Author: Emily Gautreaux

Roanoke Island’s Crown Jewel: How to Spend a Weekend in Manteo

Tucked away on Roanoke Island, Manteo, North Carolina, offers an experience that blends natural beauty, history, and small-town charm. As part of the famed Outer Banks—a 120-mile chain of barrier islands stretching from the Virginia border to Ocracoke—Manteo provides a tranquil escape from the high-rise condos and bustling beach towns further up the coast. Though only eight miles long and two miles wide, Roanoke Island leaves a lasting impression, with Manteo as its heart and soul, as evidenced by this travel guide from Southern Living.

Water is at the core of life here, and opportunities to explore it abound. Charter a shrimping and crabbing boat with Risky Business Shrimping & Crabbing Charters, where you can spend half a day casting lines and hauling in fresh catch. These tours run seasonally from June through September and offer a hands-on connection to the area’s maritime heritage.

While Manteo doesn’t offer direct beach access, a quick 10-minute drive transports you to the shores of Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, or Duck. But Manteo’s waterfront is far from lacking. Stroll the scenic boardwalks or wander the historic downtown where quaint, locally owned shops, bookstores, and cafes fill the streets. Stop into Downtown Books for literary browsing, grab a coffee at Charis Coffee Company, or browse the gift collections at Sisters Boutique or Nest.

Lodging in Manteo reflects the town’s quiet elegance. The White Doe Inn provides an upscale bed-and-breakfast experience, with gourmet three-course breakfasts served daily and a peaceful wraparound porch ideal for unwinding. For waterfront views, the Tranquil House Inn and Roanoke Island Inn are excellent choices, offering spacious rooms and scenic decks overlooking Shallowbag Bay.

Nature enthusiasts should plan to spend time in the Elizabethan Gardens, a ten-acre botanical haven designed to evoke the majesty of the Elizabethan era. Wander through the Sunken Garden, admire seasonal blooms, or sit quietly on a bench along the Great Lawn, surrounded by fragrant flora and chirping birds.

Manteo also offers a unique perspective into history through immersive attractions. The North Carolina Aquarium features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including otters, stingrays, and educational programming on sea turtle conservation at the STAR Center. For an even deeper dive into the past, head to Island Farm, a living-history site where interpreters in 19th-century attire demonstrate blacksmithing, cooking, and early coastal farming.

Across the Manteo Bridge, Roanoke Island Festival Park brings colonial history to life with costumed interpreters and a replica of the Elizabeth II, a ship that carried English settlers to Roanoke Island. This site also hosts one of Manteo’s signature experiences: The Lost Colony play at Waterside Theatre. Running since 1937, this outdoor drama recounts the story of the mysterious disappearance of the 1587 English settlement.

The town’s culinary scene is rooted in tradition and fresh ingredients. Local favorites include Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant, where the menu features long-standing Outer Banks staples, and Stripers, a three-level waterfront spot known for its seafood steamer pots. For casual dining, Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop serves hearty subs on a back deck with harbor views. Greek cuisine lovers will want to try Olives, a charming taverna offering classics like gyros, spanakopita, and saganaki.

A walk along the docks also leads to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, a charming in-shore lighthouse that resembles a cottage more than a tower. Inside, explore exhibits that highlight maritime history and view an antique Fresnel lens on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Manteo isn’t just a destination—it’s an immersion into the rhythms of coastal life, where history, hospitality, and nature converge. Whether you’re watching dolphins at dawn or stepping into the pages of early American history, this hidden gem on Roanoke Island leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

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Terrebonne Parish Advances Recovery with $117 Million in Hurricane Ida Relief

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and its devastating impact on South Louisiana, Terrebonne Parish was awarded over $117 million in federal relief funds to aid in long-term recovery, as per this article from HoumaToday. This substantial allocation—totaling $117,627,676—came with stipulations: each project had to be formally proposed by the parish and individually approved before any funds could be distributed or spent. Furthermore, all funds must be utilized before the deadline of August 2027.

As of now, 14 out of 28 submitted projects have received the green light. According to Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Director Christopher Polaski, the approval process has moved slower than anticipated, largely due to the high volume of submissions from across Louisiana. He noted that this wasn’t just about Hurricane Ida; previous storms like Laura and Delta have also contributed to the mounting need for recovery initiatives, overwhelming the system that administers these funds.

Among the most ambitious of the approved projects is the development of a small business incubator in downtown Houma. The parish purchased the Whitney Bank building with the intent to convert it into a supportive hub for local entrepreneurs. While the bank continues to rent out the bottom floor, the remainder of the structure will be transformed into incubator space using $1.5 million in recovery funds.

Another major initiative focuses on the restoration of housing and human services offices. The original facility was lost to Ida, and plans are underway to establish a new office under the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. While the total cost of the project stands at approximately $5 million, about $2 million will come directly from the federal recovery allocation.

To support the region’s vital seafood industry, $3 million has been approved for the second phase of Terrebonne’s seafood aid program. The first phase provided financial assistance for equipment replacement. This next step will fund a comprehensive study to determine the best use of remaining funds, possibly supporting projects like public docks or a cold storage facility equipped with backup power.

Infrastructure repairs and studies make up a significant portion of the approved Hurricane Ida relief projects. A $1.5 million sewage system study will assess both the current infrastructure and the treatment facilities, with the goal of making joint improvements across the system. Parish President Jason Bergeron emphasized that the two components—collection and treatment—must be updated together for any upgrades to be effective.

Another $1.5 million will go toward the replacement of the main 24-inch water line, a critical piece of infrastructure for Terrebonne Parish. Similarly, $3 million has been designated for upgrades along Main Street, aimed at both beautification and traffic calming. This project will align with a road exchange agreement between the parish and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

Another environmentally-focused project involves a 4,000-acre stormwater management basin made possible through a land donation by Shell. The basin is designed to hold approximately 1.7 billion gallons of water and will also serve as a space for recreation and wildlife conservation. This project has received $9 million in funding.

On the education and workforce front, Terrebonne Parish is investing in the future with a new aviation program at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport. The parish has already purchased two hangars and is currently recruiting instructors for a program focused on Aviation Maintenance Technician training. This initiative has been granted $5 million.

These approved projects reflect a wide-ranging and multifaceted approach to Terrebonne Parish’s post- Hurricane Ida recovery—spanning infrastructure repair, economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural revitalization. As the parish continues to submit proposals, more efforts are expected to be funded in the coming months.

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Louisiana Recognizes Top Civics Students with New Diploma Seal

In a move designed to elevate the importance of civic understanding among high school students, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has introduced a new recognition called the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, per this article from LDOE . Officially approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), this endorsement will be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional performance in civics education by scoring Mastery or higher on the LEAP 2025 Civics assessment.

Set to take effect in the 2025–2026 school year, the initiative will provide qualifying students with a red, white, and blue honor cord to wear proudly at their graduation ceremony. In addition, a distinctive diploma seal will be added to their high school diplomas, signifying their achievement in the field of civics.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, emphasized the long-term impact of strong civic education. He explained that a solid foundation in government and U.S. history not only helps students thrive academically but also empowers them to participate meaningfully in civic life. The new diploma endorsement, he added, reflects the state’s growing commitment to reinforcing civics instruction across schools.

Diploma endorsements are specialized recognitions students can earn to highlight academic achievement in particular subject areas. These endorsements appear on high school diplomas and serve to honor students for their dedication, interest, and mastery of a specific discipline. Beyond acknowledging personal accomplishment, endorsements can also strengthen a student’s academic résumé and signal college or career readiness to future institutions or employers.

The new civics endorsement is part of Louisiana’s broader Freedom Framework, which restructured the state’s K–12 social studies standards to offer a more rigorous, detailed, and skill-building curriculum. These updated standards were adopted in 2022 under the leadership of Dr. Brumley and rolled out during the 2023–2024 academic year.

The Freedom Framework aims to tell the full story of American history with a dual focus: honoring the concept of American exceptionalism while acknowledging the nation’s ongoing efforts to form a more just and inclusive society. The standards emphasize landmark moments that shaped the country’s democratic ideals—such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.

By organizing historical content in a more logical and chronological manner, the standards are designed to improve students’ understanding of key events and ideas. Moreover, the framework integrates essential academic and civic skills, ensuring that students not only absorb historical facts but also learn to analyze, interpret, and engage with complex social and political issues.

Since the introduction of the Freedom Framework, Louisiana has gained national recognition for its approach to social studies education. The state has even advised others in crafting similarly rigorous and balanced civics standards. According to the LDOE, the Freedom Framework sets a high bar for content precision, narrative clarity, and student skill development, making it one of the most robust civics education models in the country.

By creating the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, Louisiana continues to lead by example. This new recognition not only celebrates individual student achievement but also reaffirms the state’s belief in the value of informed citizenship. As civics education becomes increasingly essential in today’s complex political and social climate, programs like these help prepare the next generation of engaged, knowledgeable Americans. Encouraging students to excel in civics not only promotes academic rigor but also strengthens democracy by fostering a deeper understanding of rights, responsibilities, and the role individuals play in shaping their communities and the nation.

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One-Pot Southern Comfort: Crawfish Boil Chowder Recipe

Nothing says “Southern comfort” quite like a steaming bowl of chowder infused with the flavors of a classic Louisiana crawfish boil. This Crawfish Boil Chowder recipe from Louisiana Cookin brings together everything you love about a backyard seafood boil—spicy sausage, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and succulent crawfish tail meat—and transforms it into a rich, creamy, soul-warming soup. Perfect for a chilly night, a casual get-together, or just a taste of home, this dish captures the heart of Louisiana cooking in every bite.

This chowder recipe calls for traditional ingredients you’d typically find tossed across a newspaper-lined table at a crawfish boil. But instead of serving everything separately, the elements are chopped, simmered, and blended into a velvety, spiced chowder base. The result is a cozy, indulgent bowl with bold flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Begin by filling a large stockpot halfway with water and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the crawfish boil seasoning mix until dissolved. Once the water is seasoned, add the whole onions, potatoes, and sausage links. Allow these to cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Next, add the frozen corn and continue boiling for an additional five minutes. Once cooked, drain everything and let the vegetables and sausage cool to a manageable temperature.
  2. Once cool, remove any tough outer layers or root ends from the onions and chop them into bite-size pieces. Slice the corn kernels from the cobs and discard the empty cobs. Cut the potatoes and sausage into bite-sized chunks. Set all of this aside—you’re building the flavor one layer at a time.
  3. In a cast-iron Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a pale golden blond roux. This step is crucial—it thickens the chowder and adds a nutty depth. Slowly pour in the seafood stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in all the prepared vegetables and sausage. Add the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a low simmer, and let it gently cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and monitor the thickness. If it becomes too thick, thin it out with more stock or water. If it remains too loose, you can prepare a quick beurre manié by combining two tablespoons ofsoftened butter with two tablespoons of flour and whisking it into the pot. When the chowder reaches the desired consistency, stir in the crawfish tail meat and let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes. Crawfish doesn’t take long to heat through and will remain tender if not overcooked.
  4. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with a whole boiled crawfish and a sprinkle of fresh green onion tops. For the perfect finishing touch, serve with warm, crusty French bread—ideal for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth.

This Crawfish Boil Chowder offers a delicious twist on a beloved Louisiana tradition. It’s comforting, hearty, and filled with the bold, spicy, and savory flavors that define Southern cooking. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a taste of home, this recipe is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.

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Expanding Local Healthcare Access in Growing Ascension Parish

In a time of remarkable population growth and increased demand for local medical care, Our Lady of the Lake Health took significant steps to broaden its services across Ascension Parish, as per this article from The Advocate. These changes came as officials also considered a potential agreement involving a new facility in Donaldsonville between the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and Prevost Memorial Hospital. Yet, even while negotiations continued, the health system moved forward with visible and impactful upgrades to the region’s healthcare landscape.

The most symbolic change came in the form of a name—one that returned to its roots. The hospital in Gonzales, formerly known as Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, officially reclaimed the title Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth.Though it had been renamed in 2018 during a regional integration effort, locals continued to call it by its original name. The new designation not only reflected the hospital’s deep historical and spiritual ties to the area but also honored St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a woman revered for her life of humility and care for the poor.

The story of the Ascension Parish St. Elizabeth’s served as a cornerstone of the hospital’s identity. Born into royalty in 13th-century Hungary, she chose a life of self-denial and service. Widowed young, she used her status and resources to help the poor, eventually building a hospital where she personally tended to the ill. Her compassion made her a symbol of Catholic charity and the namesake of the St. Elizabeth Hospital when the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady acquired Riverview Medical Center in 2000. This acquisition marked a turning point for healthcare in Ascension Parish.

In addition to re-establishing its historic name, the hospital significantly expanded its services in response to the area’s steady population boom. Recent census data indicated a 1.2% increase in residents between 2023 and July 2024, with more than 132,000 people now living in the parish. This rapid growth, explained Dr. Christopher Trevino, physician executive and parish coroner, created an urgent need for enhanced local care. He emphasized the importance of growing healthcare infrastructure in tandem with the parish, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to ensuring that residents could access quality services without needing to travel far.

A major milestone was the opening of a new infusion center on February 27. Prior to this addition, patients in need of chemotherapy and similar treatments had to travel to Baton Rouge. The new center, occupying over 4,100 square feet and featuring 15 infusion chairs, marked a significant improvement in accessibility and comfort for patients. Trevino described the renovated facility as a beautiful and much-needed space that would ease the burden for those undergoing difficult treatments.

Another major enhancement was the introduction of a lung nodule program, which aimed to improve early detection of lung cancer using cutting-edge robotic technology. This program, building on equipment first used in the Baton Rouge network in 2022, allowed doctors to analyze potentially cancerous nodules at a much earlier stage. Trevino noted the life-saving potential of early detection, especially given Louisiana’s lung cancer rate, which exceeded the national average. With 61.1 cases per 100,000 residents statewide—compared to 53.1 nationally—addressing lung health remained a critical concern. Ascension Parish’s rate was slightly below the state average at 59.9 per 100,000, but still demanded attention.

Looking ahead, Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth pledged to continue expanding services and investing in infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing parish. The healthcare system’s renewed focus on community, history, and compassionate service suggested that the legacy of St. Elizabeth was not only remembered—but actively lived.

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Give N Day Brought in Donors from Across 7 Countries and 40 States

Nicholls State University recently marked a major milestone with its 2025 Give N Day, setting a new record for the annual fundraising event. Now in its eighth year, Give-N-Day generated over $270,000 in just 24 hours, making it the most successful one to date, as per this news release from the school. A total of 1,750 donors contributed through 2,309 separate gifts, pushing the total raised across all eight years to over $1.4 million.

Organized by the Nicholls Foundation, Give-N-Day serves as a campus-wide initiative to raise funds for university programs, departments, athletics, and student organizations. This year, 117 different groups benefited from at least one donation. In fact, many donors opted to support multiple organizations—16% gave to more than one cause. Contributions poured in not only from across the United States (40 states in total), but also from donors representing seven countries, emphasizing the broad support for Nicholls’ mission and community.

Jeremy Becker, Executive Director of the Nicholls Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the outcome. He credited the remarkable results to the coordinated effort across campus. According to Becker, the success was a reflection of widespread involvement—from the participating groups who strategized and contacted supporters, to the university’s marketing team who helped spread the word far and wide.

On the Give N Day fundraising leaderboard, Colonel Athletic Association Soccer stood out as the highest earner, collecting an impressive $38,991. St. Thomas Aquinas Colonel Catholics followed with $15,950 in donations, whileColonel Athletic Association Track & Field/Cross Country brought in $15,520. Scholarships at Nicholls State Universityreceived $13,740, and the Accounting Program was close behind with $12,170. The Bridge to Independence program garnered $11,960 in support, while Colonel ESports raised $11,115. Colonel Athletic Association Beach Volleyball also had a strong showing with $10,226 raised.

In terms of the number of individual gifts, Colonel Soccer once again led the pack with a total of 300 donations. The Xi Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. secured 101 donors, making it the second-most supported organization by individual count. Colonel Athletic Association Indoor Volleyball followed with 98 donors, and Colonel Athletic Association Beach Volleyball wasn’t far behind with 89. Colonel ESports received 79 donations, Bridge to Independence had 73, Sigma Alpha Epsilon gathered support from 67 individuals, and the CROWN organization (Cultivating Respect, Opportunity, and Wellness through Networking) earned the support of 54 donors.

Launched in 2018, Give N Day was designed to open new fundraising opportunities for campus-based organizations that previously lacked the infrastructure to conduct their own campaigns. Since its inception, the event has allowed donors to designate funds directly to the group or program of their choosing, ensuring transparency and targeted support. Every dollar raised goes straight to the designated recipient with no administrative fees deducted, a feature that has helped boost donor confidence and participation year after year.

The Nicholls Foundation, which organizes the event, is an independent nonprofit entity classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to support Nicholls State University by securing financial gifts and grants, managing those resources responsibly, and enhancing the institution through scholarships, endowed faculty positions, and other academic advancements.

Given N Day reflects not only the generosity of Nicholls supporters but also the deep connection between the university and its extended community. From athletics to academics to student life, the funding generated will help ensure that these programs continue to grow, thrive, and meet student needs for years to come.

Events like Give-N-Day highlight a broader trend in higher education: participatory philanthropy. Rather than relying solely on large institutional donors, schools like Nicholls are creating avenues for grassroots support, empowering alumni, students, families, and faculty to give directly to the causes they care about most. This approach encourages a sense of ownership and community investment, both of which are vital for sustaining vibrant and responsive educational environments.

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