November 2022

Community Philanthropy: Giving Time, Talent & Treasures

by Haley Armand Tarasiewicz A common goal of philanthropic organizations is the empowerment of individuals and groups to raise their voices and become active players in efforts to solve problems within their own communities.  “Making a difference gives people a sense of pride and identity, and a sense of meaning […]
November 2022

Good Samaritans of SWLA

In any community, there are those humble souls who take the notion of the Good Samaritan to a higher level. With extraordinary love and care for those in need, they give of themselves quietly, tirelessly, and expect nothing in return. In this season of gratitude, Thrive magazine honors five individuals […]
November 2022

Family Works Crying Eagle & the Avery Family

by Angie Kay Dilmore Eric Avery grew up in a home infused with entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Larry Avery, worked as a maintenance supervisor at Citgo while his mother Fran Avery, was a neurosurgical nurse. Together, Larry and Fran founded Aquatec Engineering, a water purification manufacturing company for large industries, […]
November 2022

The Fight for Insurance Policy Payouts & Reform a first-hand account

I never anticipated that when I closed the door behind me on that tense night in August 2020 and headed north to escape the approaching storm, I would never spend another night in my beloved home. I purchased the beautiful Charpentier Historic District craftsman house while displaced from the last […]
November 2022

First Person with G. Janelle Frost, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMERISAFE Inc.

G. Janelle Frost has served as president and chief executive officer of AMERISAFE Inc. in DeRidder, Louisiana, since 2015. AMERISAFE Inc. is a specialty provider of workers’ compensation insurance focused on small to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, and agriculture. AMERISAFE actively markets workers’ compensation insurance in […]
November 2022

Second Harvest Food Bank & McNeese State University Open the First Community Kitchen in SWLA

The community kitchen aims to make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger by preparing thousands of meals weekly for food insecure families. Second Harvest Food Bank and McNeese State University recently celebrated the grand opening of their new community kitchen at 4370 Ryan Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked […]
November 2022

Chicken Salad ChickAmerica’s (and now Lake Charles’) Favorite Place for Chicken Salad

With much fanfare and enthusiasm, the long-anticipated arrival of a Chicken Salad Chick franchise in Southwest Louisiana is finally here! Owners Claiborne and Cindy Self opened their latest business venture with a grand, week-long opening earlier this month. You could say the Self’s have long anticipated this grand opening, as […]
November 2022

Visit Lake Charles Launches Podcast to Inspire Visitation  

Visit Lake Charles launched a destination podcast in late September to create a new avenue for potential visitors to learn about hidden gems, culinary arts, and things to be discovered in Southwest Louisiana with the goal of inspiring visitation and community engagement.  Louisiana’s Playground is co-hosted by Brady Renard and […]
November 2022

No Time for Homemade? Where to find the best Thanksgiving Day Desserts

by Victoria Ellender If you’re planning a Thanksgiving Day gathering but feeling a bit short on time, don’t fret. There are plenty of local options to satisfy your sweet tooth and round out your holiday gathering with true Southern decadence. Whether it’s scrumptious traditional pumpkin, sweet potato or pecan pie […]
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