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INDEXINDEXINDEX16 PAGES16 PAGES16 PAGES

EDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIAL 2 2 2 SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS 10 10 10 CITY 3 MOTHERS 12CITY 3 MOTHERS 12CITY 3 MOTHERS 12BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS 6 6 6 COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYCOMMUNITY 14 14 14COMMUNITY 14COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYCOMMUNITY 14COMMUNITY 14COMMUNITY 14COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYCOMMUNITY 14COMMUNITYSCHOOLS SCHOOLS SCHOOLS 7 7 7 PUZZLES 15PUZZLES 15PUZZLES 15SERVICE 8SERVICE 8SERVICE 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS 16

See LA Press, Page 3

See City Services, Page 3

CCCENTRALENTRALENTRALSSSPEAKS.comPEAKS.comPEAKS.com Central Day of Central Day of Central Day of Prayer TodayPrayer TodayPrayer Today

at City Hallat City Hallat City HallDaily News At CentralSpeaks.com • Central’s Only Weekly Newspaper • May 5, 2011Daily News At CentralSpeaks.com • Central’s Only Weekly Newspaper • May 5, 2011Daily News At CentralSpeaks.com • Central’s Only Weekly Newspaper • May 5, 2011

By Dave Freneaux (For an Editorial Opinion on this issue, see page 2) In a press release from the Loui-siana Press Association reporting on the “Freedom of Information” Award given to the Central City News last Saturday, false and un-supportable claims have been made about the City of Central and this newspaper, CentralSpeaks.com. These untruths were distributed through the Associated Press and have made it to the pages of one of the nation’s largest newspapers, USA Today. However, those who read the article will likely never know that their impressions of the City of Central have been tainted by misinformation. The press release is also featured on the blog site of Baton Rouge resident Woody Jen-kins who currently prints a tabloid called the Central City News and places copies in retail locations in Central twice each month. The Louisiana Press Association, an association which limits full membership to newspapers which have been in print several years in Louisiana, issued the press release in question when it announced that the Central City News was chosen to receive its “Freedom of Infor-mation” award. The press release explains the reasons the award was

Central Speaks About Our

Moms Winner Announced

See Pages 12&13 for Story & Letters from Community

City Sevices Bids Opened

Central’s Image Tarnished-

Just the Facts

By Dave Freneaux In a meeting Tuesday night it was explained that legisla-tion is in the works to enable the State of Louisiana to force Central's property owners along the Comite River to sell their property against their will. The informational meeting about the Comite River Diversion Canal was sponsored by area elected offi cials including Representatives Clif Rich-ardson and Bodi White and Senator Dale Erdy. The building of the canal to reduce fl ooding in our area will affect almost 500 acres of wetlands, requiring "mitiga-tion". Mitigation is the process of creating or improving designated wetland acreage or preserving larger amounts of natural habitat. It seems that some 20 years ago the Corps of Engineers did a study and chose to designate a narrow cor-ridor of property along the banks of the Comite River as the ONLY place such mitigation would be allowed to be done in conjunction with this project. Since that time, wetlands mitigation as a concept has expanded to include land banks of willing property owners who will gladly sell their prop-erty to the government, but the rules for this project did not allow for that. Our legislators passed a bill last year which prevents the State from taking property against the landowner's will for this project, but there is new legislation pending which could reverse that. The legislators from the Central area are fi ght-ing the new bill. The entire problem could be solved by a simple action on the part of the Corps of Engineers to rede-fi ne the area for wetlands mitigation. You are encouraged to view the video of this meeting on CentralSpeaks.com by clicking the CentralSpeaksTV icon at the top of any page.

Central’s RiverfrontProperty at Risk

By Dave Freneaux Since 2008 CentralSpeaks.com has sought to publish unbiased news about Central. Over these three years on the web and this past year in print, we have published 2,940 articles about Central and all of these are searchable on line at www.CentralSpeaks.com. As a mat-ter of policy over these three years we have tried to avoid editorial comment. The feedback we have received from the community is split. Many share that they enjoy being able to read an ar-ticle and not have the editor’s opinion laced throughout the article, making it hard, if not impossible, to distinguish fact from opinion. Others point out that Letters to the Editor and Editori-als are an integral part of the American newspaper experience. CentralSpeaks.com, beginning this week, will offer Editorials when ap-propriate, and we already encourage readers to submit Letters to the Editor. We will continue to attempt to present the news articles without intentional bias or opinion, and will clearly label all editorials. So, those who want “Just the Facts” can ignore the Editorials and Letters to the Editor, and those wanting to read or express an opinion can do so in CentralSpeaks.com. Your com-ments on this policy are welcomed.

CentralSpeaks.com Adds Editorials

By Dave Freneaux Four companies submitted bids Wednesday for Central’s City Services Contract. While the actual dollar amount of the bids were revealed, the evaluation process includes many criteria, with the dollar amount making up 22% of the fi nal scoring. The low bid was placed by Institute for Building Technology & Safety at an average yearly amount of $3,237,680. The average

annual bids of the other three companies were CSRS dba Central Municipal Services at $3,600,000, Severn Trent at $3,740,714 and CH2M Hill at $3,779,655. Based on the preliminary fi g-ures discussed at Tuesday’s City Council budget workshop, it appears that Central’s budget will, in any case be suffi cient to cover the cost of City Services and operate with a surplus for the coming year.

Above: City Services Selection Committee Members, City Attorney Sherri Morris, and David Barrow at the bid opening

Costs Range From $3.24 to $3.78 Million Per Year

CentralSpeaks.com Contact Information

THURSDAY. 5/5:CentralSpeaks.com Hits the Streets and Post OfficeBritish Royal Egg Cups on Display at G.S. Road Library during Month of MayFundraiser/Collections for Tornado Victims, 2-6 PM at Oak PointTight Knit Group, 4 PM at Central LibraryChildren’s Knitting, 5 PM at Central LibrarySid Edwards Show, 5-6 PM at Fox’s Pizza and on 1550 AMCentral Day of Prayer, 6:30-7:30 PM in front of City Hall

FRIDAY 5/6:Paint-In, 9:30 AM at Magnolia Methodist

SATURDAY 5/7:Raising Cane’s Lemonade DayZoar Car & Bike Show- 8:30-10:30 AM Registration, 12 Noon Judging at ZoarLegworks Car Wash Fundraiser, 9 AM at Central Office Park- 12628 Hooper RdBeginning Crochet Class, 2:30 PM at G.S. Road Library- Call 274-4440CHS 1961 Class Reunion at Elegant Memories

SUNDAY 5/8:HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

MONDAY 5/9:Dropoff Deadline for Tornado Victims Supplies at Zoar Baptist for Supply TruckBeginning Crochet Class, 2:30 PM at G.S. Road Library- Call 274-4440Art League of Central Meeting, 6 PM at Central LibraryCCSS School Board Meeting, 6 PM at KristenwoodPickleball, 6-9 PM at Lovett Road Park

TUESDAY 5/10:Sewing/Quilting Group, 10 AM at Magnolia MethodistBeginning Crochet Class, 2:30 PM at G.S. Road Library- Call 274-4440City Council Meeting, 6 PM at Kristenwood

WEDNESDAY, 5/11:Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon, 11:30 AM at Kristenwood

THURSDAY. 5/12:CentralSpeaks.com Hits the Streets and Post OfficeCHS Seniors’ Last Day of SchoolBead Crochet Class, 3:30 PM at G.S. Road LibraryTight Knit Group, 4 PM at Central LibraryChildren’s Knitting, 5 PM at Central LibrarySid Edwards Show, 5-6 PM at Fox’s Pizza and on 1550 AM

THIS WEEK IN CENTRAL

2 EDITORIAL Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Publisher: Beth Fussell Beth@CentralSpeaks.com Editor: Dave Freneaux

Dave@CentralSpeaks.com Sales: Kandi Jones

Kandi@CentralSpeaks.com

12023 Sullivan RoadCity of Central, LA 70818

P.O. Box 78137City of Central, LA 70837

Email: Info@CentralSpeaks.comPhone: (225) 262-3730

Fax: (888) 220-8396

Published Weekly 52 weeks a yearDeadline 9 A.M. Wednesdays

Article submission is free of charge.

Transaction Motors thanks the residents of Centralthat purchased cars from us during TAX Season.

We will be offering to the public that if you have a VEHICLE of any kind that you would like to sell, bring it to us and come check out our new consignment policy. Transaction Motors will have a spot for your Consignment Vehicle! We know how hard it is to find the time to sell your own Vehicle, so why deal with the hassle and let us do it for you! The first questions a smart buyer asks is how many owners and where did you get this vehicle? It makes all the difference in the world when you say it’s a local vehicle from a local resident, so don’t wait any longer come see us at Transaction Motors, 10200 Greenwell Springs Road. - Thanks, Joshua Austin

www.TransactionMotors.com 448-5007

10200 GreenwellSprings Road

Who Will Stand Up for Central?An Editorial by Dave Freneaux If you have not read the front page article today titled “Central’s Image Tarnished – Just the Facts”, please take a moment to do so. In short, the Louisiana Press Association press re-lease concerning its “Freedom of Information” Award contains multiple false statements about the City of Central and about this newspaper, Centralspeaks.com. Woody Jenkins, a Baton Rouge resident and the editor of the Central City News, has published this press release on his blog site and will likely print it in his twice-monthly tabloid next week. Claims made in the press release fall into two categories: FALSE or UNSUPPORTABLE. So, with this press release having been distributed nationally through the Associated Press and having appeared on the pages of USA Today, who will stand up for Cen-tral? It is unfair to our young city to have a national audience led to believe the false or unsupport-able claims that we don’t run our own City, that the City runs campaign ads for the Mayor, that the City is involved in a lawsuit when it is not,

and that the Mayor somehow controls a local newspaper. These false claims are an insult to the people and elected officials of Central and are potentially damaging to the economic devel-opment efforts Central will require to support its growing infrastructure and school system. Who will stand up for Central? I know that many of you have read over and over in the Central City News that the City has somehow thwarted the public’s right to informa-tion, and that CH2M Hill runs the entire city, but repeating misinformation over and over until it sounds very familiar, does not make it true. It is interesting to note that the Central City News, who is the stated legal adversary of Central’s City Services Contractor, is willing to reprint the press release in its entirety, while The Advo-cate’s article on the same press release carefully avoids printing any of the false or unsupport-able claims. I would propose that the Advocate knows enough about the truth in Central that they knew what was responsible to print. Hats off to The Advocate for standing up for Central. Who else will stand up for Central?

An Editorial by Dave Freneaux I believe that when a community such as Central has only one or two sources for its news, there is a “Public Trust” to tell the truth without intentional bias. My degree from LSU is in Accounting, not Journalism, but I figured if Thomas Jefferson could write the Declara-tion of Independence without a Journalism degree, I could at least write a few newspaper articles. Concerned that I be at least mindful of a Journalist’s responsibilities to the readers, I searched for and found the Society of Profes-sional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. I offer the following excerpts:• Test the accuracy of information from all sources... Deliberate distortion is never per-missible.• Make certain that headlines… do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.• Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort.

Pursuit of the news is not a license for arro-gance.• Expose unethical practices of journal-ists and the news media. Considering these as at least a starting point for acceptable news reporting in our Central Community, I challenge all readers to evaluate the headlines and the articles presented by any media in Central as news, and to see if they meet these standards. Speaking for myself and CentralSpeaks.com, I welcome constructive criticism and will readily consider any verifi-able information a reader may bring to me. If I have misreported a pertinent fact, I will print the correct fact. If I have left out a pertinent fact, I will print a correction and include it. I have a vested interest in the citizens of Central having unbiased news, because I live here. These are my friends, neighbors and rel-atives. This is where I work, play, worship and socialize. I have always said that Central is the greatest place on earth to live and raise a fam-ily. Help make Central all it can be by hold-ing all of our news media sources, including CentralSpeaks.com, to a high standard of truth. – Dave Freneaux, Editor, CentralSpeaks.com

Let’s Be Honest

The Cooking in Central public meeting originally scheduled for tonight (Thursday) has been cancelled due to conflicts with other events around the city. The meeting will be rescheduled and announced at a later date.

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 CITY 3

given to the Central City News. The problem is, many of the claims made in the press release are simply not true, and are damaging to the repu-tation of the City of Central and to this newspaper, CentralSpeaks.com. The press release claims that Cen-tral “has, in essence, privatized its entire city government.” – FALSEFact: Central elects a Mayor, City Council Members and a Police Chief. Central’s elected officials appoint citizens as board members on the Board of Adjustments and the Planning and Zoning Com-mission. The Mayor and the City Council appoint citizens to commit-tees to assist in formulating policy for the running of this city. Every ordinance and resolution passed by Central’s City Council is done so in open meetings and then only after the input of the public. Every ad-ministrative policy decision is made by Central’s duly elected Mayor. The contractor hired to provide the manpower to carry out the policies and decisions of Central’s govern-ment is nowhere to be found in this process. Central’s government is run by Central’s citizens and their elected representatives. The press release claims that “Problems came to a head last spring, when the city sponsored a campaign ad for the mayor.” – FALSEFact: First, the City of Central sim-ply did not sponsor a campaign ad

for the Mayor. Second, if the press release refers to the ad run in the Advocate by CH2M Hill, it was not a campaign ad for the Mayor. The advertisement makes no mention of Central’s Mayor, the content of the ad promoted CH2M Hill as a com-pany, and on page four explained permit fees, which are not set by the Mayor. Further, a judge has ruled that the ad “was placed by CH2M Hill to promote their company and the services that it provides.” The press release claims “The newspaper sued, but a district judge sided with the city.” – FALSEFact: The “City” was not even a party to the lawsuit. The judge sid-ed with CH2M Hill and against the Central City News. The press release states “…the mayor and his allies have started a competing newspaper…” – FALSEFact: CentralSpeaks.com is owned and managed SOLELY by members of the Freneaux family, residents of Central. Every policy and editorial decision is made by Dave Freneaux, the Editor, or by the publisher, his daughter, Beth Fussell. The Mayor of Central has never had any owner-ship in, nor given any financial sup-port to, CentralSpeaks.com, nor in fact has anyone else other than this family. When reached for comment, I stated: “I challenge anyone to offer any evidence that anyone other than this family supports or controls any aspect of CentralSpeaks.com.”

LA Press Association (from page 1)

Submitted by Rep. Richardson's Office Northbound and Southbound LA 37 in Baton Rouge from Sullivan Rd. to S.JCT. LA 64. One lane may be closed through Friday night, May 6. These closures will be allowed from 7:00 pm to 5:30 am the following day while crews work on box culvert extensions and related work. One lane will remain open to traffic at all times. The lane closures began this past Monday. One lane may also be closed on Saturday, May 7th from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm while crews work on box culvert extensions and related work. One lane will remain open to traffic at all times. This lane closure has no vehicle restrictions and no detour is necessary. This lane closure is subject to change depending on adverse weather conditions. DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Possible Lane Closures on LA 37 Tonight through Saturday

The “Option 2” bid structure provid-ed for one administering contractor and smaller contracts for roadway mainte-nance, grass cutting and drainage main-tenance. Since there were no bids for drainage and roadway maintenance, Op-tion 2 could not be considered. Central’s City Services Contract will be provided by a single contractor. While the pre-liminary bid information is known, sev-eral factors remain to be resolved. One bidder, Central Municipal Services, has disclosed several potential conflicts of interest which will be discussed by the committee in a meeting tonight, Thurs-day, at 8:30 PM at City Hall. Addition-ally, all bids must be evaluated to deter-mine whether they are responsive to the bid request. Barring irregularities, the evaluation process will proceed with all four bidders. Next Wednesday and Thursday at 5 PM

at City Hall the nine member Selection Committee will meet to do its ranking of the bidders, considering all factors to be addressed in the Request for Qualifica-tions and Proposals. Financial stability, insurability, experience, resources and equipment, and other identified areas make up 78% of the evaluation. Each of the bidders submitted a binder of infor-mation in support of their ability to effec-tively meet the demands of the contract. On May 16th & 17th at 5 PM at City Hall the Selection Committee will interview selected bidders and a final recommenda-tion will be made to the Mayor. On May 19th, at the City Council meeting moved from May 24th, the Mayor is expected to inform the City Council as to which com-pany he intends to award the contract, and request that the City Council budget sufficient monies to pay for the provision of Central’s City Services for 2010/2011.

City Services (from page 1)

4 CITY Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

By Dave FreneauxLast Week’s Central City News front page headline reads:

“Watts Tells LoBue: Resign”Fact: This headline is simply NOT TRUE. In his letter the Mayor ASKS (not Tells) Lobue, “I am asking you to graciously resign…” The headline also has led people to believe that Mr. LoBue was asked to resign from his position on the Council, when it actually refers to his chairmanship of a Mayoral committee. An accurate headline could have read:

“Mayor Asks LoBue to Graciously Resign From Committee”Another headline in last week’s Central City News reads:

“LoBue Attacked for Protecting Public’s Right to Know”Fact: The “Attack” apparently referred to is an article in CentralSpeaks.com containing a simple and verifi able list of facts concerning LoBue’s unauthorized release of confi dential records, and the article contains no opinions. The article refl ected negatively on LoBue NOT because he was “Protecting the Public’s Right to Know”, but because it demonstrated that he took an action in direct contradiction to the unanimous vote of the very City Council on which he was elected to serve, and against the advice of the City’s Legal Counsel. A factual headline would have been:“Facts Show LoBue Acts Against Unanimous City Council Decision”Another misrepresenting headline is found again on the front page of last week’s Central City News and reads:

“Mayor Blocks Further Review of Legal Services”Fact: This committee was assembled by the Mayor to gather research for the Mayor’s consideration. The legal issues raised by Mr. LoBue’s release of confi dential records prompted the Mayor to “temporarily suspend the activities of this committee.” The Mayor further stated in a press release to both local newspapers “Once all legal issues are resolved I will likely request this committee to resume its research.” The City Council has the right to study legal services or even to put together a committee to review legal services. The Mayor’s decision does not block further study. A more accurate headline would have read:

“LoBue’s Release of Confi dential RecordsTemporarily Halts Work of Mayor’s Committee”

Distorted Headlines- Just the Facts

From the EBR Sheriff’s Offi ce On April 28, 2011, at approxi-mately 8:00 a.m., East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Offi ce received a call of a white male sitting in a blue Nissan at 16300 Peairs Rd., asleep at the wheel. By the time deputies arrived at that location the driver had appar-ently awakened and driven off. At approximately 8:45 a.m., the vehicle was spotted and stopped by a deputy near the intersection of Hooper and Lovett Rd., and the driv-er, Michael Blalock, W/M, 02/05/83 of 1440 Kennon Dr. Baker, La., was taken into custody. It was learned that Blalock had several pistols on the front seat of his

vehicle. Other items in the car included a hedge trimmer, jewelry, and win-dow screen. In addition, Blalock had his fi ngers taped with electrical tape. Blalock admitted that he had burglarized a residence and had taped his fi ngers to conceal his fi nger prints. The victim of the burglary was notifi ed and identifi ed the stolen property, including the window screen. Blalock was charged with: Careless Operation, No Driver’s License On Person, Aggravated Burglary, Simple Theft, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. Blalock was booked into parish prison.

EBRSO Arrests House Burglar

Central Outdoor Power Sales Burglarized

From the EBR Sheriff's Offi ce On April 16, 2011, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Offi ce responded to a business burglary at 9156 Joor Rd. The Central Outdoor Power Sales had been burglarized and the thieves gained entrance through the front door. Deputies obtained surveillance video from the business and it shows two large males wearing masks pry open the front door, run toward the back of the building, and then run out with eight chainsaws. The total value of the chainsaws is approximately $2667.00. It is hoped because of their large stature that someone will recognize these individuals. Anyone with information regarding these subjects’ whereabouts is asked to contact the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Offi ce at 225-389-5000. Crime Stoppers is also offering a cash reward for anyone with information lead-ing to their arrest. Contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 225-344-STOP.

Getting Rid of Caterpillars- Did You Know?

During late spring and early summer, stinging caterpillars can become a problem, especially in areas with lots of trees. While insecticides are an option for some, one Central resident, Mr. Owen Prestridge, has a different technique. Mix a few tablespoons of liquid detergent into a squirt bottle of water. Then, simply spray the caterpillars with the mixture, and it causes them to dry up. This also works for the non-stinging variety. This is an inexpensive and possibly less toxic option to try out before resorting to insecticides. If you have useful suggestions to share with the community, email them to Beth@CentralSpeaks.com or send us a letter to the address on page 2.

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 5

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By Mia Freneaux Who in Central hasn’t heard of Dr. Michael Romaguera? A long standing Central business owner , Dr. Roma-guera left private practice a few years ago to pursue emergency medicine at Lane Memorial Regional Hospi-tal in Zachary. While at Lane, he met Dr. Bryan Barrett, also an emergency medicine physician. The two formed a camaraderie, which then blossomed into a plan. They decided to bring their emergency expertise to the residents of Central, offering urgent care medicine with a twist. Urgent care facilities exist to cover non-life threatening medical issues that occur outside regular doctors’ offi ce hours. They were developed with the goal of keeping those who do not need emergency treatment out of emergen-cy rooms. Drs. Romaguera and Bar-rett knew that many patients develop symptoms that need medical attention but that primary care physicians might not have time available to meet. Many have phoned their primary care physi-cian only to learn that there are no ap-pointments available that day. Dr. Ro-maguera and Dr. Barrett decided to hold offi ce hours beginning at 9:00 a.m. to cover just those contingencies. They also knew their training and experience in dealing with emergency situations could be brought into play in a unique way. Their clinic, Central Stat Care, offers minor surgery, such as stitching lacerations, and procedures, such as IV intervention in the case of dehydration. They offer EKG and Xray services, and can start initial cardiac treatment. They have the expertise to determine when a situation requires a trip to the hospital and how to stabilize that situation. “We are bringing our experience back into an urgent care setting,” Dr. Barrett said, “offering our patients our ER qualifi ca-tions and ability to recognize the differ-ence between a true emergency and a non-emergency.” Because they know no one schedules a medical need, they are open 7 days a week, until 9:00 p.m. Also unique to Central Stat Care is their relationship to physicians at Lane.

The doctors are working with Dr. Mark Mouton at Lane to ensure that their pa-tients can be admitted there at the clin-ic, instead of going on to the hospital and having to wait in the ER for admis-sion to be processed. They know all the practitioners, surgeons, orthopedists, and cardiologists at the hospital, there-fore they can make arrangements with these physicians for whatever treatment their patients may need. They know the staff at both Our Lady of the Lake Hos-pital and the Baton Rouge General as well. Dr. Barrett stated, “It’s all about service. This is a customer service based industry. We work to limit wait time, getting our patients in to see the doctor, getting them the treatment they need, then getting them out quick.” In keeping with this philosophy, the doc-tors will soon be offering “call ahead” seating, where a patient can call the offi ce and be given a specifi c time to come in to be treated, thus allowing them to stay in bed instead of sit in a waiting room. This is unique to urgent care, which is all walk-in based. Dr. Barrett, a published physician, came here after attending the Mercer School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. He had his residency through the LSU Emergency Residency Program at Earl K. Long and the Baton Rouge General. He is certifi ed in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. He and Dr. Romaguera are dedicated to providing personalized care for their patients. Dr. Barrett’s wife, the former Rachel Armstrong of Central, will be providing support as Offi ce Manager. Both doctors will con-tinue working in the ER at Lane, taking turns to cover the clinic’s hours. “Our goal is to provide the care you want, where you want,” affi rmed Dr. Barrett, “We are striving for an atmosphere of ‘urgent but not rushed’, focusing on the personal aspects of medicine. Our pa-tients are never just a number here.” Central Stat Care is located at 11055 Shoe Creek Drive. Phone 261-4493 for more information. All private insuranc-es welcome. Hours 9-9 Sun-Sat.

6 BUSINESS Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Business Spotlight: Dr. Romaguera & Dr. Barrett Form Central Stat Care

Extra Innings Holds Ribbon Cutting with Chamber of Commerce

Extra Innings Sports Bar & Grill is now open at the corner of Wax and Sullivan (next to Menchie's). Extra Innings had its ribbon cutting on Mon-day with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Extra Innings staff. Congratulations to one of Central's newest businesses!

Photo by Dave Freneaux

Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon This Wednesday

The Central Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly membership meeting and luncheon this Wednesday, March 11th. Doors open at Kris-tenwood at 11:30 AM, and lunch and the meeting begin at noon. Lunch is $10 per person if you intend to eat at the meeting. All Chamber members are invited to these luncheons each month. Door prizes are often a part of these meetings. If your business would be interested in contributing a door prize, call the Chamber of Commerce at 261-5818.

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 SCHOOLS 7

SHOP CENTRAL FIRSTCentral Businesses: $75/Month Up to 5 Lines

ARMY SURPLUS

LAWN CARE

PLUMBING

Sgt Surplus - 261-7600Complete Line of Army Surplus

10030 Sullivan Road(At the entrance to Biltmore)

Tues- Sat: 9 AM-5:30 PM in Central

LawnWorksFull Service Lawn Maintenance

Free EstimatesCall DeWitt at 225-939-2752

DAVE-CO PLUMBINGWe Have Moved!

13366 Hooper RoadAcross from Capital One

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CAR CARE

POOL SERVICE & REPAIRS

Hunt’s Tire & Car CareCentral-Owned by Les & Charlene Hunt10440 Greenwell Springs Road

Between Monterrey & Sherwood272-7404

A-Quality Pool CareWeekly Maintenance, Chemical Service,

Equipment Repairs, Vinyl Liner Replacements, Spring Start-ups, and Chemical Delivery

225-261-6193

COMPUTERS

LAWN CARE

NOTARY

Tim’s ComputersNew & Used Sales, Repairs, Installation, Virus Removal

12221 Greenwell Springs Roadwww.TimPC.com 248-6611

Besse & SonsAffordable Lawncare

Residential/CommercialLicensed & Insured

221-3913 / 448-5569

Hooper Road NotaryCindy L. Hawkins

WE HAVE MOVED! 13366 Hooper Road #A1

993-4298

LAWN CARE

SAND & GRAVEL

Bull’s Lawn CareFull Service Lawn Care

Landscaping & Tractor Work, Iron Fences/Gates.CNC Metal Art. Free Estimates.225-261-4189 225-939-3845

HOME MAINTENANCE

Central’s Shopping Directorywww.ShopinCentral.com

Central’s Website Directorywww.ShopinCentral.com

Shop Central First

General Sand & Gravel Limestone, Gravel, Mason & Fill

Sand, Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Clay, T/S - Tractor Work

VISA 261-3953 M/C

Barry Guilbeau’s Siding& Home Maintenance

Wood Fences, Awnings, Remodeling, Metal Roofing

No Job Too Small - (225) 937-1898

SHOPPING

Central Lawn Pro, LLCLawn Maintenance, New installation or renovation, Landscape, Hardscape

Licensed and Insured413-5028

LAWN CARE

North Point SpaBotox, Juvederm, Massage, Waxing,

Facials & Peels, Laser Hair Removal, Leg and Facial Vein Treatments, Retail Area

Dr. Kyle Dean 261-2225

AIR CONDITIONING

Alpha Air$200 Off

Any Complete System Changeout261-5843 or 658-4811

www.AlphaAirLLC.com

SPA SERVICES

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CLEANING SERVICE

Angel’s Janitorial ServiceI Do It All- Cleaning, Ironing, Washing, etc.

Homes- $60, Offices- $35 & Up25 Yrs Exp, Excellent References

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ALARM SYSTEMS

ACT SecuritySales and Installation

Alarm Systems, Monitoring,Camera Surveillance Systems

225-261-8284

CARPET/ TILE CLEANING

Bayou SteamCarpet, Upholstery,

Tile & Grout CleaningLocally Owned and Operated

225-955-6955

SWIMMING LESSONS30+ Years Experienced Instructor

Group & Private LessonsSpecial Needs Welcomed

262-6234

PUBLIC MEETINGA public meeting to discuss the pro-posed Twin Lake Estates subdivi-sion to be located on the North side of Denham Rd. between White Oak Run Drive and Hidden Creek Drive will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 6 pm at Indian Mound Bap-tist Church, 16755 Liberty Rd. The proposed developement will consist of low density single family resi-dential homes in accordance with the city of Central Master Plan. The owner of the property and his engi-neer will be available to answer any

questions from the public.

COUNSELING

Child & Family CounselingJamie Clark, LCSW

Insurance & Private Pay Available413-3922

Dozer, Excavator, Backhoe & Tractor Work

Drainage House pads Ponds, etc.225 603-5488 or 225 261-8976

DIRT WORK

GARAGE SALEThe Senior Residences of Central is having their second community garage sale this Saturday, May 7th

from 8 AM- 2 PM at 10816 Live Oak Grove Drive,

off Hooper just past Joor.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt here in Central is helping the Central High School Choir Program this week by donating a portion of your purchase price to the program. In order to help, you must mention the Central High Choir Program when you pay for your yogurt. Only purchases made with this mention will benefit CHS Choir & Piano classes. So stop by Menchie’s now through this Sunday to enjoy your frozen yogurt and help the school at the same time. Menchie’s is located at the corner of Sullivan and Wax next to Cane’s.

Benefit CHS Choir Program withA Visit to Menchie’s

CHS Special & GiftedPrograms Present Awards to

Standout Students At the Central High School Academic Awards Ceremony on April 19, many students were honored for their hard work and leadership qualities. The Special Programs department presented awards to students in the follow-ing categories. Congratulations to these students:Most Improved: Matthew FrederickMost Hospitable: Philiss SmithMost Independent: Kierra PalmerMost Easygoing: Kalie WigginsTop Female Reader: Samantha BuecheTop Male Reader: Daniel FurlongMost Generous: Morteryvon Kirk

Most Enthusiastic: Larenzo WindingMost Confident: Lamonta JaneauMost Helpful: Jonathan GrienerMost Energetic: Michael Patten The following gifted students were honored with awards in the following subjects:• Outstanding Gifted Students:

Reagan Frioux & Tanner Stockton• Excellence in Talented Music:

Dyessia Brock & Sarah Rasch• Excellence in Talented Theatre:

Emma Way• Outstanding Talented Visual Art:

Landon Payne & Jewley Smith

Two CHS Students Place at State RallyFrom the Central High School website Congratulations to Morgan Durr and Dillon Carter, who represented the Central High School Spanish Department at State Rally. Morgan won 3rd place in Spanish II, and Dillon took 3rd place Spanish III.

EBR Library Offers End of the Year School Help

Check out the library’s online databases at www.ebrpl.com to find help with school. Resources include things like live homework help from a tutor, “Learning Ex-press,” a research center, an online encyclopedia, a literary reference center, language resources, and more. To log in outside of the li-brary building, you will need your library card number.

The CHS Baseball Team is looking for sponsors for their summer league. Please con-tact Chris Mire at 504-231-8710 if you can help in any way.

8 SERVICE Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Central Student Fundraising for Upcoming 11-Month Mission Trip

Submitted by Lindsey Cook Lindsey Cook, a Central High School graduate, a Political Science se-nior at LSU, and a member of Zoar Baptist Church, has committed to an 11-month mission trip, and she has been working to raise the funds to be able to go. Lindsey will serve in 11 countries: Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, South Afri-ca, Swaziland, Mozambique, Eastern Europe (two countries here, not sure which ones yet), Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. She will be leaving the first week of July 2011 and returning home the last week of May 2012. Lindsey will be doing many and various types of mission work including: orphanage ministry, street evangelism, feeding programs, sports camps, construction projects, and assisting church plants. She can only bring two bags on the trip: a regular backpack as a carry on and a 40lb camping back-pack which must contain almost everything she will need for the 11 month trip. For the majority of the trip, Lindsey will be sleeping outside in a tent, living among the people she will be serving. Lindsey needs to raise a total of $15,500 by July 1st, but she must have at least $3,500 by May 20th, at which time she will be going to the week long training camp to meet her team and prepare for the trip. If you would like to donate, please choose from the options below and send the information to the accompanying address. Remember to include Lindsey's name and the Appeal ID to donate to Lindsey's trip specifically.

World Race ProgramHow would you like to contribute to this mission?

____I will support this ministry in prayer_____I will regularly support this ministry financially with gifts of $__________I will give: (please circle one) monthly quarterly

semi-annually annually _____I am giving a special gift in the amount of $______________

_____I would like to receive your newsletter.Send the above information with your Name, Phone #, Email, Home Ad-

dress, City, State, and Zip Code to the address below. Lindsey Cook Appeal ID: COOKLINDSEY

Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions.Return this information (and check if applicable) to:

Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470.Gifts may be tax deductible; please consult a tax advisor.

Submitted by Dianne Gafford In view of the terrible tornado activity, Alvin Ballard and Robert Gafford are collecting needed items to take up there. Alvin got someone to donate a truck and he and Rob-ert plan to leave Tuesday morning, May 10th, to deliver everything For anyone who wishes to help with this endeavor. Zoar Baptist Church has offered to be a drop-off place and we plan to park the truck at the Gafford residence on Green-well Springs Road (18819 GS RD) near the Cracker Barrel/Shell Sta-

tion (corner of GS Rd and Magnolia Bridge Rd). Essential daily items needed: tooth brushes, toilet paper, tooth-paste, paper towels, bandages, work gloves, Tylenol, pet food, sunscreen, clothes (labeled and sorted by size), contact lens supplies, socks, base-ball hats, canned food (We under-stand that water is being supplied by the Red Cross), matches/BBQ lighters, and ANY DAILY ESSEN-TIAL ITEMS you might think of. DONATIONS for gas would also be appreciated.

Supply Truck Leaving from Zoar Baptist on Tuesday with Donations

for Tornado Victims

Berean Ministries CollectingDonations & Items for Tuscaloosa

From Kenny Kepper, Pastor at Berean Ministries: Regarding the devastating events that took place in Alabama, Berean Minis-tries (6565 Morgan Road) would like to be a designated drop off point for all those in the community who would like to donate items to those in need. We are sure there are many who are involved in these efforts in some way, but we would like to make our facili-ties available to receive any items the community wants to donate. This is a community effort and we are just trying to make it easier and more accessible for the community to be able to give and help. We are willing to take these items ourselves unless we find another dependable and trustworthy source that are better prepared for the task. I would like to have most all of these items in by Wednesday if possible:tarps (in great need of tarps)work gloves

industrial garbage bagsbottled waterGatorade powdernonperishable food itemsclothing and shoes (old or new)soap/shampootooth brush/pastedeodorantdiaperswipesbaby fooddetergenttoilet papersuntan lotionmosquito repellantin need of gasoline for generators but hard to transportplastic cups, plates, forks……and whatever else you can think of. Our community has an opportunity to bless their community. Thank you and God bless. Please call the church at 261-1994 with any questions.

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 SERVICE 9

Visit Don’s Seafood & Steak House in Baton Rouge--home of the ORIGINAL Seafood Platter and where our world famous HUSHPUPPIES are served FREE!

of the ORIGINAL Seafood Platter where our world famous HUSHPUPPIES

Open at10:00 a.m.

Mother’sDay!

Hours: 11am - 9pm Sun-Th; 11am - 10pm Fri-Sat

357-0601

Bring this coupon to Don’s Seafood & Steak House, Baton Rouge to receive this special offer! When you purchase one entrée at regular price, receive up to $10 off a second entrée of equal or lesser value!This offer good Monday through Sunday. This offer is not valid with other offers and specials. This coupon may not be used with Liberty cards or other similar discount offers. Limit 5 coupons per table. Cannot be used with parties larger than 10 people. Specials not valid for private parties. CS

YourNeighborhood Tradition!Don’s...

Offer expires May 31, 2011. Dine-in only, after 4:00 p.m.Must be original coupon-not valid when downloaded from web site.

It’s time for

and—

Fundraiser Today forTornado Victims

From Kenny Kepper, Pastor at Berean Ministries There will be a fundraiser for TUSCALOOSA TORNADO VICTIMS at Oak Point in Central Thursday May 5th. Come by between 2:00 and 6:00. You can either leave a monetary donation or buy items from Oak Point or drop off your own items. You can still bring items by Berean Ministries any time. Our community has an opportunity to bless their community. May God's grace be upon all.

Lions Club Donates to Maddy Watts for Eye Surgery

Submitted by Nolan Babineaux Gwen Babi-neaux, Vice Pres. Of Brownsfi eld Li-ons Club presenting Maddy Watts with a $1,000 check to-wards her eye sur-gery. Maddy has been recuperating from a car accident since October. Any organi-zation or individuals interested in helping Maddy should con-tact Gwen Babineaux at 225/938-9011.

Greenwell Springs Baptist SeeksContributions for Mission Trip to Alabama

Submitted by Dr. Kim Fralick A Greenwell Springs Baptist Church Sunday School class is or-ganizing a mission trip to Alabama Mother's Day weekend. Any dona-tions of money or items is appreciat-ed. Checks can be made payable to Greenwell Springs Baptist Church and items can be dropped off at Joor Road Veterinary Hospital. The mis-sion trip was set up in response to the tornadoes that did very exten-sive damage in Alabama. Any do-nations are very much appreciated.

Items needed:Waterclothinghygiene itemsnon perishable foodfl ip fl opsband aids and other fi rst aidtractsBiblesBooksgas?Water holdersgas cans

Our St. Alphonsus, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, distributed handmade Easter Baskets contain-ing Household Items and Toilet-ries to many of the clients who are served by the pantry. The school children of St. Alphonsus contrib-uted the items. Coordinating was Karen Graves who is a member of the St. Alphonsus, St. Vincent De Paul Conference.

St. Alphonsus St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Distributes Easter

Baskets to Area Homes

Submitted by Captain Glover- Central Fire Department The Louisiana Urban Search and Rescue Task Force #2 (USAR) was called up to assist in the aftermath of the deadly tornados in Alabama. The Central Fire Department has personnel on the USAR team and two of those members were deployed to Alabama. Captain Stephen Branscum and Cap-tain Trip Haynes are responding with the team. In the above photos they are loading gear into their response unit. They are pulling our John Deere Gator that will be used to get into those areas where a vehicle can not travel because of the debris. The Gator has a backboard and First aid supplies in the event someone needs to be transported to a waiting Ambulance.

Central Fire Department Send Personnel & Equipment to Help in Alabama

10 SPORTS Thursday, May 5, 2011CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Central High Senior Athletes Honored at Athletic Convocation

Meagan AlexanderDylan Anders Chelsea AugustineAustin Baroni Michael Hunter BellottAkil BennettKelby Blalock Derek Blough Austin BoudreauxDylan BoudreauxJasper Beau BrumleyDylon Buhler Kelly CaraccioliWyatt Causey Grant ClinkingbeardAmy Coward Mason CrawfordJonathan Tyler DeselleSamuel DoucetHunter Dufour Zachary EdgensPaige EricksonKristen Frank Lara Paige GoinsRyan GonzalesZachary GoodinDewayne William GreyAustin Gueho Baileigh GuercioLoren Gullett James Hammond Taylor Hardin

On Sunday, May 1st, the senior athletes from Central High School were recognized in a special convocation ceremony at Immanuel Baptist Church. Each senior was individually acknowledged, and some received awards honoring their spirit of teamwork or their exceptional athleticism. Central’s ath-letes as a group have proven that they have both talent and determination, and those traits were clear this season in the Wildcat seniors:

Sarah HaysJacob Hector Lea Anne HollierD’Lauren Honore’Jonathan HooperCortlan HutchinsonWilliam JeffersonTaylor Jenkins Taylor JerniganJacob Jones Nicole Kelly Tremelia KellyBrandon KentMorteryvon KirkJared Lafleur Emily Lansing Caleb Leger Jacob Lesage Emily Maddie Dylan Maggio Jarrud Mayes Thomas MayeuxHailee MelanconGarrett MilesCooper Moore Gregg MorrisHayden MoutonKevin MurphyChet MyerTaylor PadgettNathan PetitJenna Pourciau

Catherine PourciauBrock PoydrasGarrett RamsayKay Rawls Austin ReedJohn Mitchell RhodesJames RichardsonWade RotoloConnor RyanMeghan SaiaTrevor SansoneAaron SmithBrittany StarkeyMatthew Thibodeaux Antonio Townsend Tiffany Trahan Tess TranchinaBrandon TurnerLaquin Turner Ryan VickryTyler WalesJoshua WalkerColynn WaltersAustin WattsTyler WattsBlake WelborneLeroy Williams Dylan WilsonAndrew Wolfe Thomas Woodard

Photos by Dave FreneauxList from Coach Fresina

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 SPORTS 11

Senior Athletes Presented with Awards at May 1st Ceremony

FACING PAGE: Top Left: Doc Johnson receives Hall of Fame plaque; Top Right: Female Athlete of the Year Taylor Padgett with Coach Blanchard; Bottom: Gregg Morris presented with Whitney Taylor Scholarship by Paul & Rhonda Taylor. THIS PAGE: L to R, Top to Bottom: Male Athletes of the Year James Richardson & Taylor Jenkins; Kinsley Award Winners Trevor Sansone, Austin Watts, & Meghan Saia; Scholastic Award Winners Tyler Wales & Kay Rawls; I Am Third Award Winners Emily Lansing, Mason Crawford, Cooper Moore, Garrett Ramsay, & Tyler Watts.

12 MOTHERS Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Central Speaks About Our Moms

Central Florist

Order Earlyfor

Mother’sDay

261-6482

13561 Hooper Roadwww.CentralFloristBR.com

Accompanied by huge smiles and hugs from her family, and (on the part of her granddaughter) jumping up and down, Mrs. Beverly Corbett was informed that she has won the Central Speaks About Our Moms Contest! Her daughters Cheri and Cristal wrote in nominating their mom for all she does for so many. Their letters, seen below, speak volumes about what this lady has achieved. Central Speaks would like to congratulate Mrs. Corbett on her well deserved award. We have also printed four more of our favorites on the facing page to celebrate the moms in our city.

I happen to believe that there really angels on Earth. My name is Cristal Corbett Hebert. I am 47 years old and I was raised in Central, attended Central Middle School and graduated from Cen-tral High School in 1981. I had the most awesome upbringing with a wonderful set of parents in a wonderful commu-nity. Since I am entering my letter in the “ Central Speaks About Moms” event, I would particularly like to gear this letter in the direction of my mother, Beverly Corbett. If there ever was perfection in raising children, I think she would be at the top of the list. Both my sister and I continue to reside in Central and have been very successful thanks to the strong example and guidance given to us by my mother. A little over seven years ago my fam-ily was struck with tragedy when my fa-ther broke his neck in a horrible accident which resulted in him becoming a quad-riplegic. It’s hard to explain the mag-nitude of how an accident like this can change every aspect of a family’s life. Although we are fortunate to have him alive with no brain damage, it is quite an adjustment to handle and take care of a man with a huge stature, standing at 6'2 and weighing over 200 pounds. I wish every person who lives in the Central Community could just spend one day at my parents’ home and then everyone would believe there are angels on earth just like I have learned. My fa-ther’s sole care-giver is my mom. I will offer a few examples of what this 70 year old woman does for my father and her family so you might be inclined to have a visit to their home to see for yourself. Without any complaints or ever feeling sorry for herself, this angel, my mother never stops. It takes approximately 2 hours just to get my father cleaned up and dressed to go to any event and they do that on a daily basis because they would surely never miss any activity that

My name is Cheri Corbett Richard, I am 44 years old, a mother of 2, a wife, and a Hos-pice Nurse. I moved to the Central Community near my fifth birthday, and have lived here my entire life. I am a grad-uate of Central High School, 1984, and a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. However, I am not writing you today to tell you about myself but instead to tell you a little bit about my mother, Beverly Cor-bett, and what makes her spe-cial to me. My sister and I grew up in a normal, everyday, “old fash-ioned” Central Community household. Our Mom didn’t work to earn money but instead worked very hard for our fam-ily. We were raised in a home where the most sacred rule was that we sat down together each night for dinner together so that we could share with each other and discuss life lessons and ul-timately be directed to thank God for all that we had. Our life was so “functional” and “predictable” that although I was extremely happy, I never appreciated the value of it all. It seemed to me at times that my problems and difficulties that I encountered along life’s way, which were monumental to me, were somehow minimized in the big scheme of things. I was always taught by both of my parents to believe that every-thing happens for a reason, and the best I could do for myself and my family would be to ac-cept God’s will and be thankful for all of my many blessings. Back then, I tried my very best to do as I was told, but I must admit there were times when I thought to myself, “That’s easy for both of you to say, because both of you already have ev-erything figured out and life is easy for you now.”

their children or grandchildren might be in-volved in such as dance recitals, baseball games, gymnastics meets, and such. My mother never really gets a full nights sleep because she has to turn my father from side to side every two hours during the night so his skin won’t break down from pressure sores. And still she wakes up with a smile on her face, talks to both her daughters on the phone as we like to check on her and Daddy to make sure all is going OK and then she is off to take care of my father. Af-ter all those things are done, she , of course, has to get meals taken care of and do any yard work and housecleaning that might be necessary. Please let me remind you of the beautiful smile which she carries around while she accomplishes all these duties in a day’s time. You really have to see it to believe it. The tragedy has turned itself into a blessing because of the amazing example of love that my mother gives everyday. It has changed the lives of every member of her family. Every time I get down or begin to feel sorry for myself, all I have to do is go spend a few hours with my mom and dad. No words of advice need to be given because it is hum-bling to watch her in action. I have to re-mind myself everyday that she is now 70 years old but is always the first one on the basketball court at the family gatherings. Her faith in God is unshakable even after being dealt the hand of cards she was dealt. My father had just retired when he had his accident which shattered their plans of finally being able to travel after raising their children. Yet, she still smiles and is just so thankful to have her husband alive and two healthy children with healthy families. It amazes me and I pray that I can only be half the person she is. I believe a mother’s role is to love, nurture, and constantly teach their children. Every day spent with my mom is a lesson learned still at the age of 47. Her personality and smile are contagious and her determination to handle all the aspects of taking care of my father on her own, (yes, I just said on her own) is the greatest example of motherhood I have ever witnessed in my time on this earth. I just happen to be the lucky daughter of such an incredible woman. There really is an angel living in Central. You should check it out.

-Cristal Corbett Hebert about her mom, Beverly Corbett

Then, a little more than seven years ago, my Dad was in a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Initially, my entire family was shocked and driven strictly towards fighting to save his life. After nearly six months of being in the hospital, my Dad was finally released back home. Since this tragic day, No-vember 11, 2003 my Mother, has proven that she truly lives by ev-ery spoken word that she so freely shared with my sister and I each night at dinner. It would require a ten page let-ter for me to explain each and ev-ery thing my Mom does on a daily basis as the sole caretaker of my Dad, to manage her household, and to be an active mother to her grown daughters and an involved grandmother to her grandchildren. If I attempted to write it all down, you probably would not have the time to read it, and I would surely leave many of her responsibilities out. But I can assure you that it is extremely difficult and truly mon-umental. But the reason my Mother is so special to me is because I now see that she never intended for me to walk the way in which she point-ed but instead to walk the way in which she walks. She fully under-stands the concept of uncondition-al love. And finally, she not only accepts God’s Will but embraces it all, with strength, courage, dignity, and appreciation. She is my hero, an amazing Christian Warrior. If I can be only a fraction of the person she is, I will have accomplished more than I ever dreamed I would. -Cheri Corbett Richard about her

mom, Berverly Corbett

Cristal Corbett Hebert (left) and Cheri Corbett Richard (right) with their mom,Mrs. Beverly Corbett

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 MOTHERS 13

Central Speaks About Our Moms

My mom is the best! I’m sure you’ve heard people say that before, but it’s completely true about my mother. She’s compassionate, caring, smart, inspiring, faithful, and strong. As I type this, my six month old son is in my lap reaching for the keys, kicking his legs, and smiling at the computer screen. Now that I’m a mother, I realize just how exceptional my mother is. She fed, bathed, and clothed me. She nursed me through run of the mill child-hood viruses and illness, and counseled me through high school break-ups and melt-downs. My mom worked two jobs and still made time to be at all of the special events for my siblings and me. She stood by me through college, mar-riage, a miscarriage, and the births of my two sons. She always seems to know exactly what to say and do to support me and my family. My mother is not only an exceptional mother; she is an exceptional person. She’s selfl ess and giving. She is hysterically funny and is always smiling. She is loyal. She single handedly keeps Dr. Pepper in business. My mom is an excel-lent teacher—she even received teacher of the year at Central Middle School last year—not to mention that she teaches the largest ladies’ bible study at our church. She tutors at the Seller’s Maternity Home. My mom is an incredible wife. She’s been married to my dad for 33 years. She is an amazing caretaker of her older brother, Charlie Boy. Charlie is mentally retarded. My mom took him in when their mother passed away, and does everything in her power to give him a great life. He is the biggest fan of Central sports, so my mom completely redecorated his room in maroon and white, complete with autographed basket-balls and footballs of Central High School teams and pictures of Charlie and his favorite Central High School players—the McClure brothers. And on fall Friday nights at Wildcat stadium, you can fi nd her and Charlie by on the sidelines cheer-ing on the cats. No one can love like my mother. It’s hard to put into words what a wonderful person she is. I know these short paragraphs can’t do her justice. She is incredible in so many ways and I hope that I am half the mother to my boys that she is to me. Thanks, Mom, for your unwavering love and support.

-Jamie Long Estess about her mom, Lynette Long

Here are just few reasons why my mom not only rocks, but deserves a Mother’s Day make-over. For starters, she has made both my brother and I the luckiest kids in the world by just being our mom. She has an amazing spirit and attitude about her that are both indescribable and incredible. She is possibly the strongest, most courageous woman I know. Here is why. On July 4, 2010, my father, JB Smith, passed away of a sudden massive heart attack at their home. This was her husband of what would have been 35 years this past February. We were all devastated, naturally. After my father’s death, my mom faced several decisions with her future, one being leaving their home in which they resided. Deciding that was the best op-tion at the time, she left her home to move back to Central with her mother. This was not an attractive option for her, but it suited and she did what she had to do. In September of 2010, a month and a half after my father passed away, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Within a week of being diagnosed, they performed two major surgeries on her, one being the re-moval of her left breast. After reviewing all of her biopsies and tests, they made the decision to start her on chemotherapy. She began her fi rst round of chemo at the end of November. Of course, she lost her hair and suffered the usual side effects from the treatment. Currently, she is still receiving one dose of chemo every week and has about a year left until she fi nishes. She still holds a full time job and a huge smile on her face, throughout all of the chaos. When my mother was fi rst diagnosed with cancer, I was honestly begin-ning to prepare myself to bury yet another parent. I didn’t think she had it in her to fi ght this with my dad being gone. It just seemed like too much to take on. To my amazement, she proved me wrong in so many ways. Not only is my mom a fi ghter, but she is my hero. She has shown me a new defi nition to the words “strength” and “faith”. She is an inspiration to ev-eryone who knows her. She is truly one special lady.

-Kristi Smith about her mom, Linda Smith

Our winning mom, Mrs. Beverly Corbett, has won a prize package from several Central businesses, including:• A Wine Accessories Gift Basket from Central Florist• A Gift Certifi cate for Baked Goods or Menu Items from Sweet

Impressions Bakery & Cafe• A 30 Minute Massage from All About You Massage, LLC• A Gift Card for Jewelry, Clothing, or Accessories from Laura’s Fine

Jewelry & Ladies’ Boutique• A Gift Card for Clothing or Accessories from Claire Marie’s• A Gift Certifi cate and Gift from Uniquely Yours Fine Gifts• A Spa Services Package from Planet Beach Contempo Spa• A Photography Session from Expressions PhotographyThis prize package is valued at over $300.Thank you to the above businesses for donating these wonderful gifts for a very special mom!

hi my name is nicholas morgan i go to belling grath hills elermentery i love my mom becaus she plays with me i love my mom cause she buys me things i love her cause she is nice i love her cause she lets me play with friends. i love her cause she is ausume i love her cause shes cool ilove her cause she lets me sleep in her bed i love her cause she is the best i love her cause she goes camping with me i love her cause she lets me eat candy befor dinner i love her cause she lets me skip baths this is all the reasons i think my mom is cool i hope my mommy can win this her bday is april 26 2 days before myne ill be seven

-Nicholas Morgan about his mom

Webster's Dictionary defi nes a mother as, "Verb-Bring up (a child) with care and affection: "the art of mothering." Noun: A woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth. This defi -nition does not even begin to explain the quality and characteristics of my mother. As a child, I was blessed to have a mother who stayed at home & was able to participate in all my activities. She instilled in me great values & morals that I have always remembered and live my life by daily. I rely on my mother for guidance & decisions, often times too much. She is truly my best friend. This past year, I lost my husband at the age of twenty six. If it was not for my mother & her willingness to support me & go out of her way everyday, I feel I would have not been able to deal with the situ-ation as I have. I am a full time graduate student & work full time. She has been there to run any errand I ask of her and make sure ev-erything is taken care of for me. I rely on her and she has always put myself & my sister fi rst. She means everything to me. She has given up so much of her time & life so that my sister and myself could have one of the best.

- Holly Wellman Travis about her mom, Deborah Wellman

14 COMMUNITY Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

ORTHODONTISTSOur new office in Central is NOW OPEN!

CALL TODAY FOR ACOMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION!

(225) 769-1276 14465 Wax Road, Suite B Central, LA 70818www.ShermanBalhoff.com

Car Wash Saturday for Legworks Dancers

Submitted by Brockwell Bone Dancers from Legworks by Terri will be holding a FREE CAR WASH on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Central Office Park located at 12628 Hooper Road, ½ mile east of Joor, starting at 9 am. (Donations Appreciated) These dancers are raising funds for their trip to dance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in November 2011. The group will be attending Spirit of America Production Workshops during the week and performing in the Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving Day.

Benefit May 14 for Quiett FamilySubmitted by Deputy Dana Akins The EBR Sheriff's Office Depu-ties at the Central Substation have planned a pastalaya dinner to ben-efit EBRSO Deputy Lt. Crystall Quiett and her husband, former EBRSO Deputy Greg Quiett. The dinner will be held next Saturday, May 14 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Blackie's (10010 Sullivan Road). The community is invited to this event. The cost is $6 per plate for pastalaya.

Submitted by the CCA On May 17th, Central Commu-nity Alliance will sponsor an expo for groups providing activities for school age children and youth. We hope to include area church func-tions, summer camps, Parish library activities and team sports opportuni-ties. This will take place at 7:00 pm in the DEMCO Meeting Room, 16262 Wax Road, in Central. The doors will open at 6:30 for set up. If your organization has such an activity to offer, we invite you to participate. You will be provided

roughly 4’X4’of table area for dis-play. You will have 3-5 minutes to make an oral presentation to those attending. The majority of the pro-gram will allow parents and children to visit displays, acquire information and register for these events. CCA is eager to promote these op-portunities in our community. While there is no fee for you to participate in this expo, you must register by May 10th for space and to be in-cluded in promotions. Contact Vicki Carney, 261-8824 or email vickih-carney@yahoo.com. Use “Summer fun in Central” in the subject line.

Organizations Hosting Summer Activities Are Invited to Speak at

CCA Forum May 17Congratulations to Wayne Leader, who was present-ed last month with the Stainless Steel Bean Award at the 21st Annual “What’s Good in Baton Rouge” Spring Luncheon! Mr. Leader was recognized for being an LSU super fan. He has not missed an LSU

game, home or away, for 35 years!

St Alphonsus Festival of Two Rivers will be held Friday May 13 through Sunday May 15. The weekend will feature Food, Games, Rides, Performances, a Progressive Auction, and Live Music. Armbands and Passports for Rides are available. The deadline for advanced purchase at a discount is May 6. The Event Schedule is: Friday 5-11, featuring the band "Run, Jane, Run" at 7:00; Saturday 11-10, featuring the "Rock-It Sound Company" Band at 7:00; and Sunday 11-5, featuring "Mark Klein and the Last Sensations" at 1:00 and "Timmy Magee, Michael Rayburn and Co." at 3:30. Come out and enjoy a fun family time and help support one of Central's great schools!

Submitted by Zoar Baptist Church The 9th Annual Zoar Car & Bike Show is happening this Saturday, May 7th at Zoar Baptist Church (corner of Hooper & Joor Road). This event is sponsored by the Zoar Men’s Ministry. The show is open to all classes. Pre-register your vehicle at the discounted rate of $15 per entry in advance. The fee includes lunch. You may also register your vehicle on the day of the show for $20, which also in-cludes lunch. Registration on the day of the show will be from 8:30

AM to 10:30 AM only. Judging will take place at 12 noon. There will be trophies and awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in all classes and categories. The community is invited to come check out the vehicles and to enjoy the free food and fellowship. Admission to the show is also free. Door prizes will be given out dur-ing the event. Please do not bring any alcohol on the premises. For more information or to pre-register your vehicle, contact the church office at 261-3434.

Zoar Car Show This Saturday, May 7th

St. Alphonsus Festival of Two Rivers Next Weekend

CHS Class of 1966Gathering May 28

Submitted by Gail Ourso Sanders

Central High School Class of 1966 GatheringSammy's Grill on Wax Road

May 28, 20116:00 PM until ?

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, May 5, 2011 PUZZLES 15

Submitted by Carie Ann Tisdale Carie Ann Tisdale and Brett Wyndell Whittington will marry Sat-urday, May 21, 2011, at the Fraternal Order of Police Wedding and Reception Hall in Baton Rouge, LA. The bride-elect is the daughter of Butch and Sandy Tisdale of Walker. She is the granddaughter of Felice Tisdale of Baker, Bill and Pearl Crowell of Central, and Milton and Bonnie Davis of Baton Rouge. Carie is a graduate of Starkey Academy and Medical Train-ing College. Her fi ance' is the son of Gary and Vicki Whittington of Central. He is the grandson of Claire Landry of Opelousas and A.J. and Na-dine Landry of Ringgold. Brett is a graduate of Redemptorist High School. He is employed with SGS Petroleum Services.

Carie Ann Tisdale to Marry Brett Wyndell Whittington May 21

Submitted by Amy Gallant Amy Elizabeth Phillips of Central and Michael Brandon Gallant of Denham Springs were married in a sunset cer-emony April 2nd in Pensacola Beach, Florida. The bride is the daughter of Glenda and Mike Phillips of Central, and Julie and Wade Templet of Gonzales. Amy Is the granddaughter of Gloria and Pat Phillips of Baton Rouge, Alice Bennett of Denham Springs and the late Joel Bennett, Marilyn and A.C. Adams of Baton Rouge. Her great grandmother is Jessie Dreher of Baton Rouge. The bride graduated from Redemp-torist High School in Baton Rouge and attended Southeastern University in Hammond. Amy is an underwriting assistant with a locally owned workers comp. company. The bridegroom is the son of Pam and Donovan Grettner of Denham Springs, and Mark Gallant of Baton Rouge. The

groom graduated from Northdale High School in Baton Rouge and is a fl eet administrator for Hollywood Trucks, LLC. The bride wore an ivory satin, strap-less, A-line gown with a chapel train. The dress had a semi sweetheart neck-line, side ruching detail and was adorned with rhinestones, crystal beading, pearls and sequins on the bodice. She carried a bouquet of calla lilies and stephanotis wrapped with ivory satin streamers. The bride was given in marriage by her father Mike Phillips. She was at-tended by her Matron of honor, Kimber-ly A. Jurey. The bridegroom’s best man was Rusty Chenevert. The couple’s children, Mecaliah, Bailey, and Jordyn Gallant, and Madyson Phillips were also members of the wedding party. A reception followed the ceremony at a beach house over-looking the Gulf. Following their wedding trip to Tennes-see, the couple plan to reside in Central.

Amy Elizabeth Phillips & Michael Brandon Gallant Wed in Pensacola Beach

Submitted by Mike Case Alan and Jaime Case along with big sisters Kelsey and Haley welcomed Berkley Faith to the family on March 28th, 2011 at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. The proud Grandparents are Mike and Judy Case of Central and Sylvia Hahn and the late Dick Hahn of Baton Rouge.

Alan & Jaime Case Welcome Daughter Berkley Faith

16 ANNOUNCEMENTS Thursday, May 5, 2011 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition