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AP FACT CHECK: CDC backs breast-feeding, despite false story

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 11:31am

By CARLA K. JOHNSON, AP Medical Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — A widely shared story that U.S. health officials are recommending a delay in breast-feeding to improve vaccine effectiveness is false.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency named in the false reports, encourages breast-feeding. The CDC says breast milk is best for all infants except in rare cases such as when a mother has active, untreated tuberculosis.
“There is no recommendation from the CDC or the (American Academy of Pediatrics) that mothers delay breast-feeding to enhance vaccine efficacy,” said Dr. Joan Younger Meek, a Tallahassee, Florida, physician who chairs a breast-feeding panel for the pediatricians group.
“Breast milk contains multiple immune protective factors, including whole cells which fight infection,” Meek said.
All breast-fed infants should receive vaccines according to the regular schedule, and there is no need to interrupt or delay breastfeeding, Meek said. Breast-fed babies sometimes respond better to immunizations than do infants on formula, she concluded.
Versions of the false story posted by healthywildandfree.com and foodrenegade.com link to a 2010 study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Resear-chers were looking into why a vaccine against rotavirus wasn’t working as well in developing countries as in industrialized countries. Rotaviruses cause half a million deaths each year in children worldwide, so improving a vaccine’s effectiveness would save lives.
The small study, published in 2010, looked at how the vaccine interacted with breast milk samples in a test tube or culture dish. Based on results on tests of breast milk from women in India and other countries, researchers suggested it was possible that the milk could make the vaccine less effective.
But the study wasn’t the final word. Later studies showed no reason to restrict breast-feeding in the hours before and after rotavirus vaccination.
The World Health Organization has said that breastfeeding doesn’t significantly impair the response to the rotavirus vaccines.
—This story is part of an ongoing Associated Press effort to fact-check claims in suspected false news stories.

WHICHCRAFT: Instead of dyeing, try decoupage Easter eggs

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 11:25am

By HOLLY RAMER, The Associated Press

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — When it comes to Easter eggs, dipping them in dye is fine, but for a more decorative and longer-lasting result, try decoupage.
I tried three DIY techniques for adding colors and patterns to eggs using decoupage glue — Mod Podge is a popular brand. One technique paired vintage book pages with plastic eggs, another used printed napkins with real eggs, and the third involved fabric and Styrofoam. All three methods were fairly messy given the glue, but at least I didn’t end up with fingers dyed blue from food coloring. And unlike hard-boiled dyed Easter eggs, these will last for years to come.
Here’s what I found, with each method rated from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating the least expensive, easiest and best results:
BOOK PAGES-PLASTIC EGGS
This tutorial comes from a blog called “SewforSoul” (http://bit.ly/1G8MTDF ) and was published in “Reloved” magazine. While it was the most time-consuming technique I tried, it yielded the most impressive results.
To make these eggs, small strips of plain paper are glued to plastic eggs to serve as a base layer that hides the colored plastic. Once that layer has dried, the egg is buffed by rubbing it with the back of a spoon to smooth out any rough edges.
The eggs are then covered with small strips of paper torn from an old book, overlapping the strips at random until the egg is completely covered. More drying and buffing, and then additional designs cut from paper napkins are glued to the eggs. A wash of watered-down craft paint gives the eggs a distressed, antique look.
The original version of this method featured black-and-white images, but I used napkins featuring colored illustrations of Peter Rabbit to brighten them up a bit. I loved the pastel, shabby chic result.
COST: 7
EASE: 5
RESULTS: 9

NAPKINS-REAL EGGS
Craft maven Martha Stewart’s website (http://bit.ly/22BGbyd ) features multiple techniques for decoupage eggs, including one that involves real eggs and decorative paper napkins. To try this method, pierce holes into both ends of the egg and blow out the contents. Cut around designs from a paper napkin — I chose a floral pattern — and separate the layers to work with just one layer of tissue. Apply decoupage glue to the egg and adhere the designs, and then cover the entire egg with a coat of glue.
This technique was inexpensive, especially if you scramble up the egg’s contents for breakfast, and produced very pretty, elegant results. Real eggs are fragile, however — I cracked one open trying to enlarge one of the holes — so this method wouldn’t be the best to do with young children.
COST: 8
EASE: 7
RESULTS: 8

FABRIC-STYROFOAM EGGS
I found this technique on Crafts ‘n Coffee (http://bit.ly/2oaXmer ), a blog created by the company that makes Styrofoam brand foam craft products. The foam eggs I purchased were significantly more expensive than either the plastic or real eggs used in the other projects, and while I had scrap fabric on hand, purchasing the fabric would have made this even more pricey.
For this project, fabric is cut into 1-inch wide strips and then trimmed into triangle shapes. The eggs are covered with glue in sections, and the fabric is stuck on in a random, overlapping manner. A final coat of decoupage glue seals the edges.
I found this method fairly fussy — bits of fabric kept peeling off as I manipulated the eggs — and I had trouble smoothing them down. The finished result was a bit too bumpy and rustic-looking for my taste. On the plus side, using Styrofoam means the eggs can easily be pierced and strung on baker’s twine to make a garland.
Because both the eggs and the fabric are fairly sturdy compared to the paper used in the other methods, or the real eggs, this would be an easier method for children to try.
COST: 4
EASE: 4
RESULTS: 6

Wife punished for infidelity must insist on counseling

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 11:23am

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my husband for 12 years, married for three. I had an affair a little over a year ago that he found out about. He has let me back into the house, but he demeans my character at every opportunity. I don’t fight back because I know I am the cause of his pain. We have a 3-year-old daughter, and I am now six weeks pregnant with his child. I do not want to argue with him, because if I had been a better wife, he would not be so angry. But the hurt I feel ...

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Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:41am

Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association
Spring League
Week 2
Won/Loss
1st Place The Waterboys 12.0 – 6.0
2nd Place Margaritaville 10.0 – 8.0
3rd Place 4 Dead 9.5 – 8.5
4th Place 3 Sacks & A Rack 8.0 – 10.0
5th Place Floating Ringers 7.5 – 10.5
6th Place Monroe 7.0 – 11.0
Leaders
Scratch Point Average
Tim Gilmore 74.8
Al Dodson 73.3
Dudley Michel 72.7
Linda Dodson 58.5
Angela Percle 56.0
High Individual Ringer Percentage
Gilmore 57.1
Michel 55.0
Al Dodson 51.7
Gerald Prados 40.0
L. Dodson 39.2
High Scratch Game
Gilmore 88
Michel 82
A. Dodson 80
L. Dodson 74
A. Percle 68
Most Ringers – One Game
Gilmore 28
Michel 25
A. Dodson 24
L. Dodson 21
Prados 20
Most Points – One Night
Gilmore 242
A. Dodson 223
Michel 218
L. Dodson 207
A. Percle 174
Most Ringers – One Night
Gilmore 74
A. Dodson, Michel 66
A. Dodson 59
Prados 48
Most Points One Night – Team
The Waterboys 449
3 Sacks & A Rack 444
Most Ringers One Night – Team
The Waterboys 119
3 Sacks & A Rack 114
Best Won/Loss Record W/L
Gilmore 5.0 -1.0
Chris Rogers 2.5 – 0.5
A. Dodson 4.5 – 1.5

St. Jude's Spring Horseshoe Tournament results
St. Jude’s Spring Horseshoe Tournament Benefit
Kemper Williams Park
Name Hometown Won/Loss Ringer Percent
Class A 2017
1st Place Tim Gilmore Bayou Vista 5 – 0 57.0
2nd Place Dudley Michel Bayou Vista 4 – 1 50.0
3rd Place Ricky Richard Church Point 2 – 3 42.0
Gilmore was declared Tournament Champion
Class B 2017
1st Place Burnie Williams Morgan City 7 – 0 44.6
2ndPlace Gerald Prados Centerville 6 – 1 50.4
3rd Place Cheryl Matt Lake Charles 4 – 3 28.3
Class C 2017
1st Place Randy Giroir Berwick 7 – 0 30.4
2nd Place Gil Gerard Harahan 4 ½ - 2 ½ 17.9
3rd Place Dwain Arceneaux Thibodeaux 4 – 3 27.5
Class D 2017
1st Place Chris Rogers Morgan City 4 – 1 18.5
2nd Place Ron Smith Lake Charles 3 – 2 20.5
3rd Place Jimmy Caillouet Raceland 3 – 2 16.5
Class E 2017
1st Place Hilton Rhodes Bayou Vista 5 – 0 24.0
2nd Place Tyler Bourdier Patterson 3 – 2 18.0
3rd Place Joe Primeaux Broussard 3 – 2 11.0

FSHS comes up short to Ellender

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:40am

BOURG _ A. J. Ellender High School manufactured one run in its final at bat, pulling out a 7-6 win over the Franklin Hornets here Monday at the Ellender High School Baseball Field.
Ellender broke a 6-6 tie with Franklin with one run in the bottom half of the seven frame.
Franklin rallied from a 2-0 defict, taking a 4-2 lead in the top half of the fourth inning. In the bottom half of the fourth frame, Ellender collected four more runs to take a 6-4 advantage.
Franklin retaliated with two runs in the top half of the fifth inning, knotting the score at 6-6.
Ellender rallied for one more run in its final at-bat, seizing the comeback 7-6 win over Franklin.
Franklin collected six runs on seven hits with four errors while Ellender scored seven runs on seven hits with five errors.
Jardyn McCoy started on the hill for the Hornets. He went two innings, giving up one run (none earned) on two hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Ina appeared in relief, hurling five complete innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits with seven strikeouts and five walks.
Leading hitters for Franklin were: Lamar Joseph, 1 for 4, run; Hunter Seneca, run; J’Trell Connor, 1 for 4; Jamal Connor, 1 for 4, run; Hayden Seneca, 1 for 3; Jardyn McCoy, 1 for 4, RBI; Ruston Bertrand 1 for 4 and Brent Ina, 2 for 3, 2 runs.

HMS Lipari's game-winning run puts Lady Tigers over Eagles 4-3

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:38am

MORGAN CITY _ B. Liprari singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh frame, lifting the Central Catholic Lady Eagles to a 4-3 District 7-1A win over the Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers here Tuesday.
The Hanson Lady Tigers, who were 13-11 overall, slipped to 11-3 in District 7-1 action following Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to Central Catholic. The Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers finished in a tie for second with Central Catholic with identical 11-3 records on the season.
Central Catholic posted a 1-0 lead over Hanson in the bottom of the first frame before the Lady Tigers tied the game at 1-1 in the top half of the second inning. Hanson extended its lead to 3-1 in the third inning only to allow Central Catholic to knot the game at 3-3 with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the fifth frame. In the bottom of the seven, Central Catholic scored one run, pulling out the 4-3 win over Hanson.
Baylee Young took the loss in the circle for the Lady Tigers. She went 6.3 innings, yielding four runs (none earned) on six hits with two strikeouts and two walks. Young is currently 8-4 overall and 6-2 in District 7-1A action.
Baylee Young helped her own cause with a solo blast in the second inning, enabling the Lady Tigers to tie Central Catholic at 1-1.
In the third frame, Hanson scored a pair of runs to take a 3-1 lead when Camille Baker and Casey Fitzgerald circled around the base paths. Camille Baker reached on an error before Casey Fitzgerald singled. Both runners advanced on an error with Camille Baker moving to third base and Casey Fitzgerald standing at second. Camillie Baker later scored on a sacrifice fly by Allyssa Young prior to Fitzgerald scoring on a error, giving Hanson Memorial at 3-1 lead.
Central Catholic tied the game at 3-all with two runs in the bottom of the fifth frame.
Central Catholic pulled out the dramatic comeback win with one run in its final at-bat on the way to the 4-3 win. Liprari, who had three of the Lady Eagles’ six hits, belted a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning to propel Central Catholic to the 4-3 win.
Leading hitters for Hanson were: Casey Fitzgerald, 2 for 4, run; Kaylee Broussard, 2 for 3; Allyssa Young, sacrifice fly, RBI; Baylee Young, 1 for 3, solo homer, run and Noel Baker, 1 for 3.
LAFAYETTE _ Hanson Memorial split a pair o games in the St. Thomas More Tournament here on Saturday.
In the opener, the Notre Dame Lady Pioneers toppled the Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers 6-0.
Hanson Memorial bounced back with a 10-0 victory over Sacred Heart of Grand Coteau in the second game.
NOTRE DAME 6, HANSON 0
Notre Dame earned a 6-0 victory over the Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers in Game 1.
Notre Dame collected six runs on eight hits with no errors while Hanson Memorial mustered only three hits.
Hanson Memorial’s Ashlee Meyerholtz took the mound loss. She went seven innings, allowing six runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and four walks. Meyerholtz is currently 4-6 overall and 4-1 in District 7-1A.
Allyssa Young led the Lady Tigers at the plate with a 2 for 3 effort which included a double. Ashlee Meyerholtz also hit safely for the Lady Tigers.
HANSON MEMORIAL 10, SACRED HEART 0
The Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers erupted for seven runs in the second frame to back winning pitcher Baylee Young in a 10-0 victory over Sacred Heart.
Young earned the win in the circle after pitching five scoreless innings while collecting her third shutout victory on the season. She surrendered no runs on four hits.
Leading hitters for Hanson were: Casey Fitzgerald, 1 for 4, run; Kaylee Broussard, 1 for 3, run, RBI; Allyssa Young, 2 for 3, 2 runs, 3 RBI; Lunden Verdin, 2 for 3, run, RBI; Baylee Young, 1 for 3, run; Noel Baker, 2 for 2, 2 runs, RBI, walk; Ashlee Meyerholtz, 1 for 3, run, RBI; Meagan LeBlanc, 1 for 3, 2 RBI and Camille Baker, 1 for 1, RBI.
Hanson Memorial quickly moved to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Baylee Young singled and scored on an RBI-double by Lunden Verdin.
In the second inning, Hanson Memorial manufactured seven runs with Casey Fitzgerald’s 3-run blast highlighting the frame.
Noel Baker singled before Ashlee Meyerholtz lined an RBI-double, plating Baker. Meyerholtz advanced to third on an error on the throw before tagging home plate on a bunt by Camille Baker. Casey Fitzgerald later singled to move Camille to second base before Kaylee Broussard smacked an RBI single to score Camille Baker. With runners on the corners, Allyssa Young ripped a 3-run homer to clear the bases and give Hanson a 7-0 advantage. Lunden Verdin later tripled before scoring on Noel Baker’s single as Hanson moved ahead by an 8-0 lead.
In the fourth frame, Hanson tallied two more runs when Baylee Young and Noel Baker scored on a two-run single by Meagan LeBlanc. Baylee Young singled before Noel Baker walked with both runners advancing on a ground out by Ashlee Meyerholtz. LeBlanc later singled home both Young and Baker to give Hanson the 10-0 victory.
Hanson Memorial will travel to play the Morgan City Lady Tigers today at 5:30 in non-district action.

Hanson's Judice, Spencer, Vacarella rips homers

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:37am

Noah Judice, Spencer Bishop and Jack Vaccarella all ripped home runs, leading the Hanson Memorial Tigers to a double-header sweep of Highland Baptist Tuesday at the Amar Lancon Field.
In the opener, the Hanson Tigers defeated Highland Baptist by a 13-1 score. Hanson Memorial captured an 18-5 victory in the nightcap.
HANSON 18, HIGHLAND BAPTIST 5
Spencer Bishop went 3 for 4 with a home run, triple and double along with five runs-batted-in to help lead the Hanson Tigers to an 18-5 District 7-1A win over Highland Baptist.
Leading hitters for the Tigers were: Luke Lancon, 1 for 4, run; Noah Judice, 4 for 5, home run, 4 runs, 3 RBI; Chase Mensman, 2 for 4, double, 3 runs, RBI; Jack Vaccarella, 1 for 3, run, 2 RBI; Skylar Fitch, 1 for 1, double, run, RBI; Luke Rodriguez, 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Kade Daigle, run; Spencer Bishop, 3 for 4, 2 runs, 5 RBI; Brian Sonnier, run and Jake Srigley, 1 for 4, run, RBI.
Noah Judice was the winning pitcher after tossing a one-hitter over five complete innings with one unearned run with six strikeouts and four walks.
HANSON 13, HIGHLAND BAPTIST 1
The Hanson Memorial batters collected 10 hits in the opener, posting a 13-1 victory over Highland Baptist.
Leading hitters for Hanson were: Luke Lancon, 2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Noah Judice, run, RBI; Jake Srigley, RBI; Chase Mensman, 1 for 2, double, run; Jack Vaccarella, 2 for 3, homerun, double run, 3 RBI; Luke Rodriguez, 1 for 2, run; Kade Daigle, 1 for 3, run; Spencer Bishop, 1 for 3, 2 runs; Brock Broussard, 1 for 2, run; Brian Sonnier, run, RBI and Ashton Cocoran, 1 for 3, 2 runs, 2 RBI.
Cocoran was the winning pitcher, tossing five innings, giving up no runs on one hit with seven strikeouts and three walks.
CCHS 5, HANSON 1
MORGAN CITY _ Central Catholic bats came alive in the bottom half of the fifth frame while supporting the five-hit pitching of winning hurler Blake Hidalgo as the Eagles turned back the Hanson Memorial Tigers 5-1 here Monday in District 7-1A action.
While locked in a pitcher’s duel for five innings, the Hanson Tigers broke a scoreless tie one run in the top half of the fifth frame before the Central Catholic Eagles answered with five runs of their own for the 5-1 comeback victory.
Pitchers Brock Brous-sard and Skylar Fitch took the mound for the Tigers, who fell to Cen-tral Catholic 9-3 on Sat-urday at Amar Lancon Field.
Broussard worked five innings, allowing two runs on one hit with three walks. Broussard faced 21 batters, tossing 80 pitches for 42 strikes and 38 balls, giving up two runs over five frames.
Fitch worked one in-ning, surrendering three runs (2 earned) on four hits with one walk. He faced nine batters on a total of 28 pitches, including 16 strikes and 12 balls with one walk.
Hidalgo earned the mound victory while going seven innings, yielding one run on five hits with five strikeouts and one walk. He went the distance, facing 27 batters, throwing 99 pitches, including 73 strikes and 27 balls, giving up one run while fanning five and walking one.
Leading hitters for the Tigers were: Noah Judice, 1 for 2; Chase Mensman, 1 for 2; Kade Daigle, 1 for 3; Brian Sonnier, 1 for 2; Brock Broussard, 1 for 3 and Ashton Corcoran, run.
Leading hitters for Central Catholic includ-ed: Drake Angeron, 1 for 4; Thomas Garber, 1 for 3, run, RBI; Blake Hidalgo, run; Brooks Thomas, 1 for 2, run, RBI; Tyler Longman, 1 for 2 and Adam Dupuis, 1 for 2, RBI.
Hanson Memorial scored one run on five hits with two errors and five batters left on base while Central Catholic collected five runs on five hits with four errors and seven runners left on base.

Grant assistance work shop set in Franklin

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:33am

The Acadiana Center for the Arts will host a free Grant Assistance Workshop Monday, May 8 at 11 a.m. in the city council room at Franklin City Hall.
The Grant Assistance Workshop will provide information for and is open to those in Region 4 who are interested in applying for Decentralized Arts Funding (DAF).
According to the Acadiana Center for the Arts Web site, “Decentralized Arts Funding (DAF) is an arts grant program created and funded by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The Acadiana Center for the Arts administers this statewide, parish-by-parish program.”
“Region 4 includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion Parishes. Eligible applicants are non-profit arts organizations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, schools and school boards, colleges and universities, as well as individuals using a fiscal agent,” as stated on the Web site of the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
For more information about the Grant Assistance Workshops and Decentralized Arts Funding, please go to http://www.acadianacenterforthearts.org/grants-assistance or contact Acadiana Center for the Arts (337-233-7060).

College Counseling Center offers breakout sessions

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:32am

College Counseling Center at LSMSA offers breakout sessions to juniors
To help students become competitive applicants in the rapidly changing admission landscape, the College Counseling Center at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts has identified the various factors in today’s college admissions process needed to support college-bound families on their journey to college.
Following a positive response from both seniors and juniors after the “Words from the Wise” presentation in February, students reported wanting more.
“Recognizing the positive influence of peers helping peers, counselors conducted a needs assessment with juniors in College Planning Seminar,” said Laurie Richard, college counselor. “After meeting with counselors, seniors matched their skill sets to best meet the juniors’ needs.”
During small group break-out sessions, seniors shared their strategies, problem solving skills and how they navigated their college application journey.
“Skills developed during CPS resulted in a successful application process,” said Richard. “This success allowed seniors to lead training sessions with juniors.”
Throughout this process, seniors discovered their own strengths and abilities and passed that awareness and confidence onto the juniors. The college counselors at LSMSA enjoyed seeing the growth of the seniors over the last two years and identify the value of peer-led group experiences in CPS.
College counselors continue to align the College Counseling Center with the National Association for College Admissions Counselors principles of good practice, the cornerstones of ethical college admissions.
Seniors presented 19 break-out sessions covering several topics over two days. Juniors selected two sessions of their choice and attended those sessions April 4-5. The sessions included the application process at highly selective and highly competitive schools; binding application plans: what early decision, restrictive early action and QuestBridge programs have to offer; applying to military academies, enlisting directly and the benefits of an ROTC program; application types, scholarships and tips to maximize your fall; demonstrated interest: college visits and interviews; and the international application process.

GERALDINE LOUISE BLACKBURN

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 9:31am

Geraldine Louise Blackburn, 76, a native of Verdunville and resident of Patterson, La. died on Friday, April 7, 2017.
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at the Nazerene Baptist Church on LA 182, Verdunville, from 10 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Nazerene Church Cemetery.
She is survived by her daughters, Ruby Blackburn of Carencro and Christine Blackburn of Baton Rouge; 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Rev. Henry Harris of Verdunville and Benny Blackburn Jr. and Herbert Blackburn, both of Patterson; eight sisters, Arlene Lightfoot of Houston, Texas, Sandra Randle, Alberta Blackburn, Dianne (Perry) Melton, Cynthia Blackburn Richardson and Debra Dennis, all of Verdunville, and Christine (Anthony) Taylor of Franklin; two aunts, Roxie Harris Williams of Verdunville and Estelle Harris Charles of Jeanerette; a goddaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother, three sons and one grandson.
Arrangements are entrusted to Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City/Franklin/Jeanerette/Houma.