April 2020

Officials update virus testing site

Local health and government officials have updated the drivethru COVID-19 testing site’s eligibility criteria.

According to District 25 State Senator Mark Abraham, criteria for testing eligibility is now fever and one other symptom including shortness of breath, cough, body aches, sore throat and runny nose.

Testing will continue from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Burton Coliseum Complex, 7001 Gulf Highway in Lake Charles.

Residents may begin lining up at 8:30 a.m.

Public warned about COVID-19 scams

Scammers take the opportunity to prey on individuals during the most vulnerable times. The current heath care crisis is no different.

“With the increase in the number of coronavirus cases, we are also seeing a growing number of scams related to COVID-19,” said Senior Medicare Patrol program manager Sonja Landry. “Please be aware of individuals going door-todoor offering tests, vaccines or cures for COVID-19.”

Venturing Out

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Beautiful weather has people enjoying the outdoors, giving them a chance to spot a few inspirational messages around the parish.

 

OSC to host community blood drive

To help replenish a critically low supply of blood, Our Savior’s Church (OSC) will be hosting a community blood drive with LifeShare Blood Centers from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. Collection sites will be arranged at both OSC in Jennings and in Eunice.

“The American Association of Blood Banks is currently facing a severe blood shortage,” said pastor assistant Lori Scott. “Because of the health crisis we are facing, an unprecedented number of previously scheduled drives have been cancelled.”

Evan’s final gift

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Not many parents can say their 14-year-old son is a hero, but Tory Fontenot can.

Evan Reed of Jennings was a football player at Jennings High School when he saved five lives and enhanced dozens more through the gift of organ and tissue donation. The teenager died March 6, 2019, after sustaining injuries in a vehicle crash.

The night of the crash, his family learned Evan would not survive. This is when representatives with Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) approached them about donating his vital organs and tissues.

How to support local businesses during mandatory restrictions

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The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 throughout the United States in March 2020 transformed American lives in ways many might never have imagined possible. Social distancing recommendations and restrictions on gatherings of more than a handful of people had a ripple effect on the economy that adversely affected many small businesses.

Refreshing dishes for dining AL FRESCO

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(Family Features) Some of life’s most cherished moments are shared with loved ones around the table. As temperatures climb, cheerful sunshine and sparkling blue skies are the perfect ingredients to make family time even more enjoyable with a meal served al fresco.

One of the great joys of dining outdoors is the chance to appreciate the simplicity of a gentle breeze or the first glimpses of seasonal blooms. Keeping meal prep simple makes it even easier to embrace these special moments. A unique approach to an entree

Maximizing Family Time

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5 tips for spending more time with loved ones

(Family Features) Now as much as ever, close family ties can make a significant impact on young lives. Constantly emerging technology sometimes limits personal interaction, while many school-age children experience unprecedented stress levels.

Building strong connections with trusted adults can give kids a sense of security and a better foundation for achieving their potential. Make spending time together a priority with these engaging activity ideas that allow the whole family to get in on the fun.

Jeanne Lopez

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It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Jeanne Lopez announces her passing from this life on April 1, 2020, at the age of 59.

Graveside services will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Jennings Saturday, April 4, 2020, at 6 p.m.

A gathering will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Saturday, April 4, 2020, from 4-5:45 p.m.

Lenora Dixon Blackwell

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The family and friends of Lenora Dixon Blackwell are mourning the loss of their loved one who was called from this life on April 2, 2020, at the age of 89.

Funeral services to honor Lenora’s life will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Friday, April 3, 2020, at 11 a.m., with Brother Darrel Hieronymus officiating.

A gathering will be held at the funeral home from 9-11 a.m. today, Friday, April 3, 2020.

Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Lenora was born March 18, 1931, to Norwood Dixon and Rose Boone Dixon.