Author: Emily Gautreaux

Fall in Love with Autumn Travel: Top U.S. Destinations

Fall is an ideal time to travel across the United States, offering unique experiences, vibrant landscapes, and cooler weather. The shoulder season, which spans September to November, offers travelers lower costs, fewer tourists, and beautiful fall foliage. Popular destinations like beaches and mountain towns are quieter, allowing for more peaceful exploration and better deals on accommodations. If you’re ready to see the country in all its autumnal glory, consider checking out these standout destinations from Travel + Leisure, which blend natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural highlights.

San Diego, California: Coastal Bliss with Fewer Crowds

San Diego is a destination synonymous with year-round sunshine and a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect escape in any season. While summer brings beach crowds, fall offers a quieter atmosphere, with fewer tourists packing the city’s famous coastline. Temperatures in the 70s ensure pleasant days for strolling through downtown, where the restaurants, art galleries, and shops buzz with activity. Balboa Park, with its museums and gardens, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo are great spots to explore when the city is less crowded. Plus, fall travel brings more affordable rates at upscale hotels like the Pendry San Diego.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Mountain Air and National Parks

Jackson Hole is best known as a winter haven for skiers and snowboarders, but fall brings a different kind of magic to this mountain town. Clear skies, crisp air, and vibrant foliage make it one of the best times to visit. Grand Teton andYellowstone National Parks are especially stunning, with fewer tourists and incredible views of wildlife, including elk herds in the National Elk Refuge. Whether hiking, taking scenic drives, or exploring the Western shops in town, you’ll find the serenity of Jackson in the fall hard to resist.

Montauk, New York: Peaceful Beaches and Stunning Seascapes

Montauk, located at the tip of Long Island, is a summertime favorite, but the tranquility of fall transforms it into a hidden gem. In September and October, the beaches like Ditch Plains offer peaceful retreats, perfect for long walks along the sand, where the summer crowds have dispersed. The cooler weather brings a different kind of appeal, with visitors enjoying hot coffee by the ocean or sitting around fire pits at charming inns like Marram Montauk. Yoga sessions, fresh pastries, and s’mores make for an unforgettable, low-key retreat.

Kennebunkport, Maine: Coastal Charm and Autumn Colors

Kennebunkport offers an idyllic coastal getaway with a touch of New England elegance, particularly in the fall. While it’s popular in the summer, autumn is a quieter season, with opportunities to enjoy lobster feasts, coastal walks, and sailing excursions without the hustle of peak season. The fall foliage, especially in September and October, provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the town’s beaches and countryside. Visitors who want a cozy escape can stay just outside town at White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection, where they can enjoy the beauty of the season in a peaceful setting.

Aspen, Colorado: Golden Leaves and Outdoor Adventures

Though Aspen is famous for its winter sports, fall reveals a quieter, yet equally beautiful side of this Colorado town. The golden leaves of the aspen trees create a stunning contrast against the clear blue skies, and the mild weather is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and hot air ballooning. Fly fishing is also popular during the autumn months, offering a serene escape into nature. Travelers can also take advantage of lower rates at luxurious resorts like Hotel Jerome, making an Aspen getaway more affordable in shoulder season.

Park City, Utah: Foliage and Outdoor Fun

Known for its winter slopes and the Sundance Film Festival, Park City is a hidden gem during the fall season. The fiery foliage, crisp air, and fewer tourists make it an excellent time for hiking, biking, or simply driving through the breathtaking scenery. Main Street offers boutique shopping and farm-to-table dining, with shoulder season rates making luxury hotels like Montage Deer Valley more accessible. For those looking to explore, the town’s fall beauty offers an unforgettable experience.

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Acadian Ambulance Receives Industry’s Gold Standard Re-accreditation

Acadian Ambulance’s Louisiana and Mississippi operations recently achieved re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), earning a perfect score during the review. As per this article from The Advocate, This significant achievement highlights the company’s commitment to providing top-quality medical transportation services, exceeding many of the industry’s standards, and affirming its role as a leader in emergency medical care.

The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) was established to enhance, promote, and recognize excellence in patient care within America’s medical transportation system. Achieving CAAS accreditation signifies that an ambulance service has met the highest industry standards. It is not merely about meeting basic regulations; it often involves exceeding both state and local requirements. This level of accreditation serves as a mark of distinction within the field of emergency medical services (EMS) and reflects a company’s dedication to quality care.

The accreditation process is thorough and comparable to the rigorous evaluations used for hospitals and nursing homes. It occurs every three years and involves an intensive application phase followed by an on-site inspection lasting several days. During this inspection, a team of external experts evaluates the company’s operations. For Acadian Ambulance’s most recent reaccreditation, reviewers from across the country traveled to Louisiana and Mississippi to assess the company’s performance. This included visits to the company’s newest service area in Harrison County, Mississippi, as part of the evaluation.

Acadian Ambulance has held its CAAS accreditation since 1995, which emphasizes its long-standing commitment to high standards. It remains one of only two ambulance services in both Louisiana and Mississippi to have achieved this accreditation. The release noted that Acadian is also one of 12 accredited ambulance services in Texas and one of approximately 170 nationwide to earn this distinction. Acadian Ambulance’s Texas operations had previously been reaccredited by CAAS in 2022, further showcasing the company’s dedication to maintaining superior service across its service areas.

Justin Back, President of Acadian Ambulance, expressed that while the CAAS accreditation is not required for daily operations, the company sought it out because of its significance as the “gold standard” in EMS. According to Back, CAAS accreditation ensures accountability not only to patients but also to healthcare partners, which is a crucial aspect of their service model. He explained that the CAAS reviewers highlighted Acadian’s equipment, training, technology, and fleet as industry-leading and of exceptional quality, reflecting the company’s forward-thinking approach to EMS.

In addition to its outstanding service, Acadian Ambulance continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the communities it serves. This includes the use of cutting-edge technology and continuous staff training to stay ahead in the field. The company has introduced modernized ambulances equipped with the latest medical devices, enhancing both patient care and overall response time. Furthermore, Acadian has invested heavily in training its personnel, ensuring that all staff members are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide optimal emergency medical care.

Acadian Ambulance has grown into one of the largest ambulance services in the country, providing medical transportation and services across multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This growth is rooted in the company’s mission to offer superior care, a goal that has been central to its operations since its founding in 1971.

Since its establishment, Acadian Companies has expanded beyond emergency medical transportation to include a wide range of services. This includes health, safety, and security offerings, as well as education and transportation services. Through these varied services, the company remains committed to providing the best possible support and education to the communities it serves, continuously working to enhance its offerings and improve its impact on public health and safety.

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STEM in Louisiana: How Aquaponics Is Transforming Middle School Education

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) recently announced an exciting development for the state’s middle school STEM programs. A grant of $405,000 from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s (NASEM) Gulf Research Program (GRP) has been awarded to establish a pioneering STEM-based aquaponics curriculum at a Louisiana middle school. This initiative, named “Greauxing STEM-Stewards,” is designed to boost scientific and environmental literacy for students in grades 6-8 through practical, hands-on learning, as per this news release from LDOE. The focus of the program is on environmental sustainability and controlled environment agriculture, known as CEA, which introduces students to the integration of technology with agriculture.

The Greauxing STEM-Stewards program represents a significant step in education, being the first of its kind in Louisiana to introduce a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) learning space. CEA systems allow for plants and animals to thrive within a regulated environment, offering a perfect blend of scientific discovery and technological innovation. The pilot program will be launched at Westside Junior High School in Livingston Parish, which will serve as the model for other schools across the state. Once the groundwork is established, the program will be expanded to additional schools statewide.

This new initiative not only teaches students about aquaponics—a sustainable method of farming that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil)—but also connects them with real-world issues impacting their local Gulf Coast communities. By using aquaponics as the medium for teaching science, students will explore broader topics related to aquaculture, conservation, and environmental responsibility. At Westside Junior High, students will have the opportunity to learn about these environmental issues firsthand, gaining valuable insight into sustainable practices while also building skills that will be useful in future STEM careers.

The program aims to establish a unique learning ecosystem where students can grow plants, manage aquatic life, and monitor the environmental factors influencing their growth—all within a controlled, tech-driven environment. Westside Junior High will not only serve as the location for this innovative aquaponics lab, but it will also be the base for developing curriculum, lesson plans, and a virtual community of practice. Once tested and refined, the program will be expanded to other schools across Louisiana, ensuring that students statewide can benefit from this enriching experience.

Ronnie Morris, the president of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), expressed excitement about the program’s potential, noting that students frequently ask how education can be made more applicable to real-life situations. Morris explained that aquaponics allows STEM disciplines to be applied in ways that students can immediately see and understand. By turning classrooms into self-contained ecosystems, students become more engaged and motivated to learn, as they see the direct impact of their studies on the living organisms they manage. The hands-on nature of the program, combined with the innovative curriculum and virtual community for educators, positions the Greauxing STEM-Stewards program as a game changer in Louisiana’s STEM education landscape. The combination of science literacy, problem-solving, and environmental awareness prepares students not just for academic success but also for future careers in STEM fields, especially those related to agriculture and environmental stewardship.

This partnership with local industries ensures that the program isn’t just theoretical; it aims to create a direct connection between classroom learning and future career opportunities. Students will gain insights into industries that are critical to Louisiana’s economy while also becoming more aware of the environmental challenges facing their communities. One of the program’s goals is to help students see the relevance of their education by linking it to their surroundings and future careers.

This initiative not only highlights the importance of innovative educational methods but also showcases how hands-on learning can bridge the gap between classroom lessons and real-world applications. By integrating place-based learning with cutting-edge agricultural technology, Louisiana is preparing the next generation of environmental stewards and STEM professionals.

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Sweet and Savory Brussels Sprouts with Andouille

When it comes to cooking Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, many of us default to roasting them in the oven. However, during those lingering warm months, the last thing you want is to heat up the kitchen. That’s where the air fryer steps in as a game-changer. Not only does it produce perfectly crispy vegetables, but it does so with minimal effort and without turning your home into an oven. This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Andouille and Sweet Potatoes from Louisiana Cookin. takes advantage of this handy kitchen tool, resulting in a dish that is packed with texture and flavor.

This low-maintenance meal is fantastic on its own, but if you’re looking to create a heartier plate, serving it over rice makes it even more satisfying. It’s a well-balanced combination of smokiness from the andouille sausage, the sweet and soft contrast of sweet potatoes, and the slightly bitter yet caramelized Brussels sprouts—all tied together with the crunch of toasted pecans and a sweet-tangy glaze made from cane syrup and apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Before starting, check your air fryer manual. If it suggests preheating, set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to warm up. Preheating ensures your ingredients start cooking at the ideal temperature right away, leading to that coveted golden-brown crispiness.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and sliced andouille sausage. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated. This combination of veggies and sausage creates a beautiful marriage of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will intensify as it cooks.
  3. Arrange the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and andouille mixture in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the ingredients from crisping properly. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the ingredients are golden brown and crispy.
  4. While your veggies and sausage are crisping up, it’s time to whip up the delicious glaze that ties everything together. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cane syrup, apple cider vinegar, Creole seasoning, and crushed red pepper. This glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, which elevates the entire dish. Once your Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and andouille sausage are finished cooking, transfer them to the bowl with the glaze.
  5. Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and sliced green onions over the top of the Brussels sprouts mixture. The pecans add a wonderful crunch that complements the softness of the sweet potatoes, while the green onions provide a fresh pop of flavor. If you enjoy a bit more heat, garnish with extra crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Andouille and Sweet Potatoes is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer, and offers a satisfying, nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a unique side dish to bring to a gathering, this recipe delivers. Plus, by serving it with rice or one of the suggested side dishes, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences and make it even more filling.

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New App Helps Louisiana Residents Locate Disaster Recovery Resources

Louisiana has taken another step in improving emergency preparedness by launching a new mobile app to assist residents in accessing crucial information, particularly during hurricane seasons and other disasters, according to this article from HoumaToday.  The “Get A Game Plan” app was developed by the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). According to GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux, the app was designed to help residents going through disaster recovery easily locate distribution centers, referred to as Points of Distribution (PODs), among other resources.

While speaking in Houma last Friday, Thibodeaux expressed his satisfaction with the app and the efficiency it brought to disaster recovery efforts. He mentioned that one of the primary goals of creating the app was to streamline the process of finding nearby distribution sites. “We wanted to make it easier for people to find what they need,” Thibodeaux explained, as he shared his pride in the department’s success with this new tool.

During his demonstration, Thibodeaux showcased how the app worked by navigating through its simple interface. “Go to the ‘Get A Game Plan’ app, and you can see all the POD locations,” he mentioned, comparing it to finding nearby movie theaters. Thibodeaux then demonstrated by pressing just two buttons on his phone, bringing up a list of six distribution centers. With one more tap, he displayed Google Maps directions to the Bayou Blue Fire Department Central Station, a distribution center where water, ice, and meals were available.

However, Thibodeaux noted that the easiest way to download the app was by visiting GOHSEP’s official website, getagameplan.org, rather than searching on the Android store, where unrelated sports apps with similar names would appear. The app offers more than just a way to locate PODs—it serves as an all-encompassing emergency preparedness tool.

The app allows users to access various features aimed at helping Louisiana residents prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters. Thibodeaux explained that one of the key functions of the app is its ability to generate personalized supply lists based on the number of adults, infants, and pets in a household. “You just tell it how many people you’re planning for, and it creates a supply list of everything you’ll need. Pretty dang cool,” Thibodeaux commented as he described the app’s supply list feature.

In addition to the supply list, the app provides several other vital resources, including shopping suggestions, guidance on making emergency plans ahead of time, and essential contact numbers. Thibodeaux noted that users could also access real-time hurricane updates, evacuation orders, and even a price-gouging report tool. The app serves as a central hub for information and preparation tips, aiming to make disaster recovery more manageable for residents across Louisiana.

As per the details available on getagameplan.org, the LA Get A Game Plan App is the official mobile application provided by GOHSEP for Louisiana residents. Its primary purpose is to allow users to prepare for emergencies in advance and provide access to up-to-date information throughout disaster situations. The app is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that anyone, from tech-savvy individuals to those less familiar with technology, can easily navigate it.

In essence, the “Get A Game Plan” app was designed to simplify disaster preparedness and recovery for Louisiana residents. By offering a wide range of tools, from personalized supply lists to real-time updates, it seeks to provide vital resources at the touch of a button. Thibodeaux and his team at GOHSEP clearly intended for this app to serve as a lifeline for people when they need it most.

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Nicholls University Achieves High Retention Rates and Growing Academic Programs

Nicholls State University has reported a notable rise in the number of first-generation college students for the fall 2024 semester. According to the 14th-day class statistics, 56.8% of this year’s incoming freshman class falls into the first-generation category, as per this news release from Nicholls. This demographic includes students whose parents or guardians did not obtain a bachelor’s degree. This figure marks a 3.1% increase from the previous academic year, reflecting Nicholls’ continued efforts to support and expand access to higher education.

Despite the increase in first-generation students, Nicholls’ overall enrollment has experienced a slight decline. The current student body totals 6,065, which is a decrease of 135 students from fall 2023. This drop is largely attributed to a reduction in dual enrollment students and a decrease in residents from Nicholls’ eight-parish service region. The student body comprises 5,539 undergraduates and 526 graduate students. Nonetheless, Nicholls continues to excel in student retention, with a strong 76.6% retention rate for full-time, bachelor-degree-seeking students year after year.

Renee Hicks, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Access, and Success, emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting its students. She remarked that Nicholls’ dedicated efforts ensure that students are well-prepared to succeed both academically and professionally. Hicks highlighted that the increasing number of local students continuing their education at Nicholls is a clear indicator of the personalized and supportive environment fostered by the university’s faculty and staff. This support not only helps retain students but also contributes to the retention of graduates within the service region.

In terms of university housing, Nicholls has experienced a high occupancy rate, with 97% of the 1,399 available beds filled this semester. This high demand reflects the growing appeal of on-campus living among students.

Several academic departments at Nicholls have shown impressive growth compared to the previous year. The Management and Marketing departments have seen a 20.3% increase in enrollment, while the Applied Sciences department has surged by an impressive 49.2%. The Music department has also grown by 19.6%, and the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute has experienced an 11.1% increase. Additionally, the Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management program has grown by 10.6%. These increases underscore the expanding interest in these fields and the university’s successful efforts to enhance its academic offerings.

The most popular majors for the fall 2024 semester at Nicholls include Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Business Administration/Computer Information Systems, Biology, Teacher Education, and Psychology, Counseling, and Family Studies. This diverse array of popular fields highlights the broad range of academic interests among the student body and the university’s ability to cater to these needs effectively.

Ahead of the fall semester, Nicholls hosted its third annual First-Generation Experience event, sponsored by OnPath Federal Credit Union. This event was designed to equip first-generation students with essential tools for their college journey. The conference-style event offered a variety of informational sessions, covering topics such as effective study strategies, course preparation, time management, financial aid, and campus involvement. The aim of the event was to provide first-generation students with the resources and confidence needed to navigate their college experience successfully. The impact of a supportive college experience on first-generation students can significantly influence their future career trajectories and personal achievements.

Nicholls State University’s efforts to support first-generation students and enhance academic programs reflect its commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive educational environment. The increased enrollment of first-generation students and the growth in various academic departments are indicative of the university’s ongoing success and adaptability in meeting the evolving needs of its student population.

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