Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
TavCo’s new owner launches upscale menu
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published March 2 in The Heights Observer
The Tavern Company has a new owner and a new menu.
Chris Armington, who worked for 12 years at Brennan’s Colony as a bartender, server and manager, now owns The Tavern Company, also known as TavCo. “It’s always been a dream of mine to own my own business,” he says.
After signing the papers last November, his dream came true, and in January, Armington introduced a new menu for 2010. “If you’re a bar on Lee Road, you have to have wings and burgers, so we do that. But we also wanted to offer things that are a little more high end, and not be like every other bar on Lee Road.”
Additions to the menu—such as the seared tuna sandwich with orange pickled fennel and tarragon aioli on a crispy portabella mushroom bun, which replaces the old menu’s tuna melt—provide a more sophisticated take on the restaurant’s previous offerings.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Vice Mayor Adele Zucker retires
by KELLI FONTENOT
After nine years as Vice Mayor for University Heights, Adele Zucker will leave office this month. Her contributions include keeping a close eye on neighborhood services and never having to cut staff, something she attributes to frugal management by the mayor and previous councils.
Looking back, Zucker says she is proud of her accomplishments.
Published Dec. 1 in The Heights Observer
After nine years as Vice Mayor for University Heights, Adele Zucker will leave office this month. Her contributions include keeping a close eye on neighborhood services and never having to cut staff, something she attributes to frugal management by the mayor and previous councils.
Looking back, Zucker says she is proud of her accomplishments.
“To be reelected six times, I think that says I served the residents well. Because of them, I’m here, and I just love the city. It’s a great city to live in and bring up your children,” she says.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
At the farmers market
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Aug. 13, 2009 in The Jambalaya News
A familiar sight – juicy green watermelons piled high in the back of a pickup truck – lures shoppers to the end of Bilbo Street at the Charlestown Farmers Market early Saturday morning.
Scotty LeBleu of DeQuincy has been selling these Charleston Grays and Jubilees from Singer for a few months, but he plans to grow his own watermelons next year. It’s a good thing, too. When he came to the market in the spring with his homegrown lettuce, customers couldn’t get enough.
“It stays fresh much longer,” he says. “I picked it like the day before. That’s what’s so good about the market – everything’s fresh.”
Buying natural produce from local vendors is also a simple way to go green. Farmers markets offer products that are not tainted by hormones or pesticides. Unlike a supermarket, a farmers market takes place outdoors and requires a minimal amount of electricity. The vendors live nearby, so they consume less fuel than it would take to transport goods from a farm across the country.
The Charlestown Farmers Market has moved three times since its opening in March of 2005, but it now takes place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. behind the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center in Lake Charles. It is one of about 4,800 farmers markets currently operating in America, according to the U.S. Agricultural Marketing Service.
Published Aug. 13, 2009 in The Jambalaya News
A familiar sight – juicy green watermelons piled high in the back of a pickup truck – lures shoppers to the end of Bilbo Street at the Charlestown Farmers Market early Saturday morning.
Scotty LeBleu of DeQuincy has been selling these Charleston Grays and Jubilees from Singer for a few months, but he plans to grow his own watermelons next year. It’s a good thing, too. When he came to the market in the spring with his homegrown lettuce, customers couldn’t get enough.
“It stays fresh much longer,” he says. “I picked it like the day before. That’s what’s so good about the market – everything’s fresh.”
Buying natural produce from local vendors is also a simple way to go green. Farmers markets offer products that are not tainted by hormones or pesticides. Unlike a supermarket, a farmers market takes place outdoors and requires a minimal amount of electricity. The vendors live nearby, so they consume less fuel than it would take to transport goods from a farm across the country.
The Charlestown Farmers Market has moved three times since its opening in March of 2005, but it now takes place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. behind the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center in Lake Charles. It is one of about 4,800 farmers markets currently operating in America, according to the U.S. Agricultural Marketing Service.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Go Green - Not Broke
by KELLI FONTENOTPublished July 2, 2009 in The Jambalaya News
In some cases, going green is synonymous with going broke.
Hybrid cars and organic produce are expensive, but there are ways to conserve precious energy that will also keep you from emptying your wallet.
A recently completed housing development in Lake Charles is providing a new way to find out just how much energy – and money – people can save by going green.
The developer will have the opportunity to study and compare electric bills of a house with average fixtures to figures from an identical house with energy-efficient upgrades, according to CJ Tech’s Charles Abshire, the electrical contractor.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pi Kappa Phi dinner pushes for America
by KELLI FONTENOT and TAYLOR GRAVES
Published March 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce
The rest of the people at his table chuckled as they watched him repeatedly hit the touch screen with the tip of his nose.
"I'm updating Twitter," he said.
Across the table, another diner - who was blindfolded - said, "I feel so left out of this joke."
A few people chuckled, but a long pause followed as everyone realized the depth of his comment.
While the statement was offered in jest, it illustrated the alienation that people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis. Bourque explained that his work with such people and their families has inspired him to support Push America.
At Pi Kappa Phi fraternity's benefit banquet for Push America Tuesday night, three people at each table received a colored poker chip. Each color represented a different disability that the person was expected to portray for the rest of the evening. The rest of the people at the table were instructed to help their friends.
"I'm updating Twitter," he said.
Across the table, another diner - who was blindfolded - said, "I feel so left out of this joke."
A few people chuckled, but a long pause followed as everyone realized the depth of his comment.
While the statement was offered in jest, it illustrated the alienation that people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis. Bourque explained that his work with such people and their families has inspired him to support Push America.
At Pi Kappa Phi fraternity's benefit banquet for Push America Tuesday night, three people at each table received a colored poker chip. Each color represented a different disability that the person was expected to portray for the rest of the evening. The rest of the people at the table were instructed to help their friends.
'Assassins' trust no one
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published March 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce
This curious change was due in part to the strategies of several students who are taking part in the second annual "CAPA Assassins" game.
"This is a really great way to meet people because you're trying to find somebody you don't know, or you're looking for someone who doesn't know you," senior liberal arts major Joshua Nuss said.
Nuss, the treasurer of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity, is monitoring the game this year.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Graf guides team through game of basketball, game of life
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Feb. 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce
Jennifer Graf, Lady Demons basketball head coach, said she could only think of one thing she dislikes about coaching basketball.
"It's absolutely beautiful outside in July, and we have to sit in a gym that's about 40 degrees," she said. "I swear, it's freezing cold in there."
Whether she's relaxing on Sibley Lake or attempting to wakeboard, Graf definitely prefers being outside on sunny days.
Seeking refuge from Tuesday's rain in her office in Prather Coliseum, Graf said most of her outdoor adventures take place during the summer because she spends most of her time during the rest of the year focusing on work.
Graf, 30, is now in her fifth season as head coach for the Lady Demons.
Published Feb. 11, 2009 in The Current Sauce
Jennifer Graf, Lady Demons basketball head coach, said she could only think of one thing she dislikes about coaching basketball.
"It's absolutely beautiful outside in July, and we have to sit in a gym that's about 40 degrees," she said. "I swear, it's freezing cold in there."
Whether she's relaxing on Sibley Lake or attempting to wakeboard, Graf definitely prefers being outside on sunny days.
Seeking refuge from Tuesday's rain in her office in Prather Coliseum, Graf said most of her outdoor adventures take place during the summer because she spends most of her time during the rest of the year focusing on work.
Graf, 30, is now in her fifth season as head coach for the Lady Demons.
Ladies prepare for Bracelet battle
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Feb. 4, 2009 by The Current Sauce
Five of the 10 Lady of the Bracelet pageant contestants met on a Thursday night to make plans for the hectic rehearsal schedule, discuss pageant rules and regulations, and of course, practice answering interview questions.
"What is your favorite book and why?" was one classic.
"I actually really did like Dante's 'Inferno,' but I don't think that will go over really well," junior liberal arts major Shanice Major said.
Sitting around a table in the Student Activities Board office, the contestants laughed and chimed in with some of their beloved titles.
"Somebody's going to say 'Twilight,' I just know it," freshman hospitality, management and tourism major Melanie Kay said.
"I'm in love with Edward Cullen," freshman Brittany Pippin joked. "I would marry him."
"OK, ladies," said Julia Anderson, the pageant coordinator, a patient reminder that they should be concentrating on the work at hand. She announced the dates and times of upcoming rehearsals and committee meetings as the girls pulled out their cell phones.
In jeans and sweatshirts, the girls didn't appear to be organizing a pageant. They were just hanging out, giggling, joking around.
But the contestants have a hand in preparing for - and even publicizing - the event. At the committee meeting, they made lists of locations for posters and attached stickers to gold wrapped mints to promote the event. The girls also composed their talent introductions and folded up T-shirts to sell as promotion for the pageant and Children's Miracle Network.
Published Feb. 4, 2009 by The Current Sauce
Five of the 10 Lady of the Bracelet pageant contestants met on a Thursday night to make plans for the hectic rehearsal schedule, discuss pageant rules and regulations, and of course, practice answering interview questions.
"What is your favorite book and why?" was one classic.
"I actually really did like Dante's 'Inferno,' but I don't think that will go over really well," junior liberal arts major Shanice Major said.
Sitting around a table in the Student Activities Board office, the contestants laughed and chimed in with some of their beloved titles.
"Somebody's going to say 'Twilight,' I just know it," freshman hospitality, management and tourism major Melanie Kay said.
"I'm in love with Edward Cullen," freshman Brittany Pippin joked. "I would marry him."
"OK, ladies," said Julia Anderson, the pageant coordinator, a patient reminder that they should be concentrating on the work at hand. She announced the dates and times of upcoming rehearsals and committee meetings as the girls pulled out their cell phones.
In jeans and sweatshirts, the girls didn't appear to be organizing a pageant. They were just hanging out, giggling, joking around.
But the contestants have a hand in preparing for - and even publicizing - the event. At the committee meeting, they made lists of locations for posters and attached stickers to gold wrapped mints to promote the event. The girls also composed their talent introductions and folded up T-shirts to sell as promotion for the pageant and Children's Miracle Network.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Read this article later
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Jan. 14, 2009 by The Current Sauce
Procrastination typically involves watching television or playing Rock Band instead of doing homework, but some NSU students find more productive things to do while they put off working on major assignments.
Sophomore health and human performance major Brittany Gunner said she thinks procrastination can be positive.
Gunner said she puts off writing papers until the last minute, though many teachers give due dates for their assignments on the syllabus during the first day of class.
"For me, it's a good thing, because when I'm pressured to do something, I do it. At the last minute, when the pressure's on, I'm good at it," Gunner said.
Some students seek the adrenaline rush associated with a final deadline.
To achieve that last-chance excitement, students occasionally work on projects for extracurricular organizations or academic requirements.
Published Jan. 14, 2009 by The Current Sauce
Procrastination typically involves watching television or playing Rock Band instead of doing homework, but some NSU students find more productive things to do while they put off working on major assignments.
Sophomore health and human performance major Brittany Gunner said she thinks procrastination can be positive.
Gunner said she puts off writing papers until the last minute, though many teachers give due dates for their assignments on the syllabus during the first day of class.
"For me, it's a good thing, because when I'm pressured to do something, I do it. At the last minute, when the pressure's on, I'm good at it," Gunner said.
Some students seek the adrenaline rush associated with a final deadline.
To achieve that last-chance excitement, students occasionally work on projects for extracurricular organizations or academic requirements.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Teachers team up for new film theory concentration
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Dec. 3, 2008 by The Current Sauce
English majors at NSU can concentrate in folklife and southern studies, professional writing, literature - and now, film theory.
The Curriculum Review Council just approved the new film theory concentration, which will provide students with the opportunity to study and analyze aspects of classic and contemporary cinematography.
Allen Bauman and Andy Crank, two English professors at NSU, conceived the idea of a concentration, as well as a Classic and Unseen Cinema series that will be open to the public.
Published Dec. 3, 2008 by The Current Sauce
English majors at NSU can concentrate in folklife and southern studies, professional writing, literature - and now, film theory.
The Curriculum Review Council just approved the new film theory concentration, which will provide students with the opportunity to study and analyze aspects of classic and contemporary cinematography.
Allen Bauman and Andy Crank, two English professors at NSU, conceived the idea of a concentration, as well as a Classic and Unseen Cinema series that will be open to the public.
Monday, November 24, 2008
YouTube users share unique views
by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Nov. 5, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Some NSU students and on-campus groups are realizing the possibilities provided by technology and YouTube.com.
YouTube is home to millions of videos - from episodes of beloved '90s cartoons to up-to-the-minute election coverage - posted from locations all over the world, including Natchitoches.
While many NSU students use YouTube as a tool for finding music videos and episodes of their favorite TV shows, some students have uploaded their own videos of silly skits to the site.
Published Nov. 5, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Some NSU students and on-campus groups are realizing the possibilities provided by technology and YouTube.com.
YouTube is home to millions of videos - from episodes of beloved '90s cartoons to up-to-the-minute election coverage - posted from locations all over the world, including Natchitoches.
While many NSU students use YouTube as a tool for finding music videos and episodes of their favorite TV shows, some students have uploaded their own videos of silly skits to the site.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Violin professor takes center stage
By KELLI FONTENOT
Published Oct. 29, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Light filters in through the windows of Andrej Kurti's studio in the afternoon, splaying across the blue plush lining of his open violin case.
A small icon decorated with an Orthodox Christian image rests against the neck of the exquisitely carved wooden instrument. The low, clear sound of a nearby euphonium rehearsal seeps through the walls.
Kurti leans back in his chair at his computer, catching a breath after his hectic day of back-to-back violin and viola lessons and long rehearsals with the orchestra.
It's 5 p.m. and his day is nowhere near over. Each night, he practices violin for about four hours to keep his bow steady and his fingers in shape, building up strength for his next solo performance.
His concert, scheduled for Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall, will feature music by Bach and composer Eugene Ysaye, on whom Kurti wrote his dissertation for his doctorate. The classical pieces certainly reflect Kurti's skill, but his vast repertoire includes more than just sonatas. Kurti, a professor of violin at NSU, has been featured as a recording artist for more than 45 albums on electric and acoustic violin. Dozens of posters and photographs are taped against a wall in his studio, displaying his past performances and future plans.
Published Oct. 29, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Light filters in through the windows of Andrej Kurti's studio in the afternoon, splaying across the blue plush lining of his open violin case.
A small icon decorated with an Orthodox Christian image rests against the neck of the exquisitely carved wooden instrument. The low, clear sound of a nearby euphonium rehearsal seeps through the walls.
Kurti leans back in his chair at his computer, catching a breath after his hectic day of back-to-back violin and viola lessons and long rehearsals with the orchestra.
His concert, scheduled for Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall, will feature music by Bach and composer Eugene Ysaye, on whom Kurti wrote his dissertation for his doctorate. The classical pieces certainly reflect Kurti's skill, but his vast repertoire includes more than just sonatas. Kurti, a professor of violin at NSU, has been featured as a recording artist for more than 45 albums on electric and acoustic violin. Dozens of posters and photographs are taped against a wall in his studio, displaying his past performances and future plans.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Mystery shoppers stake out Sodexo
By KELLI FONTENOT
Published Oct. 1, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Students in Vic's who appear to be casually working on their homework might actually have something more mysterious up their sleeves.
Sodexo general manager Vance Howe teamed up with the Student Government Association this week to collect constructive criticism and comments that may improve students' campus dining experience.
The program will start this week if Howe can find at least two students willing to participate in his new "Mystery Shopper" program.
Published Oct. 1, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Students in Vic's who appear to be casually working on their homework might actually have something more mysterious up their sleeves.
Sodexo general manager Vance Howe teamed up with the Student Government Association this week to collect constructive criticism and comments that may improve students' campus dining experience.
The program will start this week if Howe can find at least two students willing to participate in his new "Mystery Shopper" program.
Orchestra off to dynamic start
By KELLI FONTENOT
Published Oct. 1, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Audience members settled into their chairs in Magale Recital Hall Thursday night as Douglas Bakenhus, the Northwestern Symphony Orchestra conductor, prepared backstage for the first concert of the semester.
Onstage, his hands floated over the detailed score on his music stand, keeping time for the students with a precise inner metronome.
Behind the energetic conductor is a man who takes the historic significance of his song selections into consideration, making every movement meaningful.
The concert included several classical pieces, including Gioacchino Rossini's "Overture: The Barber of Seville," Giovanni Bottesini's "Duo Concertant on themes from 'The Puritans,'" and Ludwig van Beethoven's 7th symphony.
Published Oct. 1, 2008 by The Current Sauce
Audience members settled into their chairs in Magale Recital Hall Thursday night as Douglas Bakenhus, the Northwestern Symphony Orchestra conductor, prepared backstage for the first concert of the semester.
Onstage, his hands floated over the detailed score on his music stand, keeping time for the students with a precise inner metronome.
Behind the energetic conductor is a man who takes the historic significance of his song selections into consideration, making every movement meaningful.
The concert included several classical pieces, including Gioacchino Rossini's "Overture: The Barber of Seville," Giovanni Bottesini's "Duo Concertant on themes from 'The Puritans,'" and Ludwig van Beethoven's 7th symphony.
Taking students to the history
By KELLI FONTENOT
Published in the July 2008 issue of Women In Business, a publication of The Dalles Chronicle
Taking students to the history
Paulette Brook, history teacher
Paulette Brook readily admits to her nerdy tendencies. She loves researching archives at the library. She wears thick-framed black glasses. She prides herself on her realistic chicken impersonation. She lacks plumage, but when duty calls, Paulette balances on one leg, flaps her arms, pecks at the air with her chin and makes a clucking noise in the back of her throat.
For a self-proclaimed "boring person," Paulette has seen quite a bit of the world. She lived in Costa Rica as an exchange student for a summer in high school. She has visited every country in Central America. She managed a doll-making company called "Heartwarming Creations" that sold about $250,000 worth of handmade dolls. She worked at a jewelry store, and later at an airport as a ramp agent (the people on the runway who signal directions to the pilot with reflective wands). She went to college as a 40-year-old with two grown kids. And next summer, she plans to take a group of nearly 30 high school students on a trip to Europe to study World War II sites.
Published in the July 2008 issue of Women In Business, a publication of The Dalles Chronicle
Taking students to the history
Paulette Brook, history teacher
Paulette Brook readily admits to her nerdy tendencies. She loves researching archives at the library. She wears thick-framed black glasses. She prides herself on her realistic chicken impersonation. She lacks plumage, but when duty calls, Paulette balances on one leg, flaps her arms, pecks at the air with her chin and makes a clucking noise in the back of her throat.
For a self-proclaimed "boring person," Paulette has seen quite a bit of the world. She lived in Costa Rica as an exchange student for a summer in high school. She has visited every country in Central America. She managed a doll-making company called "Heartwarming Creations" that sold about $250,000 worth of handmade dolls. She worked at a jewelry store, and later at an airport as a ramp agent (the people on the runway who signal directions to the pilot with reflective wands). She went to college as a 40-year-old with two grown kids. And next summer, she plans to take a group of nearly 30 high school students on a trip to Europe to study World War II sites.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Charter group settles on five
By KELLI FONTENOT and ED COX
Published July 23, 2008 by The Dalles Chronicle
MOSIER — The Wasco County Home Rule Charter Committee has decided that five is the magic number — of commissioners, that is.
In finally resolving one of its longstanding questions at the Mosier Grange Thursday night, the committee charged with proposing a reorganization of the county’s government unanimously settled on the idea of electing four commissioners by district and one chair at large. Still unresolved is the issue of whether the charter would call for a hired county administrator.
Published July 23, 2008 by The Dalles Chronicle
MOSIER — The Wasco County Home Rule Charter Committee has decided that five is the magic number — of commissioners, that is.
In finally resolving one of its longstanding questions at the Mosier Grange Thursday night, the committee charged with proposing a reorganization of the county’s government unanimously settled on the idea of electing four commissioners by district and one chair at large. Still unresolved is the issue of whether the charter would call for a hired county administrator.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Cancer survivor makes time for others
By KELLI FONTENOT
Published June 23, 2008 by The Dalles Chronicle
When Luanna Odom waves at her husband, Dan, the bright smile on her face could convince anyone that she has led a life without suffering. Odom’s strength is evident, and few would guess from her positive attitude that 12 years ago she faced a life-altering diagnosis.
Odom is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer and an 11-year survivor of lung cancer. When she entered the hospital for treatment, Dan was by her side all along.
“My husband was my biggest support. I’d have exercises to do, and he’d come home from work and say, ‘Well, have you done them?’”
Odom is a member of the Cancer Crushers, one of the 22 teams that registered for the eighth annual Relay For Life this year. At Wahtonka High School on Saturday, supporters from the tri-city area walked the track and donated money to cancer treatment organizations in the hopes of coming closer to a cure. Odom stood in the shade of her team’s tent and waved at her husband as he passed by on his motorcycle.
Published June 23, 2008 by The Dalles Chronicle
When Luanna Odom waves at her husband, Dan, the bright smile on her face could convince anyone that she has led a life without suffering. Odom’s strength is evident, and few would guess from her positive attitude that 12 years ago she faced a life-altering diagnosis.
Odom is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer and an 11-year survivor of lung cancer. When she entered the hospital for treatment, Dan was by her side all along.
“My husband was my biggest support. I’d have exercises to do, and he’d come home from work and say, ‘Well, have you done them?’”
Odom is a member of the Cancer Crushers, one of the 22 teams that registered for the eighth annual Relay For Life this year. At Wahtonka High School on Saturday, supporters from the tri-city area walked the track and donated money to cancer treatment organizations in the hopes of coming closer to a cure. Odom stood in the shade of her team’s tent and waved at her husband as he passed by on his motorcycle.
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