Author: Emily Gautreaux

Keep Nicholls Beautiful Awarded Grant for New Campus Water Bottle Refilling Stations

It was recently announced that the Keep Nicholls Beautiful (KNB) organization has been selected as a recipient of Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s University Affiliate Grant. According to this news release from Nicholls State University, the coveted University Affiliate Grant will allow KNB to install two new water bottle refilling stations on campus as well as host a water bottle giveaway. The water bottle giveaway will also serve as an opportunity for students receiving a new bottle to sign a pledge to stop single-use plastic water bottles and also sign up to volunteer at the next KNB event.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is the state’s premier anti-litter and community improvement organization, and their University Affiliate Grant that’s been awarded to Nicholls is in the amount of $4,354.15. The University Affiliate Grant program was originally developed as part of a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash Free Waters Grant that was secured by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2021.

As part of that five-year Grant, Keep Louisiana Beautiful was established as a sub-recipient, and the funding has allowed for the University Affiliates Program to be launched, a litter assessment app to be developed, educational training videos or campus communities to be created, and grant opportunities for University Affiliates to be created. The program itself is operated in response to a growing interest in sustainability, waste reduction, and litter prevention that is able to occur at the university level.

Speaking on being selected as a recipient of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate Grant, Dr. Mitzi Jackson,the Keep Nicholls Beautiful Task Force Chair, said, “Keep Nicholls Beautiful is grateful to receive this grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful. Nicholls students desire more water bottle refilling stations on campus, and with this grant, we will install two new stations in academic buildings. The water bottle giveaway aims to reduce the utilization of single-use plastic water bottles and will help to educate our campus on the harmful environmental effects of single-use plastics.”

Keep Nicholls Beautiful was formed during the fall of 2021 when Nicholls State University became part of the first cohort of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate Program. This year, the impacts of KNB were seen as over 1,200 students moved into residence halls for the Fall 2022 semester, and KNB members collected their cardboard boxes. The boxes were then donated to the LaFourche Arc as a part of their prominent cardboard recycling program.

In the forthcoming Spring Semester, Keep Nicholls Beautiful is planning to stay busy, which will include educating the campus community on proper recycling techniques and other sustainable practices that they can implement. KNB has taken the steps to arrange for two courses to partner together on a collaborative education outreach campaign. One of Dr. Juliann Allen’s marketing courses will collaborate with one of Ms. Trisha Rabalais’ graphic design courses for the planned service lending project.

At the end of the Spring 2023 semester, KNB plans to partner with the Colonel Closet to collect any unwanted items, nonperishable food items, and hygiene products from students moving out of the residence halls on campus. The nonperishable foods and hygiene products will then be donated to Mom’s Pantry and other local food banks in the area, which other items considered necessary for making a residence hall room more comfortable, such as kitchen supplies, decor and wall art, and storage containers, will be used for a Trash to Treasure sale at the start of the Fall 2023 Semester. The Task Force in charge of Keep Nicholls Beautiful consists of members from each college, various key departments on campus, SGA, and the GREEN Club.

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A Guide for Consistently Crispy Waffles

While it’s no secret that a stack of waffles is one of the most celebrated breakfast dishes at the Sunday morning table, it’s also known that creating a uniform stack of waffles with a consistent crispy texture is a feat in and of itself. That’s why this guide from Epicurious for how to make crispy waffles, every time is essential for anyone wanting to improve their waffle recipe to be more reliable.

Not just appropriate for breakfast, waffles are a delicious, versatile food dish that is perfect for any time of the day. They’re rich and fluffy, and they can be topped with anything from Nutella to fresh fruit, but one thing that can make or break your waffle experience is how crispy the outside turns out. The following tips and suggestions will provide you with the tools needed to cook your waffles so that they come out consistently crispy each and every time!

There are a few key things that make a good waffle recipe, but one of the first and foremost is ensuring that you’re starting your recipe with a good batter. This means using high-quality flour, like all-purpose or bread flour, and whisking it together with milk and melted butter until it’s smooth. An excellent waffle batter is benefitted from using butter that’s completely melted, slightly hearing your milk or buttermilk, and refraining from whipping your egg whites.

Next, you need to ensure that you are going to be cooking your waffle batter atop a high-heat platform, whether that’s a waffle iron or griddle. Simply stated, if you’re looking for crispy waffles, you’ll want to cook them on high heat. This will help to create a crisp outer shell while still keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Be sure to keep an eye on your waffles as they cook, as they can quickly go from crispy to burnt.

Any waffle lover knows that the key to making perfect waffles is getting the batter just right. Too little and your waffles will be dry and crumbly, too much and they’ll be soggy and undercooked. So how do you know how much batter your waffle maker can take? Here’s a quick guide:

For Belgian-style waffle makers:

– ½ cup batter for a 4-inch round waffle

– ¾ cup batter for a 6-inch round waffle

– 1 cup batter for a 7-inch round or square waffle

For standard waffle makers:

– ½ to ⅔ cup batter for a 4-inch round or square waffle

– ¾ to 1 cup batter for a 6-inch round or square waffle

If you’ve ever had a waffle that’s been overcooked and rubbery, you know the importance of flipping them at just the right time. So how do you know when to flip your waffle? There are a few telltale signs that it’s time to give your waffle a flip. First, take a peek inside the waffle maker. If the batter has spread evenly and is beginning to bubble, it’s ready to be flipped. Another way to tell if your waffle is ready to be flipped is by gently pressing down on the top with a spatula. If the batter springs back up, it needs more time to cook. If it stays indented, it’s time to give it a flip. Once you’ve mastered the art of flipping your waffles at just the right time, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly crispy waffles every time!

Additional Notes:

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Your Guide to Exploring New Braunfels, Texas

Located just 30 miles outside of San Antonio, the historic town of New Braunfels, Texas was founded in 1845 by German settlers, and it has maintained its small-town atmosphere while still offering plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. If you’re planning a trip to New Braunfels, be sure to add these destinations from Southern Living’sexcellent New Braunfels travel guide to your itinerary. From tubing down the Comal River to exploring the Gruene Historic District, there’s something for everyone in this charming town.

Spass Walking Tours

Led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, Spass Walking Tours offers a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture while getting some exercise at the same time. During your tour, you’ll visit some of the most popular attractions in New Braunfels, including two historic New Braunfels cemeteries, the Gruene Historic District, the beautiful Landa Park, murals in New Braunfels, and much more. You’ll also get insider tips on the best places to eat, shop, and play in the city. Spass Walking Tours is a great option for both locals and visitors alike. So whether you’re looking for a new way to explore your own backyard or want to learn more about this vibrant Texas city, be sure to give Spass Walking Tours a try!

New Braunfels Artisans

Red Rooster Antique & Design Center is a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces for your home. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are very reasonable, so it’s highly recommended that you consider this place if you’re in town and looking for antiques or interesting home decor items. The New Braunfels Art League is a vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts that enjoy working together to promote the arts in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas. The League hosts several meetings and events throughout the year, including artist demonstrations, workshops, field trips, and social gatherings. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the arts, and there are no requirements or experience necessary.

Rockin’ R River Rides

Looking to add a little excitement to your New Braunfels vacation? Then check out Rockin’ R River Rides! This attraction offers a variety of river rides, tubing, and other water activities that are perfect for making a splash. One of the most popular attractions at Rockin’ R River Rides is the River Blitzer. This thrilling ride takes you on a fast-paced journey down the Guadalupe River. You’ll be sure to get your heart pumping as you zoom through the water! If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, then try out the Lazy Raft Ride. This ride is perfect for those who want to take it easy and float down the river at their own pace. No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, Rockin’ R River Rides has something for everyone! So come on down and make a splash today.

Gruene Historic District

The Gruene Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District located in New Braunfels, Texas, consisting of more than 140 buildings, and as of 1974, the district is considered a National Historic District, as per the  National Register of Historic Places. This District is significant for its architecture, which includes a variety of styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The district also has a significant association with the history of German immigration to Texas. Many of the buildings in the district were constructed by German immigrants or their descendants, and the district as a whole reflects the culture and lifestyle of those immigrants. Today, the Gruene Historic District is a popular tourist destination, with many shops, restaurants, and businesses catering to visitors. The district is also home to several events throughout the year, including an annual wine festival and a weekly farmer’s market.

Natural Bridge Caverns

If you’re looking for an adventure during your stay in New Braunfels, be sure to check out the Natural Bridge Caverns.The caverns are formed from an underground river that has carved out limestone over millions of years. The result is a beautiful network of caves and passages to explore. There are several different tours to choose from, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. The Discovery Tour is the perfect introduction to the caverns and takes you on a gentle hike through some of the less strenuous areas. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try the Wild Cave Tour, which includes crawling and climbing through tight spaces. No matter which tour you choose, you’re sure to be impressed by the natural beauty of the caverns.

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Mary Bird Perkins Expansion Bringing New Services to Houma Area

It was recently announced via HoumaToday that Terrebonne General’s Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma, Louisiana will begin construction soon for a $4 million expansion, as per this article. The construction, which will add a variety of new services and technologies to the Cancer Center, is expected to be completed by next fall. During the renovation, which will consist of expanding the center by more than 15,000 square feet, all cancer care and cancer center services will continue to be offered without interruption.

The $4 million expansion will include a relocation of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s infusion center, where chemotherapy and other intravenous treatments are delivered. The infusion center will be relocated to the third floor of the clinic. Other additions that will occur due to the renovations are the increase in the number of infusion bays, from 22 to 27 total infusion bays, and the clinic exam rooms will see a capacity increase from eight people to twenty.

Additionally, there will be the installation of semi-private bays with televisions, a new common area treatment space that will be able to be used for patients who want to be in the company of others, and the addition of more private rooms for patients who wish to receive their infusion in a quieter environment.

In a news release, the president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System, Phyllis Peoples, said “this renovation and expansion project is about bringing even more state-of-the-art, comprehensive services to patients in the Bayou Region in a calming, comforting environment. Our goal continues to be laser-focused on providing the best and most up-to-date clinical cancer care in the region.”

The renovation of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will also see the installation of the new Elekta Infinity. The Elekta Infinity is an advanced treatment system that reduces time and radiation exposure from radiotherapy; additionally, the system can deliver aggressive treatment more precisely to a targeted area through sophisticated computer programming. This will limit the effects of radiation on healthy cells while also enhancing the quality of life for patients.

Chief Operating Officer Jonas Fontenot, who is also the Dr. Charles M. Smith Chief of Physics, made it known that this new technology, referring to the Elekta Infinity, is currently available to cancer patients at the center.

Fontenot added, “the science and technology of cancer care are constantly evolving, and the cancer center is committed to bringing the latest advancements to help improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. Together with Terrebonne General, we are building an integrative care model where there is a level of support not available at any other cancer center in the region. It’s about always putting the patient first.”

The second floor of the Cancer Center will have new and existing support service areas located there for patient convenience. Additionally, the second floor is set to house a gym for cancer patients requiring physical rehabilitation or exercise programs as part of their treatment. Also coming to the second floor of the Cancer Center is a lymphedema management service, which will be used to reduce pain and swelling that’s caused by lymph node damage; a dietary consultation area that will provide patients with specialized nutritional guidance; a meditation room to provide a place of serenity, reflection, and comfort for patients and their loved ones; a multi-purpose space so that patients can be supported mentally, emotionally and spiritually through music and art therapy; and a supporter space for loved ones to comfortably wait for patients.

Amy Boudreaux, the director of the Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center spoke about the renovations coming to the Cancer Center by saying, “we are extremely excited to deliver a larger-scale, more advanced Cancer Center to our community. We appreciate the Bayou Region’s continued support, and look forward to fulfilling the needs of those who turn to us during such a vulnerable time of their lives.”

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Improvement Shown on State’s Fall Reading Report

Reading scores are up in grades 1-3 across the state of Louisiana. Recently, the Louisiana Department of Education released its Fall 2022 Reading Report, showing how public school students in grades K-3 had scored on their annual literacy screener. According to the news release from LDOE, Louisiana’s overall score improved, and students in grades 1-3 showed growth for the second consecutive year. In fact, this year’s third-graders earned their highest score since 2018.

Dr. Cade Brumley, the Louisiana Superintendent of Education, offered words of ongoing encouragement by saying, “it’s good to see the continued reading progress for our students. Ensuring children can read must remain a fundamental priority in every school across our state.”

LDOE’s report, titled The Fall 2022 Reading Report, includes state, school system, and individual school data for public school students in grades K-3. School Systems are able to select from four research-based screening assessments to administer to their students, who will take this literacy screener within the first 30 days of a new school year. At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year in August, the state adopted Louisiana’s first K-2 accountability plan, which included a uniform literacy screener for students in the early grades of their education.

Although the scores for students in grades 1-3 have increased for the second year in a row, the scores for students entering kindergarten have declined. These literacy screeners are administered to students within the first 30 days of a new school year, and they are able to capture a snapshot of a child’s reading ability as they enter into a new grade. Teachers then develop specific reading plans and alter instruction based on student scores to help them become proficient in reading by the end of their third-grade year.

Because Louisiana students entering kindergarten did not increase their reading scores from previous years, this is seen as the latest addition to data indicating the continued progress of Louisiana students following the unprecedented classroom disruptions that were caused by multiple hurricanes and the pandemic.

Earlier this semester, Louisiana’s statewide performance scores were released, and it indicated that the state’s scores were returning to a pre-pandemic level. This was in addition to the Nation’s Report Card being released in October, where it was indicated that Louisiana students had avoided some of the most dramatic learning losses seen across the nation. Lastly, when the LDOE released 2021-2022 LEAP scores this past August, it was shown that Mastery rates had improved in ELA and math for students in grades 3-8.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chaisson spoke about the pacing of the state’s comprehensive literacy plan by saying, “Louisiana’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan is building momentum across the state, and we are beginning to see the impact of this foundational shift in how we teach children to read. Our youngest learners were the most impacted by the disruptions of the past few years. We have the support in place to keep our students in grades 1-3 on the right track and to accelerate the progress for our new kindergarten children.”

Both Louisiana law and policy from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) require that school systems in the state administer what’s known as a literary screener no later than thirty days after the beginning of a school year to all students in kindergarten, first, second, and third grade. This annual fall reading screening is seen as a vital tool for ensuring that all students are on the right track to becoming proficient readers by the end of their third-grade year. School systems are able to choose among four research-based screening assessments, each of which measures a particular skill or skills that are typically predictive of later reading success. The skills build upon each other from one grade level to the next and are appropriately matched to children’s ages and developmental stages.

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Researchers To Study Mississippi Delta Mudslides

In 2004, an underwater mudslide collapsed a Taylor Energy oil platform after Hurricane Ivan struck the coast of Alabama; this mudslide caused the longest oil spill in U.S. history. According to this article from The Advocate, a team of LSU researchers is tasked with studying hurricanes and mapping the Mississippi River Delta in order to gain a better understanding of mudslides’ effects on offshore energy production.

The team of LSU researchers will be studying mudslides in the Gulf of Mexico, which will eventually lead to a better understanding of the effects of mudslides on offshore oil operations. In a statement, the marine geologist leading the team, Sam Bentley, pointed out the need for such an intensive study by saying, “the last major study like this was in the 1970s, and was also led by LSU.  Much has changed since then, from the seabed conditions to the tools used to map the seabed and the need for offshore energy infrastructure. The knowledge gaps and possible liabilities are huge.”

The team will produce a comprehensive map of the Mississippi River Delta in order to gauge and better understand when and where mudslides occur, which can help predict risk. The seabed that surrounds the portion of the Mississippi River Delta that splits into Southwest Pass, South Pass, and Pass a Loutre, which is colloquially referred to as “Louisiana’s bird’s foot” is the primary seabed area that will be mapped by the team. According to officials, this work will be the first comprehensive map of the delta front in over 40 years, showcasing just how necessary this project is.

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will be providing about $3.8 million in funding for the project. This organization issues offshore space leases that allow the production of conventional and renewable energy. Along with BOEM, the other organizations involved are the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Water Institute of the Gulf, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bentley also revealed that BOEM had asked his team 10 years prior to begin laying the groundwork for the study.

Kehui Xu, the LSU Coastal Studies Institute director and a professor in LSU’s Department of Oceanography & Coastal Science, spoke about the study by saying, “in the past, many surveys were done either before or after landslides, but not during landslides, which often happen when there are hurricanes and river floods. While regular sensors deployed before such events can be displaced, buried, or damaged, we will be working with the NRL to test and deploy some rugged and new sensors that can ‘travel with’ landslides.”

In order for an underwater mudslide to occur, loose sediment that’s set on an incline begins to slide downward all at once. This is often caused by waves and other shifting parts; however, larger mudslides often form due to the larger waves generated by storms and hurricanes. Marine Geologist Sam Bentley put this concept into practical perspective by saying, “imagine a kitchen board with pancake batter; if you want it to flow downslope, down a low angle… you can jiggle [the kitchen board]. When the Mississippi River dumps sediment out of the mouth, mud piles up right offshore. Sometimes, it piles up so steeply that it slides down of its own accord.”

Marine geologist Sam Bentley hopes that his team’s research will be able to assist energy companies in building their offshore projects in a safer way. Researchers hope to stock their equipment with necessary tracking capabilities so that smaller, slower changes in the seabed will also be detected–changes past surveys of the bird’s foot missed.

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