February 2011

VOL. 20, NO. 2 KENNER’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1991 February 2011 What does the Kenner Council think about the mayor’s property tax proposal? BY ALLAN KATZ The campaign to decide whether Kenner voters will “Sales taxes that fluctuate should not be funding the says. “They are excellent and we want to keep that standard support Mayor Michael S. Yenni’s proposed property tax police department,” says Zahn, “A police department, in of excellence.” At the same time, says Denapolis, most increase has gotten underway. Yenni says that city will need order to function properly with a secure budget, needs a stable people he talks to are strongly opposed to the tax increase. the $8 million in revenue annually from his proposed new source of funding from year to year. No matter the outcome “I understand that revenues from the Treasure Chest Casino property tax millages to primarily fund the police and fire of this election, my first priority is funding the police and fire are up and sales tax revenue from July through January departments and sustain most other existing city services. fighters. I did not vote to raise taxes. It is important for the has increased $621,143.75, as compared to 2009-2010,” Among those closely watching early voter reaction are the residents to understand that I voted to give them the right to says Denapolis. “It may be that events in the marketplace seven members of the Kenner City Council. choose what they wanted to do on this issue.” are going to solve our problem. That is what people are The council is sharply divided on the mayor’s proposals, District 2 Councilman Joe Stagni says Mayor Yenni is hoping. I also think that the administration and the council having voted 4-3 to put the new millages on the April 2 ballot premature in asking for a massive property tax increase. “The should work together with the goal of shrinking the costs of along with several important property tax renewals. As the administration has not consolidated departments nor truly government, while fully funding the police and fire fighters. council members watch the campaign start to unfold, the one cut the fat. Our city must do what our citizens are already The voters would certainly support that. I just don’t see how thing they all agree on is that whatever the outcome, it will doing everyday by cutting out the ‘wants’ in favor of funding we can justify putting a long-term debt on our citizens when tell them a lot about what direction Kenner voters want them the ‘needs.’ The good news, however, is the economy is hopefully this is a short-term problem.” Denapolis voted to take in the future. improving because our revenues are up and expenditures against putting the mayor’s property tax increase on the District 3 Councilman Ben Zahn, who voted to put are down putting us $1.2 million to the good, based on the ballot. the mayor’s proposal on the ballot, says he hopes voters administration’s monthly financial report through November District 4 Councilwoman Maria DeFrancesch said, will focus on what he thinks is the real issue – finding a 2010,” said Stagni, who voted against putting the mayor’s “The essence of our democracy is that the people have a right solid dependable source of funding for the police and fire property tax increase on the ballot. to vote. That is still true at the local level. When Congress departments. Zahn said the current funding crisis began District 5 Councilman Kent Denapolis says he has passes a tax, they don’t ask the American people to vote during the Capitano administration when the funding mixed emotions about the battle now taking place. “I’m on it. But, in Kenner, it’s the people who decide. People formula for the police department was drastically changed. very concerned about the police and fire departments,” he continued on page 26 Is there a market for Rivertown rentals? Internal auditor ensures compliance with city operations By ALLAN KATZ through proper internal controls By ALLAN KATZ At a time when critics of Kenner’s Rivertown say it has little or no commercial The internal auditor to the recommendations potential, advocates for the historic district position is a relatively upon taking office and note that the city is now renting out Heritage new job in Kenner city created the post. Muniz Hall, the Exhibition Hall, the Mardi Gras government. After a 2004 said then he felt the need Museum and St. Mary’s Church a combined state legislative auditor’s for accountability in city 200 times a year. report, released before government. “I know the conventional wisdom is that former Mayor Ed Muniz In the administration Rivertown can’t produce enough revenue to took office, cited poor of Mayor Michael S. justify its existence, but when you look at our rentals it becomes obvious that Rivertown contract compliance on the Yenni, the position of has a definite appeal and we haven’t begun city’s part, he responded continued on page 24 to scratch the surface of its potential,” said Mary-Sharon Howland, Kenner’s Director Kenner Council elects new of Community Services. officers for first half of 2011 Kenner brake tags The first concerted efforts to rent out will sport new look Rivertown’s venues began under former Members of the Mayor Ed Muniz and have been redoubled Kenner City Council The Kenner Department of Inspection located at 303 Williams Boulevard that has elected District 5 under current Mayor Michael S. Yenni. and Code Enforcement started issuing a been renovated as an event center, is the most Councilman Kent motor vehicle brake tag in January with a Howland and her staff of five have found popular,” says Howland. “The room already Denapolis as its a vibrant rental market for the four historic new look. The new vehicle inspection sticker has bookings in 2012. It is very popular for president on January carries the year of expiration in prominent properties. 6, 2011, for a term dances, meetings, weddings, engagement large numbers in colors that are different “Heritage Hall, a 104-year-old building that runs through the parties and surprise parties. It is rented by from the month of issue. people from throughout the region. In my Kenner Council first meeting of July. President Older brake tags featured both the month opinion, the success of Heritage Hall is an Denapolis succeeds At- Kent Denapolis Large Councilwoman of issue and the year of issue in large and in indication that if fully developed, Rivertown Jeannie Black in that the same color. Kenner Mayor Michael S. has real commercial potential we haven’t post. Yenni said that showing the year of issue even begun to touch.” Heritage Hall has a The council rather than the year of expiration created capacity of 200 people and is able to seat members also confusion among law enforcement officials about 120. elected District 4 outside of Kenner. The matter was brought Also very popular is the Exhibition Councilwoman Maria to his attention during Kenner’s mayoral Hall, located at 415 Williams, which can DeFrancesch to serve election last March. the next six months as host 220 people with a seating capacity of Yenni said when he became mayor, he council vice president. 100. The Mardi Gras Museum, which also looked into the matter and agreed a change has its entrance at 415 Williams, has great DeFrancesch succeeds Kenner Council needed to be made. appeal for both locals and for parties from District 1 Councilman Vice-President Gregory Carroll in that The city brake tag station at 1904 24th continued on page 27 Maria DeFrancesch position.  continued on page 27 2 February 2011 - KENNER STR

• Cardiologist Dr. Lois Mailander • Nutritionist Julie Fortenberry • Body Pump tness demonstration • Great give-a-ways • Health screenings

Thursday, February 17, 2011 Begins at 7pm EJGH Conference Center • Esplanade Rooms

$10 donation per attendee supports the EJGH Foundation Healthy Lifestyles members FREE

Call HealthFinder to reserve your seat 504.456.5000

Sponsored by: Healthy Lifestyles • The Wellness Center • The Fitness Principle • Phil’s Grill KENNER STR - February 2011 3 4 February 2011 - KENNER STR

Join Us For An

The Planets

Experience That’s Join Us For An OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Narrated by Star Trek’s Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway), The

Experience That’s JoinOUT Us OFFor THIS An WORLD! Planets provides a spectacular tour of our Solar System and

Narrated by Star Trek’s Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway), Experience That’s beyond! Witness the formation of our Solar System, explore the The Planets provides a spectacular tour of our Solar System OUT OF THIS WORLD! and beyond! Witness the formation of our Solar System, planets and their moons, and search the night sky for distant stars, explore the planets and their moons, and search the night Narrated by Star Trek’s Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway), sky for distant stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Audiences will The Planets provides a spectacular tour of our Solar System be amazed by the stunning imagery and up close views of and beyond! Witness the formation of our Solar System,nebulae, and galaxies. Audiences will be amazed by the stunning The Planets! explore the planets and their moons, and search the night Narrated by Starsky forTrek’s distant Kate stars, Mulgrew nebulae, (Captain and galaxies. Janeway), Audiences will imagery and up close views of The Planets! Running time: 37 minutes The Planets providesbe amazed a spectacular by the stunning tour of imagery our Solar and System up close views of and beyond! Witness the formationThe of ourPlanets Solar! System, explore the planets and their moons, and search the night sky for distant stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Audiences will Saturday - 3 p.m.

Running time: 37 minutes

be amazed by the stunning imagery and up close views of Dive 12,000 feet below the surface of the ocean to join The Planets! scientists in the search for mysterious and elusive sea

creatures! Audiences will marvel at mystifying underwater

Running time: 37 minutes habitats and explore ancient sea species in a journey from the Dive 12,000 feet below the surface of the ocean to join dramatic depths of the sea to the far reaches of space! scientists in the search for mysterious and elusive sea creatures! Audiences will marvel at mystifying underwater

Running time: 45 minutes habitats and explore ancient sea species in a journey from the Dive 12,000 feetdramatic below depths the surface of the of sea the to ocean the far to reaches join of space!

scientists in the search for mysterious and elusive sea Laser Pop creatures! Audiences will marvelRunning at mystifying time: 45 underwaterminutes habitats and explore ancient sea species in a journey from the dramatic depths of the sea to the far reaches of space! Party to a mix of today’s most popular musical artists in this

LASER POP Running time: 45 minutes dazzling display of color and light. Laser animations bring to life Party to a mix of today’s most popular musical artists in this dazzling display of color and light. Laser

animations bring to life selections from Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, and more.

This show is sure to have you poppin’! LASER POP selections from Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Maroon Running time: 30 minutes Party to a mix of today’s most popular musical artists in this dazzling display of color and light. Laser animations bring to life selections from Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, and more. 5, and more. This show is sure to have you poppin’! Schedule: Admission:LA SEThisR show is Psure toO have Pyou poppin’! Running time: 30 minutes Appointment Only: Tuesday thru Friday 10 people or moreParty to aE-mail mix of [email protected] today’s most popular or callmusical 504-468-7231 artists in this dazzling display of color and light. Laser animations bring to life selections from Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, and more. Saturday - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 504-468-7231 for reservations. for more information and group rates. ThisSchedule: show is sure to have you poppin’! Admission: General Public: Saturday Only AppointmentAdults Only: Tuesday $6.00Running thruper showFriday time: 10 30 people minutes or more E-mail [email protected] or call 504-468-7231 Children/Seniors $5.00 per show for more information and group rates. Call 504-468-7231 for reservations. Volcanoes of the Deep Sea: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm Schedule: Admission: Multi-show packages available Adults $6.00 per show The Planets: 2:00 pm AppointmentGeneral Only: Public:Tuesday thru Saturday Friday Only 10 people or more *Children 2-12 years E-mail [email protected]/Seniors or call 504-468-7231 $5.00 per show *Seniors 60 and over for more information and group rates. Laser Pop: 12 Noon Call 504-468-7231Volcanoes of for the reservations. Deep Sea: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm SHOW SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Multi-show packages available The Planets: 2:00 pm General Public: Saturday Only Adults *Children 2-12 $6.00years per show Kenner Planetarium 2020 Fourth Street Kenner, Louisiana 70062 www.rivertownkenner.com Children/Seniors*Seniors 60 and $5.00 over per show Laser Pop: 12 Noon 504-468-7231Volcanoes of the Deep Sea: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm SHOW SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE! MegaDome Cinema Multi-show packages available The Planets: 2:00 pm Kenner Planetarium 2020 Fourth Street Kenner,*Children Louisiana 2-12 years 70062 www.rivertownkenner.com *Seniors 60 and over Laser Pop: 12 Noon 504-468-7231 Dive 12,000 feet below the surface of the ocean to join scientists in the SHOW SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!

Kenner Planetarium 2020 Fourth Street Kenner, Louisiana 70062 www.rivertownkenner.com search for mysterious and elusive sea creatures! 504-468-7231 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! Saturday - Noon and 2 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2011

February 5 February 19 METROPELICAN OPERA Porta Puppet Players presents present “A CELEBRATION IN SONG” “NURSERY THYME RHYME” Kick off Black History Month with Jack B. Nimble presides over his own TV a kaleidoscope of African songs, cooking show! storytelling, poetry, and more! The “recipes” become “rhymes” with lightening-paced “laffs” every minute! February 12 GLEN GHIRARDI February 26 “MAGICAL ENTERTAINER” CURTIS PIERRE Join us for another dynamic demo of presents wonder and magic! “SAMBA and BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION” This lively and interactive program features rhythm and acrobatics! Witness the world of Samba and learn how it connects to New Orleans’ own Carnival celebrations!

SATURDAYS ONLY 11:30 AM • $5 per person

For More Information on any Rivertown Event, please call 504-468-7231 or visit: www.rivertownkenner.com KENNER STR - February 2011 5 From the Editor Let the battle begin with results on April 2 By ALLAN KATZ

In the tax renewal. This is a 10-year renewal to exclusively fund police department increase of $329 per year. ongoing battle of an existing tax already being paid operations. Presently no part of the It is important to note the Jefferson over whether by every Kenner household. These Kenner Police Department’s budget is Parish taxes that Kenner households Kenner taxpayers funds have been used to maintain the funded by property tax millages. pay, a separate property tax bill, will need to pay sewerage system. This is not a new tax. A new 4 mills property tax for not be affected and will remain the higher property A 2.40 mills garbage collection police department buildings and same. tax millages in order to provide and disposal property tax renewal. equipment. It is a new 10-year tax. It One of my concerns is voters sufficient funds to maintain the city’s This is a 10-year renewal of an existing will be used exclusively to fund police might not realize renewals of existing police and fire departments, it’s useful tax. Voters are being asked to increase department facilities upkeep and property taxes for sewerage, garbage to understand exactly what is on the the existing 1.61 mills to the previously equipment purchases. disposal and the fire department will April 2 ballot. authorized maximum rate of 2.40 mills A new 2 mills property tax be on the ballot. If those measures are There are important renewals of which will be used to cover the rising for fire department buildings and not voted back, existing levels of city millages along with proposed new costs of garbage collection. equipment. This is a 10-year property services will be greatly affected. millages. All revenues derived from An 11.4 mills fire department tax that will be used exclusively for fire To get passage of the new these millages will stay in the city operations property tax renewal. It department needs including upgrades millages, Mayor Michael S. Yenni, of Kenner to maintain police, fire, is a 10-year tax renewal and increase of existing 1981 fire engines. The Police Chief Steve Caraway and their garbage collection and disposal, and to 11.40 mills from the previously funds will also be used to provide new allies have until April 2 to try to build sewerage services. authorized maximum rate of 11.02 vehicles for fire fighters to respond to a majority which will be difficult but There are three renewals of mills and the current adjusted rate emergencies. it is probably not an impossible task. property tax millages and three of 7.40 mills. The funds will be If all the property tax proposals One of the things that have heartened proposed new property tax millages. used exclusively for fire department pass, households with a home assessed the mayor has been the willingness Here are the six issues that Kenner operations. at $75,000 or less would remain tax of several voters to stand up at public voters will be asked to cast their ballots A new 8 mills property tax to exempt. A $141 increase per year meetings and testify that Kenner fire for or against: fund police department operations. would be the amount households with fighters have saved members of their A 1.14 mills sewerage property This is a new 10-year 8-mill tax a home assessed at $150,000 would family through their expertise when dedicated to operations of the police be levied and households with a home responding to medical emergencies. department. This tax will be dedicated assessed at $250,000 would pay an continued on page 16

FEBRuary 2011 Vol. 20 No. 02 Political Review Kenner Star is a monthly newspaper and is distributed by direct mail free to all 20,700 registered voter households in Kenner. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed in over 100 high traffic locations. The Edwin Edwards cult of personality BY JEFF CROUERE Publisher Troy Broussard After more Despite his conviction and well known also presided during a time of decline for Editor than eight years affinity for womanizing and gambling, the Louisiana. During the Edwards era, Louisiana Allan Katz in federal custody, former governor is a hero to many Louisiana began losing jobs to other states as population Managing Editor/Marketing Director Edwin Edwards citizens. Edwards possesses a combination of out migration became a serious problem for Candy Lovitt was released on charisma, political skill and wit that is rarely the state. To offset a weakened oil and gas Staff Writer/Editor January 13, 2011. seen in the political world. By comparison, industry, Edwards promoted gambling as an Troy Broussard Although Edwards our state’s leading politicians today seem economic answer for the state. Twenty years Contributing Writers was sentenced to downright boring. later, the gambling industry has not lived up

Iftikhar Ahmad James L. Melchers ten years in prison, he was released early for Voters in Louisiana have always placed to the lofty expectations of many supporters. Steve Caraway Prat Reddy “good behavior,” which is an unusual way to a premium on political entertainment. As a It was his connection to the gambling Ed Clancy Rafael E. Saddy Jeff Crouere Sharon Solomon describe someone known as the “silver fox.” result, our state elected characters such as industry that was the eventual downfall Keith M. Darcey Ken Trahan Upon his release, he reported to a the flamboyant Long brothers, singer Jimmy for Edwards. Four years after he left the Dan Dormady Doug Turner halfway house in Baton Rouge for a few Davis and a charming rogue like Edwin governor’s mansion, Edwards was convicted Yvette Dussouy Guy Williams Craig Goodwin Michael S. Yenni hours and then departed for his daughter’s Edwards to be governor. for his role in a bribery and extortion plan Thomas R. Lyons Paolo Zambito home in Denham Springs, Louisiana where Because of his strong bond with the involving the riverboat casino licensing Linda R. Martin Scott Zimmerman he will reside under home incarceration. voters of Louisiana, Edwards served 16 process in Louisiana. Throughout his Throughout the next six months, Edwards years as governor, longer than anyone else in political career, the former governor claimed Copy Editors will not be allowed to speak to the press or state history. During his four terms, Edwards he was the subject of over two dozen federal Melissa Drake participate in political activities. used wit and intellect to endear himself to investigations. In the mid-80s, he was Monica Zeringue During this period of home confinement, the voters. For example, when campaigning indicted on racketeering charges for his role Account Manager Edwards is required to maintain employment. against Dave Treen in 1983, Edwards said in hospital and nursing home investments. Barbara Bellaci In a move that was criticized by some his opponent was so boring it took him “an After a high profile trial in which he blamed a Distribution Manager political observers, Edwards was hired hour and a half to watch 60 minutes.” In his Republican administration for targeting him, David Spako to work as a “consultant” for a business 1991 race against David Duke, Edwards said the governor was acquitted. Printing owned by Louisiana State Democratic Party he was similar to the former KKK leader The governor’s good fortune ran out Baton Rouge Press © 2011 Kenner Star, Inc. All Rights Reserved Chairman Buddy Leach. While the former because they were both “wizards under the in 2000, when he was finally convicted. Governor will be paid for his consulting sheets.” His multiple appeals failed, as did many activities, the terms of his compensation When he was not slinging barbs at his pleas for a commutation of his sentence. KENNER STAR P.O. Box 641654 • Kenner, LA 70064 were not announced. Leach has maintained opponents, Edwards was working to expand Former Governor Dave Treen and others Phone & Fax 468-9125 that Edwards will not have any connection to his power and the scope of state government. unsuccessfully appealed to then President Email: [email protected] the Louisiana Democratic Party. Ironically, He accomplished his goals by manipulating George W. Bush for a pardon. The content of all theme-based columns, the condition of the state party is so poor, that a weakened Louisiana Legislature. While Today, the governor is probably being written by respective professionals in this newspaper, is many Louisiana Democratic leaders would Edwards can claim credit for funding many besieged with offers from his friends to in no way intended to render advice, suggest a course of action, or take the place of an individual consultation certainly welcome any advice from a man roads, bridges, arenas and other capital “get back to business.” According to his regarding that subject matter. who served as governor four times. projects during his terms in office, he continued on page 14 6 February 2011 - KENNER STR Government Millage renewals are very important BY MICHAEL S. YENNI Kenner Mayor

Among the fire and police protection; and we owe was originally approved at 1.71 mills new equipment, unless voters approve a six property tax it to ourselves to keep those services (that was rolled back to the current 1.14 new levy of 2 mills. millage proposals in place. Kenner is the narrow point mills). Even with the recent increase in I know there are some critics on the April 2 in the hourglass where roads, rivers, the sewerage service fee, the renewal of who feel they will not vote for any tax ballot are three lakes, railroads and air transportation that millage is critical for the repayment millages at all; but I ask that they strongly that deal essentially with continuing come together in southeast Louisiana. of the $22 million loan from the Louisiana consider not taking actions that will property taxes currently in place. One Thousands of cars, trucks, boats and Department of Environmental Quality and serve to cripple an important emergency is for garbage collection, another is for planes move through here as well as to pay off $32 million for two $16 million service on which our community has sewerage operation, and the third is for fire millions of people. There simply has to be bond issues for the total rehabilitation of relied for many years. department. Not to continue them would firefighters and policemen available here. Kenner’s antiquated sewerage collection The same is true for garbage and hamper the services we now receive, and Garbage is the output of all that and treatment system and to satisfy all sewer service millages now in place. it would adversely affect the financial activity and it must be removed to an concerns outlined in the compliance order Both these services deal with keeping structure for providing those services on appropriate place for disposal. We are issued against Kenner by LDEQ. Kenner clean and healthy. We do not a continuing basis in the future. lucky to have obtained good contracts for The fire operation tax millage for have the threat of disease in our streets, in As I said at recent meetings with garbage collection and landfill disposal; acquiring, constructing, improving, our schools and public gathering places business and civic groups, I do not like but we cannot control what the price of equipping, maintaining, and/or because our refuse is regularly collected the idea of asking citizens to increase fuel is for garbage trucks or the weight operating fire department buildings and and disposed of. taxes and fees, particularly at times like of refuse that goes to the landfill in the facilities, for acquiring, maintaining and But as we have seen in other parts these. But when you see stories in the spring. operating fire department vehicles and of the world, those problems can quickly daily media about communities across The voters originally approved a 2.4- equipment, and for paying salaries and create a health menace if they are ignored. the nation talking about going bankrupt, mill property tax for garbage service some benefits for fire department personnel We cannot minimize how important it is laying off half their police force and fire 10 years ago. Roll backs since then have was originally approved at 11.02 mills; to maintain the levels or service people department, facing exorbitant mandated cut the millage to 1.61 mills. We need to but rollbacks over time have reduced it in Kenner enjoy with dependable garbage costs for insurance and retirement plans return to the original levy of 2.4 mills for to 7.4 mills. The proposal is asking the collection and improvements planned for you realize you are not alone. our garbage system to be in good shape. fire operation millage be renewed, but the city’s sewerage system. This is not a Kenner cannot go without adequate A sewerage service property tax at 11.4 mills to yield enough revenue to time to throw the baby out with the bath cover the cost of meeting the national water. standard of four personnel on a fire There are many things in life that we truck instead of three. This renewal and do not like. But there are also things that our minimal increase will allow continued city needs. Continued garbage collection fire service operation that will not and meeting the state’s requirements jeopardize, and actually help improve, for improved sewerage collection and the city’s fire insurance rating. treatment are among the more important These millage levies are all in place for all of us. These proposals deserve and their approval are needed to keep your every consideration.  those services from collapsing. We still Mayor Yenni can be reached at will not be able to buy much-needed new 468-7240 or by email at kennermayor@ fire trucks, replace fire stations or other kenner.la.us

Volunteer Kenner Tree Board strives to improve quality of life Since its inception in 2007, the city Broussard and Arleeta Terrell. of Kenner’s Tree Board has served to The tree board works closely with advise city departments on forestry and the city of Kenner’s Planning Department beautification projects. It is an advisory to review tree planting and beautification board comprised of members who volunteer projects. “Directly or indirectly,” says their time to provide input on forestry- Broussard, a landscape architect and related issues and also to develop an annual planning department employee, “Hearing urban forestry work plan for the city. The their input has shaped the way I view each board was formed as a part of the city’s project or task. The input received gives administration’s commitment to improve the planning department a basis for how to the urban tree canopy while also becoming properly serve the public with regards to a Tree City USA member. Its purpose is forestry projects.” to strive to improve the quality of life for The city is currently working to present and future generations by helping expand the role of the tree board by maintain and enhance the tree population increasing their level of input regarding within the city of Kenner. the removal of city-owned trees. The tree The nine members of the tree board, board members would participate in the one appointed by each of the seven Kenner evaluation of improperly located, diseased city council members along with two city or storm-damaged trees to determine if employees, meet monthly to discuss tree- their removal is necessary. related issues affecting publicly owned For more information regarding the city trees. The members include Kay Andressen, of Kenner’s tree board browse their website Carolyn Jacque, Janet Schellhaas, Angele at www.kenner.la.us/section_121_132.asp. Seeling, Penny Shaw and Elaine Waldron The website also includes information on along with Kenner employees Scott tree health, planting and maintenance.  KENNER STR - February 2011 7 Government Mardi Gras safety BY STEVE CARAWAY All types of tAxes prepAred Kenner Police Chief Personal, S Corp, LLC, Partnership

Small business bookkeeping on weekly, monthly or quarterly basis Mardi Gras season is fast flying throws. Also, be careful when putting Including Payroll & Financial Reports upon us and carnival revelry your child over your shoulders. Crowds can shift will soon be in full swing. unexpectedly, making it easy to get knocked over. Mardi Gras is not only one of Consider implementing a family plan should our area’s most unique festivities, but one of our anyone unexpectedly get separated and make sure country’s most talked about and anticipated events. your children are fully aware of what they should This is a great time to spend with family and do in an emergency. Establish a meeting place in friends, but also a time to be responsible, careful case someone gets lost and have your kids carry of our surroundings and watchful of our little ones. a card that includes their name, address, phone AsAp BooKKeepING & tAx serVICe It is important to remain extra vigilant of our number and pre-arranged meeting place. If you children’s safety during this festive time. Children leave your group during parades for any reason, 467-0482 are especially prone to accidents during Mardi have someone accompany you and avoid walking Gras with the large crowds, beads and trinkets on deserted side streets. Report any suspicious flying around and all of the commotion going activity or persons you may observe. Also, carry on during parades. Remind your children to stay your personal belongings in a small bag or purse out of the street and to never run after throws or that can be strapped around your waist or across TOP DOLLAR PAID follow behind floats. Teach them to be careful when your chest for added security. GOLD & SILVER reaching down to pick up throws and make sure If you plan on drinking during the festivities, young children don’t put beads or trinkets in their please do so responsibly and limit your alcohol mouths as this can cause a choking hazard. consumption when watching over little ones. If you plan on using a ladder to give your Appoint a designated driver beforehand should you LOANS children a better view of the parades, make sure decide to drink during the celebrations. Under no GET THE CASH YOU NEED you follow regulations for setting up the ladder. circumstances should you ever drink and drive. Set up the ladder as far back from the street as the The Kenner Police Department wishes you FAST!!! ladder is tall. For example, if the ladder is eight feet and your family a safe and fun-filled Mardi Gras BUY, SELL, PAWN tall, then it should be placed eight feet behind the season. If you have any safety concerns that you ANYTHING OF VALUE curb. Take note that putting ladders in intersections would like me to address, please feel free to contact or fastening multiple ladders together is prohibited me by email.  3405 WILLIAmS BLVD. in many areas. Make sure children are properly Chief Caraway can be reached by email WILLIAmS SqUArE SHOPPING CENTEr fastened in the seat and stand on the back of the at [email protected]. Visit the Kenner Police 305-1616 ladder as an anchor while protecting them from Department website at www.kennerpd.com. Next door to First Bank and Trust

Existing sewerage tax needs to continue By PRAT P. REDDY Kenner Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Public Works

Kenner’s citywide sewer would be authorized through 2021. Revenue from the system has been the topic of many expiring 1.14-mill levy supports vital sewerage system headlines and news reports over infrastructure in Kenner. the past few years, and Mayor It is important that voters understand that the 1.14 Michael S. Yenni would like this property tax millage for sewerage is an integral part of Social Security Cases • Divorce to continue through April 2, 2011, when Kenner voters the funding formula that city leaders have approved to Criminal Law • Personal Injury will be asked to decide whether to renew a 1.14 mill address the Consolidated Compliance Order. The user property tax. This millage is dedicated specifically to fee alone cannot generate the revenues that are required Kenner’s sewer system, which is archaic and in desperate to adequately operate and maintain the sewer system need of repair. as well as fund the necessary projects in the corrective 469-7330 The city of Kenner is currently under a Consolidated action plan the City has submitted to the DEQ in an effort Compliance Order issued by the Louisiana Department to correct the many deficiencies in the sewer system. P.O. Box 1004, Kenner, LA 70063 of Environmental Quality (DEQ); and it is the source If the 1.14 property tax millage is not renewed, of the notoriety concerning this matter. It has certainly there will be insufficient funds within the City to pay gotten the attention of the city’s elected leadership. for the projects that make up the corrective action plan Addressing this compliance order has remained along with the sewer systems standard operation and at the forefront of the priorities of the fledgling Yenni maintenance costs. The positive relationship Kenner Administration. Within its first one hundred days since has established with the DEQ by its speedy response to taking office, Mayor Yenni assessed the overall funding rectify its issues will be jeopardized. Kenner would stand for the wastewater system. This system is funded by two to face significant civil fines as outlined in the compliance sources of income, a property tax and a user fee. Both order, creating another threat to the financial resources of resources provide vital revenue required to operate and the city. maintain the entire system; repay the $22 million low- Kenner’s sewer system is an aging system that interest DEQ loan and the municipal bonds coupled with contends with poor soil conditions in the city which causes it, and provide the yearly coverage ratio required by the subsidence. A lack of capital improvements over the bond holders. years have contributed to overflows and other problems Because property taxes are authorized by the with the system. DEQ conducted several inspections voters in ten year increments, the sewer millage is set to of our wastewater facility records and discovered 444 expire in 2012. The April 2 proposition for renewal will overflows, which discharge raw sewerage into nearby generate an estimated $513,000 per year in revenues that roads, drainage and waterways. This is not only a threat will be dedicated specifically to the sewer system and continued on page 27 8 February 2011 - KENNER STR Automotive SABELLA’S 10 commonly forgotten vehicle maintenance tips PLUMBING BY SCOTT ZIMMERMAN SMALL JOBS

Repairs • Drain Cleaning Vehicle maintenance is problems. An added benefit of changing your spark Hot Water Heaters something that is often plugs is that they will provide you with the best • overlooked on most cars and fuel economy, making a complete burn of the air Residential Repairs trucks. Most people will avoid maintenance and just fuel mixture. Always use vehicle recommended drive till they drop or the engine blows. There are a spark plugs for ignition system maintenance. Some Servicing Metairie & Kenner few particulars of maintenance that should never be cheaper spark plugs will not work as well and you overlooked. Outlined below are the most common may end up having to change them frequently. 818-0007 things maintenance tips that are a must in keeping Timing belt Sammy Sabella Owner/Operated your vehicle on the road. This may be the most costly part of maintenance, Licensed Master Plumber Over 25 Years Oil changes but it is key for preventing your engine from having As far as maintenance is concerned, oil changes catastrophic engine damage. You should always Roofing • Patio Covers • Carports are a must and should be done regularly to keep your change your timing belt as the vehicle manufacturer Glass Rooms • Siding • Window Screens engine free of friction causing deposits. Actually has scheduled it. Failure to do this maintenance can Windows Re-Screening • Screen Rooms changing your oil and not just adding oil is a must. result in bent valves and damaged pistons, essentially Replacement Windows • Pool Enclosures If you are simply adding oil to your engine and not complete engine damage. FREE ESTIMATES changing it with the filter you are doing your engine Balancing and rotating tires a major disservice. Just adding oil when it gets low You paid a lot of money for your tires so this type you are creates silt deposits in the bottom of the of maintenance is just a cheap portion of service triple pan that over time can cause oiling issues when the to ensure your investment. The driving wheels on pickup tube screen gets clogged. This can lead to a vehicle will always wear out tires from the ones low oil pressure and poor oiling to the top end of the that simply roll, so rotating your tires and getting motor, ultimately causing engine failure. Another them balanced every six months or so is a good way

CONSTRUCTION, CO. maintenance tip is to never change the type of oil to keep your tires in tip top shape. This will also you use. If you use cheap oil, than continue to do eliminate annoying shakes in your steering wheel. 2158 Kenner Ave. • Kenner, LA so. Switching from cheap oil to a full synthetic can In addition to this maintenance an alignment is also Licensed & Insured lead to gasket and oil sealing problems as cheap a key service. Without a proper vehicle alignment www.bbbconstruction.com oil leaves deposits behind that seal up these tiny after hitting a curb or a big pothole your vehicle’s crevices. Full synthetic oil has many detergents that suspension geometry may change, leading to uneven will clean these deposits away and cause oil leaks. wear on the inside or outside of your tires. Be warned. Transmission service Coolant The number one cause of automatic transmission Coolant is the heart and soul of your engine failure is the lack of changing the transmission fluid maintenance program. If you begin to get low on “11 years experience” and internal filter at the correct intervals. Refer to the coolant it can cause serious engine damage such owner’s manual for the correct intervals. If you are a as blown head gaskets, leaving you stranded. You FREE ESTIMATES do-it-yourself kind of person automatic transmission should check your coolant levels every two to three Call today for service is a breeze. Simply drop the pan, remove the weeks and have the system flushed once a year. Also expert installation by old filter and gasket and replace the transmission adding too much water into the system is a bad idea Brazilian native fluid with the vehicle specific fluid. Failure to use especially if you live in a climate that has freezing Fernando. the vehicle specified fluid can lead to automatic winters. You don’t want your engine’s coolant to Ceramic - Marble transmission failure. freeze and expand which can crack the block or Porcelain - Stones Manual transmissions and rear ends cause water seals to leak. Floors - Backsplashes These two parts of a vehicle are often overlooked, Battery especially the rear end. You should change these Your battery is very important to the maintenance Owner/Installer: Fernando Calore fluids at the regular maintenance intervals to ensure of your vehicle’s electrical system. A bad or 292-2461 that they last a really long time. Over time low fluid undercharged battery, or jumping off the car too levels can cause a lot of heat and friction that can often, can cause damage to the starter and also the cause expansion and contraction of the transmission alternator, from overworking it. Both can be costly and rear end metal geometry which can cause leaks. to repair. So, keeping fresh fluid in there and keeping them Serpentine belt full is a must have for manual transmission and rear This piece of maintenance is fairly inexpensive to end maintenance. replace and can generate quite an annoying sound. Fuel filter Other than that you can be really up the creek if it A clogged fuel filter is a sure fire way to fry a breaks, because it operates your water pump and fuel pump or starve an engine from fuel and make sometimes your power steering, alternator, and air it run lean. Fuel filter maintenance is very often conditioning. If your belt breaks, either your engine overlooked. failure to change the fuel filter can be is going to overheat or you will drain your battery. very costly if you don’t do it at the correct service Failure to do this maintenance will always leave you intervals. stranded.  Spark plugs Scott Zimmerman is the owner of Scotty’s Tire and Spark plugs are a very important part of engine Automotive, Inc., a family-owned and operated full- maintenance. If they are not replaced at the service tire and automotive shop, located at 4200 recommended times they can create havoc on your Williams Boulevard in Kenner. Store hours are 7:30 engines ignition system. Worn out spark plugs can a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Scotty’s cause coil pack failure as well as engine misfiring website is www.scottystireauto.com. KENNER STR - February 2011 9 t

6 0 0 + physicians and specialists providing quality, compassionate care at Ochsner Kenner.

1 choice for your entire family’s healthcare needs, close to home.

There are many reasons to choose Ochsner Kenner for your healthcare needs. We have over 600 physicians and specialists, and an entire team of nurses and medical staff, working to provide you and your family with healthcare with peace of mind. From our 24-hour Emergency Room to Primary Care, we provide the medical services you need in a comfortable environment, located only minutes away from where you live.

More reasons to make Ochsner Kenner your first choice: - Same-day/next-day appointments available - Access to specialists in OB/GYN, Gastroenterology, - Hospital and Emergency Room follow-up care Urology, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, Vascular Medicine, Cardiology, Orthopedics and much more - Numerous quality awards and high patient-satisfaction scores - Most major insurance plans are accepted - Healthcare available for all ages

For quality, compassionate care in Kenner, make Ochsner your first choice. Call today for more information and to find a doctor: 504-464-8000

ochsner.org/kenner

O-K-114-B_KennerStarAd_1_26_11.indd 1 1/26/11 5:12 PM 10 February 2011 - KENNER STR Airport Establishing “Gold Standard” governance By IFTIKHAR AHMAD Director of Aviation Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

As a stringent policies and procedures to take careful consideration of The two reports and the additional g o v e r n m e n t regarding board activities. The new prior missteps, current areas for policies and procedures are important e n t i t y , policies and procedures come as a improvement and future changes. in continuing the momentum toward transparency and result of two self-directed reports Through this scrutiny and a strong significant improvements. To further accountability in the way we conduct analyzing internal compliance. The collective determination for self the efforts of the NOAB to conduct the business of the airport are essential analyses reviewed select NOAB improvement, we have established enhanced oversight in the operation for establishing trust by the public we credit card activity as well as travel the gold standard for our board and of Louis Armstrong New Orleans serve. The governing body responsible and entertainment transactions for governance.” International Airport, we have begun for oversight of Louis Armstrong New the period 2008 to the present. The Based on the findings in the a search to hire two internal auditors Orleans International Airport, the New analyses reports recommended analyses report, the NOAB Finance as permanent staff to allow for Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), additional policies to ensure even Committee proposed and unanimously continuous audits and review of all understands this and is being proactive better management, transparency and approved implementing new policies airport business and performance. in establishing measures that will monitoring of activity. The voluntary regarding attendance and expenses for In an effort to actively disclose and enhance that trust factor. The NOAB analyses were also a result from conventions and training, travel and provide access to airport information, is a nine member board that serves recommendations adopted by the entertainment expenses, community the two reports and the statement with no compensation. All members NOAB that I made in my “100 Day related activities, expense monitoring by the finance committee chair are are appointed by the mayor of New Report” to them in September. This systems and establishing annual posted online on the airport website Orleans. Representatives from Kenner report was published in three parts in budgets in the above areas. for viewing by the general public. and St. Charles Parish serve on the this publication. Harold A. Asher, CPA, was For more information or to review the NOAB and are recommended by their Nolan Rollins, our new chairman contracted by the NOAB to conduct reports, visit http://www.flymsy.com/ respective government entities. of the NOAB said, “New leadership the analyses. Asher collaborated with transparentMSY. At the January NOAB Finance has brought in a new era for Louis board members and the NOAB staff to Accountability is being answerable Committee meeting, the committee Armstrong New Orleans International facilitate the development of the best for performance or results, both good endorsed the implementation of more Airport. We contracted these reports possible policies and procedures. continued on page 18 Banking Responsible giving BY GUY WILLIAMS

Most of us charities that seem to exist for the benefit that it is a volunteer telethon for a cause to help our state do better in the future. shop carefully of their staff. Most of the money goes you already support. If you give to phone Finally, for those of us who are Christians, before we buy a to salaries, fundraising and operating solicitors their companies can keep up to tithing or giving 10 percent to our church car, plan a trip or expenses. Very little ends up with the 90 percent of the money raised, leaving is a good financial discipline. even decide where to eat. We look at the intended beneficiaries. very little for the charity. Cut out the If you have children, involve them in options, weigh the costs and consider the A good charity can really make a middleman and send your check directly charitable actions and giving. At our benefits. These are all good things and difference. We saw that after the storm. to the charity, if it is one that you really house the children were on the charitable they lead to good decision making. Some out of town groups really helped. want to support. giving committee. It was fun to discuss The one area where many of us fail to Some collected money and kept most of Ignore mailed solicitations unless you our giving, even when we could only give look carefully is charitable giving. We it. are already familiar with the group. These a little, and get their input. respond to a phone call, a shaking can, a Here are some tips for successful giving. typically come around the holidays and This past Christmas I knew that the letter or occasionally a personal request. The first is easiest and most satisfying. can be very appealing but often the charity lesson had sunk in when my adult What we don’t usually do is look to see Hang up the phone. Never give money is inefficient and wastes your money. children gave a donation of chickens and how well our money will be used. to telephone solicitor unless you know Instead, decide how much you want geese to poor families in Asia through Unfortunately there are a number of the person calling or you know for sure to give and what sort of charity you Heifer International. really care about. Once you decide that, We wouldn’t go to a new restaurant research groups that deal with your issue. without doing a little research – giving is

Call for FREE Wills Trusts Ask people you trust about local charities. even more important. Spend some time FORM Consider pairing your financial gift with so that you can give well and make the LIVING DECLARATION Successions volunteer effort. You will learn quickly if biggest impact. With instructions the charity is efficient if you are actively As always, check with your local Business Law involved. community bank if have questions about Personal Injury Use online tools to research the charity. giving. We are involved with most of the Three online giving guides are GiveWell, local charities and can help you make the Over 30 years experience Charity Navigator, and Guide Star. most of your gifts.  Three of my favorite charities are Lake Guy Williams is president and chief M F Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Habitat executive officer of Gulf Coast Bank L for Humanity and Samaritan’s Purse. and Trust Company. Their Kenner All of them make our area better and all branch office is located at 3410 Williams Melchers Law Firm three stepped up after the storm. Our local Boulevard. Brian Behlar, branch 909 West Esplanade Ave., Suite 206, Kenner, LA 70065 schools and universities are always short manager, can be contacted at 565-3661. (504) 467-1092 of funds. I think that supporting your Visit Gulf Coast Bank and Trust’s website www.melcherslawfirm.com James L. Melchers, Attorney-At-Law favorite school is one of the best ways at www.gulfbank.com KENNER STR - February 2011 11 Health Are you a good patient? BY ALLAN KATZ

Dr. Pramilla Subramanian, a patients, ‘Learn your numbers. Become cardiologist at Ochsner-Kenner, sees a lot knowledgeable about what numbers of patients whose lives depend in large are good and which are bad. Become a part on whether they follow their doctor’s student of your health. It isn’t enough to instructions. passively follow some of your doctor’s “I see a lot of patients who are battling orders. It’s your life. Get involved. Be an heart disease, hypertension, diabetes “A” student when it comes to your own and other illnesses that can have fatal health.’” consequences,” says Dr. Subramanian. Dr. Subramanian is a graduate of “Very often, the outcome of their hopes the University of New Orleans and the for a long life depends on whether they LSU School of Medicine. Her father are a good patient and go beyond just was a professor at LSU Medical School filling the prescriptions and taking the and she has followed him onto the LSU pills prescribed by their doctor.” faculty. She practiced medicine at the We believe in When Dr. Subramanian speaks of “a Mercy Hospital in New Orleans until it Open Hours: good patient,” she means a patient who was flooded beyond repair by Hurricane Authentic Taste Monday - Sunday actively participates in their own care, Katrina. 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM one who learns all that they can about “Ochsner-Kenner welcomed the Fresh...Healthy...Delicious the disease they are battling, one who LSU faculty members who became exercises as directed by the doctor and medical refugees after Katrina,” says Dr. tries to follow precisely the diet that is Subramanian. “That’s one of the many recommended to them. They monitor reasons I love Ochsner-Kenner. They their weight and their blood pressure and opened their doors to me and made my the patient works just as hard as their transition an easy one. Ochsner-Kenner doctor to cope with their illness. A good is a superb medical center with great patient isn’t passive but is deeply involved facilities and a great staff. I’ve also come in their own care and works together with to love the city of Kenner, a wonderful their physician, like teammates.” community where people are very Dr. Subramanian says, “I tell my friendly and helpful.” 

The Massage Envy gift card. A gift for the body, from the heart. Massage E nv y.coM

give the gift of WeLLNess.

The Sweetheart AromaTherapy blend: Soothing jasmine. Stimulating rosewood. Upgrade any massage session for just $10, but only for a limited time.

KENNER 819 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite B corner of Chateau & W. Esplanade (504) 496-9000

CONVENIENT HOURS. OPEN 7 DAYS: M-F 8AM-10PM, SAT 8AM-6PM, SUN 10AM-6PM | FRANCHISES AVAILABLE 12 February 2011 - KENNER STR Health Ochsner-Kenner telemetry unit keeps a pulse on patient care BY PAOLO ZAMBITO

T e l e m e t r y or at risk of developing complications. congestive heart failure patients, a best System Nurse of the Year. Additionally, might not be a The nurses at Ochsner-Kenner receive practice has been implemented using Elaina Gonzalez, RN, and Deana word that most specialized training and are responsible a multi-disciplinary rounding or case Gaconi, RN, received the Daisy Award of us are familiar for monitoring all patients rather than conference model which involves the after being nominated by patients in the with, but the relying on a technician. Goodlett nurse, case manager, social worker, telemetry unit. staff at Ochsner- says that the recent addition of more respiratory therapist, dietician, physical For additional information, please call Kenner know its importance and rely monitors allows them to respond to therapist, physician and anyone else who the telemetry unit at Ochsner-Kenner at on it daily to care for their patients. emergent medical problems quickly and may be involved in the care of the patient. 464-8061.  For those who are not familiar with it, confidently. The nurses are also using new methods Paolo Zambito, R.N., is chief executive telemetry is the practice of sending The telemetry unit has implemented a to effectively educate these patients on officer at Ochsner Medical Center- electronic signals from one place to performance improvement plan for fall properly caring for themselves once Kenner and has served in this role for five another. It is a tremendously useful reduction in their area which includes they are discharged as they tend to be years. Zambito has been at the Kenner tool in hospitals, as it allows hospital more frequent rounding, staff education readmitted more frequently. facility for over 19 years. Zambito, who personnel to monitor heart rate, heart regarding what makes a patient at high “We are very proud of the positive serves on the boards of the National rhythm, breathing and other things both risk for falls and educating the patient changes taking place in our telemetry Kidney Foundation of Louisiana and by the patient’s bedside and at a remote and his/her family on fall prevention. unit,” says Goodlett. “It would not be the Louisiana Extended Care Hospital location such as a nursing station. Part of this plan also included adding possible without an excellent nursing of Kenner is also a member of the Patients are admitted to a telemetry brand new beds to all of the rooms in staff and we are thrilled that three of Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and unit when a doctor feels that they could the telemetry unit. These beds, which them were recently recognized for their the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce benefit from comprehensive monitoring. were installed a year ago, have a built exceptional work.” Jamie Marse, RN, of Louisiana. For more information of “Our telemetry unit cares for a variety in safety alarm that can be programmed operational coordinator, was a nominee the services and physicians at Ochsner of patients,” says Debbie Goodlett, for patients at risk for falling. “The and finalist for the 2010 Ochsner Health Medical Center-Kenner call 464-8000. RN, BSN, director of the Ochsner- combination of these efforts has led to Kenner Telemetry Unit. “Patients are a reduction of falls over the last year,” admitted to this unit by cardiology, says Goodlett. internal medicine, family medicine The continuous improvement of Stress fractures: A common and other services such as urology and quality of care is also of the utmost neurology.” A stay in the telemetry importance in the telemetry unit at condition affecting athletes unit is often recommended after a heart Ochsner-Kenner. For example, in an By THOMAS R. LYONS, M.D. attack or when a patient is acutely ill effort to improve care provided to A stress onset of symptoms. Changes such as fracture can be a cortical lucency or fracture line may Free Manicure described as an become visible on subsequent films. overuse injury Radionuclide imaging (bone scan) and When a Deluxe Pedicure is purchased. to a bone resulting from excessive and MRI scan are useful in diagnosis of stress repetitive stresses. The stresses cause fractures. The cause of stress fractures Indulge your senses while caring for your body. an imbalance between bone resorption is multifactorial. Bone vascular supply, and bone formation. Stress fractures are muscle attachments, type of athletic commonly seen in athletes and military activity and hormonal imbalances play Hair Styles Unlimited. recruits. Stress fractures can occur in a role in the development of stress 3635 Florida Ave virtually any bone in the body, but are fractures. most common in the weight-bearing Treatment of stress fractures involves Kenner, LA 70065 bones of the lower extremity. Certain a period of rest and avoidance of the stress fractures are commonly seen with precipitating sport or activity. A period of 504 464 5949 participation in specific sports such as one to six weeks of limited activity and the ribs in rowing, the spine and foot limited weight bearing may be required. Massage, Waxing, Complete Hair Care. in gymnastics, the humerus (arm) in Gradual progression of weight-bearing Men’s and Ladies Hair Replacement. throwing sports and the lower extremity and return to low impact activities in running sports. The tibia (leg) and the (biking, swimming) is then allowed. tarsals and metatarsals (foot) are the most After low impact activities can be common bones in the lower extremity to performed without pain for a prolonged St. Jerome be affected by stress fractures. period, then high impact activities and Diagnosis of stress fractures can return to sport can gradually be started. Knights of Columbus usually be made by a careful history and For proper diagnosis and treatment of physical examination. Patients with stress stress fractures, an evaluation by your Seafood Dinners fractures typically present with onset of orthopedic surgeon is necessary.  2/18, 3/18, 4/15, 5/20, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, pain after an increase in the intensity or Thomas R. Lyons, M.D. is a 11/18, 12/16/2011 • 11am - 7pm duration of exercise or other activity. Pain board certified orthopedic surgeon Fish Plates Crawfish Pasta is made worse with activity and made with over 10 years experience. The Shrimp Plates Crawfish Kickers better with rest. Physical examination of Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine patients with stress fractures commonly is a multi-specialty center dedicated Soft Shell Crab Hush Puppies shows localized bone tenderness. Some to complete musculoskeletal care with Stuffed Crab Plates Seafood Gumbo stress fractures show swelling in the area focused expertise in shoulder and Shrimp Creole Grilled Shrimp Salad of injury. Imaging studies are helpful in knee injuries. Offices are located in LENTEN DINNERS DATES - March 11, 2011 thru April 22,2011 the diagnosis of stress fractures. Plain Kenner and Metairie. For additional Phone-in Orders • Visa/Mastercard Accepted radiographs (X-rays) may be normal information call 467-5900 or visit www. 3310 Florida Ave. • Kenner, LA 70065 • 504-469-6736 for two to three weeks following nolasportsmedicine.com. KENNER STR - February 2011 13 Law Practical advice on what to Laketown Village do when a loved one dies Williams Boulevard between Vintage Drive and Joe Yenni Boulevard By JAMES L. MELCHERS 26 Years Experience

First and belonging?” The answer is “no,” unless foremost, get you are dealing with valuable antiques or through the are having major disputes among the heirs. funeral. Hopefully, some planning was In most cases, household furnishings are done before the death and those who need lumped together and valued at what you to make decisions know the deceased’s would expect to receive at a yard sale. By Appointment 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mon. – Sat. INFANTS TO TEENS • SPECIAL KIDS WELCOME wishes. If no pre-planning was done or it Another frequent question is “Are 4232 Williams Blvd. Suite 102 • 464-0624 is a sudden, unexpected death, someone assets that pass by named beneficiary needs to take charge, contact a funeral (i.e. life insurance policies, 401Ks, home, communicate with the family and retirement accounts) part of the probate Victoria A.M. Smith, M.D. plan the funeral or memorial service. It estate?” The answer is “no” as long as the is important to let all family members beneficiary forms list living beneficiaries. know about the arrangements, even If all listed beneficiaries are deceased, NOW those considered the “black sheep” of the these assets become part of the probate BACK IN family. Including everyone may avoid estate. The importance of having up-to- KENNER future difficulties. date beneficiary forms cannot be over Once the funeral is over and when emphasized. It is critically important for the family is ready, contact a seasoned the smooth transition of assets to have attorney who handles successions. The accurate beneficiary forms. terms “succession” and “probate” are The attorney will need the pertinent Family Practice used interchangeably and mean the same information on all heirs including the Men • Women • Children thing. The probate process in Louisiana complete name (including maiden names Female Care • Pap Smears is an efficient and relatively fast process for the ladies), current addresses, dates Se habla español Contraception if there is cooperation among the heirs. of birth, social security numbers, phone fala-se português The same cannot be said of the probate numbers and the relationship of the heir process in some other states, but we to the deceased. If there are multiple Office Hours by Appointment are fortunate in Louisiana to have good marriages, the attorney needs to know 4228 Williams Blvd., Suite 203 • 496-0138 or 889-4011 probate laws. that and needs to know which children The funeral home will order the were born to which spouse. death certificates for you. You will need This may seem overwhelming, more than one. It is recommended that but most of the required information is you obtain five to 10 death certificates. readily available or can be obtained with a Experienced Nurses The greater the assets, the more death few phone calls. Once the worksheet has certificates will be needed. It will take been completed and all the information Jump On Board! several weeks for the certificates to come gathered, you are ready to meet with a in. The probate process can be started qualified attorney who can handle the without the death certificate, but cannot legal process for you. be completed without it. The probate process in Louisiana is A probate attorney should be able not to be feared or necessarily avoided. to provide you with a probate worksheet We have very good laws in this area. to assist you in gathering the necessary If there is conflict among the heirs, information to start and complete the talk with your attorney about ways to proper transition of ownership of the minimize or at least control the battles. deceased’s property. That is what the Fighting between heirs can cause the probate process does, it provides for the process to take a very long time and be Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner transfer of assets to the rightful heirs. unnecessarily costly. The good news It is necessary to have a complete is that most successions are handled CAREER OPPORTUNITIES list of the deceased’s assets as well as the smoothly with very little conflict. liabilities of the estate. In determining The best advice is for everyone to Operations Coordinator (Charge Nurse) the value of the estate, the value of the plan ahead and have a will or trust in L & D Nights, ICU liabilities will be subtracted from the value place before it is needed. A well-drafted of the assets to give you a true/net value will or trust can reduce and hopefully Clinical Coordinator of the estate. All assets and liabilities are eliminate conflicts among heirs. Med Surg valued as of the date of death. Therefore, In conclusion, Louisiana’s probate bank statements, brokerage accounts and laws are effective, efficient and not to be Cath Lab RN the like must include the date of death. feared.  Facility Pool Financial advisors and investment firms James L. Melchers is the senior can usually get that information for you. attorney at Melchers Law Firm, located Director of Mother/Baby Unit Assets include everything a person at 909 West Esplanade Avenue in owns. Liabilities include all funeral Kenner and the firm’s primary areas Apply online at expenses, all medical expenses, debts, of practice are estate planning, wills, mortgages and liens on property, credit trusts, successions, corporate law, and ochsner.org/careers. TM card balances and so forth. personal injury. Melchers can be reached EOE. Medical Center – Kenner A frequent question is “Do I have to at 467-1092 or visit the website at www. list each piece of furniture or household melcherslawfirm.com. 14 February 2011 - KENNER STR Health Gender specific total knee replacement BY CRAIG GOODWIN

Whether male components would provide knees that implants may allow for better function, rehabilitation. In next month’s column or female, facing were either larger or smaller, based off as well as improved durability. The I will be discussing in detail the the decision to this standard size depending on the anatomy of the female knee has a recovery and rehabilitation that follows undergo a total size of the knee being replaced. narrower medial-lateral width for the a total knee replacement surgery.  knee replacement Today, you have a choice. Gender same anterior-posterior height on the Craig Goodwin, physical therapist, could be one of specific total knee replacements are distal thigh bone at the knee. Although is president of Kenner Orthopedic the best decisions you make to improve the new buzz word in orthopedics. the idea has generated much interest and Sports Therapy, located at 3921 your function of daily activities These replacements are now based in the orthopedic field and several Williams Boulevard and two other and overall lifestyle. Traditionally, off standard size knees for men and research studies have been done, locations in Metairie and on the implant designs have been made using women. Most manufacturers provide there has not been any difference in West Bank. Goodwin graduated from “average” size data. This means that this option to the physician along with the outcome of these patients and the LSU Medical School Department of the designers of implants tried to find an increase in cost to the patient and clinical need for using these implants Allied Health, Department of Physical the “average” size at a joint and then insurance company. The idea behind designed specifically for the female Therapy in 1987. The professionals design implants that are both slightly the gender-based knee component is knee has not been established. at Kenner Orthopedic and Sports larger and slightly smaller than the that by better replicating the normal A critical factor in the success Therapy can be contacted via email at average. The manufacturers of these anatomy, the joint replacement of the surgery is your recovery and [email protected].

Crouere (continued from page 5) biographer Leo Honeycutt, once his period remember Edwards despite his conviction If Louisiana is ever going to compete Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans of home incarceration is over, Edwards will and reputation for corruption. Among with our neighbors for jobs and industry, and his Louisiana based television program, travel throughout the West in a RV and then some voters, there is a clear nostalgia for we must never again have a reputation for “Ringside Politics,” airs at 7:30 p.m. on finish an autobiography. the bygone era of personality politics in corruption. Business leaders must not feel Fridays and at 10:00 p.m. Sundays on PBS Many of his supporters would love Louisiana. they have to bribe state officials for contracts television station WLAE-TV, Channel 32, and to see Edwards back in the governor’s In the years since Edwards left, the and opportunities. from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. weekdays on mansion. Fortunately, the state constitution legislature has passed enhanced ethics laws While it is nice to welcome the former radio station WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans prohibits Edwards from running for state and the stench of corruption has subsided. governor back from prison and credit him for and the north shore. Crouere is a political office for 15 years. It is doubtful that he These reforms are considered positive and his many skills, our state should never elect analyst for WGNO-TV ABC26. Visit Crouere’s will be a candidate at the age of 98, but helped improve the ranking of the state as a another Edwin Edwards again. We literally website at www.ringsidepolitics.com or his support shows that many people fondly place to “do business.” cannot afford that type of entertainment.  email Crouere at [email protected]. KENNER STR - February 2011 15 0211_Scottys:Layout 1 1/31/11 7:35 AM Page 1 Fitness Burn calories at home CCuussttoommeerr AApppprreecciiaattiioonn DDaayyss BY YVETTE DUSSOUY

Need a little calories you can burn per hour with extra motivation each household chore. You can burn to do household 245 by gardening, 215 by bathing chores? Feeling the dog and 310 mowing your lawn. too lazy to trim Washing your car you can burn 184 the rose bushes or calories per hour and by doing laundry vacuum the spare bedroom? Perhaps you can burn 220. Washing dishes can this statistic will give your motivation burn 150 calories per hour and 165 by Expires 2/28/11 Purchase of $250 and up a boost. Performing your regular vacuuming. Scrubbing floors will burn Purchase of $150 to $250 household chores can actually burn 165 and washing windows will also Please present coupon at time of payment. more than 50,000 calories in one year. burn 280 calories per hour. Trimming That’s right! Housework burns bushes will burn 268 calories per hour calories. There’s a reason why it’s called and 325 calories per hour can be burned Tires • Alignments • Balancing • Oil Changes work, after all. In one British study, by moving furniture. Shocks • Air Conditioner Work • Struts researchers concluded that the average Of course, performing simple Brake Service • Batteries • Belts • Hoses person walks 22 miles each year by household chores shouldn’t displace Tune-Ups CV Joints • Fuel Injection Cleaning simply cleaning the house. These extra your workout regimen altogether. We steps translate to calories burned. need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes Most of us don’t even think about of active physical exercise on most days the workout we’re gaining while of the week. So, unless you plan on performing our daily chores. But, what cleaning your house – top to bottom – if we actually started using household every single day, then you need to get chores to our advantage? Imagine how into some type of regular fitness routine. many calories you could work-off if you Still, it’s nice to know that the next treated your chores like a super-set of time that you miss your fitness class, 4200 Williams Blvd. exercises! you can always wash a few extra dishes The next time you kick-off a at home to keep those excess pounds at 465-1312  marathon cleaning session think about bay. 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Yvette Dussouy, for over 15 years the muscle behind your movements. www.scottystireandauto.com For example, mopping floors uses your has owned and operated the Kenner biceps and shoulder muscles. Gardening Jazzercise Fitness Center, which is works your arms, back and legs. Painting located at 4228 Williams Boulevard. A uses your arms and core stabilizers. certified instructor for over 18 years, When you consciously think about your Dussouy has been awarded Pacesetter muscular activity, you may get an added Elite status by Jazzercise, Inc. for the fitness bonus while performing your past 12 years. Dussouy can be reached daily chores. at 464-4600 or [email protected]. The Torch some calories at home with Kenner Jazzercise Center has classes these chores. Keep in mind that you early morning, morning, afternoon, need to increase your pace and continue evenings and weekends – some include the activity for as long as possible, childcare. This class schedule includes without taking a break, if you really classes for the overweight through the want the chore to count as exercise. very fit. For the complete schedule visit The following is how many www.jazzercise.com. Community KPD free women’s self defense course held in February The Kenner Police Department types of sexual assaults, lawful means of will hold the next women’s self defense self-defense, abduction, risk awareness, course on the evenings of February 8, recognition, reduction and avoidance, 9 and 10. The program teaches women and self-defense techniques. self-defense techniques and how to Participants will also have the execute them properly if they are ever opportunity, if they so choose, to confronted by an attacker. practice self-defense techniques with a The course is free and open to all certified instructor. females 13 years and older. Participants For more information and to fill out may take the course as many times as an application, visit the Kenner Police desired to learn the latest self-defense Department website at www.kennerpd. and safety techniques. The course com and click the women’s self defense is taught by certified police officers link. Contact the KPD Community who conduct group discussions and Relations Division at jvirgil@kennerpd. demonstrations on the definitions of com for further information.  16 February 2011 - KENNER STR 0211_Automatic Trans:Layout 1 1/31/11 10:05 AM Page 1 Latin American News When you need a doctor, Social Security retirement estimator now available online BY RAFAEL E. SADDY you trust a specialist, Social Security Only the final retirement estimates are has a new online given to the online user. The retirement HAVE TO KEEP YOURthe best in the business. calculator that estimator is completely secure. Social CAR LONGER? can provide Security consulted extensively with

Servicing your transmis- immediate and privacy experts during its development. sion is very important! accurate retirement benefit estimates The retirement estimator does not Every 30,000 miles the Do the same with your vehicle! fluid and filter must be to help you plan for your retirement. reveal any personal information that changed. The online retirement estimator is a could lead to identity theft. Trust Automatic Transmission, 90% of ALL transmission convenient, secure and quick financial The retirement estimator offers a link failures are caused by worn out fluid that should the automatic transmission planning tool, since it eliminates to online retirement application at www. have been replaced. Pro- tect the life of your car. technician specialists who are the need to manually key in years of socialsecurity.gov, however access to Don’t let your transmis- earnings information. The estimator your online retirement estimate must sion burn up! trained to install the best parts, also will let you create “what if” be unblocked. We’ve been in business over 33 years. Let’s the provide the best service at the best scenarios. You can, for example, Social Security has many other online experts help! value and do the job right! change your “stop work” dates or services, including online applications expected future earnings to create and for disability and survivor benefits. Clark W. Dennis, Noreen D. Fonte, compare different retirement options. For those already receiving benefits, Mark J. Fonte, Keith C. Dennis To use the retirement estimator, go Social Security’s online services allow to the website at www.socialsecurity. recipients to do a change of address, gov/estimator and enter the requested start or stop direct deposit, request Automatic Transmission, Inc. information. If the information that replacement Medicare cards, request Dennis Automotive you provide does not match Social benefit verification letters and much Security’s records, then you cannot more. 2220 Airline Drive, Kenner use the retirement estimator. You can “The retirement estimator is the first still use the regular benefit calculators of our online services available in 466-1381 on the website; however, these do not Spanish,” said commissioner of Social Family owned and operated since 1976 interface with your personal earnings Security, Michael Astrue. “But we are record. You would need to manually not stopping there. We are working to 0210_Ice_House:Layout 1 1/25/11 9:56 AM Page 1 key in your years of earnings on those make our online retirement application calculators. and Medicare Extra Help application If the personal information that you available in Spanish next year. Until provide matches our records, then you then, visit www.segurosocial.gov to can use the retirement estimator to estimate your benefits and learn more The Ice House enter other information, such as your about Social Security.” expected retirement age and future For additional information you may 2151 WILLIAMS BLVD. (RIGHT BEHIND CAR WASH) Monday - Thursday • 7 am - 6 pm/ wages. This information then will be contact Maria Alvarez at the Social Friday and Saturday • 7 am - 7 pm/Sunday • 8 am - 5 pm combined with the information that Security office in Kenner at 468-8102. Social Security has on record about 469-3503 your past earnings to provide a quick continued on page 19 ICE COLD HEINEKEN, Coors Light and reliable online benefit estimate. and Miller Light KEG Katz MINI-KEGS (continued from page 5) BEER Ice Cold! To Go This is an aspect of the work of the fire The challenge for Mayor Yenni and H department that has not been widely Chief Caraway is to convince voters a Only18.99 known in the past. very real fiscal emergency is looming 24 PACK 12 OZ. H On the other side – and beginning for Kenner. I don’t think anyone this battle as a majority – are three or imagines that Mayor Yenni is bluffing SUITCASE CAJUNLAND four points of view. Some people are when he says that if his property tax COMPLETE BOIL saying that in the midst of the current proposals fail, he’ll take existing Only18.49 recession they can’t afford this tax revenues to fund the police department Bud Coors Lite Only 99 increase. Others respond with “It’s and fire department. If that means, he Bud Lite Miller Lite 5. too much too soon for the mayor to be says, that playgrounds will be closed H H asking for another tax increase given and potholes go unfilled, then so be it. IT’S MARDI GRAS TIME! that we have just had an increase in The first question is can Mayor sewerage fees.” Opponents also say Yenni and Chief Caraway convince WE “What’s the rush? There are indicators enough voters that the emergency DELIVER that the recession might be coming to an is real? And, if they can build some TO YOUR end. Maybe the economic resurgence momentum, can the mayor and the FLOAT! will take care of Kenner’s needs. chief get enough votes for a majority Revenues from the Treasure Chest win? Stay tuned. We’ll see.  Ice, Beer, Soft Drink casino and sales taxes are up slightly. OPEN 5:00 AM MARDI GRAS It may very well be the beginning of a significant trend.” KENNER STR - February 2011 17 Community Treasure Chest Casino awards “Trees of Hope” winners Free vaccination clinic During the past holiday season, Treasure Chest organizations chose. Guests visiting the casino available for cats and dogs Casino, located in Kenner’s Laketown, joined in voted for their favorite tree from December 6 the tradition of Boyd Gaming Corporation’s other through December 17, 2010. The Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter is offering Louisiana properties by sponsoring “Trees of On December 18, 2010 in the Treasure free distemper/parvo vaccines for dogs and puppies Hope,” a friendly tree decorating competition for Chest Showroom the winners were announced. and rhinotracheitis/calici/panleukopenia vaccines local non-profit organizations. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was awarded for cats and kittens. Vaccines help protect your pets Trees pre-lit with lights, provided by Treasure $5,000 for first place. Earning $2,500 for second from serious and contagious diseases. Chest, lined the walkway leading into the casino place was the Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club with The free clinic will be held Saturday, February and were decorated in any way non-profit Charlie’s Saints Marching Club winning $1,000 12, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Belle for third place. Friends of Rivertown, Jefferson Terre Playground, 5600 Belle Terre Road in Marrero. Council on Aging, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Symptoms of dog distemper include vomiting, Foundation, Crimestoppers and the American runny nose, diarrhea, dehydration, excessive Diabetes Association were each awarded $300 by salivation and coughing or labored breathing. Parvo the casino. symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, fever and Treasure Chest Casino General Manager bloody diarrhea. Symptoms of feline distemper Vincent Schwartz presented winning groups with are sneezing, fever, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and their checks.  salivation. All dogs and puppies must be on a leash or in a crate and all cats and kittens must be in a crate. Puppies and kittens must be at least six weeks of age to be vaccinated. Young animals must have a series of vaccinations in order to develop proper immunity. A veterinarian will have to be seen for future vaccines. Sick or aggressive animals may be turned away. All animals must be under the control of a competent adult. Vaccines are first-come, first- served, as supplies are limited. For more information contact Tessa Corthell, director of Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter at 349- 5111 or 736-6111. 

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 February 2011 - KENNER STR People Watching the Saints lose twice in one day BY ED CLANCY

In late 2003 the field, my hit song. I consoled myself with be off to another Super Bowl. This time I was thinking Have Erxleben blow a routine punt the realization that even if it did sell I watched the game with my daughter about the sad Give everybody some nachos and a thousands of copies, I most likely Liz and without the Wild Turkey. We state of affairs Dixie Beer would have been hit with a slew of started out alright, jumping to a 10-0 s u r r o u n d i n g And tell’em “Smile...it’s Allen Funt.” “cease and desist” letters from the lead, but all through the first half my the New (Chorus) estate of the late Mr. Goodman. old negative thoughts kept popping up, Orleans Saints. Thirty-seven years Do they still play the blues in New Then came 2009, the year of the that something would go wrong. And it of dropped balls, intercepted passes Orleans Saints. The Bless You Boys made it to did. We wound up the first half on the and heartbreaking last minute losses. When football season rolls around? the NFC Championship game against wrong end of a 24-20 score. So I wrote a song about the Saints. I When the humidity’s high the Vikings in the Superdome on my In the second half it was 31- actually stole the music and many of Do the Saints make’em cry birthday, January 24, 2010. God Bless 20, and I was getting very nervous. the lyrics from a talented man named In their air conditioned burial ground? Tracy Porter for intercepting Brett I remember thinking out loud, “We Steve Goodwin. The song was entitled When I was a boy they weren’t my pride Favre’s last pass, sending the Saints to gotta do something, only five minutes “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request.” and joy the Superbowl. left in the game.” Then it was four (Now “A Dying Saint Fan’s Dying But now it’s a living hell February 7, 2010. A night I minutes, then three, then two and Last Request.”) Goodwin was actually In the home of the brave remembered in this Kenner Star then – I heard Liz say, “Dad, what dying of cancer and he lamented that The land of the free column the following month: are you babbling about? It’s only the he would not live long enough to see On the doormat of the NFL I have not suffered 43 years of grief third quarter!” “OMG,” I said .”I lost his beloved Chicago Cubbies make with the Saints, only 36 of them. But track of the time. I thought it was the World Series. I changed the words I even performed it in public at Le that’s enough to mean I could not just over.” Then I said, “OMG, I have to around to reflect my feelings about the Chat Noir, and my intention was for the sit back and enjoy the game. I had to go through this again!” And I did. The Saints. Some of them are as follows: song to become a perennial favorite, keep telling my living room audience Saints got closer and closer, but not requested every football season by that something probably will go wrong, close enough. Then some guy named It’s a beautiful night for a funeral, and radio listeners. I even had thoughts as it always has with the Saints. That Marshawn Lynch got the ball and ran the Superdome sky is blue of making a video out of it. But then, first quarter didn’t help. But each time through the Saints defense, as Uncle Somebody go get Wayne Mack to come several terrible things happened: Sean the Saints scored, or did something Earl Long used to say, “Like crap back, Payton; and Drew Brees; and Reggie great – like the onside kick, I screamed through a goose.” Sixty-seven yards and conduct just one more interview Bush. To name a few. The Saints like a girl. In the third quarter, I decided he flew through a total of eight Saints Have the Saints run out to the middle of actually started winning. So much for (with the help, I’m certain, of the Wild defenders – who were swatted away ….Add a little Turkey), that a little music would be like so many tsetse flies – and into the in order. So, every time the Saints did sparkle. end zone, truly a team effort by the something great, I ran out to the stereo Saints. (Ironically one of those tsetse and cranked up the “Who Dat” song flies was Tracy Porter.) Game over. It by Aaron Neville. We even stretched the was bad enough to see the boys lose speakers out onto the front porch for once, but to see them lose twice in the ….Add a little neighbors and passersby to hear. And same game was way harsh. I vowed ....Addsparkle. a little when the Colts’ Peyton Manning failed then and there never to watch another sparkle. to make the end zone on that fourth football game till next season, if then. ….Add a little down with, yes, forty-four seconds left, But, later that night saw me tuning sparkle. the music went back on, and stayed on in just in time to see the Jets kick a for two hours, with the whole Who Dat last minute field goal to beat the Colts album in the repeat mode. by one point, so neither one of the Fade out, fade in to January 8, Super Bowl 2010 teams will be “Two 2011 and the “Battle of Seattle,” on Datting” this year. Now, I guess it’s the anniversary of the Battle of New time to work on a new ending to my Orleans in 1815. Unlike Andy Jackson’s Saints song. This time I think I’ll stop 465.9590 • www.georgyssalonspa.com team, the Saints were an eleven point at Super Bowl 44. No use lousing up a 701 West Esplanade Avenue • Kenner, Louisiana 70065 favorite to beat the Seahawks in the happy ending.  wild card round of the playoffs, and Ed Clancy can be reached via from there we were confident it would email at Edclancy2@aol.

Ahmad (continued from page 10) Lunch & Dinner Armstrong International Airport 30 (closed Sundays) and bad. The NOAB and staff are aware of this fact and are committed minute television program, “Airport to being openly accountable for their Alive,” or view it on the airport new orLeAns’ home CooKing! decisions, actions and mistakes. website, www.flymsy.com, by clicking Two Convenient locations... Having the public’s trust is paramount on the “Airport Alive” link on the one great menu!!! in our pursuit of excellence.  “News and Stats” page. Follow the Iftikhar Ahmad, director of aviation airport on Facebook and @NO_ kenner metairie 910 W. esplanade 1001 live oak for Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport on Twitter. @ Chateau next to Burger King between Bonnabel & Lake Ave. International Airport may be reached 463-3030 838-0022 at [email protected]. Check your www.mredsno.com local listings for the air time of the KENNER STR - February 2011 19 Real Estate First-time homebuyers face the opportunity of a lifetime BY LINDA R. MARTIN

2011 opens more likely you are to attract today’s sale. are complete, be sure that you and your as a strong cautious and discerning buyers. Many of the top projects focus on real estate professional document your buyer’s market Among the most common repairs exterior replacements, as replacements repairs and enhancements and share the so home sellers and enhancements yielding immediate are generally less expensive than report with prospective buyers. Walk must be on their buyer appeal include painting the other types of projects and they add prospects through the enhancements toes to give their inside and outside in neutral colors, all-important curb appeal – essential and include their costs. homes maximum appeal. Not only steam cleaning or replacing carpets, for today’s competitive market or any A home in good condition should sellers complete the home polishing or replacing hardwood other. demonstrates pride of ownership. repairs they know must be made, floors, cleaning or re-grouting kitchen The top five projects in the cost Taking the time to make enhancements they should also hire a certified home and bathrooms, replacing light fixtures, vs. value report include replacing the helps ensure your home is presented inspector to thoroughly and impartially changing light bulbs throughout, entry door in steel as the number one in its best-possible light, primed evaluate their properties. replacing wall-switch covers, repairing project, followed by a garage door for sale.  If this inspection results in a dripping faucets, fixing sticking doors replacement (four-section door, reuse Linda R. Martin, who is licensed fix-it list, review the list with your and repairing broken fencing. existing motorized opener) and siding in Louisiana, can be reached at 443- real estate professional to establish Home sellers wanting to do replacement (fiber-cement siding). The 6464 or at her office located at 4140 necessities and priorities. Depending more should consider the findings of fourth rated project is a kitchen remodel Williams Boulevard in Kenner, LA, on your budget and objectives, you Remodeling magazine’s 2010-2011 (minor: new cabinet doors, drawers and USA. Prudential Gardner Realtors is may want to repair only items that cost vs. value report, released in hardware, plus new energy-efficient an independently owned and operated could cause significant deterioration December 2010. The survey used input appliances, flooring, counters, sink and member of Prudential Real Estate to your property, such as a leaky roof. from realtors in 80 cities to rank home faucet). The number five project is the Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial Ideally, the closer you can get your remodeling projects according to those addition of a deck (wood). company. Visit the Prudential website home to “move-in-ready” status, the that bring the greatest cost recovered at When the dust clears and projects at www.prudentialgardner.com. Community Big Easy Storage collects more than 500 cell phones to benefit U.S. soldiers By ALLAN KATZ

A Kenner company has collected people hear about this program, they bring The program was started in 2004 by Charles Parish who wanted to participate more than 500 used cell phones that it has us their old cell phones, the first step in a teenage brother and sister who heard and brought in their old cell phones so our used to generate prepaid calling cards that a process that ends with a U.S. soldier about a U.S. soldier in Iraq who had run soldiers can call home for free,” said Sean are sent to U.S. soldiers all over the world. somewhere in the world getting a prepaid up a cell phone bill of more than $7,000 Landry, manager of the Big Easy. “Our Officials at Big Easy Storage, located calling card that enables them to call calling home. Today, more than 3,000 company wants to be a good neighbor and at 2201 West Napoleon Avenue, are so home for free. That’s something we can companies and volunteers across the U.S. contribute to the community. We have just pleased by the response to the program all be for.” collect old cell phones and ship them to completed our first food drive and we are that they will continue to collect cell Big Easy ships the cell phones to a ReCellular, Inc. which sent out more than open to help any charitable organizations phones indefinitely. company called ReCellular, Inc. which two million prepaid calling cards to U.S. if we can. Please call to see if we can “It turns out there are many families re-cycles the phones and takes the troops last year. help.” that have old cell phones that they no responsibility of sending a prepaid calling “This is a great program and we’ve For those who want more longer use,” says Angelle Sanders, card, usually with 60 minutes on it, to a received a wonderful response from information, the number at Big Easy marketing manager for Big Easy. “When U.S. soldier. families in Kenner, Metairie and St. Storage is 468-3474. 

Saddy (continued from page 16) Community Announcements as well as access to information and referrals for all sorts of issues. For February 6 information call 469-2570. Comité Virgen de Suyapa – Hablemos Claro Celebration of Honduras Patron Virgen K-TV-76 Hispanic TV programs with de Suyapa at St. Theresa of Avila topics of interest to the community Church. For information call 467-4732 every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. or 885-7755. and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. For more February 17 information and program schedule go Unidad Hispanoamericana – General to www.kenner.la.us and click on the meeting and planning for 2011 pageant. K-TV 76 logo. For information call 512-2362 or 468- I leave you with this thought “Make 6116. all you can, save all you can, give all February 17 you can!”  Jambalaya News Louisiana and Rafael E. Saddy is public relations Ministerio Internacional Ciudad officer of the Latin American Civic Refugio invites you to their first annual Association of Louisiana (LACAL). job fair to be held in Kenner. For Email Saddy at lacal1234@bellsouth. information call 231-2124. net. Correspondence for be sent to P.O. Kenner Hispanic Resource Center Box 640284, Kenner, LA 70064-0284. The center offers various programs 20 February 2011 - KENNER STR Automotive Car of the year, 2011 Chevrolet Volt BY DOUG TURNER

The 2011 the U.S. General Motors Corporation Turner, in the automobile business Louisiana Used Vehicle Commission, Chevrolet Volt Vice Chairman Tom Stephens says, for over 30 years and an twelve year which licenses and oversees the used got a real jolt, “The Volt represents the soul of the new member of the Better Business Bureau, vehicle industry in Louisiana. Turner being named the General Motors.” He also states the was recently appointed by Governor can be reached at 887-3131 or online at 2011 “Car of the Volt is not a “science experiment” but Bobby Jindal to the board of the [email protected]. Year.” meant to be a “high volume vehicle” as The car runs on electricity for 40 the industry makes early moves beyond miles before a back up gas engine petroleum as a primary fuel source. Tourism kicks in. It beat out the Nissan Leaf and It appears as Bob Dylan wrote, “The Hyundai Sonata, both electric vehicles times they are a changing.” Basketball tournament for all at the annual ceremony on the first day Having been involved in the auto of the Detroit auto show. business for over 30 years I have seen ages to be held in Kenner Forty-nine auto journalists from “car of the year” vehicles come and go, BY SHARON SOLOMON the U.S. and Canada made the picks. however, I think the electric car just The vehicles are judged on innovation, might be the future worldwide and I Now that Charles Illanne, New Orleans event design, safety, handling, driver am glad to see the U.S. automakers on the excitement director. The tournament divisions will satisfaction and value. the cutting edge of this technology. Of of the Kenner start third and fourth graders and will It’s the latest in a string of accolades course the proof is in the pudding and Convention and continue through a 40 plus veteran for the Volt, which went on sale in only time will tell how dependable and Visitors Bureau division with a place for all skill levels. December and costs $40,200. It was useful these cars will be. winning the bid for the AAU girls This is truly a family event. For more also named the “Green Car of the Year” One thing is for certain. In the basketball national championship information, contact Charles Illanne as well as the car of the year by Motor coming years the American car buyer tournaments for 2012, 2013, and 2014 at 251-3417 or visit their website at Trend and Automobile Magazine. will have a vast array of choices.  has set in, the intensive behind the xcelhoops.com. Production is limited at this time Doug Turner is president of Deal’n scenes work has begun. I will update Don’t forget to visit the Pontchartrain with reports of up to 50,000 customers Doug’s Autoplex, which stocks all types you along the way on the event planning Center March 17 through March 20 for currently on waiting lists nationwide. of vehicles, cars, trucks, SUVs and vans in future months. the Friends of Jefferson Parish Public It is expected it will be 2012 before priced from $5,000 to $25,000, located For now, the city of Kenner has Library for their semiannual big book the car will be readily available across at 6900 Veterans Boulevard in Metairie. a new event that is going to be fun sale. “Spend your money in Kenner” is and meaningful at the same time. the mantra for the new year. Xcel Hoops 3-on-3 is holding their Please call me if you have any first annual basketball tournament on questions or are looking for help in March 19 and 20 right here in Kenner holding an event in Kenner.  at our own Laketown. That’s right, an Sharon Solomon is the marketing outdoor three on three basketball event director for the Kenner Convention and that fuses sports, community and local Visitors Bureau, located at 2100 Third BEST businesses. Xcel Hoops’ primary goal Street in Rivertown. Sharon Solomon Quality, Prices, Services is to put on the finest three on three can be reached at 464-9494, via email basketball tournament in the metro area at [email protected] or at www. Guaranteed on Custom Framing while donating a portion of the proceeds kennercvb.com. to several local organizations,” said KEEP IT LOCAL! Shop & compare! Health Free Ochsner summer science program opens for 2011 applicants Now in its sixth year, the Ochsner 65 applications, Ochsner will now be Academic Division’s STAR Program accepting 16 students for the 2011 is accepting applications for its program. popular, high school science program The following is a schedule of featuring actual, hands-on research in a important dates for the application laboratory with medical scientists. This process along with the program highly successful program has led to highlights. On Thursday, January Date: over 70 percent of participating students 27, 2011 from 6:30 to 7:30 p. m. Tuesday, February 15, 2011 continuing their studies in medicine- a 2011 STAR informational for Speaker: related college programs; so Ochsner interested students, parents, teachers, Ken Berthelot is putting the word out to get students administrators, counselors, and Topic: interested in the 2011 STAR program. community members will be held. On Increasing Sales in Tough Times The STAR program (Science, Monday, March 14, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. E-mailE-mail [email protected] [email protected] to to make make luncheon reservations NetworkingNetworking beginsbegins atat 11:3011:30 a.m.a.m. •• MeetingMeeting atat 12:0012:00 Technology, Academics and Research) full application packets are due to the is a free, educational summer camp Academic Outreach Office. During specifically for high schools students March and April 2011 interviews will [email protected] throughout the state of Louisiana. A be scheduled for students accepted very popular program among science into the interview round. There will be students that receives an average of continued on page 25 KENNER STR - February 2011 21 Home Geothermal heat pumps BY DAN DORMADY

Geothermal for residential and commercial building The components in the living space are Dan Dormady, P.E. is a licensed heat pumps applications. easily accessible, which increases the professional engineer and licensed home ( s o m e t i m e s Horizontal systems are generally most convenience factor and helps ensure that inspector and the president of Criterium- referred to as cost-effective for residential installations, the upkeep is done on a timely basis. Dormady Engineers, a locally owned earth-coupled or particularly for new construction where In addition, because they have consulting engineering firm specializing ground-source heat pumps) have been sufficient land is available. It requires no outside condensing units like air in residential and commercial building in use since the late 1940s. Geothermal trenches at least four feet deep. The most conditioners, there’s no concern about inspection services. Dormady can heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant common layouts either use two pipes, noise outside the home and where to be reached at 456-6999, P.O. Box temperature of the earth as medium one buried at six feet and the other at four locate the condensing units. A two- 113565 Metairie, LA 70011-3565, or at instead of the outside air temperature. feet, or two pipes placed side-by-side at speed GHP system is so quiet inside [email protected]. Criterium- This allows the system to be significantly five feet in the ground in a two-foot wide a house that users do not know it is Dormady Engineers’ website is www. more efficient than traditional air-source trench. operating.  criterium-dormady.com. heat pumps. If the site has an adequate water While many parts of the country body, this may be the lowest cost option. experience seasonal temperature A supply line pipe is run underground extremes – from scorching heat in the from the building to the water and coiled summer to sub-zero cold in the winter – into circles at least eight feet under the a few feet below the earth’s surface the surface to prevent freezing. The coils ground remains at a relatively constant should only be placed in a water source temperature. Depending on latitude, that meets minimum volume, depth, and Attention Business Owners ground temperatures range from 45°F quality criteria. (7°C) to 75°F (21°C). Like a cave, this The open-loop system uses a well or Be An Achiever! ground temperature is warmer than the air surface body water as the heat exchange • Generate Solid Leads • Learn Leadership Skills above it during the winter and cooler than fluid that circulates directly through • Be A Confident Public Speaker • Improve Profitability the air in the summer. The GHP takes the GHP system. Once it has circulated The Executive Achievers Association meets bi-weekly for breakfast. advantage of this by exchanging heat through the system, the water returns to with the earth through a heat exchanger the ground through the well, a recharge Thursday, February 3 and 17, 2011 and a water loop. well or surface discharge. This option is at Messina’s Catering, 2717 Williams Blvd., Kenner As with any heat pump, geothermal obviously practical only where there is and ground-source heat pumps are able an adequate supply of relatively clean THE EXECUTIVE ACHIEVERS ASSOCIATION to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply water and all local codes and regulations Call Randy Lovitt at 504-836-7136 for more information on becoming a member the house with hot water. Some models regarding groundwater discharge are met. of geothermal systems are available with The biggest benefit of GHPs is that two-speed compressors and variable fans they use 25 to 50 percent less electricity for more comfort and energy savings. than conventional heating or cooling Relative to air-source heat pumps, systems. This translates into a GHP using Extended• DINE IN OR TAKE OUT • 701 Breakfast W. Esplanade location only! • they are quieter, last longer, need little one unit of electricity to move three units maintenance and do not depend on the of heat from the earth. According to the Menu temperature of the outside air. EPA, geothermal heat pumps can reduce A dual-source heat pump combines energy consumption – and corresponding Saturday & Sunday til 3PM an air-source heat pump with a emissions – up to 44 percent compared geothermal heat pump. These appliances to air-source heat pumps and up to 72 Quick Breakfast combine the best of both systems. Dual- percent compared to electric resistance Buttermilk Biscuit with Eggs & Cheese $2.95 source heat pumps have higher efficiency heating with standard air-conditioning Buttermilk Biscuit with Eggs, Sausage & Cheese $3.75 ratings than air-source units, but are not equipment. GHPs also improve humidity Buttermilk Biscuit with Eggs, Grilled Ham & Cheese $3.75 Buttermilk Biscuit with Eggs, Bacon & Cheese $3.75 as efficient as geothermal units. The main control by maintaining about 50 percent Croissant Filled with Eggs & Cheese $4.75 advantage of dual-source systems is that relative indoor humidity, making GHPs Croissant Filled with Eggs, Sausage & Cheese $5.45 they cost much less to install than a single very effective in humid areas. Croissant Filled with Eggs, Grilled Ham & Cheese $5.45 geothermal unit, and work nearly as well. Geothermal heat pump systems allow Croissant Filled with Eggs, Bacon & Cheese $5.45 Even though the installation price for design flexibility and can be installed Belgian Waffles of a geothermal system can be several in both new and retrofit situations. Plain with Syrup $4.95 times that of an air-source system of the Because the hardware requires less space Strawberry Waffle $5.95 same heating and cooling capacity, the than that needed by conventional HVAC Blueberry Waffle $5.95 additional costs are returned to you in systems, the equipment rooms can be Banana Waffle $5.95 energy savings in five to 10 years. System greatly scaled down in size, freeing space Pecan Waffle $5.95 life is estimated at 25 years for the inside for more productive use. GHP systems Apple Waffle $5.95 components and 50 plus years for the also provide excellent “zone” space ground loop. conditioning, allowing different parts There are four basic types of ground of your home to be heated or cooled to loop systems. Three of these systems, different temperatures. the horizontal, the vertical and the pond/ Because GHP systems have lake are closed-loop systems. The fourth relatively few moving parts and because Open 7 Days • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner type of system is the open-loop option. those parts are sheltered inside a building, 3501 Chateau Blvd. • 465-9444 701 W. Esplanade • 461-9819 Which one of these is best depends on they are durable and highly reliable. Everyday 6:45 am - 10 pm Mon-Sat 6:30 am - 8 pm the climate, soil conditions, available The underground piping often carries Sun - 7:00 am to 2 pm land and local installation costs at the warranties of 25 to 50 years and the site. All of these approaches can be used heat pumps often last 20 years or more. 22 February 2011 - KENNER STR Sports The state of pro sports in New Orleans BY KEN TRAHAN

With the return of the New Orleans Benson has a favorable long-term lease with the the fewest points per game. Chris Paul, David West VooDoo (under different ownership) in state of Louisiana and he has invested in Benson and Emeka Okafor were playing at All-Star levels. March, the professional sports scene in Tower, is involved with the project development Monty Williams has been a hit as a coach. Thanks the New Orleans area is at an all-time at the old New Orleans Center and purchased to the wins and the Saints being done, fans were optimum level, matching the scenario last WVUE-TV. responding. seen in 2008. The Saints own the sports market and are on The New Orleans Zephyrs arrived in New In that year, the NFL New Orleans Saints, the NBA New solid ground for many years to come. Orleans in 1993. After owner John Dikeou endured Orleans Hornets, the Pacific Coast League New Orleans The Hornets won a playoff series in 2008, a high- four seasons playing at a decent college field but Zephyrs, the Arena Football League VooDoo and the Premier water mark. Attendance grew, along with overall woefully inadequate Triple A facility at Privateer Development Soccer League New Orleans Shockers were all interest. Park (UNO), the Zephyrs moved to Metairie and active in the New Orleans market. Since that time, the team declined as did enjoyed great success at Zephyr Field, reaching Despite ranking as the 59th largest television market in the attendance. Faced with a benchmark deadline once a franchise-high of 518,000 fans in 1998 under country, a ranking that dropped following Hurricane Katrina, again by the end of January, fans showed up in superb General Manager Jay Miller. New Orleans houses a pair of major league franchises in the enough numbers to prevent the team from possibly The team won the Pacific Coast League and Saints and Hornets and a trio of minor league franchises in the opting out of its deal, paying a relocation fee and inaugural Triple A World Series in 1998. The team Zephyrs, VooDoo and New Orleans Jesters. departing the market. won another PCL title in 2001. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans ranked as the This is an ongoing situation which will last Upon moving to Metairie, the team was now 44th largest television market in the country. The decrease in through the terms of the current lease for a couple controlled by a local ownership group, led by local population dropped that number but not the enthusiasm of fans of more seasons. lawyer Rob Couhig, who purchased the majority for their teams. By NBA standards, the Hornets are a struggling interest in the team from Dikeou in 1995. It is The Saints have a Super Bowl victory and a season ticket franchise. The team is now owned by the league. no coincidence that the team enjoyed its greatest waiting list at nearly 50,000. Additional suites were added to the George Shinn, who never had deep pockets, could success in a new stadium, with local ownership and Superdome configuration in 2010 and were sold. Improvements, not reach an agreement with minority owner Gary with an ideal affiliation. including increased lower bowl seating capacity and ground Chouest to purchase the team and the league From 1997-2004, the Zephyrs were affiliated level suite “bunkers” are being added prior to Super Bowl 47 in stepped in and took over the team. with the Houston Astros, a franchise located 2013 in the facility. New Orleans native Jac Sperling was appointed as just over five hours away by car and less than an On the field, the Saints just completed an 11-6 season and the “NBA Governor” of the franchise in December. hour away by plane, a franchise whose games are a return to the playoffs. They are a well-coached team. Tom Sperling likes his hometown. He wants to see the televised and broadcast on radio in New Orleans. It franchise remain and succeed here. Ultimately, he was a great marriage. will seek to secure a permanent owner for the team. Unfortunately, the marriage ended after the 2004 Perhaps Chouest will get back in the game after season. Houston moved its Triple A team to Round his offshore drilling businesses recover from the Rock, Texas. Since that time, the Zephyrs have been gulf oil spill of 2010 and after a possible work affiliated with the Washington Nationals, New York stoppage by players either comes to pass or passes Mets and Florida Marlins, the current affiliate. by the start of the 2011-2012 season. In 2000, Couhig would eventually sell his Lawyer Morris Bart has pledged to buy 10 percent. majority interest to Don Beaver, who also owns the Maybe former minority owner Ray Wooldridge, Triple A Charlotte Knights and Single A Hickory who still lives in New Orleans, will become part of a Crawdads, among other baseball interests. newly-configured local ownership group. While Beaver does not live here, he has done Local ownership is essential. All one has to do well by New Orleans, keeping the team here while is examine recent sports history and New Orleans hiring solid Mike Schline as his general manager sports history to understand this. and popular local icon Ron Maestri as his team’s In 1979, West Coast native Sam Battistone opted executive director and chief operating officer. to move the New Orleans Jazz to Salt Lake City, In 2004, the New Orleans VooDoo became the Utah, the home of the Mormon church, his faith. second Arena Football League team to call New Armed with a bad lease, a losing team, an injured, Orleans home. The New Orleans Night played in declining Pete Maravich and a nation-high 11 the Louisiana Superdome in 1991 and 1992. percent amusement tax, Battistone decided to move Owned and operated by Tom Benson, the VooDoo the team to Utah. played at New Orleans Arena from 2004-2008, NBA basketball would not return to New Orleans with the exception of the 2006 season following until the Hornets relocated from Charlotte to New Hurricane Katrina. We are a locally owned, independently operated, Orleans in 2002. The team was very successful in New Orleans, family funeral home continuing a tradition that has With San Jose, Kansas City, Seattle, Anaheim selling a league-high 13,000 season tickets in 2007, endured for 119 years! And we believe that makes a and Louisville actively seeking an NBA franchise, averaging a league-leading 16,645 fans that season. great difference in the care, service and value your fan support, sponsor support and local ownership Despite making the playoffs just once in franchise family receives. If you ever have a question or would will be essential moving forward for the Hornets to history (2004), the VooDoo were highly successful, like more information feel free to call or stop by. remain solvent in the New Orleans area. largely thanks to a passionate football market and While there is not much margin for error, given having solid, local ownership with the New Orleans the market size and limited corporate support, it Saints employees and force behind them. can survive and thrive here. Having a winning team The team elected to cease operating following the is virtually essential for that to occur. 2008 season. The league’s poor financial structure, Fortunately, the Hornets are a winner this season. player salaries and the inability of the Saints to sell At the end of January, New Orleans had a ten-game advertising in New Orleans Arena were primary winning streak, the second time this season they reasons for the decision by Benson to fold. have won at least eight in a row and are solidly The Hornets control all advertising streams at positioned as a Western conference playoff team. New Orleans Arena, just as the Saints do at the The Hornets led the league in defense, allowing continued on next page KENNER STR - February 2011 23 Health EJGH and American Cancer Society awarded grant from Avon Foundation By KEITH M. DARCEY

East Jefferson them obtain regular mammograms and program is exactly the kind of program a ability to treat the tumor. Those women General Hospital clinical breast exams.” community hospital should take on,” says who have no insurance or are under- and the American The outreach effort model being Debbie Schmitz, RN, cancer care navigator insured are traditionally the ones who do Cancer Society used is entitled COFFEE (Circle of at East Jefferson General Hospital. “We not have timely breast exams. These are are proud to Friends for Education and Early- get to partner with a great organization in the women who can most benefit from the report that both organizations have been detection) and primarily utilizes a train- the Cancer Society and deliver a message grant. awarded a joint grant that will promote the-trainer approach. The model has of health directly to the people who need it For more information on the Breast breast health and screenings to women been successfully used in communities the most. We will help save lives by doing Health Outreach Program or to find out throughout our area. The national Avon throughout the country, as well as right screenings and positively impact women how to become a COFFEE-mate, call Foundation has been extremely active in here in the New Orleans area. The in diverse ethnic backgrounds, regardless 883-8950.  raising money and awareness for local foundation of the program begins with of socioeconomic status. We cannot thank Keith M. Darcey is a communications communities, and EJGH and the Cancer educating community outreach partners the Avon Foundation enough for providing specialist with East Jefferson General Society are partnering to provide these named COFFEE-mates with knowledge, the funds for this outreach effort.” Hospital located at 4200 Houma medical screenings and education. tools and support. After the training, these Louisiana’s breast cancer incidence Boulevard in Metairie. Darcey can be According to the Avon Foundation, COFFEE-mates then host events in their rate is the 36th highest in the country, reached at 889-7110 or at kdarcey@ejgh. their mission for the “Breast Health communities to directly educate friends but we have the third highest death rate org. East Jefferson General Hospital, Outreach Program (BHOP) is to link and neighbors on topics such as breast in the country due to breast cancer. This Louisiana’s first Nurse Magnet hospital, medically underserved women to breast and cervical cancer, available resources disconnect in rankings quite simply is a publicly owned, not-for-profit health education and screening services. enabling access to quality healthcare means deaths are avoidable with the right community hospital, providing care to the Low-income, underinsured, and other and the support needed to improve their combination of education and proactive residents of the East Bank of Jefferson marginalized populations often need quality of life. screenings. Detecting a tumor at its earliest Parish and surrounding communities. targeted, customized approaches to help “We feel this breast health outreach stage often gives the physician a better EJGH’s website is www.ejgh.org.

Trahan (continued from previous page) Superdome, per the leases of the two The New Orleans Shell Shockers, is president and general manager of Museum in the Louisiana Superdome, teams with the respective facilities. sponsored by Shell Oil, entered the New neworleans.com Sports. Trahan is the and runs the Life Resources Sports In September of 2010, it was announced Orleans market in 2003 as part of the also the general manager and chairman Ministry. via NewOrleans.com/Sports that the Premier Development League. The team of the board of the Saints Hall of Fame VooDoo would be returning to New was owned by local entepreneur Gary Orleans with the same name and logo Ostroske and others. Rates As but under different ownership as Dan The Shell Shockers enjoyed early Low As Deal N Doug’s Newman, a native of the Lafayette area success, sporting the league’s best record % Autoplex 2.99 6900 Veterans Blvd., • Metairie “I’m Dealin” and long-time resident of Shreveport, in its first season and making the playoffs was relocating the Bossier-Shreveport with coach Kenny Farrell earning coach “Se Habla Espanol” Battle Wings to New Orleans. of the year honors. Based on the wild popularity of the Hurricane Katrina forced the team to ‘03 Mercedes ML350 EXCELLENT CONDITION previous VooDoo franchise, the football- relocate from Pan American Stadium to crazed fans in the area and the time of year Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner and $10,990 that the team plays (March through July), support slipped, along with the number the new VooDoo have a chance to succeed. of wins on the pitch. Despite not being local, Newman is from By 2008, Shell Oil had pulled out and Louisiana and lives in the state. Stumpf purchased the team, moving The New Orleans Jesters soccer club home games to Tad Gormley Stadium. is owned by native New Orleanian Dana By 2009, she changed the team name to Stumpf, who purchased the team in 2008 Jesters and moved the home games back and re-branded the name. Professional to refurbished Pan American Stadium, soccer has been around New Orleans which they continue to call home. '08 Honda Pilot VP since 1993. Can all five professional franchises 3RD ROW SEAT. IMMACULATE The New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers survive on a long-term basis? It would played here from 1993-1996 under local be great for jobs, the economy and the $15,750 owner Donnie Pate in the United Soccer community at-large. Having locals League. The name was later shortened involved in the operation of the teams to Gamblers. In 1997, Couhig purchased is essential. Winning is very important. the team from Pate, renamed the team the Marketing matters. The economy is a New Orleans Storm, and moved the team vital component. 887-3131 to Zephyr Field to compete in the higher Ultimately, it is all about the consumer. classification A-League. If they are willing to buy in substantive Huge seLection of cars, trucks, suVs. They made the playoffs in 1997, losing numbers, teams will continue to operate Rates a LOW as 2.99%. in the division finals to the Dallas Burn. here. The professional sports market is a FREE 12 month/12,000 warranty. Though they returned to the playoffs very important part of our entertainment 12 Year member of the BBB. in 1998 and 1999, the team never grew landscape and to the long-term viability  “Shop us or you’ll pay too much for your next vehicle!!” 12 Year a substantive fan base and Couhig of our economy. FREE Member suspended operations in 2000, having Ken Trahan serves as sports director 1 Year cHeck us www.dealndougs.com lost a substantial amount of money. of WGSO 990 AM/WGSO.com and Warranty out onLine 24 February 2011 - KENNER STR Health HealthGrades names Ochsner recipient of emergency medicine and kidney transplant excellence awards HealthGrades, an independent compared with the lowest-performing in the patient’s hometown.” knee replacement in 2011, treatment of healthcare ratings organization, hospitals, and a 53 percent lower chance In addition to its Specialty Excellence stroke, overall pulmonary services (three has announced that Ochsner Clinic of dying when compared to the U.S. Awards, Ochsner achieved other notable years in a row, 2009-2011), treatment of Foundation – both Ochsner Medical national average. HealthGrades 2011 recognitions chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Center and Ochsner Medical Center- “Using the latest clinical guidelines, and awards in Louisiana, ranking in 2011, treatment of pneumonia (five West Bank Campus – have been with critical thinking, and a committed number one for treatment of stroke, years in a row, 2007-2011), treatment named recipients of the HealthGrades team of healthcare providers, we were GI services and GI medical treatment. of GI bleed (three years in row, 2009- Emergency Medicine Excellence able to achieve patient outcomes that Ochsner ranked number two for overall 2011), treatment of pancreatitis (two Award and HealthGrades Kidney represent the top five percent of all U.S. pulmonary services and number three years in a row, 2010-2011), treatment of Transplant Excellence Award. Ochsner hospitals,” said John Phillips, medical for critical care, cardiology services, sepsis (two years in a row, 2010-2011) is also among the top five percent in the director, emergency department, and coronary interventional procedures. and treatment of respiratory failure (two nation for treatment of stroke, overall Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank Ochsner ranked fourth overall in cardiac years in a row, 2010-2011). pulmonary services and GI medical Campus. “For all the team members, services. Ocshner also ranked in the top “These awards are a direct reflection treatment. it boils down to how many lives we five for overall orthopedic service and of the care we provide to our patients,” Nearly 5,000 hospitals across the saved. As I have said before, save a life joint replacement. said Dr. Patrick Quinlan, CEO, Ochsner country were included in the thirteenth and you’re a hero; save many lives and Additionally, Ochsner Medical Health System. “I am extremely grateful annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality you work in the Ochsner West Bank Center and Ochsner Medical Center- for our physicians, nurses and entire in America study, the largest annual Emergency Department.” West Bank Campus achieved 5-Star staff whose continued dedication have report of its kind, which analyzed “The HealthGrades award sets us Ratings in the emergency medicine made this designation possible.” patient outcomes from nearly 40 million apart not just as a regional best, but in 2010, kidney transplant in 2010, More information on the Medicare hospitalization records over a as a national best,” said Dr. George coronary interventional procedures (two HealthGrades study, including the three-year period. Loss, chief of the Ochsner Multi- years in a row, 2010-2011), treatment of complete methodology, can be found at Top-performing hospitals had Organ Transplant Institute. “Regarding heart attack (two years in a row, 2010- www.healthgrades.com.  dramatically lower mortality rates than transplant, it’s important to note that 2011), joint replacement in 2011, total other hospitals, according to the study. HealthGrades reviews longer term For the 17 procedures and diagnoses for results which are more difficult to Auditor which HealthGrades analyzed mortality achieve. Three year plus results require (continued from page 1) rates, patients at top hospitals had a 72 communication, partnerships and trust percent lower chance of dying when between numerous physicians here and internal auditor is held by Natalie position is internal controls, overseeing Newton, a graduate of Mount Carmel that proper policies and procedures Academy in New Orleans and the are in place to protect the city University of Mississippi. Newton against wasteful spending, fraud and holds a bachelor’s degree in business inefficiency. She is also responsible for administration with a major in responding to any alleged violations managerial finance and is currently and making sure they are appropriately pursuing her CIA (certified internal evaluated, investigated and resolved in auditor) certification. Newton grew a manner that will prevent those same up in Kenner and welcomed an problems from occurring in the future. opportunity to return to her hometown. She also reviews the city’s budget, “I am the next generation of Kenner. I assists with financial audits and works am raising my family here. I want to with city departments regarding cost see positive change in this city and I savings. know that my position affords me the Newton says she is looking opportunity to make that happen,” said forward “to helping the city accomplish Newton. its governmental objectives and Newton’s past includes seven implementing changes that will help years experience working in internal the city run more productively.” controls in the home building industry. Comparing her job to a firefighter, Said Newton, “I started at the best time Newton said, “You are called to put out to be in the industry, during the boom, flames that are usually out of control, and I was also there when we really whether by accident or intentionally… had to start pinching pennies and make it’s why people notice them. So, you drastic changes just to survive. I think stay calm (make a plan), put out the Kenner is in a similar position.” fire (implement the plan), clean up the In her past experience as a cost damage (rectify the wrong doing) and estimator, purchasing analyst and install new fire alarms (put new policies information analyst, Newton said in place so it doesn’t happen again). she has gained expertise in records Sometimes the fire comes along so you retention and management, contract can build something bigger and better. compliance, implementing cost We should seize those opportunities savings initiatives and policy reform. when we can.”  As Kenner’s Internal Auditor, Newton works closely with the city’s department directors ensuring compliance within the city’s daily operations. The primary focus of her KENNER STR - February 2011 25 Community Laketown gets gift of trees on Jewish holiday

Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish Holiday their after-school program for Hebrew of Kenner District 3 Councilman event. This addition will only further of Trees, was celebrated on January studies helped celebrate Tu B’Shevat Ben Zahn, Kenner enjoyed another enhance the aesthetics of Laketown.” 19, at Laketown, Kenner’s park on with the traditional planting of trees. successful Holiday of Trees. Parks and Recreation Department Lake Pontchartrain, as youngsters from Communities around the world celebrate Zahn, whose district includes Director Ken Marroccoli offered his Congregation Gates of Prayer planted this holiday, also considered one of the Laketown, said, “Laketown is an area thanks to Zahn, Dr. Cohen, Philip Gaethe 15 new trees – oaks, bald cypresses and Jewish new years, by planting trees and that has recently seen many changes for and Congregation Gates of Prayer for sycamores – on the park meadow. eating nuts and fruits. the good including new park benches, their dedication and generosity towards Maria Aucoin, administrative Dr. Ilana Cohen, a resident of improvements to the boat launch and the city. He also issued special thanks assistant in the Kenner Parks and Metairie, has coordinated these events our newly constructed fishing pier. to the Louisiana Urban Forestry Council Recreation Department, said this is the with Aucoin’s help for the last three years Therefore, I am delighted that this and Chevron Tree Farm in New Orleans third year the department held a tree because it is her favorite Jewish holiday. park has now benefitted from the City Park for their donation of trees.  planting event with Jewish children from In 2009 children from Torah Academy beautification through the Tu B’Shevat the Kenner and Metairie communities. in Metairie, along with Kenner Parks “The trees planted this year are to and Recreation and Kenner District 2 replace those lost during Hurricane Councilman Joe Stagni, planted trees in Kenner Sports Foundation formed, will Katrina, to provide shade and shelter Veterans Park next to Kenner City Hall. seek to bring youth athletic events to city from the winds coming off the lake The same group planted trees in 2010 By ALLAN KATZ and to add interest and character to the at Kenner City Park with the assistance park,” she said. of Kenner District 5 Councilman Ken Marroccoli, director of the Kenner Recreation Department, announced Philip Gaethe, the Temple Educator Kent Denapolis and Kenner District 4 the formation of the Kenner Sports Foundation, a non-profit group that will seek to at Congregation Gates of Prayer, and Councilwoman Maria DeFrancesch. bring youth athletic events to the city. about twenty students enrolled in This year, with the support “A good example of what we have in mind is the upcoming three-on-three basketball tournament that will be held in March in Laketown,” said Marroccoli. “Many of the teams coming to compete in the tournament will be from outside Kenner. Hopefully, they will stay in Kenner hotels, take their meals in Kenner restaurants, and purchase gasoline at Kenner gas stations and so on. We feel that we can create many youth-oriented athletic events that will be perfect fits for the Kenner market.” Marroccoli, who is serving as interim president of the Kenner Sports Foundation, said he has been encouraged by members of the Kenner business community and public officials. “We’re looking forward to the election of a Kenner business person as president of the Sports Foundation,” said Marroccoli. He said that part of the proceeds from the three-on-three basketball tournament will go to the Kenner Sports Foundation and the Kenner Food Bank. “We have a great list of sponsors for the three-on-three basketball tournament, including the New Orleans Hornets and Coca-Cola,” said Marroccoli. “All the positive feedback we’ve received makes us very optimistic about the future potential of the Kenner Sports Foundation.” For more information about the three-on-three basketball tournament, call the Kenner Recreation Department at 468-7210. For more information about the Sports Foundation, call Marroccoli at the same number.  CENTURY Students from Congregation Gates of Prayer take part in tree planting in observance of Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish Holiday of Trees. Participants, from left, are student Cole Metzger-Levitt, Kenner Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Assistant Maria Aucoin, student Noam Kosofsky, ITLE Event coordinator Dr. Ilana Cohen and Phil Gaethe, educator at Congregation Gates of Prayer. T Photo by Barry Sprague “WE CLOSE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS FOR YOU”

RANDY LOVITT Science program Notary Public (continued from page 20) REAL ESTATE a meet and greet for accepted students only in the spheres of doctors and TITLE TRANSFERS and parents on Tuesday, May 31, 2011. nurses but also in those of people like The 2011 STAR Program will be held lab technicians and researchers,” said Real Estate Sales, Mortgages, on Monday through Friday from 9:00 Amnah Rahman, STAR 2009 student. Donations, 1031 Tax Free Exchanges a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The program will Participants must also meet other • Expert Closing Assistance — In Operation over 15 years be start on Monday, June 20 and end on criteria, for more information on the • In-House Problem Solving Real Estate Title Attorneys — You’ll need this Friday, July 22, 2011. Ochsner STAR program, visit www. • We keep you Informed — We return your Calls “The STAR program was a totally ochsner.org/STAR or contact Allison • Our Costs are Competitive — Our Work is Accurate unique and invaluable experience and Sharai, senior administrator-project 4200 South I-10 Service Road, Suite 110, Metairie, LA 70001 it really opened my eyes to everything coordinator, at 842-5321 or asharai@ 830-7979 FAX 831-2609 that goes on in the medical field, not ochsner.org.  26 February 2011 - KENNER STR Government

Richard Chauvin is outstanding city employee for December 2010 Dauterive named outstanding employee of fourth quarter

During a January 19, 2011 meeting of Kenner city department heads, Richard Chauvin, During the January 20, 2011 meeting of the Kenner City Council, Robert “Bobby” Dauterive, a program city safety inspector in the personnel department, was named outstanding employee of specialist with the city’s purchasing department, was honored as Kenner’s outstanding employee of the month for December, 2010. Mayor Michael S. Yenni presents Chauvin a certificate in his the quarter for the fourth quarter of 2010. Dauterive posed with the mayor and council members. In honor, while Personnel Director Beverly Nicolosi looks on. Chauvin was cited for exceptional the front row, left to right, are Kenner Councilwoman-at-Large Jeannie Black, Mayor Michael S. Yenni, performance in conducting investigations into workers compensation, city property damage Dauterive and Councilwoman-at-Large Michele Branigan. In the second row are District 1 Councilman and auto accident claims involving city employees. He writes reports of his investigations and Gregory Carroll, District 4 Councilwoman Maria DeFrancesch and District 3 Councilman Ben Zahn. risk assessments of city activities and job functions. He also collaborates on Kenner’s safety In the third row are District 2 Councilman Joe Stagni and District 5 Councilman Kent Denapolis. incentive program and is a member of the city safety committee which promotes methods of Photo by Barry Sprague preventing future injuries and accidents while on the job. Chauvin has worked for Kenner the past six years and for a private contractor employed by Kenner for four years before that. Photo by Barry Sprague Tax proposal (continued from page 1) need to consider all of the facts and make a consolidate some city departments, which sales taxes. Our police department, and our millages get voter approval, they will go into decision on how they wish to vote. Some on was recommended by the state legislative firefighters, cannot recruit and retain their effect for the 2011 tax year and therefore will our council didn’t want the people to have auditor, without harming the funding of the people when the budget is uncertain. What be collected in December 2011. that right. They wanted to make the decision police and fire departments. Until we look the mayor seeks is funding that will be spent Mayor Michael S. Yenni says sales taxes instead of giving people their voice but I closer at reducing the cost of city government directly on the police and fire services that and riverboat revenues are up slightly (less think the people have the right to make up I will not be in support of raising taxes.” we all depend on.” Councilwoman Black than $1 million for the two categories) and their own minds. It’s our community, our Councilman Carroll voted against placing voted to put the mayor’s tax proposal on the expenses are thus far slightly under budget government and our tax dollars. That is why the mayor’s property tax increase on the ballot. projections, but not nearly as much as the I voted to place the mayor’s property tax ballot. Councilwoman-at-large Michele city must have to meet Kenner’s needs. The proposal on the ballot.” Councilwoman-at-large Jeannie Black Branigan says the chief obstacle facing administration said $8 million will address District 1 Councilman Gregory Carroll says she’s concerned as she listens to the the mayor’s property tax proposal “is that the city’s current needs but the revenue says he thinks that in the wake of the recent debate over the mayor’s proposal “that many voters don’t understand what is being yields the city has seen thus far are not close 145 percent sewerage fee increase, Mayor people don’t seem to understand that the proposed.” to that level. Yenni said, “There is no way Yenni is asking for too much too soon by millage increase, if it is approved, will be She believes that whether Kenner of knowing what complete expenditures also asking for a 100 percent property tax spent directly on funding the police and residents are for or against the proposal, what will be until they actually happen, and six increase as well. “Because of the current fire departments. The police need a definite, is most important is that they know exactly months does not a year make. Also, there economy this is not the time to be raising reliable source of funding. It’s the mayor’s what they are voting on. “It’s a lot like the are no indications out there to indicate that taxes,” he says. “The recession is not over. first priority, Chief Caraway’s first priority debate over the sewerage fee increases,” sales tax or gaming revenues at their current There are still things we can do to reduce and the first priority of just about everyone says Councilwoman Branigan. “When the levies will increase dramatically enough to the costs of government before we consider I know. It’s the ultimate quality of life issue. community understood that the city faced solve Kenner’s fiscal concerns.” raising taxes. One example would be to Property taxes don’t go up and down like massive fines from the federal government Said Yenni, “I am optimistic about the and state government if we didn’t rebuild millage proposals, although the campaign is our sewerage system, the public supported just getting started, and facing civic groups 24-hour electricAl service the fee increases. I voted to allow this issue where I expect the most opposition. As a 7 Days on the ballot because it is absolutely right result of the presentations we have made, a A Week that this issue of property tax increases go large number of people have come up to me bELLCO ELECTRiC directly to a vote of the public. I think people and said they had intended to vote against Residential • Commercial are smart enough to decide whether they our proposal but have now changed their want to increase taxes to increase services minds after hearing all the facts. I know that FREE ESTIMATES or not. The challenge for the mayor and the we face an uphill climb but what gives me REPLACE FIRE HAZARD FUSE chief of police is to get enough people to hope that the people who live in this city BOXES WITH CIRCUIT BREAKERS show up at each meeting to hear why they truly love Kenner and want what is best for think this is necessary. But my biggest fear is the city. I haven’t spoken to anyone yet who SAVE 20% ON INSURANCE that on April 2 people will not separate a new says they would choose to have less than We install over millage increase from a renewal that is on the best police and fire departments or who Automatic Standby 30 Years the ballot, too. I would hope they would vote wants to see playgrounds closed or potholes GENERATORS experience to at least leave in place what we collect now unfilled.” 455-2355 to maintain the services we presently have.” Mayor Yenni’s PowerPoint presentation No Job Too Small - We Do all! Councilwoman Branigan voted to place the on the April 2 property tax millage proposals METAiRiE KENNER N.O. AREA LA License #28613 LA mayor’s tax proposal on the ballot. is available for viewing on the city’s website, LICENSEDLICENSED •¥ BONDEDBONDED ¥ • INSURED INSURED OWNEROWNER RONNIERONNIE BELLACIBELLACI It is important to note that if the new www.kenner.la.us.  KENNER STR - February 2011 27 Community “BRING YOUR HOME TO A NEW LEVEL”

Call Today To Qualify !!!

GRANT MONEY STILL AVAILABLE UP TO $160,000

KPBA awards raffle winner CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION The Kenner Professional Business Association held a fund-raising raffle with a Drew Brees Locally Owned & Operated autographed football as the prize. The winner was Ray Raymond, who purchased the winning ticket from Hank Doell, KPBA member and owner of the Wireless Zone. The lucky winner purchased one $5 ticket that was drawn at the KPBA luncheon on December 14, 2010. Raymond was notified www.Elevationsshoring.com immediately during the luncheon, on a speaker phone. Pictured at the Omni Bank on Veterans / Operated Memorial Boulevard, from left to right, are Hank Doell of Wireless Zone, winner Ray Raymond, KPBA 725 – 3RD STREET KENNER, LA 70062 President Todd Acomb, Nohelia DeLaneuville from Omni Bank and Jackie Doell from Wireless Zone. (504) 888-5438 (LIFT)

Rivertown rentals (continued from page 1) out-of-town, said Howland. The museum can rented. hold up to 200 people with a seating capacity “One of the things about Rivertown that ( 50 of 60. Heritage Park, next to Heritage Hall, is are becoming apparent is that we need to look great for outdoor events and can be booked at our historic district in different ways,” says during the week as well as on weekends. Howland. “The real appeal of these historic Picnic tables and restrooms are the amenities buildings is that people love to attend events With SBA Lending Solutions available. held in buildings that are a part of Kenner and St. Mary’s Church, located in Heritage Louisiana’s history. We’re expecting to book from Gulf Coast Bank, Park, has a capacity of just 40 but is very more than 200 dates in these historic buildings popular for weddings. It is available during in 2011 but the potential for 2012, 2013 and I didn’t have to the week and on weekends. down the road may be much more than 200 or All four venues rental fees start at $100 300 dates. We need to be innovative and open shop around. per hour varying depending on the venue to new ideas about uses for these buildings chosen and time and day of the week. that are a part of Kenner history. They have an As Louisiana’s largest SBA lender, Gulf Coast* Bank In addition to the four historic location appeal that we’re only now beginning to tap.” offers a variety of small business lending options, options, themed birthday parties can be held at To find out more about all the Rivertown so you’re sure to find one that’s the perfect fit for the newer Science Museum and Space Center. rentals call the Kenner Community Services you. Whether you’re starting up or expanding, Rental prices will vary due to day of the week Department at 468-7231 or 468-7293.  our experienced lending officers will create a program tailored to your business’ specific needs and goals. Reddy If your business is building, (continued from page 7) we want to help! to public health, animals, the environment issue. We appreciate your support to ensure and federal and state waterways, but is also that this secured funding remains in place SBA Loans from a violation of the Federal Clean Water Act. by renewal of this existing mileage. Gulf Coast Bank offer: The city of Kenner has worked hard On April 2, 2011, voters are being asked • Competitive rates to address the sewer system. As you are to consider these accomplishments and the aware, we were successful in obtaining corrective plans when deciding to maintain • Lower down payments a low interest loan of $22 million from the required funding. The city is simply • Longer loan terms DEQ, the highest award in the state. Now asking for a renewal of an existing property • Fast credit approvals with your assistance, we can be successful tax that continues to be a vital portion of our in the second phase of this endeavor. The sewer funding plan. Your continued support Corrective Action Plan has been approved is very important.  and a viable funding formula is in place to Prat P. Reddy can be reached at 468- effectively and economically address this 7515 or at [email protected].

*Gulf Coast Bank was rated the SBA’s Top Dollar Lender in Brake tags the Louisiana market. Ranking as of 9/30/2010. (continued from page 1) Street currently issues the new brake tags to More information is available on the city motor vehicles owned by Kenner residents. of Kenner website at www.kenner.la.us or by 1-800-223-2060 www.Gulfbank.com The cost is still $10 per tag. calling the brake tag station at 468-4075.  28 February 2011 - KENNER STR

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 FEBRUARY 2011