Emile’s Annual Hot Cocoa Fundraiser Benefits Catholic Charities of Acadiana Emergency Shelter

(Lafayette, La.) - Emile's Annual Hot Cocoa Fundraiser is supporting Catholic Charities of Acadiana and their work to provide emergency sheltering for our neighbor’s experiencing homelessness. This year’s event is set for December 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

When Emile Myers noticed a long line of cars waiting to see a magical Christmas light display on his street, he saw an opportunity to sell hot cocoa for a good cause to the visitors in his Lafayette neighborhood. The rest is history.

This year, he's raising critical support for the shelters of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. Support him and the sheltering work of Catholic Charities of Acadiana by donating to help him meet or exceed his goal of raising $30,000 for this worthy cause.

“Because the incredible needs exist our community, I am setting a new goal to aid Catholic Charities of Acadiana,” said Emile. “With your help, this year we will raise $30,000. Please follow our Facebook so you can get regular updates about a big event on December 6th.”

Almost six years and nearly $65,000 that’s how long 14-year-old Emile Myers has been selling hot cocoa — but as you can probably guess by the amount, it's not your typical roadside stand. For each of those years, the teen carefully selects a nonprofit to raise money for and the event has grown to a neighborhood celebration with family and friends.

In years past, he has raised money for the following organizations: St. Joseph Diner; Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana; American Cancer Society; Junior League of Lafayette; and most recently Beacon Community Connections.

“The generosity that Emile has fostered in our community reflects the very spirit of dignity and compassion that we strive to uphold every day at Catholic Charities of Acadiana” said Kim Boudreaux, CEO of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. “His efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of our neighbors who find themselves in an experience of homelessness. We are incredibly inspired by Emile’s heart for service; his support allows us to continue providing critical services to those facing homelessness, especially in the wake of our critical shelter funding loss.”

Emile’s event is famous for its commemorative holiday hot cocoa mugs that come with donations to Catholic Charities of Acadiana. The event offers sponsorships and other ways of donating to help Emile reach his goal. The Giving page is now online: http://give.classy.org/EmilesHotCocoa.

Sponsorships are another way that Emile’s meets his ambitious goal. For more information about sponsorships, contact Ben Broussard, ben@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

About Emile’s 2024 Hot Cocoa Event

Emily Myer’s Hot Cocoa events sell hot cocoa for a good cause to the visitors in his Lafayette neighborhood. The event includes a food truck, hot cocoa and entertainment that is fun for the whole family. This young entrepreneur is a shining example that philanthropy is for everyone no matter the age. Click herefor Emile’s Hot Cocoa Facebook event page. 

About Catholic Charities of Acadiana

Since 1973, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has provided essential services to those who are experiencing hunger, homelessness, poverty, and situational crisis. From our humble beginnings in 1973 to becoming a beacon of hope for countless individuals, families, and communities, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has worked for 50+ years to honor the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Joe Caverlee Joins Coteau Grove Project, LLC as the Band’s Official Producer

LAFAYETTE, La., October 22 — Coteau Grove Project, LLC (“Coteau Grove”) is proud to welcome American multi-instrumentalist and singer / songwriter Joe Caverlee to the team. Joe will assume the role of producer for Coteau Grove and use his extensive knowledge and experience in the music industry to leverage the band’s expertise and professional connections. Joe supports Coteau Grove’s mission to give back to charities and is looking forward to making a difference in their communities.

Joe Caverlee stated, “I've had the pleasure of knowing the good folks in Coteau Grove for quite some time now. I've also sat in with them on several occasions which was an absolute blast. From classic rock to classic country…from R&B to "down in the crawfish mud" cajun music, this band has it covered. I was honored when they asked me to produce their upcoming EP. We are in the process of searching for songs to compliment their many talents including musicianship and tight vocal harmonies. It's a long process, but I assure you it will be worth the wait and the end result will be a project we all will be proud of.”

Grammy Award-winning, singer / songwriter, Wayne Toups, also commented, “I have been asked by my friend Keith Myers to be a special guest in the Coteau Grove Project for some very special shows. His vision has come full circle in wanting to help nonprofit organizations. And now he has added a good friend and exceptional musician, Joe Caverlee, as a producer which will definitely bring the project to another level. I am so honored to be a part of it and looking forward to the future.”

Joe started out playing guitar and piano as a small child with his family in Dayton, Ohio, but the two instruments quickly took a back seat when he discovered a violin in his grandma’s attic. After beginning classical lessons at age 10, he soon learned it was the right choice. By age 13, he was playing with a bluegrass band that toured weekends around the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana areas. Even though he continued his classical training through high school and college, the live music scene was where Joe wanted to be. Eventually, he ended up in Nashville. Joe found steady work playing fiddle and acoustic with Ronna Reeves on the road and shortly after was hired on by Ken Mellons to play fiddle and mandolin. In the late 90’s he teamed up with the Ohio based group Yankee Grey and signed a record deal with Sony/Monument. After brief success and an ACM vocal group of the year nomination they disbanded. He then started playing fiddle and mandolin with country great Tracy Lawrence where he is still today and is currently Tracy’s band leader. Joe has featured on many well-known songs with artists such as Tracy Lawrence, Yankee Grey, David Ball, Billy Ray Cyrus, Daryl Singletary, Love and Theft, The Bellamy Brothers, Michael Peterson and The Christmas Grass, and more.

About Coteau Grove Project

Coteau Grove Project provides tight, lively music, great vocals, and mesmerizing harmonies and is unique in its mission of supporting nonprofit organizations. The band was born from some things that the members all have in common, a love for music and a desire to help people. Coteau Grove Project is made up of Chris Foreman, Larry Menard, Charlie Rees, David Varisco, Sharona Thomas, and Keith Myers.

To learn more about Coteau Grove Project or to book, visit https://www.coteaugrove.com/

For media inquiries, please contact: coteaugroveband@gmail.com

Whispering Oaks Farm Honors Don Stemmans in Feature Race on August 2 at Evangeline Downs

(Opelousas, La.) – Carroll Castille, Whispering Oaks Farm owner, chose Don Charles Stemmans as the honoree for a sponsored feature race at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino on August 2. Whispering Oaks Farm is a thoroughbred breeding and racing operation locate in Carencro, La. The event is part of a big night of Louisiana Champion Awards, REAP Benefit, Louisiana Stallion Stakes sponsored by Coteau Grove Farms/Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and D.S. “Shine’ Young Futurity.

“Don was the man that mentored me from my start in racing,” said Carroll Castille. “He was the one person I go to for advice about anything. He has always been here for me, and I wanted to be sure we honored him and all that he has done for our industry.”

Don was involved in the horse racing business for decades. He trained thoroughbreds, quarter horses and operated Traders Rest Farm, Inc. a full-service breeding, training and boarding facility in Scott La.  He was the starter at Evangeline Downs in Carencro, La., served on the board of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association for over 20 years board member of the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association, and operated Stemmans Horse Supply in Carencro. Don and his wife Janet started that business in 1968. He had shops in Hot Springs, Ark., Kenner, La., and Bossier, La. There were long time stores at Delta Downs in Vinton, La., and Sam Houston Race Park in Houston.

Don was famous for teaching racetrack folk how to do things the Cajun way. If someone got sick and injured, he would show them how to do a fundraiser. He wasn’t shy about asking people for help to assist people who needed it. “I think we have all lost count of the number of people Don has helped throughout his life,” said Castille. “I count myself lucky to this day that I was one of them.”

When Don returned full time to the Cajun Country, he returned to eight generations of family tradition in the horse world. He remembers his grandfather’s blacksmith shop, where you always had to wear shoes because of the hot iron. His grandfather shod all kinds of horses and mules, but he was famous for his skill in shoeing buggy horses. His father was a horseshoer, too, and Don prides himself on his own horseshoeing know-how. Before he got into retail, he would shoe horses on his days off from working on oil rigs, onshore and offshore. 

One of Don’s ventures was a bush track in Carencro. He has a charming painting hanging on his office wall at Stemmans that artist Earl Hebert captured a slice of bush-track life. The bush track he has portrayed is the same one Don ran and there are fancy women, sharp-dressed bettors, jockeys, owners, trainers, families. Don could identify many of the characters in that painting. The track was a three-quarter mile oval with good sandy loam footing. It was once right off the main road in Carencro, but it is long gone. 

Don has two daughters. Catherine is a Ph.D. and a professor of sports medicine at Indiana State University at Terre Haute, Ind. Charlotte has a degree in accounting from Tulane and, as Don says, “she is the quality control and the financial wizard behind the Stemmans shops." She is also the current Mayor of Carencro. His son Charles works as a Soil Scientist with USDA and resides in Carencro.

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association New Website Is Live

Louisiana Horse Magazine Brought Online

(New Orleans, La.) -  The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) announced the launch of its redesigned and improved website, LouisianaBred.com. Developed to offer a user-friendly experience LouisianaBred.com provides important news, information and data to its members and others in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. A primary goal of the new website is to help make the process of filling and submitting official paperwork easier and more efficient for LTBA members.

Formed in 1963, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association represents and advances the interests of the breeding and racing of thoroughbred horses in Louisiana. The organization strives to promote the industry through its sponsorship of races and sales in addition to its breeding program. This website presents the breeding, racing and sales programs that the organization manages on behalf of its members.

Visitors can learn about the organization, find statistics and resources as well as a monthly calendar of events in the “About” section. Membership applications can be completed and paid for under “Membership”. A “members only portal” is in development where members will have access to their awards and the ability to update information. The “Breeding” section includes Accredited Louisiana Bred foals, Hypomating and the Stallion Register. Under “Racing” visitors can find current Louisiana bred winners and Louisiana Futurity Eligibles. “Sales” includes current sales information as well as previous sales results. All LTBA forms can now be completed, submitted and paid for through the “Forms” section.

A new Louisiana Horse Magazine portal will take visitors to the latest news, feature articles, educational seminars and more. Instead of waiting months for a quarterly print publication, readers of  LouisianaHorseMagazine.com will find feature and news stories in real time. Louisiana Horse Magazine is dedicated to delivering the most up-to-date information on racing, breeding, racetrack news, and other essentials for thoroughbred breeders, owners, and trainers. It warehouses the Louisiana Stallion Register and education/webinars. Stay informed about the latest developments in the horse racing industry, important updates on breeding practices, and valuable insights into horse health and care.

The website was designed, created and produced by Calzone Advertising | PR | Advertising in partnership with Linda McLellan, Louisiana Horse Magazine editor and LTBA creative director. LTBA staff assisted with content review and online form integration with online pay portals. Key features include mobile friendly versions for all devices as well as desktop versions for PCs and Macs. The team worked diligently to organize a very large volume of data that updates frequently and navigation portals that organize data and content within key categories that relate to the business of breeding and racing, i.e., breeding, racing, membership, forms and more.

“This team of our experienced personnel and longtime advertising and PR firm are knowledgeable,” said Roger Heitzmann, LTBA secretary/executive director. “This greatly accelerated the process since there was no need to educate them in our business. We are excited to offer many of the new features to our members as well as the breeding and racing community. Our breeders, stallion owners, mare owners and members can now complete forms and pay online in one portal. We are already seeing a large volume of traffic.”

The primary users are LTBA members although a larger number of people in the breeding and racing industry refer to the site for key data and information about the Louisiana program. “Navigation is intuitive making for a better experience, said Heitzmann. “It streamlines the process for us to update results and other data. Videos and new photography keep the websites fresh and inviting to users. We invite you to look at both websites: LouisianaBred.com and LouisianaHorseMagazine.com.”

Accredited Louisiana Breds to Race for Nearly $6 Million in Stakes Purses in 2024

(New Orleans, LA) - In addition to benefitting from one of the most lucrative overnight purse structures and breeding incentive programs in the country, Accredited Louisiana breds will have a nearly $6 million stakes schedule to run at in 2024, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association has announced.

“We are proud to offer a dynamic stakes program that provides a year-round schedule for Accredited Louisiana breds,” said Roger Heitzmann III, secretary-treasurer of the LTBA. “With a total of 67 stakes for $5.71 million, there are opportunities for horses of all ages, going long and short, and on turf and dirt. There are also several races with starter or non-winners of a stake conditions, so there is truly a chance for all types of runners to compete."

Of the 67 stakes races, 33 will offer a purse of $100,000 or more. While many states offer a special day of stakes races dedicated to state breds, Louisiana is the only one to present four state-bred stakes showcases with one at each of the state’s racetracks. Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel has Louisiana Premier Night, Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino offers Louisiana Legeands Night, Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots presents Louisiana Champions Day, and Louisiana Downs provides Louisiana Cup Day.

“Our owners and trainers have found this to be a tremendous benefit, and we are thankful to have four tracks that do great job of supporting Louisiana breds,” added Heitzmann. “There is always a big stakes day coming up on the horizon, so it provides extra flexibility to run horses on a schedule that meets their individual needs.”

The Louisiana bred stakes program has proven to be a launching pad for horses like Free Like a Girl, a millionaire who has won an incredible 14 stakes in Louisiana while also competing successfully in graded stakes company around the country. Bred by Kim Renee Stover and Lisa Osborne, the daughter of Louisiana stallion El Deal is being aimed for a possible start in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park in April. 

While the stakes and overnight purses make Accredited Louisiana breds more valuable to owners, there are also benefits for breeders and stallion owners. Breeders can earn up to 25% in breeders’ awards for horses finishing in the top three in races in Louisiana, and worldwide breeders’ awards are paid on races outside of the state. Stallion awards are paid on top three finishes in allowance, handicap, and stakes within the state, in addition to stakes races outside of Louisiana.

For more information about the 2024 Accredited Louisiana-bred stakes schedule, go to www.louisianabred.com or visit the individual racetrack’s websites for specific date information and conditions.

Two Scholarships to be Awarded at Premier Night at Delta Downs

(VINTON, La.) - Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino will host Premier Night Louisiana bred stakes racing on Saturday, February 3 with a post time of 5:05 p.m. CT. 

The richest program of the year will happen February. 3, Louisiana Premier Night. The card will feature the best Louisiana-breds competing in 10 stakes worth $895,000. The headliner on Louisiana Premier Night is the $150,000 Championship for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles.

LA. BRED PREMIER GENTLEMEN STARTER $60,000 Guaranteed

For Four Year Olds & Upward 1 1/16 Miles 

LA. BRED PREMIER RAGIN CAJUN STARTER $50,000 Guaranteed 

For Four Year Olds & Upward 5 Furlongs 

LA. BRED PREMIER BON TEMPS STARTER $50,000 Guaranteed

For Fillies & Mares Four Year Olds & Upward 5 Furlongs 

LA. BRED PREMIER PRINCE $100,000 Guaranteed 

For Three Year Olds 1 Mile 

LA. BRED PREMIER DISTAFF $125,000 Guaranteed 

For Fillies & Mares Four Year Olds & Upward 1 Mile 

LA. BRED PREMIER STARLET $100,000 Guaranteed 

For Fillies Three Year Olds 1 Mile 

LA. BRED PREMIER CHAMPIONSHIP $150,000 Guaranteed 

For Four Year Olds & Upward 1 1/16 Miles 

LA. BRED PREMIER SPRINT $100,000 Guaranteed

For Four Year Olds & Upward 5 Furlongs 

LA. BRED PREMIER MATRON $100,000 Guaranteed

For Fillies & Mares Four Year Olds & Upward 5 Furlongs 

In addition, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students for a total of $2,000.

"This is great evening of racing with some of the most exciting Louisiana bred racing of the year," said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. "Premier Night sets the stage for a year of championship racing in Louisiana. It showcases the offspring of mares and stallions for our racing program at one of Louisiana's racetracks located in the southwest part of our state."

Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

• Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Spring 2024 or Summer 2024

• Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.

• Must be in good standing with the college or university. 

• Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made. 

• Must have college ID and government-issued ID. 

• Must have University ID number or Social Security number.

For Premier Night:

• Registration: 4:05 p.m. – 5:05 p.m. at the designated booth 

• Races begin: 5:05 p.m. 

• Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race. The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending. 

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.

For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.

US Equestrian Announces the Appointment of Robert Costello as Eventing Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe.

Read more here.

Promote What is Uniquely Yours

After many months of preparation and collaboration, St. Martin Parish Tourism is excited to announce the launch of its new microsite!

    The Atchafalaya Basin microsite recognizes the beauty of St. Martin Parish, but it specifically highlights its flora, community history, and the Atchafalaya Basin.

     By launching this site, the St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission hopes to not only encourage more adventure-seeking tourists to visit St. Martin Parish but to educate its residents on the land’s history and instill its value. Embracing our history and the land where it is made, allows us to form a deeper appreciation for our culture, and equally important, it allows us to share it more effectively with others.

    In 2021, the St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission applied for the FY21 Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Small Funds Grant in hopes to fund a new project that would spotlight the Atchafalaya Basin within St. Martin Parish. The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Atchafalaya Trace Commission awarded this grant to St. Martin Parish Tourism in May of 2021. With the help of Calzone and Associates, Inc, idea generator, Jude Theriot, microsite author, and ANHA executives, plans to begin this project were quickly underway. 

    Theriot is a native and current resident of St. Martin Parish. His love for the outdoors began at an early age; he grew up exploring the woods and waterways of his hometown, Catahoula, Louisiana, a small fishing and farming community at the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin. In 2021, after working 20 years as a neurologist across the country, he moved back home to start his own practice and document the natural beauty of his native parish. St. Martin Parish Executive Director of Tourism Laci Laperouse took notice of his work via Facebook. Because of his organic and impactful way of uncovering the secret, natural treasures of the parish, Laperouse commissioned him to write the microsite’s articles. Through his adventures hunting for new stories, Theriot’s love for the outdoors has grown even further:

       I’m St. Martin Parish through and through. I grew up as close to the

      Atchafalaya Basin as you can be without actually being in it. Yet there 

      were still so many places I’d never seen, or even known about, until I 

      started getting out there in my kayak. So that has been a big revelation 

      for me—a deeper appreciation for the place I call home. The more I’ve 

      seen of the parish, the more I feel like we live in a kind of paradise and 

      don’t know it. We underestimate it. The Atchafalaya Basin is our Amazon.

      And in terms of raw natural beauty, St. Martin Parish can easily hold its  

own against any exotic location around the world.

  The St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission invites you to view the new microsite which can be found at www.experienceatchafalaya.com. 

Louisiana Veterans Owned Businesses Boosted.

Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative

The Louisiana Veterans First Business Initiative was championed by Governor John Bel Edwards during the 2019 legislative session. It was created to honor the sacrifice that Louisiana veterans have made by recognizing businesses owned by a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouse.

The program will allow for veterans, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star spouses who have a fifty-one percent ownership in a business to apply for and gain certification to recognize and promote their businesses. In addition, a searchable database is provided for anyone seeking to patronize a veteran, active-duty or reserve military, or Gold Star-spouse business.

Embracing Heritage is the Brand.

ST. MARTIN PARISH / ORIGINAL LOGO DESIGN COLLABORATION WITH VISIT ST. MARTIN PARISH, LOUISIANA

I have a vivid memory of being a little kid of no more than eight years old. I was standing on a wooden chair stirring my grandmother’s roux (which is actually quite dangerous), and listening to them speak French at the kitchen table (which could be equally as dangerous). I knew very little about what it meant to be Cajun, or the rich and fascinating heritage that came with it. For me, it was simply the food, language, music, and culture of my family. Looking back, I now see it as a deep and rich connection to my parents, grandparents, extended family, and to my ancestors.

I’m no historian, but I’ve read about the Seven Years' War and The Great Expulsion (1755 – 1764), as well as a bit of an apology from the Queen. More on this incredible slice of history here, here, and here. From ‘Cajuns’ by Shane K. Bernard:

Cajuns are the descendants of Acadian exiles from what are now the maritime provinces of Canada—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—who migrated to southern Louisiana. Today they reside primarily in a twenty-two-parish region of southern Louisiana known as Acadiana.

The Acadiana journey was brutal. Families were forever broken, lives were lost, and an entire group of people had to start over with next to nothing. But from that darkness came a new light. A people and a culture, reborn like a phoenix.

That incredible journey was the lone source of inspiration for this particular design, and in particular, the map sketch where I discovered the implied “M” shape that became the core of this design.

Enjoy!

— Kody Chamberlain, September 12, 2022