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Announcements & Scheduled Events          

Mailing (Postal) Services: On May 12, mailing services prices will be adjusted for First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services.

 
A First-Class Mail stamp will be 42¢. Customers can continue to use the Forever Stamps that they purchased prior to May 12 at 41¢, even after the price change.

Pricing highlights:

·          No change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional-ounce price.

·          Lower additional-ounce price for presorted First-Class Mail letters.

·          Lower pound price for Standard Mail saturation and high-density flats.

·          Shape-based pricing for First-Class Mail International letters, flats, and parcels.

·          First-Class Mail International price groups expand from five to nine groups.

Select prices:

First-Class Mail letter (1oz)                                                       $0.42

First-Class Mail letter (2oz)                                                       $0.59

Postcard                                                                                       $0.27

First-Class Mail large envelope (2oz)                                     $1.00

Certified Mail                                                                                $2.70

First-Class Mail International to Canada & Mexico (1oz)    $0.72

First-Class Mail International to all other countries (1oz)   $0.94

Hospice Care Looking for Volunteers: Hospice Care of Louisiana is looking for caring individuals to serve as volunteers. Volunteers can help in many ways, such as running errands, reading to a patient, offering companionship, providing relief to caregivers and providing office assistance. For more information, contact Hospice Care of Louisiana at 235-8690.

Carencro to begin Recreation Program: Registration for the City of Carencro's summer recreation program begins May 26. The program for ages 8-15 will be held from 8am to 3pm Monday through Friday, May 27 through July 18 at Carencro Middle School. Swimming sessions will be held on Fridays at Susan Street Aquatics. A hot meal will be provided by the school each day beginning June 2. The fee for the 8-week program is $20.00. For more information, call Addir Jay Auzenne at 896-5237.

Summer Camp Counselors Sought: Lafayette Recreation & Parks Dept. is seeking mature camp counselors for the Summer Enrichment program. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and pass background and drug screening checks. Work hours will be between 7am and 5pm weekdays in June and July. Work will include supervising, planning and implementing activities with children ages 5-14. Applications are available and are being accepted at the Recreation Administrative Office, 500 Girard Park Dr, Mon - Fri from 8am - 5pm. For more information, call 337-291-8370.

Work Permits Available for Lafayette Students: Students will no longer have to make a trip to the Lafayette Parish School System's central office for their work permits. Students can now obtain the permits at their high schools. Anyone under the age of 18 needs a work permit in order to start work on a job, according to the Department of Labor. The employer must complete and sign the "Intent to Employ Minor" form. The form must then be signed by the parent and submitted to the school staff for verification and issuing of the work permit. Students must also supply a driver's license or birth certificate to verify proof of age. A blank copy of the form can be downloaded at http://www.lpssonline.com/site56.php after clicking on the Work Permit link.  Call 521-7090 for more information.

Medicaid Fraud: Individuals who feel they have been contacted by someone posing as a Medicaid representative can contact the Medicaid Fraud Hotline at 800-488-2917. For more information, go to www.dhh.louisiana.gov/medicaid.

VITA Needs Reading Tutor Volunteers: Volunteer Instructor Teaching Adults needs tutors to provide reading instruction to adults in Acadiana who want to improve their reading skills. The training will be held at Whitney National Bank, 905 Jefferson St. Call the VITA office at 234-4600 or 942-1511 to register.

The African American Museum: 125 S. New Market, St. Martinville is open 10am to 4pm Monday through Sunday. For more information, call 394-2273.

Digital TV Will Soon Be Here:  $40 Coupons to Help Consumers with Transition: On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations began broadcasting only in digital, as required by law.  

To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.

What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date? 

If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009.  Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service. 

How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?

From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.

For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, visit  www.DTV2009.gov  or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009).  The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. You can also apply by mail at PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by fax at 1-877-388-4632.

Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?

Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order.

When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at  www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.

 Coupons can be applied for on line at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx  You can also download an application at the website: www.DTV2009.gov

Go Direct - Social Security: Go Direct is a national campaign designed to motivate more Americans to select direct deposit for their Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other federal benefit payments. The US Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks are sponsoring the campaign. For more information on Go Direct, call 800-333-1795 or visit their website www.godirect.org.

New Online Application for Medicaid Now Available: Louisiana citizens applying to enroll in any Medicaid program can use the online application process. This includes applying for Medicaid, LaCHIP (children's health care coverage), LaMOMS (coverage for pregnant women), the Medicaid Purchase Plan (coverage for workers with disabilities), the Medicare Savings Program (premium assistance for Medicare recipients) and TAKE CHARGE (family planning services for women). Visit the Department of Health and Hospitals Web site at http://www.stayhealthyla.org/home/alerts/view/316/

GriefShare Seminar to be Held at Asbury Methodist Church: 101 Live Oak Blvd., Lafayette, LA, and will begin a new session of GriefShare, a support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This is a 13-week non-denomination program. A weekly video seminar features experts on grief recovery topics, combined with grief support group discussion. Weekly 2-hour sessions will then be held at 6:30 pm each Wednesday. Participants may join at any point during the 13-week session. For more information, call 984-4211.

Shots for Tots: Immunization push begins for required vaccinations of children.  The vaccines are provided by the state's Vaccines for Children program, and the local clinics are scheduled and staffed by volunteers employed by the local hospitals.  Clinics are opened to anyone and the $10 fee that is charged helps to defray a small portion of the cost of supplies and personnel.

All clinics are scheduled from 9a.m. to noon. Schedule is subject to change.

Immunizations are also available at these locations:

Lafayette Parish Health Unit: Tues & Weds, 1pm to 3pm; Call 262-5616, ext 111 for appointment

Our Lady of Lourdes Scott Family Clinic: Mon - Thurs; 8am to 11am and 1pm to 3pm; Friday-8am to 11am.  Call 264-0326 for appointment.

Veterans Adjusting from Deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq: Get help from: Ready 4 the Return through www.wholisticwellnessnetwork.org.  Contact Jill Laroussini, RN, MSN at 501-6827. National Military Family Assn; e-mail: families@nmfa.org.  U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs at www.va.gov/  VA Medical Centers in Louisiana are located in New Orleans, Pineville, Shreveport. Outpatient clinics are in Lafayette (2100 Jefferson St., 261-0734), Baton Rouge, Hammond, Jennings, LaPlace and Slidell. For treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, go to http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/information/

Want to be a Mentor? Renee Torro's HOSTS program is looking for people who want to help students improve their reading skills. Mentors only have to spend 40 minutes in a class once a week to help a child. To participate, please contact either Kimberly Edwards or Renee Torro at 235-2885. For more information about HOSTS, go to www.hosts.com  Is your school participating in Hosts? A list of Middle Schools who have HOSTS are Paul Breaux Middle, N.P. Moss Middle, and Broussard Middle.

NASE Offers Grant Money For Businesses: The NASE has designated up to $200,000 to be awarded as part of the 2008 Business Development Grant program. Individual grants will be made in amounts of up to $5,000 per applicant. Applications for the 2008 NASE Business Development Grant program will be accepted from February 1, 2008, through November 30, 2008 and awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified upon receipt of all required documentation, and a determination will be made on the application within 30 days.  Applications can be obtained on the website (must register an account) at: http://benefits.nase.org/show_benefit.asp?Benefit=MicroBizGrant

CPR Class: The Acadiana Safety Association offers adult CPR classes which are approved by Medic and the American Heart Association.  Call Amber Cook at Acadiana Safety Assoc. (337) 234-4640 for more information.

Acadiana American Red Cross hosts CPR for Schools and Community Program for adults, child and infants, once per month, in Lafayette and New Iberia.  The cost for the CPR class is $40; the combined CPR and First Aid Class is $50. All classes are state approved for child and day care workers; other course are also offered.  For more information, call 234-7371 or 364-0423.

Pediatric First Aid Classes:  The Acadiana Safety Association offers first aid classes for daycare center staff.  Daycare Centers can call the ASA to schedule these state-approved courses.  For more information call Amber Cook at Acadiana Safety Assoc. (337) 234-4640.

Opportunity for Out-of-School Youths Ages 16-21: The Louisiana Technical College's Lafayette campus is recruiting out-of-school youth for a career training program called Keeping Youth Trained and Educated (K.I.T.E.S.). The program is for students that have dropped out of high school and students currently enrolled in a GED program. Students receive skills training, support services and the opportunity to explore career opportunities. The program is free and students can earn money for attendance. Interested students may call the Lafayette campus at 262-5962.

Grant for High-Demand Health Career:

SW LA Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC)' HeaRTS (Healthcare Recovery  Training System), trains individuals who are interested in becoming healthcare workers and will assist in finding positions for those who have completed the HeaRTS program. 

The program educates and trains for positions as a CNA, PCT, LPN, RN, EMT, Surgical Tech and Echo Tech. HeaRTS can provide free tuition, workforce placement and additional assistance (childcare, transportation, supplies).  24 month limit on training programs, most are shorter, especially CNA, which averages about 6 weeks; LPN is usually 14-18 months; EMT is about 3 months.
 

Qualifiers: After completion of the HeaRTS program, participant (1) must be willing to work in a hurricane effected parish; (2) must not have had a felony violent crime or drug-related misdemeanors on record; (3) must have GED or high school diploma; (4) program is available to displaced, low-to-moderate income; special populations with disabilities, low-literacy or at risk youth. 

Call 232-HELP/211 (232-4357 or 2-1-1) or visit  www.lahealthcareertraining.org for more information.

Hurricane Affected Parishes:

Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, St. Tammany,  Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion,  Washington

Governor expands LaCHIP benefits to more families:

An estimated 9,000 additional uninsured Louisiana children will be eligible to sign up for state health care benefits over the next year through an expansion of the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The income level change means a family of four earning a monthly income of $5,163 ($61,950 annual income) can purchase health coverage for uninsured children through LaCHIP.  Families who earn these higher incomes will pay a premium, based on a sliding fee schedule, for LaCHIP coverage.  The program is intended only for families with children who are uninsured and there are safeguards to discourage people with insurance from dropping their current coverage simply to enroll in LaCHIP.

LaCHIP benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, shots and prescriptions, dental assessments and much more. Louisiana citizens can enroll in LaCHIP at no cost if they earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The Department of Health and Hospitals, LaCHIP’s administering authority, is currently defining rules and regulations for the expanded program with plans for implementation in the fall. For more information about LaCHIP and the program’s expansion, visit www.lachip.org

or call (877) 2LaCHIP (252-2447).

Income guidelines also will change for LaMOMS (for pregnant women), the Medicare Savings Program (for people with Medicare) and the Medicaid Purchase Plan (for workers with disabilities). Those interested in these Medicaid programs should visit: www.medicaid.dhh.louisiana.gov or call 1-888-342-6207.

Animal Aid Seeking Adult and Junior Volunteers:

Lafayette Animal Aid is looking for adult and junior volunteers to help with its activities.  Volunteers perform a variety of duties, including socializing cats and dogs, preparing them for adopting and providing basic needs such as food and water.  For more information, call Melissa Soto at (337) 896-1553.

Financial Assistance Available to Attend Conferences and Trainings:

If you are a parent of a person with a developmental disability or are a self advocate and need assistance paying for the cost of a conference, workshop or training seminar, Families Helping Families of Acadiana may be able to help.   Through its contract with the LA Developmental Disabilities Council, Families Helping Families may be able to provide for stipends which can be used to pay for registration fees, travel, respite or child care, PCA services or other costs related to attending an event.  If you would like to apply for a stipend, call FHF of Acadiana at (337) 984-3458 or (800) 378-9865.

Rate Your Contractor and Win a Gift Certificate to HOME DEPOT
Have you hired a contractor since Hurricane Katrina? Did he do a good job at a fair price? Or did he run away with your money without finishing the job? Would you like to refer the contractor you used or warn people against hiring him? You now have the opportunity to share your experience with the public about your contractor and rate his work.

LouisianaRebuilds.info has created a new Contractor Rating System, a quick and easy online tool that lets you post your contractor's contact information and rate his work. Go to http://contractor.louisianarebuilds.info fill out the review, and enter our contest to win one of three $100 gift certificates from Home Depot. Also check out our comprehensive Contractor Guide to see state and parish listings of licensed contractors, building materials price guide, fraud hotlines and much more.

Providers Accepting Medicare Insurance: To find a provider that accepts Medicare in your area, go to www.lamedicare.com.  choose Beneficiary Information from the left-hand rail.  then choose Medpard Database from the left-hand rail.  You will then be able to choose the parish and specialty to find doctors in your area.  Physicians listed are registered physicians only; this does not necessarily mean that a registered physician is accepting new patients (call the physician listed to find out if he/she is accepting new patients). If you do not have access to the internet, you can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to obtain the information. All physician information is subject to change and individuals are urged to call the doctors listed for the most updated information.

Sheriff Debuts Safety Service - Tipsy Taxi: The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Program, Tipsy Taxi, is designed to prevent intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel and to promote partnerships between local law enforcement agencies, vendors, bartenders, restaurant employees and community members in providing free cab rides for patrons.  Employees working around alcohol will receive specialized training on the Tipsy Taxi program.  Utilizing this initiative, restaurant employees and bartender will be able to give vouchers to patrons they feel are too impaired to drive.  The rides are confidential and available 24 hours per day, year round.

Drivers' Education: 1st Choice Driving School is offering Driver's Ed for $45 (to start). Call 237-9345 or 1-866-937-4830 for more information.

Pet Food Recall: a complete list of the recalled products along with product codes, descriptions and production dates is available from the Menu Foods Web site at www.menufoods.com/recall.

Vials of Life Revitalized: This life-saving, community health project, initially brought to Lafayette by 232-HELP/211 in 1978 and distributed by Acadian Ambulance & Air Med Services and the Lafayette Fire Department, is designed to provide vital medical information about persons should an emergency in their home render them unable to communicate. In later years the vials were distributed as a collaboration between Lafayette General Medical Center, 232-HELP/211 and KLFY.  This current distribution is through a partnership between Cajun Area Agency on Aging, Elder Voice and 232-HELP/211.

The plastic vials are distributed free of charge and contain a form where important medical information can be written. The form (included with the vial), can be completed for one or all persons in the household, as needed or desired, and placed back in the vial.  The vial is then stored for safe-keeping in the door of the refrigerator. A specially designed sticker is also included in the vial which is to be placed on the door most used to access the residence. All emergency personnel in Lafayette Parish have been made aware of the program and are instructed to look for the stickers and vial.

This current distribution of vials targets elderly citizens; however, anyone may request a vial. The Councils on Aging and VOA are distributing vials to their consumers in the following parishes:  Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Vermilion.  Acadian Ambulance and the Lafayette and Scott Police Departments the Extra Mile, Journey Hospice and Lafayette Health Care Clinic are also distributing vials. 

To read more information on the National Vials of Life Program go to http://www.vialoflife.com/ or call 232-HELP/211 (232-4357 or 2-1-1).For more information on Cajun Area Agency on Aging, please visit them at http://www.cajunaaa.org/site.php

Cajun AAA Offers New Program to Evacuees: Benefits CheckUp: Helping with Disaster Recovery

Cajun Area Agency on Aging has partnered with NCOA to be a pilot site for Benefits Enrollment Fund Hurricane Survivor Pilot Grant.

For evacuees 60 and older who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and who have limited income and resources, there are programs available that can help pay for long-term, health-related expenses and many other needs.

can find benefits that pay for:

BenefitsCheckUp is a service of the National Council on the Aging (NCOA). Founded in 1950, NCOA is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, independence of older persons and to increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society and future generations. Contact  Lynda Southard at (337) 572-8940 for more program information

Names of Incarcerated Individuals: may now be seen on the internet at www.lafayettesheriff.com  Users can access the inmate portion by clicking on the Daily Arrest Report found on bottom left-hand side of the page. Expect a delay as the feature is slow to upload.

Training Available For Older Residents in Area: The purpose of the Senior Employment and Training Program (A Stepping Stone to Permanent Employment) is to provide, foster, and promote training and skills for people who are 55 years of age or older. For more information call 337-262-5900, Senior Employment and Training Program PO Box 81722 Lafayette, La 70508.

Iberia Humane Society: The Iberia Humane Society is asking for donations of supplies to help with their large cat population. The shelter reports an active kitten season and has more than 100 felines in its facility. Cat litter and kitten and canned food are needed. Donations can be brought to 1314 Troy Rd., New Iberia from 2:30-4pm, Monday-Saturday and 8:30am to noon on Sunday. For more information call 365-1923.

Free Family Assistance Hotline For Families of Soldiers on Active Duty:  The US Army Community and Family Support Center has started a free family assistance hotline, (800) 833-6622.  The special phone line is for use by family members of soldiers on active duty, as well as those in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves.

VOICE:  Voices of Innocent Citizens Empowered, a victims support group, will meet at 6 p.m. the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Iberia Parish Library on Main St. in New Iberia.  Victims of any kind of crime are welcomed.  For more information, call Catalene B. Theriot, (337) 369-4431.

Free Self-Defense Classes:  On Tuesday's & Thursday's (three times per year), 6 p.m. at 111 S. St. Antoine St., sponsored by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office.  Call Craig Stansbury, Public Information Officer at (337) 236-5876 to register or to request an instructor to come to your place of business or organization. 

City-Parish President's Committee For Citizens with Disabilities:  A phone number, (337) 291-8308, and e-mail address, disability@lafayettegov.net,  have been set up so residents can contribute ideas, complaints, questions and concerns to the City-Parish President's Committed for citizens with Disabilities.  

Free HIV Testing: Acadiana C.A.R.E.S. will sponsor free and anonymous HIV tests from noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at 203 W. Third St.  For more information call (337) 233-2437 or 1-800-354-2437.

Cancer Survivors Support Group:  LGMC & Cancer Survivors of Acadiana offer a free monthly educational/psychosocial support group from 1 p.m. -2 p.m., Wednesdays.  The groups will meet in the LGMC Radiation Oncology Department in the professional office building behind the hospital, 155 Hospital Dr.  For info.  call (337) 289-8068.

Cell Phones for the Elderly or Abused Women:  Anyone wishing to donate cell phones, for the elderly and abused women, may do so at the Faith House, Fire Dept., Police Dept., or Sheriff's Dept.  These phones will be programmed to dial 911 for EMERGENCIES ONLY.

This page is Bobby Approved

Last Updated   -  30 Apr 2008 09:41:44 AM