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American Press
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Local author, poet recounts recovery journey in equine therapy
Jaylon J. Martin participates in equine therapy with his 'horse best friend,' Beau. (Special to the American Press) During times of hardship, friendships are an important source of support. In the poetry collection 'I Talk To Horses,' Jaylon J. Martin recounts his recovery journey in equine therapy with his 'horse best friend,' Beau. Martin, 24, found himself in equine therapy last April. 'I just remember one day, I just had this need to be around horses, just out of the blue.' After he asked around online, he was referred to Almosta Ranch in Sulphur, a 39-acre farm where guests can take a carriage ride, take a hop in Almosta Lake, or heal alongside the ranch's horses, ponies and donkeys. His first time at the ranch, a bag of apples in hand, Martin made an instant connection with the two-year-old Gelding Paint Quarter Horse with one blue eye and one brown eye, Beau. 'There was one horse who just clung to me the entire day of my first visit at the ranch,' Martin recalled. 'Beau, he just did not want to leave my side. And we've just been inseparable ever since.' In equine therapy, clients care for and build relationships with horses. This act helps mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and addiction. For Martin, who now visits the ranch twice a month, his time with Beau has helped him recover from addiction. He has been sober for two years now. His journey has been emotional, and his two poetry collections authentically recount his road to sobriety through accessible poetic imagery, he said. Martin has been writing and publishing since he was 13 years old. His first book, a Sci-Fi novel called 'Black Star,' was written when he was a student at Lake Charles Charter Academy. His eighth-grade English teacher, Ms. Myers, assigned the class a project where students created a dystopian universe. The project inspired him so much that he turned it into a novel. He graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor's in English and a specialization in writing. He writes both fiction and poetry. His fiction is solely for storytelling, but poetry is his emotional outlet. His first poetry collection, 'Recovery Ride,' was written during the fall of 2023 and is a testimony to his initial alcohol recovery. 'I Talk To Horses' will be his last poetry collection because he has told his 'personal story to the fullest,' he said. 'I Talk To Horses' is an honest exploration of not only Martin's experience in equine therapy but also his healing journey. 'It's me inviting my readers to the deepest and darkest parts of myself,' he said. 'Not just about the addiction, but also unspeakable traumas, because I feel like I do owe my reader an explanation of what certain poems are about.' Poetry serves as an outlet for both the reader and the writer, he said. And despite preconceptions about the medium, poetry is for everyone. 'When you ask people if they like poetry, they tend to tell you they don't, because poetry has this long track record of being very cryptic and vague and clinging to imagery to the point where the readers aren't really sure what exactly the poem means,' he explained. 'I try not to be cryptic at all. I try to be very clear and precise, especially when it comes to the imagery of it all.' Martin's favorite poem from the collection is 'Brown Eyed Lucifer,' a poem about a friendship break-up, which is a topic he believes is not talked about enough. 'That poem is about me having to let someone go who just would not hang on to me, not just when I was going through my recovery, but in life in general,' he said. 'It was also a wake-up call to me to realize who exactly that person was. 'I'm one hundred percent honest in all of them, but I excelled with that poem, because I'm still struggling with that heartbreak to this day. But that poem gives me some type of closure in a way.' The progression of Martin's equine therapy is reflected in this poem. 'Brown Eyed Lucifer' went through many drafts. But the one that ended up in the books is a living poem that grew and healed alongside Martin. 'This version of the poem is much kinder than the original,' he said. 'Because it's much more kind and more accepting of myself and the situation as a whole … that's why I stamped that one as the final product.' He said the process of writing 'I Talk To Horses' was 'almost like writing a country album.' Country music was instrumental in his writing process. To honor this, Martin will be releasing a spoken word country album where he reads his poems alongside country music instrumentals written by his friend, Taylor Fillion. His spoken word album will be released on all streaming platforms on August 15. Martin isn't slowing down. Next year, he is releasing a college fantasy novel called 'Alicans.' This will be his seventh book release. His works are available for purchase online and in local bookstores, Creative Roots, The Charmed Page and Krew's Books and Brews. More information is available on
American Press
11-07-2025
- General
- American Press
Jo Beth Miller Taylor
Jo Beth Miller Taylor, 85, a Lafayette, La. resident for the last 40 years, has found rest. Hailing from the town of Reeves, La., born at home in the snowstorm of Jan. 1940, Jo Beth resided in Lake Charles before relocating to Lafayette to complete her career. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Reeves Baptist Church. The Rev. Don Barrett will officiate. Burial will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes. The family will receive visitors at Reeves Baptist Church beginning on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until time of service. Jo Beth was a devoted wife to her husband, Clyde Ray Taylor, for 59 years until his passing in 2020. Jo was a friend to all she met, she helped anyone in need, in business or personally. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a graduate of Reeves High School and McNeese State University. While in high school, Jo Beth was Captain of the Basketball team and yearbook editor. She was crowned Miss Reeves as well as Miss Allen Parish, reigning from 1957 to 1958. Jo Beth retired from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources-Office of Conservation, receiving the Governor's Award for 35 years of outstanding service. Following her retirement, Jo established K-J Company, Inc, a regulatory consulting firm servicing the oil and gas industry. Her work was her passion. She was very proud of her business accomplishments despite being a woman in a predominately male field. She always went above and beyond for her clients, friends and family. Jo was generous to a fault, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and admired her. Those left to cherish Jo Beth's memory include her son, Todd Miller Taylor and wife, Lisa of Reeves; one daughter, Kelly Jo Taylor Tarbell and husband, Ralph of Lake Charles; two grandchildren, Jessica Taylor Grantham and husband, Cody and Luke Taylor and wife, Taylor Jo, and seven great-grandchildren, Layne, Bryce, Laikyn, Ella, Addie, Gracie, and Josie. Jo leaves one sister-in-law, Martha Wood, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and treasured friends with countless memories celebrating a joyous life. Jo Beth is preceded in death by her parents, George Leon and Betty Miller; one brother, George 'Bo' Miller, and one sister, Barbara Janis Miller. Jo loved flowers however, she disliked watching them wither and die. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, one may choose to donate to Camp Pearl Ministries – (337) 666-2443 or Words of sympathy may be expressed to the family at and on Facebook-Ar doin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.
American Press
09-07-2025
- General
- American Press
Joseph 'Joe' C. Pelafigue
Joseph C. 'Joe' Pelafigue, 78, of Lake Charles, passed away on July 3, 2025 at a Lake Charles Care Facility. Joe was a native of New Orleans, and moved to Lake Charles in 1958. A graduate of LaGrange Senior High School, he was a superb track runner, having ran the first 880 in under 2 minutes, a record that was held for many years. He furthered his education at McNeese State University on a scholarship and started running cross country. While at McNeese, he became a charter member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, he earned a bachelor's degree in special education. Following his graduation, he entered the Army for two years and, as a Lieutenant, served in Korea. Upon his return to Lake Charles, he went back to McNeese and earned a master's degree in special education and subsequently taught for 10 years at Sulphur High School. It was after his time in education, he once again returned to McNeese, this time attaining the credentials of a Registered Nurse. Joe worked in the Lafayette area as a Home Health Nurse for 25 years before returning to Lake Charles to be closer to the family. Always optimistic, Joe's favorite motto was 'It will work out, It will be okay.' He was of the Catholic faith and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Joe in death are his parents, Pierre 'Pete' and Maise Pickett Pelafigue, and a sister, Alice Boudreaux. He leaves to honor and cherish his memories his son, Peter Pelafigue and three grandchildren, all of Tennessee; brother, Mike Pelafigue and wife, Pam, Lake Charles and sister, Charlotte Prosperie, Houma; nephews, James Sudduth and Justin Seep; nieces, Maisie Pelafigue and Ashlyn Pelafigue, as well as numerous friends and extended family of the heart. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday July 11, 2025 at the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Inurnment, with full Army Honors, will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday July 12, 2025 at Consolata. Deacon Harold Nixon will officiate. A heart-warming appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of Brookdale of Lake Charles, the compassionate and loving care shown to Joe in his final days. 'You have done everything for everybody. Joe has kept the faith and ran the race, Rest in Peace big brother!'
American Press
28-06-2025
- General
- American Press
Wanda Ammons
Wanda Lee Stracner Ammons, 87, of Lake Charles passed away on June 19,2025. Wanda was born in Scotland, Ark. to Lonzo Stracner and Olive Lott Stracner, but moved at an early age to Pecos, Texas where she was raised through her childhood. Upon receiving her high school diploma, Wanda moved to Lake Charles to attend college at McNeese State University where she earned two associates degrees. Professionally, Wanda was an office manager at BFI Chemical service where she worked for 10 years. During her time in Lake Charles, Wanda faithfully attended Trinity Baptist Church and among all her accomplishments professionally, Wanda's greatest treasure was being a wife and mother. Wanda and her husband, Charles Tilden Ammons, were faithfully married for 33 years until his death in 2001. In her free time, she absolutely loved playing the game Bridge and was a Grandmaster player. She was also a master gardener, who always kept a beautiful and healthy garden. Wanda is survived by her children, Ricky Titus and Ronda Jane Spencer (David); her stepchildren, Charles, Conred, Chelton Ammons and their families; her brother, Carl Stracner (Angie); four grandchildren, Chase, Charlee, and Josee Spencer, and Ricky Titus Jr.; and one great grandchild Caroline Calaway Spencer. Wanda is preceded in death by her husband Charles Ammons; her parents; her brother, Dr. Bobby Stracner and his wife, Diane Stracner. Upon Wanda's request cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home with no public services. A private memorial service for family and friends and a burial at Highland Memory Gardens will take place at a later date.
American Press
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Regina 'Gina' Marie Williams Baccigalopi
Regina 'Gina' Marie Williams Baccigalopi, 58, of Iowa, La., passed away on June 24, 2025. Born on Jan. 19, 1967, in Sulphur, La., Gina was a proud graduate of Sulphur High School, Class of 1985, and earned her degree in Education from McNeese State University in 2000. Gina touched countless lives during her years as a high school educator in New Caney, Texas until returning to Louisiana in 2008. She had a deep love for gardening, camping, and what she fondly called 'garage sailing' always on the lookout for hidden treasures and good stories along the way. Gina was also a lifelong lover of the arts. She danced from the age of eight and never lost her passion for movement and music. A devoted theatergoer, she was a season ticket holder to Theatre Under the Stars in Houston for over 20 seasons. Her favorite production was CATS, and one of her fondest memories was being invited on stage to dance with Rum Tum Tugger. Gina's love of music was just as strong. She found joy and connection in the sounds of her favorite artists, especially The Black Crowes and her 'soul sister,' Janis Joplin. Gina is survived by her loving husband, Glenn Baccigalopi; her father, Eugene (Ginger) Williams, and her brothers, Michael (Tanya) Williams and Chad (Kimberly) Williams; step-daughter Chelse (Dustin) Willis, and grandchildren Maddox, Miles, Monroe and Mari. She was a cherished aunt to Alexandra, Katelyn, Eden, Evan, Elliot, Drew, Dylan, Quinn, and Cameron Williams, and a beloved great-aunt to Eleanor, Olivia, and Kinsley Williams. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Ann Denton Williams. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her honor at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Fenton, La., on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Jom Joseph, Celebrant. Cremation will follow the service under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa. Visitation will begin Monday in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. and will resume Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will be in Grandlake Sweetlake Cemetery at a later date Pallbearers assisting in her service are Evan Williams, Elliot Williams, Drew Williams, Clint Brightwell, Cody Caldwell and James DeRouen. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gina's name to the charity of your choice. Gina will be remembered for her love of God, generous heart, joyful presence, and the love she shared so freely with her family, friends, students, and all who were lucky enough to know her, and we will all miss her very much. Words of comfort may be shared at: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home.
