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The French Table will once again get going this Friday at 11 a.m.

La Table Française d’Erath: French Table in Erath restarts its fun, French on Fridays

Will kick off this Friday at 11 a.m. at Erath City Hall

ERATH — Les Amis du Français en Vermillon (Friends of French in Vermilion) is excited to announce that its weekly French table discussion group, La Table Française d’Erath, will begin meeting again at 11:00 am on Friday, March 17, at Erath City Hall, located at 115 West Edwards St. in Erath. Past attendees from across Acadiana are thrilled that La Table Française d’Erath is starting up again after having been postponed for a while due to unforeseen circumstances.
“March is marked as ‘Le mois de la Francophonie’, a global celebration of the French language, Francophone culture and the diversity of those who speak it,” said Layla Melancon, Director of Les Amis du Français en Vermillon. She continued, “This makes it the perfect month for us to celebrate coming together again, and even more fun because it will be on St. Patrick’s Day.”
La Table Française d’Erath provides a place to share the French language, as well as stories of the communities’ strong French culture, and the days when the French language and ways were a part of everyday life. The weekly event promotes the understanding, study and appreciation of our native French language.
Whether a Francophone (a speaker of the French language), or a Francophile (a person that loves and wants to be a part of the French culture), La Table Française d’Erath is open to all. Les Amis du Français en Vermillon encourages any person with any type of French dialect to participate—Cajun, Creole, international and others. La Table Française d’Erath gives locals, as well as tourists and visitors, a place to gather on a regular basis to practice speaking French, allowing participants to maintain or develop their language skills, along with keeping the areas ties to its French culture alive.
“Both young and old, and any skill level, are invited to come and enjoy some fun and French on Fridays,” said Melancon. She continued, “It's through the laughter, the stories, the songs and the French language that Louisiana's rich Acadian culture has its best chance for survival, and that’s what matters most.”
Passionate about her strong French heritage and sincere love of the French language, Melancon did extensive research and discovered that Vermilion parish, an area rich in Cajun and Creole history, is one of the top three Louisiana parishes with the highest percentage of French speakers. Prior to it being postponed, there were so many across Vermilion and Lafayette Parish that were enjoying attending the weekly French table in the Erath area. With that said, the previous location, the Erath Library, seemed a little crowded at times, especially when there was a guest speaker or special event.
“With the overwhelming response our French table has had since it first began, Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci recognized the need for more space and offered Erath City Hall as our new meeting location,” stated Melancon. “He has always been very enthusiastic and supportive of all of the events and activities hosted by Les Amis du Français en Vermillon, and we are truly grateful,” expressed Melancon.
“Erath City Hall is conveniently located right next to the internationally-known Acadian Museum, making it a perfect place to continue our meetings,” shared Melancon. “The Acadian Museum commemorates and honors the Acadian heritage and Cajun people of Louisiana, and it makes us proud to see the attendees visiting the museum afterwards.”
Les Amis du Français en Vermillon is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of French language, heritage and culture, and to the continued success of French education in Vermilion parish. For information on becoming a member of Les Amis du Français en Vermillon, and/or making a donation to help them continue to provide French cultural learning experiences, enrichment activities and events for students studying French in Vermilion parish, please email the organization’s Director, Layla Melancon, at vermilionfrench@gmail.com.

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(Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
UL Lafayette’s B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration has been included among The Princeton Review’s “Best Business Schools for 2023.”

UL Lafayette's B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration recognized by The Princeton Review

The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is included among The Princeton Review’s “Best Business Schools for 2023."
The college was included on the education service company’s “Best Business Schools" list, which considered 243 schools for their on campus MBA programs. UL Lafayette also has an online MBA program which features the same curriculum.
The Princeton Review does not rank programs in numerical order, or name one business school as best overall as part of the list. Instead, profiles of each school and information in areas such as academics, admissions and careers are provided to help students and parents make enrollment decisions.
“We recommend these schools highly and with great regard for the MBA programs they offer,” Rob Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief, stated in a press release. “Since we developed our business school rankings more than two decades ago, our goal, every year, has been to help applicants choose the MBA programs best for them.”
The “Best Business School’s” list is compiled based on institutional data and surveys of administrators from each of 243 schools for the last three academic years. Surveys of students enrolled in those business schools’ on-campus MBA programs and recent graduates are also considered. Respondents weigh in about their school’s academics, campus life and career plans.
P. Robert Viguerie Jr., the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration’s associate dean for Graduate and Executive programs, said the college’s inclusion in the “Best Business Schools for 2023” underscores “the caliber of our faculty and staff members and students, as well as the high academic standards we set for our programs.”
“The recognition is especially rewarding given that it is based, in part, on student surveys, which indicates we offer a stimulating and supportive learning environment that will prepare them to seek the careers and jobs they want,” he added.
The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its test-prep courses, tutoring, books and other student resources. It is not affiliated with Princeton University.
Learn more about the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at business.louisiana.edu.

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Yvonne Mae Hebert Adams

November 18, 1936 ~ March 11, 2023

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Yvonne Mae Hebert Adams, 86, who passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023 at her residence after a lengthy illness. She was laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers were Corey Adams, Boyd Adams, Brandon Mills, Adam Baudoin, Norman Baudoin and Patrick Lemaire.
Yvonne loved her children fiercely and would do anything for them
She is survived by her four children, Vanessa Adams, Annette Adams, Corey Adams and Boyd Adams; her eight grandchildren; and her four great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon Adams; her son, Jason Adams; and her parents, Avnair Hebert and the former Theoza Bertrand.
The family requested that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 8 a.m. until the procession departs for the church at 1 p.m.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276. Condolences may be sent to the Adams family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Tina Faye Suire

ABBEVILLE — A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday March 20, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville, with Reverend Louis Richard officiating, honoring the life of Tina Faye Suire, 66, who died Monday, August 16, 2021, at her residence. 
Tina was a graduate of Abbeville High School in 1974. She worked for Southern Oaks, formerly Abbeville Country Club for a total of 28 years. Many would say she was “Queen of the Kitchen”, known for her famous hamburgers and fried chicken. Her smile was one of kind and her laugh was contagious. She never met a stranger and she was loved by all who knew her.
Tina is survived by one daughter, Paige Suire Vincent; son in-law, Jace A. Vincent; granddaughter, Jaci A. Vincent; sister-in-law, Patricia Romero Suire; and two great-nieces, Emily Mire and Karly Segura.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Gregory Suire; her father, Annis "AJ" Suire; and her mother, Earline Leblanc Suire.
She was also a beloved Godmother, honorary mother, sister, aunt and friend to so many people in her life. She had a giving nature and strived to help anyone in need, whether it was a hot meal or a good story, she knew how to bring a smile to anyone's face.
She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visiting hours will begin on Monday March 20, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. A reception will be held after the Mass at the Southern Oaks Country Club, 10924 Veterans Memorial Drive, Abbeville. (337) 893-5203
Tina's family request that floral arrangements be delivered to Southern Oaks Country Club, 10924 Veterans Memorial Drive, Abbeville. 

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VEDA's Victoria Sagrera Bourque and Patrick Duhon with LA District 47 Representative Ryan Bourriaque and Cameron Parish representatives with U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins.

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VEDA's Victoria Sagrera Bourque and Patrick Duhon with LA District 47 Representative Ryan Bourriaque and Cameron Parish representatives with U.S. Congressman Garret Graves.

Vermilion Economic Development Alliance takes part in District 47 Federal Delegation update with Rep. Bourriaque

Recently, Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA) took to the friendly skies in route to the nation’s capital where business meets policy—Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Louisiana State Representative Ryan Bourriaque of District 47 invited two members of Vermilion Economic Development Alliance to accompany him on behalf of Vermilion Parish, alongside Cameron Parish representatives, in a District 47 update with federal delegation members. VEDA representatives included program administrator, Victoria Sagrera Bourque, and vice-president of the board and Abbeville Harbor and Terminal President, Patrick Duhon.
Representative Bourriaque’s District 47 update included a primary objective of outreach and issue discussions with federal delegation members including U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy and staff, U.S. Senator John Kennedy’s office, U.S. Congressman Garret Graves and staff, U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins and staff, and U.S. Congresswoman Julia Letlow. Through significant and meaningful meetings, emphasis was made on subjects regarding insurance, infrastructure including highways and lock systems, a diversified economy, appropriation for the Southwest Coastal Study, coastal protection and restoration efforts, agriculture, and much more. Additionally, the group engaged in several networking events including Cheniere, Venture Global and Tellurian receptions.
In unified efforts to elevate Vermilion Parish on a local, state and federal level, significant opportunities such as a presence in Washington, D.C. and time spent with our delegation members is critical in connecting local issues and needs with policymakers to accomplish change and growth. On behalf of VEDA, we thank and greatly appreciate Representative Bourriaque’s leadership, inclusion, and look forward to moving Vermilion Parish forward, together.

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Chris Landry / The Abbeville Meridional
Vermilion Catholic senior Lewis Briggs Jr. (24) was named first-team All-District 7-A after averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds a game in district this past season.

Vermilion Catholic's Lewis Briggs named to District 7-A first team

Lewis Briggs Jr. of Vermilion Catholic was named to the Boys’ All-District 7-A basketball team by the league’s coaches.
His VC teammates Clent “C.J.” Briggs Jr. and Jonathan Dartez were second team picks and John Fontenot was an honorable mention to the All-District team.
Dartez also was named to the All-Defensive Team.
Lewis Briggs, a senior, averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game in district and had 30 assists and 50 steals.
Clent Briggs, also a senior, averaged 15 points and five rebounds a game and had 31 assists and 39 steals in district.
Dartez, a sophomore, averaged 14 points and six rebounds a game in district and had 35 assists and 63 steals.
Joining Lewis Briggs on the first-team All-District list were senior Damondrick Blackburn and sophomore Benjamin Case of Central Catholic, junior Charlie Dartez of Highland Bapitst and senior Richard Lumpkin of Jeanerette.
Blackburn was voted the MVP for the district and Ree Case of Central Catholic was the Coach of the Year.
Joining C.J. Briggs and Dartez on the second team were Central Catholic senior Vernon Singleton, Hanson senior Gabe baker, Centerville senior Milton Schexnayder and Jeanerette senior Kelby Guillory.
Dartez was joined on the Defensive Team by Centerville’s Jayvion Coleman, Central Catholic’s Vernon Singleton, Covenant Christian’s Landon Winslow, Hanson’s Eugene Foulcard, Highland Baptist’s Bronson Charles and Jeanerette’s Zylun Hurst.

All-District 7-A Boys’ Basketball Team

First Team
Damondrick Blackbun Central Catholic Sr.
Benjamin Case Central Catholic So.
Charlie Dartez Highland Baptist Jr.
Richard Lumpkin Jeanerette Sr.
Lewis Briggs Vermilion Catholic Sr.

MVP
Damondrick Blackburn, Central Catholic
Coach of the Year
Ree Case, Central Catholic

Second Team
Vernon Singleton Central Catholic Sr.
Gabe Baker Hanson Memorial Sr.
Milton Schexnayder Centerville Sr.
Clent Briggs Vermilion Catholic Sr.
Kelby Guillory Jeanerette Sr.
Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic So.

Defensive Team
Jayvion Coleman Centerville
Vernon Singleton Central Catholic
Landon Winslow Covenant Christian
Eugene Foulcard Hanson Memorial
Bronson Charles Highland Baptist
Zylun Hurst Jeanerette
Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic

Honorable Mention
Vermilion Catholic: John Fontenot; Centerville: Central Catholic: Gary Nicar, Dominic Case, Angelo Viscardi, Landon Lipari, Nylan Williams; Covenant Christian: Mikey Carey, Kabren Thomas; Hanson Memorial: Dylan Inzina, Tannor Theriot; Highland Baptist: Garrett Barras; Jeanerette: Cetreon Gilmore, Traville Frederick

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Erath, Abbeville players on Coaches All-State team

Erath’s Christian Pillette and Reese Domingue and Abbeville’s Tezarron Stewart were all named to the 2022 Louisiana Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-State first team.
Pillette, a junior, was one of four players selected as a tight end/wide receiver. Pillette had 44 catches for 843 yards and eight touchdowns on the season, leading Vermilion Parish in receptions, yards receiving and receiving touchdowns.
Domingue, a senior, was one of five offensive linemen named to the team.
Stewart, a junior, was unanimously voted the District 5-3A Defensive MVP by the district’s coaches after finishing the season with 62 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The LFCA Offensive MVP was running back Kaden Williams of St. James. Williams finished the year with more than 2,000 all-purpose yards and accounted for 40 rushing touchdowns. The Austin Peay State University signee was named first-team All-District, All-Metro and All-State.
University Lab School senior linebacker Jaiden Ausberry was the Defensive MVP. Ausberry, a Notre Dame signee, had 122 tackles including 18 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also had two fumble recoveries in his final season.
Thomas Johns of Iowa was the Coach of the Year.

2022 LFCA Class 3A All-State Football Team

1st Team

Offense
Pos. Name, School Cl.
TE-WR Reynis Morris, Bogalusa Sr.
TE-WR Khai Prean, St. James Jr.
TE-WR Christian Pillette, Erath Jr.
TE-WR John Barr, Sterlington Sr.
OL Matthew Broussard, E.D. White Sr.
OL Damian Reed, Iowa Jr.
OL Jace Phillip, St. James Sr.
OL Reese Domingue, Erath Sr.
OL Mitch Hodnett, Sterlington Jr.
RB Ronald Young, Iowa Sr.
RB Kaden Williams, St. James Sr.
RB Tylon Citizen, Church Point Sr.
QB Ashton Levi, Bogalusa Jr.
PK Landon Daughdrill, St. Louis Jr.
RS Matthew Melancon, E.D. White Sr.
ATH Trey Holley, Union Parish Sr.

Offensive MVP
Kaden Williams, St. James

Defense
DL Aidan Clements, E.D. White Sr.
DL Kyron Labove, Iowa Sr.
DL Deshaun Batiste, JFK Sr.
DL KeShawn Reed, Richwood Sr.
LB Micah Johnson, Parkview Sr.
LB Braxton Comeaux, E.D. White Sr.
LB Jaiden Ausberry, University Sr.
LB Daylon Sibley, LCCP Sr.
DB Marcus Dawson, University Jr.
DB Zack Gonzales, Berwick Sr.
DB Jadan Aubert, St. James Sr.
DB Erick Franklin Jr., LCCP Jr.
P Landon Daughdrill, St. Louis Jr.
FL Tezarron Stewart, Abbeville Jr.
Defensive MVP
Jaden Ausberry, University
Coach of the Year
Thomas Johns, Iowa

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Jim Bradshaw

Andrew Gamble made impact in Vermilion Parish

Some people say the Andrew community just south of Indian Bayou in Vermilion Parish was named for Andrew Gamble, one of two brothers who settled in the area in the late 1800s. Others claims it was named for a young boy who just happened to be sitting in a card game when the name was chosen. It might have been named for both of them, using different names at different times.
Andrew Gamble owned a stable from which he sold and rented mules and horses. His brother, Oscar Gamble, ran a general store nearby. Their crossroads community grew in the early 1900s because Samuel S. Hunter sent his canal flowing next to it. That was a big deal; a 1900 agricultural journal called it “the largest irrigating canal in the world,”
Hunter broke ground on the Fourth of July 1899 for a pumping plant at Milton, about 12 miles from Andrew. The Abbeville Meridional, describing the event, said the canal would run “straight west seven miles to ‘Butte Rouge,’ the plantation of John Abshire Jr., thence southwest to the plantation of Alcide Landry, six miles to ‘Western Ogle,’ the plantation of David Todd.” It was to be 200 feet wide with the potential to irrigate more than 100,000 acres of rice land.
Dozens of men and 130 mules went to work “throwing up the levees,” and ten carloads of mules and scrapers were on the way, according to the newspaper. Hunter also built about twenty houses for his employees near the Gambles’ barn and store, as well as a large barn to house the mules and horses used in digging the canal.
A month after the groundbreaking, the Meridional opined that “few of our readers probably are aware of the magnitude and importance of the great irrigating canal now being constructed through the prairie west of the Vermilion river. The … work is being vigorously pushed along the route. There are hundreds of men and teams at work now, and more are advertised for. The water supply for the canal will be practically unlimited, and … rich lands [near the canal] have suddenly taken a great rise in value.”
When M. B. Hilliard, a New Orleans Times-Democrat reporter, visited in March 1901, the canal stretched for 40 miles and irrigated 20,000 acres of land. “This is a wonderful canal, indeed. It is chartered for navigation as well as irrigation. … Canal boats and tugs will pass on the widest part of their canal. The machinery in this layout is the best that money can buy,” he reported.
That prospect spurred the growth of the community that was, according to most accounts, first called “Gam,” and was indeed named for Andrew Gamble. When I first wrote about it some years ago, I presumed the community’s later name of Andrew also came from him, but I got another account from Paul L. Landry. He said I’d named the wrong Andrew.
He wrote, “Here is what my father told me. What is now Andrew was called Gam because of Mr. Gamble. One happy day the Postmaster from Rayne came to Gam … to get some information and open up a post office. … [Stopping at a place where a card game was going on] the bourre players told him, ‘We call it Gam because of Mr. Gamble.’ The postmaster … looked at his book and said, ‘No, we already have a Gamble in Louisiana and Gam is not acceptable.’ There was a standoff between the postmaster and the Gam bourre players.
“It didn’t last too long. One of the card players pointed at my uncle, Andrew Landry (the youngest in the group, he was 17), and said in French, “Let’s call it Andrew.” That did it, the postmaster left … [and] Gam became Andrew.”
Paul Landry said he’d been a “waterboss” on the canal for several seasons and that water ran from pumps in Milton to locks in Andrew. It was part of his job to see that it was properly divided and the right amount of water went to the right places.
“One lock in Andrew was for the North Canal going toward Indian Bayou and another lock extended the main canal toward Kaplan and Gueydan. Water flowed by gravity from the pumps in Milton through the Main Canal and throughout the hundreds of miles of the canal system,” he said.
The Hunter Canal Company operated the irrigation system until September 1943, when it was bought by the Acadia-Vermilion Rice Irrigating Company. Acadia-Vermilion operated the system until 1981, when the Meridional reported that the canal was “aging and in disrepair” and farmers refused to pay enough for water rights to fix it.
There were negotiations back and forth, even discussion of a farmers’ cooperative to buy and operate the canal, but nothing came of it.
In October 1981, the newspaper reported that “the pump is shut down and … acres of canals have been sold and filled in for farming.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

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Bryan Golden

Effective Communications

Communicating effectively is essential for getting your ideas across, being understood, and being able to convey what you need or want. Effective communicators enjoy many benefits. They build trust, prevent or resolve problems, are clearly understood, have better interpersonal relationships, and have less frustration and stress. Poor communications result in distrust, misunderstandings, stress, people doing the wrong thing, anger, and bitterness.
Communication can take place in-person, over the phone, in a memo or letter, or via email or text. Communication is most effective in-person because both verbal and non-verbal cues are at work. When you are communicating face to face the other person hears what is being said, how it’s being said, and can see the body language which accompanies the message.
For your message to be best understood, what you say should match how you say it. Your words, tone, attitude, and body language should all be consistent and reinforce each other. When your verbal and non-verbal messages conflict, people tend to believe the non-verbal over the verbal.
Effective in-person communication requires you to be a good listener as well as being perceptive. Watch and listen to verify whether or not your message is being accurately received. Ask questions to make sure you are understood.
The next most effective form of communication is verbal only, such as a phone call. Although you don’t have the visual component, you do have verbal cues such as tone of voice and intonation. When on the phone, listen carefully without being distracted. Ask questions to verify that you have been understood.
The least effective form of communications is written. There is no immediate feedback as to how your message was received, if it was read in its entirety, or if it was accurately understood. Written communication should be your last choice, used only if in-person, or verbal communication is not an option.
Never communicate, in any form, when angry or upset. Your thinking is not clear or rational. You will say things you’ll later regret. When you are upset, always allow time to calm down before communicating
Regardless of the communication form there are several tenets you should follow to maximize the effectiveness of your message. First and foremost is think before you speak or write. Have a specific objective in mind. Avoid saying or writing anything which does not work toward your objective. Being polite, kind, and courteous typically gets the best results.
Choose you words wisely. Never be flippant. Your message once delivered, especially in writing, cannot be retracted. Any type of electronic communication should be considered permanent, and public.
Before speaking in-person or over the phone, make an outline of what you want to say. Go over it several times before communicating. Read, and reread, all written communication before sending. Whenever possible, allow time between your first and final drafts.
Clarity and brevity enhance effective communication. Be direct and to the point. Make your message as short as possible. Less is more when communicating. Long messages tend to be rambling and don’t keep the recipient’s attention. If you have a lot to communicate, consider using several, shorter communications. When writing, use short paragraphs or bullet points to convey your message.
Before responding to what someone has said or written make sure your understanding is accurate. If you are not sure about what’s being conveyed, ask questions for clarification. Problems are created or worsened when each person has a different understanding about what is being said or written.
Effective communication is always an ongoing pursuit. Following the guidelines mentioned above will help ensure your communication goals are achieved. Try for in-person communication whenever possible and use written communication only when there are no other options.

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Jeff Crouere

Lock the clock, time to end the madness

The aggravating practice of changing our clocks every few months started during World War I, over one hundred years ago. It was created as a way for the United States to save power and fuel and enhance the economy by spurring consumer shopping in the evening.
The practice was halted after the war but was resumed in 1966 after the passage of the ‘Uniform Time Act.” This clock changing madness is part of our tradition of switching from standard time to daylight-saving time. It has survived throughout the years despite intense opposition. Last year, a CBS News/YouGov poll found that only 21% of Americans liked the current system of switching between standard time and daylight-saving time every few months.
This opposition is understandable as few Americans want to lose an hour of sleep. Americans already do not sleep enough, and the time change makes the sleep deficit even worse. It is also difficult for people to get their “body clocks” adjusted to the change. Experts note that the adjustment may take days, weeks or even months for some people.
It is much better to “fall back” in November and gain an hour of sleep versus “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep in March. However, any change to our “body clocks,” can result in severe health problems. According to Phyllis Zee, M.D. PhD., Chief of Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Northwestern Medicine, transitioning to daylight-saving time is “associated with adverse health consequences.”
These negative health consequences were verified in a 2008 study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, which identified an increase in heart attacks in the three days following the implementation of daylight-saving time. Other health issues include a 6% increase in fatal car accidents, an 8% increase in strokes, and an 11% rise in “depressive episodes.”
In 2009, a study was done by researchers at Michigan State University for the Journal of Applied Psychology. It noted that daylight-saving time also led to added workplace injuries.
With the loss of sleep and multiple negative health consequences, it is no surprise that 79% of the CBS News/YouGov poll recipients supported “locking the clock.” Among the alternatives, 46% preferred year-round daylight-saving time while 33% wanted permanent standard time.
The arguments for permanent daylight-saving time include more sunlight hours in the evening, allowing for increased exercise and entertainment activities. Those who prefer year-round standard time like the daylight in the early morning hours, especially for those families with young children in school.
In addition, permanent standard time would align our schedule with the “sun’s day and night cycle.” According to Dr. Zee, “If we adopt permanent standard time, our internal clocks will more likely be in sync with the rotation of the Earth, seasonal changes and the sun clock.”
Last year, a proposal to make daylight-saving time permanent passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. This is one of the few issues that united both Republicans and Democrats. Nonetheless, the U.S. House refused to consider the legislation and it died.
This year, the bill called “The Sunshine Protection Act” was introduced again by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). According to Rubio, the biennial practice of “falling back” and “springing forward” is “antiquated” and “stupid.” He said, “I hope we can finally get this done” a sentiment echoed by millions of Americans.
Once again, the bill has bipartisan support. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) said it was time “to stop the twice-a-year time-change madness.” In Wyden’s view, “springing forward and falling back year after year only creates unnecessary confusion while harming Americans’ health and our economy.”
Of course, these political leaders are correct, interrupting our sleep schedules is both unnecessary and harmful to our health. However, the last time the country experimented with permanent daylight-saving time, it was cut short. In 1974, Congress voted to end permanent daylight-saving time because of concerns from parents that traffic accidents would increase in the early morning hours as young drivers commuted to school in the dark.
Since then, the mood of the country has clearly changed as approximately 450 bills have been introduced in state legislatures to switch to permanent daylight-saving time if Congress passes a bill allowing such a change. Currently, Hawaii and Arizona are the only two states that do not switch to daylight-saving time and remain in standard time year-round.
It is now incumbent on the American people to contact their senators and representatives in Washington D.C. and demand support for this legislation. Previous efforts by Rubio and others have failed because similar legislation was not even given a hearing in Congress.
It is time for common sense to prevail and for the “Sunshine Protection Act” to become law in our country. This is a rare issue that can unite an overwhelming majority of Americans, but to succeed, we need to make our voices heard on Capitol Hill.

Jeff Crouere is a native New Orleanian and is a political columnist, the author of America’s Last Chance and provides regular commentaries on the Jeff Crouere YouTube channel and on Crouere.net. For more information, email him at jcrouere@gmail.com

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548