VOL. 19, NO. 9 KENNER’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1991 SEPTEMBER 2010
City attorney serves Quality of life issues raised by “problem” bar rooms in Kenner as in-house lawyer for BY ALLAN KATZ Kenner Police Chief Steve Caraway and District it’s usually not something that can be resolved administration 2 Councilman Joe Stagni are in agreement that bar by sending just one officer,” said Chief Caraway. BY ALLAN KATZ rooms that cause problems for Kenner neighborhoods “Usually, you have to send several officers which Keith Conley, city attorney for Kenner, is the in- are a “quality of life” issue. means we have to pull police off their responsibilities house lawyer for the administration, the City Council, They are also in agreement that problem bar rooms in several residential neighborhoods to take care of all of Kenner’s boards, commissions and departments, should be identified and singled out for punishments a bar-related problem. That’s not a good use of our as well as the city’s courts. ranging from fines to loss of their licenses. resources. But, we’re pleased that the city has formed Prior to the election of Mayor Ed Muniz in 2006, the Chief Caraway said he’s brought the problem up a committee, headed by Councilman Stagni, to look city attorney’s for Kenner was out-sourced to a lawyer because in the midst of Kenner’s current fiscal crisis, at this problem. We hope they’ll give consideration at a law firm selected by the the KPD doesn’t have unlimited resources to devote to the question of how we can make the best use of mayor. to bar-related problems. our limited police resources and the quality of life Muniz felt it would save “Unfortunately, when there’s a problem at a bar, continued on page 26 money and add to the city attorney’s efficiency if the job were held on a full- District 5 Councilman Kent Denapolis seeks time basis by someone who actually worked out of City infrastructure improvements for his constituents BY ALLAN KATZ Hall. Muniz’ initial choice for the job was Judge James Kenner District 5 Councilman Kent Denapolis says ways to help others by bettering government service Canella. When he resigned, that what his constituents need more than anything makes everyone feel good.” C ity AttORNEY Muniz named Keith Conley else is infrastructure improvements. In this term, Denapolis will concentrate his efforts Keith Conley to the job. When Mayor “I think we’ve made real progress during my and city funds on getting additional projects approved, Michael S. Yenni took office in July, he asked Conley time in office in drainage, streets, playgrounds and funded and underway, such as the re-design of the to stay on. beautification,” says Denapolis, now beginning his interchange at East Loyola Drive and West Esplanade All legal questions and issues involving the city are second full term in office. “But there is so much Avenue. “We’ve had referred to Conley and his team by the administration, room for more that I often feel we’ve just gotten too many accidents at the City Council, every department and every board started on all that needs to be done. I expect the four that interchange and an and commission. The City Attorney’s office also coming years to be pre-occupied with additional upgraded design will make represents the city in the Kenner court system. infrastructure improvements.” it safer for drivers,” says continued on page 26 Denapolis’ background is in business, but he has Councilman Denapolis. definitely enjoyed his tenure in public life. He said that like other “Being a councilman has been extremely satisfying,” parts of Kenner, District 5 Treasure Chest works with he says. “You can actually make a difference in the needs more drainage and quality of people’s lives by improving their drainage, sewerage improvements. city on customer count sewerage, police protection, beautification, recreation But because he said BY ALLAN KATZ and property values. I think that being a councilman he’s been investing time District 5 Councilman is the most gratifying thing I’ve ever done. Finding continued on page 26 Kent Denapolis Discussion about the future of Rivertown opens up By ALLAN KATZ For at least a decade, there have been those in Kenner, including government officials, that have had questions about the future of the historic Rivertown neighborhood and the cost of renovating and maintaining its museums. Treasure Chest Casino has added over $90 million to the Now, District 1 Councilman Gregory Carroll wants city’s coffers over the past 16 years. to broaden the discussion to include Kenner’s business The question of how many patrons board the and civic leaders. “I think we need many different Treasure Chest gaming casino is not an idle one for perspectives,” said Carroll. “This isn’t just a financial issue. Rivertown, in the oldest part of the city, is a link the city of Kenner. to Kenner’s historic past, when this was a 19th Century The Treasure Chest pays Kenner $2.50 per railroad town. Rivertown defines us in the same way passenger in addition to two percent of their net that the Vieux Carre defines New Orleans and should be gaming revenues. On Labor Day the Treasure Chest preserved for our children and grandchildren. There is an Photo by Barry Sprague celebrates its 16th anniversary in Kenner, and as in ambiance in Rivertown that can’t be found elsewhere in business owners and a Rivertown resident along with the city.” all casinos in the state, during the current recession choice as a council member. Additionally, one member To obtain many different perspectives and to plan for will be appointed by Mayor Michael S. Yenni, the Friends attendance has fallen off in numbers from previous the future, Carroll has formed a Rivertown Advisory of Rivertown and each of the other six Kenner Council years. Members of the Kenner City Council have Committee of which he is an ex-officio member and has members. The one-year term committee members will continued on page 25 appointed three members consisting of two Rivertown continued on page 25 2 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 3 Laketown Village
Williams Boulevard between Vintage Drive and Joe Yenni Boulevard
26 Years Experience
By Appointment 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mon. – Sat. INFANTS TO TEENS • SPECIAL KIDS WELCOME 4232 Williams Blvd. Suite 102 • 464-0624 4232 Williams Blvd. Suite 102 • 464-0624 Victoria A.M. Smith, M.D.
NOW µ;ffSdYWfe ;ffa`We BACK IN KENNER ;f¸eSfafS^TaVkiad]agf ¶ Cheryl Burke TTwo-timewo-time Champion Dancing with the Stars Family Practice Buddy Up - 2 for 1 3 monthswith EFT sign-up for and Joiningonly Fee $75 Men • Women • Children one-time Joiningexp. 1/31/2010 Fee may apply Female Care • Pap Smears Healthcare Alliances & Discount Programs Se habla español Check out our list of healthcare alliances @ www.jazzercise.com to see if your health Contraception insurance, company, or organization offers a discount to Jazzercise! fala-se português Office Hours by Appointment =W``Wd
Women’s Health Care is
This doctor is helping us make that change. The doctors at east Jefferson Women’s Care specialize in delivering personalized care targeted to meet the unique needs of each stage in a woman’s life. now, we are proud to welcome Dr. Geraldine st. Germain, oB/Gyn to our practice. she is a Junior Fellow of the american College of obsteticians and Gynecology and is returning home tochanging. louisiana after practicing in Tennessee. Dr. Geraldine St. Germain Ob/Gyn
Bennie noBles, MD ThoMas KenneDy, MD east Jefferson Women’s Care John hevron, MD sTephen ChaMplin, MD DaviD hoerner, MD at East Jefferson General Hospital GeralDine sT. GerMain, MD 4228 houMa BlvD., suiTe 410 • MeTairie, la 70006 • 504-454-0606 viCKie Thiel, np
www.ejgh.org The future of healthcare is here. KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 5 From the Editor Rivertown is special, but needs financial boost, how can that be done? BY ALLAN KATZ
For those who think that Rivertown, located at the budgets, the fact that Rivertown is viable. Good for Carroll. Give him don’t know their heart of the original beginnings of subsidized by the city has presented credit for clear thinking. The issue of Kenner history, Kenner, with some of its buildings a serious dilemma because there are making Rivertown viable reaches far it may be hard to going back more than 100 years, those in the city and in government beyond District 1. And, far beyond believe that 60 years ago, hundreds has special value. I think it is not that want Rivertown to pay its own City Hall. I applaud Carroll for of cows grazed near what is Williams an overstatement to say that as the way. saying that if you happen to have Boulevard today. Or, that in 1950, French Quarter defines New Orleans, Today, I would say that the unique ideas for bettering Rivertown, no hunters shot rabbits on what are now so could Rivertown define Kenner. Louis J. Roussel, Jr. Planetarium matter where you happen to live, runways at Louis Armstrong New However, the difference is that over and MegaDome Cinema, added give the councilman a call. Orleans International Airport. the decades the Vieux Carre has as a Rivertown’s attraction in the Very often, an area with economic Back then, what we now call gathered great economic value while mid 2000s with money donated promise just needs the development Rivertown was the center of a Rivertown has yet to do so. The by its namesake, is the anchor of of an anchor to take off. For many dynamic little railroad town called land in the French Quarter is quite Rivertown’s attractions. Children’s years, Decatur Street, on the edge Kenner. Kenner in those days was possibly the most valuable real estate Castle and Rivertown Repertory of the Vieux Carre in New Orleans, an important rail stop for lumber in the Gulf South. Unfortunately, that Theatre are important active was lined by decrepit bars and and farm products. The small city hasn’t yet happened in Rivertown. components of the area as well. warehouses. One of the worst spots on of Kenner was surrounded by truck Former Mayor Aaron Broussard Former Mayor Ed Muniz Decatur Street was the closed-down farms and around 1963, as a young deserves credit for recognizing recognized Rivertown’s dilemma. Jax Brewery. That is, until 30 years reporter, I was assigned to cover the potential value of Kenner’s He saw that the city could not afford ago, an intrepid young developer stories in the growing city. Rivertown. It was during his tenure to subsidize Rivertown in perpetuity. risked his bucks and his reputation by I think the story of the city of that Rivertown was officially Muniz tried to interest developers turning the abandoned brewery into Kenner and its buildings, dating back recognized and the museums were in the possibility of building a five-story riverfront mall. Today, to the 19th Century, are fascinating put together and promoted. Broussard condominiums on the batture, the Jax Brewery is the cornerstone and should be preserved. And, I was successful in finding corporate overlooking the Mississippi River. of a riverfront development along sponsors to fund a good portion of the But, at the time, it didn’t work out. In Decatur Street that is probably worth museum’s displays and expenses and the hands of the right developer, the a billion dollars. September 2010 Vol. 19 No. 9 that’s when Rivertown emerged and Rivertown condominiums still might Councilman Carroll is right. Kenner Star is a monthly newspaper and is distributed by made a name for itself. But, today work. Rivertown needs help to be preserved direct mail free to all 20,700 registered voter households the museums have lost their financial More recently, Kenner District today but it could be one good idea in Kenner. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed in over 100 high traffic locations. sponsors so it has been hard for the 1 Councilman Gregory Carroll, away from becoming a people place
Publisher city to maintain the buildings, pay whose district Rivertown resides in, and an economic success. Who will be Troy Broussard employees, change and upgrade and convened an advisory committee the one who keeps up with a bankable Editor museum exhibits on a frequent basis. from across the city to come up with idea that transforms Rivertown into Allan Katz In this era of recession and deficit ideas on how to make Rivertown an economic powerhouse? Managing Editor/Marketing Director Candy Lovitt Staff Writer/Editor Political Review Troy Broussard Contributing Writers Louisiana turning into a sea of red Iftikhar Ahmad Linda R. Martin BY JEFF CROUERE Steve Caraway J a m es L. Melchers Ed Clancy Rafael E. Saddy Jeff Crouere Sharon Solomon Historically, Since that time, Louisiana has awarded run against U.S. Senator David Vitter (R- Keith M. Darcey Ken Trahan Louisiana has electoral votes to only two Democratic LA) in the fall, while Landrieu has four Dan Dormady Doug Turner Yvette Dussouy Guy Williams been a state presidential nominees: Jimmy Carter more years until her next election. She Craig Goodwin Michael S. Yenni dominated by the and Bill Clinton. Both candidates were is currently one of the most unpopular Mary-Sharon Holland Paolo Zambito Thomas R. Lyons Scott Zimmerman Democratic Party. southerners who used a regional appeal elected officials in the state due to Republicans only enjoyed power during to their advantage, but ideologically, her support for the liberal agenda of a brief period around Reconstruction. In the shift of state voters away from the President Barack Obama. According to Copy Editors Melissa Drake fact, for most of our state’s history, the Democratic Party continued unabated. the latest Southern Media and Opinion Monica Zeringue people of Louisiana enjoyed a political In the last presidential election, John Research poll, President Obama has an Account Manager love affair with the Democratic Party. McCain won almost 60 percent of the approval rating of only 36 percent among Barbara Bellaci The Long brothers were Democrats and state’s votes, despite losing nationally Louisiana voters. Distribution Manager David Spako ruled with an iron fist in Baton Rouge. In by a large margin. Louisiana was one On almost every important issue, Printing Washington, the state was represented by of McCain’s best states and it’s easy to Landrieu has voted for Obama’s Baton Rouge Press © 2010 Kenner Star, Inc. powerful Democrats like Russell Long, understand why. The displacement of proposals: stimulus package, healthcare, All Rights Reserved Allen Ellender, F. Edward Hebert and thousands of traditionally Democratic financial reform and Supreme Court Hale Boggs. voters after Hurricane Katrina only nominees. Only on the offshore drilling KENNER STAR As the Democratic Party moved toward solidified Louisiana’s status as a red state. moratorium and the cap and trade bill P.O. Box 641654 • Kenner, LA 70064 Phone & Fax 468-9125 the left on the national level, the voters Currently Louisiana’s congressional has Senator Landrieu staked a position in Email: [email protected] of Louisiana gradually turned away delegation has seven Republicans and opposition to the White House. The content of all theme-based columns, from these historical ties. In the 1964 only two Democrats: U.S. Congressman In this fall’s U.S. Senate election, written by respective professionals in this newspaper, is in no way intended to render advice, suggest a course presidential election, GOP nominee Barry Charlie Melancon (D-Napoleonville) Melancon is the underdog against Vitter, of action, or take the place of an individual consultation Goldwater lost nationally in a landslide, and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D- while his Third district congressional seat regarding that subject matter. but won Louisiana’s electoral votes. LA). Melancon is vacating his seat to continued on page 25 6 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Government It’s a matter of trust By MICHAEL S. YENNI Kenner Mayor City governments of the day. I feel we were fortunate to find Donald the recipient. If in doubt, city employees (particularly smaller Back when my grandfather was G. Lane, someone from this area and should immediately contact IT by city governments) president of Jefferson Parish, stealing who lives in Kenner, to head up a city calling 468-6655. have been generally supplies and equipment like tires, auto department that is going to become Be sure not to respond to requests for viewed as open and batteries, engine parts and fuel were more important as time goes by, and personal information about yourself, a simpler methods of management when the top items. When he became parish you want someone who will be loyal to co-worker or a supervisor to someone in compared to state and national governing president, Joseph S. Yenni paid a visit Kenner and dedicated to providing the an email or unseen and unknown in a agencies. But when you consider the to the federal justice complex in New security Kenner citizens have come to phone call. preponderance of overlapping federal Orleans in search of a soon-to-retire expect. Lane said one thing we cannot escape and state laws – especially those that FBI agent willing to work for Jefferson Lane graduated from the University of is the fact that this area’s regional deal with individual and community Parish. New Orleans and Rummel High School. airport is in the heart of Kenner and the security and privacy – what was simple He quietly brought this former FBI He identifies three major concerns possibility exists that it could become 10 years ago is now becoming very agent on board to seek out thieves and involving present-day computer a terrorist target like the airport in the complex. other crooks working for the parish. systems: people on the outside trying movie “Die Hard II.” Throw into the mix things like Over several months, parish employees to gain personal information about city So he suggests that average citizens computers, the Internet, the ability to left their jobs, some were arrested and workers through workplace computers, pay attention to things that occur move information in a micro-second some others were charged and spent a practice called phishing; identity around the airport, around train tracks, about family, friends, co-workers, some time behind bars. theft and finding a city employee in a around our interstate highways and in supervisors and suppliers and the The difference today is that you compromising position where they can the vicinity of the Mississippi River, complexity takes on the aspect of spider want workers to know we are watching engage in computer blackmail. because a device or package you’ve webs, not just one, but layers of them. and that those doing the watching are Lane has assured this administration never seen before could be used as a In a short period of less than four fully up to speed in the business, data that his experience in the Secret Service, trigger for explosives or serve as part of years, Kenner’s information technology processing and security environments. Homeland Security and the private a remote communications system 7,000 capabilities have dramatically matured That is why I made no secret that sector has given him the knowledge to miles away. and its communications base has jumped Kenner’s new director of information safeguard Kenner’s info tech system. We need to be more vigilant and we from small copper wires to even smaller technology and telecommunications The new director of Info-Tech and should develop a mindset for being fiber optic lines with all sorts of encoded has an extensive background in the U.S. Telecommunications told me he is keen more so. President Andrew Jackson and data ranging from financial records to Secret Service, the U.S. Department of in the ways in which people will try to many others of his era understood this traffic tickets and cable-TV. Stealing Homeland Security and private business tap into our computer systems and that – long before computers, cell phones information and identities and hacking in the design and implementation of he has the access in place to find out and radios. In his farewell address on into data banks is the white collar crime data processing systems. who it is, expose them immediately and March 4, 1837, Jackson said, “But you they will be caught. must remember, my fellow-citizens, In the meantime Lane has cautioned that eternal vigilance by the people is WIN YOUR users to not give out personal information the price of liberty, and that you must like birth dates, Social Security numbers, pay the price if you wish to secure the SHARE OF addresses, phone numbers, bank and blessing.” charge account numbers or seemingly Mayor Yenni can be reached at 468- innocent personal information on 7240 or by email at kennermayor@ $24,000! computers unless they absolutely know kenner.la.us.
SEPTEMBER 3 - OCTOBER 31, 2010 Friday - Sunday Drawings Kenner Food Bank needs summer boost Win Cash Instantly! BY MARY-SHARON HOWLAND Ask about free entries. See your local parlor for drawing times. Director of Community Services The Kenner whose incomes are below the poverty Food Bank, level, which is $21,834 for a family You Could win a located at 315 of four. One of every three children 42” FLAT Worth Street, in a lives in a family where no adult has modest structure full-time employment. One of every SCREEN TV that formerly housed the Kenner Fire five children in this state under the Drawing held September 6 at 8pm Department, offers solace to many age of 15 does not receive proper Receive one free entry daily beginning August 9. during these times of economic nourishment. Chalmette and Kenner location only struggles. Over 3,100 individuals The faces of the hungry at the visit the Kenner Food Bank seeking Kenner Food Bank are young, old, You could win $25 on your lunch break! nourishment each and every month white, black, Hispanic, Vietnamese, MONDAYS - THURSDAYS • NOON - 1PM and the numbers continue to rise due etc., and it is the faces of the babies, CHALMETTE • COVINGTON* • ELMWOOD to the economy. For most people the children and the elderly that will GRETNA • HOUMA • KENNER • LAPLACE their need is great but their means really tug at your heart. Hunger is LULING/BOUTTE • METAIRIE • THIBODAUX are limited. non-discriminatory and is striking Must be at least 21 years of age. One entry per person per day. Extra entries may be given out at the discretion of management. Management reserves all rights Grim statistics point to the need families that never expected it. They to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Must be a member of the Twin Spires Club. Must show proof of a valid government issued photo I.D. Must be present to win. See official rules for details. for such a community service. are unprepared to deal with this Twenty-five percent of all children crisis in their lives and that is where GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-877-770-STOP. in Louisiana are raised in families continued on page 26 KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 7
Louisiana’s $5 ride deal now stops in Kenner! LA Swift, the inexpensive coach between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, now KENNER SCHEDULE Kenner Food Bank needs summer boost stops and offers Park & Ride at 2828 Loyola Drive, right off I-10 at Exit 221 BY MARY-SHARON HOWLAND Park & Ride, former Kenner Visitors Center Director of Community Services at the former Kenner Visitor’s Center. 2828 Loyola Drive, I-10 Exit 221 Enjoy all the amenities: free WiFi, onboard TVs and no WEEKDayS parking hassles. Five bucks gets you to New Orleans or From BATON ROUGE Baton Rouge in the clean comfort of an LA Swift coach, five 5:47 a.m. & 6:42 a.m. bucks gets you back. From NEW ORLEANS PARK & RIDE 5:15 p.m. & 6:15 p.m.
Louisiana on the Move 1-877-947-9438 l www.LASwift.com 8 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Goverment Garrett Chiropractic Health Center Join Kenner Police Reserve Division Est. 1960 BY STEVE CARAWAY Dr. Freeman L. Garrett, DC Kenner Police Chief Serving Kenner for 50 Years If you want to make a difference in your community or if you’ve ever thought about a career in law enforcement, then Affordable Health Care the Kenner Police Department can help you to make such a change! Are you someone who enjoys volunteering their If you suffer from Low Back Pain, time for the betterment of the community? Are you looking Neck Pain, Headaches or Sciatica, to learn more about the inner-workings of local law enforcement? If so, then the Updates on the Kenner Parks and Recreation Department Chiropractic may be able to help. Kenner Police Reserve Division may be a great opportunity for you! BY KEN MARROCCOLI We also accept Auto Injury cases KPD Reserve Officers are P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified, Kenner Parks and Recreation Department Director and Work related injuries handle regular police calls, work special events and can even be selected to work special assignments, such as helping with the KPD Bike Patrol Unit or Crime Scene 1700 Williams Blvd Phone 504-469-1371 section. Reserve officers are outfitted with the same equipment as regular Police officers and receive special one-on-one field training. Officers in this division are required to volunteer at least 24 hours a month in order to maintain their reserve status. After going through the process of becoming a reserve officer, you will be eligible to continue on the path to becoming a full-time police officer. The reserve division is a great way to reach out and support your community and is a step in the right direction if you’re contemplating pursuing a career in law enforcement. To join the KPD Reserve Division, you must be at least 21 years old, be P.O.S.T. certified or willing to take part in a P.O.S.T Academy, have no criminal history and be in good physical condition. You may apply for the division at the Kenner Police Complex, located at 500 Veterans Boulevard. For more information, please contact the Kenner Police Department at 712-2200. Chief Caraway can be reached by email at [email protected]. Visit the Kenner Police Department website at www.kennerpd.com.
E-mail [email protected] to make luncheon reservations Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. • Meeting at 12:00 Kenner hires new information technology director A former Secret Service investigator is taking the helm of [email protected] Kenner’s information technology department, a post left open since April when the director and assistant director resigned. Rates As Donald G. Lane, a Kenner resident, took office August 2, Low As Deal N Doug’s 1010. Most recently, he served as vice-president of operations for % Autoplex American Defense Services, Inc., a private Metairie information 2.99 6900 Veterans Blvd., • Metairie “I’m Dealin” technology company with various U.S. Homeland Security “Se Habla Espanol” contracts, according to Emile Lafourcade, Kenner’s public information officer. Before he worked for the private company, Lane served as 2007 NISSAN ALTIMA a special agent and criminal investigator for both the U.S. Treasury and Homeland FULLY LOADED Security departments. AND ONLY 39K MILES “I’m excited to work in Kenner because I believe the administration here is a very PER proactive administration,” Lane said Monday. “I believe in the mission of the mayor.” $12,750/$199 MONTH A graduate of the University of New Orleans, Lane served in both the New Orleans SK # V1863 and Washington D.C. field offices for the U.S. Secret Service. Lane’s salary in Kenner is $61,000, and he oversees four employees and a department budget of more than $500,000, according to the 2010-11 city’s records. LA SWIFT adds Kenner stop On July 1, 2010, the LA SWIFT commuter service, which provides transportation 2006 PORSCHE CAYENNE back and forth between Baton Rouge and New Orleans each day, added a pick-up point LEATHER, MINT CONDITION in Kenner. Local residents can use this service to avoid dealing with rush-hour traffic or PER having to pay to park their car downtown. $23,990/$368 MONTH SK # 1926 The service stops at 2828 Loyola Drive, which is right off I-10, exit 221, in the parking lot of the vacant Kenner Welcome Center building. Monday through Friday, LA SWIFT will stop at this location and will also offer their “Park & Ride” service, which will allow riders to park their car and leave it while the LA SWIFT service takes them either into 887-3131 downtown New Orleans or towards Baton Rouge. More than 1,000 people each month rely on LA Swift for transportation. What HugE SELECTION Of CARS, TRuCKS, SuVS. originally began as a response to Hurricane Katrina to bring much-needed workers back Rates a LOW as 2.99%. into the devastated New Orleans area, LA SWIFT has since become one of Louisiana’s FREE 12 month/12,000 warranty. largest public transportation systems. LA SWIFT buses are equipped with wireless 12 Year member of the BBB. Internet and satellite TVs in a clean, comfortable environment in which its passengers can feel safe. “Shop us or you’ll pay too much for your next vehicle!!” 12 Year Member LA SWIFT is an initiative of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. It is coordinated by FREE the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) and operated 1 Year CHECK uS www.dealndougs.com by Hotard Coaches, in cooperation with the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Warranty OuT ONLINE and CATS. Schedules and further details are available online at www.laswift.com. KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 9 Goverment Kenner building code sweep conducted on Florida and Martinique
On July 27, 2010, residential structures in violations. She further stated that multiple porches and railings, four for weather the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Florida Avenue in electrical violations were found at many stripping, four needing boarding up, one for the Beachview subdivision were subject to a single addresses with the 34 total infractions an oversize vehicle and one fence violation. surprise sweep by inspectors and 18 violations discovered at only eleven buildings. There Zahn, Kenner Police officers and city were found. Kenner Code Enforcement were only three electrical violations found in inspectors were accompanied by inspectors officials said a similar sweep, finding 68 the Florida sweep. from Entergy and Cox Communications. Heyl violations, was conducted in this area in Additional violations included seven for high said Entergy inspected 178 electric meters September of 2009. grass and litter, 18 for exterior foundations, and found that 10 of them had faulty seals on Kenner District 3 Councilman Ben Zahn walls and roofs, eight for exterior doors, them. Heyl said Cox Communications did not said he was encouraged by the decrease in windows and screens, six for exterior stairs, find any violations. violations on Florida Avenue. Zahn said, “You always want to see a drop when you revisit an att.com area within a year. By coming back this soon you definitely let these landlords and tenants know that we do not want this cancer of blight to grow back into the adjacent neighborhood of Beachview,” said Zahn. A building code sweep in the 3500 and 3600 blocks of Martinique Avenue in Kenner on August 17, 2010, yielded a total of 90 violations. In September of 2009, during a similar sweep, 65 violations were recorded. While the Martinique code sweep saw an increase in violations by inspectors, Zahn commented he is not discouraged by the increase. Zahn said, “I assumed this area would show an increase in violations due to the fact that it has been almost a year since the last major code sweep. However, coming out here again and finding so many violations lets these property owners and tenants know that I am aware that they do not respect the surrounding neighborhood. I would not want to live near this and neither do my constituents. I will continue to sweep any area such as this that promotes an unkempt mindset and produces blight.” Violations of building codes and zoning laws ranging from faulty exterior walls and roofs to dangerous electrical wiring and fixtures were discovered. we’ve been nextgen Missy Heyl, assistant director of Kenner’s Inspections and Code Enforcement Department, said on Martinique, of the total for 130 years 90 violations discovered, there were 34 At AT&T we continue to roll out fiber optics and electrical problems, including broken exterior other advanced technologies in Kenner to deliver electrical fixtures and main circuit breakers next-generation services—like AT&T U-verse® exposed to weather contributing to the most TV—to you.
By taking our advance fiber optic network to the next level, Kenner residents now have the Kenner Police Department benefit of new home entertainment options and an exciting new choice for television. We’re not Kenner’s Most Wanted just some new kid on the block. www.kennerpd.com 1-800-PICK-ATT 712-2222 © 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 10 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Goverment In money-saving move, Kenner plans to hire Kenner replaces antiquated council in-house workers to repair buckled streets chamber’s voting system BY ALLAN KATZ BY ALLAN KATZ In a move intended to save money, signing off. Dillenkoffer says that instead It will take several months for contractors Louisiana. The system’s software and the Yenni administration and the Kenner of the $500,000 outside contractors would to install equipment and software required its installation will be put out for bid City Council have agreed their first be expected to charge, using in-house for a new system that will reflect votes and according to state law. The equipment and option is to hire four cement finishers to could do the job at an estimated cost of other information related to activities in software are expected to cost less than the begin working on the 35 streets that have $150,000 to $200,000. the Kenner Council Chamber. $150, 000 currently allocated. buckled this year in July and August’s “Our plan is to cross-train our in-house The new system will replace an The new voting system will serve the extreme heat. workers in both cement and asphalt outmoded and ailing graphics system City Council, the city’s planning boards, The plan is to use cement finishers finishing,” said Dillenkoffer. “That way installed in the Council Chamber in the the city’s courts, civil service boards, already on the city’s payroll rather than they could work on both cement and 1970s. Clerk of the Council Natalie Hall the purchasing department and public seek bids from outside firms that would asphalt surfaces, both of which have said the replacement was made necessary hearings. The new system will show cost far more than in-house workers. buckled in the heat.” by malfunctions of the old system. how members of the Council voted and Jerry Dillenkoffer, assistant public Dillenkoffer also said city workers are “Our old system has served us well for items being discussed and will provide works director for the city, says that outside crossing their fingers and hoping for some about 40 years but it is an old technology,” a graphics component allowing for contractors would probably charge about overcast days because if the heat continues said Hall. “No one can service it and no photograph and video displays. It will $500,000 to repair the buckled streets. He at the levels of July and early August, one makes replacement parts for it.” be used by the courts to display evidence said that the idea of hiring the in-house more Kenner streets could buckle. If that She said technicians will begin putting and by other city boards to display their cement finishers, which has the approval happens, says Dillenkoffer, it might be in the new equipment in September or agendas. of both the Council and the administration, necessary to use the in-house workers on October and completion of software “Our old system has become obsolete must first be reviewed by Civil Service, street repairs and hire outside contractors installation should be finished before and our new system will serve multiple which could take 30 days, approximately as well. “That’s the worse-case scenario January 1, 2011. purposes, including fulfilling the needs of mid-September. If Civil Service approves, we hope doesn’t occur,” Dillenkoffer said. Interstate Electronics will be providing the courts and many city boards that hold Mayor Michael S. Yenni is committed to the equipment in accordance with their meetings in the Council Chamber,” an existing contract with the state of said Hall. Kenner code sweep nets 97 violators On August 24, 2010, nearly 100 building five illegal hookups to its cable system. code and zoning violations were identified Entergy, Kenner’s public electric utility, by Kenner officials in four blocks of inspected 334 electric meters and found Attention Business Owners Vouray Drive and one block of Loire one illegal connection. Be An Achiever! Drive in northwest Kenner and one citizen Electrical violations, including • Generate Solid Leads • Learn Leadership Skills who balked at being cited for tapping into junction and circuit breaker boxes • Be A Confident Public Speaker • Improve Profitability a cable television line was arrested and missing covers and wiring not properly The Executive Achievers Association meets bi-weekly for breakfast. taken to jail. insulated, accounted for 26 violations. The largest number of code violations Other violations included: high grass and Thursday, September 2, 16 & 30 involved electrical power systems serving litter, 9; abandoned vehicles, 5; boarding at Messina’s Catering, 2717 Williams Blvd., Kenner residences and some 30 garbage containers of windows and doors, 1; mechanical left on streets after garbage collectors violations, 6; exterior foundations, walls THE EXECUTIVE ACHIEVERS ASSOCIATION served the area the day before morning. and roofs, 4; exterior stairs, porches and Call Randy Lovitt at 504-836-7136 for more information on becoming a member The arrest came in the 700 block of railings, 6; exterior doors, windows and Vouray when a female resident objected to screens, 2, and sheds without permits, 2. being cited for the cable connection and Kenner District 4 Councilwoman Maria reportedly got physical about it. DeFrancesch said, “This August 24 sweep Kenner Police arrested the woman and other enforcement sweeps continue on and said she was charged with one count a regular basis in an effort to improve the of theft of cable services, one count of quality of life in Kenner neighborhoods resisting arrest, and two city traffic arrests. and help provide buildings of good repair Cox Communications reported finding for occupancy by people.” Community New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation hosts twentieth annual fundraiser On Saturday, September 11, 2010, The proceeds from the “Azúcar Ball” the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage will provide monies for the foundation’s Foundation will host its 20th annual scholarship fund. For the last 20 years the fundraiser, “The Azúcar Ball.” This year foundation scholarship fund has provided the theme of the event is“Carnival de las outstanding Hispanic students with Americas” and will feature dancing and scholarships to attend public, private and the celebration of Latin heritage. parochial high schools in the city. This black tie evening will take Individual tickets to the Azúcar Ball are place in the LaSalle Ballroom at the $125. Tickets to the patron party and the InterContinental New Orleans, 444 St. ball are $175. Junior ball tickets for those Charles Avenue, New Orleans, with non- 25 years of age and under will be $75. For stop music from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. by ticket information call Rosa Rodriguez or Julio y Cesar and Rumba Buena. There Hannagan Johnson at 523-2600. will also be a silent auction and food. KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 11 Goverment Kenner gets $17,500 in grants for historic school preservation BY ALLAN KATZ Kenner was recently awarded three Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The grants range from $500 to $5,000 and often the deciding factor on whether historic preservation grants totaling state grant will be joined by $5,000 in have provided over $5.5 million dollars of historic buildings or sites can be saved for $17,500 to help cover the cost of local matching funds to help support the funding since 2002. They are awarded to future generations. conducting a feasibility study and preservation project. nonprofit groups, educational institutions The National Trust for Historic structural report for old Kenner High Ince stated that Kenner is currently and public agencies, and must be matched, Preservation (www.PreservationNation. School, located at 1610 Third Street. beginning the process of evaluating the at least dollar for dollar, with public or org) is a non-profit membership The revered building was placed on the cost to repair and upgrade the building. private funds. Preservation Funds grants organization bringing people together to National Register of Historic Places in The school is a registered historic are being used nationally for such wide- protect, enhance and enjoy the places that 2008. building, and the Yenni administration ranging activities as consultant services matter to them. City Grant Administrator Michael C. is taking the initial steps in hopes of for rehabilitating buildings, technical For more information on the National Ince applied for grants from the National bringing this neglected historical building assistance for tourism that promotes Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fund Trust for Historic Preservation and the back to life. historic resources and educating children grants, visit www.PreservationNation. Louisiana Lieutenant Governor’s office “By preserving this building’s about their heritage. These grants are org/resources/find-funding/grants/. earlier this year and announced Kenner architectural integrity, Kenner will be was awarded three grants – primarily to paying tribute to the many residents of the conduct studies on the state of the structure city who once attended old Kenner High A Beautiful You! and the feasibility of refurbishing the School,” Ince said. “While this is the first Fabulous cuts, color & styles structure for future governmental use. of many steps, it is the most critical. By Therapeutic body massages • Youth revitalizing facials The most often mentioned possible use completing a cost feasibility study and Relaxing pedicures & manicures would be as a municipal court building to structural report, the city will be able to Hair additions & replacements house the Kenner City Court, a modern estimate the cost to bring the building clerk of court office and a holding area for back to its once prominent stature.” We do it all for a more beautiful you! arrested persons awaiting a court hearing In announcing the grant, National in their cases. Trust for Historic Preservation President One of the grants was $2,500 from the Richard Moe said, “With these funds, the National Trust for Historic Preservation city of Kenner joins the National Trust $ (NTHP) from its Suzanne Turner for Historic Preservation and hundreds Off Preservation Services Fund for Louisiana. of other communities and organizations any sal1on serv0ices of $40 or more An additional $5,000 grant from the across the country actively working to New clients only please, expires 9/30/10 NTHP was from its Johanna Favrot Fund protect and preserve the important places for Historic Preservation. A $10,000 grant that tell the story of America.” air tyles nlimited was also received from the Louisiana The National Trust for Historic H S U Division of Historic Preservation, Preservation dispenses small grants for 464-5949 • 3635 Florida Ave. Office of Cultural Development in the local projects through the National Trust www.hairstylesunlimitedinc.com Lieutenant Governor’s Department of Preservation Funds grant program. The Our Schools rank 64th of 70 and have a $30 million deficit this year! We deserve better. No more excuses— it’s time to make a change!
As a nurse, mother, and grandmother, I know the importance of an education. As a business owner, I also know the necessity of fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. Our school board has been in denial. The incumbent has been in office for 16 years—making excuses, ignoring warning signs, and depriving our children of the education they need. There is no excuse for that.
Please Vote Saturday, October 2nd. Early Voting begins on Sept. 18th and ends Sept. 25th
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE CIVIC INVOLVEMENT • Dominican High School, Summa Cum Laude • Member, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce • University of New Orleans, Dean’s List and • Treasurer, Republican Women's Club of Kenner #101 Women's Honor Society President • Board Member, Jefferson Dollars for Scholars • Graduate, LSU School of Nursing, Cum Laude • Associate Member, Metropolitan Republican Women's Club • Owner, Medical Appointment Specialists, LLC • Past President, Seton Parc Homeowners' Association • Co-founder, Express Office Products, Inc • Former Member, Alliance for Good Government • Registered Nurse, Hotel Dieu Hospital and • Former Boosterball Coach, Woodlake Playground Medical Center of Louisiana • Former Cheerleading Coach,Woodlake Playground • Former Kenner All-Star Cheerleading Coach
4007 Saint Blase Drive, Kenner LA 70065 • 428-9202 • [email protected] • Paid for by The Sandy Denapolis Campaign Fund 12 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Airport Sharing information with the public By IFTIKHAR AHMAD, Director of Aviation Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
S h a r i n g “contact us” and send us your message. To see the show, check your local listings It is a goal of the New Orleans Aviation information about We will respond to you within 72 hours for the time and day the program is airing Board and their staff to keep a line of Louis Armstrong because we want to resolve any issues in your area. You may also access the list communication open to the public we New Orleans for our passengers in a timely manner. on the airport website. serve. We are trying to not only modernize I n t e r n a t i o n a l We aspire to answer in 24 hours. Please A third communication tool is this Armstrong International Airport with Airport with utilize this vital tool. At the time of this column. Each month, I report to you on various capital improvement projects our community is vitally important to writing, we are redesigning the website to aviation subjects that have an affect on and increased air service, but we are also MSY. This airport is a place of hope update the look and improve its function our passengers. With this column, I am focusing on improving the way we keep and possibilities and must be in touch in an attempt to make it even more user able to update you on what is new at Louis you informed. Communication works for with the community it serves. Two-way friendly than it is now. Watch for the debut Armstrong New Orleans International those who work at it. We are striving to communication is a priority at Armstrong coming soon, but the existing website is Airport or what may be planned for do our best. International Airport. Tearing down fully functional until that time. the future. This column is published in Iftikhar Ahmad, director of aviation barriers between our passengers, our Another vehicle for communication local newspapers with a circulation of for Louis Armstrong New Orleans customers and us is vital. The airport is our 30 minute television program, subscribers in the thousands. It is one International Airport may be reached at utilizes a number of different tools for entitled “Airport Alive.” This program, way for me to speak directly to you. [email protected]. Check your local communicating. The most visible and previously titled “Air Trends” showcases At the end of each column is my email listings for the air time of the Armstrong probably the timeliest is our website, www. the latest news at Armstrong International address in case you wish to correspond International Airport 30 minute television flymsy.com. On the website is a wealth Airport. The program is hosted by with me. I have an open door policy with program, “Airport Alive,” or view it on of information for not only checking on Orleans broadcast personality and voice our employees at the airport and I hope the airport website, www.flymsy.com, by a flight but for business opportunities, of the Saints, Jerry Romig. The quarterly you will view this contact address as my clicking on the “Airport Alive” link on airport construction updates, historical program airs on most of the major open door to you. the homepage. data and airport news. It is also one government access stations in parishes of the best ways for our passengers to surrounding the airport as well as on Health communicate with us. We welcome both public and commercial television stations compliments and complaints. If we are throughout southern Louisiana. “Airport not aware of issues at the airport, we Alive” may also be viewed on our website Knee osteoarthritis: cannot address them. We have recently by clicking on “Airport Alive now initiated changes in the way we respond available on line.” The television program A common cause of knee pain to comments. We now have a target concentrates on major issues impacting BY THOMAS R. LYONS, M.D. time for a response and the individuals our public. From construction updates answering comments and inquiries are to the latest airline announcements, the K n e e flexibility and modalities can be helpful. airport managers. Also, now there is direct program is designed to inform through osteoarthritis (OA) Patients with OA involving primarily one access through two email in-boxes on the an entertaining format so that the viewers or degenerative knee compartment may benefit from use website. To leave a statement, click on know what is happening at their airport. arthritis is a of an unloader brace which functions by very common unloading the arthritic compartment. musculoskeletal condition. Primary OA, Use of acetaminophen or nonsteroidal more common than secondary OA, is anti-inflammatory medication is useful a result of biologic changes in cartilage in reducing symptoms of knee OA. followed by cartilage breakdown due Glucosamine and chondroitan sulfate are to mechanical forces. Primary OA is protective agents that can decrease cartilage a gradual wear-and-tear condition that degeneration although recent studies have becomes more common with advancing not shown conclusive evidence of benefit age. Secondary OA can occur at a younger to patients with knee OA. Intra-articular age and is usually a result of significant steroid injections are helpful in alleviating trauma or injury. inflammation for a few days to several Diagnosis of knee OA is made by a months. Viscosupplement injections for careful history, physical examination, and knee OA have been used successfully for radiographs. Important factors in history over a decade. Depending on severity of include activity level, previous injuries OA, these injections can relieve symptoms and prior treatment including any previous of knee OA for up to six to eight months. surgery. Patients usually report activity- Arthroscopy can be beneficial in certain related pain that may be sensitive to changes patients with knee OA and symptomatic in barometric pressure. Knee pain at rest meniscus tears and cartilage flap tears. can occur as OA becomes severe. Patients Osteotomy is a realignment procedure may complain of mechanical symptoms that is used to unload the arthritic knee such as catching or locking in the knee. compartment in younger, more active Physical examination should include an patients. Unicompartmental or total knee evaluation of limb alignment, range of replacement is definitive treatment for motion, swelling, crepitus, tenderness and severe knee OA. In order to diagnose and stability. Radiographs (X-rays) including learn about treatment options for knee OA, weight-bearing views with the knee flexed an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is Over 30 years of honest customer service are important in making the diagnosis of recommended. Professional technincians knee OA. Magnetic resonance imaging Thomas R. Lyons, M.D. is a board Family owned and operated since 1976 (MRI) is helpful in patients showing certified orthopedic surgeon with over SERVICES minimal radiographic changes with 10 years experience. The Orthopedic Transmission, A/C Service, Electronics, findings suggestive of a meniscus or focal Center for Sports Medicine is a multi- Brake Systems, Tune-Ups, cartilage abnormality. specialty center dedicated to complete Clark W. Dennis, Noreen D. Fonte, Major & Minor Mechanical & Front End Treatment of knee OA includes surgical musculoskeletal care with focused Mark J. Fonte, Keith C. Dennis and nonsurgical options. Modification expertise in shoulder and knee injuries. of lifestyle such as avoidance of high Offices are located in Kenner and Metairie. Automatic Transmission, Inc. Dennis Automotive impact activities and weight loss can For additional information call 467-5900 decrease symptoms of knee OA. Physical or visit www.nolasportsmedicine.com. 2220 Airline Drive, Kenner • 466-1381 therapy including muscular strengthening, KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 13 Community New manager of The Esplanade mall brings a vision of great shopping, dining and entertainment, enforces no-tolerance dress and behavior code Valerie Beaubrun, the new manager the call of duty. Our goal is to create the Easter egg hunt, Christmas Fun and other enhance our reputation as a fun place to of The Esplanade mall, intends for it finest family-oriented mall in the region events. The fee to join is $5 per year and come with lots of specials, especially on to become one of the finest locations where parents enjoy bringing their includes a t-shirt for each kid. Saturdays and Sundays,” said Beaubrun. in the region for shopping, dining and children.” Beaubrun also intends to tie The “Anyone who wants more information entertainment. The two new stores that have opened Esplanade mall into community events about our plans can visit The Esplanade In the five months she has been here, their doors at the mall are a Toys R Us such as breast cancer awareness with mall at simon.com or give us a call at Beaubrun has seen two new stores move Express and a Buckles store. Preparing to fundraising for the Susan G. Komen 468-6116. We hope everyone in Kenner into the mall while construction has just open in mid-September is a Deb Shop. Foundation on October 2. There will also will sign up on Facebook as a fan of The started on a new Target store that will be “These new stores and the Target be a “Girls Night Out Party” at the mall Esplanade mall. We hope that the entire a major anchor when it opens next July. are going to add to our reputation as a on October 7 that will include a fashion region will think of us when they think Beaubrun has also instituted a no- convenient mall with plenty of parking, show, wine tasting and makeup lessons. of shopping, dining and entertainment. tolerance policy that bars inappropriate excellent security and lots of special “The Esplanade mall is going to There’s always something good going on dress in the mall and loitering. “We have events that are fun for shoppers and diners at our place.” excellent enforcement of our no-tolerance of all ages,” says Beaubrun, a graduate of rules by our own security detail and by a the University of Central Florida who has weekend security detail of Kenner police been in mall management for more than officers,” says Beaubrun. “In addition, five years. the cooperation of Kenner Police Chief Beaubrun has instituted a Simon Steve Caraway and the Kenner Police Kidgits Club at The Esplanade mall that Department has been above and beyond includes Halloween trick or treating, an
u Haircut & Design u Facial Treatments u Bridal & Updo’s u Body Treatments u Design Color u Waxing u Nail Care u Spa Packages
The Esplanade mall hosted an All About Kids Expo on Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Valerie Beaubron, mall manager said, “We celebrated kids of all ages by providing free activi- ties, mascot appearances and inflatable bounce houses that kept kids entertained while parents 701 West Esplanade Avenue • Kenner, Louisiana 70065 had the opportunity to get important information for their children.” 14 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Health EJGH Foundation to host “Up on the Roof” BY KEITH M. DARCEY
The East receive nutritional counseling and take Foundation’s Director of Development. parish. At East Jefferson, we thank them J e f f e r s o n an active role in preventative wellness “This is a great way for our community for being dedicated to this mission for General Hospital to avoid many chronic diseases. In to come out and support our efforts in a the last four decades and want to make Foundation has addition, the foundation has taken a relaxing, fun atmosphere. We invite and sure their mission continues for this and been an integral leading role in the formation of the “First encourage community members to join for the next generation. part of East Jefferson General Hospital Night Room,” a transitional patient us at “Up on the Roof!” For tickets and Keith M. Darcey is a communications and this community for over forty years. room from the neonatal intensive care other available information please go specialist with East Jefferson General In fact, their formation began in 1969, unit for our mothers and newborns to online to www.ejgh.org/upontheroof,” Hospital located at 4200 Houma even before the hospital opened its doors use prior to discharge, as well as cancer continued McWilliams. Boulevard in Metairie. Darcey can be in 1971. fighting technologies and ambulances The foundation’ mission is to help reached at 889-7110 or at kdarcey@ Over the years, they have helped unify so that our paramedics can deliver the make sure that EJGH can offer this ejgh.org. East Jefferson General the community and have provided the best care in an emergency. community the best in healthcare and Hospital, Louisiana’s first Nurse hospital with much needed resources, This month, the foundation plans that the medical teams have the most Magnet hospital, is a publicly owned, educational programming, technology to celebrate their successes and look advanced tools to provide clinical results not-for-profit community hospital, and lifesaving medical equipment. As forward to future successes with their that are as good or better than other providing care to the residents of the the philanthropic arm of the hospital, “Up on the Roof” beer tasting fundraiser leading facilities throughout the nation. East Bank of Jefferson Parish and many of the successes at East Jefferson celebration. On September 24, from They view it as an incredibly important surrounding communities. EJGH’s can be traced to the foundation’s support. atop the Esplanade garage, patrons mission for the future stability of our website is www.ejgh.org. The families of our community have will experience the different tastes and been the beneficiaries of this support styles of beers from local breweries, as we serve the healthcare needs of the craft beers, local homebrews, and Right place, right time East bank of Jefferson Parish and its international ales and lagers. Plus, they BY PAOLO ZAMBITO surrounding communities. will enjoy food catered by Drago’s, In recent years, the foundation, music, free parking and a great view of through the generosity of donors the city skyline. throughout the area, have helped to fund “This is the fourth year we are hosting On September 27 of last year, Ruth Martin says she was in the the EJGH Wellness Center so that it can our “Up on the Roof” celebration, and it right place, at the right time. That place was Ochsner Medical be a premier facility for our patients has quickly become one of our signature Center-Kenner and she says simply, “They saved my life.” and community members to practice events throughout the year,” says Ruth and her daughter-in-law had gone into OMC-Kenner’s safe and effective exercise programs, Rebecca Leonard McWilliams, EJGH Emergency Department with Ruth’s granddaughter who was experiencing discomfort. While she was waiting for her granddaughter to get an X-ray, “BRING YOUR HOME TO A NEW LEVEL” she started feeling bad and having chest pains. The pain was so severe that she couldn’t speak, so she pulled back the curtain of the exam area she was waiting in and signaled
to the nurse, pointing at her chest. “The nurses moved like lightning,” says Ruth. “The next thing I remember is being on a stretcher, hearing the words ‘Code Blue’ being
called out.” Dr. Nancy Bellemare, emergency medicine physician, and our ED staff at OMC- Kenner were able to assess her quickly and determine that Ruth was having a heart attack. Once the heart attack was identified in the emergency room, Code STEMI was initiated to expedite Ms. Martin’s transfer to the cardiac catheterization lab. There, Dr. Lewis Siegel, interventional cardiologist, found that one of Ruth’s main coronary arteries was blocked. When it comes to a heart attack, time is muscle. The longer heart muscle goes without oxygen from blockages, the more of it dies. Dr. Siegel was able to immediately place a stent in Ruth’s blocked artery. Ruth’s door-to-balloon time (the amount of time from the
moment a person enters the ER to the moment the balloon opens the artery) was well DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY ! below the national standard. Opening the artery in such a short amount of time not only saved her life, but has allowed her to make a full recovery. GRANT MONEY STILL AVAILABLE “I was told by Dr. Siegel that even if I had been next door to the hospital when this UP TO $160,000 heart attack happened, that I would not be here today,” says Ruth. “God works in mysterious ways and I was so blessed to be in OMC-Kenner’s Emergency Room at PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT! NEVER FLOOD AGAIN! that moment.” CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION After less than a week-long stay at the hospital, Ruth was released on October 2, the
CALL OUR GRANT MITIGATION ANALYST ON STAFF day before her birthday, which she was so grateful to be able to celebrate. Ruth says that Locally Owned / Operated the care she received at OMC-Kenner was wonderful and recommends OMC-Kenner to everyone who will listen. “I call Dr. Siegel my angel,” says Ruth. 725 – 3RD STREET Today, nearly a year after her heart attack, Ruth is doing well and enjoying her recent KENNER, LA 70062 retirement from the city of Kenner’s Community Service Department and Kenner (504) 888-5438 Council on Aging where she worked for 27 years. She is looking forward to celebrating (504) 888-LIFT another birthday next month and says she has Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner to thank for that gift.
Paolo Zambito, R.N., is chief executive officer at Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner and has served in this role for five years. Zambito has been at the Kenner facility for over 19 years. Zambito, who serves on the boards of the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana and the Louisiana Extended Care Hospital of Kenner is also a member of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana.
www.ElevationsShoring.com
KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 15 Home Make time for fall maintenance By DAN DORMADY $ OFF $ Once the that weep holes in the bottom course OFF children are back of the brick veneer are clear. Check the in school, it is condition of wood or vinyl siding and a good time for make any repairs needed. you to perform Chimney and fireplace: Call a any service of 4 Bridgestone or Firestone tires 25 purchased5 with road0 hazard a few simple, professional in to inspect and clean $200 or more & nitrogen package Offer expires September 30, 2010. With this coupon only. Please present coupon with order. preventive maintenance checks your chimney. Fireplaces that are May not be combined with any other offer or discount. One coupon per visit. Not redeemable for cash. around your home. While preventative regularly used during the cooler maintenance does cost a little season should have an annual cleaning money, it costs much less to perform to prevent dangerous chimney fires. maintenance than a major repair. Here Attic ventilation: Be sure attic are a few maintenance tips, some that insulation doesn’t cover vents in the Tires • Alignments • Balancing • Oil Changes you can perform and some that should eaves in the attic. Be sure ridge vents Shocks • Air Conditioner Work • Struts be left to the professionals: and vents at eaves are free of debris. Brake Service • Batteries • Belts • Hoses Gutters and downspouts: Check Check bird and rodent screens for attic Tune-Ups CV Joints • Fuel Injection Cleaning and clean all gutters and downspouts vents to prevent any unwanted guests. to prevent build up of leaves and Landscape and yard work: Mulch other debris. Neglected gutters can beds to protect plants from cold. Call lead to wood rot problems and pest your termite company to let them infestations, not to mention ruined know you have added new mulch near gutters. Be sure water is not coming the house. Trim any tree limbs that are down behind gutters and that all dangerously close to or over the roof support brackets are securely in place. of your house. Stop and call Entergy If your gutters are rusty, it may be time at 1-800-368-3749 if there are any tree to replace them with new aluminum limbs near or touching the power lines. 4200 Williams Blvd. or vinyl gutters. Ensure that water General Cleaning Items: Vacuum drains properly and doesn’t pool. under and behind your freezer and 465-1312 Pooling water can cause damage to refrigerator. This can greatly improve 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday foundations, driveways and walkways. efficiency of these units. Clean out www.scottystireauto.com Windows and doors: Inspect and dryer lint filter and the vent line by repair any loose or damaged window disconnecting the line both at dryer or door frames and any broken window and outside vent. Be sure the vent is locks or latches. Check and replace clear from debris on the exterior of Our New SKILLED NURSING SERVICES WING Featuring a private entrance with a beautifully appointed degraded weather stripping or caulking the house. Excess lint in this line is lobby, rehabilitation facility, private and companion ac- around windows and doors to prevent a fire hazard. Vacuum bathroom vent commodations and private dining area drafts and to lower heating bills. fan covers. Clean kitchen exhaust fan Heating Systems: Service the filter. A GREAT TRANSITION FROM HOSPITAL TO HOME. furnace before the weather gets very Electrical: Test/check ground At Chateau Living Center, caring for your cold. If the heating system is older fault circuits outlets (GFCIs), carbon loved ones is not a job, – it is our privilege than 15 years, consider replacing it monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and our pleasure. We are dedicated to provid- with a modern, efficient unit. Replace and smoke alarms. Replace old ing quality, compassionate, nursing care to meet the changing needs of our residents. The or clean the filter in your furnace. batteries in these devices. health care professionals of Chateau Living Consider having a heating professional Roof: Visually inspect the roof. Center provide general and restorative care to those who can no longer live alone due to the check your heating system to ensure If there are any signs of a leak or caregiving demands placed upon their loved optimal performance and discover damaged shingles or flashing, have the one. Our focus is to provide care and comfort minor problems before they turn into roof checked by a professional roofer. while enhancing the joy and dignity of life. costly major repairs. Vacuum or clean Generally, if the roof is leaking and Our Range of Services include: ceiling vents. Replace thermostat is more than 15 to 20 years old (with • Orthopedic Recovery batteries. regular seal tab shingles), it may be • Stroke Recovery • Wound Recovery Plumbing: Check the leak indicator more cost effective to have a new roof • Hospice Services at the water meter. There is usually installed. • Individualized Rehabilitation Program a small, triangular shaped indicator Dan Dormady, P.E. is a licensed • General Nursing and Restorative Care. inside the meter glass; this indicator professional engineer and licensed For more information, contact our Admission Coordinator at (504) 464-0604. will be “completely still” when all the home inspector and the president water is turned off in the house. If the of Criterium-Dormady Engineers, indicator moves, even slightly, it may a locally owned consulting indicate a water leak in a device in the engineering firm specializing in Kenner Star Website house such as from a toilet or a leaking residential and commercial building faucet that needs to be repaired or inspection services. Dormady can www.kennerstar.com replaced. be reached at 456-6999, P.O. Box Exterior Walls: Check for mud 113565 Metairie, LA 70011-3565, trails on the foundation slab, sawdust or at [email protected]. and other signs of termite infestation. Criterium-Dormady Engineers’ Check for gaps around pipes and wires website is www.criterium-dormady. that go through exterior walls. Caulk com. so that no air can leak in or out. Check 16 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Automotive New car sales down 35 percent BY DOUG TURNER
How are new during years when 17 million vehicles real tryout across the country. And vehicle manufacturers are pushing car manufacturing were sold doing just fine in today’s inventories are lean and balanced. dealers to sell cars from a smaller companies coping market with only 11 million in sales? How is that affecting the consumer? inventory and it appears to be working. with the loss in Because discipline is breaking out Well there’s the story of a guy who was However, old habits are hard to break, sales of six million vehicles annually? all over – at manufacturers, suppliers ready for a new car and wanted to trade so some dealers are still screaming Because yearly retail car sales were and dealerships. A pragmatic, tightly his 140,000 mile Suburban for a new for increased inventory over what at 17 million vehicles three years ago controlled approach has evolved from one, only to find that the local dealers the manufacturers want to supply. and have dropped to the current level the recession and the changes touch were in short supply of Suburbans. So, Reportedly, franchised import dealers of 11 million vehicles annually, the almost every part of the business. he wound up ordering the vehicle he are having an easier time with the automobile business has had to reinvent Incentives are smaller, simpler and wanted with the equipment he desired inventory attitude adjustment, because itself. more tactical. No-haggle and limited and had to drive his old one for another over the years they have had a smaller Why are companies that struggled negotiation pricing are getting a eight weeks until the new one arrived. supply of inventoried vehicles to sell This example illustrates how the from. “push” system of building and selling All in all the car business has adapted vehicles is fading. Automakers are to the economic times, as it always has, closely matching production to sales, a and will continue to adjust over the dramatic change for “The Big Three.” coming years. That means U.S. new car and truck Doug Turner is president of Deal’n inventories are at record lows today with Doug’s Autoplex, which stocks all types Lunch & Dinner 2.1 million on July 1, 2010, which is half of vehicles, cars, trucks, SUVs and vans (closed Sundays) of the 4.2 million that were in stock on priced from $5,000 to $25,000, located July 1, 2004. at 6900 Veterans Boulevard in Metairie. new orLeAns’ home CooKing! GM, which used to run its factories at Turner, in the automobile business Two Convenient locations... any cost, trying to create demand with for over 30 years and an twelve year one great menu!!! big incentives and high, low-profit fleet member of the Better Business Bureau, sales is now under-producing hot models. was recently appointed by Governor kenner metairie 910 W. esplanade 1001 live oak On July 1, Chevrolet had just a 22-day Bobby Jindal to the board of the @ Chateau next to Burger King between Bonnabel & Lake Ave. supply of the Equinox crossover, a 31- Louisiana Used Vehicle Commission, 838-0022 463-3030 day supply of the Traverse crossover and which licenses and oversees the used www.mredsno.com a 37-day supply of the Suburban, all well vehicle industry in Louisiana. Turner below the previous norm of 60 days. can be reached at 887-3131 or online at To keep industry costs down, all the [email protected]. NEW FROM GULF COAST BANK Health LSU orthopaedic surgery team finds a comfortable home at Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner BY ALLAN KATZ For many years, terrible arthritis pain was considered to be a part of the aging process. But, in Safe, Secure & Simple: this decade, there has been a profound shift in public attitudes that has led thousands of patients to opt for shoulder, hip and knee replacements and an end to the pain that was previously MOBILE BANKING considered an inevitable and inescapable part of life. Nowhere is this change in attitudes more frequently seen than at Ochsner Medical Center- Kenner where the LSU orthopaedic surgery team is performing scores of knee, hip and shoulder replacements each month. “I really believe it’s a quality of life issue in thousands of American homes,” says Dr. Vinod Dasa, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the LSU Health Sciences Center. “We see patients every day come in and ask for replacement surgery because they no longer feel that they Check your account have to endure the arthritic pain that has always come as part of the aging process.” balance, pay your As a result, says Dr. Dasa, patients ranging in age from their 40s to their 80s are asking for bills, transfer money shoulder, hip and knee replacements because they know from their friends who have replacement and much more, surgeries that their pain can be eliminated and their mobility vastly improved. using your mobile “I think we’re seeing a demographic shift in which people in every income level have just phone. decided that the availability of replacement surgery that can significantly end their pain is desirable, acceptable and a darned good idea,” said Dr. Dasa. The shoulder, hip and knee replacements being performed at Ochsner-Kenner are computer- assisted surgical procedures that involve two to three days in the hospital followed by six weeks of out-patient treatment. “The key to replacement surgery is pain management and we have a great team at Ochsner-Kenner that helps our patients conquer their pain,” says Dr. Dasa. “For many patients they are back to their normal way of life within a couple of months.” Dr. Dasa says he and his LSU colleagues consider Ochsner-Kenner’s facilities to be state-of- the-art, augmented by an outstanding nursing staff, therapists and other services. Dr. Dasa grew up in Pennsylvania, got his training in replacement surgery in New York and has greatly enjoyed his three years spent in south Louisiana. “I love the ambiance, the cuisine, 1-800-223-2060 | www.Gulfbank.com the music, but most of all I love not having to scrape the ice off my windshield during the winter,” says Dr. Dasa. Mobile Banking is available with any Gulf Coast Bank Account and you must be signed up for Online Banking. Gulf Coast The LSU orthopaedic surgery team of doctor’s offices are located in the medical office Bank does not charge a fee for using Mobile Banking or Alerts. However, customers may be subject to rate and internet- access fees charged by your service provider. Please check with your service provider for specifics on any fees and service building adjacent to Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner, Suite 500, 200 West Esplanade Avenue. charges. See Banker for more details. To contact their office, call 412-1700. KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 17 Health Pain: Friend or foe BY CRAIG GOODWIN
As Webster’s connective tissue such as muscle, tendon need a change in our lifestyle to become Goodwin graduated from LSU Medical dictionary states, or ligaments. Chronic pain refers to pain healthier in our lives. School Department of Allied Health, pain is a localized that persists after an injury heals. Arthritis Craig Goodwin, physical therapist, Department of Physical Therapy in 1987. physical suffering is a condition that usually is associated is president of Kenner Orthopedic and The professionals at Kenner Orthopedic associated with bodily disorder (as with chronic pain. Sports Therapy, located at 3921 Williams and Sports Therapy can be contacted via a disease or an injury) characterized How we deal with the pain we feel Boulevard and two other locations email at [email protected]. by physical discomfort (as pricking, will be a direct result of how our body in Metairie and on the West Bank. throbbing, or aching). Pain is also will heal. Most acute injuries, especially described in other literature as an those of a moderate to severe nature, will Steinhauer Productions unpleasant sensory experience associated need medical attention and the necessary with actual or potential tissue damage. treatment that will allow your body to Pain will usually resolve once the stimulus heal. Chronic pain, left untreated, usually that is producing the pain is removed, results in a more debilitating condition (985) 796-5853 but sometimes pain will persist in the that affects our normal lifestyle. removal of the stimulus or may arise in We must learn how to avoid activities the absence of any detectable stimulus. that cause an increase in pain. Becoming Pain, however, is the most common more proactive in our ability to help our 10am - 5pm symptom of injury. bodies recover allows us to enhance our As we age and become less active with ability to perform daily activities with less changes in our lifestyle, we sometimes pain. Some critical factors in a proactive begin to feel that not a day goes by where lifestyle are diet and exercise. Achieving we can get out of bed and go through a full and maintaining a normal body weight day of activity without pain. Pain can be will decrease stress off our joints and SEPT. 11-12 SEPT. 18-19 helpful, though. Without pain, you might allow us to perform at a more active level seriously hurt yourself without knowing with our daily activities. Exercise, such it, or you might not realize you have a as walking and stretching, allows our medical problem that needs treatment. bodies to become more fit with greater In the orthopedic field of medicine, range of motion in our joints that help doctors usually deal with two types of protect us from further injury. Although pain, acute or chronic. Acute pain occurs pain is usually thought of as a foe, it
when someone breaks a bone or tears can be a friend, by letting us know we CandlesPaintingsWood CraftsPottery WearablesJewelry Leather FloralCrafts FurnitureMetal Art
Loved by Patients, Recommended by Doctors Craig Goodwin P.T., President
www.orthosportstherapy.com Kenner Metairie Westbank 3921 Williams Blvd. 701 Metairie Rd. 1530 Lapalco Blvd. 504-443-5152 504-831-3227 504-361-9275 18 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Real Estate Make one final inspection BY LINDA R. MARTIN
In the sales Typically, a buyer takes possession Run the garbage disposal and turn on the deficiency and agree to correct it. contract, the of a property at the act of sale, one to every water faucet, checking under the Although pre-closing inspections take sellers of your three months after signing the sales sinks for leaks. Flush the toilets. Inspect time and may be inconvenient, they are new home agreed agreement. And a lot can happen the floors, carpets, walls and doors for important and well worth the buyer’s to leave the before the actual move-in. Appliances recent damage. time. custom blinds, and fixtures can break, and walls, If you discover that something is Linda R. Martin, who is licensed refrigerator, built-in entertainment carpets and doors can be damaged damaged or missing, make a note of it in Louisiana, can be reached at 443- system and those fine cabinets and during the seller’s final weeks in the and inform your real estate professional 6464 or at her office located at 4140 workbench in the garage. But when you house, particularly during move-out. immediately. In most cases, the seller Williams Boulevard in Kenner, LA, show up on moving day, all of those Sometimes the seller will simply have is usually able to take care of small USA. Prudential Gardner Realtors is amenities are long gone. Moreover, the forgotten that he or she has agreed problems immediately, either by an independently owned and operated lock on the back door is broken and to leave the refrigerator or window making a needed repair or offering member of Prudential Real Estate there is a huge gouge in the drywall coverings with the house. Whatever the compensation to handle it. And, if Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial near the front bathroom. reason, problems identified before the there are major problems, the seller can company. Visit the Prudential website Although these circumstances are closing have the best chance of being even sign a statement acknowledging at www.prudentialgardner.com. extreme, they could happen, which remedied. is why it is important to have a If possible, schedule the inspection Banking final inspection of the home you are right before the closing, such as the day purchasing before the closing. A pre- before. Ask your real estate professional Last Call? closing inspection gives you one last to attend the inspection with you. BY Guy Williams opportunity to verify that you are Using a copy of the sales contract as getting all that was promised in the sales a checklist, first make sure that all items contract. Although buyers still have that should be in place (appliances, No one knows The first thing is to do no harm. Times legal recourse if they discover – even built-in furniture, window coverings, when rates will of low rates can tempt investors into after closing – that the condition of the fixtures, etc.) are there. go up, but we do taking too much credit or inflation risk. home is not as it should be. Of course, Test each appliance to make sure know that one It is tempting to look for the highest yield the best time to identify problems is they work properly. Bring along an day they will go but that yield may come with the highest before closing when the seller will be electrical clock or radio to test each higher. For folks trying to live on interest risk as well. Consider the safety of any motivated to correct any deficiencies to electrical outlet. Test all electrical income, the increase in interest rates investment that seems to be offering close the transaction. switches and the garage door opener. can’t come soon enough. For borrowers an above-market yield. Another risk is this may indeed be the last call. extension or inflation risk. If you buy a Right now you can refinance a 30-year long term CD or investment in order to mortgage in the low four percent range increase yield, you may really regret it and a 15-year mortgage in the high three when rates go up. Because of the large percent range. These are historic low amount of federal spending, there is 2151 WILLIAMS BLVD. Monday - Thursday • 7 am - 6 pm rates. If you have a mortgage with rates always the chance that rates could go (RIGHT BEHIND CAR WASH) Friday and Saturday • 7 am - 7 pm at least one percent higher than this, up, maybe substantially. Sunday • 8 am - 5 pm 469-3503 now is the time to refinance. There is however one risk-free H Some people talk about waiting for investment that can pay from 18 to 35 rates to go lower but there is very little percent. Seem too good to be true? It’s YOUR FOOTBALL PARTY HEADQUARTERS! room for rates to decline further and a not. If you have credit card debt, begin to whole lot of room for rates to increase, pay off the highest rate credit card first. possibly substantially. Our best advice While you are doing this, don’t use the is to refinance now, and if you can make card. Your objective is to permanently ICE COLD BEER KEGS the payments, shorten the term of your reduce your cost. The way to do this is loan. You might go from a 30-year loan pay the card debt down and eventually TO GO! to a 25 or 20-year loan. If possible try to eliminate credit card debt. get to a 15-year loan. This low-rate environment has been H Some financial advisors talk about tough for many folks. It’s time to use Ice Cold Package keeping a big mortgage debt so that it for your advantage by refinancing BARBECUING? the interest is tax deductible. I think and paying down high-priced debt. As TOP OFF YOUR TANK Beer 24 pk suitcase that doing that can be foolish. We always if you see a “too good to be recommend that you schedule your true” deal, it probably is. Your local Only mortgage so that it is paid in full before community banker will be happy to help PROPANE 18.49 you retire. This will provide security in you work through these tough times. SOLD BY THE GALLON Bud Coors Lite an uncertain time. The psychological Guy Williams is president and chief H Bud Lite Miller Lite benefit of a paid-for home can be much executive officer of Gulf Coast Bank and 20 PACK more valuable than the tax deduction. Trust Company. Their Kenner branch Longneck Bottles There is even some medical evidence office is located at 3410 Williams that people with less debt live longer. Boulevard. Brian Behlar, branch Bud Coors Lite If you have already refinanced your manager, can be contacted at 565- Only Bud Lite mortgage or don’t have one, what can 3661. Visit Gulf Coast Bank and Trust’s 49 Miller Lite 16. you do about low rates? website at www.gulfbank.com. KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 19
Healthcare With Peace Of Mind™ at Ochsner Kenner.
1 0 Last Call? reasons to make Ochsner Kenner your first choice.
When it comes to choosing a healthcare provider who offers quality and compassionate care for you and your whole family, look no further than Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner. Here are 10 reasons why:
1 Convenient and accessible location – Only minutes away 6 Cutting edge treatments in wound care – Our Hyperbaric & from where you live. Wound Care Center treats problem wounds and promotes faster healing. 2 Specialized medical care – More than 299 medical specialists and 341 physicians. 7 Supporting our community – Providing health education and screenings to help keep our neighbors healthy. 3 Award winning Emergency Services – Recipient of prestigious Press Ganey award for most improved patient 8 Coordinated system of care – Through our one complete satisfaction in our ER. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system your Ochsner physicians have 24/7 access to your complete medical history, 4 Advanced Women’s Services – From our newly enabling us to deliver optimum care, diagnosis and treatment. remodeled Labor and Delivery Unit to state-of-the-art digital mammography. 9 Skilled, compassionate care – Award-winning physicians and nurses in a comfortable environment. 5 Cancer care – Including Oncology/Hematology services and our new Infusion Center. We also provide specialized 10 Convenient health center locations – Two locations in cancer care with our Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, Kenner and one in Luling with same-day/next-day which is 1 of only 5 in the U.S. appointments available.
Enjoy comprehensive healthcare with peace of mind, close to home at Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner. Call today for more information: 504-464-8000
Follow Ochsner ochsner.org/kenner
©2010 Ochsner Health System (ochsner.org) is a non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system dedicated to patient care, research and education.
O-K-106-H_KennerStarAd_8_20.indd 1 8/23/10 2:39 PM 20 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Sports Saints poised for run at histery BY KEN TRAHAN
In NFL history, only eight teams in the Pro Football Hall of Fame or will be in the leading 39 turnovers a year ago. Can they have managed to repeat as Super Pro Football Hall of Fame. replicate that performance or come close to it? Bowl champions. The big game To repeat as Super Bowl champions, you If so, the Saints will play deep into January, has been played 44 times. The need an elite, innovative coach. Perhaps more perhaps in February once again in 2011. Steel Curtain of Pittsburgh did it importantly, you need an elite, all-time great at Of course, that is unlikely to occur. The Saints twice with many of the same players, a tremendous feat. quarterback. will have to become more proficient at getting The last team to repeat was the New England Patriots, Starr was a tremendous leader. Griese was conventional stops, more three-and-outs, to turn winning the Lombardi Trophy in 2004 and 2005. That much the same. Bradshaw was simply tough and the ball over to their potent offense. is still recent enough in the memories of Saints fans to had a big arm. Montana was a cerebral assassin, To that end, defensive ends Alex Brown and provide hope for the 2010 New Orleans Saints to join the deadly accurate in Walsh’s West Coast offense. Jimmy Wilkerson are in and Charles Grant is out. list of the elite. Aikman threw a beautiful ball and handled That’s a two-for-one deal the Saints were willing When you examine the teams which have repeated as pressure well. Elway may have been the most to make. They should be better, deeper there. Super Bowl champions, all had one significant factor in physically gifted passer in NFL history. Brady is Bobby McCray and Jeff Charleston provide common – super quarterbacks. the next generation of Montana. depth, if both make the final roster. Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers won the first two That brings us to Drew Brees. Since becoming The question is whether the Saints can perform Super Bowls with Bart Starr. Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins a member of the New Orleans Saints, Brees has better against the run. Sedrick Ellis is a solid won Super Bowls seven and eight with Bob Griese. made three Pro Bowls in four years. He was the player who must step up to become a legitimate Chuck Noll’s Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowls nine NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and the run-stopper inside. Remi Ayodele must continue and 10, along with Super Bowls 13 and 14 with Terry NFC Offensive Player of the Year three times. to produce. Demario Pressley and Anthony Bradshaw. Bill Walsh’s San Francisco 49ers won Super He was a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. He Hargrove must continue to be serviceable Bowls 23 and 24 with Joe Montana. Jimmy Johnson’s has completed an impressive 66.85 percent of his players. Can former LSU lineman Al Woods Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowls 27 and 28 with Troy passes, including 70.4 in 2009. contribute? We haven’t seen much from him in Aikman. Mike Shanahan’s Denver Broncos won Super Unquestionably, in the Saints quest to two- training camp. Bowls 32 and 33 with John Elway. As mentioned, Bill peat, they have the right formula on the sideline At linebacker, Jonathan Vilma is the Belichick’s New England Patriots won Super Bowls 38 and under center to do so. Sean Payton is an elite unquestionable leader of the defense. He is and 39 with Tom Brady. coach, a brilliant play-caller, innovative along smart. He runs very well and is outstanding in While all coaches mentioned are either in the Pro the lines of Walsh. Brees is an elite quarterback, pursuit. Scott Shanle is under-appreciated. He Football Hall of Fame or will likely be in the Pro Football deadly accurate, protective of the ball, a moves to strong-side linebacker with Jonathan Hall of Fame, all seven quarterbacks mentioned are either tremendous leader, universally respected by his Casillas taking over on the weak side. Depth is a teammates. The formula is there. real question mark. So is the talent, at least on offense. Pierre While the secondary is very talented, the big Thomas is poised to have his best year in his question surrounds the health of Darren Sharper quest to obtain a huge contract. He expressed and the ability of Malcolm Jenkins to play well his dissatisfaction in the off season about his at safety. current deal. Keep in mind that Thomas made Sharper was a catalyst for the Saints’ success the Saints’ team as a free agent, hardly the stuff in 2009 with his nine interceptions, including large pay is made of. He will get his money if he three for scores. He has been unable to get on the continues to accelerate his production in 2010. field in the preseason as he recovers from a knee Reggie Bush looks faster and stronger than injury. His smarts, play-making and big-hitting at any point since he has been a Saint. Heath are needed. Evans is back to pave the way for both to run Jenkins has the size and physical ability to better and to catch the ball out of the backfield. translate into a fine NFL safety. Can he grasp The offensive line is arguably the league’s the concepts of the position quickly? Does he best. Jonathan Goodwin is a solid, working class have a nose for the football like Sharper? Will center. Carl Nicks is a big, physical guard while he produce like the number one draft pick he is? Jahri Evans is the best in the business at the Roman Harper played better a year ago. He other guard spot. Jon Stinchcomb made the Pro is best suited in run-support. At cornerback, the Bowl at right tackle last season while Jermon Saints have their best duo in franchise history Bushrod played well enough at left tackle for in Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. When healthy, the Saints to part ways with Jamaal Brown. they were terrific in 2009. If they stay healthy, We are a locally owned, independently operated, Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas provide the Saints defense will be improved in 2010. family funeral home continuing a tradition that has good targets at tight end in the passing game. Veteran Randall Gay of LSU returns while top endured for 119 years! And we believe that makes a Rookie Jimmy Graham has a promising future. draft pick Patrick Robinson has physical ability great difference in the care, service and value your The wide receiving corps is good and deep. in reserve though he will have a learning curve. family receives. If you ever have a question or would Lance Moore returns after being injured most Usama Young, Pierson Prioleau and Chris Reis like more information feel free to call or stop by. of last season and he has had a great training are candidates to stick at safety. camp. Marques Colston is among the league’s The return game is in good shape with Courtney best. Devery Henderson is a home-run hitter. Roby returning kickoffs and either Reggie Bush Robert Meachem is a big-play, big receiver. or Lance Moore returning punts. The kicking Adrian Arrington has the ability to become the game features the dynamic, youthful duo of same type of player if he sticks. Garrett Hartley and Thomas Morstead. Veteran Patrick Ramsey and second-year Hartley shined under pressure in the postseason player Chase Daniel have looked good behind last year. He appears on his way to a long and Brees. The Saints should be better in that area. prosperous career in New Orleans. Morstead has The big question is on defense. Gregg a big leg, great hang-time on his punts and depth Williams’ unit produced an astonishing, league- on his kickoffs. Continued on next page KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 21 Law Advance directives for mental health treatment CENTURY BY JAMES L. MELCHERS F o r t u n a t e l y, is available to the parents when the TITLE Louisiana law child reaches the age 15 until the child allows for reaches the age of 18. After the child is “WE CLOSE REAL ESTATE children who 18, the parents must go through a full TRANSACTIONS FOR YOU” meet certain interdiction process to be able to act on requirements to his behalf. It is important to start the RANDY LOVITT be placed under permanent tutorship. process months before the child turns 18 Notary Public For these special children (severely as the whole process can take some time mentally challenged) is the preferred to be accomplished. REAL ESTATE process because it is less costly and time If the continuing or permanent TITLE TRANSFERS consuming than a formal interdiction, tutorship is granted, the legal document Real Estate Sales, Mortgages, but both require a court proceeding. (decree) granting the tutorship must Donations, 1031 Tax Free Exchanges For a child to be placed under be recorded in the conveyance and • Expert Closing Assistance — In Operation over 15 years permanent tutorship, he must be over mortgage records of the parish where • In-House Problem Solving Real Estate Title Attorneys — You’ll need this the age of fifteen and possess less than the child lives. If the family moves to • We keep you Informed — We return your Calls two-thirds the average mental ability of a different parish, the documents should • Our Costs are Competitive — Our Work is Accurate a normal person of the same age. This be filed in the same records of that 4200 South I-10 Service Road, Suite 110, Metairie, LA 70001 is proven by standard testing procedures parish. administered by a qualified professional. The tutor has the same authority, 830-7979 FAX 831-2609 As strange as this may seem, it is the privileges and responsibilities as in coroner of the parish where the child other tutorships, including the same lives who must agree to the permanent authority to give consent for any medical tutorship. Before the legal documents treatment or procedure, to give consent are filed with the court, the coroner for any educational plan or procedure Take control of reviews the evidence and then agrees and to obtain medical, educational or or disagrees with the request of the other records. your energy bill parents that they are entitled to place James L. Melchers is the senior their child under a continuing tutorship. attorney at Melchers Law Firm, located with Level Billing. This continuing tutorship does not at 909 West Esplanade Avenue in automatically end at a certain age, but Kenner and the firm’s primary areas Our customers tell us that Level Billing is the solution to help them better manage their budgets. No surprises. continues until revoked by the court of of practice are estate planning, wills, Lori Averett, the parish where the child resides. trusts, successions, corporate law, Customer Service Specialist Customers pay about the same amount each month. There is a three-year window of and personal injury. Melchers can be How Does Level Billing Work? opportunity for the parents of the reached at 467-1092 or visit the website The chart below shows an example of 12 months of energy bills. Your bills severely mentally challenged person at www.melcherslawfirm.com. are averaged over a rolling 12 month period. to utilize this procedure. This process
Trahan (continued from page 20)
That’s the good news. The bad news the feeling that this game may not be is that the New Orleans cover-teams close either way. How will Brett Favre were poor in 2009 and have been perform at the age of 40, coming off awful in the preseason of 2010. They of a serious ankle injury inflicted by must improve dramatically. Look for the Saints? the final roster spots on the team to In the NFC, Minnesota, Dallas, Sign up now by logging in to My Account Online at entergy.com or call be addressed by Payton picking guys Atlanta and Green Bay appear to be 1-800-ENTERGY (368-3749) to sign up today. who can excel in this department. the biggest threats to unseat the Saints. The final question is this – how San Francisco could be a sleeper. hungry are the Saints? In the NFL, When you have an elite quarterback where the talent level is close all and an elite coach, the possibility around, it is often all about who stays of making history is plausible, real healthy and who wants it more. My though history suggests that is going gut feeling is that Brees, Payton, to be very difficult to do. Let the ©2010 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Williams, Vilma and the like will not games begin! allow the team to become complacent. Ken Trahan serves as sports director The opening game with Minnesota of WGSO 990 AM/WGSO.com and will tell us much. The Vikings are is president and general manager Start a loaded for bear, wanting to avenge of neworleans.com Sports. Trahan last year’s NFC championship game is the also the general manager NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH result. The Saints want to prove that and chairman of the board of the the win was no fluke. Frankly, Saints Saints Hall of Fame Museum in the Contact the Kenner Police Department players are tired of hearing about Louisiana Superdome, and runs the how the Vikings outplayed them that Life Resources Sports Ministry. Community Relations Division night and were the better team. I get 712-2294. Continued on next page 22 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR
KCVB grateful for a cheerleader People BY SHARON SOLOMON Dave Dixon – A great man, still surrounded by greats BY ED CLANCY
Very few people the station had been sold a couple of years Dixon ever knew about that first-ever Metairie Cemetery is George Westfeldt, are aware that before and was now WGSO 1280 AM.) event in his Dome, but I’m sure he would the “father of tennis” in New Orleans, and the first event I think the year was 1974, but it could have been pleased. After all, if it had not founder of the New Orleans Lawn Tennis ever held in the have been late 1973. At any rate the roof have been for him, there would have been Club. Also in sports, the great Mel Ott of Louisiana Superdome was not orchestrated of the Superdome was not completed. no Superdome. And no Saints. And no Gretna is resting there. He was a slugger by Dave Dixon. I don’t even think he was There were white linen tablecloths, white Who Dats. And no Lombardi Trophy for for the New York Giants in the 1920s, 30s there. But I was. The only proof I have linen napkins, hors d’oeuvres, champagne all those Who Dats. and 40s, and was mentioned in the same that it ever took place is my memory of it, and waiters from Antoine’s. I remember When Dave Dixon, the man they call breath with Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.” and that of my news director at the time, looking up from my precarious seat on the the “Father of the Superdome” died last Buddy points out that Dr. Alton Ochsner, Guy King. The event, as I recall it, was cement rafters of the Dome to see a blue, month at age 87, he was remembered founder of the Ochsner Clinic, who taught a celebration of the 50th anniversary of blue sky. The Superdome roof was finally for not only being the one person most us that smoking and cancer are directly the radio frequency 1280 AM. (For years completed, and in 1975 the Dome was responsible for bringing the New Orleans linked, is buried in Metairie Cemetery, as 1280 had belonged to WDSU-AM, but open for business. I don’t know if Dave Saints to this city, but also for envisioning well as the man he succeeded as professor the wondrous building they would play in. and chairman of the Tulane Department Dixon, as he told us in his autobiography, of Surgery, Dr. Rudolph Matas (known as Call for FREE Wills Trusts “The Saints, the Superdome and the the “father of vascular surgery”). Andrew FORM Scandal” – with a little hardball help from Higgins, our own World War II hero is LIVING DECLARATION Successions With instructions the powerful New Orleans congressman, there. The men who landed on Normandy Business Law Hale Boggs – persuaded the commissioner Beach landed in boats made or designed of the National Football League, Pete by Higgins here in Louisiana. Personal Injury Rozelle, to grant New Orleans an NFL “And,” says historian Stall, “when the franchise. It was announced on All Saints time comes, Ann Rice will join Dave for Over 30 years experience Day, 1966. eternity.” Then all Dave had to do was persuade Stall points out that some people want MLF Governor John McKeithen, the Louisiana to make a stop first, before going home Legislature and the people of Louisiana forever. Germaine Casanave Wells, the Melchers Law Firm that the Saints needed a Superdome, and it owner of Arnaud’s, requested her funeral 909 West Esplanade Ave., Suite 206, Kenner, LA 70065 needed to be in downtown New Orleans. procession pass in front of her restaurant (504) 467-1092 He did all that. And he did a lot more. in the French Quarter before moving on to www.melcherslawfirm.com James L. Melchers, Attorney-At-Law In 1963, when he tried to get New Metairie Cemetery. Racing handicapper, Orleans used to the idea of having and all around character, “Black Cat” professional football in town, he organized Lacombe, insisted on one more trip an NFL exhibition double header at around the Fair Grounds race track. And Tulane Stadium. But he knew it would not it would not have been a fitting ceremony be viewed well nationwide if the stadium unless Dave Dixon passed one more time crowd was segregated. So he put on his in front of his Superdome. On August 11, civil rights hat and hired a young lawyer he did. named “Dutch” Morial to get antiquated No New Orleanian wanted the Saints Louisiana segregation laws struck down to win the Super Bowl more than Dave in Federal court. Dixon. When it happened earlier this Dave loved art as well as football. He year, Buddy Stall went to the cemetery, and his life-partner and wife, Mary Shea “and it had as much black and gold as Dixon, were owners of Dixon and Dixon any place in the city. Flowers, banners, art gallery and museum on Royal Street bunting, flags, everything black and gold until just before Katrina in 2005. in and around the tombs and gravestones. Dixon worked with Kansas City Chiefs I would bet most of those who are now owner Lamar Hunt to found World in the cemetery had been in Dave Dixon’s Championship Tennis. WCT became the Superdome for one function or another, major professional tennis tour of players whether it be a Saints’ game, Final Four under contract in the early seventies. And, basketball, the Republican Convention of he was the inventor and founder of the 1988, Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1987, a United States Football League. trade show or a truck pull.” On August 11, 2010, Dave Dixon Buddy’s right. None of those things was laid to rest in Lake Lawn Metairie would have happened if Dave Dixon had Cemetery. No one knows more about the not lived. I don’t know, as I write this, history of that resting place than historian what words will be inscribed on Dave’s Buddy Stall. simple granite tomb. Many people, myself “Dave Dixon was a great man,” says among them, think it should at least say, Buddy, “ surrounded in life by great “Father of the Louisiana Superdome.” people. And he still is today – in Metairie Buddy agrees: “I think a living memorial Cemetery. For example, Dave’s passion to this man would be such a statement on was football, and he is buried not too far his final resting place.” from T.L. Bayne, who conducted the first Ed Clancy can be reached via email at football game ever played in New Orleans, Edclancy2@aol. at Tulane University in 1890. Dave loved tennis, and resting now with Dave in KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 23
Fitness Sole matters – Find your best workout shoes BY YVETTE DUSSOUY Frank Sinatra sang the decrease body fat, and improve posture, balance and Yvette Dussouy, for over 15 years has owned and immortal words, “Fairy tales can mobility. Incorporate some type of strength-training operated the Kenner Jazzercise Fitness Center, which come true. It can happen to you, exercise at least two days per week. is located at 4228 Williams Boulevard. A certified if you’re young at heart.” And Stretch. As we age, our muscles and joints become instructor for over 18 years, Dussouy has been awarded while the definition of “young at heart” means different stiff. The only way to counteract this process is with Pacesetter Elite status by Jazzercise, Inc. for the past 12 things to different people, the overall message remains regular stretching. Always stretch when your muscles years. Dussouy can be reached at 464-4600 or jazspot@ the same. Why just exist if you can really live? are warm, such as the end of a cardiovascular activity. aol.com. The Kenner Jazzercise Center has classes early Choosing to age in an active manner cannot only add Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, without bouncing. morning, morning, afternoon, evenings and weekends years onto your life, but can also make those years much Put on your adventurous spirit. As you age, it’s – some include childcare. This class schedule includes more meaningful. Here are some suggestions for active easy to get into a monotonous routine of daily activities. classes for the overweight through the very fit. For the aging and staying young at heart. Don’t give in to this temptation! Take some risks. Try complete schedule visit www.jazzercise.com. Add cardiovascular activity into your day. Do some a new sport, take skiing lessons, purchase a new type of cardiovascular activity for a minimum of 30 beach cruiser bicycle, or build a sandcastle. minutes on at least three to five days of every week. Take Keep mentally sharp. Besides your physical well the first few minutes to warm-up and the final segment being, try crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or reading the SABELLA’S of time to cool down. If you feel like you’re getting into latest bestseller to keep your mind sharp. a cardiovascular rut, then try interval training, where Whether or not Frank Sinatra is right about fairy PLUMBING you increase your intensity for three to five minutes at tales coming true, staying young at heart is worth SMALL JOBS various times throughout the workout. the effort. Keep your mind, body, and spirit alive Include strength training in your exercise regimen. throughout the years. You’re worth it! Repairs • Drain Cleaning Strength training is critical to increase bone density, Hot Water Heaters Latin American News • Residential Repairs Santo Domingo de Guzmán Servicing Metairie & Kenner BY RAFAEL E. SADDY The Jefferson Physicians’ Central American and Mexico, venue to be announced. 818-0007 Foundation (JPF) is the 501(c) For information call 464-4619. Sammy Sabella Owner/Operated (3) charitable and educational September 19 – México, Honduras and Ecuador Licensed Master Plumber Over 25 Years arm of the Jefferson Parish Consulates in collaboration with Asociación Medical Society formed in Nicaragüense de Louisiana (ANDELA), invites you to early 2005 and dedicated to the a celebration in commemorating the independence of Window Screens Made & Installed empowerment of the Jefferson Mexico, Ecuador and Central America at the City Park Parish community through health education programs, Museum. For information call 272-2198 or 522-3118. PATIO COVERS • ROOFING • GLASS-ENCLOSED ROOMS charitable outreach and informative activities for September 30 – Unidad Hispanoamericana, physicians and patients. One of their programs general meeting and 2010/2011 event planning. For • Pool Enclosures • Patio Covers includes assisting the community that has limited information call 466-1483 or 251-3264 • Carports • Glass Rooms English proficiency by partnering with the Consulate Do You Need to Amend Your Return? If you forgot to • Insulated Rooms • Room Additions of Mexico in New Orleans. include some income or to take a deduction on your tax • Replacement • Screened Rooms On March 12, 2010 the Ventanilla de Salud program return – you can correct it by amending your tax return. Windows • Vinyl Siding opened at the Mexican Consulate. The program In some cases, you do not need to amend your tax • Gutters currently provides bilingual, bicultural healthcare return. The Internal Revenue Service usually corrects LICENSED & FULLY INSURED education, advocacy, referrals and counseling to enable math errors or requests missing forms – such as W-2s OVER 35-YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE NEW ORLEANS AREA families to access medical care and take responsibility or schedules – when processing an original return. for sustaining healthy lifestyles. The program also You may also elect to amend your 2009 return if you TRIPLE BBB CONSTRUCTION addresses the health care needs of the residents of the are eligible to claim the first-time homebuyer credit 2158 Kenner Ave. FREE area who do not have a doctor because of a language for a qualified 2010 home purchase. For bilingual 504-467-6998 barrier and/or cannot afford to purchase health information call 800-829-3676. ESTIMATES insurance or do not qualify for government programs. Hablemos Claro KTV-76 – Hispanic TV programs The Ventanilla de Salud program has already with topics of interest to the community on every provided health screenings, health information and Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. For referrals to community clinics or private physicians to more information and program schedules go to www. over 223 individuals in the metro area and over 123 kenner.la.us and click on the KTV 76 logo. individuals in southern Louisiana. In addition, the Kenner Hispanic Resource Center – 4312 Florida bi-lingual physician referrals provided through the Avenue. Numerous events are being offered such as Jefferson Parish Medical Society have increased from The Pro Bono Project, a free legal consultation on civil 13 to 37 percent in just the first quarter of 2010. matters, an after-school youth program, ESL, bingo Ventanilla de Salud program partners include medical and Spanish classes. For information call 469-2571. organizations, hospitals and non-profit organizations. I leave you with this thought. “Our real values are With their assistance, they are staffing the bi-lingual expressed in our actions, in what we do and how we program six to eight times per month from 10:00 a.m. do it!” to 1:00 p.m. Any questions? Call 455-8282 or email Rafael E. Saddy is public relations officer of the [email protected]. Latin American Civic Association of Louisiana Community announcements (LACAL). Email Saddy at lacal1234@bellsouth. September 12 – Celebración Hispana de Kenner net. Correspondence for be sent to P.O. Box 640284, and Unidad Hispanoamericana invites everyone to Kenner, LA 70064-0284. the celebration commemorating the Independence of 24 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR Automotive Back to school car care tips By SCOTT ZIMMERMAN
When your car’s recover and recycle the chemical and it air conditioning is illegal for anyone to release it into the system fails, not atmosphere. only can it be a The best refrigerant for any car is nuisance – it can the one that was initially installed. It’s also become a important to know that since 1995, all health or safety issue. automakers have used R-134a refrigerant When the air conditioning is not in its vehicles’ A/C systems. working properly and windows are rolled Newer cars and trucks use even less down, those with allergies can be quickly refrigerant in their newer, more-efficient exposed to irritants. A properly working systems. It is important to note that these A/C system, which keeps the passenger systems require a precise amount of cabin cool, will keep a driver alert. refrigerant and won’t tolerate mistakes $5 OFF bill of $25 or more And not only does the A/C cool the during service. car but the A/C system is also necessary Too little gas in these systems will cause $10 OFF bill of $50 or more for defogging the inside of the windows poor cooling and put other, expensive during bad weather. components at risk because there is not $20 OFF bill of $100 or more A vehicle’s A/C system can give enough lubricant circulating. A more many hints that something isn’t working common error – overcharging – puts too or a FREE bottle of house WINE properly. Unusual noises, poor airflow or much refrigerant into the system and Expires 9/30/10 blowing hot air instead of cold are all signs risks damage from much higher internal of a problem. Each problem could have pressures. *ExcludEs scallops, FilEt Mignon & coMbos different causes such as a broken belt, a The days of just “topping off” a component failure, an electrical problem system are history. To make sure to have 3525 Williams Blvd. or loss of the pressurized refrigerant. a properly working AC system it is best Kenner, LA 70065 It’s always best to take your car to a to visit a professional repair shop which professional service provider who offers will have the tools and the knowledge to 464-8989 full system service and uses the proper diagnose, repair and recharge a failed A/C tools to find the problem. system. Lunch Dinner Mon.-Sat.: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Mon.-Thurs.: 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm If refrigerant is leaking, simply adding Scott Zimmerman is the owner of Sun.: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Fri.-Sat.: 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm more won’t fix it. Refrigerant will continue Scotty’s Tire and Automotive, Inc., a Open 7 Days Sun.: 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm to escape, and the loss may cause other family-owned and operated full-service expensive damage as well, so why risk it? tire and automotive shop, located at 4200 Today’s refrigerant R-134a is a potent Williams Boulevard in Kenner. Store greenhouse gas regulated by the U.S. hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Monday Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). through Friday. Scotty’s website is www. Professional service shops are required to scottystireauto.com. RELAX & COOL DOWN ONE SIP AT A TIME • DINE IN OR TAKE OUT with • 701 one W.of ourEsplanade location only! • Tourism AAU is in our sights FROZEN DRINKS! BY SHARON SOLOMON The Kenner families visiting that city. Convention and Last year on the national championship ICED COFFEES! Visitors Bureau is level, the 11-year-olds had 125 teams compete on the road again in Fort Myers, Florida, the twelves brought to obtain more 88 teams to the Disney Sports Complex in FLAvORED ICED TEAS! Amateur Athletic Orlando and 128 thirteen-year-old teams Association girls basketball national traveled to Franklin, Tennessee. This is quite Iced Coffees Flavored Iced Teas championship tournament bookings. We a bit larger than the 52 teams we have had Viennese Mango took a year hiatus from trying to secure AAU compete in our city in past tournaments. Decaf Viennese Peach events to work on a new marketing game We will be bidding on tournaments that are Bavarian Chocolate Raspberry plan since the AAU has adopted new rules, being held in 2012 and/or 2013 and/or 2014. Hazelnut Decaf Blue Eyes French Vanilla Decaf Strawberry Kiwi but we are once again going to be in the Could we get all three? That is our goal. race to bid on their basketball championship We’ll keep you posted on the outcome. Frozen Drinks tournaments. On a sad note, our good friend and Cappuccino Granita One of the new changes is that AAU is cheerleader, David Yates, passed away in White Chocolate Almond Shiver going to switch to “grade-based games”’ for August. As planned due to his condition, he
all their national tournaments, which means was taken off life support. Dave, you will the girls will be playing on and against other be missed and your tournament scheduled girls in the same school grade, not necessarily for April 2011 in the Pontchartrain Center the same age. here in Kenner will be a testament to your The second change is for the first time hard work. We look forward to working with the AAU is requiring all three levels of Sandra Ealy, who worked alongside of you Open 7 Days • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner championship play, national, Division II for many years. We’ll make you proud. invitational and Division III invitational, Sharon Solomon is the marketing director 3501 Chateau Blvd. • 465-9444 701 W. Esplanade • 461-9819 to be held in the same city during the same for the Kenner Convention and Visitors Everyday 6:45 am - 10 pm Mon-Sat 6:30 am - 8 pm Sun - 7:00 am to 2 pm time period. What this means is that the city Bureau, located at 2100 Third Street in that wins the bid will get to house all three Rivertown. Sharon Solomon can be reached championship tournaments at the same time, at 464-9494, via email at kennercvb@aol. resulting in many more players, coaches and com or at www.kennercvb.com. KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 25
Treasure Chest Rivertown (continued from page 1) (continued from page 1) questioned whether the current methods same time. report their recommendations to Kenner’s Carroll said the plan seems to be for the of counting customers who board the “I guess I still have questions, but this is administration, Mayor Yenni and the unique Louis J. Roussel, Jr. Planetarium Treasure Chest are producing the most not adversarial,” said Black, “I appreciate Kenner City Council, and the city’s Council and MegaDome Theatre to be the accurate results. the efforts of the Treasure Chest officials for Economic Development. centerpiece of Rivertown with everything At present, the count is made by casino to go to the expense of buying a laser Budget cuts to Rivertown for the city’s else to be featured around it. He also said employees using hand counters that they beam system and I congratulate them on 2010-11 fiscal year spurred on the idea of some changes he envisions include adding developing the committee. Recent changes more retail stores and a farmer’s market. click as each person boards the casino. As their 16th anniversary in Kenner. They in their operation include opening the “The current administration is open to a check, Kenner pays $25,000 a year for are indeed a good corporate citizen who Rivertown museums in Tuesday through ideas but their priority right now is dealing uniformed guards who come on the casino works closely with many non-profit Saturday only. with the city’s serious economic situation. unannounced two days a week and make agencies in our community. The gaming Kevin Centanni, appointed by Carroll This committee will meet monthly and their own count, also using hand counters. revenues collected by the city over the last and a Kenner Justice of the Peace whose will present concrete ideas and plans that great-grandfather moved to Kenner in are well thought out and hopefully the But Councilwoman-at-large Jeannie 16 years are more than $90 million. We 1890, will chair the advisory group. administration will help us adopt these Black says she has seen the counters on look forward to continuing to work with Former Mayor Ed Muniz said that unlike improvements,” said Carroll. occasion get distracted and fail to click to the Treasure Chest.” the Vieux Carre, Rivertown land and Carroll said the appointees have business, record a customer entering. District 5 Councilman Kent Denapolis buildings are not highly valued. Muniz museum or local and state government In an effort to improve the accuracy of pointed out that the importance of getting tried to interest developers in building experience and bring a lot to the table with condominiums on the Rivertown batture, many having past Rivertown ties. Besides the count which will ensure the city gets an accurate count of Treasure Chest overlooking the Mississippi River. But he Centanni, members of the advisory board the revenue it is due, the Treasure Chest customers is not just a matter of loose could not find any takers. It was Muniz’ include Jay Hebert, Kenner’s Planning agreed to purchase, at its cost, a laser beam change. “A one percent differential could theory that if there were a residential and Zoning Director, appointed by Mayor that will count each customer coming on mean a loss of $32,000 a year for the city,” component added to Rivertown, it would Yenni, and Doris Rappold, appointed board. said Denapolis. He agreed with Black this drive up the value of land used for retail by Councilwoman-at-Large Michele or office purposes. Carroll said the timing Branigan. Councilwoman-at-Large and Black was initially pleased by that but is not an adversarial joust between the city for investors in the real estate market may Council President Jeannie Black named since then has been told by persons with and the gaming casino, but a legitimate have something to do with that. “Because Jennifer Labella and Henry Rando is experience in the field that laser beams question where everyone wants to get the of the overall economic condition of the District 2 Councilman Joe Stagni’s might only count one customer when right count. country as a whole, right now real estate appointee. Remy Bosio was chosen by three or four come across the beam at the investments may not be as attractive as District 3 Councilman Ben Zahn, District 4 in the past. People are more cautious,” Councilwoman Maria DeFrancesch placed explained Carroll. Betty Bonura in the group and Brett Ward Crouere “I’m open to all suggestions regarding was picked by District 5 Councilman Kent (continued from page 5) Rivertown and not limited to just the Denapolis. Gail Yeadon, a member of and will likely fall into Republican hands, voters not as loyal to the party of Bill members of the committee,” said Carroll. appointed by the Friends of Rivertown, making Landrieu the state’s only elected Clinton and Barack Obama. In addition, “Rivertown belongs to all of us, not just is on the board along with Mike Sandras, Democrat on Capitol Hill. In Baton Rouge, many of the older voters who are District 1, and if you reside in any other Keilon Johnson-Martin, Gerry Burnsed and districts in Kenner, I’m interested in your James Evans, all appointed by Councilman there are seven statewide elected officials registered Democrats tend to be politically thoughts.” Carroll. and all of them are Republicans except for conservative and vote Republican in most Attorney General Buddy Caldwell. Interim state and federal elections. Independents Lt. Governor Scott Angelle, a Democrat, also lean more toward the Republican was appointed after Mitch Landrieu was Party, according to recent poll data. elected mayor of New Orleans. In the race All of these trends are leading toward to fill Landrieu’s unexpired term, the four a very uncomfortable electoral season for leading candidates are Republicans. the Democratic Party in Louisiana. While Get ready for the Saints season! In the Louisiana Legislature, Democrats the party still retains the loyalty of African still maintain a small margin, but American voters, white voters are leaving Saints posters, Super Bowl posters, Republicans are making gains with each the Democrats in huge numbers. framing specials! election and have an opportunity to attain In this upcoming election, look for all a majority in the next statewide election GOP candidates to link their Democrat Come to the only custom in 2011. This would mark their first opponents with the unpopular policies of framing shop in Kenner! legislative majority since Reconstruction. President Obama. Voter registration is still weighted toward In contrast, Democratic candidates the Democratic Party, but that is changing will need to maintain the intensity and as more voters become Republicans or loyalty of African American voters, while Independents. Currently, 51 percent of trying to distance themselves as much state voters are registered Democrats, as possible from President Obama. This but Republicans now comprise 26 political hat trick will be a difficult one to percent and Independents and third party accomplish, which is why most pollsters registrants total 23 percent. The voter believe this election season will be a good 24-hour electricAl service registration advantage for Democrats one for the Republican Party in the red 7 Days in Louisiana has been shrinking for state of Louisiana. bELLCO ELECTRiC A Week decades. For example, in September Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans of 2000, 61 percent of statewide voters and his Louisiana based television Residential • Commercial were registered Democrats, while only program, “Ringside Politics,” airs at FREE ESTIMATES 22 percent of voters were Republicans 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and at 10:00 p.m. and 17 percent were Independents or REPLACE FIRE HAZARD FUSE Sundays on PBS television station WLAE- BOXES WITH CIRCUIT BREAKERS third party candidates. In a mere ten TV, Channel 32, and from 7:00 a.m. until years, the advantage for Democrats over 11:00 a.m. weekdays on radio station SAVE 20% ON INSURANCE We install Republicans in Louisiana has shrunk from WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the over 39 percent to only 25 percent. north shore. Crouere is a political analyst Automatic Standby 30 Years Except for African-Americans, new for WGNO-TV ABC26. Visit Crouere’s GENERATORS experience 455-2355 voters tend to register Republican or website at www.ringsidepolitics.com or No Job Too Small - We Do all! METAiRiE KENNER N.O. AREA Independent. As older white Democratic email Crouere at jeff@ringsidepolitics. License #28613 LA voters die, they are being replaced by com. LICENSEDLICENSED •¥ BONDEDBONDED ¥ • INSURED INSURED OWNEROWNER RONNIERONNIE BELLACIBELLACI 26 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR
Bar rooms Denapolis (continued from page 1) (continued from page 1) issues raised by the conduct of perpetual problem bar rooms, I’m confident and dollars in both areas, Denapolis He is also pleased with the progress problem bar rooms.” that our committee will recommend thinks District 5 is ahead of the curve being made regarding beautification Stagni heads a five-member appropriate action. In my view, Chief when it comes to rehabilitating both projects on Joe Yenni Boulevard and committee appointed after the Kenner Caraway and our committee, along with the sewerage system and the drainage Loyola Drive, including night lights that City Council turned down a request the City Council, the administration and system. will not only illuminate the roadways by Chief Caraway that bar rooms in the entire community, all want the same In particular, he points to a new lift but also the 50 and 60-year-old oak trees Kenner be closed between 2:00 a.m. and thing. We shouldn’t tolerate problem station replacing an old facility at West that line the boulevards. 6:00 a.m. Chief Caraway says that other bars and they shouldn’t be allowed to Loyola Drive and West Stanford Drive. Councilman Denapolis has had to be parishes from East Baton Rouge to St. distract our police from their duties in The new lift station is costing more than patient with some projects. Immediately Charles have passed ordinances closing the rest of the city. But bar rooms that $1 million and comes out of the general after Hurricane Katrina, he wanted to down their all-night bar rooms between function as good citizens, not causing fund as part of the city’s public works use Kenner City Park development 2:00 and 6:00 a.m. any problems for anyone, require no improvements. He also is proud of funds to build two picnic gazebos there. While Councilman Stagni and Chief action by the committee, the police or $100,000 of renovations now underway “But construction prices after Katrina Caraway are in general agreement on the Council.” at the Ole Miss Lift Station. Those had gone through the roof and the first the ways the city should respond to Members of the five-member Kenner funds come from his district capital bids of $250,000 were far out of the problem bar rooms, the councilman committee headed by Stagni are District improvement budget. budget,” he recalls. But he kept bringing says that closing down the entire city’s 1 Councilman Gregory Carroll, District Denapolis also used district funds to the gazebo projects up and the most bar rooms between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 5 Councilman Kent Denapolis, KPD pay for two permanent speed indicators recent bids of $100,000 were deemed a.m. is too much of a shotgun approach. Captain Steve Smith and Assistant City on the main thoroughfares of East and reasonable. “Sometimes you just have “I think most of us would agree that Attorney Tamithia Shaw, representing West Loyola. “When people pass those to be persistent,” he said. bar rooms that don’t have problems and Mayor Michael S. Yenni. speed indicators and see that they’re Denapolis believes that when the city aren’t using up police resources have Chief Caraway says he’s pleased by going too fast, you can see them slow takes care of sewerage, drainage, police every right to continue to operate,” the response of Councilman Stagni’s down,” says Denapolis. “It’s like a protection, beautification and other said Councilman Stagni. “Those bar committee and feels that the issue of bar reminder that they’re driving through a responsibilities, the people who reside rooms that are a problem and constantly rooms that pose problems for the police neighborhood, not a speedway.” in Kenner neighborhoods respond with require police responses should be and their surrounding neighborhoods is Denapolis said he is especially pride by taking better care of their identified and singled out. If we need to being seriously addressed. proud of the improvements made to properties. tighten up our city ordinances regarding playgrounds in District 5 during his He says he’s seen that happen in tenure, especially the hurricane-related University City. “After Katrina, there damage to Wentwood Playground. “We were a lot of homes in University had more than $500,000 damage to City that were selling for less than Howland Wentwood after Hurricane Katrina, but $100,000,” Denapolis said. “But five (continued from page 6) you couldn’t tell it today. I’ve worked years later and after many city-funded closely with the excellent booster infrastructure improvements, real the food bank comes in. Please remember those that are organization at Wentwood and with the estate values in University City are How can you help? Many local less fortunate and help us make sure additions we planned for the coming significantly increased. It’s not just my individuals, non-profits, businesses that no one in Kenner goes to bed at years, it will be a model for the city.” doing, but the hard work of committed and civic associations are generous night hungry. Checks can be made Denapolis also takes pride in the neighborhood improvement groups and in donating to the city’s food bank, out to the Kenner Food Bank, 624 baseball and soccer fields on a lot once individual property owners.” but we always need more. Can your Williams Boulevard, Kenner LA, used by the state of Louisiana for a Park Denapolis says the future of Kenner is group collect food for the food bank 70062. ‘n Ride lot. Denapolis got permission very bright, despite the current recession. during just one month of the year? For more information on the food from the state to convert the Kenner- “So long as we all work together and put Non perishable items are best such bank please call 468-7293. Thank owned land to additional playground the city first, good things will continue as canned tuna, soup, peanut butter, you! improvements, paid for from citywide to happen in Kenner,” he said. beans, macaroni and cheese, baby Mary-Sharon Howland is Kenner’s funds. food, formula, diapers and personal Community Services Director. The Conley hygiene items. Cash donations are Community Services Department is (continued from page 1) also welcome. located at 624 Williams Boulevard. Howland can be reached at 468-7293 Conley says, “The City Attorney has Marion Floyd, Howat Peters, Tamithia Can you make a contribution, food or [email protected]. the responsibility for preparing and Shaw, Francine Weaker, Chris Weddle, or monetary? reviewing all contracts before they are and Debra Yenni. “This is an incredibly let out, ensuring that they all have the experienced team, with each member necessary insurance and bonds and that having anywhere from 15 to 30 years of they adhere to state law. We defend the legal experience.” says Conley. “They city from all civil suits filed against it. We do a great job, saving Kenner hundreds also bring civil actions for the city when of thousands of dollars. Few civil that is required. We draft ordinances and attorneys relish crossing swords with resolutions for the members of the City our team.” Council. We work closely with state, Conley was formerly with the parish and federal agencies, including Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. He the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in served 20 years at the JPSO, retiring as all matters involving Kenner.” a detective sergeant, group supervisor. The City Attorney also lobbies the While at the JPSO, he attended night legislature for the city and reviews all school at Loyola University, earning his public record requests involving city undergraduate degree. He then attended records. law school at night, earning his Juris Conley has eight assistant city Doctor degree. Conley and his wife and attorneys. They are Leigh Roussell, the their four children reside in Kenner. deputy city attorney, and Arthur Dupre, KENNER STR - SEPTEMBER 2010 27
TUES THRU SAT 10:00 AM
The Planets provides a spectacular tour of our Solar System and beyond! Explore the planets and their moons, and search the night sky for distant stars, nebulae, and galaxies. TUES THRU SAT 2:00 PM
Dive 12,000 feet below the surface of the ocean to join scientists in the search for mysterious and elusive sea creatures! Audiences will marvel at mystifying underwater habitats and explore ancient sea species in a journey from the dramatic depths of the sea to the far reaches of space! TUES THRU SAT 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM
Get into the “spirit” with a show full of the Red, White, and Blue! From patriotic to pop, this show rocks to a wide selection of great music and will leave you beaming with American pride. Selections include Summon the Heroes, Santorini, a Beatles Medley, and many other familiar favorites! TUES THRU SAT NOON & 3:00 PM
GRANDPARENT’s DAY
IN
SEPTEMBER 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010 September 4 September 18 ONE DAY PASS
CASTLE CLOSED PORTA PUPPET PLAYERS presenting Adult: $15.00 Child: $10.00
(12 & under)
September 11 “DOROTHY’S TREK TO OZ!”
Grandparents: $5.00 IRWIN ROYES Enjoy the show with the puppets
(with the purchase of a CHILD PASS)
The World’s Smallest Magician & Dorothy Includes admission to all Rivertown museum attractions, including:
“GRANDPARENT’S DAY Lots of audience participation
MAGIC” Meet ‘n greet Toto. Mardi Gras Museum Come celebrate Science Center Native American Museum Space Station Kenner Kenner’s Heritage Park GRANDPARENT’S DAY IN September 25 RIVERTOWN!!! PORTA PUPPET PLAYERS Plus, your choice of one feature at: One grandparent admitted are back with Kenner’s Planetarium and Megadome Cinema FREE to Castle Show “MOTHER GOOSE ON THE Large Format Film with purchase of a child’s ticket. LOOSE!” Laser Light Show Meet Bo-Peep’s Sheep, Children’s Castle Special! SATURDAYS ONLY the Piggie that went to market, Irwin Royes, 11:30 AM 3 Blind Mice, Blackbird, & Gert – the World’s Smallest Magician $5 per person Mother Goose’s Goose. “Grandparent’s Day Magic” 11:30 am One Grandparent admitted FREE w/purchase of a Child’s ticket
For More Information on any Rivertown Event, please call 504-468-7231 or visit: The Rivertown Box Office is located at 415 Williams Boulevard. www.rivertownkenner.com For more information, call 504-468-7231 or visit us at: www.rivertownkenner.com 28 SEPTEMBER 2010 - KENNER STR
2201 West Napoleon at Williams Blvd., Kenner 468-3474 We Will Beat anyone’s price! call us today! “WE STORE IT ALL” • 24 hour access • climate/non-climate controlled • video surveillence • onsite management • high & dry • we accept your deliveries • hurricane wind rated • 140,000 square feet • state-of-the-art construction • commercial inventory & materials storage • household goods • business records • classic & vintage car storage
HURRICANE PROTECTION! Highest wind-rated storage in Kenner! Protect valuables • Never flooded www.bigeasyselfstorage.com
P.O. Box 641654 • Kenner, Louisiana 70064 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Kenner, LA Permit No. 49
Kenner’s Monthly Community Newspaper since 1993 AUGUST 2010