Discover Lafayette

Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Conrad Comeaux joins Discover Lafayette to explain how taxes are levied and collected. Who pays for what? How is your home’s value assessed? This all really hits home when you get that bill in the mail.

Serving as Tax Assessor since 2001, Conrad previously served on the Lafayette Parish Council from 1984 to 1996. A native of Scott, he graduated from USL, now UL-Lafayette, with degrees in biology and chemistry, and received a master's degree in health administration from Tulane University.

He has been active in incorporating technology to help his office more efficiently serve the public, and was the first assessor in the state to put property values online and the first in Lafayette Parish to produce a digital map of ownership parcels.

He views the office as non-political and says "we are there to do a job." While many people may think that the Tax Assessor sets tax millages and collects taxes, in fact, his office is only involved in determining the value of three things: land, buildings, and "extra features" that affect value (such as fencing, pools, and tennis courts). So when you receive your tax bills, they are coming from the Sheriff and local municipalities, not the Assessor.

Louisiana's tax system differs from other states in the manner in which taxes are calculated. In most states the land and improvements are combined to reach a value; here, we separate out features of the property (i.e., the land is valued separately from the improvements) and taxed at different rates. Land and residential buildings are assessed at 10% of their market value; commercial buildings are assessed at 15% of market value.

In a similar vein of Louisiana being different, in other states, property taxes are typically the biggest generator of local revenue; here, it is sales taxes.

Millages collected throughout Lafayette Parish are very low compared to other parishes in Louisiana. In some years. Lafayette Parish millages are half of those collected in St. Tammany Parish. In fact, St. Tammany Parish school taxes are as high as what we are assessed for all Parish functions.

It can be challenging to assess residences in neighborhoods with a wide range of values, and he gave an example of how homes on the front end of Kim Drive vary greatly in value from those closer to the Vermilion River. Conrad's office does "mass appraising," meaning that they look at values within a subdivision, or streets within a subdivision, not each individual home. However, his office is provided with a copy of each Act of Cash Sale filed at the courthouse and they utilize the value listed on the sale as a frame of reference. If you disagree with the assessed value of your home, Conrad encourages you to call his office at (337)291-7080 to bring it to his attention. It will be adjusted if they find a mistake (such as an overestimation of total square footage).

Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Conrad Comeaux will inform the councils of local governments on tax revenues and the implications of their decisions on their votes to maintain or raise millages. Their decisions can have a long-term impact on ensuring adequate levels of funding for mandated government services.

Reassessments are typically done every four years. The Assessor's office will examine sales around a particular time frame to update values. As an example, for the 2020 reassessment, they looked at sales occurring six months before and six months after January 2019 to determine current values. With dramatic swings in market values, this process can cause people to scratch their heads wondering how a value was arrived at, but it's important to remember that the assessment is based upon a value from a couple of years back.

Adam Daigle, Business Editor of The Acadiana Advocate, joined Discover Lafayette to look back at the biggest news of 2021.

While we have all continued to deal with the effects of COVID in our workplaces and schools this year, the economy has done remarkedly well. Sales tax collections in the City and Parish of Lafayette have been the highest on record as people spend monies left over from the PPE funding as we emerge from the lockdown. While employers may still be having trouble finding enough employees, the demand for services and goods has skyrocketed.

One of the biggest stories this year is the announcement of SafeSource Direct, a partnership between Ochsner Health with Trax Development to manufacture and distribute personal protection equipment. The joint venture is investing $150 million to retrofit an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lafayette Parish and a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in St. Martin Parish. The projects are expected to create over 1200 total new jobs between the facilities, a huge win for our region and a big step to decreasing U. S. dependence on foreign countries supplying our healthcare needs.

SafeSource Direct, a partnership between Ochsner Health and Trax Development, is investing to create two manufacturing facilities to create PPE, expected to create 1200 new jobs.

A big win for travelers is the upcoming completion of the Lafayette Airport nears substantial completion. Setting the standard on how to fund construction with a combination of federal and state dollars, coupled with a short-term (eight month) sales tax imposed locally, the project is moving along on pace to open in January 2022.

The new Lafayette Airport is expected to open in January 2022, setting the standard for how to accomplish funding and construction in the way officials promised taxpayers.

Adam shared that when he moved here in 2018, much of the business reporting centered on developments in the corridor surrounding River Ranch in South Lafayette, but not so much now. While there is buzz about Chick Fil-A moving over to the old Red Robin building near CostCo as well as the German-owned Aldi Supermarket chain coming to Lafayette (one just about completed on Ambassador Caffery, with another two stores planned on Ambassador and near Louisiana Avenue), there hasn't been big news in that South Lafayette region.

Sneaker Politics' Derek Curry recently announced that he and two partners will be developing a $50 million mixed-use, retail, residential, and entertainment project on Johnston Street near the corner of Mount Vernon Road. This is important news for one of the older areas of Lafayette which has lay dormant for years. Curry has been extremely successful with Sneaker Politics and announced his excitement about redeveloping this abandoned shopping center as a way to bring commerce back to the heart of Lafayette.

Pictured are Jim Keaty, Derek Curry, Alex Luna, and Terry Crochet at the announcement of The Forum, a mixed-use development planned on Johnston Street at Mount Vernon. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of the Advocate.

Lafayette Economic Development Authority announced big news with the hiring of Mandi Mitchell who replaced longtime CEO Gregg Gothreaux. Mandi has worked for years with Louisiana Economic Development, all while commuting from her hometown of Lafayette. We welcome Mandi and look forward to watching her use her talents and business acumen to continue to promote new development while taking care of existing businesses who keep our economy going.

The Amazon Fulfillment Center in Carencro seems to be a reality! While Adam said there has not been an official ribbon-cutting ceremony,

AJ and Vanessa Miller have offered a Christmas wonderland at their home at 163 Antiqua Drive for the past 7 years, decorating their yard with a plethora of Christmas lights, nutcrackers, and other Christmas splendor.

Thousands of people have walked through Reindeer Lane on the way to Santa's Workshop, passing Santa's Magical Mailbox where children mail their letters to Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus personally welcome visitors on the weekends. On other days of the week, the Millers are joined by the Grinch and his sidekick, Max, who join in the spirit of Christmas.

AJ and Vanessa Miller have welcomed visitors to their home at 163 Antigua Drive in Lafayette for the past seven years. On weekends, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet their guests and offer hot cocoa and popcorn to all. There is no charge to experience this Winter Wonderland.

The Millers originally began this tradition when hosting a holiday party for Vanessa’s coworkers. They bought two 6-foot tall nutcrackers and a Christmas-themed sign, and AJ donned a Santa suit for the family-friendly party. When they saw up close the love the children had for Santa, "that was the spark that ignited the flame."

The first time AJ put on the Santa suit, a little boy ran up to him, looked at him with his big brown eyes, and said, "Santa, I love you" and gave him the biggest hug ever. AJ realized what big shoes he wore and became determined to be the best Santa he could be. He wants to continue to spread that joy to children and adults alike.

Similarly, Vanessa shared her motivation for holding the annual Wonderland. The couple wasn't fortunate enough to have children, so this is their opportunity to enjoy Christmas and see it through the eyes of children. "To see that look in the children's eyes is what inspires me," she says. You see that inner child come out in the adults. You should see the faces when Santa asks Mom and Dad what they want for Christmas," AJ chimed in.

AJ Miller at his home at 163 Antigua Drive. Photo by Leslie Westbrook of The Acadiana Advocate.

Both enjoyed driving with their parents to view Christmas lights when they were children. AJ was particularly inspired by Dr. Jack Gani's display of lights and decorations on Colonial Drive in White Subdivision which was a destination for Lafayette sightseers. But that experience took place in the car; the Millers wanted to provide a place where kids could immerse themselves in the experience.

Vanessa explained how this has become their Christmas "Field of Dreams....if you can dream it and believe it, it's gonna happen." She keeps a vision board in her head and works to make the experience bigger and better every year. AJ said, "If you can dream it, I'll build it." They are still on the upswing as to what it will eventually be.

The Millers can't do this alone and they are grateful for friends and neighbors who volunteer to assist. It takes many, many elves to conduct this operation, and guests are greeted by "parking elves' who help direct traffic, and elves who serve popcorn and hot cocoa on the weekends. Of course, there are elves who facilitate photo-taking so that every family member can be in the photo.....these photos are known as "Elfies!"

The Millers offer an experience with memories that last a lifetime. It has become a part of many families' Christmas tradition, with guests bringing their cats, dogs, and even iguanas. The youngest visitor to date was a two-week-old.

The last day to mail your letter to Santa is December 23. Elves bring children's letters to the North Pole and Santa responds to each and every letter.

Each year a special attraction is added. On weekends,

Wade Berzas, the sole survivor of the horrific plane crash that occurred 48 seconds after departing the Lafayette airport on December 28, 2019, en route to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss how the incident changed his life forever. He now lives his life "48 seconds at a time."

Wade, still a young man of 39, is happily married with six children from his and his wife's prior marriages, with two little ones from their union. He recounts how the day of the crash was just another normal day. "My mom was coming over the next day and we had brisket marinating...I had spent the prior day setting my goals for the upcoming year. I was going on a flight with my best friends to do something we had always talked about, an opportunity to see LSU play a road game. Friends were waiting for us there. Everyone was giving me a hard time because I forgot the playing cards."

"The whole flight lasted 48 seconds. Life flipped on top of its head. I was completely alone, strapped into my seat, burned all over my body, trying to figure out how I would get out. You quickly separate what's important from what's not. I called my wife from the field so I could get to her first so she didn't learn from social media what had happened. I wanted her to hear my voice so I could tell her, 'Don't worry. I'll be fine."

A lot of people have put "their human minds" to work trying to figure out how Wade survived. Wade believes it is impossible to understand from a human level. " God just had a different plan for me that day. For those who believe, God worked six miracles: I'm still here and he kept me here for the purpose of doing more work. Five people got to see their Maker that day."

Wade was always the guy who read the safety briefings when he worked offshore. He remembers getting out of his seatbelt which kept him in place as he hung upside down. He was able to exit the wreckage and two heroic bystanders helped him as he walked away and then collapsed in the field. Over 75% of his body was burned. He didn't want his wife to learn of the accident from social media, so he called her before he got into the ambulance so that she could hear his voice and he could tell her, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

The odds were against Wade, yet he described the peace that washed over him as he realized he was going to be fine. Even with the greater chance he would not make it than survive, he never wanted people to give up on him. Wade was expected to be in the hospital for at least three months. He was put into a medical coma to help his body rest as it fought against invasive germs and loss of fluids, all due to the loss of his skin, the body's biggest organ.

Joey Barrios, MD, Burn Surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes, was Wade's doctor; to date, Wade has had 26 surgeries, initially at the rate of twice a week, all of which have been 100% successful. Typically, skin grafting surgeries have a great probability of needing to be redone. He left the hospital after 52 days, far ahead of schedule. With hundreds of thousands of people praying for Wade's successful recovery, it is now easy to understand the power of prayer.

Wade realized that he had to surrender the outcome of his accident to God. "You don't have to go through a plane crash to find yourself in situations where you feel you can't get through it. When you embrace the suffering, with grace and commitment to get to the other side, you can accomplish things you never imagined possible." He made that commitment one minute at a time, one day at a time.

A positive mindset was critical in Wade's recovery, as it is for all of us going through trying times. He stayed positive as much as possible, allowed no negativity in his hospital room,

Dr. Vincent June, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College (SLCC), joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his mission to provide educational opportunities to all people, no matter their age or background.

Dr. June provides oversight for all academic and operational functions of SLCC’s nine campuses in eight parishes, serving more than 17,000 students annually. 

Before joining SLCC, Dr. June served diverse communities in public higher education for over two decades, including Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida A&M University and Georgia Perimeter College.

He earned a degree in business and economics from Florida A&M University, and an MBA and Ph.D. in educational leadership from Washington State University. 

South Louisiana is a natural fit for Dr. June. He was born in Belle Glade FL, near Lake Okeechobee, an agricultural area of Palm Beach County, Florida. Farmers grew sugar cane, corn, beans, celery, oranges, and tangerines, and there was also fishing. "It was a one-stoplight community."

Dr. June was fortunate to come from a background of educators. His grandmother, one of thirteen children, was an adult education schoolteacher, and that is actually how she met Dr. June's grandfather, who originally came to Florida from Jamaica to cut sugarcane. Both parents were educators.

Always thinking he would be a dentist, he was a biology major until he took a class in economics which deeply captured his interest. A professor encouraged him to change course and he switched to economics and Spanish studies.

Dr. June says he stumbled on the community college career path and his career journey has provided experience in all areas of higher education including student life, financial aid, admissions, and enrollment services.

"I came to embrace the access mission of the community college. It provides a rich and deep experience and you're exposed to so many different levels of student-types. In a comprehensive community college, there is an avenue for everyone: individuals who don't have a high school diploma, those who want a technical background, as well as those who want an associate's degree and then move on to a traditional four-year institution." Photo by Brad Kemp of the Acadiana Advocate.

SLCC is actively shifting its training opportunities to meet education and business trends. With a new strategic plan in place, the college is examining the programs that may need to be added to meet demands in fields such as nursing, welding, general studies, HVAC, automotive, commercial truck driving, and culinary arts. They are identifying optimal times to offer programs, including evening and weekend hours, to accommodate students who work full-time. Business developers in the Workforce and Corporate division of the college seek out business advice on programming that meets current workforce demands.

COVID has ushered in a plethora of funding sources to help students meet their tuition, including the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, a Louisiana initiative called "Reboot Your Career" which provides retraining for people in as short a period as 8 to 12 weeks, and the MJ Foster Promise Program created in honor of Louisiana's late governor Mike Foster.

The "Reboot Your Career" program provides short-term retraining for unemployed workers looking for high wage career pathways at reduced tuition at Louisiana's Community and Technical Colleges. For more information visit https://www.lctcs.edu/rebootyourcareer

SLCC stands out among its peers nationwide. Recently, The Aspen Institute named SLCC one of the 150 institutions  (out of over 1000 nationally) eligible to compete fo...

Kevin Guillory, Office Coordinator for the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center at UL Lafayette, BI Moody College of Business Administration, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his career journey and putting his love of God, community, and entrepreneurship to work.   

A two-time graduate of UL- Lafayette, Kevin has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master's of Business Administration. One of his greatest gifts may be his understanding of God's will and the importance of following his intuition when making important decisions in life.

His early career path took him from working with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, to learning HR skills with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville TX, to working logistics for Bruce Foods, and finally to UL-Lafayette. He worked first with UL Admissions and then landed his dream job with LEED working under the helm of Dr. Geoffrey Stewart and Jonathan Shirley.

Kevin Guillory is working his dream job at the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center at UL Lafayette. Working with people on their entrepreneurial journey has taught him a great deal about himself. While he never thought he could be a risk-taker, he has come to realize that he combines his logical and analytical skills while listening to his inner wisdom and intuition when taking bold steps. "We are all risk-takers."

In his position with LEED, Kevin coordinates the activity and logistics of the LEED Center, and in preparing grants and contracts.  In this role, he has the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs, students, and community organizations.

LEED offers technical assistance to start-up companies to support job growth in Acadiana. Three regional programs (Accelerate Northside, Accelerate Evangeline and Accelerate St. Landry) have offered six-week programs providing guidance in creating business plans, obtaining loans, understanding finances, attracting customers, and staying in business.

While the Accelerator programs would typically cost $450.00, a grant from the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in Economic Adjustment Assistance funding to UL - Lafayette funds the operation, necessitating only a $25 payment by participants. Other partners have also contributed to make the program possible including LEDA, the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce, One Acadiana, the McComb Veazey coterie, the NAACP, Acadiana Workforce Solutions, the Lafayette Public Library, and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center among others.

"I've always wanted to be a part of the community. The business people I have met through the Accelerator Programs have inspired me in the way they support each other." Photo by Mary Comaci

For more information on LEED and the Accelerate programs, visit https://business.louisiana.edu/leed.

Kevin attributed his many mentors who have guided him in his journey, beginning with his dad who imparted his wisdom. He has had pastoral mentors, older co-workers, professors at UL-Lafayette (Dr. Geoff Stewart and Dr. Lise Anne Slatten), and Patrick LaBauve whom he partnered with while working with the 705 on the "Do Good Project."

Community engagement in Lafayette is important to Kevin; while he, his wife, and child live here, the rest of his family is in Lake Charles. One of his proudest achievements has been partnering with librarians at Northside High School when he visited the campus and realized there were no business or leadership books in the library. By reaching out to his colleagues at UL-Lafayette Business school, Upper Lafayette Economic Development, and others, Kevin was able to present donated business books to fill this m...

Marc Brattin, Lafayette native and life-long musician, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his band Foundry's upcoming concert on November 27, 2021, as well as his career journey.

Marc started playing drums at age 12 and moved to Dallas at 17 to join a rock band with the encouragement of his mother. He has been successfully working in music ever since as a songwriter and drummer.

He also serves as producer, promoter, manager, and booking agent for his band, Foundry, who will be performing at the Cajundome Convention Center Saturday, November 27. The event will also stream live. Tickets may be purchased at https://www.foundryrocks.com or on Ticketmaster.

Foundry is an American Hard Rock Band featuring Marc Brattin's (drummer) along with his bandmates Chris Lorio (guitar), Niko Gemini (bass player), and Mark Boals (singer). Marc founded the band eight years ago and it is his "baby," a labor of love, which he describes as having a borderline heavy metal sound with great guitar and hard-hitting drums. The band writes its own music and features melodic vocals, "not screaming."

The band also enjoys doing "remakes" of popular hits from Lady Gaga ("Poker Face") and Pink Floyd ("Money") in keeping with Las Vegas themes, where the band is based. At the November 27th concert, they will unveil their latest remake featuring one of the most popular songs recorded by the Bee Gees.

Foundry was organized by Marc Brattin eight years ago and features a hard rock sound akin to Metallica and Black Sabbath. With melodic singing, hard-hitting drums, and great guitar, their sound typically attracts people in their 40's, 50's and 60's. Foundry is appearing at the Cajundome Convention Center on November 27, 2021.

Local sports fans will enjoy Foundry performing the National Anthem at both the UL-Lafayette Basketball game at 11 AM followed by UL-Lafayette football's last game of the season at 3PM. Marc promises it will be delivered in the traditional format with four-part harmony and will showcase the band's singing talent.

"Follow your dream and do what you want to do. Just do it. Peers, parents, and mentors will guide you and steer you, so take all that in. They have good advice for you. Being broke just isn't cool, so be responsible. But do what you want; you only live once. You'll be happy." Marc Brattin

Marc shares how there were no opportunities for hard rock musicians in Lafayette when he was coming up. Today's musicians can record in their bedroom and it comes out pretty good. But to bring a song to the radio, brand it with a video, artists still must go into a proper studio to record it "for real." The bar is still high for releasing a song. "Mp3's just don't cut it. If you want to be real, you have to go for real."

Marc also serves as Entertainment Director for FACET, an executive coaching firm founded in Lafayette LA, offering services across the U. S.

We thank Marc Brattin for sharing his story and look forward to a fun concert by Foundry on November 27, 2021, Thanksgiving weekend!

Jim Lambert, the author of Sub Rosa and Other Stories, discusses his creative foray into the genre of short story telling. This book is a great choice for a Christmas gift or a gift to yourself if you want to dig deep and learn more about Louisiana history.

As a successful attorney, Jim has built a lifetime experience of telling his clients' stories through writing briefs for the court; but he was always constrained by the facts! His heart is exemplified by his involvement in Kairos Prison Ministry on Death Row at Angola.

In his current quest to blend the facts surrounding actual historical characters with intriguing stories of fictional marginalized characters, he has been able to start within his own mind, get in touch with his creative spirit, and has hit the mark with compelling stories that pull you in to read more. (Sort of how Netflix pulls you in within six seconds to watch the next episode!)

Jim thinks short stories should be the dominant literary genre for today's times. He's always loved reading short stories and in retirement, he has hit the mark in taking his creativity to a new level that we can all enjoy, no matter how busy we are.

Many years ago he read a book about Frank Lloyd Wright, by T. C. Boyles, "The Women," which was told from the point of view of one of Lloyd's graduate students recounting the life of this talented but complicated man. It inspired Jim to use real people as a starting point and tell their life story from the vantage point of a fictional character.

One of his stories in the book focuses on Lee Harvey Oswald as a 14-year-old young man who grew up in New Orleans. "Lee and Me," is told from the fictional perspective of Oswald who got into a fight and was helped by a classmate. Lee was grateful for the help, and as you read the story you have to wonder what could have become of the young Lee (and our country) if his life had taken a different turn.

Sub Rosa and Other Short Stories is a compilation of stories featuring a fictional story based upon events that transpired in Louisiana. It may be purchased on Amazon here.

Jim Lambert's connection to New Orleans runs deep. He was born in New Orleans and was adopted from a Baptist orphanage. As a young lawyer, he moved back to New Orleans in 1976; he then moved to Lafayette in 1978, where he has kept a home ever since. Many of his stories are steeped in New Orleans culture in a manner that only a native could share.

Each chapter in Sub Rosa shares a compelling fictional story of events that happened in Louisiana, such as the following: a young lawyer sent to investigate the murder of Black troops in the Jim Crow South, and a mental patient obsessed with the film Harold and Maude. Dwayne, the protagonist of the opening story, “Blood in My Hair,” is serving a life sentence for unintentionally contributing to the death of a police officer; the prisoner, who’s known as “Cowboy,” spent much of his adulthood riding bulls in rodeos, has been craving a similarly perfect, adrenaline-filled moment ever since his incarceration began. In “Find Franny Now,” a woman named Lydia gave up on optimism after her autistic son was diagnosed with brain cancer and her husband subsequently left her; her general lack of hopefulness extends to Franny, the titular missing teenage girl, who Lydia believes has no chance of ever being found.

In each story, Lambert reveals the humor and tragedy running through the lives of these unique human beings.

Jim shared during the interview of his childhood growing up in Alexandria and how the "Lost Cause" permeated his community and affected the way people grew up understanding the world. He would come to understand how actual riots and killings that...

Sherry Latour, the owner of Tops Appliances and Cabinetry, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her career journey and how she came to offer a Business Accelerator and resources to many small business owners.

Sherry Latour bought Top’s 12 years ago, after retiring in a sound fiscal position. She had previously worked as the CEO of a $100 million oilfield service company owned by entrepreneur Eddie Soileau, who also built one of his companies, Sunland Construction, into the largest merit (non-union) pipeline contractor in the U.S.

Sherry's business acumen has been gained on the job. She entered the workforce right after graduating from high school with a 4.0. While she took accounting classes in high school, she took a few courses thereafter but did not pursue a degree. "I just didn't think I could pull off college, wanting to focus on family and having children."

It was Eddie Soileau of Sunland who ended up mentoring Sherry and hired her as CEO of one of his companies. She had the opportunity to "dive deep, evaluate every system, and make it as clean and efficient as possible, adding value to its selling price.  Once the company was sold to a private equity company, I worked to help merge with other companies the equity firm owned, got it compliant to go public, while growing.  After we went public, I remained a few more years."

She was 45 years old when she moved on. While she considered retirement, Soileau counseled her, "You're not the type of person to retire." So she looked for a company to buy and Tops fit the bill as it had all the elements she was looking for: "solid employee and customer base, good products to sell."

Many people know Tops as the store on Johnston Street that sells appliances and cabinetry. TOPS has been in business for over 70 years.

Tops Appliances and Cabinetry has been in business for over 70 years. Located at 5826 Johnston Street in Lafayette LA, the store specializes in top-end appliances such as Sub Zero, Wolf, and Cove.

Our interview focuses on what is going on both within and outside of the Tops building. Sherry not only sells high-end appliances but houses fifteen growing businesses. She has formed a business and mentoring community at TOPS to help small businesses thrive as they navigate start-up challenges or are looking for a more meaningful space to conduct business.

When Sherry purchased Tops, her immediate thought was business and not the sheer size of the property (64,000 square feet downstairs and 18,000 in the mezzanine) situated on 3.6 acres. One business that had previously been housed in Tops didn't survive the economic downturn after the BP oil spill and the drilling moratorium. So she looked for other businesses that might want to utilize the space.

Today, inside Tops are construction-related businesses such as Architectural Windows & Doors and Brian S. Guidry Builders. Also found at TOPS are April Guillory Designs, and The Unconventional Dietician, Daphne Olivier, who holds cooking classes in TOPS’ live showroom. Cajun Crate, an eCommerce business that ships Louisiana non-perishable food products and Cousins Smokehouse is also housed in TOPS. You will also smell the heavenly waft of products created by Charlie and the Peanut Butter Factory as you walk in the store, along with the delicious Pies created by Acadian Slice! You won't want to miss the lush offerings of Ginger Sprout Plant Co.'s offerings!

"Working with the entrepreneurs is a way to express gratitude to all my past mentors and employers that worked with me and gave me opportunities.  My consulting work funds the mentoring work, providing me with the ability to provide education grants or microloans, marketing events, to name a few.

Paige Barnett, Director of “A Song of Visions - DANCE, OPERA & JAZZ,” a unique dance, opera, and jazz performance to be held at the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington LA, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss her foray into the world of production and fundraising for artistic endeavors.

The performance will be held on November 6, 2021, at 1 pm and again at 4 pm. It is choreographed by Nicole Curtis and will be presented within the chapel and on the grounds of St. John's Cathedral located at 308 Church St, Washington, LA 70589.

Paige had always wanted to offer a creative production at a spiritual place and St. John's ended up being the perfect setting; her boyfriend actually offered up the site as a safe and spiritual place for her to consider after attending a wedding there. The Washington Garden Club welcomed the opportunity to offer St. John's as the locale for the performance, especially as the COVID times are being left behind (we hope!).

Paige Barnett has known since she was a young dance student that her calling was in the arts, in particular dance. Melding her talent in art with a desire to create relevant performances, "A Song of Visions - Dance, Opera and Jazz" brings these dreams to life.

The performance focuses on 'women's consciousness," issues such as "When are you getting married? When are you having babies? When are you......??" Paige wanted to present an artistic creation that addressed these Southern cultural norms in a comical, respectful way that all people in our community can relate to.

As the performance opens up, Sasha Massey, the cantor at St. John's Cathedral in downtown Lafayette, serves as the bride and songstress. Paige shared that there is a surprise for Act II as the guests get to walk outside and participate in the Second Act.

There will be some spoken word along with singing and dancing. Paige shared, "The audience will enjoy going along for the ride as the play unfolds." The first act will take place inside the church and the second act will invite audience members to walk outside for the reception and experience a surprise experience which will make their attendance enjoyable.

Washington, Louisiana, and its mayor, Dwight Landreneau, have been working diligently to prepare visitors as they visit this delightful small town and prepare for "A Song of Visions," as have the beloved members of the Washington Garden Club. As many antique shoppers know, there are a plethora of shopping opportunities for anyone entering the Washington LA city limits! You can travel to the Washington Old Schoolhouse Mall and shop during the morning hours prior to the event. The hope is that you and your friends have a delightful day of relaxing, shopping, and enjoying fine dining in this quaint town that takes you back to simpler days.

St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, LA is the site for 'A Song of Visions.' Washington is a great place to visit to shop and enjoy historic sites. The Washington Old Schoolhouse Mall offers a fun place to shop for antiques and one-of-a-kind artifacts. It's worth a trip north!

Many well-known dancers will also be participating in the event, including Clare Cook of Basin Arts who has mentored Paige in the ways of learning how to direct, create' and present a successful event. Please listen to the entire interview to hear Paige credit all of the creative talents who make this show possible!

Buy tickets at www.vpbarnett.com/a-song-of-visions

This project is funded in part by grants from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, as well as a Louisiana Project Grant from the Louis...