Vol. 4 Issue 8 July 1-14, 2010 www.cenlalight.wordpress.com cenlalight@gmail.com

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RPHCC to build new $1.3 M Women’s Pavilion

Photo by Sherri L. JacksonEXPANDED SERVICES — CEO Patricia Lewis points out some of the features of the new Women’s Pavilion that will be built on the grounds of the Rapides Primary Health Care Center at 1217 Willow Glen Drive. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday, June 29 to celebrate the July 5 start of construction. The new facility will house obstetrics and gynecological services. The Women’s Pavilion, funded with state and federal dollars, is expected to be complete in 10 months. For more of this story, go to Pages 4 and 5.

The lighT –July 1-14, 2010Page 2

Sherri L. Jackson,Publisher1429 Third StreetAlexandria, LA 71301

Phone: (318) 487-9254Or drop us a line atEmail: cenlalight@gmail.com

Community Development Works

Recruiting Business & Nonprofit Partners for 2010

A program of

What Is Cenla Boardbuilders?Cenla Boardbuilders is a program aimed at developing emerging

leaders through service on the Board of Directors of localnonprofit organizations.

Who Should Participate?

Contact CDW at 318.443.7880, 800.803.8075 or online at www.communitydevelopmentworks.org to receive more information.

Pogue to lead GSU as new prezMONROE - By unanimous vote, the

University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has made Frank G. Pogue the permanent president at Grambling State University.

The board later named University of Louisiana at Monroe Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephen Richters as ULM’s interim president.

The board’s vote for Pogue followed a vote, taken earlier by the Grambling presidential search committee, to suspend its search and recommend Pogue.

Pogue replaces former president Horace Judson, who left in October after five years.

Pogue has been interim president

since December.Richters replaces James E. Cofer,

who will leave ULM at the end of July to become president of Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.

“Dr. Richters’ service to the university including eight years as provost make him the logical choice to lead ULM while the board searches for a new president,” said Randy Moffett, ULS president. “His appointment will ensure stability for the campus, especially as higher education continues to operate under budgetary challenges.”

Richters has served as the universi-ty’s second-ranking leader since 2002. His service at ULM started in 1994.

‘Village’ makes stuff happen

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Not only does it take a village to raise a child, it takes a village to do just about anything you want to do sucessfully.

Over the years, I have come to understand that no man is an island and no man stands alone. I know that this is true because nothing that I’ve ever effectively done has come by me doing it alone.

Case in point is the annual events that this newspaper hosts. Without the help of some loyal friends and supporters, I would not and could not do many of the things that I do.

Thanks for being there when I need you and for knowing what I need even when I haven’t a clue.

Publisher Sherri L. Jackson

The lighT –July 1-14, 2010 Page 3

Celebrity activist touts HIV/AIDS testing needBy Bill SumrallEverythingCenla

A celebrity activist assisted state and local public health workers promote HIV testing Monday at the Rapides Parish Health Unit.

“I’m real excited about participating in the event. I think it’s so important that we get the message out around HIV testing and how important it is to know your status,” said Sonya Renee.

Renee is an AIDS activist, spoken word artist and National Poetry SLAM winner as well as author of a collection of poems titled “A Little Truth on Your Shirt” and is an HBO Def Poet.

“There was definitely a time when HIV was a death sentence and people were afraid to know but that is not the case anymore. To know your status is

to stay healthier and live longer, both ways, whether you turn out positive or your test comes out negative,” Renee said.

“So, it’s so important for people to get the word out and I am excited to lend whatever energy I can to that effort,” Renee said.

Renee performed several poems during the “Test 1 Million Louisiana Celebrity Tour” stop-over June 28 in Alexandria. Members of the Sigma Alpha Tau step team from Lafayette, also performed.

Seven informational booths urged HIV testing. One was an exhibit titled “Crowns of Glory,” displaying hats honoring women who died or are living with HIV/AIDS.

Also, Kay Michiels, the city of Alexandria’s chief operating officer,

read aloud a proclamation signed by Mayor Jacques Roy in recognition of the 16th annual National HIV Testing Day held Sunday, June 27.

Mayor Roy later put in an appearance himself during the tour’s stop at the health unit. “It’s very important that we continue to be vigilant about recognizing these problems,” the mayor said.

“They exist in every community but we have our fair share here and we have to remain prepared to deal with those issues as they arise,” Roy said, who also thanked Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services (CLASS) executive director Ann Lowrey for her group’s service.

CLASS set up one of the seven informational booths Monday at the parish health unit and, according to

Lowrey, had tested close to 60 people Friday, June 25, to mark the 16th annual National HIV Testing Day.

“We tested a lot of people who really needed to be tested, so it was a big success,” Lowrey said.

Testing is free, confidential and easy, as two state Office of Public Health workers demonstrated by gathering saliva by swabbing the inside of the mouth for one test and drawing a blood sample by pricking a finger for another test.

“That’s the thing about early detec-tion of HIV. If you know early, there are treatments available that will help you live a long and normal, healthy life, and so it’s a good idea to know,”

HIV/AIDS Testing Cont. on Page 8

The lighT – July 1-14 2010Page 4

Community health center expanding services

By Sherri L. Jackson The Light

Construction on the Rapides Primary Health Care Center’s new Women’s Pavilion is set to begin on July 5.

For Patricia Lewis, the Center’s chief executive officer, board members and patients, that fact earmarks the beginning of the Center’s next phase of offering expanded medical services to the uninsured and underinsured population of Central Louisiana.

The first step toward that end was held Tuesday, June 29, as supporters gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony.

“This has been a dream for several years, and it has finally come into being,” Lewis said of the new building that will house women services.

Those attending the ceremony included Victor Kirk, the Center’s former director; Mayor Jacques Roy; Charles F. Smith, former District 3 City Councilman; Israel B. Curtis, former District 26 representative in the state House of Representatives; and Rhonda Litt, executive director of the Louisiana Primary Care Association.

The 8,329 square-feet Women’s Pavilion will offer health-care services to women. It will be built behind the existing facility located at 1217 Willow Glen River Road in Alexandria. The Administration Department, which is currently housed in the Health Care Center, will relocate to the Women’s Pavilion, allowing for the expansion of medical and dental services currently offered.

The total cost of the project is

$1.3 million, Lewis said. The Center received $738,000 from a $41 million state grant that was distributed through the Louisiana Primary Care Association. Other funds came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Lewis said the expansion will allow the Center to effectively work with patients who have chronic diseases and cancer.

“We’ve been doing these services all along, but we’ve reached our limit. The patient base has grown tremendously,” she said. “We’ve always had to refer women with chronic diseases. We can now bring OB/GYN. We wanted the services to be closer to the community.”

Meanwhile, Curtis, who was instrumental in bringing the Center to

the community, said he was proud of the Center’s accomplishments and the fact that many of the board members have served since the Center’s inception.

“The pavilion has always been in the plans,” he said. “I’m grateful that the many of the original board members stuck it out with us.”

The Center’s board members include Willie Stewart, president; Varie Stallworth, vice president; Ben Bensley, treasurer; Beverly Brown, board member, Delores Perry, consumer representative; Margaret Wess, consumer representative; Erma Lyons, board member; the Rev. Stanley Mathis, board member; and Dr. Charles Norwood, medical advisor.

Photos by Sherri L. JacksonIT’S OFFICIAL — State, local and community leaders participate in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Women’s Pavilion that the Rapides Primary Health Care Center will build behind the medical center. Shhown from left are Rhonda Litt, executive director of the Louisiana Primary Health Care Association; Israel B. Burtis, former District 26 representatives; Charles F. Smith, former District 3 city councilman; Mayor Jacques Roy; Victor Kirk, the center’s former chief executive director; Patricia Lewis, the center’s chief executive officer; Willie Stewart, board president; Varie Stallworth, vice president; Beverly Brown, board member, Delores Perry, consumer representative; Margaret Wess, consumer representative; Erma Lyons, board member; the Rev. Stanley Mathis, board member; and Dr. Charles Norwood, medical advisor.

The lighT –July 1-14-30, 2010 Page 5

The lighT – July 1-14, 2010Page 6

The Light honors 10 special Cenla men who excel

The Light newspaper, published by MV Consulting & Publishing Services, honored the 2010 Men of Substance in an Awards Ceremony and Reception held at 7 p.m. Monday June 21, at the Main Street Community Center in Pineville.

The theme of the event was “The Best of Cenla.”

“This event is our way of giving back to the community and honoring men who make a difference in their communities,” said Publisher Sherri L. Jackson. “They quietly go about their daily duties every day, and the community is better for their service.”

The 2010 Men of Substance are Dwayne Brevelle, the Rev. Chauncey Hardy, Randolph Holly Jr., Dr. Cornelius Jones, Wendell Lewis, the Rev. Woodrow Pellerin, Patrick Shaw, and Ronald G. Smith Sr.

For more photos of this event and to read more about the honorees, visit www.cenlalight.wordpress.com.

All Photos by Al CottonMore photos available at www.celalight.wordpress.com

The lighT –July 1-14, 2010 Page 7

The lighT – July 1-14, 2010Page 8

tested,” Lowrey said.Charlie Baran, director of programs

for the Los Angeles, Calif.-based Black AIDS Institute, said this is the first year they’ve tried the concept of the tour, which the state Office of Public Health helped co-sponsor.

“In April, we did a tour in Ohio and went to five cities there,” Baran said.

After Alexandria, the tour’s next stop is Lake Charles, then on to Opelousas, Baton Rouge and, finally, New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival on July 2 to July 4.

“They’ll be doing free testing at the Convention Center for anybody who is there for the Essence Music Festival,” said Jack Carrel.

Carrel is prevention program manager for the Office of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS program in the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

“Alexandria at this point is fairly low,” Carrel said, referring to the number of HIV/AIDS cases in this area compared to other areas in the state.

“I think the important message for this area is, because rates are low here, this is the time to get tested, learn how to protect yourself, so that the rates stay low here,” Carrel said.

“There are 800 people who are living with HIV in this area and so it’s still a big issue here in Alexandria, and the

state as a whole,” Carrel said.As of Dec. 31, 2008, the Office of

Public Health reports a cumulative total of 28,676 persons have been diagnosed with HIV infection in Louisiana, including 312 cases in children under the age of 13.

The emphasis of the tour was on getting black males tested.

In all regions of Louisiana, the percentage of persons living with HIV/AIDS who are black is significantly higher than the percentage of the general population that is black, according to information provided by Office of Public Health personnel.

In Louisiana, the HIV case rate for blacks is almost seven times higher than the HIV case rate for whites.

Dr. David J. Holcombe, regional administrator/medical director of Region VI of the state Office of Public Health, Region VI, said Louisiana used to place fifth in the nation in the rates of HIV/AIDS cases but has moved up to fourth place.

“We’re even worse than that in syphilis and gonorrhea and so this is a big problem, and unfortunately it’s disproportionately a problem in the minority community,” Holcombe said.

“So this is something that needs to be discussed at every dinner table, every school and every church,” Holcombe said.

“It’s not a gay, white disease — most people who are infected now are black heterosexual women. That’s our

biggest number of increase in new cases,” Holcombe said.

“Everyone needs to be tested. Ignorance is not bliss and silence is not golden. This is an epidemic and we need to work on it aggressively,”

Holcombe said.More information is available online

at www.HIV411.org or by calling toll-free 1-800-99-AIDS-9 (1-800-992-4379). Another on-line resource can be found at www.greaterthan.org.

HIV/AIDS Testing Cont. from Page 3

Photo by Bill SumrallTESTING — Jack Carrel, prevention program manager with the Office of Public Health HIV/AIDS Program, and Shawan Fisher, with the state Office of Public Health in New Orleans, demonstrates how testing for HIV/AIDS is performed.

Rental assistance available inAlexandria;applications accepted July 15 and July 16

The Inner-city Revitalization Corp. received a $225,000 grant from the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency Federal Home Investment Partnership Program to provide funds for temporary rental assistance.

The assistance is available for eligible applicants from low income households to help them obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in Rapides Parish.

The Tenant Base Rental Assistance Program anticipates helping between 25 and 30 families with rent assitance for 12 months.

The program is similiar to the Section 8 Voucher Program. Rental assitance may be used to asst in rent, security and utility deposits.

Utility deposit assitance may only be provided in conjunction with a rental assitance security deposit

ormonthly assitance program.Applications for the elderly, disabled or homeless will be

accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 15 at the Martin Community Center, 2301 Mill St.

Applications from the general public will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the Martin Community Center.

A screening process to include utility and police checks of all applicants 18 years old and older. Proper identification and proof of income must accompany the application.

More more information, contact Inner-city Revitalization at (318) 445-4666 orthe Alexandria Area Four Weed and Seed Program at (318) 473-1132.

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The lighT –July 1-14, 2010 Page 9

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M.E.G.AUnitech Training Academy introduces MEGA, Money Earned for Grades & Attendance. Contact your local Unitech for more information regarding this program.

Is there favoritism in city government?Regardless of what side, part,

community, neighborhood, or subdivision of Alexandria we reside in, we all have two things in common: we are all residents of the city of Alexandria, and we all pay city taxes.

With that being said, wouldn’t you think it logical and fair that all municipal services be provided throughout the entire city to every resident with both qualitative and quantitative equity? If you answered yes, you are right. But somehow, some way, some city officials don’t see it that way. Here’s why I say that. It seems that one city park in one particular area of Alexandria is being maintained by a professional private contractor, whereas the other city parks in the city are being maintained by city workers. And just recently, a proposal to accept a contract for

landscape maintenance at Versailles Park (also located in a particular area of Alexandria) was presented to the City Council by city administrators. What’s up with that?

What’s up with that, in my opinion, is that someone in city government, in their approval of providing a quality service (professional maintenance) to

a park near one upscale subdivision and who is now wanting to provide that quality service at another park (get this, a plot of grass with benches) in another upscale subdivision seems to have shown favoritism.

At the same time, that same quality service is lacking at parks and to residents in other areas of town that are not as pristine as, let say, Charles Park and Clermont. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. What’s good for Compton Park/Versailles Park should also be good for Cheatham/Frank O Hunter Park as well. Providing a quality service should be rendered to all communities not just to some.

As to whether rendering contracted professional maintenance to Compton Park and wanting to render that same service to Versailles Park while

city employees handle the routine maintenance at other city parks is an intended and direct motive on city administrators’ part to treat certain areas of Alexandria differently than other areas of Alexandria, I can’t say for sure. But what I can say and say it to city administrators is this - “There should be an equalization of municipal services given to every resident in every community of Alexandria.”

We, and I hope that everyone feels as I do, are all residents/citizens of Alexandria regardless of where we live. And as such, city administrators should and must afford all of us the same basic city services for the betterment of Alexandria.

Wouldn’t you agree?

The lighT – July 1-14Page 10

Prepare for hurricanesBy Quincy CheeksLSU Ag Center

Now is the time to evaluate how prepared you are in the event of a hurricane during the upcoming season. It’s best to prepare ahead of time, especially when you may have to depend upon a family member or caregiver to assist you in preparation. Having a serious conversation with your family members and/or caregiver is a very good idea. Refer to the list of questions below provided by Extension Specialists at the LSU AgCenter. If you answer “NO” or “I don’t know” to any of these questions it’s time to take action.

Questions1. Have you planned an evacuation

route and destination?2. Do you have an emergency

communication plan for staying in touch or getting messages to friends/family?

3. Do you have a cell phone and charger?

4. Is your homeowner’s and flood insurance coverage up-to-date and sufficient to replace your home and belongings if they are damaged or destroyed?

5. Do you have an inventory of your property and belongings?

6. Do you have copies of all your important documents including: insurance policies, birth, marriage, death certificates, military papers, social security card, bank account information, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, loan or mortgage papers, wills, medical records, list of all prescription medications with dosages and pharmacy/physician information?

7. Do you have your valuables easily accessible if you must leave?

8. Do you know how to turn off your utilities (electric, gas, and water) and do you have the proper tool(s) to do so?

9. Have you budgeted for the added expenses to protect your home, buy supplies, evacuate, clean up, and recover?

10. Is your emergency phone list up to date and readily available?

These are just a few of the very important things you should be considering in the height of hurricane season.

Another good tip for hurricane preparation is to tell someone outside the storm area with whom you will be traveling and where you are going. Even if you have been through a hurricane before, your situation may have changed.

It’s easy to forget some of the preparations that can protect your family and your property. It is a good idea to review your plans and make sure you haven’t left any important detail unattended. Taking the right precautions prior to an emergency situation has the potential to save time, money, hassles, and even lives!

For more information on hurricane preparedness, or to obtain a copy of the “Are You Ready for a Hurricane?” checklist, contact Quincy L. Cheek, FCS Extension Agent at your local cooperative extension office. Rapides: (318) 767-3970, Grant: (318) 627-3675, Vernon: (337) 239-3231, and Beauregard: (337) 463-7006 or visit us on the web at www.lsuagcenter.com/rapides

The LaPine Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (“IAAP”) installed officers for the 2010-2011 year at the June 16 meeting.

The officers are: Flora Keys,president; Shelley Malone, vice president; CPS/CAP, Secretary – Jacqueline Wallace,CPS/CAP secretary; Louise King, treasurer; and LaWanda Franklin, Frances Morrison and Crystal Watts, board members at large.

The mission of the LaPine Chapter is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building

and leadership development.The LaPine Chapter conducts

its regular meetings on the third Wednesday of the month, usually during the lunch hour, which feature guest speakers on a variety of educational and informative topics. The group also hosts special events for the community such as recognition for Administrative Professionals in April and Bosses’ Day in October.

For meeting details contact Jacqueline Wallace at (318) 448-4952 or jacqueline.wallace@christushealth.org.

Employer summit set for July 19

Quincy Cheeks

Employers are being sought to take part in Re-Entry Solution Center’s Employer Summit, set for 10 a.m. to noon July 19 in Alexandria Convention Hall.

Employers are urged to attend. Information will be presented about how employers can earn $1,500, 2,400 or $4,000 in tax credits for new hires, according to a news release from Re-Entry Solution Center.

Re-Entry Solution Center works to help ex-prisoners adjust in their return to society and to help veterans in their adjustment back to civilian life.

To register for the Employer Summit or for more information, call (318) 443-0189.

The lighT –July 1-14, 2010 Page 11

St. Matthew Baptist Church2010 Women’s Conference July 30 - August 1, 2010

“N�� �ui�� t� �re��”Matthew 7:24 - 27, Luke 6:47- 49

“N�� �ui�� t� �re��”7 p.m. July 30

“A Night of Consecration”(Women are required to wear white) Registration is not required to attend

Speaker: Pastor Jeannie WilliamsNew Day Deliverance and Holiness Apostolic Church of Alexandria, LA

7 a.m. Saturday, July 31 (Included in Registration)Morning Glory with Min. Catrina Mickles of St. Matthew Baptist Church

Registration FormName: Address:City: State ZipPhone Number:Email Address:T-Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL OtherMethod of Payment: Check CashPlease make checks payable to St. Matthew Baptist Church and send form to:

St. Matthew Baptist ChurchAttn: Women’s Ministry

P.O. Box 8754Alexandria, LA 71306

Forms may be returned to Sis. Taura Denmon, Sis. Sparkle Watson or to the church

Registration is $30 The deadline is July 16, 2010.Payment must accompany forms.

For information, call Rev. Sherri L. Jackson at (318) 308-2334 or Sis. Angela Bracey at (318) 484-9012.

Minister Sally Coleman VictorSt. Matthew Baptist Church“The Benefits of Building

on a Solid Foundation”

Minister Shalanda PrestonThe Potter’s House

Dallas, Texas“Jesus the Master Architect”

Minister Lavillian JordanSt. Matthew Baptist Church

“The Consequences of Building on Sinking Sand”

Young Girls’ Conference(8 a.m. to 2 p.m)

“Knowing My Own Strength”(Ages 12-18)

Registration is $5

5 p.m. July 31 (Included in Registration)

“Shining With The Stars”

11 a.m. Sunday, August 1Rev. Sherri L. Jackson

St. Matthew Baptist ChurchDirector of Women’s Ministry