Note De L’editeur
There is likely no time in my life when I’ve uttered the words “light at the end of the tunnel” as much as over the past month. With the vaccine rollout moving quickly and — as a result of that and adherance to precautions, our COVID-19 case numbers falling — we’ll be pinching tails around a table and dancing at music festivals together again in no time. I can’t wait to let the good times roll again, and I’m confident that you are all with me in this desire.
Meanwhile, we’ve managed to cobble together another wonderful issue for you, despite the many challenges that crop up while creating a magazine during a pandemic. Our annual Acadiana Trailblazers and Top Lawyers features have become two of my favorites. We celebrate the region, its culture and people in every issue, but these particular fetaures put the emphasis on the people. As Corey Jack, our Lettres D’Amour contributor writes in his essay, the ingenuity of people in the region is something to behold and our 2021 Acadiana Trailblazers exemplify that spirit. In Top Lawyers, three legal eagles share with us their toughest cases, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of what they do and why they do it. You’ll come away inspired by these stories and ready to make your own mark in Acadiana.
Addtionally, we have an incredible classic rack of lamb recipe for you from Marcelle Beienvenu, who is also ready to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror and gather around the table with family and friends at Easter. Might I recommend serving the cocktail from Ruffino’s in Recettes de Cocktails at your Easter festivities?
The day is finally approaching when we can once again invite one another into our homes, hug the necks of our loved ones, giving up our reliance on virtual hugs. My guess is we are all going to celebrate spring and its holidays a bit more enthusiastically this year — after all it is the the season of rebirth. Let us rejoice!
Cheers!
Melanie Warner Spencer
Managing Editor
Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com
Get more Acadiana Profile at acadianaprofile.com
and by following us on Instagram and Facebook.
In Other News
by Lisa LeBlanc-Berry
COVID’s Dashboard Debut
Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion The Acadiana Planning Commission has created an online dashboard to make information on COVID cases, testing and vaccinations easier to find. It was created in coordination with state leaders, mayors, medical professionals, university leaders, offices of homeland security and emergency preparedness. The dashboard provides information related to Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes (planacadiana.org).
Headed for Heaven
Recently mourned by fellow police officers, the beloved, late pooch known as K-9 Bobby was ceremoniously recognized for serving the citizens of Lake Charles with vigor. The highly trained, celebrated canine (certified in narcotics detection and police protection procedures) was directly responsible for over 70 criminal apprehensions. The Lake Charles Police Force laid the canine legend to rest with the assistance of Johnson’s Funeral Home. Bon voyage, brave Bobby.
Applauding Broadband
St. Martin, Iberia Parish, Scott Thanks to a $3.1 million federal grant, LUS Fiber will extend reliable broadband infrastructure to underserved areas in St. Martin and Iberia parishes and the city of Scott. It will also establish fiber connections for hundreds of businesses along the U.S. 90 corridor. After launching this spring, the project will take 18-24 months to complete (lusfiber.com).
