Discover Lafayette

Adam Daigle, Business Editor at the Acadiana Advocate, shares his insights on the top business stories shaping Lafayette and Acadiana in 2025. He discusses the exciting arrival of Trader Joe's and the region's manufacturing growth, highlighting the economic resilience post-Covid. Adam explores the uneven performance of restaurants, the impact of retail growth, and the challenges from the closure of SafeSource Direct. He also reflects on North Lafayette's future and the ongoing drive to revitalize local communities through development.

Hans Nelsen, known as 'Fast', is a veteran radio personality and co-host of Big 102.1's morning show, with a rich career since 1985. Joining him is Sean Trcalek, GM of KATC TV-3 and his lifelong friend. They discuss their early love for music and radio, the thrill of creating on-air characters, and the challenges modern broadcasting faces. Hans shares the poignant story of his son’s organ donation advocacy and their commitment to local broadcasting amidst changing technology. Their chemistry and humor shine through, revealing the heart behind their long-standing friendship.

We welcome Lafayette’s own master of illusion, Devon Faul, one of Acadiana’s most captivating magicians. Devon is known for blending sleight of hand with a deep sense of showmanship to create experiences that leave audiences spellbound. From close-up moments to full stage performances, Devon brings a unique blend of creativity, humor, and heart to his craft. We explore his journey into magic, the discipline required to master illusion, and the universal connection he creates through wonder and surprise. The Universal Language of Wonder Devon says that people of all ages speak the universal language of wonder and awe. In today’s world, he believes many people don’t get that feeling as often as they used to because everyone’s kind of in survival mode. Magic, for him, is a way to reach out to people in a universal way and give them a feeling that they haven’t had before, one that reaches you on a deeper level. Magic for Devon is “the human condition, psychology, philosophy, struggles, triumph.” Day Job at Stuller Devon’s day job is work at Stuller, the largest jewelry manufacturer and distributor in North America headquartered in Lafayette. He calls it “kind of a dream,” explaining that they take people seriously and foster an environment where employees “feel like you can be a person. I’m super lucky to be working with them.” How Magic Began: “A Place of Vulnerability” Devon began devoloping his magic craft at age ten years of age, but not in the traditional way. He didn’t get hooked by a magic kit or a grandparent pulling a coin from behind his ear. Instead, he says “it actually started because my dad was in the oil field, so we moved a lot”—Wyoming, Louisiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas.” “I was always the weird, quiet, out-of-state kid. You know, Wyoming people are very different than Louisiana people, who are very different from Virginia people. It’s like their own countries. Each state is its own territory.” Frequent moves and feeling out of place led to bullying: “People want to tear down that which they do not understand.” As a ten-year-old, he imagined that maybe people wouldn’t bully him “if I had superpowers, if I could become Superman.” Magic became “the closest thing to superpowers,” a way to bridge gaps, build confidence, and connect. Early Magic: Cards, Psychology, and Possibilities Devon started with card tricks, “kind of everyone’s entry point.” He explained that card magic involves numbers, memory, psychology, and timing. “It’s getting used to handling a deck of cards just like any tool.” He shares one of the mathematical realities that inspired him: If you shuffle a 52-card deck, “no deck has ever been in that exact order, and statistically, no deck in the future ever will be.” The concept mesmerized him: “It’s math, science and statistics and psychology.” “You get into, like, this weird area of random knowledge. For example, if you have a deck of 52 cards, figure out numerically how many possibilities are on a deck of cards. It is mathematically 52 factorial, which is 52 times 51 times 50, all the way down to one. Which means if you shuffle a deck of cards in the history of a deck of cards, no deck has ever been in that exact order. And statistically, no deck in the future ever will be in that exact order. It is a deck of cards and magic, but it’s also math, science and statistics. So, you start off with card tricks and then you branch into anything and everything from there.” Rejecting Gimmicks: “I Pride Myself on My Sleight of Hand” While some magicians use trick decks, Devon says, “I pride myself on my sleight of hand. I don’t ever want to be reliant on any kind of apparatus. That’s not magic.” He wants spectators to be able to inspect anything he uses. “Magic will come for those who seek it. I’ve always told people I don’t have any special capabilities that anyone else can’t develop. I just put in the time, the energy and the effort. Everyone wants the view from the top of the mountain, but very few people want to actually climb the mountain. And so it’s the destination, but it’s also more so the journey. So once you get the knack for cards and you develop that dexterity, then you see other things that are maybe more visual.” Learning Through YouTube and Persistence Devon began learning magic through YouTube “when I was like 9 or 10.” Some tricks came easily; others took relentless practice. “The cool thing about magic is that it kind of compounds a little bit… it builds the dexterity in your hand to then be able to do something totally different.” Beyond Cards: Ropes, Coins, Rings, and Mentalism Devon performs with cards, coins, rings, ropes, and also does mentalism—“reading minds.” He studied reading systems and even tarot, not spiritually, but “as a way to understand it for what it is.” He notes that ancient magicians, including shamans and the oracle at Delphi, used magic to bring people spiritual well-being and peace of mind, much like the psychological effects we recognize today. Magic as a Fine Art Devon believes magic belongs alongside poetry, storytelling, and painting. “Magic is so pervasive through human history,” he says, describing innovators like Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin and the famed Light and Heavy Chest illusion. “The effect would be that the magician might be able to lift the box. But when the box is set back down, no other spectator could lift it. Or maybe a child could lift it, but no adult could.“ This magician has been rumored to have stopped a violent revolt in Algeria that threatened to erupt into a full-scale war with France. In 1856, the French government commissioned him to perform his magic for Algerian tribal chiefs, who were being incited to rebellion by religious leaders claiming magical powers. Houdin’s show of superior illusion, including catching a bullet and the light and heavy chest trick, demoralized the rival magicians and quelled the uprising.  Defining Magic: “Perception Is Reality” Devon sees magic as the art of altering perception: “Magic is about perception… because perception is reality.” While science says matter cannot be created or destroyed, “a magician pulls a coin out of thin air.” The illusion forces us to confront the gap between what is real and what seems real. Close-Up, Parlor, Stage, and Specialization Devon explains that magicians often specialize in: Close-Up — his specialty Parlor Stage magic (Criss Angel, David Copperfield) Escapism Mentalism He prefers close-up and parlor for the “intimacy” they create. Silent Magic: Lessons from Teller Devon admires Penn & Teller. Teller doesn’t speak because “he found that the magic would speak for itself.” Devon notes that magicians unconsciously build misdirection into speech patterns, but Teller proves that “you could say absolutely nothing and let the magic speak for itself.” At 28: “Overwhelming, but in the Best Way” Devon loves connecting with people: “We all have stories… we’re like screaming, this is me, this is who I am.” Magic allows him to meet people and share meaningful experiences, because “none of us make it out alive… we’re all in the same playing field.” His signature maroon velvet suit and handlebar mustache? It’s intentional: “I love the vaudeville style of magic.” And yes—he wears velvet suit to work: “Oh, absolutely.” “Being a Magician Is a Mindset” Devon says: “Being a magician is not necessarily just a career choice… It’s a mindset.” A magician is “someone who creates their universe,” seeks knowledge, solves problems from new angles, and explores what is “possible versus impossible.” Magic teaches him to “tear open the fabric of reality for just a split second.” Magic in the Workplace: Connecting People Devon explains that magic at corporate events can make “two people who have been working together for ten years and just never seen each other” suddenly bond. Magic creates conversations that lead to genuine connection. “Magic speaks to everyone… it’s arguably unmatched in that regard.” Hypnosis: A Surprising First Attempt Devon once hypnotized his cousin after practicing from YouTube tutorials. Her hand stuck to the wall—so convincingly that “the genuine look of concern in her eyes told me, oh wait, this might be real.” When he released her, “you could hear the sound of her hand coming off the wall.” She told him, “my brain was telling my hand to move and it wouldn’t respond.” He explains that hypnosis is misunderstood but real, sharing examples like highway hypnosis while driving and gut-level decisions. Magic’s Origins in Misdirection and Thievery Devon discusses how the same psychological tools magicians use were once used by pickpockets and con artists. He references a historic painting depicting the cups and balls trick—“the oldest trick in the book”—where someone is performing magic while a thief steals a nearby spectator’s purse.”“In the ancient times of the Pharaoh, slaves would do magic tricks to distract the Pharaoh while others would sneak in and steal food. Some of the oldest magic tricks were removing the head of a goose and then reattaching it. And then the goose would walk or fly away.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZGY0wPAnus Devon also discussed a modern day master of deception, Apollo Robbins, who is one of the world’s leading experts on pickpockets and confidence crimes. Robbins made national news as the man who pick-pocketed the Secret Service while entertaining former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. He uses pick-pocketing and sleight-of-hand to demonstrate proximity manipulation, diversion techniques and attention control. Devon explained the science behind misdirection used by magicians: “There’s this little guy in your head and he’s running the security cameras and he sees everything, but he still has blind spots. You can only take in so much information at one time, and you don’t know what you don’t know. You can’t see what you can’t see. So there are times where if you’re looking here, something is happening elsewhere, or I’m setting something up in ten minutes, but because you don’t know what’s happening, you don’t know that me rubbing my nose is going to be something that helps me in like ten minutes. So there is like a core tool set, psychology.” Visit https://devonfaul.com/ or call 337-366-2014 to contact Devon Faul.

Our guest is Teri Dupuy-Gore, Executive Director of Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries, a Christ-centered outreach serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness, chronic poverty, hunger, and difficult life transitions. Teri shares how The Hub and its Lovewell Center at 1515 W. University Avenue in Lafayette, create a place to be present in our community and love people right where they are, offering not only practical resources but dignity, relationship, and restored hope. The Lovewell Center: Eat Well, Dress Well, Style Well, Smell Well Teri explains that Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries “actually unifies two separate ministries,” and that this conversation focuses on The Lovewell Center at 1515 W. University Within the Lovewell, members access four resource “stores”: Eat Well – “kind of like a Walmart where you can get toothpaste, toilet paper, nonperishable canned goods, things of that nature… like a mini Walmart.” Dress Well – gently-used men’s and women’s clothing: “belts, shoes, pants, coats… new socks and new underwear… gently used backpacks.” Style Well – “where you get your hair cut by a licensed beautician or barber.” Smell Well – “our six stackable commercial washers and dryers so you can wash your clothes.” All of these resources are available to members of the Lovewell Center. Membership & the Points System: “A hand up, not a hand out” Becoming a member is intentionally simple: “To be a member, you simply have to walk in and say, hey, I want to be a member. There’s no criteria.” When someone joins, the team takes basic information: name, phone number (if they have one), address (or notes if they’re living on the streets), and next of kin — “because we want to become your family… we want to be your family anyway.” New members “automatically get 20 points for just joining us.” The Lovewell uses a points system instead of cash so people can actively participate in their own progress: “You earn points by taking classes because we believe in healing and helping yourself… or you’d bring us your check stub from a job that you have now.” Teri explains that this model is particularly powerful “for people who are struggling in chronic poverty, because we can help you offset the cost of everyday life without using money, but using points… you get to make decisions.” Members can choose to “earn points and store them up, or earn points and spend them,” and that freedom is central to their approach: “We instill dignity and value in you… it’s a beautiful, beautiful opportunity for us to be able to be present in our community and love people right where they are.” Classes that Heal Broken Relationships At the heart of Lovewell are the classes that help people earn points and, more importantly, work toward inner healing: “Our classes are geared around broken relationships that we feel everyone has or will have — a broken relationship with God, a broken relationship with yourself, a broken relationship with others, or a broken relationship with creation. So our classes are all geared around healing in those areas.” Classes typically run for eight weeks and meet for one hour, once a week. Facilitators are often people who have personally wrestled with the same issues they’re teaching about: “I may overcome something and say, I would love to teach this class… using the experiences that I have and the healing that I’ve received… and share that with others. Giving them hope.” Communication classes are a key example: “For some of our members… it’s very natural to have a confrontational conversation. It’s not natural to scale that down to where it is speaking truth with grace. It’s usually just truth in your face.” The goal is to help everyone “have a voice and be heard” in “a polite and generous way.” Teri calls these classes “really the heart of the Lovewell Center” and “the heart of the mission of The Hub.” She sums up their mission this way: “Our mission statement is, “We’re on a mission to offer everyone in our city access to restored life. And we believe in what we call the four R’s: Rescue, Relationships, Resources and Recovery.” Community Meals & Daily Presence The Lovewell Center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the yard open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. For neighbors experiencing homelessness, it’s a safe place simply to belong: “If our friends experiencing homelessness need a place to go, they come and hang out with us, because they are wanted and belong.” Every Tuesday night a community meal is offerred “Every Tuesday night we have community meal, which means we all get together and eat dinner together. Anyone in the community is invited… We start at 6:00 and we’re usually finished by 7:15–7:30 p.m.” From 6:00–6:25 p.m., there are large-group activities — bingo, class time, or worship — and if you participate in those events as big group events, you earn ten points for that.” Teri shares that on Tuesday nights they see 125–150 people, and during the day they have “90 to 100 people every day” coming through for services, community, and support. Philosophy: “A hand up, not a hand out” Teri is deeply intentional about not harming the people they serve: “The core of the program is about empowering people through relationships to see themselves the way Christ sees them and to empower them to be all that God has called them to be.” She speaks candidly about common pitfalls in helping: “In a world of ministry where we all feel called to give, at some point giving hurts. We then take from the person and we steal their dignity and their value because we want to do for them what they can do for themselves.” That’s why she describes The Hub’s posture as, “We are a hand up, not a hand out. We are not there to be sympathetic, we are there to be empathetic. We want to sit in it with you and encourage you and remind you that you’re not alone.” How You Can Help Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries is 100% funded by donations by individuals, churches, grants, and in-kind gifts. Teri says: “Money is always welcome. It keeps the lights on. It keeps the coffee in the pots. It allows us to keep food on the shelves.” They also always need physical donations, especially: Canned soups and “top-protein” items Easy-open foods like beanie-weenies, tuna, pocket snacks Toilet paper and full-size toothpaste New men’s and women’s underwear (“men’s underwear… tagless colored brief boxers or they don’t leave the shelf”) Meals for Tuesday night community dinners and Wednesday morning breakfasts are donated and served by volunteers, including local partners and cooks like Kent Zerangue, who prepares “the most fabulous meal ever from homemade ice cream… and shrimp stew.” Teri emphasizes that everyone can do something: “Not everyone has the capacity to donate money. Not everyone has the capacity to donate their time… But everyone has the capacity to pray. Everyone has the capacity to pass on the word.” For more information on donating, volunteering, providing meals, or inviting Teri to speak, listeners can visit Hub Lafayette Urban Ministries at https://www.hublafayette.org/or connect via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thehuburbanministrieslafayette or their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/thehublafayette/?hl=en

Discover Lafayette welcomes Kent Zerangue, the founder of Food With Love, “a heart centered ministry of Hospice of Acadiana” that he first began in July 2017 when he offered to cook for a former classmate whose son had been diagnosed with a brain bleed. Kent had retired in March of 2017 with plans to open a catering business, but he experienced an epiphany that overshadowed any need to make money. He shares in our interview how his parents were devout followers of Jesus Christ and consistently demonstrated love to their family, neighbors, and community through their actions in helping and praying for others. Kent’s culinary journey with Hospice of Acadiana was jumpstarted by a simple meal of shrimp and okra gumbo. When he was 18, a neighbor’s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. The young woman loved the delicious shrimp and okra gumbo Kent’s mom would make, and he said, “I can still see my mom walking through the thick St. Augustine grass to bring Debra her shrimp and okra gumbo, and more importantly, to be present for a family in need.” Fast forward years later when Kent’s dad was in hospice care and a family friend came over with “shrimp and okra gumbo. The comfort that meal delivered was indescribable. This gumbo filled my stomach, but more importantly, this meal—this simple act of bringing food—placed unspeakable joy in my heart during a most difficult time.” Kent knew his retirement plans had to change. He decided to put aside notions of making a profit and begin cooking for families in need. Since then, Food with Love has grown dramatically in its outreach, mobilizing volunteers to prepare and deliver “delicious, comforting, home cooked meals to patients and their families,” providing nourishment, dignity, and what Kent describes as “a tangible that our community cares about.” Kent Zerangue assisted a longtime friend, Claire from his school days, when her 34-year old son was diagnosed with a brain bleed. He provided meals for the family while her son was in treatment in Houston. Kent shared that afterward, he began cooking for other families in need. By the end of his first year in cooking service, several other families were added to the food chain. When he saw Claire in person for the first time in 40 years she said “Kent, you are providing food with love!” Thus the name of the ministry was born. From One Family to 135 Families Kent began by cooking for one family, and within months, support and demand grew: “Over the first six months, we ended up with ten families.” His early recipients included “ALS patients… terminally ill, long term Parkinson’s.” “None of them were in hospice care. They just knew that I was cooking.” By February 2018, Kent approached Hospice of Acadiana to officially offer meals:“I kind of got my sea legs under me a little bit. And then they started giving me families.” By the end of 2018, he served about 60 families. Today, Food With Love serves about 135 families, preparing approximately 800 meals a week. The simple, profound message is “Jesus loves you. Jesus has always loved you. Jesus will never abandon you.“ The Move From His Backyard to a Commercial Kitchen For over 7 years, Kent cooked from his backyard commercial kitchen. Volunteers arrived naturally—“I had this lady call me one day…‘I’ve been watching you for about a year… Can I come volunteer?’ I didn’t even know I needed a volunteer.” Eventually he approached then-CEO Kacee Thompson of Hospice of Acadiana: “Do we want food with love to be something that continues for the long term? Her response was, “Absolutely.” She later called him saying, “Are you ready to start fundraising?” A space had become available on the side of Hospice of Acadiana, on the corner of Johnston and Christopher Street. Kent shared: “In less than 11 weeks, we had raised $1 million.” The kitchen is now fully paid for, USDA-approved, and equipped with the finest of equipment. On the day we recorded our podcast, Kent shared: “Today we cooked loaded baked potato soup. 40 gallons of it. And we will put it in individual meals tomorrow. We had 18 volunteers in the kitchen this morning helping cook bacon. We cooked 25 pounds of bacon and potatoes just to get the soup ready. We’re going to bag it, put it in bags, vacuum seal it, label it, freeze it. And then what a family does when they receive it, when they’re ready to eat it, put it in hot water, boil it for about five minutes and it’s ready to eat. Volunteer-Powered Ministry Food With Love has about 115 volunteers: “Half of those volunteers work in the kitchen.” “The other half, our delivery angels… visit, they pray with… They build this relationship with families.” Volunteers handle everything from chopping and baking to making ice cream. Kent emphasized the spiritual dimension: “No one thinks that they own it because it doesn’t belong to any of us. It’s his. It’s God’s.” What They Cook Kent cooks the foods he loves: “We make a lot of soups.” “Spaghetti and meat sauce.” “Lasagna.” “All of the stews.” “Fish courtbouillon.” Seasonal desserts like “fig cakes” (or “apple cakes” when figs are scarce). For Christmas:“We make them a full plate lunch… rice dressing, the pork and all the sides.” Food with Love’s beloved spaghetti is named Sadie Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, honoring Sadie, a teen whose hospice story is included in his book. Sadie loved Kent’s spaghetti sauce and insisted on eating only Kent’s version. (He did admit to adding brown sugar to the concoction!) Now, Kent says, “When I visit new families, I bring then Sadie’s spaghetti….I share her life, her purpose, and her journey home. Sadie’s mom insists: “Kent, never stop telling Sadie’s story. It keeps her alive.” Funding Food With Love Kent said, “For the first four years, my wife and I paid for the food costs.” As the ministry grew, Hospice of Acadiana began supporting food expenses. Community donors and partners like David Puckett of Café Sydnie Mae have also played a major role. Food costs now total $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Kent explained, “It’s important to me that the community backs what we do monetarily, because it helps Hospice of Acadiana to be able to supply this God driven mission.” And of course, beyond food, there are costs for bags, equipment repairs, utilities, insurance, and more. Becoming a Volunteer or Donor To volunteer: “First of all, I point people to our Food With Love Facebook page.” Contact Hospice of Acadiana volunteer services. Kent also invites people to call him directly: (425) 894-2723 To donate: “You can donate online at Hospice of Acadiana… there’s a pull down menu where you can direct the funds to Food with Love.” Father Howard Blessing is an active participant in Food with Love, and offers last rites for Hospice of Acadiana patients. Kent Zerangue wrote and published Holy Moments on the Journey Home: Food With Love Stories, a book that honors hospice families and highlights “insights about holiness at the end of life while emphasizing the importance of being present to the sick and dying.” All profits benefit Food With Love. You can purchase a copy for $20 at Hospice of Acadiana, Cafe Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge, or on Amazon here. Kent’s Life, Faith, and Influences Kent wakes daily at 3:30 a.m., spending two hours in prayer before starting his day:“My own relationship with Jesus and my prayer time.” He cherishes his grandchildren, loves sports, and is always thinking about food. Kent also shared deep admiration for his cousin, Father Floyd Calais, saying, “He was just the holiest of priests. The people’s priest. He was there for all of us.” There is a full chapter about him in Kent’s book. What Food With Love Needs Most Kent was clear about the ministry’s greatest need: “I need more delivery angels.”Not every one is a cook, but you can still help. He also explained the importance of prayer during visits: “Because when you pray with people, your relationship changes.” And he encourages volunteers not to fear the prayer aspect: “Don’t let that stop you. God has a plan for you. And it might be being a delivery angel. And we will help you with the prayer.”

Chanda Rubin – From Carencro to World Tennis Stardom This special episode of Discover Lafayette features an archival interview with Lafayette’s own Chanda Rubin, one of the greatest athletes to emerge from our community. Originally recorded in 2014 for Upper Lafayette on the Move, this conversation revisits Chanda’s remarkable journey—from a young girl learning to hit tennis balls against a chain-link fence in her family’s backyard to becoming a top-ten player in the world. Growing up in Carencro, Chanda was inspired by her parents, Judge Ed Rubin and Bernadette Rubin, who built a tennis court behind their home. What began as family recreation soon revealed Chanda’s natural talent and determination. By age seven, she was competing in tournaments; by her early teens, she was winning national titles. Her first tournament at Thomas Park may have ended in defeat, but it lit the fire that propelled her forward. Balancing her education at Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) with a burgeoning professional tennis career, Chanda turned pro at just fifteen. Despite traveling the world, she remained committed to academics—so much so that she skipped the French Open to graduate from high school with her class. Later, after retiring from professional tennis, Chanda earned her degree from Harvard University, embodying her lifelong belief in perseverance and education. Rubin is a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and USTA’s Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, and is a respected spokesperson for her sport locally and globally. Ranked as high as No. 6 in the world in singles in 1996, Chanda competed on the biggest stages, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, facing tennis legends such as Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis. She is one of the few Louisiana natives to have made it on the pro tennis circuit. Her career was defined not just by victories, but by the resilience and focus that continue to shape her success today. Chanda Rubin is a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and USTA’s Southern Tennis Hall of Fame. She captured a Grand Slam win in doubles at the Australian Open, as well as a Wimbledon Juniors singles crown at the age of 16. Chanda compiled a career singles record of 399-254 and was ranked as high as No. 6 in the world in April 1996. She ended her pro career in 2006, finishing with seven WTA singles titles and 10 doubles crowns. Chanda also served three terms on the USTA Board of Directors as an elite athlete representative and is a familiar face in tennis broadcasting, providing commentary at Grand Slam events. Chanda remains passionate about education, mentorship, and giving back to the community through motivational speaking and youth outreach. Her story reflects discipline, balance, and a deep appreciation for the lessons that sports and education impart.

Today we shine a spotlight on Louisiana Grass Roots, a compelling new documentary produced by Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard and directed by Jillian Godshall. This film captures the voices of everyday Louisianians working to preserve our state’s environmental and cultural heritage, highlighting powerful grassroots movements shaping our future. Jillian and Phyllis join us to share the inspiration behind the documentary, the stories that moved them most, and why community-driven action matters now more than ever. This episode is also special on a personal note—Jan Swift’s daughter, Kelly, who works in the film industry at the Manship Theater, made this introduction. Even though we all live and work in the same region, this documentary brought us together in a way that highlights what community truly means in South Louisiana. About the Filmmakers – In Their Own Words Director Jillian Godshall began by expressing gratitude for the local connection that made this collaboration possible. “I am a filmmaker. I’m also an educator. I’ve been doing both for over 15 years at this point. It’s taken me all over the world. I’m really glad to be here in Lafayette doing that work as well.” Her background is deeply rooted in documentary storytelling: “My background in filmmaking is mostly in documentary filmmaking. I’ve worked on big budget, large scale reality TV show stuff—don’t tell anyone—and all the way down to where I feel most comfortable now, which is working on smaller-scale independent projects, having more of the creative leadership role, directing and being super involved in every aspect of production.” Jillian also teaches video editing to incarcerated students through an organization called The Last Mile: “I currently teach video editing to incarcerated students… and work with Phyllis, hang out with Phyllis, plant plants with Phyllis.” Producer Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard shared her deep Louisiana roots and her global experience in science education: “I’m from Lafayette originally, grew up all over the South… I got a degree from USL in zoology and then went off to graduate school in biochemistry. I came back to Louisiana and started teaching at Xavier University, and I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.” Phyllis’ work has always focused on connecting people to the land and ecology around them: “Even as a biologist and teaching university students, I always was looking for local examples and to reconnect students outside the textbook to the biology that’s in their own backyard.” She emphasized the importance of place in identity: “When I came home, I heard French, I heard the music—you can really connect to this place.” The Origin of Louisiana Grass Roots: A Story Rooted in Place, Memory, and Rediscovery Jillian and Phyllis did not come together through a traditional film industry channel; they were united through a local experience that awakened something deeper. Phyllis explains that after returning to Lafayette and connecting with the Acadiana Master Naturalist Program, she began to understand the importance of the Cajun Prairie through firsthand fieldwork. “One of the topics is about the Cajun prairie… I had learned about the prairie, and I knew about it more from when we lived in Texas, because the people in and around Houston just ooh and ah about the prairie scientists we have over here: Larry Allen, Charles Allen and Malcolm Vidrine, who discovered what they have since called the Cajun Prairie. 2.5 million acres. Most of Southwest Louisiana was part of this prairie, which only less than 1% exists today.” It was during a field trip with the Master Naturalists that she crossed paths with Jillian: “I led one of the field trips and found out that Jill was a filmmaker, and I happened to say, ‘Oh, I just finished doing a film, The Quiet Cajuns, with Conni Castille.’ And her ears perked up and she said, ‘Well, I think we should make a film about the prairie.’” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA9xoYHoFKU Within two days, Jillian reached out to move the idea forward. It wasn’t a casual suggestion—it became a movement. Funding the Vision: Community as Catalyst Unlike many documentaries dependent on outside institutions, Louisiana Grassroots was made possible by local belief in the story. Jillian said: “We were filming this project for over two years and had such incredible support from people along the way to make it possible. It’s one of the better-funded small projects I’ve worked on, in large part because of the support of the community, because of Phyllis’ know-how and ability to communicate these ideas to the average person.” Phyllis detailed those early grant efforts: “The first grant we got was from the Acadiana Center for the Arts. We convinced them that we have this natural heritage around us that most of us, just because of modern life, are very disconnected from. We don’t really know what the land was like, what the people did there… and yet the reason our music and food are the way they are is because of the characteristics of the prairie and the bayous.” A still from Louisiana Grass Roots, shared by Director Jillian Godshall She emphasized the artistic power needed to reach people:“You need powerful art to communicate big ideas. The visual.” Additional support came from Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Louisiana Native Plant Society, UL-Lafayette Foundation, and Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society. “The Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society got us to the finish line to finish production.” Revealing a Vanishing Landscape: The Cajun Prairie as Cultural Ancestry The film explores a truth many Louisianians are completely unaware of: our Cajun and Creole identity—our music, food, language, even the way our ancestors lived—is rooted in the prairie ecosystem that once covered southwest Louisiana. Phyllis explains: “We are so proud of the music and the food that really make us who we are here. And yet the reason that they’re the way they are is because of the characteristics of the prairie and the bayous, the history of the people is the way it is because of the way the land is.” Photo of a goldenrod in a still from Louisiana Grass Roots, courtesy of Director Jillian Godshall The prairie is largely invisible now; not because it disappeared naturally, but because it was converted to agriculture due to its incredibly fertile soil. “That’s why we’ve lost the prairies, because it was such good agricultural land.” Jillian reflected on the challenge of visually capturing something that is mostly gone: “In many ways it’s invisible to the eye… a lot of what makes the plants in the prairie so ecologically beneficial is also invisible because it’s happening under the soil.” Jillian spent extensive time in the field not just filming, but learning: “I spent a tremendous amount of time with a camera, but more as a way to research and understand what was happening.” Capturing What Was Lost – And What Can Be Reclaimed One of the greatest challenges in producing Louisiana Grassroots was visualizing something that no longer exists in its original form. The Cajun Prairie, once 2.5 million acres spanning southwest Louisiana, is now less than 1% intact. To bring this hidden world to life, the filmmakers employed creativity and collaboration. “We were able to use animation to depict some of those invisible scientific processes, and we used a lot of archival footage to paint a picture of what the land was like and what the culture was like.” They also incorporated footage from the 1990s documentary Wildflowers of the Cajun Prairie by filmmaker Pat Muir: “It features many of the scientists who now, 30 years later, are in our film. To be able to include his footage from the original film was really special.” Phyllis points to these scientists, such as Dr. Malcolm Vidrine and Dr. Charles Allen, as the original visionaries: “They were really the ones who were able to communicate why it’s important, why it’s a significant part of our local cultural heritage, and they’re still doing that to this day.” Hope Instead of Doom: Telling an Environmental Story Differently Rather than present an environmental crisis narrative rooted in despair, Louisiana Grass Roots uplifts viewers by highlighting those actively restoring the land. Phyllis said of Jillian: “When you see that something is disappearing, there’s that sense of doom, and Jill’s work is about environmental commitment and stewardship. How do you convey the seriousness and urgency without a sense of doom? She does that by saying, yes, these are important things, and look at the people who are doing something about it.” Jillian affirmed the intention behind this filmmaking approach: “Filmmaking is the pinnacle of art mediums because it’s so immersive… you’re seeing and hearing and feeling and going along on a journey. It can be used for both good and bad. It’s always been really important to me to use it as a tool for positive change.” Jillian emphasized her goal: “I don’t want to contribute to this feeling of doom and gloom… I would hope that all of us are able to appreciate the landscapes that surround us enough to want to be inspired to be involved in saving them and protecting them and celebrating them.” Film as Education, Film as Transformation The impact of Louisiana Grass Roots is not merely informational—it is transformational. Phyllis shared a definition that guided her vision: “The definition of learning is that the quality of your experience of the world changes. If the world doesn’t look different after you studied, then you probably haven’t really learned anything.” That transformation begins with awareness. “When you drive down the road, you see fields or pasture and almost no one calls that prairie. But that’s what it is. My goal was that when you drive down the road, your eyes now see prairie.” Jillian shared her personal transformation in making the film: “Making this film helped me feel really grounded here. I’ve installed a 20 by 20 little pocket prairie in my yard. My children help me take care of those plants. It’s become part of my life.” Phyllis took it even further, restoring 30 acres of family land: “Steve Nevitt said, ‘I can tell this wants to be prairie again.’ When you become an expert in something, your world looks different.” The Cajun Prairie is not only an ecological treasure; it shaped the culture, music, and identity of Acadiana. This documentary honors the people who carry those traditions forward. Jillian shared how meaningful it was to include musicians and culture bearers whose artistry springs from the land itself: “We filmed with Geno Delafose and that was really special. His family members have been cattle ranchers for generations, and he is the first in his family to have been able to buy the land that he’s working cattle on. His music is in large part shaped by the land that his family has been working for generations. The film also features Grammy-nominated musician Blake Miller of The Revelers: “He is the son of the prairie himself. It felt very special to be able to include him in the project, as well as Megan Constantin.” Phyllis reflected on the deep connection between land, heritage, and identity in South Louisiana: The prairie is also a story of many peoples, not just one label: “We’ve lumped everything together as Cajun, but we have Indigenous heritage, African American heritage, Creole heritage, Irish, Scottish, German — we’re a blend. Most of us are mutts. And the land shaped all of us.” Indigenous Knowledge & The Power of Fire One of the most powerful lessons from Louisiana Grass Roots comes from Indigenous stewardship practices, shared by Dr. Jeffrey Darensbourg: “The land, when it was being managed by Indigenous practices, was actively being managed. We think of wilderness, but they were very aware of how to manage the land in a way that was sustainable.” This includes fire — a natural and necessary part of prairie ecology.  One of the big drivers of prairie health and restoration were prescribed burns. When you burn, you bring up fresh growth which brings in more bison. We grew up with Smokey the Bear, but those burns have been critical.” The documentary reframes our understanding of “wild land,” showing that nature thrives when people work with it, not against it. Where the Prairie Lives Today Phyllis shares where remnants of the Cajun Prairie can still be found: “The biggest tracts are south of Lake Charles. Some are on railroad rights-of-way, because mowing and burning for maintenance accidentally mimicked natural prairie processes.” And on private family lands: “There are lots of families who have acreage. Maybe the land is no longer farmed, and they can get federal support to restore prairie ecosystems. It builds soil and has benefits for farmers.” How the Film Was Made Jillian described the painstaking work of capturing a lost landscape: “Lists and lists and sleepless nights… I like to have a good plan, but you need to be flexible because you’re documenting real life.” The film took more than two years, with over 30 hours of footage edited down to 28 minutes: “We worked with a wonderful local editor, R. J. Comeaux… he did an amazing job.” Louisina Grass Roots was filmed locally with an all local crew. Directed by Jillian Godshall Produced by Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard Featuring Geno Delafose, Megan Constantin, Dr. Jeffery Darensbourg, Dr. Charles Allen, Dr. Malcolm Vidrine, Larry Allain, and Steve Nevitt. Director of Photography Rush Jagoe Additional Camera Drake LeBlanc and Jillian Godshall Drone André Daugereaux Sound Jillian Godshall and Rachel Nederveld Swing/G&E Drake LeBlanc Associate Producer Rachel Nederveld Production Assistant Maggie Russo Editor and Colorist RJ Comeaux Post Production Supervisor Allison Bohl Dehart Animation Camille Broussard Archival Footage Pat Mire Score Blake Miller Additional Music Geno Delafose Supported by Acadiana Center for the Arts, Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Louisiana Native Plant Society, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation, Acadiana Native Plant Project Screenings & How to Watch The documentary has already been shown to enthusiastic audiences across Acadiana — from Vermilionville to Moncus Park — often alongside seed-collecting and restoration events: “By the end of the year, we will have screened the film 20 times.” Upcoming screenings include: NUNU Collective, Arnaudville — November 14 Southern Screen Film Festival — Mid-November Crowley Forum — The film is currently touring community screenings, with future plans to stream online and enter schools and libraries. There are also plans for curriculum pieces and educational video modules. . If you are interested in having the 30-min film screened in your area, please contact Dr. Griffard at ourlouisianabio@gmail.com. Follow the project for updates: 📷 Instagram & Facebook: Louisiana Grass Roots Final Reflections This documentary is not simply about plants — it is about place, identity, and stewardship. Phyllis said it beautifully: “The definition of learning is that the quality of your experience of the world changes.” Jillian added: “I hope all of us are able to appreciate the landscapes that surround us enough to be inspired to protect them and celebrate them.” Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard and Jillian Godshall

Heidi McDonald and Jason Stoner, the passionate duo behind Foodies of Lafayette and the Lafayette Community Fridge Program, join Discover Lafayette. Their mission blends a love for local restaurants with compassion for those facing food insecurity — all while promoting dignity, kindness, and connection within the Lafayette community. The Origin of Foodies of Lafayette Heidi McDonald founded Foodies of Lafayette as a Facebook group to celebrate good restaurants and people in the region, with one caveat — no negativity allowed. “I basically have two careers at this point,” she shared. “I don’t think that I fully comprehended in the beginning what it could be, what that impact could be. Jason came on board early on and made me see some things that I didn’t — just how it could grow, the organicness of the friendships that were happening and the power behind that.” With over 112,000 followers at the time of recording this interview (and 113,700 a week later), Foodies of Lafayette has become a true culinary movement that uplifts both local restaurants and the people who enjoy them. The Birth of the Lafayette Community Fridge The Lafayette Community Fridge Program came under Foodies’ umbrella in late 2024. Jason explained, “The Lafayette Community Fridge was started in 2021 by another group of individuals. By the end of last year, only a couple of people were left, and Erinn Quinn, reached out to us and said, ‘Hey, would you like to take this over as a Foodies thing?’” Jason admitted he felt an instant calling: “I really wanted to take this on. Heidi let me have it. I said, ‘I’ll handle most of the work, but I really want this.’ So she allowed me to have this baby, and it’s dear to me.” Through Foodies’ reputation and community reach, people came forward to help. Jason said, “One of our first needs was to collect $30 a month for the electricity at McMillan’s Pub to run the utilities for the fridge. We don’t want Robin to come out of her pocket. We need to provide that. We had so many people donating that $30 and they’re like, how much do you need? Some would say, here’s six months. That paid us through 2026.“ How the Fridge Works The Lafayette Community Fridge has two locations — at McMillan’s Pub (2905 East Simcoe) in Lafayette and T-Boy’s in Abbeville. It is open 24/7 to anyone who needs food or wishes to contribute. And it is not just food that is needed; the sites also need power, regular maintenance, and clean outs. Jason described how restaurants donate fresh, ready-to-eat meals rather than just shelf-stable goods. “There’s so much waste,” he said. “Why can’t we just be a little more efficient with organizing where it goes instead of the trash can?” He praised Toby and Joey Lagneaux, owners of Lagneaux’s, for stepping up early: “We’ve got a lot of food coming off the buffet daily. Toby said, ‘Absolutely. We’ve been throwing it away. I would rather it go somewhere.’” To keep meals safe, Taylor’s International donated 6,000 three-compartment Styrofoam containers, and Seth Randall of Logic Refrigeration provided a double commercial fridge. “No one touches the food between Lagneaux’s and the fridge,” Jason emphasized. “It’s picked up and taken directly to the fridge.” Community Participation and Dignity For Heidi, the heart of the program is dignity. “It’s not less dignified to need something,” she said. “We just don’t know people’s stories. What if they’re getting it for their entire family? Or for a whole neighborhood because there’s only one vehicle? We all have the ability to give back. It’s not going to hurt us.” She continued, “Just because someone is coming and picking up a meal from the fridge doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have anything to offer, because we can all help each other. It’s been really beautiful watching people come to pick up dinner and then realizing, ‘Oh, I have an extra can of something at home that I haven’t been using. I can come and put that and help somebody else.’ There’s strength in that. That’s the resiliency of our people — our ability to come together and love each other.” Volunteer Infrastructure and Sustainability Running the program requires daily dedication. “Getting volunteers organized is the big uphill battle,” Heidi noted. “People want to help, but they get busy.” Jason keeps operations running smoothly with “Sign Me Up Genius,” an online volunteer scheduler. “We’ve got close to 40 people that have volunteered,” he said. “They volunteer their own vehicle, their gas… it takes 45 minutes, maybe an hour. The volunteers collectively drive about 650 miles a month, and are estimated to deliver approximately 9,000 meals in this first year. Impact Stories Community generosity comes in all forms. “One of the gentlemen I work with, Craig Stelly, when he’s got a couple of extra hours on the weekend, he’ll cook 20 or 30 plate lunches — a gumbo or lasagna — and just go drop it off,” Heidi said. “We’ve got grannies that make a couple extra batches of cookies. Everybody thinks to donate canned goods, but not very many people donate all the good stuff.” The Nonprofit and Its Board When Foodies took over the fridge, they also inherited its nonprofit status. “It was already a 501(c)(3), and Heidi and I moved the ownership over to our board,” Jason explained. “We do have a board for the community fridge. It’s a great board of people, and we thank them for sitting on it.” Community Potluck and Fundraising The group’s Foodies Potluck at Lagneaux’s is an upcoming fundraiser for the Lafayette Community Fridge being held on November 2, 2025. “We invite members to bring a dish, a way to serve that dish, and a nonperishable for the fridge,” Jason said. “There were about 150 attendees last year — that’s 150 dishes. This year, it booked 200 people in under two weeks.” Heidi added, “This is a fundraiser for the fridge now. There’ll be door prizes, an auction, and great items donated by local businesses. It’s truly a community effort.” Vision for the Future Heidi and Jason hope to continue expanding their reach, and when asked what a dream wish would be, Jason shared, “We would really love, love, love to bring Lafayette a food festival. With music, food, chefs — because in our area, food is equal to music in terms of importance.” They also are looking to expand their Culinary Excellence Awards beyond Lafayette Parish. “There are great restaurants outside Lafayette that deserve recognition too.” How to Get Involved While the original Lafayette Community Fridge Facebook page remains inactive due to lost credentials of its previous managers, most updates and volunteer opportunities are shared through the Foodies of Lafayette Facebook group. “The best way is still through Foodies of Lafayette,” Jason said. “You’ll see posts with a ‘Sign Me Up Genius’ link. It’s highlighted on the page and connects you to everything — volunteer, donate, or just get involved.” A Community of Giving “It’s nice to be able to use the Foodies of Lafayette voice for good,” Heidi said. “It’s nice to know that if I’m really in need and I throw out, ‘I need drivers now,’ people will step up and say, ‘We got you.’” Jason summed it up perfectly: “This is a community fridge. It’s your fridge. It’s all of our fridge — to put food in or take food out. It takes a village.”

Our guest, Dr. Caroline Jurisich, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her inspiring work with The Quad, a Lafayette-based program helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue learning, building independence, and forming meaningful social connections after leaving school. A Lifelong Passion for Education and Inclusion Originally from North Louisiana, Caroline earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from LSU and initially worked in that field. But her career path changed after she began working with students who had emotional and behavioral challenges. She went on to earn her Master’s at UL Lafayette and taught in the Lafayette Parish School System before being recruited to help develop and teach in UL LIFE, an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. “When I started with UL LIFE in 2014, there were about 200 programs like it in the country,” she recalled. “Now, there are 364.” The program, which began as a small pilot with local students, has since expanded to 35 students from across the U.S. who live on campus, participate in university classes, and are fully integrated into campus life. As the program grew, Caroline noticed a troubling pattern: “Once these students graduated, they secured employment, but there was still a gap in opportunities for continued learning and in maintaining the skills they’d developed.” That realization led her to found The Quad in 2023. Filling the Gap After Graduation Located in the Oil Center at 1021 E St Mary Blvd., Suite A, The Quad serves adults aged 18 to 62 who have completed high school or college-based programs and are seeking continued education, social engagement, and life skills training. “I’m a big believer in building a strong foundation before branching out,” Caroline said. “We’re focused on what we call learning sessions—structured, engaging opportunities to develop practical skills without feeling like school.” The Quad offers 26 sessions a week, each about real-world abilities: Money Smarts: budgeting, banking, and financial literacy. Vocational Training: preparing for, securing, and maintaining employment. Social and Relationship Skills: navigating family, friendship, and workplace dynamics. Independent Living Skills: cooking, meal planning, grocery budgeting, and household management in their full kitchen lab. Each session is small and tailored. “We want to make sure it’s meaningful for every individual,” she said. “Independence doesn’t necessarily mean doing it all by yourself—it means knowing when to ask for help, knowing your strengths, and building on both.” The Quad also emphasizes community engagement. Members participate in service projects such as filling the Lafayette Community Fridge, supporting Second Harvest, and organizing toy drives. “We remind our members that to be an active, engaged part of your community, you also have to give back,” Caroline said. Creating Belonging and Connection Social isolation after leaving school is a major challenge for adults with disabilities. Caroline has seen firsthand how The Quad helps bridge that gap. “There’s so much research on the impact of isolation—higher rates of depression and anxiety once individuals leave school,” she explained. “At The Quad, they have a space for connection, shared experiences, and casual practice of social skills.” Each Friday, The Quad hosts Happy Hour—a relaxed afternoon where members gather for games, conversation, and community. “Some play air hockey, some just hang out. For many, weekends can be isolating, so this helps fill that gap with friendship and laughter.” Members often form their own social groups. “We’ve had young men who didn’t know each other before The Quad but now meet regularly to play cards or go out to lunch together. That’s huge.” A Member-Focused Community Caroline insists on calling participants members, not clients. “They’re adults. This isn’t a sterile environment—it’s their space. Just like being a member of the Junior League or City Club, they belong here.” The Quad currently serves just over 30 members but has capacity for three times that number within its 3,600-square-foot facility. “We’ve been intentional about growth,” she said. “After two years, we know what works and what doesn’t. Now we’re looking to expand services like occupational therapy, counseling, and business partnerships for employment training.” Funding and the Fight for Modern Support The Quad is currently a private pay organization, but Caroline is working toward broader funding options. “We’d love to be a Medicaid provider. The process is complex, but we’re partnering with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services to support members focused on vocational skills.” She noted that current federal and state funding systems often don’t fit modern models like The Quad. “We’re not an adult daycare. We’re supplemental to a well-rounded life that includes work and community involvement. But because we don’t fit old categories, our members can’t use certain funding. That’s something we’re working hard to change.” The Meaning Behind the Name The name The Quad is both personal and symbolic. “I kept drawing four boxes—body, mind, heart, spirit—when I was brainstorming about what to name this endeavor. My mom saw it and said, ‘What about The Quad?’ It just clicked.” The name also nods to college life. “On every campus, the Quad is where people gather. I wanted our members to say, ‘I’m a member of The Quad,’ just like anyone else says they belong somewhere.” Looking Ahead Caroline envisions The Quad as a model for lifelong inclusion. “We want to grow thoughtfully—add more members, expand our services, and deepen our partnerships with local businesses,” she said. “It’s about helping people live their best, most connected, and independent lives.” When asked about what she’s learned most through this journey, she smiled: “Patience. And the importance of admitting when something doesn’t work. It’s not failure if you learn from it.” Outside of work, Caroline enjoys Lafayette’s festivals and community life with her two children. “Anything Lafayette offers—we’re there.” Learn More To learn more about The Quad, visit thequadusa.com, call 337-999-QUAD (7823), email thequadusa@outlook.com, or follow @thequadlouisiana on social media. Caroline also welcomes collaborations with local businesses, organizations, and individuals who share her mission: “Even if you don’t know exactly how we could work together—reach out. We’ll find a way.”

Fabian Patin, a Lafayette architect whose name has become synonymous with the preservation and beautification of Rotary Point, a peaceful sanctuary on the Bayou Vermilion, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his decades-long dedication to Lafayette’s waterways and the enduring spirit of civic service that drives the Rotary Club of Lafayette. He has been a loyal member of the club for decades. Origins of Rotary Point and the Bayou Vermilion Revival Rotary Point came to life in the 1980s through a partnership among the Rotary Clubs of Lafayette, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the creation of Bayou Vermilion District. At the time, Lafayette was in the throes of the oil bust, and the once-vibrant bayou had fallen into neglect and pollution. Patin recalled how his colleague, attorney, Bob Cole, then Lafayette Chamber president, looked beyond the downturn: “Rather than worrying about it, Bob said, let’s do some things to improve it. We’ve got a bayou; it’s not the best one now, but it can be.” Cole’s optimism led to the creation of a master plan for the Vermilion River. Half the funding came from private citizens and companies, the other half from the City of Lafayette. That plan inspired state legislation to create the Bayou Vermilion District, a nine-member commission—of which Fabian was an original commissioner—charged with implementing restoration and access projects. To secure federal funding under the Dingell-Johnson Act, Lafayette needed a 20 percent local match. Fabian and local leaders convinced the Parish Council to contribute the unused 400-foot right-of-way from West Bayou Parkway to the Vermilion as the local match. The federal funds, championed by then U.S. Senator John Breaux, completed the financing. Fabian recalled, “If you give us the right to use that land for our 20 percent match, that can be our 20 percent—and it worked.” How Rotary Point Got Its Name Initially conceived as a simple boat launch, the site evolved when Fabian—active in both the Bayou Vermilion District and Rotary—saw an opportunity: “If I can go to our Rotary Clubs and say, look, if we call it Rotary Point, I think I can get our clubs to pay for the overlook.” That promise birthed Rotary Point, with local Rotary Clubs funding the overlook while the Bayou Vermilion District handled access improvements. It became one of the first public boat launches on the Vermilion and a shared symbol of civic collaboration. Stewardship and Beautification Through the years, the Bayou Vermilion District has continued major maintenance—most notably replacing the aging wooden bulkhead with steel reinforcements—while the Rotary Club of Lafayette maintains and beautifies the grounds. Fabian, now 81 years of age, can still be found there almost every day: mowing, planting, spreading mulch, or supervising upgrades. The site now features benches, picnic tables, irrigation, flowering azaleas, and majestic live oaks—many planted to honor international Rotary presidents. Fabian explained how community partnerships brought the space to life: Azalea Trail volunteers donated 35 azaleas. Trees Acadiana, led by Sarah Schoeffler, provided and planted dozens of plants and live oaks. Compost from Lafayette Parish enriched the soil, coordinated by Rotarian Stan Messenger, who negotiated increased deliveries of mulch and soil for the park. Dr. Jim Rees established a Peace Pole inscribed in eight languages reading “May peace prevail on Earth.” Centennial Monument and the Sugar Mill Gears In 2020, to commemorate the Rotary Club of Lafayette’s 100th anniversary, Fabian spearheaded the construction of a striking centennial monument. The centerpiece: enormous gears salvaged from historic sugar mills, a visual echo of Rotary’s gear-wheel emblem. “We poured concrete on site. Rotarians learned how to pour concrete.” Despite an initial $100,000 goal reduced by COVID-era constraints to $18,000, local Rotarians secured, transported, and refurbished the multi-ton gears, some weighing up to 12,000 pounds. The result is one of Lafayette’s most unique landmarks. And it was definitely a hands-on project, as Fabian explained: “One of the smallest gears, and that is seven foot four, was around 12,000 pounds. And Stan Messenger had to go pick it up in his truck and man, it was dragging. The mud flaps were flopping on the concrete.” Technology Meets Tradition Recent additions at Rotary Point include Wi-Fi-enabled irrigation and lighting systems, allowing Fabian and contractors to control water and lighting remotely from their phones. Rotary Point even provides free Wi-Fi to visitors—a small example of how the park bridges heritage and modern convenience. Rotary’s Global Mission of Peace and Health Fabian reflected proudly on Rotary International’s broader legacy in eradicating polio worldwide. He explained how Rotary’s global network—trusted across political and cultural lines—enabled vaccination programs even where governments could not reach, aided by Bill Gates’ two-for-one matching grants. Rotary worldwide has contributed more than $2.6 billion to fight polio, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985. In 1988, Rotary joined in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance later joined. When the initiative launched, there were 350,000 cases of polio every year. Today the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent. World Polio Day is on October 24, 2025. The Peace Pole, installed in 2023 and dedicated to Fabian, reinforces Rotary’s worldwide pursuit of peace. “Jim Rees (a fellow Rotarian) has believed in the peace pole, which actually was created in the 50s in Japan because of the problems they had in World War II. The concept was to have peace throughout the world. This is Jim’s fourth Peace Pole. It’s a four inch by four inch by various heights. Ours is tall enough to have in eight languages. Basically it says, “May peace prevail on Earth.” A Life in Architecture and Service Beyond Rotary, Fabian built a respected career in architecture. His firm handled diverse work—residential, public, and forensic. After the 1980s oil and gas business downturn, he specialized in forensic architecture, analyzing structural failures and materials, and taught at both UL Lafayette and the University of Illinois. He even chaired the committee that developed North America’s architectural licensing exam. Still keeping current his architect license current, about “99.9% of my work is forensic. Older buildings that are failing or have problems—I like solving them. I’d do it for entertainment.” Looking Ahead: A Foundation for the Future Now 81, Fabian’s focus is ensuring Rotary Point’s long-term survival. “My dream right now is to create a foundation for its long-term survival. That’s my current problem-solving.” He hopes to establish a structure that sustains maintenance and beautification without burdening taxpayers—a “win-win for everyone.” A Passion for Nature and Sailing A master gardener and lifelong sailor who enjoys competitive sailing, Fabian’s hobbies intertwine with his stewardship of Rotary Point. From a family of master gardeners, Fabian figured, “If I’m going to really do some stuff at Rotary Point, I better start learning.” His love of native plants—like the red buckeye, donated by Al Rees—reflects the same thoughtful, hands-on care that defines his civic legacy. Visiting Rotary Point Rotary Point is located at 245 West Bayou Parkway, near South College Road. The park offers boat access, walking trails, and tranquil views of Bayou Vermilion. More information is available through the Bayou Vermilion District and Rotary Club of Lafayette websites. Fabian Patin’s decades of devotion remind us that community improvement begins with stewardship—one tree, one bench, and one problem solved at a time. Rotary Point stands as both a local treasure and a living testament to what vision and persistence can build. We can all live better lives if we ask ourselves the same four questions all Rotarians follow: