An article recently published on 4WWL explores the amazing beach wheelchair design of LSU students. On April 30, Cheslyn Simpson was officially able to visit the beach with her family with help from nine Louisiana State University engineering students.
The group of dedicated students designed and built a motorized wheelchair so that the 23-year-old from Plaquemine, La can comfortably visit the beach with her family on their annual beach vacation trip. The Simpson family would usually use a regular wheelchair, but beaches are not wheelchair accessible in terms of travel. Recreational wheelchairs are extremely uncommon.
The initial plans for the wheelchair were created by seniors in the class 2018, who were not able to take the next step toward building and testing the wheelchair. They did, however, leave their plans with the hopes of the next graduating class finishing the project and gifting it to Simpson.
Simpson has Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare genetic disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system and movement problems. The disorder normally displays symptoms between 10 and 15 years old. The disorder causes impaired speech, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and difficulty walking. In 2017, Simpson’s speech therapists urged her to write as essay asking for help visiting the beach with her family to the LSU Senior Capstone Design Program.
The wheelchair has three fat wheels for navigation, a cup holder, a cooler, and a Bluetooth speaker to play music. The students also included headlights, umbrella holders, and lights on the underside of the wheelchair that change colors. The group also consulted with Simpson on the design of the wheelchair as she chose the colors and the upholstery.
The initial group that began the project received a donation of $3,000 from the LSU Foundation. This year’s group created a GoFundMe that doubled the amount. Local businesses donated the welding and the frame. A company in New Zealand donated the motors. The students had every intention of purchasing all of the materials they needed but, thanks to generous donors, they didn’t have to.
To prevent the Simpson family from spending an unimaginable amount of money on a special wheelchair charger, the students made the new chair compatible with the one the family used for Cheslyn’s everyday chair.
This year there were 46 teams for the Senior Capstone Design Program. Each team was assigned a project and, this year, the projects varied immensely. There was a portable wheelchair for a child with cerebral palsy, a neighborhood surveillance system, a smart WiFi router system, and even a system to test the resistance of various sugarcane chopper blades to wear and tear.
The students participating in the Senior Capstone Design Program are all electrical and/or mechanical engineering majors at the university. This program is a way for them to take what they learned and put it to the test. It is safe to say that this project is one that most of them will not forget.
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Who doesn’t like variety? Summer time is the perfect excuse for this recipe! Reluctant Entertainer has a Charcuterie board recipe that will outshine the rest. A charcuterie board is the perfect route if you aren’t sure what to offer your guests. It is even great to serve for dinner! These boards are made up of nuts, veggies, dried fruits, cheeses, cured meats, and more!
The first thing you will need is the board! Make sure the board for your charcuterie is food friendly and if it isn’t, make sure to place parchment paper on the board. The best boards to use are the ones that have a lip, this will help make sure all of the food fits and stays in place. Another thing to think about when making this recipe is how many people are being served. The more people, the bigger the board.
If you want to get rid of the parchment paper but don’t have a food safe board, take some sandpaper and sand the board down. After the board is sanded, rub it down with mineral oil and beeswax. Or, if you want to take the shorter route, you can use a cutting board and butcher block conditioner.
Charcuterie boards often contain dipping spices, but if you aren’t sure where to start looking check out DeLallo Foods.
Make sure the board you are using for your charcuterie is prepared in advance, the worst thing is being in the middle of preparation and something isn’t ready. The meats should be sliced, waiting to be placed on the charcuterie board. Take the small bowls and place them on the board, the olives and nuts should be placed inside. Fill the other bowls with the different the Bruschettas. Place 3 to 4 small, flat dishes on the board. These dishes should be filled with the olive oil. Take the different spices and sprinkle them on top of the olive oil.
Slice the cheeses, if they are not already prepared. Wash the vegetables and dry fruits, you don’t want unclean food on the board. Now here comes the fun part, placing the food on the board. Start placing the meat, cheeses, crackers and the sliced baguette around the board. The fruits and vegetables should come next. The idea is not to crowd the board, but to fill it. There should not be too many empty spaces. The food items can be mixed together or if you like organizing, feel free to group them in categories. All of the crackers on one side and all of the meats on the other. Or be adventurous, and have an alternating pattern. Placed the olive oil in the middle and the Bruschetta on the outside. The options are endless and so is the food! Enjoy your charcuterie board any way you like it.
The second largest country in the world, Canada offers a vast variety of activities for travelers that want to vacation in the area. With a climate that varies from offering four distinct seasons to areas that are fairly hot or intensely cold, it is almost a one stop shop in terms of vacation planning.
Located to the far east of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is the combination province of the mainland, Labrador, and the island of Newfoundland. The province proudly calls itself home to the oldest settlements and cities in North America. Home to approximately half a million people, Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the must visit vacation destinations in Canada.
When visiting Newfoundland and Labrador, iceberg viewing is definitely a must. Even on a sunny day, 10,000-year-old icebergs can be seen along the northern and eastern coasts. The main location to spot the ice giants isIceberg Alley,which spans from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of Newfoundland. The best ways to watch icebergs is by boat tour or kayak.
Hiking:
There are approximately 29,000 kilometers (18,000 miles) of coastline that can be explored. This includes beaches, sea stacks, and around 300 hiking and walking trails. It also is not uncommon to spot seabirds, whales, and icebergs on these adventures. Must visits are Green Gardens and Burnt Hill,both in Gros Morne National Park, and the East Coast Trail. Check out this linkfor the best hiking trails.
Raymond’s Restaurant debuted in 2011 and is operated out of a building dating back to 1915. A classic example of architecture in the area, the restaurant is also named after the grandfather of the head chef and the father of the sommelier- both of which were named Raymond.
The restaurant gets all of its ingredients locally, which includes the fresh seafood that is always served. Canada has wonderful fresh ingredients. While the menu changes regularly, there are certain staples that one can try at any point during the year such as roasted Quebec duck with savory duck sausage or smoked pork shoulder.
Java Jack’s is located directly in the center of Gros Morne National Park in Canada. Java Jack’s began as a cafe in 2000 but became increasingly popular and, in 2003, opened a restaurant in the upstairs portion of their building. They serve fresh fish and seafood, wild game, and even offer vegetarian options. All of the restaurant’s vegetables are completely organic and grown in a large garden behind the building. They also grow flowers to place upstairs in the restaurant dining room and downstairs in the cafe.
Newfoundland and Labrador is undoubtedly an underrated travel destination. With its own rich culture in one of the largest countries in the world, it still manages to offer a unique experience unmatched by other parts of Canada.
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Nicholls State University will hold its 104th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18th in Stopher Gym. The ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences will be held at 9 a.m., followed by the ceremonies for the College of Business Administration and the College of Nursing at noon. The last ceremonies will be held at 3 p.m. for the College of Education and Behavioral Science and the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker delivering the commencement address will be delivered by Dr. Craig Walker, an internationally-known cardiologistwho is board certifiedin internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology. Dr. Walker is a former resident of Bourg and graduated from South Terrebonne High School and earned an undergraduate degree from Nicholls State University in only two years. In reference to being the keynote speaker for the approaching ceremony, Dr. Walker said, “A college degree represents a true accomplishment, but it is just the beginning of a lifetime of learning. I’m proud to serve as the commencement speaker at my alma mater.”
From his impressive success at Nicholls State University, Dr. Walker advanced to the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans to earn his doctorate and to Lafayette Charity Hospital to complete his residency. Subsequently, New Orleans’ Ochsner Foundation Hospital and Harvard Medical School both awarded him fellowships.
In 1983, Dr. Walker returned to Terrebonne Parish to open the Houma Heart Clinic. When he first opened the doors to the clinic, he was the sole employee. However, as the years progressed, opportunities to open more facilities arose. Currently, the Cardiovascular Institute of the South has 19 locations that collectively employ 60 physicians.
Along with his extensive expansion of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Dr. Walker founded New Cardiovascular Horizons– a well-respected international conference that facilitates discussion on innovations and developments in cardiovascular medicine. Each year, the foundation holds 16 U.S. conferences, 4 international conferences, and consists of more than 5,000 global participants. New Cardiovascular Horizons will hold its 20thannual conference this year.
In 1997, Dr. Walker collaborated with Chef John Folse to construct a cookbook called Something Old & Something New: Louisiana Cooking with a Change of Heart. This cookbook features 200 traditional Cajun and Creole recipes alongside modified versions of the classics to make them healthier. The cookbook also features stories discussing the backgrounds of some of the classic recipes.
Dr. Walker maintains several ties in education. He currently works as Clinical Professor of Medicine at LSU and Tulane Medical Schools. He also holds the position of Clinical Editor of the news bulletin Vascular Disease Management, and holds other editorial positions on journals such as the Journal of Endovascular Therapy, Endovascular Today, and Global Vascular Digest. Additionally, Dr. Walker is a member of the Board of Directors of the Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society and has participated as an associate director at numerous medical conferences, both national and international. Nicholls State is honored to have him as this year’s keynote speaker.
Because of his numerous strides made in the medical field, Nicholls State University will award Dr. Walker with an honorary doctorate during the 104th commencement ceremony.
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Louisiana is thankfully not falling in the nonprofit area. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved with a non-profit or foundation in our great state, but haven’t figured out which one is for you? Our list of just a few worthy non-profits is broken down below. Here are a few of the nonprofit organizations Louisiana has to offer, and hereis the list of foundations. There’s a little something for all interests.
Located at 818 Howard Ave., Ste. 300, New Orleans, LA 70113. The Arts Council of New Orleans prides itself on being a nonprofit (private) organization that helps its’ community use art to transform it for the better. They also use their space and resources to support the culture and art within the community. Investing in local art/local artist and providing resources, the Arts Council of New Orleans gives its community a place to display the richness of the culture and arts that reside in New Orleans.
The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana was founded in 1986 after the price of oil dropped so low that many people lost their jobs. The foundation was founded to help “diversify the economy into other industry sectors”. The Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute was opened in 1994. Connecting to the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport, this state of the art building offers 56 research labs. In 1997, the InterTech Science Parkplans were announced.The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana has now become a “stronghold for economic development”. Click hereto read the full history.
Community Coffee Company LLC Corporate Giving Program, is a program that Community Coffee has developed to support: schools, military, growers, communities and relief efforts. The Giving Program expresses the desire to give back to the community that helped the Community Coffee Company get on its’ feet. The full 2018 Giving Report can be view here.
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Inc. feeds over 22,000 people each month within the community. Five meals can be provided to a family for just one dollar donated. The best part about the Food Bank is that there are multiple ways someone can help out. The Food Bank accepts donations and they also need volunteers.
If someone is in need of food assistance, the Food Bank has a list of requirementsin order to receive the assistance.
The McNeese State University Foundation, founded in 1965, is a non-profit organization. Originally the foundation was established for student scholarships that would be given through endowments. However, since then the foundation has moved to also include endowments for faculty and chairs. They “seek outside resources” that are there to serve those who are eligible for the endowments.
The Harvey L. Foster Foundation for Science Education was founded in 2007, and is located in Mandeville, Louisiana. However, that does not make it any less impactful. The foundation is rooted in the idea of getting students involved in science education. Funding under-funded science programs, the foundation serves St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parishes located in Louisiana. The ultimate goal is to have more students pursue engineering and science degrees.
If a pool with a view is what you’re looking for when making travel arrangements, this is the blog for you. Whether you find solace in overlooking cityscapes, rustic greenery, or calm waters, it’s almost inherent for vacationers to seek a hotel room with a stunning view when prepping for a getaway.
What if your fix of soothing scenery didn’t have to end at your hotel room’s window? If this seems enticing to you, you should add Travel + Leisurepools with scenic views to your list of hotel criteria the next time you’re in the market for a refreshing vacation.
The Loren at Pink Beach: Tucker’s Town, Bermuda
If you’re a fan of crystal-blue waters, travel no further than The Lorenin Tucker’s Town, Bermuda. The Loren features two outdoor swimming pools overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If the waves are tempting to you, you can even venture down to the private white sand beach for a closer view.
Grand Ferdinand: Vienna, Austria
The Grand Ferdinand, located in the center of Vienna, Austria, is home to a rooftop pool that is kept at a relaxing 73.4° F (23° C). From the pool, you can oversee the beautifully crafted buildings that make up the Vienna skyline.
Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina: Oahu, Hawaii
If you find serenity in sunsets, travel to the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olinais the place for you. The resort, which sits on a white-sand beach bordering the Pacific Ocean, features four pools. Three of these pools were strategically placed on the west-end of the resort so guests can relax while they watch the breathtaking sunsets of Oahu.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Lake Como, Italy
At the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, located at the edge of Lake Como in Italy, features three pools which the hotel refers to as their “three turquoise jewels.” Their featured poolis a floating pool that rests on Lake Como and overlooks the province of Bellagio. Their “Piscina dei Fiori,” more commonly referred to as their Flowers Pool, is a quiet pool surrounded by trees, shrubs, and of course, flowers. While this pool is a bit more secluded, guests can still catch a glimpse of Lake Como in the distance. Though the hotel’s Infinity Poolis located indoors, the glass walls surrounding it allow for a full view of Lake Como.
Kimpton Everly Hotel: Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, California, the Kimpton Everly Hotelfeatures a contemporary rooftop pool that allows a view of the Southern California skyline and the Hollywood Hills. If you’re in the pool in the evening, you might even be able to catch a film screening or a musical performance.
Gansevoort Meatpacking: New York City
Vacationing in the winter? That’s not a problem at New York City’s Gansevoort Meatpacking. This hotel houses a rooftop pool that’s heated year-round. With a 360-degree view overlooking Manhattan and the Hudson River, it’s the perfect place to watch the New York sunset.
Mulia Villas: Bali, Indonesia
The Mulia Villas, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, features six outdoor swimming pools. From their infinity Oasis Pool, guests can see a hilltop temple. The peacefulness is enhanced by stone statues of Balinese women located on the outskirts of the pool.
Snake River Sporting Club: Jackson, Wyoming
The infinity pool at the Snake River Sporting Clubin Jackson, Wyoming mimics the shape of a grand piano and overlooks the Snake River Canyon and Bridger-Teton National Forest, which allows for a view of luscious green hills for miles. If you get tired of wading in the water, you can settle next to the area’s fire pit to watch the sun set behind the hills of trees.
The Palms Turks and Caicos: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
While the Mosaic Pool at Montage Laguna Beachin Laguna Beach, California, is a sight within itself, the pool also overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by palm trees and perfectly-sculpted grass. If you’re in the pool during sunset, you’ll be in for an experience as the sun’s rays produce a shimmering effecton the mosaic tiles that make up the pool.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Riviera Maya, Mexico
At the Banyan Tree Mayakobain Reviera Maya, Mexico, guests can relax in either of the resort’s two outdoor pools. One of the pools allows for a view of the Caribbean while the other overlooks the resort’s golf course and a peaceful canal surrounded by mangroves.
The Curtain: London, England
The Curtainis home to one of the few heated rooftop pools in London, England. Located in East London, the pool overlooks the neighborhood of Shoreditch, giving guests a view of the urban skyline.
The Inn at Dos Brisas: Washington, Texas
AtThe Inn at Dos Brisasin Washington, Texas, guests can get a taste of life on the homestead. The Inn’s infinity pool offers a view of meadows that are home to several horses. Since The Inn is tucked away and far from city lights, their outdoor pool is the perfect location to star gaze.
Grace Santorini: Santorini, Greece
TheGrace Santorini, located on a hilltop in Santorini, Greece, features an infinity pool with a view of the Aegean Sea and Skaros Rock. This pool, which is also the largest infinity pool in Santorini, is the best place to sit back and watch the Santorini sunset.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The rooftop pool at Hotel Xcaret Mexicoin Playa del Carmen, Mexico sits right above the oceanside and even has a clear glass bridge for guests to swim through. Just make sure you’re photo ready; as you swim through the bridge, a camera will capture a picture of you to take home as a souvenir.
Regent Porto Montenegro: Tivat, Montenegro
If the infinity pool overlooking Boka Bay and the marina doesn’t satisfy your scenic craving, Regent Porto Montenegroin Tivat, Montenegro houses two additional pools that give alternative views of the bay. All of the pools are equipped with high quality sunbeds to enhance your relaxation experience.
Sagamore Pendry Baltimore: Baltimore, Maryland
At the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, positioned on Baltimore’s Recreation Pier, a private pool overlooks a lively waterfront. From the pool, guests are offered a sweeping viewof the harbor, marina, and cityscape.
If you’re in the mood for a historic view, consider the Orient Jerusalemin Israel. The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem. From the pool, guests have clear views of popular landmarks of the city.
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