The DEAF BAYOU e-news

-LoUiSiAna’s e-newsletter for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, & Hard of Hearing community citizens

 ~ Celebrating Easter - April 16^th ~

From the desk of Editor:

The DEAF BAYOU e-news would like to give you all friendly reminder about Daylight Saving Time that begins for most of the United States at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of April (April 2^nd). Time springs forward one hour to standard time at 2:00 a.m. In the United States, each time zone, such as Pacific Standard Time (PST), Central Standard Time (CST), and Eastern Standard Time (EST), switches at a different time.

The DEAF BAYOU e-news has added a new section: GENERAL to provide wide-open information to the readers who cares to know. NOTE: As a reader, you are more than welcome to place any announcement(s) into the DEAF BAYOU e-news that is meant so much to deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing community citizens to share. Even, it also has added another more sections: ENTERTAINMENT and SPORTS. (See yourself BELOW)

Indiana has just became 20^th state to subscribe DEAF BAYOU e-news, even Canada where ex-LSD resides, followed by Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana (mainly), Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington State, and Washington, D.C.

This issue (April) of the DEAF BAYOU e-news dedicates to all READERS because they are wholehearted to be subscribers in which spread rapidly to mark the mass of subscribers in only few months. In my philosophy matter, DEAF BAYOU e-news is YOURS, not just mine. THANK YOU to all DEAF BAYOU readers! As a valued reader, you are BEST!

Next column of the DEAF BAYOU e-news - Common Bonds by Linda Annala, M.Ed., contributing writer, will be scheduled to distribute on April 10^th. Be on the look out!

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COMING EVENTS

ALEXANDRIA (ZIP-713/714)

• AAD GENERAL MEETING:            Saturday, April 8^th – Alexandria Association of the Deaf [AAD], 6647 First Street @ 3:00 p.m... Contact Ethel Brossett, President for more details at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LRID-CenLA WORKSHOP: Saturday, April 22^nd – Louisiana Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Central Louisiana Chapter [LRID-CenLA] ; “In the Beginning” by Derrick Elkins, Presenter; starting @ 9:00 a.m. @ Alexandria Police Dept, 1000 Bolton Avenue from; Cost for workshop: Member-$2.00; Non-Member-$5.00, For more information contact Linda Scarbrough at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Future Key Dates to Remember – Alexandria

BATON OUGE (ZIP-708)

• DEAF CHAT COFFEE: Friday, April 7^th @ Starbucks Coffee, 5720 Corporate Blvd., from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. For more info, contact Walker Estes, Host at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LAD REGULAR BINGO SESSIONS: Every Tuesdays & Fridays at Noon * Hosted by Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Inc. [LAD] * Located at the Bingo Center, 5409 Airline Hwy., from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Contact Kathy Stewart, Executive Secretary for more info. at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LSDAA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Louisiana School for the Deaf Alumni Association [LSDAA] needs your support! Proud LSD alumni/supporter? Only $5/year! Be a member, mail your payment to: Delvin Fontenot, Treasurer, 1866 Lombard Dr., Baton Rouge, LA. 70810.

Future Key Dates to Remember – Baton Rouge

HOUMA (ZIP-703)

            ~No Reporting~

LAFAYETTE (ZIP-705)

• LAAD 35^th Anniversary Celebration: Sunday, April 2^nd @ Lafayette Athletic Association of the Deaf (LAAD) Cajun Clubhouse, 200 Rue de Belier; Contact Cindy Robillard, President for more details at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LAAD SUPERBINGO: Saturday, April 8^th - Superbingo ($8,700 Giveaway!) * Hosted by Lafayette Athletic Association of the Deaf [LAAD] * Located at the Metro Bingo, 3124 NE Evangeline Thruway. Contact Michael Baudoin, Sr., Chairman for more info. at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LAAD CRAWFISH BOIL: Sunday, April 9^th @ Lafayette Athletic Association of the Deaf [LAAD] Cajun Clubhouse, 200 Rue de Belier, to help National Mixed Deaf Bowling Association (NMDBA) fundraiser drive. Contact for more details at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• DBSG COPE MEETING: Wednesday, April 12^th from 9:30 a.m. ‘till 11:30 a.m. - Deaf-Blind Support Group [DBSG] @ Affiliated Blind of Louisiana, 409 W. St. Mary Blvd.; Play Bingo to win $$. Contact Maria Garden, Leader for more info at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

**Note: DBSG needs more SSPs interpreting with Deaf-Blind attendants

• LAD BOARD MEETING: Saturday, April 22^nd * Louisiana Association of the Deaf [LAD] Board meeting @ Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Conference room, 409 W. St. Mary Blvd.; from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m.; For more details, contact Thelma Covello, Secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LADBC CRAWFISH BOIL: Saturday, April 22^nd @ Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Daigle Hall, 409 W. St. Mary Blvd.; Hosted by Louisiana Acadiana Deaf-Blind Citizens, Inc. [LADBC]; Door opens @ 11:00 a.m.; Contact Dan Arabie, President for more details at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LAAD GENERAL MEETING: Sunday, April 23^rd – Lafayette Athletic Association of the Deaf [LAAD] @ LAAD Cajun Clubhouse, 200 Rue de Belier @ 1:00 p.m. For more info., contact Cindy Robillard, President or Fallon Frederick, Public Relation at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• LAAD REGULAR BINGO SESSIONS: Every Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 11:00 am; every other Wednesdays at 7:00 pm; every Saturdays @ 7:00 pm ($4,500 – GIVEAWAY!) * Hosted by Lafayette Athletic Association of the Deaf [LAAD] * Located at the Metro Bingo, 3124 NE Evangeline Thruway. Contact Michael Baudoin, Sr., Chairman for more info. at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Future Key Dates to Remember – Lafayette

LAKE CHARLES (ZIP-706)

• DEAF CHAT COFFEE: Friday, April 21^st @ Starbucks Coffee, Hwy 210 & Nelson, 3479 Nelson Rd., from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.. Contact Karen Kebodeaux for more info. at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

NEW ORLEANS (ZIP-700/701)

• DEAF CHAT COFFEE: Thursday, April 20^th * NEW LOCATION* @ PJ’s Coffee House, 10158 Jefferson Hwy. starting @ 7:00 p.m. Contact Betsie Delaune for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Trying to get back to NORMAL for the Deaf Community in New Orleans!

SHREVEPORT (ZIP-711)

            ~No Reporting~

Future Key Dates to Remember – Shreveport

ENTERTAINMENT

OPEN CAPTIONED THEATER

* Open Captioned Theater * UA Citiplace Stadium 11, 2610 Citiplace Dr., Baton Rouge; Call (225) 216-0056 for Showtime(s).These titles are as follows:

• The Inside Man R – Saturday, April 1^st thru Thursday, April 6^th
• ATL PG-13 – Friday, April 7^th thru Thursday, April 13^th

More movies AFTER Thursday, April 13^th can be found at www.insightcinema.org

DEAF ACTOR ON TV

ER will air the show that Marc Bowman who's Deaf is in. It will be aired on Thursday, April 6th.  It will continue to four part/four consecutive shows as a fast paced drama. It is really deep and very moving. He is the guest star of the show not just an extra. His full name will appear at the beginning of the show. Also, he'll appear at least three times.

Check your local channel.

Enjoy watching!

NOTE: DEAF BAYOU e-news gives special thanks & love to Angela Arrington (LSD ’80) of Austin, Texas for sending us this information.

LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

One of Deaf Louisiana’s favorite festivals to gather is Louisiana Strawberry Festival at Ponchatoula, Louisiana near Hammond on April 7-9.

Interesting to know: Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) in Hammond named its football stadium – Strawberry Field

TWO DEAF MEN ON TV

Once again there will be two (2) deaf men, Phil James & Mark Nathanson on TV – Extreme Makeover on April 20^th at 8:00 p.m., Channel ABC

GENERAL

HB 788, HB 1029, & SB 125

SUPPORT HB 788, HB 1029, & SB 125…these are positive BILLS that mean MORE money & MORE services for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, and speech impaired citizens, especially interpreters in BETTER accessible to serve. Call your local legislature NOW in supporting these bills.

- Dan Arabie, LADBC President & supporter of HB 788, HB 1029, & SB 125

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Oliver and Della Mae Childress, long-time residents of near New Orleans, now settled living in an assisted living in a small town, Olive Blanch, Tennessee (20 miles east of Memphis), where their son, Peter lives 10 miles away. The DEAF BAYOU editor wishes them best wishes for their comfort of a new place to live.

DID YOU KNOW?

There will have two (2) ladies who are Louisiana natives, will be participating into the National Association of the Deaf’s (NAD) Miss Deaf America competition in southern California this coming summer. You may already know earlier that Christina Pullen is crowned as Miss Deaf Louisiana who will represent for Louisiana to compete for Miss Deaf America. Curious?...Like Christina, Julie Ana Martin, an another Louisiana native and former resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, now lives in Rochester, New York as a RIT student. She won Miss Deaf New York last October 2005 to represent for New York. She is the parent of Christina and Steve Erhard of Rochester, New York and father of Timothy Martin of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and an aunt of Lenora Brewster of Shreveport, Louisiana who was also former Miss Deaf Louisiana in 1987 to 1989 while Joe Bendetto was President of Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD). Go LoUiSiAna!

SAD LOSS: Our state neighbor, Texas had recently lost  Tara McAvoy, 18 who was crowned as Miss Deaf Texas last summer to get a right to compete into the Miss Deaf USA this coming July to her life by a train. She was walking by the side of railroad track on her way to see her mother at work from home while she was using her sidekick to Im her mother. The train quickly hit her in the back of her head.

EDITOR’S NOTE: DEAF BAYOU e-news extends its sympathy to her beloved family and friends who supported her all the way.

NEWS FROM LADBC PRESIDENT

Louisiana Acadiana Deaf-Blind Citizens, Inc. (LADBC), affiliate of American Association of the Deaf-Blind, Inc. (AADB) and Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Inc. (LAD), celebrated its Historic 25^th (Silver) Anniversary at the Holiday-Inn-Holidome in Lafayette, Louisiana last December 17^th. Despite the blizzard weather, there were 82 attendants including Support Service Providers (SSP) showing up into the banquet and received a complimentary meal furnished by LADBC. Guest speaker Linda Annala, founder and 1^st President of LADBC (1980) gave her formal speech about History of LADBC and received a plaque of “Founder & Leader”. The recognition of LADBC 1^st officers were Linda Annala, President; Floyd Pitre, Vice President; James Lalande, Secretary; Mike Reis, Treasurer, and the current officers are now as follows: Dan Arabie, President; Sidney LeJeune, Vice President; Glenda Faucheux, Secretary; Richard Malcolm, Treasurer. Three (3) more plaques were given to Dave Meyers (Distinguish), Lynn Blanchard, Executive Director of Affiliated Blind of Louisiana (In Appreciation-Thank You) and Dallas & Nancy Perry (Dedicated). We were pleased to be in the historic 25^th Anniversary Celebration banquet. According to LADBC Treasurer, Richard Malcolm, there are now 70 active & 57 associate totaled 127 members and the data of census has more than 300 deaf-blind citizens in Louisiana, the leading the number of incidents in the United States.

As our annual picnic nears, we will have served boiled crawfish at the site of the Affiliated Blind of Louisiana (ABL), 409 W. St. Mary Blvd, Lafayette on April 22nd. We need your support and come on and have enjoyable event with us.

By Dan Arabie, LADBC President

Empty Bowls Event Wonderful Success

~PRESS RELEASE~

Citizens of the greater Baton Rouge area have again proven their generosity by supporting the third annual Empty Bowls Event held on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at the Louisiana School for the Deaf.  For a $10 donation, attendees were able to enjoy a bowl of Chef John Folse’s renowned chicken and sausage gumbo, and choose from one of more than 2,000 hand-made ceramic bowls.  Including money from a silent auction, the event raised in excess of $21,000, an increase of more than $8,000 from the year before.  The proceeds of the event are divided between the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Saint Vincent DePaul Society.

Louisiana School for the Deaf art teacher and founder of the Empty Bowls event in Baton Rouge, Julie Harrison said, “It is amazing to think that some clay and creativity has helped assure that no person will go to bed tonight with an empty bowl.”

The Louisiana School for the Deaf thanks Chef John Folse and his staff who gave of their time and talent, the LSD staff for being gracious hosts, the teachers and students who made bowls, and to all of the program’s sponsors, particularly Flannery Oaks Guest House, Gerry Lane Chevrolet, and Lamar Advertising.  LSD sincerely appreciates to the community for their overwhelming support.

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank serves as a clearinghouse that collects, sorts, and distributes more than 9.5 million pounds of food annually to a network of over 100 member agencies in an 11-parish area.  The Food Bank assists more than 4,700 people each day.  To learn more about this project or how you can help the Food Bank, contact us at 359-9940 or visit our website at www.brfoodbank.org.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of Baton Rouge's oldest charitable institutions serving our community since 1865.  The St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room is our community’s safety net and served over 200,000 meals to the poor and homeless in 2005.   Other programs include the Bishop Ott Day Center, Bishop Ott Night Shelters, St. Vincent de Paul Store/Distribution Centers and Community Pharmacy.  Those interested in our organization can contact us at (225) 383-7837 for more information.

(Source: Trish Mann, Louisiana School for the Deaf Foundation)

Celebration of Hope

By Dawn Melendez, Deaf Services & Communication Center of Baton Rouge

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association held a Celebration of Hope at the New Orleans Arena on March 11 and 12. More than 100 clergy and church leaders from the New Orleans area were involved in organizing the event. During the two days, Billy Graham and Franklin Graham brought messages of spiritual hope and renewal to the city still filled with uncertainties six months after hurricane Katrina.

More than 30,000 people came to the Arena, next door to the still badly damaged Superdome, to listen to the evangelists proclaim the sure and certain love of God and Jesus Christ in the midst of life’s storms. High energy music was done by American idol finalist George Huff, Point of Grace, Ricky Skaggs, Nicole Mullen, Dennis Agajanian, the Tommy Coomes Band, and New Orleans gospel choir.

It was amazing to be at the Sunday event when Billy Graham (87 years old) preached, maybe for the last time. George Beverly Shea (97 years old) sang with Cliff Barrows (in his 80’s). They both have worked with Billy Graham for over 60 years.

There were interpreters present for the deaf, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese for the audience. The Billy Graham Evangelist Association is very careful to include everyone and to provide accessibility to all.

Franklin Graham, who is the CEO of the International relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, has raised more that $36 million in aid for Katrina victims. There were 200 mobile homes donated to churches to shelter hurricane victims. They are organizing volunteer teams to clean and repair homes and rebuild playgrounds and parks for children and families. 

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse and Franklin Graham will have another event at Angola, Louisiana on April 1, 2006 at 1:p.m. Again, there will be interpreter present.

Announcing a Merger of CDC and DSI

By Dawn Melendez, Deaf Services & Communication Center of Baton Rouge

We are excited to announce that Deaf Services, Inc (DSI) is merging with St. Francis

De Sales Catholic Deaf Center (CDC) to provide a Deaf Services and Communication Center for the Baton Rouge area (DSCC). We will provide the same quality services to the deaf, deaf blind, hard of hearing and speech impaired in the Baton Rouge Community as we have been doing over the past years. We will use all the same phone numbers: 

  (225)756-5339 for interpreting

  (225)766-9320 for all other needs

Bill Dugas is still our executive director and Ms. Beverly Hills, our equipment distribution coordinator. Dawn Melendez will be the interpreter coordinator.

We hope to add more programs in the near future and will keep you informed. 

DEAF GOLF CAMP

By John Kenny Davis

The man who can sign language is coming to Baton Rouge, LA from April 10 - 13, 2006 for the deaf kids to learn golf. He loves deaf people. The date on April 10 - 12, 2006 will be deaf kids from Louisiana School for the Deaf. The date on April 13, 2006 will be open. Please show up on April 13 and get the golf clinic from him. The place will be the First Tee of Clark Park where it is close to BR Zoo.

He told me if there are less than 10 participants, he will cancel this. I told him please hold it for this until next week. I will have to count heads. I would like to have you be there and learn golf and improve yourself to play golf.

Please give your name who will be there. Please spread the news around BR. I know that there are a lot out there. Please help me.

**Contact directly to John Kenny Davis at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

SPORTS

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (LSD)

LSD’S Latest Achievements

**Mark your calendar for Friday, May 5^th for LHSAA Track & Field State Championship @ LSU where LSD boys & girls were defending state champions & state runner-up respectively. Don’t miss out the exciting one! If they win, you could get closer look at trophies next day @ LSD campus for LSDAA annual picnic on Saturday, May 6^th. Come on along!

CHILDREN OF THE DEAF ADULTS (CODA)

Nikki Arabie, junior and an anchor, and her Lafayette High School (LHS) varsity bowling team advances into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) state bowling for three (3) straight years. She had won 26 out of 32 match plays (26-6) and averaged 152 in regular games and ended in Elite 8 loss to #1 and undefeated Acadiana, one step away from Final Four. She may be looking better for her senior season next year. She is daughter of Dan Arabie (LSD ’80) and Cathy 9Ezell) Royer (LSD ’79). Here are state playoff results as follow:

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HARRIS COMMUNICATIONS:

On Sale at Harris Communications

"Samuel Thomas Greene"

Samuel Thomas Greene was a multi-talented man who made significant contributions to the development of the 19th century Deaf Community. Written by deaf author, Clifton F. Carbin, this book documents the life of Samuel Greene and includes original school compositions, letters, writings and speeches. "Samuel Thomas Greene" is a resource for future writers and a valuable addition to the growing collection of Deaf profiles for readers to enjoy. Now on sale for $24.95 (regularly $29.95), this offer expires April 9, 2006.

"Educational Interpreting, A Practical Approach"

A valuable resource for teachers, interpreters and parents of deaf children, "Educational Interpreting, A Practical Approach" emphasizes information and strategies that are necessary to provide deaf and hard of hearing individuals with optimal communication access to education. This award-winning series includes eight captioned programs on two DVDs, a comprehensive companion booklet; and an updated website for additional resources. Now on sale for $85.00 (regularly $95.00), this offer expires April 9, 2006.

For more information, go to http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=db

or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text6446 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

(Source: American Association of the Deaf-Blind, Inc.)

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

--Helen Keller

NAD 2006:

The 2006 National Association of the Deaf (NAD) National Convention will be held at Southern California on June 28^th thru July 4^th, especially Miss Deaf America competitions. For complete schedule, you can find more information at www.nad.org

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NEED FREE VIDEOPHONE?

Apply for a free Sorenson VP-100 videophone.

Contact:

    Gerald Venable

    Sorenson Communications

    SVRS Installer/Trainer

    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

    AIM: GeraldnBR

    Fax: 225-753-5240

    TDD/VP: 225-752-1556

More Info: www.sorensonvrs.com

CONSTRUCTION

Deaf Renovator, Gary Potter (Lisa Chase’s husband) is a professional carpenter who has been remodeling and renovating houses for over 25 years.  He is profoundly deaf and fluent in ASL.  He is a very skilled hard worker.  He is absolutely pleasant with his customers.  He can do any exterior or interior work on any type of houses.  Email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call through the videophone at (225) 911-0524.  Location to give free estimates will be in the Baton Rouge area.  May consider driving approximately an hour away from Baton Rouge.

BRAILLE NEWSLETTER

Any Braille: If you are interested in receiving any Braille, please contact Judy Populis, Braille Translator at (225) 273-3673 (TTY only) or send email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your home or business mailing address.

EXERCISE BIKE FOR SALE:

For Sale exercise bike for $150, contact Judy Populis at (225) 273-3673 (TTY only) or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

DEEP SOUTH CAJUN COOKIN’ RECIPE(S)

Copyright © 2006 The DEAF BAYOU e-news

Place your advertisement(s) and/or announcement(s), e-mail to Dan Arabie, Editor at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 10 days before 1^st day of every month.

As an editor, I do have the right to edit, fix for space or reject or postpone giving better merit to the readers.

The DEAF BAYOU e-news serves as an independent subscription, created by Dan Arabie, Editor. The purpose of the DEAF BAYOU e-news is to strongly state our needs in sharing with the diverse deaf, deaf-blind, & hard of hearing citizens in our community to KEEP DEAF ALIVE.

Let our HANDS be heard!

NOTE: You can surely acknowledge your friends about The DEAF BAYOU e-news to subscribe.

Should you have asked any question(s) or any comment(s) about the DEAF BAYOU e-news, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued support.

Dan Arabie, Editor, The DEAF BAYOU e-news