You might know Gilbert “Doc” Thomas from his work as an Allstate Insurance Agent or from one of his many civic involvements in Iberia Parish. But you might not know how wide spread his community work truly is. His resume would read something along the lines of: Former Board President and Mem…

Sugar cane is known for its durability. It’s a relatively tough product that can stand a fair amount of abuse from the elements (much like the people of Acadiana), and that’s one of the reasons it thrives so well in South Louisiana’s tumultuous climate. However, a few things do have to be ju…

The term often used to describe Phyllis Arceneaux is “serial entrepreneur.”  Growing up, if Arceneaux wanted to be involved in something, and she wanted to be involved in everything, from Girl Scouts to sports, it was her responsibility to fund it. That coupled with the task of helping care …

While artistic talent can be found in multiple branches of Jerome Weber’s family tree, growing up, Weber’s interest in art started and ceased with absent minded doodling (albeit very impressive doodling), and helping create a few stage props. He viewed art as simply a way to pass the time.

 The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival was once always held on the last weekend of September, even if it included October.  I was crowned Queen Sugar XXV on Saturday, October 1, 1966.Parish Queens never wore crowns during the Festival.  Hats and gloves were important accessories for the intervie…

Dan Liu has been practicing traditional Chinese medicine for 30 years. She was born in Wei Hai, Shang Dong Province, People’s Republic of China. Liu’s mother and father were physicians for the Chinese army. She recalls that even at a young age, when her parents would become ill, she would be…

For Ted Viator, life is a ball. It’s immaculate landscaping, glistening Mardi Gras costumes, towering centerpieces, tap dancing and events that go off without a hitch. Viator believes all of this can be traced back to his roots, however juxtaposed they may seem, of growing up as the youngest…

Growing up, Terrance Morgan was involved in a combination of traditional and alternative sports. You could find him on the basketball court and track field just as often as you would on a skateboard or in a martial arts studio. He was always heavily influence by the traditional dance of the …

Being crowned Queen Sugar is so much more than wearing a crown. This time-honored tradition selects one young lady to serve as an ambassador for Louisiana Sugar Cane Industry. During her reign, Queen Sugar travels the state, promoting the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival, the sugar industry and…

On Saturday, Nov. 3, a historical marker was unveiled in downtown New Iberia’s Bouligny Plaza. The marker commemorates the legacy of Louisiana’s first black female physician Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet, a New Iberia native. The day was a celebration, including a play and a poem based on Dr. W…

Because of her husband’s career in microbiology, Faryal Atif had no reason to believe the family’s path would ever stray from the bustling metropolises they had known. Atif was raised in Karachi, one of the largest cities in Pakistan. She and her husband spent six years living in Penang, Mal…

Three and a half consecutive decades of just about anything is a rarity these days. In a culture characterized by immediate gratification and short attention spans, starting something and sticking with it has become increasingly less common. However, Rickey Huval and his team of confirmation…

With the all the technology to make our jobs faster and easier, there are still so many that must be done by hand.  Aristotle said it best when he said, “the hand is the tool of tools.”   For those who like to work with their hands it seems to satisfy a primal need.  Turning disorder into or…

Blue Night is an event honoring the construction of the George Rodrigue Park in New Iberia. The event was held on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Bayou Teche Trading Company. Music was performed by Major Handy & the Louisiana Soul Revue. There was a decorated blue suede shoe contest, live m…

You don’t have to be from South Louisiana to know that the Cajun culinary tradition is one without rival. Yielded from a distinct cultural heritage handed down from generation to generation, signature spices, blends and food products have become recognized worldwide, indelibly linked to Caju…

Inspiration comes from the strangest places sometimes; you just have to be open to the possibilities. When Mary Chevalier was a young woman, her uncle owned a nightclub called The Blue Angel Club where she helped out by cooking and booking the bands. Families experiencing financial struggles…

The Cajun Calorie Burner