Author: Emily Gautreaux

Gonzalez Internet Provider Surprises Nonprofits with Ida Recovery Donations

Two nonprofit organizations were surprised with $2,500 grants by the generosity of a Gonzales internet provider, according to this news article from Houma Today.  REV Broadband and Vision Communications recently wanted to give back to local organizations that have been giving “so much over the last several months” during Hurricane Ida recovery, according to Chief Financial Officer Peter Louviere. This wanting to give back has resulted in the awarding of a $2,500 donation to the Bless Your Heart volunteer organization in Larose, Louisiana. Volunteers with Bless Your Heart have been working continuously to help residents rebuild from damages that were sustained from Hurricane Ida, which was particularly devastating to the area.

In addition to Bless Your Heart receiving a donation, REV Broadband, which is the parent company of several telecommunications businesses such as RTC, EATEL & EATEL Business, Vision Communications & VENYU, also gave a $2,500 donation to the St. John United Way, which is also located in Larose.

According to REV Broadband and Vision Communications, both companies were quite surprised by the unexpected donations. A news release from REV reported that “representatives from both organizations were invited to individual meetings to discuss the potential of filming a production about their work in the community — specifically in the form of aiding citizens affected by Hurricane Ida. In the place of a meeting, the nonprofit representatives were surprised with a donation made on behalf of REV’s executive leadership.”

Both the St. John United Way and Bless Your Heart have continued to play big roles in helping the community with Ida recovery. The Category 4 storm made landfall on August 29.   CFO Peter Louviere told HoumaToday, “we continue to hear so much about the great work these two organizations continue to do – bringing positive, lasting impact to the communities we serve and live within. It’s not only an honor to be able to present these donations to such deserving organizations but to do so on behalf of our 400 employees really makes this rewarding.”

REV Broadband reported that more than 60,000 of its customers were impacted in some way by Hurricane Ida, so for them to make an effort to donate funds right back to the on-the-ground organizations that were and still are assisting their customer base is an effort to show support to a community that was impacted by the detrimental storm. So far, Bless Your Heart reported that they’ve raised over $500,000, have helped over 1,000 people, and have donated more than 100,000 pounds of supplies since 2020, when the nonprofit organization was founded.

One of the people who helped to launch Bless Your Heart is Jeray Jarreau, an attorney in LaRose. He gave a statement relaying that he was particularly grateful for the donation. He said, “Bless Your Heart is overwhelmed and humbled that RTC-EATEL-Vision would choose to donate to our organization. RTC-EATEL-Vision’s support of our organization exemplifies its continued dedication to help[ing] Lafourche Parish recover after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida.”

This news from REV Broadband comes at a similar time that The Bayou Community Foundation has announced that their Bayou Recovery Fund for Hurricane Ida Relief has awarded over $3.7 million to nonprofits located in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Grand Isle. While the full list of grants can be found at this link, HoumaToday reported that the grant money was essentially broken down as follows:

  • $1.4 million for emergency services immediately following the Aug. 29 storm.
  • $1.4 million for housing programs
  • $700,000 for direct financial assistance to individuals, families, emergency responders, andcommunity recovery projects
  • $230,000 for local nonprofit organizations to repair their buildings or replace lost equipment so that they could resume operations and deliver critical programs to residents.

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Travel Tip: Do What the Locals Do

Vacationers and worldly travelers have many different ways of experiencing a new, unfamiliar city. Sometimes they go to restaurants and shops based only on the recommendations given to them by their close friends and family, but they still miss out on some experiences unique to that city. Other times, travelers will book a stay at a hotel and only venture within a certain mile radius of the lobby and make a judgment of the city that doesn’t take a lot of its offerings into account. But if you really want a fool-proof guide filled with travel tips to see this unfamiliar town through the eyes of a local resident, then you’re all set thanks to this list of handy tips and tricks to experience a new city as though you are a local from Trip Adviser, the true authority on the subject.

Whenever you find yourself out in a new city after weeks or months spent anticipating this escape from your own town, you’ll often want to avoid the touristy neighborhoods, and see just how the locals live their lives. The following suggestions from Trip Adviser travelers that were compiled by Wendy Perrin demonstrate how you can get an authentic reading of how it feels to live in your new city on a day-to-day basis.

As a reminder, no matter where you’re traveling to in these uncertain times, it’s always a responsible move and a good idea to check local travel advisories, city ordinances, and state mandates that may have been implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel safely and rest assured that you’ve done your due diligence by referring to CDC travel guidelines.

One of the best ways to measure just how different your travel destination is compared to your home city is to pursue an unfamiliar supermarket’s shelves. Not only will locals be around, but you’ll also be able to stock up on groceries for your stay. Plus, grocery stores sell some of the more affordable, edible souvenirs to bring home to loved ones expecting a gift. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to strike up a conversation with your cashier or fellow shopper who might recommend a must-try restaurant that’s right around the corner.

One traveler from GreenSpot.travel gave a unique suggestion that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit for some people: to get a haircut mid-vacation. Not only will you have some lengthy face-time with your barber who will likely strike up a conversation on where you have to visit, but the barbershop’s group of customers likely consists of people who have lived in the city for years and want to have a say in where you go to next.

Most cities and towns of a certain size will organize a community event such as a farmer’s market that sets up shop every weekend. Oftentimes these Saturday morning markets are located either within or nearby a lively neighborhood that gives you an idea of just how involved the local community is in their produce-growing and craft-selling. Not only will the farmer’s market be a melting pot of citizens, foods, arts, and more, but you’ll be able to assess for yourself just how passionate these locals are about their region in a new and exciting way that also gives you a chance to bring home some unique finds.

If you’re finding yourself in a major metropolitan area, there’s a fine chance that it has an efficient public transportation system. Whether it’s by bus, subway, or train, you’ll likely be able to purchase something like an Oyster Card, which will allow you to travel by bus or train for ‘free’ once you reach a minimum daily amount, or some cities offer an unlimited day or weekend pass. Either way, you’re bound to see the same sites that your average tourist bus would take you to, or at least you’ll be closer to a new area of town that you’d otherwise not see. Just be sure to read up on your city’s public transit system so as to find the best and most efficient way of navigating it.

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Sponsorship Applications Open for Summer Food Service Program

The Louisiana Department of Education has recently announced that they have begun accepting applications from eligible agencies and organizations wanting to contribute to the 2022 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), as per their news release.

The announcement comes from the Louisiana Department of Education’s Division of Nutrition Support wherein they are seeking sponsors and program sites for their providing healthy meals to school children in the summer months. As a whole, the SFSP provides food for students from disadvantaged backgrounds at a time of year when school is not in session.

Applications are being accepted for those who wish to participate in the 2022 Summer Food Service Program until April 15, 2022. Once accepted and approved, sponsors would receive financial assistance to help with the cost of obtaining, preparing, and serving food under the program. While the financial assistance would include administrative costs, Sponsors would be responsible for providing a capable staff and be able to exhibit managerial skills and food service capabilities. Any approved sponsors would be allowed to purchase meals through an agreement with an area school or through a contract for meals with a food vendor.

The LDOE provided examples of local organizations that have often returned to serve as SFSP sponsors. The examples included public or private non-profit schools; local, municipal, parish, tribal, or state governments; private and non-profit organizations; public or private non-profit camps; and private or non-profit universities or colleges.

In addition to needing sponsors, the Louisiana Department of Education has also announced that they are in need of agencies or organizations willing to serve as physical locations for food to be served. These program site locations would need to work with an approved program sponsor that would be financially and administratively responsible for meeting all of the program’s requirements for the applicable meal service types located at the site.

All prospective new or returning sponsors for the 2022 SFSP would need to complete the ‘22 SFSP Training Sessionsthat are provided by the Louisiana Department of Education. Training sessions for the 2022 season will not be held in person as in the past, but they will instead be conducted and hosted through an online platform with the associated slide decks containing training information archived online. Registration for the sessions can be found at the LA Fit Kids Website, and the slide deck archive will also be stored on that site following the conclusion of the training sessions.

The SFSP is a federally-funded program that’s administered on behalf of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the services provided by the state’s education department. The Summer Food Service Program is traditionally held in economically disadvantaged areas, neighborhoods, or communities in which half of the school children are eligible to receive meals during the school year that are either free or reduced-price. Eligibility for participation in the SFSP can also be determined by census information via the use of site-level Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) information or by the use of individual eligibility of children.

Additionally, the SFSP will provide meals to any children aged 18 or younger as well as anyone over the age of 18 who is determined by a state or local agency to be mentally or physically disabled. These individuals would also have to participate in a public or private non-profit school program established for the mentally or physically disabled during the school year.

Prospective applicants or program sites seeking more information or answers to specific questions have been encouraged by the LDOE to contact the Department’s Division of Nutrition Support Staff.

For more education-related information, click here.

Chicken with Cashews (Poul Ak Nwa) Recipe

Sometimes you need to cook a restaurant-grade meal at home that is equal parts spicy, savory, and nutty. And thanks to this fantastic recipe from Bon Appetit for Poul Ak Nwa (chicken with cashews), you’ll be prepared to whip up an aromatic, Haitian meal in no time. The key to this tasty recipe is the Haitian spice blend known as epis, which also makes a fantastic marinade for pork or fish by the way.

Epis Ingredients

Epis Directions

Begin preparing this Haitian seasoning base by blending or processing your red bell peppers, green bell peppers, onions, scallions, parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, lime juice, and thyme in a blender or food processor until smooth. This should generate about three cups. The epis could be made about 2 weeks ahead of time. Transfer the blender contents to an airtight container and either chill or pour into ice cube trays and free for up to three months.

Chicken Ingredients

 Chicken Directions

  1. Bring the cashews and three cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. You’ll want to simmer until the cashews crumble but don’t disintegrate when pressed between your fingers (approximately 45-60 minutes). Drain the cashews and set them aside.
  2. Mix your chicken, garlic, cloves, lime juice, parsley, thyme, a copious amount of black pepper, 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and ¼ cup of the epis in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot until your chicken is coated.
  3. Nestle the chile in the center of the pot, cover, and set it over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through and a lot of the juices have cooked out; this will take about 30 minutes. Transfer the chicken mixture to a medium bowl, scraping any remaining seasonings out of the pot with aheatproof rubber spatula.
  4. Pour some vegetable oil into the same pot and increase the heat to medium-high. Then, use tongs to return the chicken to the pot, leaving the juices and chile behind in the bowl. Cook the chicken until it’s browned all over while occasionally turning it over (about 5-10 minutes). Reduce the heat to medium-low, add tomato paste, and cook while stirring often and adding 1 tablespoon of chicken juice if it’s starting to burn. Cook for about 2 minutes- just until the paste is slightly darkened in color. Add the tomatoes and cook until they start to soften (about 4 minutes).
  5. Add your reserved chicken juices, cashews, and reserved chile to the pot while making sure that you are keeping the chile intact. You’ll do this because an open chile will add a lot of heat. Pour ½ cup of water into a bowl and swish around to pick up any seasonings that were left behind, and then pour it all into the pot. Bring this chicken mixture to a simmer, cover it, and cook until the chicken meat is falling off of the bone, about 20 minutes. Stir in onion and bell pepper, re-cover the pot, and cook until vegetables are softened but still retain some bite (about 5-10 minutes). Remove the chile from the pot and discard. Taste your dish of poul ak nwa and season with more salt or pepper, if needed.
  6. To serve, divide your cooked jasmine rice among shallow bowls and ladle the poul ak nwa over. Iif needed, this dish can be made 1 day ahead if you cover, chill, and reheat it over medium-low heat before serving.

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What to Do During a Weekend in Memphis

A trip to Memphis, Tennessee is a trip to what is widely considered to be the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, as there is no other city that holds a candle to the development of popular music in the 20th century, and with this guide to spending the weekend in Memphis from Dangerous Business travel blog, it’s never been easier.

As always, it’s important to consider the possibility that recent COVID-19 surges may have caused new government restrictions, rules, and safety measures to have been set. Because of this, it’s always suggested that those who wish to travel check local guidelines, consult CDC recommendations, and take personal health conditions into account before traveling. This way you’re more prepared to enjoy your trip while remaining as safe and responsible as possible in these unprecedented times.

When it comes to the origins of musical subgenres, it’s generally accepted that as far as modern American music is concerned, soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll all have deep roots planted in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. So if you’re looking to spend a long weekend in a vibrant, living museum of musical legacy, there are three specific landmarks that exist as a lasting tribute to their Memphis music history and heritage: Rock and Soul Museum (191 Beale Street), the Blues Hall of Fame (421 S. Main Street), and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music,(926 E. McLemore Avenue), which is located at the site of the original Stax Records.

Additionally, you’ll want to make a point to take an unforgettable journey through the world’s most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world by visiting Elvis Presley’s Graceland. In visiting this musical landmark, you’ll explore the personal life of Elvis Presley and learn about how his revolutionary style, infectious charm, and unique sound changed the face of popular music and American culture forever. If you’re so inclined, Graceland also offers an extraordinary resort hotel experience that allows you to book a stay in The Guest House, which is located just steps away from the iconic Graceland Mansion. You’ll be treated to unparalleled Southern Hospitality, royal treatment, and luxurious amenities worthy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.

Featuring live musical performances of rock and blues and a whole lot of history, Beale Street is one of those quintessential Memphis experiences that you simply cannot pass up. Book yourself a guided walking tour of this infamous street and allow yourself to quite literally walk in the revered footsteps of Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. In booking a Beale Street walking tour, your knowledgeable tour guide will take you through the ins and outs of the storied past of this street on a path that traces the street’s transformation from the red-light district to the home of blues. You’ll learn about Memphis’s significance during the Civil Rights Movement and be alerted to locations along the way that are guaranteed to interest you such as the over-a-century-old A. Schwab General Store or Lansky Brothers, where one Mr. Elvis Presley would shop.

As many can attest, one of the best ways to experience a city is by setting your own path, walking around the city, and discovering new sights for yourself. So, if you’re a fan of community art, one of the best ways to see the various areas of Memphis is by “mural spotting,” or seeking out the various public street art murals located around the city, but particularly throughout its downtown district. Some key pieces to check out are: “Sound of Memphis,” “I am a Man,” and “A Day in the Life,” all located in South Main.

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Diabetic Friendly Rice to be Sold on Rouses Shelves

After just two years of setting its goal to partner with Rouses Markets, Parish Rice has recently inked a deal to stock all 65 supermarket locations with its diabetic friendly rice, according to this article from The Advocate.

Parish Rice is a product from second-generation rice farmer Michael Frugé that he grew from a variety of high-protein, low glycemic index-scored rice that’s been developed through the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. Though the diabetic friendly rice has made its way from fields in Eunice, Louisiana to marginal popularity in just under two years, this recent partnership between Parish Rice and Rouses Markets has been a goal since the brand’s launch. Frugé told The Advocate that he has always been quite passionate about agricultural quality and celebrating local agriculture, feeling that his values aligned with the Louisiana-grown supermarket chain.

CEO and third-generation company leader Donny Rouse said of the partnership in a statement, “this is a fantastic addition to our Eat Right with Rouses program, which makes choosing healthy easier, by identifying grocery items that have lower sodium, lower saturated fat, healthier fats, more fiber, and less sugar. Our customers who are watching their carb intake are always looking for more options, and I love that it is local.”

Parish Rice was started in 2019, and until now it’s popularity has been rising at an unexpectedly steady pace. Eunice-based farmer Michael Frugé reported that 45% of his business’s gross online sales and approximately 80% of its total grocery store sales were conducted during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Soon afterward, the demand for his diabetic friendly rice began to grow quickly and to a certain extent, unexpectedly. Michael Frugé attributes the rapid success of his brand to word-of-mouth and a particular LSU AgCenter feature that began to circulate on social media.

In speaking on the partnership with Rouses Markets, Frugé said, “this is everything I’ve ever wanted. I love knowing that you go into a grocery store and see rice on the shelf and know that we had something to do with that. Now, I can go into a grocery store and know that is my rice, know that people are going to sit down at night or during the day, and eat my rice and have the opportunity to know where it came from.”

Frugé attributes the passion behind the growing and marketing of Parish Rice to an interest in rice farming and the rice industry that has been fascinating him since he was a boy when he learned about the rice trade from his father. After college, Frugé worked for a seed company that had a focus on the rice industry before he eventually eased back into farming full-time.

During his time in the seed industry, Frugé said that had gotten the opportunity to travel internationally, and by visiting countries like Japan and Uruguay, he gained valuable perspective and insight into how different rice-growing regions of the globe produced varieties for a surgically-targeted clientele. It was in this realization and study that Frugé saw opportunities for growth in the United States rice industry, particularly in Louisiana’s growing industry.

Frugé admits that he didn’t have a clear plan on how to distinguish his vision from other growers until he partnered with fellow rice grower and friend, Blake Gerard. It was then that Frugé had become interested in a particular varietyfrom the LSU AgCenter that Gerard had begun working with, and soon a deal was struck between the Eunice and South Illinois farmers to begin growing that rice in Louisiana in 2019.

Now that Parish Rice has a partnership with Rouses Markets, Frugé looks to his other goals for his brand’s reach, such as expanding his partnership with LSU or serving his rice in K-12 schools. In speaking on the future, Frugé said, “where’s it going to go? I don’t know,” he said. “So much has happened over the past three weeks, but I’ve got some more goals in mind. There are some other things I want to go after. I don’t know where the top is but I’m going to keep pushing.”

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