stores nationwide and at Amazon.com, Target.com, Vornado.com and other websites from August 2009 through March 2018.
WHY: The electric space heater can overheat when in use, posing fire and burn hazards.
FOR MORE: Call Vornado at 855-215-5131 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.vornado.com or www.vornado.com/recalls.
TOY SET
DETAILS: Nickelodeon PAW PATROL Deluxe Marshall Hat sold with an accessory flashlight. The PAW PATROL Marshall hats are red with a yellow ribbon, black and white spotted dog ears and a black flash light attached to the side of the hat. The flashlight is included with the hat and they share the SKU number. Only flashlights with SKU 01292093 and date codes 1703RY01, 1603RY01, and 1503RY01 are involved in this recall. The SKU number and date codes are on the sewn in label under the ear on the hat. They were sold at Spirit Halloween stores nationwide from September 2015 through November 2017.
WHY: The batteries in the flashlight can overheat, causing the flashlight to become hot, posing burn and fire hazards.
FOR MORE: Call Spirit Halloween at 866-586-0155 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, send email to GuestServices@spirithalloween.com or visit at www.spirithalloween.com.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
DETAILS: Model Year 2014-18 Polaris RZR XP 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) sold at Polaris dealers since December 2013.The ROVs have “POLARIS” stamped on the front and back grilles, and “Polaris,” “RZR,” “1000,” & “XP” stickers on the side panels. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the right rear frame of the vehicle, to the rear of the engine. DETAILS on model numbers can be found at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Polaris-Recalls-RZR-XP-1000-Recreation...
WHY: If the exhaust silencer fatigues and cracks, the heat shield may not manage heat, which may lead to melting of nearby components or fire.
FOR MORE: Call Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.polaris.com. In addition, check the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if the vehicle is included in any recalls. Polaris is contacting all known affected consumers directly.
THERMAL LAMINATORS
DETAILS: Scotch thermal laminators that are white with teal accents. They are used to laminate documents such as artwork and photos. The laminators have “Scotch” printed on the front. They measure 14 inches by 3.8 inches by 2.75 inches. The model number TL901C is printed on a sticker on the bottom of the laminator. Only laminators with model number TL901C and teal accents are included in the recall. The two side ends, the bottom and the reverse switch on top of the laminators are teal. They were sold at J.A. Riollano and Sam’s Club stores in Puerto Rico and at Amazon.com from July 2015 through March 2018.
WHY: The plastic enclosure can overheat, posing a burn hazard.
FOR MORE: Call 3M at 800-772-4337 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit www.ScotchBrand.com and click on “TL901C-T Laminator Recall” for more information.
CHARGING STATIONS
DETAILS: Re-fuel by Digipower Grab and Go Family Pack portable power bank charging stations. The power bank charger is a self-contained energy source used to charge cellphones and other devices when an electrical outlet is not available. The unit consists of three (black, gray and green) 2600 mAh re-chargeable lithium-ion battery chargers that sit on a recharging docking station. Each power bank is oval in shape and measures approximately 3.75 inches long by 1.25 inches high by 0.75 inches wide. “re-fuel by DIGIPOWER” is printed on each power bank. Item number RF-TRIP is printed on the bottom of the charging station. They were sold at The Container Store stores from October 2017 through February 2018.
WHY: When the unit is being charged, it can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.
FOR MORE: Call The Container Store at 888-266-8246 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. anytime, send email to contain@containerstore.com or visit www.containerstore.com.

Girl is tempted to choose a college close to home

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 9:48am

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is graduating from high school and will be starting college. It was always her plan to go to a school away from our small town, and I supported that decision. However, six months ago she started dating her first real boyfriend. His parents have offered to pay all expenses if the two of them live in an apartment and go to school at a college nearby. Financially, this would be very helpful for my daughter, but I’m worried that moving in with a boy at such a young age would be a mistake, and she wouldn’t ...

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Soap Opera Review: Battle of the alter egos on ‘DAYS’

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 9:46am

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Bill was released from the hospital and insisted to Det. Sanchez that Ridge was the person who shot him in the back, even though Bill couldn’t see him. Unaware Liam and Hope are together again, Steffy asked him for a fresh start. DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Abigail’s “Laura” and “Gabby” alter egos argued for control. Marlena met Abigail’s “Laura” alter ego when Abigail asked Marlena for help. Gabi awaited a verdict in her trial for killing Andre. Sonny began dating Leo after being dumped by Will. GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason supported Carly, who is unaware Nelle is the ...

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NORA H. PENDERGRASS

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 9:36am

Services for Nora H. Pendergrass were at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Rose-Neath Bossier Chapel. Officiating was Terry Slack. Interment was at O.E. Price Cemetery, Logansport, La..
Nora was born in Logansport on February 16, 1928 to Albert and Evie Horn and died in Bossier City April 3, 2018. She was retired from teaching for the St. Mary Parish School Board. Nora was a member of First Baptist Bossier. She had a love for dancing and shared that passion by volunteering her time to teach line dancing for both the Bossier and Caddo Council on Aging. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her great granddaughter was the apple of her eye over her last three years on earth. She was looking forward to meeting her two great granddaughters, Hilda and Klara who are due to arrive soon.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Horford Pendergrass; her parents; son, James R. Pendergrass, and sisters, Lillian Barry, Oleta Simpson and Vivian Ramsey.
Nora is survived by her son, Michael Pendergrass; daughter, Joy P. Tyer and husband, Keith of Bossier City; sisters, Edith Havens of Minden, La. and Jackie Brady of Bossier City; grandchildren, Gregory Tyer and wife, Ersala, Jonathan Tyer and wife, Jacqui, all of Shreveport, Stephen Tyer and wife, Rebekah of Jefferson, La.; great granddaughter, Victoria Tyer of Shreveport and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Honoring Nora as pallbearers were, Michael Pendergrass, Keith Tyer, Gregory Tyer, Jonathan Tyer, Stephen Tyer and Rodney Ramsey.
The family would like to express our most sincere thanks for the care given to our Mother from Dr. C. Powers, Dr. M. Acurio, Dr. M. Walton, Dr. K. Christy, Dr. W. Nawas, Sammi Smith NP, and the staff of the third floor of WK Bossier for their kind and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made in Nora’s memory to First Baptist Bossier, 2810 East Texas St, Bossier City, LA 71111.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier Chapel.

Police Reports 4-9-18

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 9:35am

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Leroy Davis, III, 26, of 415 Adams St. #1, Morgan City, was additionally charged Friday at 6:39 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of minor in possession of alcohol.
Davis was already incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center on other charges. A correctional deputy located the active warrant for Davis’ arrest. Bail on the warrant is set at $500.
Lacey Yates, 34, of 111 Cypress Lane, Patterson, was arrested Friday at 8:02 a.m. on the charge of aggravated battery domestic violence.
In March, a deputy responded to a call for service from an area hospital regarding a possible battery. The deputy found evidence that Yates struck a male victim with a metal baseball bat during an argument at a residence in Bayou Vista. The deputy obtained a warrant for Yates’ arrest. A deputy assigned to the Warrants Section located Yates at a residence on Cypress Lane in the Patterson area. She was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Yates was released on a $1,500 bond.
Tony Pellerin, 57, of 113 Darwin Road, Centerville, was arrested Saturday at 12:39 p.m. on charges of simple battery domestic violence and criminal damage to property.
A deputy investigated a disturbance at a residence in Centerville and found evidence that Pellerin struck a female victim in the face. The deputy also learned that Pellerin damaged some of the victim’s personal belongings during the battery. Pellerin was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Pellerin was released on a $2,500 bond.
Cutter Naquin, 17, of 1753 La. 83, Ashton, was arrested Sunday at 6:26 p.m. on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, no driver’s license, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, possession of Schedule I marijuana and speeding.
A deputy patrolling La. 83 in the Glencoe area observed a vehicle traveling 67 miles per hour in a posted 45 miles per hour zone. The deputy initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle failed to pull over and continued at a high rate of speed onto US 90. The driver then came to a stop in the Franklin area. The deputy detained the driver and identified him as Naquin. During the subsequent investigation, the deputy found four other juveniles inside the vehicle along with a small amount of marijuana. Naquin was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Jennifer Howell, 23, of Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 9:54 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of felony theft.
Howell was booked, processed, and released on a $2,500 bond.
Terrance Ballet Sr., 42, of Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 10:57 a.m. on the charge of disturbing the peace. Ballet was booked, processed, and released on a summons.
Darien Mitchell, 21, of New Iberia, turned himself in to the Franklin Police Department Thursday at 2:42 p.m. on warrants for charges of attempted second degree murder, firearm or weapon in a firearm free zone and illegal use of weapon or dangerous instrumentality.
Mitchell was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at time of press release.
Anthony Wilson Jr., 22, of Trowbridge Street, Franklin, was arrested Friday at 7:11 p.m. on charges of stop signs and yield signs, one-way roadway, vehicle without required equipment, resisting an officer, resisting an officer with force, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, switched license plate, no insurance, possession of Schedule II narcotics cocaine—second offense, and simple criminal damage to property. Wilson was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Chitimacha Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrest:
Kenneth Lewis, 55, of Pecan Grove Road, Scott, was arrested Sunday on the charge of domestic abuse battery and a Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant for failure to appear for revocation hearing for possession of marijuana.
An officer responded to a tribal business in reference to a fight that had occurred. During the investigation, it was learned that Lewis allegedly committed the battery, and he was arrested. It was also learned that Lewis had an active warrant. He was also arrested on the warrant.

Go With the Flow

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 7:47am

Bayou Teche NWR Trashing Is Despicable

John K. Flores

Turning right off of La. 317 in Centerville and onto Alice C Road this past weekend I noticed the air suddenly filled with the putrid smell of rotting carcasses. Approaching the Yellow Bayou canal on the Garden City Unit of Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge property, black vultures told the story of this disgusting scene. Someone deliberately dumped three dead hogs along the levee next to the bayou.
They literally took the time to load them into a truck from wherever they killed them, traveled to the refuge levee and got rid of them in the most distasteful way.
Earlier that morning I was on the Centerville Unit of the refuge. What was pitiful was a blatant act of vandalism, where someone had taken a shotgun and blasted holes in one of the kiosk signs on the refuge, apparently using it for target practice.
Basically, they used the sign for sick sport. If you’re unfamiliar with National Wildlife Refuge signage, they all have the iconic Canada goose symbol. The guys who did this didn’t have to lead, because it’s quite obvious they were aiming at the head of the goose.
First and foremost, I don’t consider whoever did these things to be hunters. They might be guys who like to kill and shoot guns, but they are not Louisiana sportsmen. Their behavior is inappropriate and inexcusable.
Signs aren’t cheap. Typically, all government entities must go through the public bid process when making high dollar purchases. Moreover, there are Federal standards for signage used on refuges that must be met by suppliers, so they tend to cost more.
In this era of government budget cuts, the refuge system has been taking huge hits where spending is concerned. So, when you think of the vandals, remember it’s your tax dollars they are messing with.
If it sounds like I have a real problem with this, I do. There is a pile of reasons this behavior is tasteless.
It’s bad optics. In other words, it’s a reflection on the hunting community as a whole of which I am one. There are a lot of people who participate in non-consumptive outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and photography, who choose not to hunt. But, they are no less outdoor people. You’ll never win these people over with poor behavior, when it comes down to a policy decision that impacts public land use.
You’re also breaking the law.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agent Corporal Jake Darden, is assigned to St. Mary Parish.
Darden said, “Litter and destruction of property are both violations you can be charged with. And, there are multiple other violations stated in the refuge pamphlet you could be in violation of. But, you can be charged with either Federal or State offences on refuge property that are punishable by fines or jail time.”
LDWF Enforcement Division Media Relations Officer, Adam Einck, says there are three categories for littering; simple, intentional, and gross littering. Those convicted of litter violations face between $175 and $1000 in fines and up to eight hours in a litter abatement work program. Dumping violations can carry even more penalties and higher fines depending on the severity of the dumpsite and the damage to the environment.
“Examples of simple littering can be trash flying out of the back of a pickup bed,” Einck said. “Intentional littering can be someone deliberately throwing trash out of a window onto the roadway and brings up to a $250 fine. Gross littering can be someone depositing large amounts of trash into a ditch or having an illegal dumpsite and carries $500 to $1,000 in fines.”
Criminal damage to property is found in Louisiana R.S. 14:56. Under this law, point B.(1) reads, “Whomever, commits the crime of simple criminal damage to property where the damage is less than one thousand dollars, the offender shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”
Point (4) says, in addition to the foregoing penalties, a person convicted under the provision of R.S. 14:56 may be ordered to make full restitution to the owner of the property.
Bayou Teche NWR is really a jewel of a place to visit and St. Mary Parish is lucky to have the refuge in our backyard. It’s never going to be a J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, like they have on Florida’s Sanibel Island. It may not even be as popular as perhaps Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge located in southwest Louisiana. But, Bayou Teche NWR’s 9,028 acres, with hiking trails, canoe/kayak paddling, and biking trails, may have some things these others do not offer.
One of the refuge’s management goals is to provide critical habitat for the Louisiana black bear, but it’s also important for other wildlife and migratory birds. The latter is what draws me to Bayou Teche each spring.
It’s difficult to determine and know what the economic impact of Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge is to our parish, but one thing for sure, it won’t provide any economic or intrinsic reward if people continue to trash it.

JOHN J. LAJAUNIE JR.

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 7:44am

June 20, 1934 – April 3, 2018
John Joseph Lajaunie Jr. (83) a native and life-long resident of Centerville, La. peacefully died on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 surrounded by family.
Family was everything to Johnny, and while he never had any children of his own, he loved each of his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. He was a life-long parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville, where he devoted his life to serving God and those around him. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Mary Parish Water District 5. He was dedicated to Knights of Columbus Bingo, where he was an avid facilitator of weekly bingo.
Johnny was preceded in death by his loving parents John Joseph Lajaunie Sr. and Effie Robichaux Lajaunie, sisters Juanita Lajaunie Boudreaux, Marie Lajaunie Walker, and Kathryn Lajaunie Hefner, brother Joseph Lajaunie Sr., niece Kim Hefner and nephew Paul Boudreaux. Johnny will be greatly missed, but his memories will be carried on by his twenty nieces and nephews and countless great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he loved dearly.
The visitation will be on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville from 9-11 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center for their loving care of Johnny during his final days.
“Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.”
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

Rotary Club jumps in: Cook-Off set during Bear Fest

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 7:43am

By CASEY COLLIER
Franklin Rotary Club will host its First Annual Gumbo and Jambalaya Black Pot Cook-Off April 21.
The cook-off will take place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., behind the Blevins Building, at the corner of Willow Street and Teche Drive. It is being billed as a fun filled, family friendly outdoor event held in conjunction with the Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival and the Bayou Teche Wooden Boat Show.
The day is set to feature an outdoor cooking contest in gumbo and jambalaya, along with classic carnival games, fun-jumps, arts and crafts, vendors, and live music.
Rotary Club says the mission of the event is to share southern hospitality and expand the reach of Rotary, making its purpose known throughout the community.
The funds raised are set to go toward Rotary’s annual scholarship program, through which, three seniors from local high schools will receive scholarship awards, to defray the cost of college.
Rotary President Iris Sharpe said the cook-off came about as an opportunity for Rotary to pick up where Hanson Memorial High School left off.
“Hanson usually handled the cook-off,” Sharpe said, “and they weren’t doing it this year. So, we jumped on it.”
She said that Rotary sees the cook-off as a good opportunity to work on a public profile, as well as to educate others as to the club’s function and benefit.
“This is our inaugural,” she said, “but hopefully we can do it each year, along with the festival.”
Sponsors are invited to participate, and can do so in several levelled increments, up to $300.
The cook-off competition is comprised of four food categories seafood gumbo, chicken and sausage gumbo, seafood jambalaya, chicken and sausage jambalaya.
The Cook-Off rules define “gumbo” as a Cajun soup containing roux. It may contain a variety of meats and/or seafood, vegetables and seasonings, and is served over rice.
The rules also require that the competition gumbo be made from scratch as an original recipe, and it will be judged categorically as seafood, or non-seafood.
As for jambalaya, the Cook-Off defines “jambalaya” as a highly seasoned mixture of pork, poultry, seafood or vegetables with rice.
The rules here require that the competition jambalaya be made from scratch as an original recipe, as well.
So far, Rotary expects around 12 teams to compete, but has their fingers crossed for an excess of 12.
Judging will commence on event day, around 11:30 a.m., and teams are to be comprised of three to five members.
Each team is encouraged to bring a 10 by 10-foot tent to the event, and the best decorated tents will receive prizes. The tent theme is: Black Bear.
For copies of official rules, entry forms and sponsor forms, contact Iris Sharpe by email at iris@stmarychamber.com or by phone at 337-578-9078.

'It takes you outside of yourself...'

Mon, 04/09/2018 - 7:42am

Instructors in city program gratified teaching their passions

By CASEY COLLIER
“Well, I just think this is the best thing the city has ever done for Franklin,” says Laura Zuniga, Beginner and Intermediate Acrylic instructor at the Bayou Beaux Arts and Dance Program, “because I consider art something that improves your life, improves your outlook on life and gives you pleasure for the rest of your life… if you learn how to make art.”
The rest of the instructors nod in tacit agreement as Zuniga continues, “And the best thing about it is—it takes you outside of yourself. You can’t worry about last week, and you can’t worry about next week. You have to be focused on what you’re doing, and you are enjoying what you are doing.”
All four instructors look at home in the city council chamber, comfortably seated in front of the empty council bench. However, they are not politicians, all are veteran art and dance instructors, so their comfortability in focal situations isn’t altogether surprising—coupled with the fact that City Hall’s second floor is the location for three of the four courses that compile the city’s summer arts program, (dance is offered at the Franklin Senior High auditorium) now it’s clear that what you have, is four relaxed and confident educators, talking about what they love—teaching the Arts.
Seated next to Zuniga, is Jeanne Wattigny, instructor of the Beginner and Intermediate Drawing course.
“Where else can you go for three days, for three hours, and have lessons, all for $20?” Wattigny asks, also a private lesson tutor. “You cannot,” she answers rhetorically. “To not take advantage of this program would be terrible.
“So, I think that’s why we are all here. This is amazing. I think New Iberia should have this. I think Jeanerette should have this. We are the only place that has this!”
The Bayou Arts and Dance Program is supported by grants from Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Louisiana State Arts Council and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation.
This year will be BBADPA’s ninth iteration, and it will also be the ninth year of its locally particular recherché.
According to Arlana Shields, Franklin’s community development director, there are local summer programs available all around our parish, but BBADPA is “unique to Franklin” as it is the parish’s solitary summer arts program.
Supplies are donated, and the students are only asked to bring snacks, if they want them.
The art classes are available to 13-year-olds, and older, and the dance classes are available to five-year-olds, and older.
After familiarly chuckling at the apparent similarities between them, professing the same views as Wattigny and Zuniga, Marissa Verrette, Beginner and Intermediate Portrait instructor, adds that her motivation is the “wow” moment experienced by her students.
“All my students, the ones that take the summer courses here, and the ones I teach at the high school,” she says, “they all start the year off saying, ‘Miss Marissa, I can’t draw anything but stick people.’ And then, by the end of that lesson, they are amazed at what they’ve just done.
“That is what I live off of.”
BBADA’s Dance Instructor LaDaisha Bowles-Webber concurs, “I get to see that progress every summer. I especially want my first-timers to understand that I’m not here to intimidate them, but to encourage them. I want to push them in a way that’s not too forward, but that is going to prepare them for what’s to come in the future.”
Zuniga says it is most rewarding for her to see her summer students come away from her course having finished with pride, two or three paintings each, which they take home, and in some instances, give away to friends and family.
Wattigny says she likes to see the self-confidence that her students develop from learning they can produce something, with technical proficiency. She says it is most evident that this is the case when a student asks her advice on where to procure a specific art supply, after the last class has concluded. “That tells me that they fell in love with something, and they are going to continue,” says Wattigny.
Bowles-Webber offers, “It is courage. Sometimes I’ll get a phone call in the middle of the night asking if it’s ok ‘if we use one of your routines?’ to perform at a pep rally or community event. So, to me, that’s the cherry on top.”
Yet, there are things the instructors would like to see come to pass in future course iterations, maybe even this year’s.
For Bowles-Webber, whose class theme changes every year, structured around the mastery of both provisional and creative choreography, the future would be more complete with summer courses extended to year-round availability.
Verrette joins hands with Bowles-Webber in solidarity and says with zeal, “Yes!”
Verrette’s class focuses on portrait artistry in pencils and ebony. Portrait I deals with proportion, shading, blending and features, while Portrait II brings the students through the recreation of a photograph of their choice.
As for Zuniga, she would simply like to see bigger classes born from increased community participation. Her Beginners Acrylic class introduces materials and color theory, with demonstrations on utility. The intermediate class works with elements and design, also with demonstrations. This year’s theme is rumored to be: fish.
Wattigny’s wish list for the future includes elementally broader access to the program. “I would like to tap into part of the community that might not be able to have this type of exposure to the Arts. There are kids who might not have ever touched a paint brush or a blending stone. There are kids that I think would benefit from having the Arts in their lives, to make their days better,” she says.
Her beginners class works through the basic elements of drawing with focuses on principals, observation and drawing from memory.
The intermediate class works with lighting, perspective and drawing what you see, i.e. still life.
Registration for the summer arts program is taking place during normal business hours in the Tax Department of the City Hall, on the first floor. Dance classes are $20 per person, and art classes are $20 per course. Registration ends Friday, April 13.