Author: Emily Gautreaux

LDOE Partners with Crimestoppers School Safety Program

It was recently announced via a news release from the Louisiana Department of Education, that the LDOE will be partnering with Crimestoppers GNO in a school safety effort to make violent incidents easier to prevent and report. The goal is for the LDOE to encourage their school systems to adopt the free Crimestoppers GNO Safe Schools Louisiana Program and its accompanying Say It Here mobile app for middle and high schools. The Louisiana State Police, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Crimestoppers GNO are offering the Safe Schools Louisiana Program to all middle and high schools around the state of Louisiana.

Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana is what is known as a “turnkey program.” The usability of the program is described as being as easy to set up as it is powerful. The program’s mobile app, “Say It Here,” allows its users to report bullying, violence, criminal activity, and mental health issues with complete anonymity. Users can even upload videos and photos of incidents they feel are going unnoticed. Tips that are reported in the “Say it Here” app are processed by a 24-hour multidisciplinary team, 7 days a week. The tips, which are identified by schools, are monitored, vetted, and then sent to the appropriate representatives for proper engagement. If there’s an emergency at any of the safe schools, the safe schools team will be notified immediately for both response and intervention.

In explaining the state’s need for school safety and intercepting threats via the app, Louisiana Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley said, “too often when violence happens on a school campus, someone knew about the attack before it happened. Safe Schools Louisiana is a fast, easy, and anonymous way for people who see something to say something.”

Currently, the Louisiana Department of Education has 40 school systems, and over 500 schools and middle and high-school students that are active participants in the Safe Schools Louisiana program. The program can be implemented in 15 days or less through the following steps. First, the school system signs the initial Memorandum of Understanding, then the school system tip administrative team is identified and trained, and lastly, students are trained to use the app.

In order to help with onboarding, Crimestoppers GNO provides virtual and online training, as well as posters and other items to promote the resource. They also work with schools to embrace the concept of using the anonymous reporting app during special prevention-themed months such as October’s Anti-Bullying Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Red Ribbon Week.

In order to make effective use of the Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana program, schools use multidisciplinary teams. Every school team is set to include someone from law enforcement and a lead from mental health or behavioral health in order to direct a student’s path to success. The multidisciplinary team can also request action if any issues are deemed criminal, mention threats of self-harm, or need another specialty’s orientation.

Crimestoppers GNO has operated anonymous criminal reporting resources for over 40 years, and they’ve provided resources and worked in area schools for over 18 years. Crimestoppers GNO serves to follow nationally-recognized best practices on the implementation, processing, and prevention programs. Partnering with the Safe School Louisiana Program provides Crimestoppers GNO with, according to the statement, “a unique opportunity to better understand and embrace the character and needs of our great state.”

As notified in the release, the following Louisiana schools are already implementing Safe Schools Louisiana or are beginning the school safety adoption process: Acadia Parish, Assumption Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Bogalusa City Schools, Bossier Parish, Caldwell Parish, Cameron Parish Central Community School, City of Baker School District, Claiborne Parish, Concordia Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Evangeline Parish, Franklin Parish, Iberia Parish, Jefferson Parish, Lafourche Parish, LaSalle Parish, Livingston Parish, Monroe City Schools, Natchitoches Parish, NOLA Public Schools, Pointe Coupee Parish, Rapides Parish, Sabine Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Vermilion Parish, Washington Parish, Webster Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Winn Parish, and Zachary Community Schools.

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Unveiling Ceremony Held at Lafayette’s Moncus Park Veterans Memorial

Lafayette’s newest park, Moncus Park, recently held a ceremony to unveil its Veterans Memorial, according to this article from The Daily Advertiser. The unveiling featured an opening ceremony, ribbon cutting, and several guest speakers who commemorated the Veteran’s Memorial, a project that has been 6 years in the making.

The Moncus Park Veterans Memorial, which was unveiled at a September ceremony that had over 200 people in attendance, is located in front of the park in close proximity to Johnson Street. The memorial itself consists of several large tablets that commemorate United States military involvement in 13 major conflicts. Each tablet is designed with a 400-word history of each war, thus giving contextual perspective to those observing the memorial. Nearby the tablets are brick pavers and seat walls that recognize local veterans and their families.

The founder and Director of Growth and Strategy of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance, Andrew Ward, commented on the memorial at the unveiling by saying, “every city, every town, every parish should have something dedicated to the men and women that gave their lives and their selfless service to our country. This is just a welcome addition; to have this here in central Moncus Park as kind of a shining light is remarkable.”

Moncus Park’s Veterans Memorial Unveiling Ceremony had over 200 people in attendance, and among the honored guests were Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, who served as a captain in the U.S. Army, Louisiana Secretary of Veterans Affairs Ret. U.S. Army Col. Joey Strickland and Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Josh Guillory, who served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

In speaking about the ceremony, Governor Edwards said, “we need to make sure that we appreciate and thank our veterans every day and not just wait until Veterans Day. What a tremendous asset this park is, that this memorial is to Lafayette and to Acadiana.”

According to Co-Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Founding Committee Dr. Jon “Skip” Palmintier, it took a total of six years’ worth of planning to bring the memorial to light. Dr. Jon “Skip” Palmintier, who served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Medical Corps, explained that the memorial was designed to be able to fit in the park, be independently beautiful as well, be accompanied by a spirit of peace, and to recognize the sacrifices made by military veterans.

Outside of the unveiling, the ceremony served as a way to honor and recognize those who worked on the landmark from its initial concept to bring it fully to fruition, and it also honored the service members the landmark is designed to appreciate.

In his remarks, Dr. Jon “Skip” Palmintier said, “We are here and this is our veterans’ park, which celebrates anybody that signed their name and joined the armed forces. I can’t tell you how much it means, not only now, but because it’s going to be here for many, many more years to come and we’re hoping that this is just the beginning of programs that we’ll have here for teaching.”

Dr. Palmintier also revealed that the Moncus Park Veterans Memorial will be added as a location on the Veterans Memorial Trail. Additionally, a phone app will be released soon so that those who visit the memorial may learn more about the history of those honored.

Closing the ceremony was the founder of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance Andrew Ward, who served in the U.S. Armyduring Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ward said, “It’s not just to learn about the different pieces of war that make up our history in America. But what you’re supposed to do is really reflect and take in and understand the meaning and the passion and the sacrifice that folks like us gave.”

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Autumnal Coriander and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

As it’s the beginning of fall, there’s never been a better time to start incorporating soup into your dinner rotation. Luckily, this recipe for delicious coriander and sweet potato soup from Food52 is so tasty and packed with nutrients that it will boost your immunity and keep you healthy during cold and flu season. This soup is also easy to make and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences as well as serve as a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. So go ahead and give this soup a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Chickpea Croutons Ingredients:

Sweet Potato Soup Ingredients:

Sweet Potato Soup Directions:

  1. You’ll begin this recipe by preheating your oven to  400° F and laying two unbroken layers of paper towels on top of your kitchen counter. Open your can of garbanzo beans, rinse them with water, and spread them out over the paper towels to dry. Take another set of paper towel sheets and dry the beans as much as possible. Once they’re dried, you’ll transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  2. In another small bowl you’ll mix together your olive oil, spices, and hot sauce for your chickpea croutons. Once it’s mixed, drizzle this over the chickpeas and ensure that they are mixed and coated with the oil and spice mixture.
  3. Afterward, spread the oiled and spiced chickpeas onto a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper, place it in the oven, and bake it for 40 to 50 minutes. The idea is to bake the chickpeas until they are crispy in texture and golden in color. Throughout the baking process, use a pair of kitchen tongs to toss the chickpeas so that you can ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
  4. At this point in the recipe, you’ll start preparing the soup. You’ll do this by heating your olive oil in a Dutch oven or any other heavy-bottomed cooking pan. Add in your onion and shallot and then cook the vegetables over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook them until the onion and shallot pieces are translucent; this typically takes about 7 to 8 minutes.
  5. Next, you’ll add your garlic cloves, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper to the sautéed vegetables, and cook for an additional two minutes, until fragrant. After two minutes, stir in your sweet potatoes and mix them into the vegetables and spices until the sweet potatoes are coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Lastly, pour in your vegetable stock and bring the Dutch oven to a boil. Once your soup ingredients are at a rolling boil, turn down the heat to low, and allow the pot to simmer for about 20 minutes or just until the sweet potatoes are soft.
  7. Once the potatoes are soft, you’ll place the soup in a blender or food processor and purée your soup in batches.After the soup has a smoother consistency, return it to the pot and heat it until it’s warm. If your soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a small amount of water and bring it back to a boil to thin it out.
  8. Once you’re ready to serve, you’ll want to garnish the soup with a handful of your chickpea croutons from earlier, fresh herbs, a pinch of coarse sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  9. Enjoy!

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Top Spots in the Country for Seeing the Changing of the Leaves

One of the best things about the autumn season is that this time of year gives you the opportunity to see the natural majesty which is the changing colors of the leaves. All across the United States are many different types of trees, so there are plenty of places to see some amazing fall foliage. Thanks to this superb guide for the best places in the country to see changing leaves from Travel + Leisure, you can experience the beauty of fall foliage as long as you plan ahead and time just right.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is one of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States. The town is located on the southern tip of New Jersey and is known for its Victorian architecture and beautiful beaches. In the fall, Cape May is a beautiful place to visit, with its many trees changing color and the cool breeze blowing off the ocean. Visitors can take a trolley ride through the town, visit historic sites, or just enjoy the views from one of the many restaurants or cafes.

 Brooklyn, New York

Naturally, one of the best places to see amazing fall foliage in the United States is also one of the most famous places, and that’s for good reason. If you’re seeking out a variety of picturesque locations to see the vibrant changing colors of leaves this fall you’ll definitely want to check out Brooklyn, New York. If you do visit Brooklyn this autumn, be sure that you travel to multiple locations such as Prospect Park, Sunset Park, and Coney Island. Particularly, Sunset Park is a location that offers sweeping views of the Big Apple and the Hudson River.  Similarly, be sure to check out Brooklyn Bridge Park to see a great view of the Manhattan skyline while you also take in the leaves changing colors on the trees that line the river. Lastly, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden serves as an absolute must-see destination in Brooklyn during fall. This is because the gardens are filled with beautiful foliage, and there’s also a pumpkin patch that makes for a great visit each October.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a particularly fantastic place to see fall foliage. There are many different types of trees to be found throughout the forest, so you can see a variety of colors as the leaves change. Also, the forest spans over 4 million acres and includes parts of the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains, and you can also enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities while you’re taking in the leaves.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Filled to the brim with beautiful colors, the Wisconsin Dells is one of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy while you’re in the area. For instance, you can take a scenic drive down Highway 12, go for a hike in one of the many state parks, or take a ride aboard the famous Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Similar to Brooklyn, when many people imagine themselves watching the leaves change, they imagine Cape Cod, and that’s for a valid reason: it’s uniquely beautiful this time of year. The Cape’s unique location – jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean – means that it experiences all four seasons, including beautiful autumn weather. The Cape’s coastlineis dotted with quaint towns and villages, each with its own character and charm, and in the fall, these towns come alive with color as the leaves on the trees change color. Visitors can enjoy many different activities during their stay on Cape Cod, from exploring the Cape’s numerous beaches and hiking trails to taking a scenic drive along one of the Cape’s many winding roads. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Cape Cod is the perfect destination for enjoying the best of what autumn has to offer.

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“Last Acadian Coast” Symposium Hosted at Nicholls

In Early October, Nicholls State University hosted a symposium on the particularly unique history and culture of certain Acadian descendants in both Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, according to this new release from Nicholls. The symposium, which is titled: “The Last Acadian Coast: A Symposium on Acadian History and Culture in the Lafourche-Terrebonne” was held on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in the Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

The event is hosted by Nicholls State University, the Nicholls Coastal Center, the Center for Bayou Studies at Nicholls, the Lafourche Heritage Society, and the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. Additionally, this event is a part of the larger Grand Réveil Acadien 2022, which is a multi-parish experience that is designed to celebrate the lasting cultural impact of the Acadian people across southern Louisiana.

The Last Acadian Coast’s Symposium on Acadian history and culture in the Lafourche Terrebonne Area did so by featuring several notable speakers at their public event who spoke on the Acadians of the wetlands. The following speakers and topics were featured at the event:

  • Glen Pitre, “Historic Lifeways in the Lafourche-Terrebonne”
  • John Doucet, “The Last Acadian Coast: Settlement and Succession of the Wetlands Acadians”
  • Windell Curole, “Shaped by Tide and Thunder and Terror: Historical Storms and the Shaping of Coastal Settlement in the Lafourche-Terrebonne”
  • Nathalie Dajko, “French on Shifting Ground: Development of Unique Language in the Lafourche-Terrebonne”
  • Donald (Don) Davis, ”Historical Wetlands Seafood Culture and Industry”
  • Patty Whitney, “A Cultural Gumbo: Terrebonne Parish’s 200th Anniversary”
  • Shana Walton & Helen Regis, ”Living off the Land in Lafourche: Hunting, Fishing, Planting and Community”

Prior to the “Last Acadian Coast” symposium, an event a part of Grand Réveil Acadien took place at Nicholls State University’s Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. The event was an “Acadian Chef Demo,” and it featured Chef Paul Thimot and Chef Shane Robicheau who cooked and prepared a traditional Acadian dish while highlighting the culture and food of Acadian culture and Nova Scotia in both the past and present.

After the “Last Acadian Coast” symposium, Grand Réveil Acadien also featured a Cajun Music Demonstration & Lecture at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. This demonstration and lecture featured Chad Huval on accordion and Brazos Huval on fiddle as they demonstrated Cajun Music techniques while also teaching about the history of Cajun music and the preservation of music specific to Bayou Lafourche.

In providing more information on the Acadian descendants of both Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish, Nicholls provided the following information: “the migration of Acadian exiles to Louisiana largely concluded in 1785 with the landing of seven-passenger ships in New Orleans carrying nearly 1600 persons. Following earlier establishments of the First and Second Acadian Coast settlements along the Mississippi River, most of the 1785 Acadian immigrants were settled along the Bayous Lafourche and Terrebonne.”

The arrival of the Acadian immigrants didn’t only the largest single migration and settlement of Acadians in the entire world, but it also marked the final mass re-settlement of Acadians in history. Over time, these Acadian immigrants migrated south along the bayous toward the Gulf Coast, and they founded “not only the bayouside cities, towns, and villages we know today but also forging their own history and developing a unique wetlands Cajun culture.”

Furthermore, Grand Réveil Acadien described their multi-parish experience as a way to “encourage Acadians from around the world to continue to advance our unique lifestyle through shared memories, French-speaking events, bonding and fellowship over Cajun food and music, and the general celebration of our shared culture.” Because of this, there is no better sponsor than Nicholls State University to host a symposium on the rich tapestry of the history of Acadian people in both LaFourche and Terrebonne Parishes.

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Sediment Diversion Project to Move Forward

Recently, the Army Corps of Engineers released a final environmental impact statement that will help to expedite a $2 billion project to fight coastal land loss with a sediment diversion project that will divert sediment from the Mississippi River to Barataria Basin, according to this article from nola.com.

The Army Corps of Engineers’ final environmental impact statement included a detailed study on Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion. This study will help to determine when federal and state permits will be awarded for the project. Once those permits are awarded, they could come as early as December, which would give final approval to the project, which has been called quite “monumental” by Louisiana officials.

Chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Chip Kline, commented on the progress made toward this substantial project by saying, “this is a monumental moment for the state and the state’s coastal program. It has been told to us by members of the Biden administration that this is the largest coastal restoration project in the country, and the largest of its type anywhere in the world.” Kline also commented on the project moving forward in light of the recently released report by saying that it has put Louisiana on the “two-yard line,” indicating that the project’s construction could begin in early 2023.

The $2 billion project, which will be funded by settlements related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, will prove to provide significant reductions in future storm surge flooding for residents of the New Orleans West Bank. These storm surge reductions will come from the creation of approximately 21 square miles of new land through the year 2070.

Despite this good news in terms of storm surge reductions for New Orleans residents, this project will also significantly impact the area in terms of bringing “significant damaging effects to commercial finfish, oyster and shrimp catches, and some additional flooding risk to communities just south of the diversion location on the west bank of the Mississippi in Plaquemines Parish.”

Environmental deficits notwithstanding, Louisiana state officials still see this substantial diversion project as “the most needed capstone of” the state’s 50-year Coastal Master Plan, as this project represents a significant reduction in the sheer amount of wetlands that are expected to be “sacrificed to subsidence and human-fueled sea level rise along this part of the state’s coastline through the end of the century.” The diversion project will entail the sending of as much as 7 million tons of sediment into the Barataria Basin each year, which is a process that practically mimics the original creation of southern Louisiana.

According to the 12,757-page main report and appendices recently released by the Army Corps of Engineers, the diversion would carry 5-7 million tons of sediment into the basin annually. The report says that this annual carrying of sediment “would have permanent, major, beneficial impacts on land building,” as it would essentially create new land. It’s projected that in its first 10 years, the diversion project would create approximately 10 square miles of new land in the basin and an additional 27 square miles of new land would be created over the next 50 years after that. Although the amount of land created over the first 50 years would be offset by expected wetland losses from sea level rise and subsidence elsewhere in the basin, the final result would still amount to an aggregate increase of 21 square miles in new land area.

Lastly, it was cited by Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority that the diversion project would create 12,000 direct and indirect jobs in southeast Louisiana with most of them being housed in Plaquemines, St. Bernard,Jefferson and Orleans parishes.

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