By Mia Freneaux 

Do the holidays have you stressed?  Exhausted?  Wishing longingly it were all over?  Your answer is here!  Treat yourself (or your loved one) to a Planet Beach Contempo Spa experience.  Greeted by their staff of fully trained certified spa consultants, your every need is anticipated and seen to.  The Cyber Relax Massage actually uses a computer to map your body, determine your stress points, and create a massage session personally geared to your body’s needs.  A side benefit is that it helps relieve migraines as well.  The Hydro Massage is actually a bed filled with water that you lie on while jets inside the bed massage away the tension.  It “increases your circulation and releases harmful body toxins,” according to owner Regina Crawford.  She should know – she is retired from 19 years in the nursing profession.  Planet Beach offers services that help with skin conditions, such as the UV Therapy and the Hydration Station.  UV Therapy actually helps increase the production of Vitamin D and Seratonin.  It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  The Hydration Station is perfect at this time of year, when central heating dries out everyone’s skin.  It is a steam bath that replenishes moisture and can even help with weight loss.  Another weight loss service is the Slim Capsule, a personal dry heat sauna that combines heat, oxygen, and LED light to accelerate your diet or fitness program.  Speaking of diets, Planet Beach is offering a new, luxurious way to face the topic we all hate.  They are offering 4 and 8 week weight management programs that include body streamlining products and use of the Slim Capsule and Hydration Station.  While you lose weight, get a terrific tan, either with UV Therapy or with the spray on Mystic HD (a favorite with bridal parties).  Also great for the “new you” – Whiter Image Teeth Whitening and the Lumiere Facial which reduces wrinkles, lightens age spots and dark circles, and tightens sagging skin.  Start the new year looking and feeling younger!  With organic products for your face and body and Nutri-Sip 100% natural energy drinks, Planet Beach has everything you’re looking for.  “We are dedicated to helping you relax and rejuvenate your mind and body,” says Regina, “Our spa services allow members and guests the chance to escape the stresses of daily life in a private room without the need of an attendant.  You will leave feeling refreshed and re-energized!”  They offer gift certificates and are the perfect solution for Bachelorette Parties, Ladies Night Out Parties, or Couples Retreats. Forget Hot Springs!  The Spa experience is right here at Planet Beach – 14455 Wax Rd., Ste Q.  Call 262-4786 to make your appointment, or email at regina.crawford@planetbeach.com.  Planet Beach is open Monday-Thursday 9-9., Friday 11-7, Saturday 11 to 4, and Sunday 12-4. **mention this article and get 25% off any retail purchase!**

By Mia Freneaux

Here in the midst of the holidays, we suddenly notice that that extra helping of pumpkin pie and the Christmas cookies are finding a way to stick around – our middles!  With this realization comes the determination to make a New Year’s resolution – THIS YEAR I WILL LOSE WEIGHT!  A noble ambition, and one that your local SMOOTHIE KING is dedicated to helping you realize – in a most delicious way!  Owner Patty Tate has a huge menu of tasty delights that are specifically geared to various aspects of healthy living.  With a section of menu dedicated to weight loss, another to energy boosting (very helpful this time of year!), another to strengthen your immune system and raise vitamin and mineral levels, still another with probiotic additives, and many more options, you really don’t have an excuse to be unhealthy.  Their products are all –natural, no preservative added, and have been carefully developed by researchers to provide the very best in nutritional content.  Sounds too good to be true?  But wait!  There’s more!  EVERY Smoothie King smoothie is absolutely great tasting!  Having sampled the Mangofest (mango, orange juice and pineapple) and the Caribbean Way (Papaya, banana, Strawberry, Turbinado raw sugar and honey) this reporter can attest to the lip smacking goodness!  Patty and her son Don (who owns the shop with her) are both very informed on nutrition concerns, and can recommend a smoothie best suited to your dietary needs.  Smoothie King also carries a full range of vitamins, nutritional supplements, and healthy snacks as well.  When more and more of our health ills can be attributed to poor diet choices, isn’t it great that we have the option of healthy eating that is also delicious! 

Smoothie King has drive-thru service, as well as dine (or drink!)- in, and will also go mobile for fund-raising projects.  Gift cards are also available, perfect for stocking stuffers and teacher appreciation gifts!  Located at 14455 Wax Rd., Ste AA, it is open from 7am to 9 pm Monday thru Friday, Saturday 9 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 to 7.  Phone 262-4422 to order ahead!

By Mia Freneaux

    Dreaming of tender, melt in your mouth, flavorful hand-pulled barbeque?  Don’t go to Texas or Tennessee – you’ve got it right here in Central!  Folks, if you don’t know about Pit Crew Barbecue, you seriously need to read on.  Located at the mouth of Winchester Subdivision at 9718 Shady Bluff Drive on Hooper Road, Pit Crew is owned and operated by local residents Harold and Stacey Laird.  In addition to their interest in car racing, the Lairds know how to dish up a tasty plateful of home smoked meat.  How does one go from racing cars to smoking pork?  Harold and Stacey found they were constantly being called on to cook for racing events.  Combine that with always having to drive into Baton Rouge for barbecue and Voila!  You end up owning your own restaurant!  With rubs based on family recipes and careful attention to the delicious sides, the Lairds make sure you can’t lose when you choose Pit Crew.  Their most popular dishes are the hand-pulled pork and thin sliced brisket, but don’t neglect trying the juicy ribs and chicken.  If you want to cover the entire family, try the “Feed the Crew” Sampler, which includes ribs, sausage, pork, chicken, turkey, brisket, and rib tips with 3 sides (give Mom a break this Christmas!).  Pit Crew handles all your catering needs as well and is offering smoked turkeys for the holidays.  You can get the whole holiday meal by ordering cornbread dressing, sweet potato crunch, carrot soufflé, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese and home baked pies to go with it!  Call them now to reserve your turkeys or arrange for party catering – 663-2042.  Pit Crew Barbecue is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11-8 and Sunday from 11-3.

Article submitted by Steele Pollard; Photo by Mia Freneaux

    With an excavator and hot air balloon serving as a backdrop for the groundbreaking ceremony, Central’s first traditional neighborhood development, Magnolia Square, kicked off phase two lake lot construction. Central Mayor, Mac Watts, had the honor of shoveling the first scoop of dirt as well delivering the keynote address to a crowd of homeowners, civic leaders and city officials on Thursday.

    Magnolia Square developers, Jimmy Nunnally and Steele Pollard, said they made their decision to start construction of 19 lake lots after having sold 40 percent of the available phase one home sites. “Our new 19 lake lots will overlook a beautiful 5 1/2 acre lake, stocked with bass and brim.”, said Nunnally. “Lots will vary from 70 to 100 feet wide.” He indicated that  seven of the waterfront lots are already under contract.

    Nunnally added, “We are extremely pleased with Magnolia Square’s progress. Central has embraced the idea of a traditional neighborhood.. With planned lakes, parks, dining and boutique shopping, Magnolia Square has quickly attracted a lot of home buyers.”

      Nunnally said that houses in Magnolia Square start around $280,000 and feature large front porches and stately architecture, reminiscent of Charleston or New Orleans. He continued, “Magnolia Square offers homes and lots in a range of sizes; some appropriate for downsizing and some homes appropriate for growing families who desire large yards.”

    When asked about the expectations of Magnolia Square’s long term home values Pollard said, “As is shown in other traditional neighborhoods around the country, Magnolia Square’s homes will likely increase in value faster than a conventional development. That is because of the unique character and beauty of each house and because Magnolia Square’s amenities far surpass conventional subdivisions.”

     Home features such as classical architecture, outdoor kitchens and beautiful interiors is what makes Magnolia Square very unique and special, Pollard said. He noted that the  outdoor kitchens and oversized garages have proven  very popular and sought after features.

    When asked why the two developers chose Central for their project, Nunnally said, “It was clear Central was the destination for Baton Rouge area families who wanted a top ranked school district, a safe environment for their kids and great overall quality of life. Combined with easy access to downtown Baton Rouge, building in Central was a smart choice.”

    Nunnally said the lake lots are expected to be finished in early spring. Anyone interested in inquiring about the lots should call Michele Mortensen at her office 225-654-0207 or her cell 225-939-1742. More information about the development can be found at www.MagnoliaSquareCentral.com.  You can also view a map of the development below.

     Beginning January 13th, there will be a Coupon Page published every week in CentralSpeaks.com.  It will be the place everyone checks out each week to see what local businesses have a discount or sale going on.  This is effective, affordable advertising encouraging everyone to "Shop Central First".

    Nowhere else in Central can a business get this kind of exposure, for this low price, every single week.  At $35 per week, with 8,000 papers direct mailed to homes and businesses and 4,000 more free every week in stores, each coupon costs the advertiser less than 1/3 of a penny.

    The Coupon Page will have 2" x 2" coupons, each containing a discount or offer from a Central area business and an expiration date.  The cost is $140 for 4 weeks, or take a 20% discount and get 13 weeks for $360.  You may change the details of your coupon as often as you like.  Call CentralSpeaks.com at 262-3730 to put your coupon to work in Central's largest circulation newspaper and the only weekly newspaper in the city.

Photo by Mia Freneaux

Caliente, located in the shopping center at the corner of Sullivan and Wax Road, has opened its new dining area and private party room.  CAll 262-2681 to schedule your Christmas party today!

Submitted by Robin Giles, Clinical Director for Moreau Physical Therapy- Central

Al Moreau III has been appointed to the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board.    This appointment was made on November 18, 2010 by Governor Bobby Jindal.   As a member of the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board, Al Moreau III will assist in regulating physical therapy licenses, as well as keeping Governor Jindal and presiding officers of the legislature apprised on the condition of physical therapy in Louisiana.   Al Moreau III is a physical therapist with and President of Moreau Physical Therapy.

Submitted by Delores Sutton, Lane Marketing Coordinator

The Lane Regional Medical Center Auxiliary held their Christmas luncheon Friday, December 10, in the Academic Athletic Center at Zachary High School.  Auxiliary President Gladys Sims welcomed guests, including Lane RMC Chief Executive Officer Randy Olson; Executive Assistant Brenda Russell; Marketing Coordinator Delores Sutton; Zachary Community School Board President Hubie Owen; and Zachary High School Principal Wes Watts.

After the luncheon, Auxiliary members held their annual Christmas gift exchange.

Photo (Left to Right):  Hubie Owen, Cheryl Brown, Linda Boyd, Randy Olson, Lois Peairs, Mary Whittington and Wes Watts

    The new Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Officers were announced at this month’s Chamber Christmas Social.  The officers are: Tim Lazaroe- Chairman; Lucky Ross- 1st Vice Chairman; Matt Price- 2nd Vice Chairman; and Lori Johnson- Tresurer.  Tim Lazaroe is pictured above with his wife Nita at the Chamber Christmas Social.  Photo by Dave Freneaux

Submitted by Brockwell Bone, Owner of Bone Marketing

    Local business owners, Chris and Brockwell Bone, noticed a hole in the local market and, after encouragement from several prominent business people in Central, filled it. “Central needs a copy center to serve the existing, and coming, businesses here in Central”, comments Ron Erickson, Executive Director of the City of Central Chamber of Commerce.

     ABC Print Copy Scan offers duplication and production of printed products sized from postcards to posters. They also offer scanning and cataloging services that allow documents to be converted from paper to a searchable computer file. And Chris offers free pick-up and delivery within the Central city limits.

   “We have been very well received so far, printing flyers for the Ross Tire and Journey Church Toy Drive, duplication for attorney Ti Barnes, and even some work for the Chamber of Commerce,” reports Chris Bone, Manager. Chris anticipates opening a storefront location in the spring.

     Company Profiles: ABC Print Copy Scan is a Central-resident owned duplication and printing center in the City of Central, Louisiana. They offer high quality printing and copying services, as well as scanning of documents into searchable computer files. For more information or to upload a file for printing, visit www.abcscan.com or call 267-SCAN (7226).

Chris Bone with her lab Abby with one of the printers