April 21, 20162 Vol. 8 • No. 2

April 21, 2016 • Volume 8 • Issue 2

715 Kirby St.Lake Charles, LA 70601Phone: 337-436-7800Fax: 337-990-0262www.thejambalayanews.com

Publisher/Executive EditorLauren Abate lauren@thejambalayanews.com

ContributorsNicole Shuff ArabieGeorge ClineRoger MillerJason MachulskiJustin MorrisRussell PawlowskiBrian PitreTerri Schlichenmeyer

Saleslauren@thejambalayanews.com

GraphicsArt/Production DirectorBurn Rourk

BusinessOffi ce ManagerJeanie Rourk

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The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily refl ect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by Jambalaya Media, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of un-solicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher.Copyright 2014 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

COVER18 Kathie Hanchey-Krielow: Artistic Inspiration for Conceptual Jewelry

REGULARS4 We Are SWLA!

7 Tips From Tip

7 Adoption Corner

8 Fishin’ Tales

10 Soul Matters

11 The Pirates Platter

12 Tales of the Bayou Pickers

FEATURES6 Derby for Dollars

14 Bringing Women’s Eye Health To Light

16 Preventing Cervical Cancer

17 Your Skin as You Age

THE SPICE OF SWLA20 ‘An Evening with MusicMakers’

22 Event Guide

25 Bookworm Sez…

26 heART of SWLA

29 Nightlife Guide

29 Justin Morris’s Lake Charles

33 Funbolaya

34 Society Spice

18

6

2026

11

On Cover: Kathie Hanchey-Krielow

8

April 21, 2016 3Vol. 8 • No. 2

As I sit here munching on Cheez-It crackers, I remember how much my mother loved them, and how many times we’d sit around the kitchen table enjoying them with our tea. “I just can’t stop eating them,” she’d smile as she popped another one in her mouth. Back then, there was just one flavor. Now, there are about a dozen dif-ferent ones. My favorite is the Extra Toasty, and I know that would have been her favorite as well.

I always think of my mother, but even more so as Mother’s Day approaches. Another year without her and her smile, her sense of humor, her singing, her cooking. If she were alive, she’d be 92 and probably not in the best of health.

I don’t think she’d want to live that long. She never wanted to be a burden and she never wanted to go into a nursing home. I think 78 was too young for her to pass, but we have no control over that. I have to be grateful for all of the years I had with her.

New products come on the market, and older ones disap-pear. When that happens, a part of my past disappears with them. I take comfort in still using prod-ucts that my mother used, when I can. Unfortunately, Pond’s Cold Cream doesn’t smell like it did back in the day. The scent, as well as its consistency, is diluted. It was thicker and richer before. My mother would use it to remove her

makeup, and then keep it on as a night cream. I still have an empty jar that belonged to her. When I smell Pond’s, I think of her good-night kiss.

They still sell Shake and Bake, albeit in spiffy new packaging and of course in all kinds of flavors because heaven forbid we have just one. I remember when it first came out when I was a kid, and how the pork chops smelled bak-ing in her oven. She was always concerned about chemicals in the food we ate, so she was skeptical about the coating and we didn’t have it all the time. She usually dipped cutlets and chicken pieces and even artichoke hearts in beaten eggs first, and then coated them with her fresh breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs. I would give anything to have just one lit-tle taste of that now.

We never had carbonated drinks (we called it “tonic” when I was very young, but the name gradu-ally switched to “soda” by the time I was a teenager) in the house except for ginger ale. Ginger ale was good for a stomach upset AND it was a great mixer for “highballs” when we had company. The only brand we used was “Cott,” and I remember its slogan was “It’s Cott to be good.” Never cans, always in a bottle, and a glass one, at that. The name is long gone; I think the com-pany merged with another one.

I was only allowed Coke and orangeade at parties or picnics, and then my intake was closely

monitored. Of course, I would sneak an extra drink or so when my mother wasn’t looking. It was tough being an only child, be-cause she was Always Looking. A sibling would have resulted in less attention on me. Even then, I Just Wanted to be Left Alone.

Speaking of drinks, obtaining ice cubes from the fridge was a dangerous affair. Those metal ice cube trays were lethal. My mother hated them. There was always an issue. The ice either wouldn’t come out, or the cubes would fly up in the air and go all over the place. If my father was home, he was given Ice Cube Duty. If not, we took our chances. That’s one thing from the past that I don’t miss.

But I miss everything else. Espe-cially my mother and the wonder-ful childhood she gave me—all the love and memories and talks and food, just everything that shaped a life that I can look back on with joy. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Until we meet again.

Lauren Abate

Mother's Day

April 21, 20164 Vol. 8 • No. 2

WR Grace Donate to McNeeseThe W.R. Grace Foundation has donated $5,000 to McNeese

State University through the McNeese Foundation. The donation will be divided between the colleges of business and engineering and computer science.

McNeese Names Student Employee of the YearMcNeese State University nursing student

Cassi Duhon of Jennings has been recognized as the McNeese 2016 Janet Delaine Student Em-ployee of the Year. Duhon works in the Office of Financial Aid. McNeese currently employs 550 students throughout the campus. The Stu-dent Employee of the Year Program recognizes students who demonstrate reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism and contribu-tions. The annual award is named in of honor the late Janet Delaine, a member of the Student

Employee of the Year Committee and assistant director of financial aid at McNeese.

Lyons Insurance Agency Receives Award The Northlake Insurance Group, LTD recently presented Ly-

ons Insurance Agency, Inc. with an award at their annual member meeting. The award was for the largest revenue growth percentage in 2015. The revenue growth, 26.2 percent, was the largest among the 16 independent agencies throughout Louisiana that make up North-

lake Insurance Group. Lyons Insurance has been serving the insur-ance needs of Southwest Louisiana since 1960.

Harris New Principal of LC College PrepFelix Harris has accepted the position of principal at Lake

Charles College Prep. He most recently served as the Prep’s as-sistant principal where he has been serving as interim principal during this school year. He previously served as principal-in-training at Downtown Miami Charter School, one of Charter Schools USA’s highest achieving schools located in one of the most impoverished areas of Miami. Harris earned his Bachelor of Sci-ence and Master of Education from Florida State University. He earned his Doctorate of Education in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

SOWELA Received NAPTA EndorsementThe Process Technology program offered at SOWELA Technical

Community College has achieved the NAPTA Endorsed College Status for the year 2016. The NAPTA consists of Process Technol-ogy education providers and their business, industry, and commu-nity advisors cooperatively working toward common goals. To be granted NAPTA endorsement, a college must teach specific learning objectives, must establish and maintain an active industry-based advisory committee, must receive a successful audit of its program from NAPTA members, and must remain in good standing with the organization.

Arnould Named Entergy SWLA Senior Region Manager Anthony “Chip” Arnould has been named Entergy Louisiana’s

senior region manager of customer service, returning to the area to replace Frank Shannon, who is now a distribution line superintend-ent for Entergy Texas. Arnould has worked for Entergy for more than 17 years. In his new role, he will oversee customer service in SWLA, which includes Lake Charles, Jennings and Lafayette. Besides his vast experience in storm restoration and other challenges, he also has extensive operational, business and customer service knowledge.

Pepsi Co. Becomes Corporate Partner BB/BS SWLAPepsi Co. of Lake Charles has formed a corporate partnership

with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana. With a donation of $3,000, they will be event sponsors of both Bowl For Kids’ Sake, to be held on May 7, and the annual golf tournament, to be held in the fall. In addition to the cash donation, Pepsi will be providing drinks to be given out at the event itself. All the funds donated are invested locally into programs run by BBBS-SWLA that impact children and families in the Southwest Louisiana community.

L to R: Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, dean of engineering and computer science; Jennifer Couste, W.R. Grace; Richard H. Reid, VP for university advancement; Hyun Brossett, W.R. Grace and Dr. Musa Es-

sayyad, dean of business. McNEESE PHOTO

Cassi Duhon

Felix Harris

L to R: Heather Heidebrink, Pepsi Co.; Heather Hohensee, Executive Director of BB/BS of SWLA; Chris Swift, Pepsi Co. USM; Richard Struble; Sandra Thibodeaux and Aubrey Lewis

April 21, 2016 5Vol. 8 • No. 2

SOWELA Off ers Associate of Science Degree in NursingSOWELA Technical Community College has received approval

from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to offer an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) for students working toward their registered nurse credential. The ASN degree will be offered start-ing in the fall of 2016, and will complement the health education opportunities already offered to students at the College, including a Practical Nursing Technical Diploma or a Nurse Assistant Cer-tificate. Enrollment into the ASN program is limited and applicant selection will be made on a competitive basis. For more information, contact Dr. Wendi Palermo, Dean of the School of Nursing and Al-lied Health, at wendi.palermo@sowela.edu or call (337) 421-6594.

Cheniere LNG Donates to Family & YouthCheniere LNG held its 2016 Charitable Golf Tournament on April

8 at the National Golf Club in Westlake. Cheniere LNG donated the proceeds of the tournament, a total of $24,043.00, to two of Family & Youth Counseling Agency’s divisions, Court Appointed Special Advocates and The Leadership Center for Youth.

Shields Qualifi es for Million Dollar Round TableTerrell & Associates would like to recognize

and congratulate Rhea Shields on qualify-ing for the 2016 Million Dollar Round Table at the Court of the Table level, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Ter-rell & Associates has been established in the Lake Area since 1981 serving Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Terrell & Associ-ates, LLC is located at 625 West College Street, Lake Charles. (337)474-4025. Securities offered through Questar Capital Corporation (QCC),

Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Questar Asset Management (QAM), A Registered Investment Advisor. GCG Wealth Management is independent of QCC and QAM

McNeese Women’s Basketball Players Win AwardsSenior point guard Jayln Johnson walked away with top honors

at the McNeese Women’s Basketball Awards Banquet, being named the FE Salter Most Valuable Player. Johnson, a native of Jennings, also garnered the coaches’ award. Fellow senior Allison Baggett was awarded the offense award and was named to the All-Southland and All-Louisiana teams. Sophomore Frederica Haywood was presented the Frances T. King Memorial Rebound Award. Other awards pre-sented included the most improved award to junior Victoria Rachal. Junior Hannah Cupit was presented the defensive award and the community service award went to junior Amber Donnes. For the first time, the Donna Bertrand “All I Can Be” award, which is nor-

mally given to a player was presented to manager April Broussard.

Memorial Honors Frasch Artists Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently honored students who

participated in the “Young at Art Program” in January/February. The program, which spotlights artwork from a different local ele-mentary school each month, was designed to make a positive impact on hospital patients, employees, and the young artists themselves. The display featured artwork by students from Frasch Elementary School. A panel of Memorial volunteers recognized third grade student Aubrie Flanagan and fifth grade students Arecia Robinson and Darby Matte with a $25 gift card.

L to R: Julio Galan, President/CEO of Family & Youth; Erika Simon, Family & Youth VP; Cindy McGee, Cheniere Public Affairs; Courtney Fuller, Senior CASA Coordinator; Cody Landry, Cheniere

Community Investment Board Chairman; and James Havard, Cheniere Community Investment Board Chairman.

Rhea Shields

L to R: Frederica Haywood, Hannah Cupit, Amber Donnes, Allison Baggett, Jayln Johnson, Victoria Rachal, April Broussard, Landon McKee

Arecia RobinsonAubrie Flanagan Darby Matte

April 21, 20166 Vol. 8 • No. 2

Gentlemen, grab your derby duds; and ladies, get your hats! It’s time for the 4th Annual Derby for Dollars! As with all things valuable and fun, this event just gets better with age. Now in its fourth year, the Mint Juleps are crisper, the cause greater, and the camaraderie beyond measure.

Derby for Dollars, a Kentucky Derby-style event, takes place at The Stables of LeBocage on May 7. Guests dress in their best Kentucky Derby attire and wander the grounds of The Stables enjoying fresh Mint Juleps, the official drink of the Derby, and food from the Lake Area’s finest restaurants including Ember Grille, Cousins, and Ma-zen’s, among several others.

While guests wait for the race to start, they can bid on their favorite horse and jockey for the big race or browse the unique items for sale in the silent auction area. If betting isn’t your style, there’s still the jumping exhibition, where The Stables’ best riders show off their skills and talents for their guests. There’s also music and contests for Best Derby Duds and Best Hat.

Derby for Dollars is one of the Lake Area’s most exclusive and exciting fundraisers. All proceeds from the event ben-efit the Shannon Cox Counseling Center of Family & Youth. The Shannon Cox Counseling Center was founded by John and Ginny Henning, owners of The Stables of LeBocage, and the Friends of Shannon Cox in honor of their dear friend Shannon Cox, a local advocate for the underprivileged and exploited who was taken from us too early. Today, Derby for Dollars continues annually to preserve Shannon’s memory

and to support the Shannon Cox Counseling Center. Tickets for the event at $125 per person and can be pur-

chased online at www.fyca.org. Sponsorships packages are available and include free tickets and souvenirs, as well as sponsor recognition during the event (attended by over 200 individuals). More information about the event or sponsor-ship packages is available by contacting Roxanne Camara at (337) 436-9533 or roxanne@fyca.org.

The Shannon Cox Counseling Center provides a wide range of constructive and life-changing services in the form of counseling, consultation, and education to benefit in-dividuals and families in Southwest Louisiana. The center offers grief-counseling services for children who have lost a significant person in their lives and provides a safe place for them to express their emotions. Children grieve differently than adults, and the center works with each child individu-ally to build a bridge to recovery. In 2015, the Shannon Cox Counseling Center provided grief counseling services to 377 children.

Family & Youth believes that all individuals possess the ability to solve their own challenges and live full and healthy lives when support is available. It is the mission of Fam-ily & Youth to provide affordable and professional support through programs and services dedicated to the advocacy, counseling, and education for the people of Southwest Loui-siana. Our effort and commitment to building family values will guarantee a stable and stronger community. For more information about Family & Youth visit www.fyca.org, call 337 436-9533, or like Family & Youth on Facebook. Family & Youth is a United Way supported agency.

T H E S T A B L E S O F L e B O C A G E

Derby For Dollars

April 21, 2016 7Vol. 8 • No. 2

Voter Turnout DisappointingIt was disappointing to see the meager

turnout for the recent election. Th e Hur-ricane Museum was defeated by nearly 80 percent of the vote, but only 14,648 voters took the time to cast a ballot, a mere 12 percent of the registered voters in Calca-sieu Parish. Voter apathy is increasingly becoming a major problem for good gov-ernance as it allows a small portion of the population to determine the directions of our public bodies. Th ose fervent in their pursuit of a special interest can obtain their objective simply by the lack of op-position voters expressing their view.

Promoting voter registration means little if those potential voters won’t cast a ballot. We will have the type of govern-ment we deserve, either responsible to the people or responsible to the goals of the special interests that will out-vote the ones that don’t care enough to par-ticipate. Please inform yourselves of the

issues and the candidates--you are the one that can make a diff erence if you just go out and vote.

Use Your Library!I recently was invited to participate in a program held by the Iowa Branch of

the Calcasieu Parish Library. It was an honor to see the hard work that the library staff did in putting on a multi-faceted event that

included an acting performance by young people, a demonstration of

science in action, and costumed super-heroes in attendance. In the past, I have written of the value of our libraries, ex-tolling the opportunities that you have already paid for in your taxes. This was another example of one of the many benefits that are waiting for you at your public library. I suggest that you look into what your library has to offer. It’s there--just waiting for you to enjoy.

Beware BOGOsWhen I am out shopping, it is not unu-

sual to see the “Buy one, get one” signs (commonly referred to as BOGOs). Th e price can be (and usually is) nearly double or more of their regular price. Consumers obviously go for this marketing maneuver or the merchants would not utilize it, so it is evidence of the lack of awareness that’s out there. Really, folks, the deal can be even worse on the ones where you buy one get two free (the cheapest ones are always the free ones) and lo and behold, the price is somewhere around three times the nor-mal price.

It is beyond me why shoppers don’t tru-ly understand these promotions. Clearly,

the merchant is trimming its inventory of excess or aging products. Know your prices and check things out. In many of these instances, you are not getting the deal you think you have found. Be aware of promotions that sound too good or almost too good to be true.

Supermarket RoundupFor our shopping survey this issue, we

checked on some staple products found in just about any of our kitchens. We conducted this survey on April 17 at the following locations: Albertsons-Country Club Road, Market Basket-Lake Street, Kroger-McNeese Street and Walmart-Nelson Road. Th ese are the posted prices on the shelf where the product was placed for sale. All product prices are for the ge-neric house brand, except for Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup.

All Purpose Flour, 2-pound package: Albertsons $1.39, Market Basket $1.49, Kroger $1.29, Walmart $1.22. Granulated Sugar, 4-pound package: Albertsons $1.99, Market Basket $1.69, Kroger $1.89, Walmart $2.22. Long Grain Rice, 2-pound package: Albertsons $1.49, Market Basket $1.49, Kroger $1.79, Walmart $1.38. Red Kidney Beans, 1-pound package: Albertsons $1.59, Market Basket $1.49, Kroger $1.19, Walmart $1.48.

Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup, 10 ¾ ounce can: Albertsons $.99, Market Basket $1.15, Kroger $1, Walmart $1.

This sweet girl has a Lab for one parent and a Boxer for the other. She has a beautiful brindle coat and is truly a gentle soul. Weighing about 40 pounds,

she is medium-sized and would make a wonderful addition to any family. She is great with other dogs and enjoys being

around children. A fenced yard is a must for this girl. To meet her, join us at PetsMart on Saturday from noon to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call or email: 478-7294; lapaw@bellsouth.net. Home visit

and vet check required prior to all adoptions.

April 21, 20168 Vol. 8 • No. 2

What does one do when the wind is howling out of the east at 30 mph and it’s been raining again? That aside, there’s also the dis-couraging old axiom, “Wind out of the east, fishing’s the

least.” The elements may be discouraging but if one is as truly angling addicted as Mark and I are, you go. If you also write a hunting and fishing column you HAVE to go. You see, my planned

angling trip to Toledo Bend Reservoir with Shane and Jeannette Stephens had to be postponed. Shane’s lame excuse was that he had been rained out at work last week and now HAS to work. He

seems to forget I have a dead-line to meet. I’ll forgive him this time, since we’re heading to Toledo Bend as soon as they’re freed up.

The only question unan-swered now was where to go when the water is too high and muddy. Obviously the angling addicted and sports columnists HAVE to go somewhere. The dilemma was quickly resolved when I ran into my old podna Mark Fontenot.“Hey, Rog, want to go fishing?” he asked. Before I could reply with a “Oh, hell yes!” Mark said, “We can fish the Lacassine Reserve Pool like last time.” Hallelujah and an amen, I was saved.

There was the answer to not only the if but the where to fish. My crisis was over. I was so relieved I even went out in search of a new rod and reel to replace my 30-year-old Garcia Abu-mat-ic reel and Ugly Stick rod. That proved to be a dilem-ma. A quick visit to the local sporting goods store awak-ened my retirement budget angst: cost. Seems that I can easily replace my old rig. The only problem was that the price of replacement was now THREE times what I paid 30 years ago. While I

The Art of Not Catching Fish

Photos by Chris Romero

Mark�Fontenot�On�A�Better�Day

April 21, 2016 9Vol. 8 • No. 2

stood there in sticker shock, the answer appeared before me in the form of a reduced price sticker. This particular rod and reel was priced at just about what I paid for my old rig back in the day. Life is about wants and needs. I needed a new rod and reel, what I wanted was immate-rial. After all, I still had the aged twin to my favorite fresh water rig. I bought the cheapie.

Now, we only had to make the 30-minute drive on Louisiana Highway 27 and take a right before the Lacas-sine Bayou and down the road to the launch. When I stepped out of Mark’s truck I was glad I hadn’t worn a hat as it would have blown away damn near to the town of Hayes in that lean-into-it wind. Boat launched, we put-putted along a what seemed a forever no wake zone to the north end of the Lacassine Pool. The treed levee inside the pool left us way more than less out of the wind. This was certainly not a no-wind zone, but at least we were partially pro-tected from the wind.

The water was marve-lously clear, the weeds in an early spring moderate thick-ness and the lily pads didn’t clog our path. Mark quickly rigged me up with a char-treuse Beetle Spin lure while he set up with a watermelon-colored Fluke bait. He could cast that thing just about anywhere he wanted. I, how-ever, proved very adept at hauling in veritable bales of weeds and an occasional lily pad. I wondered if mischie-vous Mark made up my lure just to harass me.

A half hour would pass before we would have our first fish and it was a rod bender for Mark. He slammed set the hook. We both knew it was a big one.

I got so excited and made for the landing net. As he worked the fish toward the boat he shouted as a curse, “Choupique!” aka cypress bass aka trash fish. Un-daunted, Mark tossed back the fish and continued to work the edge of and into the lilies.

Bam! Soon there was an-other big hit. “Damn gar-fish!” Mark shouted. It was truly the ugly long-snouted and sharp-toothed “poisson arme” aka trash fish. Fortu-nately for the gar, he threw off the bait at the bateau’s edge. Undeterred, Mark was soon back at it. He poured some of the magic potion on the bait that changed the fluke’s color to grape. Just another of the vaunted arsenal of gimmicks he used to enhance his catch. The magic worked some as he soon landed and tossed back a perch and a small bass. He added a goggle-eye perch, aka “lunette de yeux.” That gave Mark five species for the afternoon. And I, I missed the few perch that just wouldn’t hook them-selves as effectively as the marsh grass managed to.

But we were out of the house, outdoors and in our own sanctuary, the marsh. It was a good day to view black mallard ducks (mot-tled ducks), frivolous tree ducks (Mexican squealers) and even some teal (fly-ing filets) migrating back north. It was, however, not our day to catch fish. But, the ride down, time spent on the water and the ride back were all well spent. At this point, Mark informed me of this private pond he should have taken me to. Claimed he never came out with less than six bass, two pounds and up. I plan to be speaking to him again after I get back from Toledo Bend.

April 21, 201610 Vol. 8 • No. 2

I’m a 45-year-old woman, re-cently divorced after a 21-year marriage. I have two beautiful children and to my surprise, healing emotions from my childhood experience of di-vorce.

I think of my relationship with my father of most of my childhood, and you could say there wasn’t much of one. I so loved my Dad, my Daddy. The memories I have and held onto are like the pictures in our fam-ily albums.

There was a six-year time period when my Dad wasn’t in my life at all. He sort of be-came a ghost in many ways and I just pushed all of the pain deep inside my heart. There didn’t seem to be time to deal with all of that. Who would I talk to about it, anyway? Life keeps going on with or without our participation. I assume my soul decided that it was best to participate, toughen up, pull in the tears and shut my heart to whatever I felt.

Let me say that I’m not putting blame on either of my parents for my emotional scars. They did what they had to do. Unfortunately, the children just

seem to have to go along with it all. Then, later in life, emo-tions start rising up from deep within and must be dealt with.

My story goes something like this…

Once upon a time, a little brown-eyed girl loved life and had no pain and tons of love inside of her heart. Then one day, life changed and someone she loved went away. She then had to grow up much faster than expected. I guess you can say she lost her childhood in-nocence quickly. She stopped loving like a child does and her heart became more like an adult’s. Eventually, when she was much older, she and her father healed most of the hurts and let them go. At least, that’s what she thought.

After an accident and in-jury to her brain, life began to change. She was experiencing her own divorce, her children’s pain and financial issues, along with physical and emo-tional healing. That is when she started leaning on another Father, one she only knew on the outside. She discovered that before this moment she had been living in a black and white

world void of vibrant colors. Without color she had been

missing out on the true beauty of life. She wasn’t living and being grateful for all the vibrant hues that God had given her. She had been living in a world void of emotion.

A world without color and emotion lack-

ing the delight and wonder that God intended.

I believe that these recent emotions that

I’ve been feel-ing regarding my

father came to life because of his recent diagnosis of cancer. I pray for the outcome of healing for his body and I will continue to carry the hope for healing within my heart daily.

But, I have been avoiding him and the cancer. He recently he left me a voicemail stating that he doesn’t understand why I haven’t come to see him yet. I have been praying and asking God that I be shown what and why this is. God’s answer back to me is that for the moment, He is waiting for my father to turn to Him and not to oth-ers such as myself. To allow God’s love to reach inside of his heart. To give it all to Him. But I know that I will be visiting my Dad soon, in person, when God tells me to move.

As a child of divorce and now a parent that has experi-enced the full circle of divorce, I can share the following words that might help others from my own experiences.

Though divorce can play a negative role in a child’s long-term emotional wellness or lack thereof, there are ways to limit the effects. When parents work together to create a safe and loving environment for their children, they can decrease the short-term effects of divorce, which will in turn minimize the long-term effects in adult-hood. None of us are perfect; we all stumble. Do things with love and in love.

When it comes to the loss of a parent, grieving and mourn-

ing is important for the healing process. Acknowledge not only the loss of a life-partner, but the fact that your children have lost a loving, caring foundation in their lives. Remembering and cherishing the good times and allowing your children to celebrate the life that once was should all be approached with sensitivity, no matter how long it takes.

As the parent, letting go of bitterness, regret, blame, negative energy, emotion and outbursts, and not being able to forgive and forget is of major importance. As your heart heals, you will grow into the person that is ready and able to give love and serve in love, instead of needing to take love. Practice what you preach…

I love you, Dad! NikkiTo book a Soul Matters Ses-

sion with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573. You can also go to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Declutter-ingYourSoul

Orphaned Spirit Childhood Loss and Healing

April 21, 2016 11Vol. 8 • No. 2

Ingredients1 pound penne pasta4 tablespoons butter1/4 cup fl our1 quart milk1 pinch nutmegSalt Freshly ground black pepper1 cup fresh ricotta cheese1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese1 cup or so cooked caulifl ower

DirectionsPreheat oven to 375˚. In a large pot of boiling, salted wa-

ter, cook the pasta for 12 minutes, uncovered, then drain in a colander.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the fl our and cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute, then stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Keep stirring, and when the white sauce is well mixed, reduce the heat to sim-mer. Add the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese. Add the pasta and toss well, then stir in the Swiss cheese and half of the cheddar. Scatter the caulifl ower in an ovenproof dish and spoon the pasta and cheesy sauce on top. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle on the remaining cheddar. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes, until the cheese is nicely browned.

Enjoy!

Cauliflower Mac N Cheese

April 21, 201612 Vol. 8 • No. 2

After I wrote my last article, “Atomic Era: The Golden Age,” I wanted to elabo-rate more on this time in history. I also found myself driving through neighbor-hoods looking for Mid-century Modern architecture. You would be surprised at how many MCM homes there are in our area. Since there’s so much to cover about MCM due to the span of the era (1933-1965), I will focus on the architec-ture, for the most part, in this article.

Mid-century Modern architecture breaks away from cookie-cutter design and traditional aesthetics. It strives to create home designs that go beyond “standard” ideas and instead pursues projects inspired by layout, location, and function.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, Louis Sullivan famously stated that, “Form fol-lows function.” This idea is expressed by

modernism’s ten-dency to have land or

the function of a project dictate much of the design

ideas. For example, Wright was famous for

building with the land; his residential homes almost always relied on the lot to determine how the building was to be laid out. Wright believed that a building should be “one with the land” and not simply plopped down on top of it.

Modernist architecture takes inspiration from the project itself. If the project is meant to show-case something in particular, or be occupied by a particular person, the aim is to design for each unique situation and to be inspired by its purpose. It is typically free of clut-ter and unnecessary elements. The goals of the project are clarified at the start, and only the features that are required are included in the design. Residential homes are often stripped down to showcase the architectural

design of the home. The focus is on the space itself, rather than on any decor or details not relevant to the overall design.

Modern tastes enjoy sim-plicity and clarity. Homes

will be clean, functional, and simple. There are

varying degrees of modernism - some will opt for the strict design sense of true minimal-ism, while others prefer to incor-porate the mini-malist aesthetics

of modernism in conjunction with

their own personal style.

Frank Lloyd Wright is widely considered to be the father of Ameri-

can modernist archi-tecture. He believed form and function should be harmonious, though his use of curves and his love of woodwork re-

April 21, 2016 13Vol. 8 • No. 2

flect his acknowledged antipathy toward the rigid and impersonal International style. Wright felt that good design could intensify peoples’ connections to their sur-roundings, especially to nature. His organic designs blended into their landscapes — natural or ur-ban — and would greatly impact generations to come.

With all the work that went into designing these amazing structures, the interior of a house completes it. While most people will be familiar with some clas-sic furniture designs from this period, such as the Eames lounge chair or Arne Jacobsen’s “Egg” chair, what actu-ally characterizes MCM design?

Arguably the most telling rise in furniture de-sign was how that now, it was not regulated to a sin-gle purpose. For example, chairs could be used for many different purposes rather than being regu-lated to the living room, kitchen or den. Tables became places where people would eat, write, stack magazines, play cards and more. No longer was furniture limited to one purpose, which in turn created a more uniform style in many different homes.

Even furniture that was still used for a singular purpose took on a simpler, straightforward look. Coffee tables, for example, became neat and clean in design with an

emphasis on lines and angles as opposed to a more ornate look. In addition, accessories such as lamps, clocks, glassware and even artwork took on a more simple design that reflected the new age. This style also reflected an ap-proach to casual living which brought about more comfort ac-cessories such as toasters, time-saving gadgets, barbeque sets, etc., that either saved time and effort or helped create a more casual atmosphere around the home.

With the explosion of popular music in the 1950s, stereos or “hi-

fis” were becoming quite common.

Of course, all of these new

appliances and accessories

needed a place to be stored when

not in use, so sim-pler closet designs

were crafted. The most notable

works of MCM style in terms of furniture and accessories in-

clude Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and many more. I have really come to love the MCM era, from its simple family values to the amazing architecture. Every day, the world changes and people forget about the simple things in life. Back then, there were no cell phones, computers or video games. Families lived in func-tional neighborhoods and lived the American dream.

April 21, 201614 Vol. 8 • No. 2

Medically speaking, women don’t have it easy. Between hormone fluctuations, pregnancy and menopause, it seems like women got the short straw.

“When your body goes through major changes, other parts, such as your eyes, may be changing, too,” said Dr. William B. Hart of Hart Eye Center.

April is Women’s Eye Health Month, and since two-thirds of the world’s blindness occurs in women, there’s no time like the present to educate ourselves on how women tend to have more eye problems than men.

Birth Control: It’s likely that you or someone you know is on the pill, and while birth control may cause blood clots and stroke—which also can affect your vision—it can also be the culprit be-hind dry eye and increased chances for cataracts.

“Changes in your vision—no matter how small—should be communicated to your eye doc-tor,” said Dr. Hart. “If your birth control seems to be affecting your vision, talk to your birth control prescriber and your eye doctor about trying a dif-ferent prescription.”

Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a significant mile-stone in anyone’s life, but it comes with equally significant effects on your body, and the eyes are not left out of the mix. If a pregnant woman expe-riences high blood pressure, it may cause blurry vision and even retinal detachment.

“As the body’s metabolism, hormones and

blood circulation change during pregnancy, your vision may change as well. Pregnant women may notice that their eyes are drier and more irritable than usual,” said Dr. Hart.

If you wear contacts, you also may find that your once comfortable prescription feels differ-ent. This may mean that there are slight changes in the thickness and shape of your cornea during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy isn’t the best time to invest in new contacts or glasses.

Menopause: Sooner or later, every woman hits menopause. Besides the hot flashes and hormone ups and downs, menopause can also cause dry eye as well as uveitis, or eye inflammation.

“In addition to irritated eyes, some women may notice light sensitivity, increased tearing or blurred vision after menopause. Regular use of eye drops can help combat these symptoms,” said Dr. Hart.

Menopausal women may also need to rely more on corrective lenses for reading due to sub-tle changes in the shape of the eye.

Don’t let sudden vision changes or discomfort creep up on you. The best ways to reduce the ef-fects of future vision problems are to eat healthi-er, quit smoking and schedule regular eye exams.

Hart Eye Center offers free cataract screen-ings twice a month. To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Hart Eye Center at (337) 439-4014 or visit www.HartEyeCenter.com.

Bringing Women’s Eye Health To Light

April 21, 2016 15Vol. 8 • No. 2

As we age, our skin loses some of its original suppleness, elasticity and glow, often leaving us with lines, wrinkles, sun spots and splotches. While completely stopping the aging proc-ess is impossible, there are still several steps to take – from simple lifestyle and skincare routine changes on up to cosmetic facial injections - to help you put your best face forward.

Join Hope Bueller, MD, a fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon and ear, nose and throat specialist with Memorial Medical Group, for “Looking Your Best at Any Age,” a free seminar on April 29.

Dr. Bueller received her medical degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she was awarded the Aca-demic Excellence Award and Farrior Otolaryngology Award. She then went on to complete her otolaryngology residency at West Virginia University in Morgantown, during which time she received the Touma Resident Research Award. More re-cently, she completed a facial plastic and reconstructive sur-gery fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“Looking Your Best at Any Age” is a free seminar being held at noon on Friday, April 29, in the Shearman Conference Center at Memorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard. Light lunch will be provided, and reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit lcmh.com/seminar or call (337) 494-2936. You can also watch the event live online by visiting lcmh.com/watch.

Memorial Hospital SeminarLooking Your Best at Any Age April 29

April 21, 201616 Vol. 8 • No. 2

One of the great success stories in cancer research, since annual Pap test cervical cancer screenings were intro-duced in the 1950s, cases of what was once the number one cancer in women have plum-meted. Human Papillovirus (HPV) vaccination has further reduced the numbers.

“Today, we know cervi-cal cancer can be prevented with proper screening to find pre-cancers before they de-velop into invasive cancer,” said Stanley Kordisch, M.D., a gynecologist and

member of the medical staff at Lake Area Medical Center. “If a pre-cancer is found, it can be treated, stopping cervical cancer before it really starts.”

One factor in cervical can-cer is the prevalence of the hu-man papilloma virus (HPV) in society. An estimated 80 per-cent of sexually active women

will become infected with the virus at some point, but of the more than 100 strains of HPV identified, only a few high-risk strains are connected to cervi-cal cancer.

The vast majority of HPV infections resolve without any treatment or intervention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends young women and men receive

HPV vaccination at 11 or 12 years of age to provide the best protection long before the start of any sexual activity. Catch-up vaccines are recom-mended for males through age 21 and for

females through 26 years of age. In females, vaccination helps protect against two types of HPV that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.

“Unfortunately, the CDC reports more than 4,000 U.S. women still die from cervi-

cal cancer every year,” said Dr. Kordisch. “Women at risk of dying from the disease today are those who have been screened infre-quently – or not at all.”

Recently, changing guide-lines about screening frequency have created confu-sion. What used to be a clear direction from the American Cancer Society – “Get a yearly Pap test” – has become

less clear. Recommended time between screenings is now longer, and two separate tests are available.

While not all physicians agree on the new guidelines, Dr. Kordisch suggests that the following general rules from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecolo-gists and the American Cancer Society are good to follow to help protect yourself against cervical cancer. Be proactive in discussing with your doc-tor whether these screening guidelines are right for you:

• All women should begin cervical cancer screening via a Pap test at age 21.

• Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test at least every three years. HPV testing should be done only if needed after an abnor-mal Pap test.

• Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test at least every five years.

• Women over 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer.

• Women who are at in-creased risk for cervical can-cer may need to increase the

frequency of these screenings. Notably, African American and Hispanic women have a higher incidence of cervical cancer than other ethnic groups.

In short, the American Cancer Society no longer recommends getting a Pap test

every year, because it gener-ally takes longer than that (3-5 years) for cervical cancer to develop. As the

debate continues, there is also the option to have a sepa-rate test for HPV alone. Again, discuss with your doctor the appropriate actions based on your age, lifestyle and risk fac-tors.

Talk to your physician about the cervical cancer screening or call Dr. Stanley Kordisch, gynecologist at (337) 562-3747. To find a physician or learn more about taking care of your

health, visit www.lakear-eamc.com.

Lake Area Medical Center (LAMC) is a full-service acute care hospital located at 4200 Nelson Road in Lake Charles. Lake Area Medical Center is the area’s preferred leader for Women’s Services and offers inpatient, outpatient, medi-cal and surgical care for men, women and children. LAMC is an accredited Bariatric Sur-gery Center and is equipped with a 24-hour physician-staffed Emergency Department and a Level 3 Neonatal ICU. Lake Area Medical Center is recognized by Modern Health-care magazine as a 2015 Best Places to Work in Healthcare and a Top Performer in Key Quality Measures® from The Joint Commission.

PREVENTING CERVICAL CANCERL A K E A R E A M E D I C A L C E N T E R

April 21, 2016 17Vol. 8 • No. 2

Your skin does many things. It contains nerve receptors that allow you to feel touch, pain, and pressure, helps control fluid and electrolyte balance, helps control your body temperature and pro-tects you from the environment

Although skin has many lay-ers, it can generally be divided into three main parts:• The outer part (epidermis) contains skin cells, pigment, and proteins.• The middle part (dermis) con-tains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and oil glands. The dermis provides nutrients to the epidermis.• Th e inner layer under the dermis (the subcutaneous layer) contains sweat glands, some hair follicles, blood vessels, and fat.

Each layer also contains connective tissue with collagen fibers to give support and elastin fibers to provide flexibility and strength.

Aging ChangesWith aging, the outer skin

layer (epidermis) thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. The number of pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) decreases. The remaining melanocytes increase in size. Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear. Large pigmented spots, including age spots, liver spots, or lentigos, may appear in sun-exposed areas.

Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin’s strength and elasticity. This is known as elastosis and is more notice-able in sun-exposed areas (solar elastosis). Elastosis produces the leathery, weather-beaten appear-ance common those who spend a large amount of time outdoors.

The blood vessels of the der-mis become more fragile. This leads to bruising, bleeding under the skin (often called senile purpura), cherry angiomas and similar conditions.

Sebaceous glands produce

less oil as you age. Men experi-ence a minimal decrease, usu-ally after the age of 80. Women gradually produce less oil begin-ning after menopause. This can make it harder to keep the skin moist, resulting in dryness and itchiness.

The subcutaneous fat layer thins so it has less insulation and padding. This increases your risk of skin injury and reduces your ability to maintain body tem-perature. Because you have less natural insulation, you can get hypothermia in cold weather.

Some medications are ab-sorbed by the fat layer. Losing this layer changes the way that these medications work.

The sweat glands produce less sweat. This makes it harder to keep cool. Your risk for over-heating or developing heat stroke increases. Growths such as skin tags, warts, rough patches (kera-toses), and other blemishes are more common in older people.

Effect of ChangesAs you age, you are at in-

creased risk for skin injury. Your skin is thinner, more fragile, and you lose the protective fat layer. You also may be less able to sense touch, pressure, vibration, heat, and cold.

Rubbing or pulling on the skin can cause skin tears. Fragile blood vessels can break easily. Bruises, flat collections of blood (purpura), and raised collections of blood (hematomas) may form after even a minor injury.

Pressure ulcers can be caused by skin changes, loss of the fat layer, reduced activity, poor nutrition, and illnesses. Sores are most easily seen on the outside surface of the forearms, but they can occur anywhere on the body.

Aging skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. Wound healing may be up to four times slower. This con-tributes to pressure ulcers and infections. Diabetes blood vessel

changes, lowered immunity, and other factors also affect healing.

PreventionBecause most skin changes

are related to sun exposure, pre-vention is a lifelong process.• Prevent sunburn if at all pos-sible.• Use a good quality sunscreen when outdoors, even in the winter.• Wear protective clothing and a hat when needed.

Good nutrition and adequate fluids are also helpful. Dehydra-

tion increases the risk of skin injury. Sometimes minor nu-tritional deficiencies can cause rashes, skin lesions and other skin changes, even if you have no other symptoms.

Keep skin moist with lotions and other moisturizers. DO NOT use soaps that are heav-ily perfumed. Bath oils are not recommended because they can cause you to slip and fall. Moist skin is more comfortable and will heal more quickly.

Source: US National Library of Medicine

Your Skin as You Age

April 21, 201618 Vol. 8 • No. 2

KathieHanchey-Krielow Artistic Inspiration for Conceptual JewelryBy Lauren Abate

Kathie Krielow Jewelry Concepts. The name of her business is quite appropriate, because she does more than simply make jewelry. She doesn’t just string beads. She conceptualizes, creates and brings forth unique items inspired by what she thinks and what she sees on her life’s journey.

Krielow loves to travel and does it often for her mind, heart, and soul. If she finds a place that resonates with her, she will return.

“Revisiting interesting places is a favorite inspiration,” she says. “I go back

to a place over and over again until I squeeze all the discover-ies and adventures I can out of the place.”

When we spoke, she had recently returned from Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she’d spent a relaxing week in a very old home in the woods, snapping photos, soaking up the energy, and visit-ing antique shops and flea markets in the area.

Creating adventures started at a young age. “As a child I never experi-enced homesickness,” she recalls. “I enjoyed my home; however, leaving it meant a larger fish tank to play in, more water to swim in.

It meant changing into a bud-ding ARTIST.”

But her childhood was lovely, especially in the summer, when a child’s imagination can really run free. “I remember summer

church camp and spending the nights at friends’

houses,” she says. “I spent one sum-mer in Sweet Lake on Maws Maw’s farm while Dad was in Vietnam fighting…It was a

nice diversion for me.”Krielow says it was always a creative

treat for her to head south to the farm. “Catching wild cats to tame later—what a crazy idea!” she laughs. “When you are

on a farm 24/7, there’s something happening all the time. I even built myself a tree platform that year on the farm…. My own

place!”Nature has always been a direct

pull for her. “God’s studio is nature. Everyone should visit it regularly,” she advises.

Her Lake Charles studio reflects the natural world with plants, crys-

tals, artwork and her sweet dog—an oasis near the busy-ness of downtown where she can dream and create in her zone. And, she is always making changes to her space. “Rearranging things in a room just changes the energy and just makes it so much better,” she says.

Her most loyal companion is Molly, who stays by her side.

“My dog Molly is my constant teacher in life. Just having her in my work envi-

April 21, 2016 19Vol. 8 • No. 2

One thing that Kathie was absolutely sure of was that she wanted to share this issue’s cover with Molly.

Unfortunately, Molly didn’t agree.The�Molly

����Bloopers

ronment is indescribable,” Krielow says. “I’ve learned so much from my pet. She reminds me daily that I need to stop and love and kiss on her. Pets make everything at ease for most people and she is like natu-ral meds for me.”

Krielow says Molly’s greatest trick in the studio is to paw on the customers--and they think it’s her first time to do it. “She’s very OCD and demands affection daily, regu-larly, hourly. The customers seem to be sad when Molly’s not on the premises. That’s a rare occasion, but sometime she does go to the farm with her daddy.”

Creating daily is a natural-born instinct for Krielow. “I’m always doing something, whether it’s blowing the dust off my shears to give a friend a lift haircut in a time of need, rearranging furniture or visiting a friend and deciding

I’m going to go ahead and trim up all her bushes because they just need it!”

Of course, there is never enough time for this very busy woman, whose mind never stops percolating.

“If there were more hours in the day, I would be able to do other creative diver-sions like painting, pot-

tery or glassblowing,” she says, her eyes twinkling with

excitement. “There is nev-er enough time to squeeze everything I would like to do in my lifetime. A couple

of weeks ago, I bought some original paintings in Tulsa

from an 82-year-old artist named Connie. She paints every day…and gives me hope that I will be creating daily at her age. God willing!”

Kathie Krielow Jewelry Concepts

525 12th Street

Lake Charles, La 70601

Wed-Fri 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sat. 11 a.m.- 1-30 p.m.

337.491.0637

kathiekrielow@yahoo.com

Check out her Facebook page, which displays recent and vintage handcrafted works from 1991-to date. Random discounts are posted on im-promptu sales that are run regularly.

April 21, 201620 Vol. 8 • No. 2

The CSE Federal Credit Union will present “An Afternoon With MusicMak-ers” at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7 in the Tritico Theatre on the McNeese State Campus. The song most will come to hear is the Louisiana State Song, You Are My Sunshine, written by Governor Jimmie H. Davis and arranged by McNeese Alum, Charles Mitchell. That’s because that particular song will be played by the MusicMakers of Southwest Louisiana

in their third annual performance.MusicMakers is comprised of approxi-

mately 186 elementary, middle and high school students and McNeese State Univer-sity music majors who have been gifted with instruments from MusicMakers2U, a non-profit organization that accepts donations of musical instruments, refurbishes them and pairs them with deserving students.

The MusicMakers will enjoy a camp

earlier in the day on the McNeese Campus, meeting with mentors, McNeese students majoring in music and music professionals in the area.

According to Dr. Jay Jacobs, Conductor of Bands for McNeese State University, “Any opportunity we have as faculty members to gather high school students in an intimate setting, allows us to open their minds to the possibilities awaiting them in college. t is

never too early for students to be-gin thinking about what they want out of their college experience. They often do not realize the excit-ing array of musical opportunities available to them as part of a col-lege career at McNeese, regardless of their particular field of study. I always love to see their excitement when they begin to realize what awaits them at the next level.”

Sharing the stage with the MusicMakers will be several other artists, including the Sulphur High Jazz Band under the direction of Tim McMillen, the Washington-Marion Jukebox Marching Band under the direction of Tamekia Holliday, and featured performer Mickey Smith, Jr.’s “Sax in the City.”

A reception and silent auction will precede the performance, from 2-3 p.m. in the Shearman Fine Arts Grand Gallery. Guests will enjoy a dessert buffet as they view silent auction items and place their bids. Auction items include resort getaway packages, several original works of art, jewelry, a French horn, elegant restaurant meals and much more! Please join us for this fun and festive after-noon in support of these young musicians!

Tickets may be obtained by visiting www.MusicMakers2U.org or mm2udonations.squarespace.com, or by purchasing tickets at the door for $30. They are $20 for seniors over 60 and students. Chil-dren under 6 are free. For more information, go to musicmaker-s2U@gmail.com or by calling (337) 244-9314. All proceeds go toward MusicMakers2U projects of obtaining, cleaning, refurbishing and purchasing of instruments to be given to local students.

C S E F E D E R A L C R E D I T U N I O N P R E S E N T S

‘An Afternoon With MusicMakers’

Sulphur High Jazz Band

MusicMakers2U Band

Washington-MarionMarching

Jukebox Band

Mickey Smith

April 21, 201622 Vol. 8 • No. 2

Lake City Improv April 22The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (SLAC) presents Lake City Im-

prov on Fri., April 22, starting at 7 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This spectacular night of comedy headlines Cocoa Brown, is hosted by Jeff DeRouen, and features local comedians Zack Locke and Kristine Lopez. Lake City Improv is presented by SLAC in an effort to support its innovative programs and generate greater community awareness for HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office in advance or the night of the event. This event is 18 and over. Visit www.slac.org for updates and more information.

Family Fest April 22-14Family Fest at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church/Our Lady’s School

(1109 Cypress Street) will be on held April 22–24 and feature carnival rides, food booths, a silent auction, a jambalaya cook-off, bingo, and live entertainment. Admission is Free. Carnival ride bracelets will be pre-sold at the school for a discounted rate prior to the festival or full price during the festival. For more information, call Our Lady’s School at 527-7828.

Flea Fest April 23-24This semi-annual bargain and vintage-lovers festival has grown to

be one of the largest events in the state! Vendors and shoppers alike have fallen in love with this fun and unique flea market and shopping festival, which takes place over an unprecedented two days – and on four covered acres. Rain or shine, gates are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Burton Complex Event Barn, located on the south side of the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. Early bird admission will give those who are the most eager an opportunity to begin the shopping extravaganza an hour early at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Visit www.FleaFest.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fleafest or call (337)502-8584.

Dragon Boat Races April 23The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation will host the fourth annual

Dragon Boat Races on Sat., April 23, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center Seawall. Up to 35 teams will compete to be the 2016 Dragon Boat Race winning team. During the races, Kohl’s Kids Club will hold a Healthy Living Fair at the seawall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with family activities that encourage good nutrition and healthy choices. There will be food and drink vendors, music, karaoke and a family-friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.st-patrickfoundation.org or call (337) 430-5353.

SOWELA Flying Tigers Car Show April 23Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! On Saturday, April 23,

from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the 2016 Flying Tigers Car Show will be held at SOWELA Technical Community College. Early bird vehicle registra-tion is $30. Tickets are $5/each, children 12 and under are free. All proceeds benefit student scholarships. For information or to become a sponsor, visit www.sowela.edu/carshow or call (337) 421-6903.

An Evening of Nellie Lutcher April 23-30Itinerant Theatre will close out their season with An Evening of Nel-

lie Lutcher: Her Music, History & Career in the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District at the Foundation House, 720 Enterprise Blvd. Production dates are April 23, 29, 30 at 7 p.m. and April 24 @ 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For show tickets and information on Itinerant Theatre visit www.itineranttheatre.com, Facebook or Twit-ter or call (337) 436-6275.

OLQH Presents The Sound of Music April 28-29 Over 150 6th, 7th and 8th grade Our Lady Queen of Heaven School

students will proudly take the stage Thurs., April 28 and Fri., April 29 pre-senting The Sound of Music. Performances will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Lake Charles Boston Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the school office and are $12 for adults and $7 for students under 14.

Art Walk April 29Cafés, restaurants, music venues, and vacant properties will be

transformed into art galleries on April 29 for the Spring Art Walk. In addition, artists--both individual and teams—are invited to create a mural live in front of an audience in an hour at one of the Art Walk locations. Attendees will vote on their favorite mural by depositing tips into each team’s tip jar, and 50 percent of the tips will go directly to the team. All of the murals will be featured in the night’s silent auc-tion, and the artists will receive 70 percent of their sales. The win-ning mural will be displayed at the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. The Art War will be from 6-7 p.m. Call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787 for information or questions. Rain or shine!

Wadjda April 29Calcasieu Cinema International will screen Wadjda (Saudi Arabia-

Germany 2012) at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 29. The film will be shown at

April 21, 2016 23Vol. 8 • No. 2

the historic Central School auditorium and is free to the public. Wadjda is a ground-breaking movie that is the first to have been filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia and also the first produced by a female Saudi Arabian writer-director. A guided film discussion will follow the screening. Enjoy free popcorn, with free drinks courtesy of Coca-Cola. For more informa-tion, email cbadeaux@mcneese.edu or jkprjs@gmail.com.

Sulphur Movies in the Square April 30Movies begin at sundown (around 7:30) at Heritage Square 1211

Ruth Street, Sulphur. Admission is free to the public. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own food and drink (no alcohol). Join us April 30 for Ghostbusters!

CTC Presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame May 6-8

Based on the 1996 Disney film, which in turn was inspired by the Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is tale of greed, power, friendship and love. Quasi shows us how his kind heart makes him beautiful, not how he looks. Performances will be held at May 6-7 at 7:30 p.m. and May 8 at 3 p.m. at the Arts and Humanities Center, 809 Kirby Street in downtown Lake Charles. Purchase tickets by call-ing (337) 433-7323 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.cc.

Bowl for Kids Sake May 7Big Brothers, Big Sisters of SWLA is ready to get the ball rolling

for Bowl for Kids Sake on Sat., May 7, at Petro Bowl in Lake Charles! Form a team, raise pledges and then come to our bowling party to enjoy entertainment, music, prizes, and fun. This year’s theme is SU-PERHEROES. There will be prizes for best team costumes and T-shirts, and even more prizes for top fundraisers! Register your team online at: bbbs-swla.kintera.org/bowl2016 or contact Sally McPherson at (337) 478-5437, ext. 114.

‘An Afternoon with MusicMakers’ May 7The CSE Federal Credit Union will present “An Afternoon With Mu-

sicMakers” at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7 in the Tritico Theatre on the McNeese State Campus. A reception and silent auction will precede the performance, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Shearman Fine Arts Grand Gal-lery. Enjoy a dessert buffet as you view silent auction items and place your bids. Sharing the stage will be the Sulphur High Jazz Band, the Washington-Marion Jukebox Marching Band, and featured performer Mickey Smith, Jr.’s “Sax in the City.” Admission is $30 and all proceeds go toward MusicMakers2U projects. For more information, contact Eva LeBlanc, musicmakers2U@gmail.com or by calling (337) 244-9314.

Derby for Dollars May 7Friends of Shannon Cox are hosting Derby for Dollars at The Sta-

bles at Le Bocage on Saturday, May 7, to benefit Family & Youth’s Shannon Cox Counseling Center. The afternoon will begin at 3:30 p.m. with food from the Lake Area’s finest restaurants, spirits, music, televised Kentucky Derby action, equestrian jumping exhibition, and contests for the best hat and best derby duds. Tickets are $125 each, limited tickets available. Visit www.fyca.org or contact Roxanne at 337-436-9533 for tickets or information.

Sulphur Market May 7-8Sulphur Market will take place May 7-8 at the West Cal Event Center,

401 Arena Road, Sulphur. Vendors will gather to show off crafts, jewel-ry, handmade treats, and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 and noon-4 a.m. on Sunday, May 8 Admission is $5 for adults, $3 with military ID, and free for children under 12. All proceeds go toward the Community Foundation Enrichment Fund for the Arts.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 7-8

The Sulphur Mines Theatre Youth Division presents A Midsum-mer Night’s Dream May 7-8 at Lewis Auditorium, 1752 Cypress St. Sulphur. Tickets may be purchased at www.theminestheatre.org, or at the Brimstone Museum Office at 900 S Huntington St, Sulphur. Tickets will be available at the door for all performances.

KCSWLA Productions Presents Grease! May 13-15, 20-21

Don’t miss Grease! Live theatrical production and sing-along, directed by Keith Chamberlain. Performances will be held at the Mount Theatre at Central School, May 13-14 and 20-21 at 7:30 and May 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 302-2259 or visiting KCProductionsSWLA.yapsody.com.

‘A Brewer’s Plate’ May 21There’s a good time brewing at “A Brewer’s Plate” presented by

Hoffoss Devall and Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana on Saturday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Cash & Carry building in downtown Lake Charles. This is the marquee fundraising event of St. Nicholas Center for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing services to children with autism and developmental delays. Includes a four-course meal and premium beer pairing with an auction and live music by community favorites, City Heat. The attire is dressy casual. Tables of eight are $1,000 and sponsorships are available. For information, call 491-0800.

May 1-8 Contraband DaysMay 2-3 Anadarko Spring TrainingMay 5 Profi t and Loss Association Presents Kevin SorboMay 6, 7 Louisiana Powerhouse Gym ShowMay 9,10 Anadarko Spring TrainingMay 13 Unitech GraduationMay 13 Relay for LifeMay 14 All White PartyMay 15 Lake Charles Civic Ballet Spring PerformanceMay 16 Lake Charles Police Department Annual Inspection & Memorial Service

May 16 Parkview GraduationMay 16, 17 Anadarko Spring TrainingMay 17 Sowela GraduationMay 17 Grand Lake GraduationMay 18 Washington Marion GraduationMay 18 Bell City GraduationMay 19 Sulphur High GraduationMay 19 Sheriff Inspection and Memorial ServiceMay 20 LaGrange GraduationMay 21 NAMI WalkMay 21 Mayors Youth Partnership Shed the Bias

May 21 Team National

May 22 Lake Charles Dance Academy Recital

May 22 Westlake Graduation

May 23, 24 Anadarko Spring Training

May 25 Calcasieu Parish School Board Job Fair

May 26 Civic Service Competitive and Promotional Exam

May 27 Ashworth School of Performing Arts Recital

May 28 Juneteenth Queen Pageant

May 29 Elite Dance Recital

April 21, 201624 Vol. 8 • No. 2

April 21, 2016 25Vol. 8 • No. 2

You know exactly where you put your glasses.

Well, kind of. You remem-ber that you put them down in the kitchen, but then you piled mail, a plastic fork, a magazine, and a pair of gloves on them. Your glasses are right where you left them: under other things. And once you read Junk by Alison Stewart, you’ll see those things differ-ently.

Five decades of stuff.That’s what Alison Stewart

and her sister faced when it came time to clear their par-ents’ home - a mess, the result of “50 years of life” that filled the entire basement, packed to the ceiling.

Why, she wondered, do we hang on to the things we keep? How come we collect some items and toss away others? Why do folks often happily accept other people’s cast-offs? Stewart decided to find out.

To begin, she defines junk as “worthlessness.” Stuff is something you don’t want anymore but that someone

else might find useful, and treasures “are any stuff or junk that appeals to you.” A third of us collect something, Stewart says, though professionals “make a distinction between collectors and clutterers.” Then there are packrats, while hoarders fall under a newly created psychiatric category all their own.

At “a giant 250-mile-long junk-a-palooza” rummage sale in the South, Stewart promised herself that she wasn’t going to buy anything but, of course, she couldn’t resist. In Austin, Texas, she visited The Cathe-dral of Junk and spoke with the man who created the “crea-tive, chaotic colossus.”

In several different cities, Stewart rode shotgun with junk collectors, cleanup crews, and haulers, to get a feel for the kind of things people throw out and what’s done with it. She met the World’s First Official Spammer, she learned why we get so much “junk mail,” she asked about space junk, spoke with pro-

fessional clutter-fighters and “freecyclers,” talked with TV producers about pawn stores and picking, and she learned some good news: if you have just too much stuff, there’s plenty of help available.

When it comes to posses-sions, are you downsizing… or oversized? Whichever direction you’re heading, Junk can help you spot the bigger picture.

It’s hard not to look around with a critical eye when you see what author Alison Stew-art discovered; why you’ve saved tchotchkes from high school, broken tools, plastic silverware, and unfinished projects will never seem so puzzling. And then, turning things around, we get a seri-ous (yet light-hearted) look at other people’s junk, how it’s

tossed, and where it goes once it’s gone.

In that, Stewart is respect-ful and doesn’t pick on anyone, but who can resist peeking? Who doesn’t want to see a happy ending to still-useful things?

Yes, this is interesting… um, stuff.

This is not a self-help book. It won’t tell you how to empty your crammed closets, busting basements, glutted garages, or stuffed sheds, but it’s engaging and plenty fun to read – which makes Junk a great book to put in your hands.

“Junk” By Alison Stewart ©2016, Chicago Review Press$26.99 / $31.99 Canada284 pages

Junk

April 21, 201626 Vol. 8 • No. 2

By Brian PitreAt the turn of the 19th century, the art

world was introduced to a style of painting that would be the basis for debates for years to come. Legends such as James McNeill Whistler, Georges Braque, and Pablo Picasso began to blend Romanticism, Impressionism, and Expressionism into an art form that to this day is still argued by many to be simple, child-like, and lacking vision. However for the creators of this new abstract form, as well as for the enthusiast who support its crea-tion, the form leaves nothing to be desired. It allows for those who see beauty in colors and shapes to express their love for that beauty and display it on canvas for the world to enjoy.

One local artist is embracing her own abstractness and using it to grab the art

world by the horns. We got a chance to sit down with Modernist Painter and Abstract Artist, Lydia “Lyd” Walls to discuss how she is trudging her way through the art scene, throwing paint in the face of tradition, and leaving obscure masterpieces in her wake.

Brian Pitre: So were you born and raised here in Lake Charles?

Lyd Walls: No. Actually I was born in Biloxi on Kessler Air Force base. We moved to Philadelphia where I was raised and I landed here in 2000.

BP: When did you first discover that you had a love for the arts?

LW: I was always aware of my creative spirit at a pretty young age, but convinced myself I had zero talent because I was always

comparing my work to my brother, who is an amazing artist, and has had quite a successful career as such. Though I did what I could to soothe my creative urges by dabbling in other arts of all sorts, such as singing, music and culinary arts, I didn’t truly re-discover myself again until my early-to-mid-30s when I said “screw it,” and picked up a paint brush.

BP: So have you had any formal training in the arts field or are you more of a self taught master?

LW: Master… that’s funny! I’m all

self taught!

BP: So who or what made you finally decide to pick up a paintbrush?

LW: I had recently endured several years of a very difficult time. The kind that makes you question if you’re really living life. “Am I doing something meaningful? Am I ful-filled?” The answer was NO! I listened to my heart and finally acknowledged the passion that had been lying dormant for so long.

BP: So what first drew you to abstract art? Is that the very first thing you ever painted or did you experiment for a while before landing on your style?

LW: I’ve always loved abstract art. I’ve always been drawn to things a bit edgy and out of the norm. I never wanted to be like everyone else. I’ve just always felt like a bit of a weirdo. Plus, I can’t draw, so abstract was the way to go. Truthfully I could never really visualize what I wanted to paint. I just knew I wanted to, so I did and let my feelings guide me. I know that may sound cliché and corny, but it is what it is. I’m very drawn to textures and heavy contrasts more than im-ages of something specific. I like the sugges-tion of things. That way, everybody has the freedom to interpret things in their own way. I love when many people are looking at the same image, but it means something differ-ent to everyone. Each person connects to it in a different way; a way that makes sense to them in their life right at that very moment.

BP: Why the paintbrush? Have you dab-bled with other mediums? If so, how deep did you dive into those worlds before you discovered the paintbrush? What was it about the paintbrush that you stuck to so firmly?

LW: I don’t really know. I just seemed to connect with paint. It felt like the purest way to express myself and the paintbrush was all I knew at the time. Now, I rarely use the

Lyd Walls: Abstract Artist Stays True to Herself

April 21, 2016 27Vol. 8 • No. 2

brush. I use my fingers and a palette knife mostly. I’ve recently started using things like cardboard and cut up credit cards. I still use brushes occasionally to lay in background and such but my brushes are from the paint section at Lowes. They’re large and leave awesome brush strokes!

BP: I love it! When did you complete your first painting? What was it, and how did it feel completing it?

LW: HA! My first painting was in 2005 of an abstract flower; a very simplistic and minimalistic piece. Large-long brush strokes, lots of darks for depth and mood alongside touches of bright reds and blues. I painted mostly flowers and female faces at first with lots of flowing hair, and almost always with eyes closed. I couldn’t draw eyes, but I really liked the way it always conveyed a sense of mystery and serenity.

BP: From where do you usually draw your inspiration? Are there any artists or particular types of mediums that inspire you? Do you Facebook or Instagram stalk anyone in particular whose works you re-ally enjoy?

LW: I can’t really pinpoint where my inspiration comes from. It’s so many things. Being in nature, being in the hustle and bustle of a large city, the stillness of my yoga class, and of course other artists all serve as part of my daily inspiration. Two of my current favorites right now are Jeremy Mann and Flora Bowley, both whose Instagram accounts I follow. I also follow Teresa Magel. All three are abstracts artists, each possesses a very unique style, but I’m really drawn to their work. My total obsession right now is Jeremy Mann. His abstract depictions of cityscapes are amazing!!

BP: What is your favorite piece you have created and why?

LW: My last piece is always my favorite because my style and technique constantly evolves from the previous one, and I almost

always learn something new.

BP: When did you real-ize you could be successful at selling your art?

LW: When I first started painting, it was just to satisfy the urge to create. It was for a “just for me” type of activity. Almost immediately, people reacted to my work, which in my opinion was primitive and overly simplis-tic. Eventually I started to listen to all the feedback and gained enough confidence to put a few pieces in a very small informal show. Since then, I’ve been covering canvases with a whole new outlook.

BP: Very cool! So, the freedom abstract artists have in style and technique allows for their subject matter to be pretty forgiving. What do you have to say about the argument that because of this, abstract art should not be held in the same regard as contemporary art?

LW: Art is subjective. Like beauty and food, all art is a form of self-expression and should be regarded as that. Whether it’s considered “true” art or not is not for me to say, and honestly I don’t really care one way or the other. All the hoity-toity art critics can stomp their feet all they want, but people love abstract art just as much if not more than traditional art. I have more sold pieces than I have left unsold, that is for sure. Creating art however I see fit fulfills my soul and that’s all that matters to me.

BP: What would you like to tell an aspiring artist of any age who is looking to turn their passion into productivity?

LW: Stay true to yourself. Stay true to your passion. Create things that make you happy. Pour out from your soul. Keep it real.

Trust me, people like real.

BP: What can we expect to see from Lyd Walls in the near future?

LW: I’ve been playing around a lot lately with some unconventional tools that are giving my pieces some harder lines, textures that I’m really excited about. I will be show-casing some of my latest works at Pujo St. Cafe for Spring Art Walk on April 29 and at the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur for the Works of Women show on May 19. I hope to see you all there!!!

SWLArt Group is a collaboration of a variety of local groups & artists, to sup-port the development and improvement of their quality of life & business as well as strengthen the over cultural growth of the community. For more informa-tion about SWLArt Group, artists, or events visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/swlart. Also be sure to follow them on Instagram and Twitter @swlart.

April 21, 201628 Vol. 8 • No. 2

April 21, 2016 29Vol. 8 • No. 2

Train, Train... Take Me On Outta This Town...Meeting celebrity artists out “in the

wild,” so to speak, is always a story to remember no matter how well or how poorly it goes. The adage “never meet your heroes” certainly has some merit, but I’ve been lucky that my encounters have gone rather well over the years and date back longer than I am capable of remembering.

From meeting Conway Twitty at the wee age of two, to having a beer and chatting with Toby Keith at a horse race, I’ve found ways to get a handshake and sometimes even a few minutes of their time and, as

long as you don’t act like a crazed lunatic, you’ll often find the artists kind and happy to talk to people that support their music.

Once such series of events that stands out for me is from a few years ago. An incredible week-long concept tour by the name of “The Railroad Revival Tour” rolled across the Southwestern U.S. back in the spring of 2011 and featured Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes (whose whistle-driven song “Home” was quickly rising up the charts at the time), Old Crow Medicine Show ( of “Wagon Wheel” fame and then featuring Lake Charles native Gil Landry), and the very successful Mum-ford and Sons, all of whom were loaded on a dozen or so vintage train cars for a “Festival Express”-style run from Oakland with stops in Los Angeles, Tempe, Marfa, Austin and finally ending its run at New

Orleans’ Waldenburg Park.Surrounded by fans, both casual and

die-hard alike, word began spreading though the crowd that the diesel-driven band of minstrels picked up a hitcher by the name of Jake Gyllenhaal as they made their way through the City of Angels AND that they were supposed to have a private after party for the tour somewhere in the French Quarter. This was all unconfirmed, however, and we focused on the enjoyable afternoon in the park followed by a crazy good concert that would eventually find itself (long with all the other shows on the tour) in a documentary called Big Easy Express that took home a Grammy award in 2013.

As the final chords faded and the stage went dark, my friend Adam and I left the park heading straight up Toulouse towards

Thursday, April 21Rusty Yates5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Roots RevivalA Celebration of SWLA’s Music HistorySinners, Jo-El Sonnier, Dog Hill Stompers, Buz Clark, Alyssa Laughlin, Leah Howard-Robin-son and Young Band Nation7 p.m. @ Mount theatre at Central School809 Kirby St. LCTickets are available at Eventbrite.com

Leroy Thomas and Zydeco Roadrunners7 p.m. @ Mikko LiveCoushatta Casino Resort777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

3-H-G8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

The New Waves9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Karaoke NightKaroake starts @ 11 p.m.9 p.m.-2 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 W. Broad St., LC

Friday, April 22Rusty Yates5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Big Jimmy & Reckless7 p.m. @ Loggerheads3748 Hwy 3059 LC

Joe Purvis & Talon8 p.m. @ Junction 1712600 Moeling St. LC

Belinda Carlisle8 p.m. @ The Grand Event Center

Golden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LCTickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and/or by phone through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets can also be pur-chased on performance day begin-ning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Offi ce.

April 21, 201630 Vol. 8 • No. 2

One-Eyed Jacks to see what was happen-ing for the evening only to find it closed. We moved on towards Bourbon, grabbed the obligatory Hand Grenade, and found ourselves pretty spent after the day in the park and decided to move towards our hotel over on St. Charles. It wouldn’t be until the next day that we would find out that the bands after party was, in fact, at Jacks and it ended with a 2:30 a.m. jam of the Mumford brass section and a bunch of the other musicians out in the middle of the street. Oh well. I suppose you can’t win them all.

I Had a Barbeque Stain on My White T-Shirt...

Fast forward to Friday, two days after the Railroad show and now the opening day of Jazz Fest. Joined now by Anna, a friend from Dallas and Mark who both drove in on Thursday, we saw our second performance of M&S for the week, fol-lowed by the Day 1 Gentilly Stage clos-ers, the Avett Brothers. While the Avetts played, we noticed A “Mumford” or two hanging out in the stage right wing watching the show. They were eventually joined by frontman Marcus Mumford and another guy in a plain white T-shirt who all dug in to catch the killer performance on the stage. It was only after a couple of

songs that Anna finally noticed who Mr. T-Shirt was. Sure enough, it was Jake Gyl-lenhaal.

After the show, we headed to the back of the stage area to see if we could meet anyone and a little patience paid off. We met three of the four Mumfords and the Avetts’ cellist and bass player, who were all more than happy to autograph our tickets and chat music with some fans. As we finally broke off and started making our way towards the exit, a trio of guys, with arms linked around each other’s shoulders, came bounding up from be-hind us heading towards the racetrack infield as the festival-goers were making their exodus. One of them was in fact sporting a plain-Jane white -shirt. When they were only 10 feet or so in front of us, Anna yelled out “Jake!” The T-shirted man turned to us over his left shoulder, laughed and returned the wave as he car-ried on with his buddies out into the rem-nants of the opening day of the festival.

London Calling to the Far Away Towns...

As we finally made our way out of the fairgrounds, we reunited with Adam and Mark to begin the grueling wait for a cab back to the French Quarter and told them of all our backstage silliness. It was

enough to keep us all chipper and chatty as the line crept on for somewhere in the two-hour range while we waited our turn. When we finally hit the front of the line, we were directed to a van that took all of us and another couple (whose accents quickly revealed were British).

To make small talk, I asked them where they’d travelled from. The man, whom introduced himself as Ian, said that they were both from London. I quipped that that was a long journey to go to Jazz Fest and he replied that he was here working.

Now, at this time, I was in the enter-tainment business and I was aware who had played at the Fest that day. I quickly came up with two options. With a know-ing look on my face I asked him who he worked for. He somewhat sheepishly replied, “Well, I’m Robert Plant’s guitar tech.”

If I weren’t in a vehicle at the time, I would have probably fallen off of what-ever it was that I was sitting on. The sheer odds of the day were already a bit staggering, but this just about took the cake. Once I let him know what I did and threw a name or two around, he relaxed and we ended up having a great conversa-tion about life on the road, a passion for guitars and what it was like working with one of the most iconic artists in rock and

BB & Company9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

The New Waves9 p.m.-1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Rapture9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Dance NightDrink specials starting @ midnight9 p.m.-4 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 W. Broad St., LC

Flamethrowers9:30 p.m. @ Mikko LiveCoushatta Casino Resort777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

LA Express9:30 p.m. @ Jack After DarkL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

DJ Kaye10 p.m. @ Longhorn Club2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton,

DJ Crush11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Saturday, April 23Rusty Yates5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort

777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Cody Johnson and Cameran Nelson6 p.m. @ Longhorn Club2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton

Clayton Rougeau and the Wild West Band7 p.m. @ Loggerheads3748 Hwy 3059 LC

Big Jimmy & Reckless Band7 p.m. @ Junction 1712600 Moeling St. LC

ZZ Top8 p.m. @ The Grand Event CenterGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LCTickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and/or by phone

through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets can also be pur-chased on performance day begin-ning at 2 p.m. at the Golden Nugget Box Offi ce.

Special Event Night9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 W. Broad St., LC

BB & Company9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

Flamethrowers9:30 p.m. @ Mikko LiveCoushatta Casino Resort777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

The New Waves9 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

April 21, 2016 31Vol. 8 • No. 2

Something is Happening Here...Many of you may be asking “Hey Justin. That’s a nice story and all, but it doesn’t really have

anything to do with Lake Charles, does it?” Well, I’m getting to that. I have one final tale to tell before we get to what’s happening HERE.

A few years ago, my brother-in-law Frank, a plumber in the North Houston area at the time, went on a call to a rather lavish neighborhood. Once he arrived at the palatial home, the door was opened by the one and only Billy Gibbons, facial-hair enthusiast and lead bad-mamma-jamma of the classic rock legends Z.Z. Top. Billy invited him in, offered him some lemonade, offered to help if he could and stood around chatting with Frank, asking about his family and joking around like an old buddy while he worked on the toilet or sink or whatever it was.

When he was done, Gibbons mentioned that they had a show with Aerosmith in The Wood-lands coming up, and asked if “he and the missus” could take a date night and come see the show, dropping a pair of killer tickets on him before he headed out the door. Now THAT’S the kind artist you want to run into if I’ve ever heard of one.

Oh, yeah. Speaking of a great concert…

April 23: Z.Z. Top at Golden Nugget Lake Charles - Grand BallroomThat’s right! The Great Bearded Ones themselves are making a long-overdue return trip to

the Lake City taking the stage in the GN Grand Ballroom at 8 p.m. on April 23. You may have to prey on the unfortunate friends who have tickets and can’t make the show because there are few, if any, left at the moment. However, if you can get your hands on one (and not break any laws or... legs or anything like that) do it, do it, do it and GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!!

Well I Hear It’s Fine, If You Got the Time...Cause every girl’s crazy ‘bout a long-bearded man, right? You know, if you’re Billy Gib-

bons, probably. As for myself, well, a fella can hope, I guess.So it goes for another round the ol’ JMLC. Get your hot rod shined up and get some

cheap sunglasses and get all Z.Z. with me on the 23rd! I will most certainly SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Rapture9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Crush11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Sunday, April 24Chester & Jarius DaigleJD’s Whiskey Brunch@L’Auberge Casino Resort11 a.m.- 3 p.m.777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Reed Planchard

4 p.m. @ Loggerheads3748 Hwy 3059 LC

Server Industry NightSunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse2600 Moeling St. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, April 25Stacy Bearden5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Open Mic Night9-midnight @ Luna Live710 Ryan St., LC

Tuesday, April 26Kenneth Espree5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Mickey Smith6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Trivial TuesdaysLive Team Trivia7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live710 Ryan St.

Kris Harper8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

SIN NightTwo for Tuesday on shots and beer

9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 Broad St., LC

Wednesday, April 27Chester Daigle5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Chris Miller & Bayou Roots6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

BRENA8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Superstar WednesdaysDrag Show starts at 11:30 p.m.9 p.m. - 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 Broad St., LC

roll history. The most telling bit I could get from him was that, apparently, Plant loves finding odd, old or otherwise ragged guitars and will bring them to Ian to “fix-up” so he can use it on that night’s show. Ian almost looked sad when he said “…and I think to myself, I’ve made you all of these flawless, lovely guitars and you want to play THIS”? He follows that with a laugh and shakes his head, saying “Well, okay. I’ll make this one lovely, too,”

It was all light and good natured and when we ar-rived at their hotel, we were a block off of Bour-bon. It was hugs and hand-shakes with Ian and Emma all around and before we parted ways, he handed me his card, saying “Ya never know in this business whom you wind up working with. Hope we get the chance one day.” A few pictures and final farewells later, and we were back on Bourbon, Hand Grenades in hand.

April 21, 201632 Vol. 8 • No. 2

Thursday, April 28Amanda Walker5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

BRENA8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

On the Dance Floor9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

David Joel7 p.m. @ Mikko LiveCoushatta Casino Resort777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Friday, April 29Amanda Walker5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

The 33’s7 p.m. @ Loggerheads3748 Hwy 3059 LC

Bernie Alan Band9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

BRENA9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

On the Dance Floor9 p.m. – 1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

No Idea9 p.m. @ Mikko LiveCoushatta Casino Resort777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

Dance NightDrink specials starting @midnight9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 W. Broad St., LC

Larry Tillery9:30 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

DJ Kaye10 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton

Brittany Pfantz10 p.m. @ Luna Live710 Ryan St. LC

DJ Crush11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC Saturday, April 30Amanda Walker5:30 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Mike Fulmer7 p.m. @ Loggerheads3748 Hwy 3059, LC

Special Event Night9 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 W. Broad St., LC

Bernie Alan Band9 p.m. @ The Gator Lounge Delta Downs Racetrack Casino2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton

On the Dance Floor9 p.m.– 1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

BRENA9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

No Idea9 p.m. @ Mikko LiveCoushatta Casino Resort777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder

DJ Kaye10 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn 2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton

Josh Garret Band10 p.m. @ Luna Live710 Ryan St. LC

DJ Crush11 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Sunday, May 1Street Side Jazz Band11 a.m. @ Luna Bar and Grill710 Ryan St., LC

Chester & Jarius DaigleJD’s Whiskey Brunch@L’Auberge Casino Resort11 a.m.- 3 p.m.777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Server Industry NightSunday Funday Karaoke Night 9 p.m. @ 171 Junction Roadhouse2600 Moeling St. LC

DJ Jose Mata9 p.m.- 2 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Monday, May 2Bryan Trahan5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

John Cessac8 p.m. @ Lucky Longhorn Casino2374 HWY 109 S, Vinton

DJ Jose Mata8 p.m.- 3 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Drink Specials9 p.m.- 4 a.m. @ Crystal’s112 W. Broad St., LC

Tuesday, May 3Chip Radford5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Clint Faulk7 p.m. @ Loggerheads3748 Hwy 3059 LC

Trivial TuesdaysLive Team Trivia7:30 p.m. @ Luna Live710 Ryan St.

DJ Jose Mata8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ Blue MartiniGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Angel Garcia8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

Wednesday, May 4Chester Daigle5:20 p.m. @ Ember Grille & Wine BarL’Auberge Casino Resort777 Avenue L’Auberge, LC

Chris Miller & Bayou Roots6:30 p.m. @ Loggerhead’s Bar3748 Hwy. 3059 (Old Town Rd.) LC

Michael Krajicek8 p.m. @ Jack After Dark L’Auberge Casino Resort777 Ave. L’Auberge, LC

Chinatown8 p.m.- 1 a.m. @ RushGolden Nugget Casino Resort2550 Golden Nugget Blvd. LC

April 21, 2016 33Vol. 8 • No. 2

April 21, 201634 Vol. 8 • No. 2

Josh, Amy, Alistair and Ruby Pierrottie

Hayley Reese, Neysha Perry and Dayna Price of “Orion’s Envy”

Steve Schwarer and Jackie Stuard Nick and Aiza Babineaux

Scott and Sherrie Raymond with Lisa Schram and Matt Young

Eve LeBlanc, Amy Dunn and and Libby LooneyDenie and Sam Hebert

LAKE CHARLES SYMPHONYIt was a night of memories as patrons and musicians

gathered in the Rosa Hart Theater lobby for the unveiling of a new sculpture honoring the longtime conductor of the Lake Charles Symphony, Maestro William Kushner. This was promptly followed by a

masterful presentation of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana to officially close the 2015-16 classical season. But

fear not! Summer Pops isn’t too far away.

Darryl Prewett and Sarah Perkins

Maestro Bohuslav Rattay and LCS President Shelly Appleby with statue honoring the late Maestro William Kushner

CYPHACON The freaks and geeks turned up in droves for

the Lake City’s original and biggest Sci-Fi con, CyphaCon! Fans of sci-fi, anime, cosplay, comics, collectives table top and video gaming and more

loaded up the Lake Charles Civic Center for a weekend of shopping, panels, competitive gaming

and meet and greets with the sci-fi celebs in attendance. May the force be with you all!

Edward Hess and Cody Spears

April 21, 2016 35Vol. 8 • No. 2

Cynthia Guillory and Angela Elbert

Blaine and Shauna Mosley Alan Guillory Sr. and Dennis Haskin

Anjelica Jack, Tricia Green and Alicia Tezeno Mandy and Bruce Pellegrin

THE ORIGINAL DOWNTOWN LAKE CHARLES CRAWFISH FESTIVAL If two-stepping and tail-peeling is your thing,

I certainly hope you didn’t miss the 2016 edition of the Original Downtown Lake Charles Crawfi sh

Fest. This Lawrence “Gumbo” Morrow legacy festival returned this year with vendors, live

music and, that’s right, TEN THOUSAND POUNDS of boiled mudbugs ready for the takin’! I hope

everyone who attended had as “SPICY” of a time as I did. Ay-YEE!!!!!

WESTLAKE FAMILY FUN AND FOOD FESTIVAL

A church bazaar turned city-wide affair for nearly 25 years brought a weekend of

family fun to the City of Westake. Live music entertained the crowds who enjoyed great food, live auctions and more. It was a fun afternoon that is a good reminder of the

kinds of things that make our home our home. Look forward to seeing you again!

Jessica, Heidi and Taylin Henson with Collin FontenotNikki Robertson and Rich Trahan

Rick and Raylee Ducote Chris and Andrea Gustin Sean Benoit and Troy Comeaux