what now magazine | december 2014

1WHATNOWMAG.com

DECEMBER 2014

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

WHAT NOW? MEET BOB FAULK 21

CHRISTMAS ATTHE LIBRARY 11

HOLIDAY GIFTGUIDE 22

A CHILD ISBORN 24

2 WHAT NOW | December 2014

3WHATNOWMAG.com


May you have a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks to all of you who continue to help us grow each and every day and we look forward to growing more each year. Don’t forget to send us your photos for Flashback of your Christmas lights, decorations, and family times this month! What better way to wish your community a happy new year and seasons greetings then submitting a family photo to us for publication. You can email them to [email protected].

Enjoy the month and see you in 2015!

What a year it’s been! Between plays and festivals and fundraisers, we’ve been privileged to celebrate another year of sharing local events with our readers.

We’ve seen some new sections added to the publication. We’ve seen some changes in look as well as feel. We are determined to give you guys the ultimate What Now experience.

In this issue, we’ve decided to focus on two favorite holidays - Christmas and New Year’s Eve. You’ll find features and events around the area that will be visited by Santa and Ms. Claus as well as other holiday characters. You’ll also see that there are opportunities locally to celebrate champagne toasts and dancing the night away on December 31st. Our area has so much to offer, so take advantage of what’s in your own backyard!

EDITOR’S NOTEGoodbye to 2014

Ben Jones Jr, Editor @sirbenjaminjr

PUBLISHERS/EDITORSBen Jones Jr

Cody J. Blanchard

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSMegan Ledet

Celeste Roberts

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTSGinger Gaubert, Todd Kennedy,

Niki Landry, Jeffery Markel, Jsmine Richard, Scott Silverii,

Kate Theriot, Katherine Toups,

Laura Valenti

MARKETING AMBASSADORKara Domangue

985.209.4933

[email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHYJuliana Pennison, Brian Waitz

DECEMBER 2014VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 12

Copyright © 2014 by Fathom Media, LLC.All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part withoutpermission is strictly prohibited.

BUSINESS ADDRESSFathom Media, LLC

P.O. Box 5702 | 1214 Canal BoulevardThibodaux, LA 70302

What Now Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Information in this publication is gathered from sources con-sidered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

The opinions expressed in What Now Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Fathom Media, our employees or any of our advertisers.

5WHATNOWMAG.com


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The Lafourche Parish Libraries host Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the month

CHRISTMAS AT THE LIBRARY11

FEATURES

BY BEN JONES JR

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE COVERBob Faulk, Larose native, business owner, community supporter, and well-known Santa.

Juliana Pennison

Shop local for the holidays with these great gift ideas for men and women

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE22

St. Bernadette School puts on a Live Nativity production for Christmas

A CHILD IS BORN24

BY CELESTE ROBERTS

The Nicholls Alumni Federation toasts a new year with the Nicholls NYE Bash 2014

RAISE YOUR GLASS26

BY BEN JONES JR

A look at your submitted photos from November.

FLASHBACK9

Highlights of upcoming events in December.SNIPPETS14

Check out the events going on this month.DECEMBER CALENDAR18

Take a look at our top picks this month!STAYING IN20

Solve the puzzles to win a $50 Visa gift card sponsored by Synergy Bank.

WHAT SAYING?39

A look at upcoming events for JanuaryFLASHFORWARD42

What Now? Meet Bob FaulkJINGLE ALL THE WAY21BY MEGAN LEDET

7WHATNOWMAG.com7 WHAT NOW | October 2014

Complete HOLIDAY DINNERS from ROUSES

10-12LB.* TURKEY DINNERServes 6

2lbs. Cornbread Dressing2lbs. Dirty Rice1lb. Green Peas

1lb. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1 Pint Gravy1 Pint Cranberry Relish

Dinner Rolls, DozenApple or Pumpkin Pie

Turkey Only $26.99

$5999

6-8LB.* bone-in TURKEY BreastServes 4





Bone-In Turkey Breast Only $19.99

$5999

10-12lb.* cure 81 spiral hamServes 6





Ham Only $28.99

$6499

*Weight before cooking. All items served cold in ready to heat containers. All dinners are sold as “Heat & Eat” and food will not be hot when picked up from store. Dinners take 1-2 hours to reheat. Instructions included with dinners.

Side Dishes & sauces Just Heat & Serve

LOOK FOR IN OUR DELI• Cornbread Dressing• Spinach & Cornbread Dressing• Shrimp & Mirliton Dressing• Seafood & Eggplant Dressing• Oyster Bienville Dressing• Dirty Rice• Mashed Sweet Potatoes• Sweet Peas• Mashed Potatoes• Gravy• Cranberry Sauce

Stay in Touch with Rouses • @RousesMarkets • facebook.com/rousesmarkets • www.rouses.com


COLUMNS

1WHATNOWMAG.com

DECEMBER 2014

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

WHAT NOW? MEET BOB FAULK 21

CHRISTMAS ATTHE LIBRARY 11

HOLIDAY GIFTGUIDE 22

A CHILD ISBORN 24

View this month’s issue online atwww.WHATNOWMAG.com

Mixing Up Some Christmas SpiritsBOTTOMS UP30BY JEFFERY MARKEL

Body Cams and PrivacyDUTY CALLS31BY CHIEF SCOTT SILVERII, PH.D.

Getting back on the right track…HEALTH & WELLNESS32BY KATHERINE TOUPS

An Inspired SpaceHOUSE TO HOME33BY NIKI LANDRY

Joyeux Noël (2005)LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!34BY TODD KENNEDY, PH.D.

Christmas in the CityONE TANK TRIP35BY GINGER GAUBERT

Holiday Celebrations with a PurposeUP IN YOUR BUSINESS36BY LAURA VALENTI

History of the Future by Glory O’BrienTHE PAGE TURNER37BY BRIGID LABORIE

Peace on Earth!YOU’RE WORTH IT38BY KATE THERIOT

9WHATNOWMAG.com

The cast of The Man Who Came to Dinner for this season’s productions for the Thibodaux Playhouse.

A THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER

PHOTOS

Dr. Bruce Murphy, President of Nicholls State Univeristy, is seen with students from MAX Charter School who participated in the Verterans Day ceremony at Nicholls.

B VETERANS DAY

Gilberto Burbante, Veterans Services Coordinator/Veteran and Thibodaux High JROTC during the Pledge of Allegiance at the Veterans Day Assembly at Nicholls State University.

C PRESENTATION OF COLORS

Upon completing his second tour of MAX Charter School, a school for dyslexia located on the Nicholls State University Campus in Thibodaux, Congressman Bill Cassidy and two members of his staff gather for a pic-ture. Dr. Cassidy’s visit commemo-rated Dyslexia Awareness Month and Red Ribbon Week. From left to right are Lindsay Bembenek, Kaitlin Torke, Cassidy, and MAX Director Ms. Linda Musson.

D CONGRESSMAN VISITS

Sigma Alph Epsilon helds its annual Chili Bowl to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Event goers are seen here participating in a tricky golf challenge.

E GOLF GAMES

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS

[email protected]

B

D

C E

FLASHBACK November 2014

A


Students of Junior and Senior clas-sification at Nicholls State Univer-sity were awarded the Who’s Who Among Students in American Uni-versities and Colleges award.

F NICHOLLS WHO’S WHO

PHOTOS

David and Rebecca Gravois pose for a photo at Nicholls State University’s Homecoming game.

G HOMECOMING

Toni and Granny Marcia celebrate Toni’s 6th birthday at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum.

H HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Dr. Jones and his staff walked the red carpet at their Ladies Night Extravaganza

I JONES DERMATOLOGY

F

G H

FLASHBACK November 2014

I

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS

[email protected]

11WHATNOWMAG.com

Libraries are a great place to escape the every day reality. Walking down the quiet aisles and

skimming past pages of adventure, love, horror, and every topic imaginable, libraries hold a treasure of knowledge and power for the human mind. Whatever you need, you can find it past the front desk and through the jungle of towering shelves and books. For the month of December, however, Lafourche Parish Libraries will offer a different type of escape. They will be celebrating the magic

CHRISTMAS AT THE LIBRARYThe Lafourche Parish Libraries host Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the month

WRITTEN BY BEN JONES JR

of Christmas and the holidays with their numerous holiday events for children and believers with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s little helpers.

Deck the Halls“Christmas at the Library usually has lots of events

for the holidays,” said Trinna Griffin, Youth Services Coordinator. “Events typically include visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, themed story times, movies, and much more. As the Youth Services Coordinator,


I deal with the costumes, story times, and other events for children with the help of the youth services staff.”

The events are open to children of all ages with different events at library branches throughout the parish. “Christmas at the Library is about providing safe, family fun in a comfortable environment,” said Griffin. “It’s free to the public and we decorate with holiday themes. Refreshments and activities for all ages are planned and there are opportunities for photographs. People can bring cameras to take pictures with Santa.”

Visiting from Up NorthSo where will Santa and Mrs. Claus be throughout the month?

Here is a schedule of all of his stops before heading back to the North Pole to get his presents ready for delivery on Christmas Eve.

Choctaw Branch | Thursday, December 18 at 5:00 PMMrs. Clause will visit with the boys and girls with a story. Children will also make a Christmas craft and enjoy treats. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Bayou Blue | Monday, December 15 at 10:30 AMMrs. Claus story time will include pictures with the First Lady of Christmas, herself.

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Holiday Cheer“Seeing the children’s faces when they see Santa and Mrs. Claus

makes it all worthwhile,” said Griffin. “Our staff puts on makeup and costumes and we even have Christmas elves! These events are family-friendly and free. They will focus on fun and festive themes so that all ages can enjoy some happy moments together. People can be entertained, learn something new, and have memorable moments!”

What Now?For more information about these events and library events

throughout the year, you can call your local branch or visit www.lafourche.org for a calendar of events. So grab the kids, escape to the world of books, and don’t forget to bring your cookies and milk for Santa and Mrs. Claus! WN

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Golden Meadow | Thursday, December 11 from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Take a free picture with Santa.

Larose | Thursday, December 18 at 11:00 AMMrs. Claus will visit during the children’s story time. Parents and grandparents can bring cameras for taking a photo of their child with Mrs. Claus.

Lockport | Thursday, December 4 at 10:30 AMStory time with Mrs. Claus.

Raceland | Thursday, December 18 at 4:00 PMPlease join us as Santa and his helpers visit the Raceland Library for story time and a craft. Refreshments will be served. Don’t forget to bring your camera for photos!

South Lafourche | Thursday, December 11 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMStop by for pictures with Santa at the South Lafourche Library.

Thibodaux | Monday, December 22 at 5:00 PChristmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus: Families are invited to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A craft will be offered for children and refreshments will be served.


SNIPPETS December 2014 Events

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Synergy Bank will be bringing back it’s famous Winter Wonderland for Christmas this year on Friday, December 5 from 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM in conjunction with the Houma Christmas Parade in downtown Houma.

“We are very excited to bring this event to downtown Houma during the Christmas parade,” said Katie Portier with Synergy Bank Marketing. “It will be a fun night filled with Christmas cheer! We love seeing the children’s smiles as they play in the snow. Many of them have never seen snow in South Louisiana before, so it’s fun to see their excitement and joy.”

Friday, December 5 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PMSYNERGY BANK WINTER WONDERLANDFRI

5TH DOWNTOWN HOUMA

At Synergy Bank Winter Wonderland, kids will have the chance to play in a real snow pile (30 tons of real snow), as well as witness magical falling snow in downtown Houma. “The snow pile will be open from 5:30 – 9:00 PM and the magical falling snow will start after Santa Claus lights the Christmas tree (this happens at the end of the parade),” said Portier.

Synergy Bank Winter Wonderland, along with the TPCG’s Houma Christmas Parade, is a great family outing that everyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season! All activities by Synergy Bank are free to attend.

“While our Winter Wonderland event will be a little different this year, we feel that having it in conjunction with the Christmas Parade will be a better fit,” said Portier. “We wanted to bring a true Winter Wonderland to the kids of our area, so we put our focus on bringing more snow to play in (30 tons as opposed to 10 tons last year) and the magical falling snow will be the perfect end to the night.”

For more information on this event and more on Synergy Bank visit www.banksynergy.com. WN

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Thibodaux Service League is proud to take you on a visit to Santa’s Land. “This is a great Christmas event coordinated by the members of the Thibodaux Service League and sponsored by many local businesses,” said Ashley Becnel, chairperson for the event and member of the Thibodaux Service League. “It is an opportunity to take pictures with Santa, read stories with Ms. Claus, make several holiday crafts, play games, and play in SNOW! Local vendors will have booths set up for holiday shopping as well. Refreshments will also be served.”

The event will take place on Saturday,

Saturday, December 6 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PMA VISIT TO SANTA’S LANDSAT

6TH NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY BALLROOM, THIBODAUX

December 6th at the Nicholls State University Ballroom. A morning VIP session will be held from 8:00 AM until 9:00 AM followed by a morning general session from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM. The afternoon VIP session will begin at 12:30 PM and end at 1:30 PM followed by an afternoon general session from 1:30 PM until 4:00 PM to end the visit to Santa’s Land.

“I am looking forward to seeing the children’s faces as they sit on Santa’s lap, or as they play in the snow,” said Becnel. “I am also looking forward to helping all of the local charities in our area. This is a

wonderful way to support the community. The proceeds go to many local charities as well as the toy drive.”

The cost to attend Santa’s Land is $20 per person for VIP Sessions, and $12 per person for Afternoon Sessions. For more information about this event as well as the Thibodaux Service League visit www.thibodauxserviceleague.com. Tickets can also be purchased at LaHaye Orthodontics or Lynn’s Little Feet. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

We hope to see everyone at Santa’s Land ready to have a good time! WN


Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, and you! That’s right, the 4th Annual Reindeer Run benefitting Girls on the Run Bayou Region will be held Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM.

“We are always excited for the Reindeer Run!” Said Laura Ramirez, Council Director of Girls on the Run Bayou Region. “It’s a fun-filled 5K with a holiday theme. It is the culmination of our fall season of Girls on the Run.”

Each year the highlight of the season is watching each girl ranging grades 3rd-8th cross the finish line. These girls have been training since September to run a 5K, for

Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM4TH ANNUAL REINDEER RUN BENEFITTING GIRLS ON THE RUN BAYOU REGIONSUN

7TH DOWNTOWN THIBODAUX

most of them it is their first 5K. “The smiles as they cross the finish line and realize they have reached their goal, are priceless!” Said Ramirez.

This race is one of a kind in the Houma/Thibodaux area. In no other 5K will you experience the joy of watching each participant reach their goal and a great way to kick off the holiday season! They will have holiday-themed activities for the kids and delicious food for all participants. Each participant will receive an official Reindeer Run medal.

The cost of participating in this event is $25 per person. This is a non-competitive

event for all ages and skill levels. “It’s great for the entire family – dads, brothers, moms, and sisters are invited to experience the joy!” Said Ramirez. “The event will be timed but results will not be posted nor will awards be given. Everyone that crosses the finish line is a winner!”

For more information on The 4th Annual Reindeer Run benefitting Girls on the Run Bayou Region visit our website at girlsontherunht.org. Put on those running shoes and get ready to prance towards the finish line! WN

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Santa Claus is comin’ to town! On December 9th, 10th, and 11th from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Santa will be hanging around Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse in Houma.

“We are so excited to have Santa and his helpers visiting Pinocchio’s,” said LaLa Smith, Event Coordinator. “Children get to visit and take photos with him, make art projects, and visit with other characters while dining at the pizza playhouse.”

Dinner with Santa Claus includes 2 slices of pizza, a drink, and a souvenir for each child. Each child that visits will receive a personalized letter from Santa as well. “We look forward to delighting children with the magic of Christmas and visiting with Santa and his helpers,” said Smith. “Space is limited, so make sure you book your reservations in advance!”

Where else could you enjoy dinner

December 9, 10, 11 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMDINNER WITH SANTATUES

9TH PINOCCHIO’S PIZZA PLAYHOUSE, HOUMA

with Santa Claus? Dinner with Santa is an opportunity to visit one on one with Santa, enjoy activities, and fun! The cost to attend the event is $9.99 per child.

For more information or to book your reservation call Pinocchio’s at 580-2000 or visit them online at pinnocchiospizzaplayhouse.com. WN

MORE EVENT INFO ATwww.whatnowmag.com /WHATNOWMAG @WHATNOWMAG @WHATNOWMAG


WEEK 1 (DEC 1-7)

Nicholls State University Ballroom

“THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS” BY NICHOLLS CHAMBER SINGERS2TUES, DEC 2 | 7:00 PM

Downtown ThibodauxTHIBODAUX CHRISTMAS FEST7SUN, DEC 7 | 5:00 PM


CALENDAR December Events at a glance

Southdown Plantation, Houma

4TH ANNUAL REINDEER RUN BENEFITTING GIRLS ON THE RUN7SUN, DEC 7 | 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

South Lafourche Library, Cut OffPICTURES WITH SANTA11THURS, DEC 11 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Golden Meadow LibraryPICTURES WITH SANTA11THURS, DEC 11 | 11:00 AM

346 Civic Center Blvd, Houma

MULBERRY ELEMENTARYCHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA18THURS, DEC 18 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Larose LibraryMRS. CLAUS STORY TIME18THURS, DEC 18 | 11:00 AM

WEEK 3 (DEC 15 - 21)

Thibodaux Library

CHRISTMAS PARTY WITHSANTA AND MRS. CLAUS22MON, DEC 22 | 5:00 PM

WEEK 4 (DEC 22 - 31)

Downtown Houma

ONCE UPON A CAJUNCHRISTMAS PARADE5FRI, DEC 5 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

630 Belanger Street, Houma

RUDOLPH’S ROUTE AND CHRISTMAS SHOW AND SALE1MON, DEC 1 - TUES, DEC 23 | 10 AM - 4 PM

Evolution Training, Houma

FREE WOMEN’S GUERRILLA JIU-JITSU22MON, DEC 22 | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!

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Lockport Library, LockportSTORY TIME WITH MRS. CLAUS4THURS, DEC 4 | 10:30 AM

The Bayou Playhouse, LockportA CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS5FRI, DEC 5 - SUN, DEC 7FRI & SAT - 8 PM | SUN - 2:30 PM

4THURS, DEC 4 | 5:30 PM - 10:30 PMThe Dansereau House, ThibodauxLIVE MUSIC AT THE DRINKERY

Vanderbilt Catholic High School, HoumaBREAKFAST WITH SANTA6SAT, DEC 6 | 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM

WEEK 2 (DEC 8 - 14)

Southland Mall (J.C. Penney), HoumaCHRISTMAS CONCERT8SAT, DEC 13 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM


13SAT, DEC 13 | 4:30 PM - 8:00 PMBegins at House of Prayer, ThibodauxTOUR OF HOMES

13SAT, DEC 13 | 11 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 5 PMThe Dansereau House, ThibodauxTEDDY BEAR TEA

14SUN, DEC 14 | 11 AM - 1 PM & 3 PM - 5 PMThe Dansereau House, ThibodauxTEDDY BEAR TEA

14SUN, DEC 14 | 3:00 PMSt. John’s Episcopal Church, Thibodaux

A CELTIC CHRISTMAS WITH DANNY O’FLAHERTY

15THURS, DEC 18 | 11:00 AMLarose Branch LibraryMRS. CLAUS STORY TIME

11THURS, DEC 11 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMSt. Bernadette School, Houma

ST. BERNADETTE SCHOOLLIVE NATIVITY

Choctaw Library

MRS. CLAUS STORY TIMEAND CRAFT TIME18THURS, DEC 18 | 5:00 PM


18THURS, DEC 18 | 4:00 PMRaceland LibraryVISIT WITH SANTA

Bourge Volunteer Fire Station, Bourg

ALA BAYOU TERREBONNE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE20SAT, DEC 20 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

4694 W. Main Street, Houma

CLEOPATRA ROCKS THE HOUSE SADIE HAWKINS STYLE27SAT, DEC 27 | 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Nicholls State University Ballroom

NICHOLLS NEW YEARS EVEFUNDRAISER BASH31WED, DEC 31 | 9:30 PM - 1:00 AM

Cajun Country Event Center, RacelandME & THE FELLAS31WED, DEC 31 | 8:00 PM

HAPPY NEW YEARTO EVERYONE!

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19WHATNOWMAG.com


MUSIC

Nora RobertsHEART OF THE SEA

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2

Walk with #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts in the shadow of an ancient tower and hear a story of dreams fulfilled and wishes come true.Darcy Gallagher has always believed in the pull of fate, the magic of legend, and the importance of money. She longs to find a rich man who will sweep her away—into a world filled with glamour and adventure, and the exotic life that is her destiny.

BOOK

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEYAVAILABLE DECEMBER 2

MOVIE

Hassan Haji is a young Indian boy living with his family in a small village in the French Alps. His family opens a restaurant just 100 yards from a three-star Michelin rated restaurant owned by the eccentric Madame Mallory. The feud that erupts between the competing eateries doesn’t prevent Hassan from wandering around Madame’s restaurant and asking questions about her cooking techniques. Reluctantly, Madame agrees to take Hassan on as an apprentice, which only fuels the rivalry with his family. Hassan takes his newly-honed skills to Paris, where he opens his own restaurant and encounters a whole new world of unexpected adventures.

The Smashing PumpkinsMOMUMENTS TO AN ELEGY

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 9

— 1 egg white— 1 tablespoon water— 1 pound pecan halves— 1 cup white sugar— ¾ teaspoon salt— ½ teaspoon brown cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Grease one baking sheet. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and cinnamon.Add pecans to egg whites, stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the sugar mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet.Bake at 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU

STAY [email protected]

STAYING IN What to do at home

SUGAR COATED PECANSPREP TIME: 35 MINUTES

SNACK

Monuments to an Elegy is the upcoming tenth studio album by the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Band leader Billy Corgan has noted that — similar to the band’s previous release, Oceania — the album will be part of the ongoing project, Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.

21WHATNOWMAG.com 21WHATNOWMAG.com

JINGLE ALL THE WAYWhat Now? Meet Bob Faulk

WRITTEN BY MEGAN LEDET

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIANA PENNISON

How would you describe yourself to people who don’t know you?I’m very outgoing. I’m a people person. I’m not shy by any means. If you

give me ten minutes, I’ll run you out of the room with how much I talk. I’m very outgoing. I like hugs over handshakes. My wife asked me to make her a promise, she said, “Don’t stop being Bob. You’ve been like this all your life and I’ve put up with it.” So I kept her promise.

Who is someone you look up to and why?Well, of course, my grandfather who is no longer here.

He’s probably my biggest cheerleader because I was his first grandson. He’s probably taught me more about life than anybody else. He just had a way of steering me in the right direction.

What do you love most about Larose?We were raised here and it’s no longer

here. You can’t raise kids like they raised me. They would put you under the jail. They had Neb’s Place, which was my grandfather’s and my father’s after that. It was a barroom, a grocery store, and a restaurant. Here I am, a kid, this tall, serving them beer and trying to earn some money. I was raised in that atmosphere. It’s the togetherness and closeness of the community. Whenever someone is in trouble, the community comes together. One shining example is the Larose Civic Center. We help out so much. At fairs and events, almost everyone is volunteers. That’s one of the things that I love about this area.

What do you enjoy most about playing Santa?I got hooked with the kids. There are so many good things that happen

through the years. I remember the first time sitting at South Lafourche. I see a little boy and a little girl talking. The mom asked me if I could take both of them. I put the boy on one knee and the girl on another. I started talking to him first and then started talking to the little girl. The little boy jumped off and grabbed a handful of my beard and pulled and said, “I told you he was real!” Then, she jumps off the other knee. Everyone thought we had planned this as a skit, but we didn’t! She jumps off my knee and she backhands me in the belly and says, “No pillows! We got the real Santa!”

How did you get started with Bayou Supply & Chemical?Well, it was my wife that owned Bayou Supply & Chemical. Two years ago in April, my wife passed away with cancer. She was the

boss and I had been semi-retired and would just play all the time, but now I have to work. It’s basically a mom-and-pop operation. After the run with the garbage business, we ended up here and that’s where I’m at today. It was forty-three years that we were married and fifty-three that I was chasing her. I’m missing her every day. WN

FROM THE COVER


HOLIDAY MAXI DRESS

416 N. Canal Blvd, Thibodaux / 985.446.7336

It’s holiday season! That means finding the perfect outfit for all of your holiday parties. Don’t be caught this season wearing anything but the best! Shoe-Shi has the trendiest looks to transform your wardrobe Get the look! Holiday Maxi Dress, $50, Multi layered Bangles, $12-18, Black Strappy Heels, $48

Follow us on Instagram (@shoeshiboutique)

SHOE-SHI

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDESpecial Feature

CERAMIC OCTOPUS VESSEL

202 E 7th St, Thibodaux / 985.447.5413 / M-F 9am-5pm / Sat 9am-3pm

Old Estate Art Gallery has a wide variety of unique home furnishings including this hand-made ceramic octopus vessel. Come check out our lighting, artwork, furniture, jewelry, and home accessories. We have a large custom framing department, and we offer design services for your home, remodel, or office.

OLD ESTATE

HERB DRESSING & MARINADE

Available at Rouses Markets

Add some soul to your bowl with Chef Johnny Jambalaya’s Herb Dressing and Marinade! From chicken to salad, it’s the perfect combination of cajun spices to add that extra flavor to your favorite dish. It’s local and a certified cajun product. A perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift, or compliment to any table!

JOHNNY JAMBALAYA

AZTEC PRINT KIMONO

407 W. 4th St / Downtown Thibodaux / 985.449.1080

An Aztec print kimono with black leather jeggings and a long natural stone necklace. What a statement in casual chic! Make Queeny’s Boutique your one-stop-shop for clothing, jewelry, shoes, and handbags!

Instagram: @queenysboutique

QUEENY’S BOUTIQUE

ORYZA VODKA & GIN / ROUGAROUX RUM

1635 St. Patrick Hwy, Thibodaux / 985.446-0002 / www.dpdspirits.com

Get into the spirit of giving this

holiday season with award-winning

spirits! Using Louisiana-grown

ingredients, Oryza Vodka & Gin and

Rougaroux Rum captures the essence

of true Louisiana flair. Customized

gift baskets can be purchased at

the distillery in Thibodaux, LA or

individual bottles can be found at

most local grocery and liquor stores.

DONNER-PELTIER DISTILLERS

23WHATNOWMAG.com

BRIGHTON TOTE

7873 Main Street, Houma / 985.868.1505

Join us December 1st through December 14th for a FREE hold-everything, go-everywhere, Brighton Tote with a single same-day Brighton purchase of $100 or more. This Brighton Love Notes Tote is the perfect accessory to any holiday attire.

EARL WILLIAMS FINE MEN & LADIES CLOTHING

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDESpecial Feature

BABY FOOT

404 N. Acadia Road, Thibodaux / 141 Twin Oaks Drive, Raceland / 985.447.3889

Baby Foot is an unparalleled, total foot care package that provides the opportunity to care for and maintain your feet at home. The scientifically formulated product contains 17 types of natural extracts which exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. Feet are reborn just like a baby’s foot, giving you healthy, beautiful feet.

JONES DERMATOLOGY

LAZER TAG GIFT PACK

117 Prevost Dr, Houma / 985.580.2100

Pinocchio’s Pizza Playhouse will be offering a $30 Lazer Tag Gift Pack this holiday season. Plus, if your purchase the gift pack before December 23, 2014, you’ll receieve a Bonus $10 Gift Certificate to use after December 26th!

LAZER TAG OF HOUMA

JONES DERMATOLOGY GIFT CERTIFICATENot sure what to get that special someone? Give them the gift of beauty from Jones Dermatology. Our gift certificates can be used on the wide array of skin care services provided at our Thibodaux location. Who doesn’t love for their skin to look healthy and rejuvenated?

GIVE THE GIFT OF PEACE AND LOVE

Thibodaux / Houma / Des Allemands / www.spahrsseafood.com

Enjoy your holidays from Spahr’s Seafood. We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

SPAHR’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

IT’S ON US!You’re always buying gifts for everyone else, so we think it’s time you receive a “Thank You!” Visit is us at any of our three locations on Monday, Decebmer 22nd and receive a gift from Spahr’s for your continued support and willingness to give during this holiday season.


Christmas is drawing closer. Many of us happily anticipate time with family

and friends from near and far; we daydream about delicious meals, crackling fires, and desired gifts. While we rush from store to store trying to cross names off our lists, we often lose our focus on what Christmas is truly about.

For Christians, the Christmas season is about the arrival of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah. For the beloved King of the Jews, an elaborate and stately entry into the world was not to be; instead, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census and welcomed Jesus in a

A CHILD IS BORNSt. Bernadette School puts on a Live Nativity production for ChristmasWRITTEN BY CELESTE ROBERTS

stable, where he was placed in a manger to rest. An angel appears to shepherds in a nearby pasture, bringing them “tidings of great joy,” and the shepherds go to see the newborn king. Three wise men (or Magi) witness the Star of Bethlehem, and they bring Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Christmas is time to celebrate the coming of the Lord to Earth to save all people from original sin.

Founded in Faith St. Bernadette Catholic School has a fervent mission: It is a “Christ-centered faith

community, fostering spiritual growth and academic excellence. The school strives to instill in the students a lifelong commitment to learning, to Christian values, and to community service.” “The elementary school was founded in 1961 by Reverend George Herbert with the support of the Dominican sisters. Only 128 students in grades 1st through 3rd attended the first year, and a grade was added each year up to 7th grade each year after” (www.saintbernadettepandas.com).

The school is named after Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who is the famous visionary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Bernadette was a sickly child who grew up in poverty, but her family

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAITZ

25WHATNOWMAG.com

instilled in her a devout Catholic faith. On February 11, 1858, she witnessed the Virgin Mary in a cave near the Gave River near Lourdes, France. At first, Bernadette thought Mary was just “a small young lady” who was requesting that a chapel be built there, but the Blessed Mother revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception during the 17th vision.

Come, Let Us Adore HimIf you and your family would like to witness joy and faith in action,

mark your calendar for Thursday, December 11th, from 6 to 8 PM for St. Bernadette Catholic School’s Live Nativity. Approximately 80 students will reenact scriptures taken from Luke 1:26-56, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-26, and Matthew 2:1-12 while singing familiar Christmas carols to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Michael Klaus is enjoying his fourth year at St. Bernadette School as the music teacher and choir director. “The Live Nativity was started in 2004 by former music teacher and choir director, Mrs. Holly Theriot. We are excited to celebrate our 11th Annual Live Nativity this year!” he says. “Our choir consists of about 85 students ranging from 2nd to 7th grade, and they put on the Live Nativity each year. Our entire faculty supports the nativity. Some volunteer to help with rehearsals and costumes, while others help to staff the event. It is one of our major faculty projects for the year.”

Similar to a Christmas pageant or play, the Live Nativity adds a beloved twist: an outdoor walking tour. Weather permitting, those who attend will be led by 7th grade tour guides along the walking track behind the school. “Due to inclement weather, we have had to have our Live Nativity in our school gym the last two years,” Michael explains. Can guests expect any donkeys, cattle, or sheep? Michael laughs and replies, “While we do not use real live animals, we do have real live 2nd through 7th graders!”

The Live Nativity is the Christian testimony for the real reason for the season. One line from the nativity sums up the point perfectly: “Oh, what an impact the tiny child’s life would make on the world for all of time. We pray that this Advent season, you will await and prepare for the reign of God in your heart and in the hearts of your family and friends.”

What Now?Head to St. Bernadette School at 309 Funderburk Avenue in

Houma on December 11. Live Nativity tours begin at 6 PM and last until 8 PM. This is a free event that is open to the public. A cash food booth will be available for snacks, refreshments, and hot chocolate. If you have further questions or would like to contact the school, you can e-mail Michael Klaus at [email protected] or call the front office at 985-872-3854. WN


PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

27WHATNOWMAG.com

NICHOLLS NEW YEARS EVE BASHThe Nicholls Alumni Federation toasts a new year with the Nicholls NYE Bash 2014

WRITTEN BY BEN JONES JR

RAISE YOUR GLASS

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

New Years Eve traditions can be found at every turn of the corner on December 31. Whether you’re at the local bar, laughing around a bonfire with friends, dancing the night away, or sitting at home on the couch, the tradition of ringing in the New Year is celebrated across the world. As for the Nicholls Alumni Federation, they will be hosting their New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Bash in hopes of ending 2014 on a high note and beginning 2015 with a bang as you join them for a night of music, dancing, and entertainment.

You Make Me Feel Like DancingThe New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Bash will be held on Wednesday,

December 31, 2014 from 9:00 PM until 1:00 AM Thursday, January 1 at the Bollinger Memorial Student Union Ballroom at Nicholls State University. “The purpose of this event is to not only have a blast ringing in the New Year, but to invite all of the community onto our campus for a fun time,” said Monique Crochet, Director of Alumni Affairs. “All of the money raised goes towards scholarships for current and future Nicholls students.”

The NYE Bash will host local band Bandit as the entertainment for the night playing from 9:30 PM until 1:00 AM. There will be a cash bar, which will also feature a specialty drink for the night, the Colonel Cocktail. Alongside the bar, there will be Hors d-oeuvres from 9:00 PM until 11:00 PM, a champagne toast at midnight, and a breakfast buffet from 12:15 AM to 1:00 AM sponsored by Houma Family Dental. “We are really looking forward to another great event. Last year was our first year and we had a great turnout!” Said Crochet. “The band was great, the food was great, and everybody

LEFT: MARGO BADEAUX, LANCE LEDET, JONAH GIROIR , STEPHANIE VERDIN, JOHN LOMBARDO, NICHOLLS TILLOU, JESSICA HARVEY, ADAM LEFORT, MONIQUE CROCHET


really had a good time.” The Bash will also have seating for everyone, so in case you forget your boogie shoes, there will be plenty of opportunity to sit and socialize with attendees and friends. “The university

is empty and closed for two weeks at this time because of the holidays,” said Crochet. “Its fun bringing people back on campus and seeing them enjoying themselves and socializing with friends whom they may have shared Nicholls experiences with in the past.”

The Nicholls Alumni FederationSince the time of its charter in 1961, the

Nicholls State University Alumni Federation has sought to foster, protect, and promote the institution’s welfare and strengthen the ties between the university and Nicholls State alumni. By continuing to keep in touch with their alumni, the Federation feels that they can have a stronger and more viable organization that will help to promote their goals.

Each year, the Alumni Federation sponsors trips to at least one football game. They also sponsor at least one alumni meet and greet during homecoming week as well as tailgates before all home football PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

ONE OF THE ALUMNI FEDERATION’S

MOST IMPORTANT PROGRAMS IS FUNDING

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NICHOLLS STUDENTS

29WHATNOWMAG.com

games. This will be their second year hosting the New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Bash.

One of the Alumni Federation’s most important programs is funding scholarships for Nicholls students. Each year the Alumni Federation awards two Alumni Federation Scholarships to upperclassmen who meet the criteria of at least 60 hours of semester credit and a 3.0 grade point average. The students are awarded $800 for each fall and spring semester. In addition, the Alumni Federation awards the Clift Gresham Memorial Scholarship to a student enrolled in the College of Business who has at least 60 hours of credit and a 3.0 grade point average. This award is also $800 for each fall and spring semester. The F. Smith Knobloch Scholarship is now awarded to a music major specializing in piano. The amount of this scholarship is $350 per semester.

The Alumni Federation also awards two scholarships to incoming freshmen under its program entitled Alumni Federation Scholar Leader Award. It is awarded to incoming freshmen who have at least a 20 on his or her ACT score and a 3.25 grade point average.

The Debbie Raziano Endowed Alumni Scholarship, which was introduced in 2014, is awarded to one student a year at $500 each per spring and fall semester. This student must be enrolled full-time and be of junior or senior standing with a 3.0 GPA. He or she must also be enrolled in at least two university-sanctioned organizations.

“Our goal on Nicholls campus is to bring in new students as well as maintain the connection with the past ones,” said Crochet. “In essence, as Director of Alumni Affairs, I am a liaison between

students - the past, the present, and the future.” Alumni Affairs welcomes all of you to visit them at the Clarence James, Jr. Alumni House located at 203 Audubon Avenue in Thibodaux on the Nicholls campus.

What Now?2015 is just around the corner and there are a lot of new things

happening at Nicholls. “The new president is in place and there is new leadership and passion for the university in our backyard,” said Crochet. “Bringing students to Nicholls is our number one priority and doing this adds value to our region. I’m looking forward to extending the olive branch in 2015 to expand our presence to people to let them know we’re here building and incorporating new experiences throughout the region.”

Get to know your Nicholls neighbors or meet up with old friends. Reserve your table and tickets today for the New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Bash 2014. Single tickets are $65, couple tickets are $115, and walk-ins are $75. You can also reserve a table of 8 for $500, which includes noisemakers, two free drink tickets per person, and a champagne toast with commemorative flute. Seating is limited, so make sure you reserve your spots soon. Dress will be cocktail attire, so make sure to look your best as you dance the night away to Bandit before toasting a new year and filling up on a midnight breakfast. For more information or purchasing tickets you can call Nicholls Alumni Affairs at 985.448.4110 or email [email protected]. See you in 2015! WN

HEADING OUT FOR NEW YEARS EVE?TAG YOUR PHOTOS #WHATNOWMAG TO BE INCLUDED IN JANUARY’S ISSUE


Merry Christmas to all our

readers here in bayou

country! I hope that all of you

are enjoying this holiday season

and that you can use the recipes

I’ll be passing along to you this

month to make your holiday

gatherings a little more festive or

to add a little spice to an intimate

evening at home.

About a decade ago I

discovered a drink called a The

Bourbon Milk Punch at The

Bourbon House in New Orleans.

The cocktail is known as a New

Orleans classic, right up there

with the Sazerac and the Ramos

Gin Fizz. The combination of

BOTTOMS UPMixing Up Some Christmas Spirits

BY JEFFERY MARKEL

JEFFERY is the bar manager at Flanagan’s Creative Food and Drink in Thibodaux.

bourbon and milk really didn’t

sound all that appealing to me

but I’ll try anything once. I loved

it. I had three! While it is not

considered just a seasonal drink

like eggnog, the flavors in it really

lend themselves to the holidays

and that is why I have so often

included it on my holiday menus.

As with every other cocktail

there are as many recipes as

there are bartenders. It’s difficult

to know the true origins but I

believe that the original milk

punch was made with brandy

and the use of bourbon as

the principle spirit was a New

Orleans variation. While I

was researching this drink I

also found out that there are

versions of the milk punch that

use all manner of liquors. That

inspired me to try making one

with Donner-Peltier’s 13 Pennies

Praline Rum. I was very pleased

with the results and so I will

share this recipe with you and

encourage you to try it out with

your family and friends WN

Bourbon Milk Punch1 ½ oz. Bourbon Whiskey3 oz. Half-and-Half1 tsp. Simple Syrup¼ tsp. Vanilla ExtractGround Nutmeg

Papa Noel’s Milk Punch1 oz. 13 Pennies Rum½ White Cream de Cacao3 oz. Half-and-Half1 tsp. Simple Syrup¼ tsp. Vanilla ExtractGround Nutmeg

For each recipe, put all ingredients except the nutmeg in a shaker with a little ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass with ice and sprinkle a little nutmeg on top. Enjoy!

31WHATNOWMAG.com

Last month’s mission: Do

you think aerial drones will

be used by police in the bayou

region? The national body of

law enforcement is making

progressive efforts to introduce

drone patrols as an integral part

of policing.

Speaking of a watchful

technological eye—this month

let’s discuss body-mounted

cameras. What’s the one question

I’ve heard more than others

about the use of body cams? Do I

have to record while I pee?

Yes, that’s a common question

asked, and no—officers don’t

record while in the potty.

DUTY CALLSBody Cams and Privacy

BY SCOTT SILVERII

SCOTT is the Chief of Police for the City of Thibodaux. He is a national subject matter expert in policing with data and mapping, and has authored several books on cop culture. Connect with Scott on Twitter at @ThibodauxChief.

I’ve written before about the

infusion of technology and the

changes/challenges it presents

to a profession often locked in

archaic practices. Body cams

place that challenge right up

front – literally.

Most officers deliberate the

benefits of body-mounted

cameras. The loss of privacy is

their main concern. The reality

is officers on duty have minimal

expectation of privacy.

The public nature of service

requires their actions to remain

transparent.

Over the first year,

acceptance has increased

officer appreciation for not

only the evidence collection

value of recording interpersonal

engagements, but eliminating

the “he said/she said” dilemma

officers find themselves

in. On the practical side is

the accuracy of recording

citizen’s information, speed in

downloading it into a secure case

file server, and the immediate

return to patrolling the city.

Next month’s mission: As

a child, what do you recall

thinking about police officers?

Has it changed as an adult?

What’s the difference in

opinions? WN


Did you overindulge for Thanksgiving? Have you

gotten back on track yet? Last month we talked about how to get through the holidays in a healthy way. This month, we will talk about how to recover from a binge in case you did overdo it! If you fell off track during Thanksgiving or Christmas, try the tips below to help your body recover!— Make sure you drink plenty of water. This will help you feel better and will flush many toxins from your body. — Be sure to get back on track as SOON as you can. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to

get where you were before. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with exercise will help your body recover more quickly.— Try to avoid overdoing it. Many people try to recover from a binge by excessively exercising and dramatically cutting back calories. This will only hurt you in the end, as most people overwhelm themselves and end up giving up! — Remember how you felt after your binge. Did it affect your stress levels, energy levels, sleeping patterns, mood, mental clarity, or self esteem? Keep this in mind when you go for that

HEALTH & WELLNESSGetting back on the right track…

BY KATHERINE TOUPS

KATHERINE is the owner and creator of Fusion Wellness Solutions. She is a certified wellness coach, personal trainer, and exercise class instructor. For more information on her wellness services or exercise classes, Contact Katherine at [email protected].

second plate of food!—Remember that it is okay to eat your favorite foods in moderation. It is when you overdo it for days or weeks at a time that really harms your body.

This is also a great time to start thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions. One of the most common mistakes that people make when coming up with their resolutions is that they think about what they “should” do or “need” to do, rather than what they really want to do. To be successful at any change, you have to really want it for yourself. WN

33WHATNOWMAG.com

Creating a space where you

and your family feel at

home and comfortable can be

a tall order. Many homeowners

live years in a space without

it feeling quite right, and

pinpointing the cause can

oftentimes be difficult. There

are a few factors to consider

when planning your space

to ensure your home is both

relaxed and a reflection of its

occupants.

Fill your home with light. The

quality and layering of light has

a direct connection with the

warmth and overall feeling of

a space. A mixture of filtered

sunlight, overhead lighting, and

well placed lamps go a long

way to evoke the feeling of a

composed space.

Fill your space with texture.

Mixing and combining textures

and materials can be the

difference between an inspired

space and one that falls flat.

For example, in a living room

seating arrangement you

may have a leather couch,

linen chair, and micro-suede

apartment sofa, all placed on

a wool rug with wood floors.

Set these against a backdrop of

natural shades and silk curtain

panels, and the different fabrics

create interest and diversity

within the space.

Fill your house with love and

meaning. There is a common

saying to only buy what you

need or love, and that rings true

especially in interior design.

It can be tempting to fill an

empty space quickly without

really considering how the items

may fit into your life. Rooms

filled with meaningless art and

furnishings can leave you with

a space that doesn’t reflect

your personality or lifestyle.

Instead, build your art and

accessory collections over time.

Only buy pieces that have a

special memory or give you an

emotional reaction, and they

will be elevated in significance

within your space.

If your home is full of

light and cozy furnishings

surrounded by memories and

cherished items, it will sure to

be a space you can enjoy and

connect with your family. WN

HOUSE TO HOMEAn Inspired Space

BY NIKI LANDRY

NIKI is an intern interior designer at Weimer Gros Flores, Architecture and Interior Design. For more information you can check out her work at www.nikilandry.com.


Are you happily in the Christmas spirit but,

simultaneously, tired of feeling like you want to vomit over non-stop, super-kitchy, feel-good humor? Well Terry Zwigoff’s 2003 Bad Santa is certainly a good, and funny, remedy. But if you want something that hits a bit harder, without hitting too hard (it is Christmas after all), take a look at Christian Carion’s 2005

Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas)Set in the trenches of World

War I on Christmas Eve 1914, the film tells the true story of an impromptu cease-fire that lasted for two days—all because the German, Scottish, and French troops were too full of Christmas spirit to open fire. Instead, they sang carols, walked back and forth across enemy lines to bring gifts, and played a soccer match.

Yes there are subtitles. Yes it is about war (for those who only want a happy Christmas). Yes it can, at moments, seem just a tad too much, a tad too cheesy

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!Joyeux Noël (2005)

BY DR. TODD KENNEDY

TODD is the chair of the Film Studies Program at Nicholls State University. He has published scholarly articles on Sofia Coppola, Ang Lee, Robert Altman, and Bob Dylan.

(for those grinches out there). But the film is incredibly subtle and even-handed. And it offers a rare view into a moment of great humanity, set against the twentieth century’s most shockingly bloody war. Also, possibly, the last war fought primarily for idealistic purposes.

And it is against those idealistic purposes that the film comes to explore the line between blind idealism and reality, between nationality and humanism. And really, what could be more within the Christmas spirit than realizing how much we all have in common. And that is the film’s great strength.

Set amidst two genres,

War and Christmas, that are themselves too-oft polarized, between anti and pro war and between super saccharine and super satirical respectively, the film manages to avoid all of the clichés of both genres in order to merge them. Will it be the best film you’ve seen all year? Will it change how you see film or the world around you? Probably not. But it manages to offer insight to the true spirit of Christmas and the true meaning of humanity without falling back on the clichés and heavy handedness found in most films. And in a Christmas film no less. That has got to be worth something. WN

35WHATNOWMAG.com

Wow, here we are already in December. I don’t

know about you, but I don’t know where 2014 went. This month’s one-tank trip is a Christmas theme and brings us back to NOLA. I hope you will partake in some of the Christmas suggestions in this column.

A Christmas Carol“Ring in the season with John

“Spud” McConnell, returning as the iconic Scrooge in this classic Dickens tale, adapted by Doris Baizley. Cheerful, witty, and bright, this unforgettable production features music, dance, and clowns, in a holiday wonderland that’s fun for the whole family.” From December 6 -21, enjoy this Christmas classic with your family at the Southern Rep Theatre at 6221 S. Claiborne Ave, #310. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for children under twelve.

Christmas in the District

“Christmas in New Orleans has always been a magical time and now a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event that combines Louisiana traditions with state-of-the-art technology offers another opportunity to get into the holiday spirit.” This year, CITD is bringing the fun indoors! The highlight of the event will be “NOLA Christmas Fest,” a two-week indoor festival in the Great Hall

of the Ernest Morial Convention Center from December 12 – 24 and will provide holiday fun for the whole family. Walk through the “Great Hall of Trees,” showcasing over 50 stunningly-decorated trees. Discover the new “My New Orleans Christmas” display and a “Gingerbread House” competition, benefiting Operation Homefront, an organization which supports local military families. In “Santa’s Playland,” children will enjoy the inflatable zone, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, holiday characters, and, of course, Santa Claus. “Community Stages” will feature Christmas entertainment, cooking demonstrations, puppet shows, and local choirs. On weekends, the “Arts and Craft Market” gives visitors the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts. Go to www.christmasinthedistrict.com for the complete schedule.

Reveillon DinnersWhile you are in the city,

you may want to sample an old Crescent City tradition, that dates back to the early 19th century, a Reveillon dinner. The word reveillon means “awakening.” The Creoles, some of the city’s earliest inhabitants, celebrated the beginning of Christmas in the early 1800’s with a big family meal when they returned from midnight Mass, a way of

ONE TANK TRIPChristmas in the City

BY GINGER GAUBERT

GINGER is a retired high school teacher. She is a travel enthusiast who enjoys food and wine and ex-periencing new sights and tastes.

breaking the daylong religious fast leading up to Christmas Eve. Today, dozens of NOLA restaurants offer Reveillon Dinners, with menus inspired by those enjoyed by Creole families who began the tradition. You can view the menus and prices of participating restaurants at https://holiday.neworleansonline.com.

These are just a few of what NOLA offers during the Christmas season. Check out the website above for other activities and events. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! One-tank trip, y’all! WN


Celebrating the holiday season is a joyous time, and many

companies delight us with an invite to a company Christmas party or shindig. The celebration! The dressing up! The endless networking opportunities! Ultimately: it’s the opportunity for you - the employee - to celebrate your hard work and contribution to another profitable year (hopefully, or else there probably wouldn’t be a party).

Take your jolly spirit and use these holiday events to promote yourself to the corporation. In doing so, there are some rules to mind, of course.

DO, by all means: — Go to the event. This is a great opportunity for you to show your loyalty and dedication to the organization. And have a good attitude about being there. It’s only 3-4 hours long.— Dress the part. If it’s a cocktail event, wear cocktail attire. If business casual attire is suggested, wear business casual. This is not the opportunity to overdress (Mardi Gras balls are just around the corner – your wardrobe can hang tight a few more months) or under dress.— Arrive on time. Twenty minutes late is still late, and it says that you had somewhere else better to be. You don’t – this is your career, and celebration of just that.— Make your way around the room. Save the lunch clique for lunch. This is an opportunity for you to recap on the big project

you did, the way you brought that fiscal year-end sale to close, and talk about what you love about the organization. But, don’t over-do it.

DON’T do these (let someone else be the jester):— Have more than two cocktails. This is not the time or place to let loose, or at least that kind of loose.— Close the party down and start the after party. We all know you can draw a crowd and that it’s tons of fun to see you in action. — Oversell yourself while bragging about your great accomplishments. You don’t want to come across as arrogant.

As the Yule tide draws near, know that the holiday season is a time to celebrate all the great parts of life, even work. Faith, family, friends and career are cause for celebration. Use the opportunities in front of you to do a little self-promoting without earning Comet’s brown nose. WN

UP IN YOUR BUSINESSHoliday Celebrations with a Purpose

BY LAURA VALENTI

LAURA is an opinionated marketing professor at Nicholls State University and Jill-of-all-trades. She finds time to write about and teach workshops on personal selling and marketing skills though her nonprofit organization, SHE-Selling: Selling Her Everyday. For more information, go to www.SHE-Selling.com.

37WHATNOWMAG.com

Glory O’Brien has no future - at least, none that she

can see. But what she does see - a society in which women’s basic rights have been stripped away for their “protection,” leading to a second civil war - is terrifying. In Printz Honor author A.S. King’s sixth and most recent novel, Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future, King tells a thought provoking coming of age story about a girl who can’t see a future for herself, until she begins to see everyone else’s.

A few nights before high school graduation, Glory and Ellie find a petrified bat in Ellie’s barn. Their interaction with this bat has startling and unnerving consequences. Both Ellie and Glory are bombarded with disturbing, unwanted visions about the people they interact with. For Ellie, the visions are inconsequential and

nonsensical, so she dismisses them as hallucinations. But Glory sees something quite different. Whenever she looks at someone, she knows things about them that she shouldn’t. She can see their past, their ancestors, and their future. The more people she meets, the more pieces of the future start to be revealed and it becomes apparent that the world of a few decades hence is a very bleak and violent place.

Though many may be turned off by the idea of “visions” and another “dystopian” story, the fantastical elements in this novel are not the focus. Readers who aren’t typically interested in “speculative fiction,” or even Young Adult novels, will find that King’s greatest strength as a writer is her ability to use the fantastic to accentuate and reveal her characters, rather than to carry the action of a story. While King’s hyperbolic vision of the future is, hopefully, far-fetched, the challenges facing the characters in Glory

THE PAGE TURNERHistory of the Future by Glory O’Brien

BY BRIGID LABORIE

BRIDGID is the branch librarian at the North Terrebonne Branch of the Terrebonne Parish Library System.

O’Brien’s History of the Future are all too real. As Glory’s visions of the future of the world become clearer, so too does her vision of the present

and her own place in the world. Ultimately, this story is about family, friendship, and finding your own future, no matter how difficult it is to see. WN


“Tis the Season,” or is it? If we listen to the

news or read the world news in the newspaper we hear about fighting, civil unrest, school shootings, domestic violence, and the list goes on and on. So where is the season of “Peace on Earth” and how can I make a difference?

I believe the answer to this question can be found in the lyrics to a song we hear and sing each year at this time, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” I can’t change what’s happening in the world at large, but I can make a difference in the world I come in contact with on a daily basis, and more importantly within myself.

One of the simplest ways to bring peace into my life is through meditation. Deepak Chopra states, “the real purpose of meditation is actually to tune in, not to get away from it all, but to get in touch with it all.

Not to just de-stress, but to find that peace within, the peace that spiritual traditions talk about that passes all understanding.”

Meditation is a way to blank out all of our thoughts, all of our to-do lists, all of our problems, relationships, etc. and just listen, listen to the inner voice. The wisdom voice that resides in our core. This is the voice of peace, the voice of love, the voice of this season. Getting in touch with this inner wisdom is the only way each of us can feel real peace and bring that peace to the world, at least our immediate world.

So I challenge you to take 5 minutes of your day for the next 10 days to meditate. Sit in a comfortable chair and relax the muscles in your body. Close your eyes and pay attention to your breath. Breathe in slowly, hold your breath, and breathe out slowly. Feel the peace, listen to the silence, and then bring this peace into your world. For more information on meditation visit, www.chopra.com .

Peace and blessings during this holiday season and for the New Year! WN

YOU’RE WORTH ITPeace on Earth!

BY KATHLEEN “KATE” THERIOT

KATE is a board certified coach, spiritual director and a certified CDC work@health trainer and the owner of Coaching for Change, LLC. For more information please visit her website at www.asthyself.com or call 985.804.2903.

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ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY

613 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES

8

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EMILE’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

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FLASHFORWARD What to expect in January

WEEK 1 (JAN 1 - 11)

Plantation Inn Hotel, Houma12TH NIGHT RENDEZVOUS6TUES, JAN 6 | 6:00 PM - MIDNIGHT

Houma Airbase

KREWE OF MARDI GRAS 16TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF5SAT, JAN 10

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center

KREWE OF APHRODITE TABLEAU & BALL17SAT, JAN 17 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

WEEK 2 (JAN 12 - 18)

Larose Civic Center

KREWE OF APOLLO CARNIVAL BALL24SAT, JAN 24 | 7:00 PM

Harang Auditorium, Thibodaux

KREWE OF AMBROSIA MARDI GRAS MAMBO31SAT, JAN 31 | 9:00 PM

WEEK 4 (DEC 26 - 31)

Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center

SOUTHERN LOUISIANA BOAT, SPORT, AND RV SHOW5FRI, JAN 9

Courtyard by Marriot, HoumaUNITED WAY SOUPER BOWL24SAT, JAN 24 | 11:00 AM

WEEK 3 (DEC 15 - 21)


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