the jambalaya news - vol. 3 no. 10

VOL. 3, NO. 10 / AUGUST 11, 2011

Shoes for Water

Lake Area Women in Business

Arts & Crabs Fest

Back to School? Go Green!

AUGUST 11, 2011 Volume 3 • Issue 10

AUGUST 11, 2011 PAGE 3Volume 3 • Issue 10

GENERAL715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601Phone: 337-436-7800Fax: 337-990-0262www.thejambalayanews.com

PUBLISHERPhil de [email protected]

NEWSEXECUTIVE EDITORLauren de [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSLisa AddisonLeslie BermanGeorge ClineJames DoyleDan EllenderMaria Alcantara FaulErica McCreedyMike McHughMary Louise RuehrBrandon ShoumakerKarla Tullos

[email protected]

SALES ASSOCIATESKaty CorbelloFaye DrakeLindy GeorgeKarla Tullos

GRAPHICSART/PRODUCTION DIRECTORDarrell Buck

ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTMichelle LaVoie

BUSINESSOFFICE MANAGERKay Andrews

Legal DisclaimerThe views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnistsare their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofThe Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by TheJambalaya News, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake CharlesLouisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst everyeffort was made to ensure the information in this maga-zine was correct at the time of going to press, the publish-ers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors oromissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the stand-ing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. TheJambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the returnof unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations,even if they are sent to us accompanied by a self-addressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessar-ily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2011 The Jambalaya News all rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without priorwritten permission is prohibited.

August 11, 2011 • Volume 3 • Issue 10

COVER STORY33 An Inside Look at WCH’s Healthy

Woman Program

REGULARS7 The Boiling Pot10 The Dang Yankee11 Doyle’s Place12 Tips from Tip15 Speakeasy19 A Greener World38 Sports Report51 Adoption Corner

FEATURES5 Shoes for Water18 BBBS Alumni22 Breakfast Ideas for Students23 Lake Area Women in Business26 Workplace Stress

ENTERTAINMENT40 Red Hot Books42 Funbolaya43 Family Night at the Movies45 Society Spice48 Jambalaya Jam52 Local Jam54 Eclectic Company55 Killin’ Time Crossword

contents

We are now accepting credit cards!

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On Cover: Healthy Woman Advisory Council.Photo by www.monsoursphotography.com.

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When Life Was a BeachIt was the spring of 1985. I had just

made a fresh pot of coffee to discussour daily plan with my friend andbusiness partner Rick Cusolito. Ourdays always started with laughter as wereminisced about our adventure theprevious year with Ringling Bros.Barnum & Bailey Circus.

“Hey Chico! (Even to this day, Rickcalls me by my clown name.) Do youremember the time…?” “Yup! Thatwas unbelievable!” I’d reply. And we’dlaugh and laugh. “Hey Dude, do youthink life can get better than this?” I’dask him. “I doubt it,” he would say.Then came the phone call.

Nineteen eighty four was a year I’llnever forget. At 23, I was awarded acontract to travel with The GreatestShow On Earth. I had just graduatedfrom Michigan State with an engineer-ing degree and was awarded theopportunity to go to Ringling’s ClownCollege and represent the state ofMichigan. After graduation, theyoffered me a contract to travel withthem, and I just couldn’t pass it up.

This is where I met Rick, who wasfrom Boston. We had so much funtogether that year that we decided togo to Boston after the tour ended andgo into business together. His familyhad started a coffee business andneeded help, so Rick and I agreed totry to make a go of it. So we planned,delivered, laughed and drank lots ofcoffee. Then the phone rang, whichwould change the direction of mylife once again.

I heard a familiar voice. “HeyPhil! This is Ron from RinglingBrothers! How would you like toget back into show business?”

Not this soon, I said to myself.But then came the kicker: “Howwould you like to live on the beachthis summer? I need a couple ofclowns to help with a show at RockyPoint Park in Rhode Island, and Ithought of you.”

Living on a beach? Wow! That suresounded like another adventure to me!

Rocky Point Amusement Park firstopened in 1840—can you imaginethat? Almost 150 years later, it wasstill going strong. I was excited tobecome a part of it.

Two months later, my clown trunkwas packed and I moved into a traileron Narragansett Bay with my clowncollege colleague, Robb Preskins. Itwas in a corner of the park next to thepool and concession stand. It wasn’tmuch, but we didn’t need much. Andit was a mansion compared to thetrain car I lived on the previous year.

Ron flew in and choreographed ourshow along with his business partner,Jerry. We auditioned local people tobecome clowns for a summer, and four

were chosen. Next, we picked upwood, paint, and supplies and startedcreating the props. Soon, we wereready for the show.

Robb and I would start our day bymaking coffee and watching the suncome up over the water; then we’d takea stroll on the beach. We would taketurns making bacon and eggs on thelittle stove and eat outside on the patiowe created. We even had an old con-sole TV out there—with rabbit ears, ofcourse! The seagulls were our onlyneighbors, and would circle us, look-ing for their breakfast.

At 9 a.m., the school buses wouldstart to arrive. Robb and I would puton our tennis shoes and jog aroundthe park, waving to all the kids. Next,we’d grab our make-up kits and cos-tumes and walk to our dressing roomtrailer behind the stage. On the way,we’d look up at the kids as theyhopped on the Sky Tram, which car-ried people across the park from abird’s eye view. The train would passbehind the stage just as we were get-ting there, and the person running itwould always blow the whistle for usand have everyone wave. “Don’t forgetto see the amazing clown show today,everyone!” he’d say. “They perform

three shows and they’re fantastic!”We never knew how many people

we’d have for each show, but all theshows were great. We had a magic act,a juggling act, a strong man act, andwhatever else we thought folks wouldlike. Audience participation wasalways fun, as we’d get kids and adultsup on stage to try and defeat the“Strong Man.”

In between shows, we’d walk aroundand shake hands with the kids. Oncein a while, we’d play one of the parkgames, and everyone came around towatch, as we always made a big scene!

One of the guys running the gamesactually joined our clown show.

After our last performance at 6p.m., we’d take our make-up off in thetrailer and change back into our regu-lar clothes. As we walked through thepark, it was funny to see the same peo-ple we’d had fun with earlier just walkright by us. They had no idea who wewere.

Before we got home, we alwaysstopped by what was called “TheLargest Shore Dining Hall In TheWorld!” There, we would order RockyPoint’s famous clam cakes and chow-der. The clam cakes were like big,deep-fried hush puppies with clams,

and the chowder was “ManhattanStyle,” which meant it was made with atomato base instead of the better-known cream base. It was still deli-cious.

We would get at least a dozen clamcakes, and always reach in the bag andgrab one to munch on before gettingto the picnic table. There, we took thetime to dip the cake in the chowder,which made it taste even better. Youcould count on the seagulls circlingoverhead begging, and people wouldthrow bits of the cakes high in the airand watch them swoop down andcatch one, flying away delighted.

As evening approached, Robb and Iwould grab a cold beer and sit on theledge just outside our trailer. The pierwas nearby and we’d watch peoplewalk out to the end and back. Thelaughter and cheers from the parkseemed to create a moment all its own.We could hear the roar of the rollercoaster, the splash as the log ride hitthe water, the bumper cars hitting eachother and the music from the Zipper.

When the park closed down andthe lights went out, the moon and starsseemed to come alive. Before theylocked up, a security guard woulddrive by on his motorcycle and we’dgive him the thumbs up – letting himknow everything was OK. It was

another good day at Rocky PointPark.

Two content clowns sitting onlawn chairs, laughing and talkingabout the day, wondering what thenext one would bring.

“Gonzo, do you think life can getbetter than this?”

“I doubt it, Chico.”I take a sip of beer and fall asleep

under the stars. That was the summerof ‘85 – when life was a beach.

A Note From Phil

TJN

– Phil de Albuquerque

Volume 3 • Issue 10 AUGUST 11, 2011 PAGE 5

Water is vital to our survival.People have survived without food forweeks, but to go without water foreven just one day will put you in des-perate straits. For those of us living inprogressive countries, access to cleandrinking water is something we takefor granted. Every community hassystems that treat water to make itsafe for us to drink.

But this is not true for the rest ofthe world. It’s sadly surprising tolearn that over 1 billion people lackaccess to adequate and safe drinkingwater. According to the WorldHealth Organization, over 3 millionpeople die each year from water-borne diseases.

EDGE Outreach’s “Shoes forWater Program” aims to address thisneed.

In 1995, EDGE Outreach, thenMega Ministries, was formed as anon-profit organization with the pur-pose of networking, training and sup-porting adult youth workers volun-teering and working in local churches.The group hosted youth worker semi-nars and organized mission trips foryoung people to develop leadershipskills and do a variety of humanitari-an and ministry projects.

“The group addressed whateverwas needed in the community duringtheir visits,” said Becky Girola, a long-time volunteer. They brought food

and clothing, heldbible camps, fixed homes, etc.during a typical mission trip.

In 2001, EDGE traveled to Kenyaand the team installed a water purifi-cation system. EDGE’s leadershipquickly realized the enormous poten-tial of providing safe drinking water,and sought to include water purifica-tion as part of its work in developingcountries.

Since then, EDGE has expandedits work to include training, equip-ping and mobilizing people to makea difference. Topics include waterpurification, water filtration, com-munity health education, and handpump repair training to empower thepeople to fix the most commonlyfound hand pumps in developingcountries.

To meet their goals, EDGE teammembers installed the systems in thevarious communities, then trainedresidents to use the system andmaintain it.

“EDGE believes in giving com-munities a hand up, not a hand out,”Girola said. The cost of labor andtraining is mostly covered by volun-teers, but a purifying system costs$1,000. “This is where Shoes forWater helps,” Girola said. When peo-ple donate their used shoes, this cre-ates clean drinking water for those inneed.

How? Well, every year,millions of shoes are thrown away,clogging landfills and wasting gooduseful material. A typical personowns 10-17 pairs of shoes at a time.They are generally replaced every yearor so, and the old ones usually getthrown away.

“Shoes for Water collects the oldshoes, then sells them to companieswho either re-sell them, or grindthem to be recycled into new prod-ucts, such as playground equipmentor gym flooring,” Girola said.

She recently conducted a localdrive to collect used shoes. “We col-lected over 5,000 pairs last fall,” shesaid proudly.

One of the participating groupswas Our Lady Queen of HeavenSchool’s Girl Scout Troop #2147.

“It was really fun,” said Girl ScoutElizabeth Broussard. “And it was real-ly stinky!” added fellow scout LaurenReyes. The girls placed collectionboxes throughout OLQH school andthe church. Wearing gloves, they sift-ed through several hundreds of pairsof shoes generously donated by stu-dents and parishioners, collectingover 1,000 pairs. “It really made us

feel good to help other people that areless fortunate,” the girls said.

Girola hopes to hold another shoedrive soon, with a goal of collecting atotal of 22,000 pairs of shoes. “Twentytwo thousand pairs of shoes bring in$17,000, which means 17 water puri-fying systems for communities inneed,“ she explained.

So, if you have old shoes just sit-ting around, give those “soles a pur-pose.” Contact Becky Girola at [email protected]; and see how youcan help provide clean drinking waterto a community in need.

By Maria Alcantara Faul

OLQH Girls Scoutswith Becky Girola.

TJN


The Jam Welcomes Lindy George to its Staff

Lindy George was born and raisedin Lake Charles. She comes from a bigLebanese family and owes everythingto her parents, whom she would doanything for. After high school, shewent to work for Dr. Pat Crawford ashis orthodontic assistant, where sheremained for 30 years. “During thoseyears, I not only learned a lot aboutdentistry, but I learned a lot about life,and I cherish the friendships I made,”

she says. Lindy has also been anImage Consultant with

BeautiControl for almost 20years. She is a life-long member

of The Episcopal Church of theGood Shepherd, and has oneson, Chris. He and his wifeSara have blessed her withthree beautiful grandchildren,Gabbie, Emily and Zachary,that are the joys of her life. Herreal passion is her furry friends.“I love all animals! They areGod’s lil’ creatures, and Ican’t live without them!” shesays. What she enjoys themost out of life is helpingothers, and only sees thegood in people. TJN

Certified dietary manager and registered dietitionSkilled nursing and rehabilitation services

Physical, occupational and speech therapistsRehab gym with recumbent trainer

Free housekeeping and laundry services • In-house salon Full time social worker • On-site cinema and chapel


The

BoilingP l

THREE HONORED AT PATRIOTS BALLAt the recent Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission Patriots Ball, Mayor

Randy Roach and Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission President LCDRH. James Dodd, USNSCC, recognized three patriots with the 2011-2012Patriot Award. The three honorees were: Col. John J. Halloran, Jr., USA,(Ret.); Elson “Boone” Lopez (awarded posthumously); and NicholasHunter. The Patriot Award is presented each year in honor of three individ-uals who exemplify patriotism. The mission of the City of Lake CharlesMayor’s Armed Forces Commission is to act as a liaison group to promotegoodwill and understanding between the City of Lake Charles and theArmed Forces, both active and reserve.

SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED FOR DISABLED STUDENTS AT MSUThe Calcasieu-Cameron Association for Persons with Orthopedic

Disabilities has established a $240,000 endowed scholarship, the Calcasieu-Cameron Students with Orthopedic Disabilities, with the McNeese StateUniversity Foundation.

JOSH QUAYHAGEN WINS KARATE TITLESFormer McNeese state football player and Lake Charles resident Josh

Quayhagen won the individual Black Belt middle weight Kumite WorldChampionship and Black Belt World Team Kumite Champion along withteammates Kris Lee of Baton Rouge and Jeff Crothers of California.Quayhagen was undefeated in all of his matches. The awards were receivedat The United States Karate Alliance World Championships in Dallas.Quayhagen is owner and head instructor at Performance Evolution of Lake

Charles, and has won eight Kumite World Championships. For more infor-mation, call (337) 304-8227. Videos of the fights can be viewed onPerformance Evolution’s Facebook page.

NEW GOLF PRO AT CONTRABAND BAYOU GOLF CLUBL’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently named

Kurt Picard as its new Golf Pro at ContrabandBayou Golf Club. The Lafayette native has over 18years experience as a golf professional. Prior to join-ing L’Auberge, he worked for Games People Play, Inc.in Beaumont, where he served as Director ofInstruction and Head Golf Pro. Kurt has been a mem-ber of the PGA since 1996. He is a certified club fitterfor Titleist, Ping and Mizuno and is certified by theUSGA in Rules of Golf. In 2006 and 2008, he wasnamed to the PGA President’s Council on Growingthe Game and has served on several PGA Sectioncommittees during his golf career.

MSU STUDENTS/GRADS FINALISTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTESTTwo McNeese State University visual arts students, as well as three recent

McNeese graduates, have had their photography published in thePhotographer’s Forum “Best of College Photography 2011.” They were allselected as finalists in the 31st Annual Student Photography Contest, spon-sored by Nikon, USA. Over 3,500 students participated in the contest.Students selected are Brittany Chretien, Lake Charles, and Emily CutrerStevens, Sulphur; alumni are Ashley Feagin, Megan Marcantel and KipTête. Winners, honorable mentions and finalists, along with their images,can be viewed online at http://pfmagazine.com/wp-content/plugins/p-gallery/index.php

ONXLEY ATTENDS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Kerry A. Onxley, artistic director of The

Children’s Theatre Company and director of theatreat Westlake High School recently attended the 2011Theatre Leadership Summit in St. Louis, MO. Theannual summit, coordinated by the EducationalTheatre Association, benefits national theatre leaderswho make a difference through arts and culturalactivities. The summit offers training in advocacy,student leadership, producing student festivals and marketing. For 27 sea-sons, Onxley has directed productions of such classics as You’re A GoodMan, Charlie Brown, Aladdin, Macbeth, and Frankenstein. Onxley hasserved as a leadership coach for The Educational Theatre Association and asstate director for the Louisiana Thespians Association for 12 years.

Please submit press releases to [email protected]

Seated left to right: Secretary Sondra Hodge, MSU President Dr. PhilipWilliams, and Association President Pansy Skipper. Standing: Richard H.

Reid, left and Bob Davidson of MSU.

Kerry Onxley

Kurt Picard


WCCH ANNOUNCES RECENT SAFETY AWARD WINNERSWest Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently named Jennifer Zipprian,

radiology office clerk, and Karen Lambert, director of marketing, as recipi-ents of its new Safety Award. The award, which honors employees for theirpromotion of safety and safety awareness in and around the hospital, is dis-tributed to those employees that demonstrate extraordinary awareness andaction in minimizing potential safety risks.

ROAD DEDICATED TO FORMER POLICE JUROR DON MANUEL A ceremony was held in Moss Bluff recently to honor former Police Juror

Don Manuel, officially renaming “Recreation Boulevard” to “Don ManuelBoulevard.” Manuel represented residents in District One of the Police Juryfrom 1984-1992 and 2000-2008. During his time in office, Manuel wasknown for playing an integral role in securing funding for the CommunityCenter and Playground District #4 of Ward 1 for major improvements tofacilities.

L’AUBERGE HELPS MAKE A WISH CHILDRENL’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently provided limousine transporta-

tion and L’Auberge gifts for Ariana, a 4-year old Make a Wish Child fromLake Charles; and Peteronious, a 17-year old Make a Wish recipient fromSulphur. The Southwest Louisiana Make a Wish Chapter sent both chil-dren and their families to Disney World. L’Auberge limo driver Sylvia Ellishelped them travel in style with VIP limo service to and from the airport.L’Auberge has been a proud and active supporter of Make a Wish since 2005,working with local volunteers to grant the wishes of area youth.

GOOD SHEPHERD DONATES TO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT TRAINING INSTITUTE

The Church of the Good Shepherd recently donated $2,000 to supportthe Civic Engagement Training Institute, a project of the Children &

Families Action Network, a program of Family & Youth. The $2,000 dona-tion represents a portion of the proceeds from Church of the GoodShepherd’s annual book sale, from which all proceeds are donated to com-munity organizations. Books are already being accepted for next year’s booksale, and those interested in donating can call 433-5244.

NEW ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED AT MSUThe Sonny Watkins Athletic Scholarship was recently established with

the McNeese State University Foundation with donations totaling$15,664.30 from friends and businesses in honor of Watkins, former athleticsdirector, basketball coach and student-athlete in basketball at McNeese.

ROBERTSON NAMED SWLA BANKING CENTER PRESIDENT WITH BUSINESS FIRST

Jude Melville, CEO of Business First Bank, todayannounced Greg Robertson as the new SouthwestLouisiana banking center president. Robertsonbrings more than 15 years of business and privatebanking experience in the Lake Charles region toBusiness First. A graduate of the Graduate School ofBanking at LSU and a native of DeQuincy, Robertsoncurrently serves as chairman of the board of the WestCalcasieu Community Center Authority and is pastpresident of the Rotary Club. The father of two chil-dren, he also coaches Dixie Youth Baseball and Little Dribblers. For moreinformation on Business First Bank, visit www.b1bank.com.

NAVARRES’ UNITED WAY GIVING TOTALS $90,000Local business leader Billy Navarre and his wife Carrie have become

members of United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s Alexis de TocquevilleSociety for the ninth year, with a total personal contribution of $90,000. Thisis a national society that recognizes individuals or foundations whose gen-erosity is motivated by the desire to improve the quality of life in their com-munity. Members of this society have contributed $10,000 or more annuallyto the United Way campaign. As members for nine years, the Navarres are thelongest running members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society in SouthwestLouisiana.

Billy Navarre with Kimberly Dixon and Denise Durel, president of United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

TJN

Sonny Watkins and Melissa Ellis Northcutt, director for university advancement operations. McNeese Photo

Greg Robertson

L’Auberge limousine driver Sylvia Ellis with Ariana and her family.

Peteronious and his family.


15% Senior DiscountAll Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted

Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted

An entire week of wine-relatedevents has been organized aroundthe sixth annual Rouge et Blancpremier wine and food tastingevent. It will take place Oct. 15 indowntown Lake Charles on RyanStreet between the grounds of the1911 Historic City Hall and theCalcasieu Parish Courthouse.

Wine and food pairing dinnerswill be held around Lake Charlesduring the week leading up to themain event, and an upscale cham-pagne brunch will take place theSunday following Rouge et Blanc.

Tickets are still available to all ofthe wine dinners, the wine classesthe morning of Oct. 15 and thechampagne brunch Oct. 16. Wineand food pairing dinners will takeplace at the home of ShivelyLampson, The Harlequin,Graywood Plantation and La TruffeSauvage. Information on makingreservations is available atwww.rougeetblanc.us.

“Bubbles for Banners,”an upscale Sunday champagnebrunch featuring live actionstations will be hosted by L’Aubergedu Lac Casino Resort in theGrand Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to1:30 p. Oct. 16. Participants will sipchampagne while enjoying tantaliz-ing dishes, fun demonstrations andlive music. A portion of the $50

ticket will support the McNeeseBanners Cultural Series. Tickets willgo on sale Aug. 19 at the L’AubergeBusiness Center and at www.ticket-master.com.

L’Auberge is also offering a limit-ed number of hotel rooms at a spe-cial rate for this event. Participantsmust be 21 years of age.

Rouge et Blanc has also part-nered with the Southwest LouisianaConvention and Visitors Bureau tobe a part of the Great AcadianAwakening Oct. 11. An entire dayof French-themed activities andmusic will take place at the LakeCharles Civic Center, and Rouge etBlanc will present a special lectureand tasting of French wines at 5p.m. The lecture, by Dr. PhilippeGirard, is titled “Thomas Jeffersonand the Wines of France.”Reservations can be made atwww.rougeetblanc.us and tickets are$25 per person.

Rouge et Blanc is presented bythe Downtown DevelopmentAuthority and the McNeeseFoundation. All proceeds will bene-fit the McNeese Banners CulturalSeries. All wines are provided bythe Republic National DistributingCo. For more information, go towww.rougeetblanc.us or by callingthe McNeese Banners CulturalSeries at (337) 475-5123.

Rouge et Blanc and a Week of Wine-related Events

TJN


YankeeDangThe

By Mike McHugh

With the economy the way it is,we, like most Americans, have beentightening our belts. Now, since I’malready buying the cheapest brand ofbeer available, I can’t save any moremoney in that category. So, instead,we decided to cut back on our cableTV bill by going to a cheaper plan.

That move didn’t work out toowell, though, because the only chan-nels available under the new planwere the shopping networks and C-SPAN. So now, my spare bedroom isfull of exercise equipment, and the

kitchen is full of gadgets that I can’tfigure out how to operate, althoughthey made it look pretty easy on theinfomercials. At least with the exer-cise equipment, we now have some-place to hang all those winter coatsthat we brought from Yankee Land.

So, that is what led me to beginwatching C-SPAN. It was either thator start to tackle that honey-do listthat I’ve been ignoring so long that itstill has items on it from our house inMaryland. For those of you who don’tknow, because you have a real cable

What’s In Congress’ Wallet?

plan and can watch decent entertain-ment like Swamp People, C-SPANcovers the proceedings of the UnitedStates Congress.

Despite my first impression,watching C-SPAN has turned out tobe a very educational experience.When I first tuned in, I thought I wasviewing footage from a Saturdayafternoon at Chuck-E-Cheese.However, as I watched, I began torealize that, behind all of the apparentmayhem, there really is a well-definedstructure to our legislative process.

Before I go further, let me apologizeto my long-time readers who knowthat I don’t usually write about politicalmatters. This is, after all, a serious col-umn. Still, I feel that I should fromtime to time use this space as a serviceto educate the public.

The recent debate over raising theFederal Government’s debt ceilinggives us a perfect example of how ourCongress works. It turns out that thegovernment has to borrow money topay all of its bills every month.However, they do not qualify for aCapital One Venture Card, which is ashame because if they did they wouldrack up enough frequent flyer milesto totally run the Air Force withoutany taxpayer dollars. So, lacking that,

they issue bonds, which are eagerlysnatched up by the Chinese with theprofits they made shipping us prod-ucts that contain enough toxic metalsto make the toy department at Wal-Mart qualify as a Superfund site.

In an attempt to appear fiscallyresponsible, the Congress sets a capon the amount of money that thegovernment can borrow this way. Inthe past, whenever this cap wasreached, the Congress simply voted toadd a few zeroes to the number andbe done with it so that they could goback and spend it on something thatwould improve the quality of life fortheir constituents--something like,say, a goat roping arena.

This time, however we have abunch of new congressmen whohaven’t yet learned this protocol, andso instead, they raised a fuss andinsisted, of all things, that they wouldonly allow the government to borrowmore money if it took steps to get itsfinancial house in order. At least thenthey might finally qualify for aCapital One Venture Card and earndouble points for that goat-ropingarena.

So, the debate in Congress turnedto exactly how to tackle this issue.Some wanted to address it through“revenue enhancements,” which is acode word that congressmen use for“higher taxes.” These enhancements,they claimed, would only come fromthe “rich,” whom they define as any-one who could afford Budweiser overLone Star. Although this would nothave affected my personal tax bill, Iwas still concerned for all my friendswho offer me beer from their icechests out of pity.

Others in Congress wanted tosolve the problem totally with “spend-ing cuts.” This approach also had dis-advantages, in that it would requirethat that essential government servic-es, such as FEMA, would have to beeliminated. This would mean that,after the next hurricane, no onewould be there to turn away thetruckload of boudin that was donatedto feed the hungry evacuees becausethey were not an approved govern-ment vendor, and what’s more, theboudin exceeded the federal standardfor trans-fats.

In the end, the two sides success-fully compromised and agreed toraise the debt ceiling, and so theChinese will continue to get theirinterest payments and keep theWalMart shelves glowing.

For that, Mister Speaker, can I buyyou a Lone Star? TJN


By Jim Doyle

The last space shuttle has landed.I don’t know why, exactly, but I’mreminded of a phrase uttered by theproducers of The Civil War whenquoting a British writer, who said theAmerican republic will be so short-lived that those who were around atits founding will still be breathing atits conclusion. The jury’s still out onour Republic, I’m afraid. But as adevoted fan of science fiction as ayoung reader, I never thought I’d liveto see the beginning and the end ofthe American space program.

Like many of you, I was aroundat the beginning. The first spaceshuttle was on exhibition at the NewOrleans Worlds Fair in 1984, thendid a fly-over on the back of a 747jumbo jet past Lake Chuck on itsway to Florida. Magnificent. Peoplewere calling all over town to get theirneighbors to look to the sky. You’dhave thought Superman was there.

Superman, or at least his stand-in,wasn’t flying on his own. He was anastronaut, that halest and heartiest ofAmericans to whom all of us couldlook with pride. Astronauts were thekings and queens of the ball. WhenHollywood reached for a lead charac-ter in Terms of Endearment worthyof the great Jack Nicholson, theymade him an astronaut. He drove aCorvette, by the way, as did TomHanks as Jim Lovell in Apollo 13.

Our town has had many encoun-ters with NASA crews, most ofwhich you’d never know about unlessyou work at Chennault, where NASAtrainers have been doing touch andgo’s for years. I first discovered thisconnection by chance when, on aflight from New York to Houston in1985, I wound up sitting next to Dr.

Pinky Nelson. Making small talk, he said he had

a PhD in astronomy. “What the heckcan you do with that?” I asked,somewhat taken aback. “Well, I workfor NASA.” Hmm. Ever a bright boy,I said, “So, are you an astronaut orwhat?” I’m sure that impressed him.He was one of the first two men tospace walk without a tether and wason the last crew of the Challengerbefore it exploded on that winter dayin 1986.

Star Trek had long acquainted uswith the fictional concept of peopledying in space, or in space travel. Butsomehow we never believed it untilthat day. I’ll never forget the look onEd Barnett’s face as he walked intomy office and told me.

If you want to see where ourdreams took us all those years ago,rent a copy of 2001, A SpaceOdyssey. As a college freshman theyear it came out, I believed there wasabsolutely no doubt we’d all travel tothe moon that way, before the dateset down in the movie if not before.Now, it’s been 39 years since manwalked on the moon: EugeneCernan. Apollo 17, launchedDecember 7, 1972

The space program has given us,in addition to imagination anddreams, everything from forest man-agement to improved scans for breastcancer. The computer revolution wasfueled by dollars spent to take manto the stars.

Those space legends are gonenow, replaced by an ever-increasingnumber of space operas starringaliens who seek to devour our planetlike locusts from stationary plat-forms in the sky above our largest

I’d Rather HaveHad the Moon

cities. Maybe they’re out there, but Idoubt they’d be interested in us ifthey were.

Why would a race of beings intel-ligent enough to cross the universebe interested in talking to peoplewho had the ideas, the equipment,and the desire in their hands and letit drift away?

We just spent untold dollars as apeople and scared the markets (andmany folks’ retirement funds) out ofnearly a trillion dollars; and in theprocess weakened the full faith and

credit of the United States for thefirst time in history so somebodycould prove a political point anddamage the re-election chances ofthe President. Since its inception,NASA has cost us $471 billion. I’drather have had the moon, thanksvery much.

Keep your eyes on the skies,folks. Remember what we could havehad. And you never know whomight be lurking around the corner.

See you guys on the flip. TJN


WHERE’S THE PRIVATEENTERPRISE WHEN WE NEED IT?

Our formerly debt-free city ispushing hard for “Lakeside LakeCharles,” – a master plan that’s takinga huge chunk of our Civic Centerenvirons and making a developmentout of the area. I had no problem withthe Lakefront Promenade, other thanthe loss of parking and the narrowingof Bord du Lac Drive.

We are also in the process of redo-ing the downtown streetscapes.Funny, I remember this being done inthe past, and we had to pay to have itundone. It’s been said that if you don’tpay attention to history, you’redoomed to repeat it.

Has anyone heard of private enter-prise wanting to put out developmen-tal money? Development occurswhen private enterprise sees anopportunity for a profitable ventureand values the risk involved as worth-while. I offer for your considerationthe recently announced ImperialPointe development (75 acres) andnearby Oak Crossing (20 acres). Let’shope that the old lakefront casinoproperties become an asset onceagain, and are redeveloped privately.

SIGNS NEEDEDIf you drive eastbound on I-210,

and exit at Lake Street, you see leftlane signage indicating a mandatoryleft turn. The right lane does not indi-cate any left turn, but does allow fortraffic to go straight ahead ontoCollege Street, or to turn right ontosouthbound Lake Street.

Since northbound Lake Street hasprovisions for three lanes of traffic, itwould make sense that both lanesexiting I-210 should be able to turnleft at that location. The Lake Street

right northbound lane is used forturning onto eastbound Prien LakeRoad. The left lane leads to the west-bound I-210 entrance ramp or north-bound on Lake Street, along with theadjacent lane. Using both exit lanes toturn left would facilitate the flow oftraffic. I’ve been forced to sit throughmultiple red lights in the left exit laneif traffic is on the heavy side. It maybe legal to make the left turn from theright lane, but there needs to be a signindicating this.

FEDERAL FIASCOI don’t know if you are as bewil-

dered as I am considering the fiascothat is Washington, D.C. masquerad-ing as our government. The misguid-ed enthusiasm of throwing money atevery possible program with virtuallyno sense of fiscal restraint has madeour beloved country a laughing stock,well on its way to downfall and decayas many great civilizations before us.We have allowed our government toenter into programs that have no rea-son to exist other than to protect theinterests of somebody making hay forthemselves or some organization.

Let’s face reality. We can no longerafford the follies of the past where wetried to be all things to all people. Theconcept of protecting everyone fromthe cradle to the grave has led ourgovernment to establish bureaucraciesthat have crippled our country, madeus uncompetitive in the world marketand driven money and business toforeign shores.

Of course, there must be somebasic protections, but theConstitution of the United Statesclearly states that “We the People ofthe United States, in order to form amore perfect union, establish justice,insure domestic tranquility, providefor the common defense, promote thegeneral welfare, and secure the bless-ings of liberty to ourselves and ourposterity, do ordain and establish this

By George “Tip” Cline


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Constitution for the United States ofAmerica.”

There was no intention to controlall the areas of our lives and become anation ruled by special interests thatwork to the detriment of the preciousfreedoms so many have striven tomaintain for our posterity.

SUPERMARKET ROUNDUPThis shopping survey was con-

ducted on Aug. 3 at the followinglocations: Albertson’s-Country ClubRoad, Kroger-McNeese Street, Market

Basket-Nelson Road and Walmart-Nelson Road. The price indicatedhere is the posted price where theproduct was displayed for purchase.

Owens Pork Sausage, 16-oz roll: Albertsons $3.99, Kroger $4.19, Market Basket $3, Walmart $3.38.Wheaties Cereal, 15.6 oz. box:Albertsons $4.49, Kroger $4.19, Market Basket $4.15, Walmart $3.64.Dark cherries, fresh per pound: Albertsons $2.29, Kroger $2.99,

Market Basket $3.99, Walmart $2.50.Casa Manana Salsa, 16-oz. jar:Albertsons $2.49, Kroger $3.49, Market Basket $3.99, Walmart n/a (32-oz. jar only).

Again, we see no clear advantage,as all of our stores were competing foryour business with differing prices.Watch the weekly circulars to be themost informed for the better deals,and take advantage when you can.

TJN

Do you have a heart for pro-moting the arts or making a dif-ference? Do you speak Frenchor have Cajun heritage? Doesyour heart skip a beat when youhear “Boudin Wars?” If so, getinvolved in the Great AcadianAwakening event, Oct. 11, at theLake Charles Civic Center.

The Great AcadianAwakening is a multifacetedevent featuring everything from

boudin to art, genealogy to culi-nary arts and music, includingCajun music and the ZydecoExperience of Grammy winnerTerrance Simien.

“This event is something tobe truly passionate about,” saidAngie Manning-Istre, communi-cations manager at the LakeCharles/Southwest LouisianaConvention & Visitors Bureau.

“It’s a celebration of who weare in Southwest Louisiana. Weare inviting local volunteers toget involved, from Frenchspeakers to greeters to Cajunfamilies with history to displayaspects of their heritage andgenealogy. Familial displayscould be anything from familytrees or old photographs toactual artifacts or recipes thathave been handed down forgenerations, possibly datingback to the deportation.”

There will be activities from10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the LakeCharles Civic Center, with theopening ceremonies being heldat 11 a.m. in the Exhibition Hall.The Boudin Wars kick off at 5p.m., and everyone in the com-munity is invited to taste boudinfor free and vote for theirfavorite.

“The Southwest LouisianaBoudin Trail is a huge hit forvisitors and travel writerswho enjoy authenticexperiences. This is achance for the stopsalong the boudin trailto battle it out in afriendly competition,”said Shelley Johnson,executive director ofthe bureau.

Musical perform-ances will feature theAcadian Cowboys, LesaCormier & the Sundown

Playboys, Chris Miller & BayouRoots and Grammy winnerTerrance Simien. There will be aFrench Wine Experience andfood and art vendors.

For those looking to learnFrench, there will be CajunFrench lessons. Or, check out aCultural Coffee Corner for peo-ple who would like to practicespeaking French with otherFrench speakers. Stephen White,celebrated authority on Acadianhistory, will be the guest histori-cal speaker, complementing the

displays and workshops by theSouthwest Louisiana Genealogyand Historical Library.

Earlier in the day, storytellerand musician Papillon will deliv-er a special performance, alongwith Terrance Simien’s famedCreole for Kids in the Rosa HartTheatre. These performancesstart at noon and are completelyfree for the visiting public.

Entry and access to the festiv-ities and music at the GreatAcadian Awakening are free.Tickets to the French WineExperience are $25, includingwine and hors d’oeuvres by LaTruffe Sauvage.

The Great AcadianAwakening is part of a four-cityevent, beginning in New Orleans,traveling to Houma, on to LakeCharles, and ending in Lafayette.Canadian tours will be followingthe event, and it will be a trueexchange between the Acadianand Cajun cultures.

For a complete schedule ofevents and information on participating, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/GRA. To volunteer or participate, contact Angie Manning-Istre at [email protected] or call(337) 436-9588.

Terrance Simien

TJN

PAGE 14 AUGUST 11, 2011 Volume 3 • Issue 10


By Lauren de Albuquerque

So here we are, folks. Back to thedrawing board. Our much-neededlakefront development was voteddown, and we’re back to square one:A big lake with nothing much on it,nothing to draw visitors in and bringrevenue to the area. No lakefrontrestaurants or shops; no touristattractions. I hear they had dinnercruises, years ago. And long beforethat, there was, I believe, a dance hallon the lake. But all that was a longtime ago. No one even wants to dealwith the old Harrah’s hotel; no devel-opers have expressed any interest, sothe City has asked Pinnacle to justtear it all down.

They call New Orleans the BigEasy. I have a good name for thelakefront: the Big Empty.

The Children’s Museum of LakeCharles needs your help. They’reexperiencing the woes of many of thenon-profits in the area: a decrease infunding and donations while theirrent continues to skyrocket each year.They’ve never quite

recovered from the devastating fire in2009.

The museum has been an impor-tant part of the community for manyyears, bringing fun and excitement tothe children of SWLA. So many havecelebrated their birthdays there andenjoyed the interactive exhibits. Tolose such an asset would be a shame.

What can you do to help? Go towww.swlakids.org for membershipand birthday party information. Themuseum gladly accepts donations.And if you want to have a really goodtime and benefit the museum whileyou’re doing it, head to theImagination Celebration at theCivic Center on Aug. 27: a night ofcelebrity karaoke, music from theBoomerang Experience, live andsilent auctions and delicious foodfrom area restaurants. This is themuseum’s 9th annual fundraiser, andit will be a blast! For more informa-tion, call (337) 433-9420. Get your

tickets today!A state website is starting this

week that will allow diners tocheck the sanitary conditions atlocal restaurants. The Office ofPublic Health will be postinginspection reports that includecritical and non-critical viola-tions, along with correctiveactions that have been takenor are pending. This certainlywill keep restaurant ownerson their toes. But it’s not onlyrestaurants that will be tar-geted. Inspection recordswill also be posted for mar-kets, bars, day-care and res-idential facilities, and sea-sonal businesses such assnowball stands. Thereports should be posteda week after the inspec-

tions are conducted. So log on towww.eatsafe.la.gov and get the scoop!

A big thank you to the Seniors ofSt. Michael’s and All Angels Parish(SOS) for inviting Phil and I to speakabout The Jambalaya News at one oftheir recent gatherings at thechurch. Special thanks to DawnLeger for organizing the evening,and to all of the fabulous cooksresponsible for the wonderfulmeal that was provided. It was apleasure meeting all of you—and your church is lovely!

Ever been to a roller derbygame? No? Well, it’s abouttime you checked out theaction! The Gulf CoastRollers Girls of the Women’sFlat Track Roller Derby willbe back in town on Sat.,Aug. 20 for their “BadMoon Rising Mash UpBout.” These matches areloads of fun. Doors open at6 p.m., game begins at 7.Tickets are $10 for adultsand $6 for children under10. Everyone must bringtheir own chair, and the

team will be accepting donations forHobo Hotel for Cats. Last time, it wasfor the local Pit Bull rescue group.These ladies have a big heart. Theevent will be held at The Grindhouse,932 Enterprise in Lake Charles, socome on down and cheer them on!

TJN


The Southwest Louisiana lifestyle encompasses every-thing under the Gulf Coast sun. Our never-ending cycle offestivals - the largest collection in the state - has come torepresent our perpetual desire to share our culture whilefurther crafting our sense of identity. Arts & Crabs Fest, arecent addition by the Arts and Humanities Council ofSouthwest Louisiana, is quickly proving to be a culturalforce through its joint venture as both an arts festival andan educational campaign for our invaluable Louisianaseafood industry.

The second annual Arts & Crabs Fest will make land-fall on Sat., Aug. 20, from 4-8 p.m. at the Lake CharlesCivic Center. The festival draws together the strongest ele-ments of our Southwest Louisiana perspective to yield aunique and often needed unification of visual art, livemusic, and our culinary traditions. The day will offer festi-val goers live music, an extensive art walk, vendors, and acomplete crab and beer tasting with local dishes andregional brews.

Besides offering the typical playful festival atmosphere,Arts & Crabs Fest carries a steadfast attitude as it develops a

positive image of the Louisiana Gulf Coast. In concert withthe Lake Charles/SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau,the Arts Council initiated the festival in 2010 after the dis-astrous BP oil spill to increase visibility for our region’senduring and widely exported crab industry and its rela-tionship to culture.

“Many people don’t realize how much our seafoodis ingrained in our history,” said Matt Young, directorof the Arts Council. “Food culture is central to ouridentity as Louisianans; the communal experienceof crab and crawfish boils, the passing down oforal history over the dinner table, and the his-torical and economic importance of seafoodmake up who we are.”

The epitome of Arts & Crabs Fest lieswith the crab and beer tasting whichencourages residents to buy local andshowcases the culinary abilities of ourrestaurants and the qualities of Louisianabeers. From 5-7 p.m., guests will be ableto sample ten crab dishes prepared bychefs from area restaurants. Rather thanpair the dishes with a wine selection, theevent takes a different approach and pairs

an Abita beer with each dish toexpose guests to the aromas

By Erica McCreedy

Grayson Capps and theLost Cause Minstrels

Holly Beach by Sue Zimmermann


and flavors of Louisiana brews. Guests can vote fortheir favorite dish to win the People’s Choice Award.

Crab dishes include:Crab Gazpacho—Cypress Grill

Crab Étouffée—Big Daddy’s Sports GrillCrab Ceviche—Harlequin Crab-stuffed Jalapenos—Sha Sha’s Mini Crab Cakes—Lake Charles Country ClubCrab Meat and Poblano Bisque—Coyote Blues

Crab and Avocado Salad—Pujo St. CaféCrab-stuffed Mushrooms—Cajun Café

Crab in White Wine Tomato Sauce with Pasta—121 Bistro;

Crab dish—Sabine Pass Crab Shack

The day will also feature live music bythe LakeSide Gamblers at 4 p.m. and

Grayson Capps and the Lost CauseMinstrels at 6 p.m.

In addition, there will be a gamutof local talent with a large interac-

tive art walk on the third floorinterior balcony. From photogra-phy and watercolor to mixedmedia and ceramics, the artwalk will provide guests with aconcentration of local art with-in the festival. At the end of theevening, the Arts Council’s cul-minating Gold Key Quest raffledrawing will take place, and tenticketholders will win one of thefundraiser’s prizes, including a$10,000 cash prize.

Arts & Crabs Fest is just one way that locals are takingthe initiative to find creative ways to accelerate interest andactivity in arts and culture. Arts funding is continually tar-geted, and this fiscal year is no different—the arts inLouisiana will absorb a 30 percent overall cut for 2012.

“For each $1 that is invested in the arts in Louisiana,there is an immediate $6 return to the Louisiana Treasury,”Young said. “The arts industry acts as an economic engine,and generated dollars are redistributed back into our com-munities.” Festivals in particular promote local arts and cul-ture while attracting tourist dollars, and tourism pulls in$335 million each year to Calcasieu Parish alone.

“We want to embrace Southwest Louisiana and all itcan and has offered culturally and economically,” he con-tinued. “We want residents to have confidence in locallycaught seafood, area businesses, and local art. Our aim inhosting this festival is simply to celebrate an identity thatwe all share.”

Arts & Crabs Fest is sponsored by the LouisianaSeafood Promotions and Marketing Board, the LakeCharles/SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau,KVHP/FOX 29/the CW, Abita Beer, Bolton Ford, KnightMedia, Inc., Coca-Cola, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort,Sweet Lake Land & Oil, American Airlines, First FederalBank of Louisiana, Isle of Capri Casino, Tobacco FreeLiving, The Jambalaya News, the City of Lake Charles,the American Press, and Union Pacific.

Admission to the festival is a $25 wristband. A limitednumber will be sold, so the public is encouraged to pur-chase theirs before the event. Wristbands and $50 Gold KeyQuest raffle drawing tickets are available online at www.art-sandhumanitiesswla.org or at the Arts Council office locat-ed in Central School Arts & Humanities Center, Suite 202in Lake Charles. Call (337) 439-2787 today to find out moreinformation. TJN

LakeSide Gamblers


In 1989, Scott Gossett was a bright,studious seven-year-old who liked lan-guage and art. His interests were videogames, movies and television, but whathe really wanted was to learn how toplay ball. Gossett, who lived with hismom and three sisters, didn’t have amale role model in his life. So hismother enrolled him, along with hissisters, in the Big Brothers Big Sistersprogram.

Gossett was matched with his BigBrother Philip Schwartzenburg.“Being the only boy in the house, Iremember being really excited to get a‘Big Brother’ but I was pretty shy atthat age,” Gossett said. “It took meawhile to open up to someone new, butI’m glad Philip stuck with it.

“I don’t remember the details of ourfirst meeting, but I do remember beingextremely shy and riding in his old

green truck in complete silence.Retrospectively, it must’ve been real-

ly awkward!” Gossett said. “Hewould ask me questions and I

would give just one or

two-word answers. He must have thoughtI was bored or uninterested, but I reallyjust enjoyed having a male role model.”

With his new Big Brother, Gossettlearned to play ball and much more. Thetwo enjoyed fishing, hunting, basketball,baseball and tennis. Gossett stated thatSchwartzenburg has a huge family that hegrew into by default. “They would alwayshave large gatherings for the holidays andI loved those get-togethers,” he said.

Gossett graduated from Sulphur HighSchool in 2000 and went on to attendTulane University in New Orleans wherehe received a Bachelor’s degree in Frenchand Religious Studies in 2004.

“It’s hard to say how my life haschanged because almost as long as I canremember, Philip and his family havebeen a part of it,” he said. “I can saythough, that because of this, he has had amajor impact on who I am today. He wasthe best role model I could have and hisfamily has always been there when Ineeded them.”

Today, Gossett has just completed hisfirst year of PhD studies in French. He is

currently a teaching assistant, whichinvolves teaching upper-level French lan-guage courses at the University ofMissouri.

“The older I get, the more I appreciatehis sacrifice, dedication and perseverance.Philip is devoted, selfless and probably themost genuine person I’ve ever known,”Gossett said. “He was more than just astand-in for the father or brother I didn’thave. He really did become something ofa family member. I think Big Brothers BigSisters is a wonderful program with anoble goal and realistic, substantial resultsthat positively influence the lives of every-one involved.”

To his Big Brother Philip, Gossett says,“I can’t thank you enough.”

For more information on how you canbe a part of something big, call BigBrothers Big Sisters of SouthwestLouisiana, a United Way agency. In LakeCharles, 478-5437; DeRidder, 460-5437;Jennings, 824-4847.

Think of the possibilities—what willyou start? TJN


W RLDA Greener

Although it’s only the middle of Augustand the temperature is at its highest, thechildren of Southwest Louisiana are head-ing back to school. What can you do tomake this school year a greener one forMother Earth?

ElectronicsToday’s classroom is filled with more

plug-in devices than ever before. Fromcomputers to cell phones, e-readers to cal-culators, and printers to photocopiers, yourchild will be familiar with a greater numberof powered devices than you were as achild. Make sure you buy the most eco-friendly options possible. Here’s what youcan do:

To start, look for the ENERGY STARlabel for energy efficiency on all electronicsto ensure they consume the least amount ofenergy, especially when idle. To reduce tox-icity of your electronics, try to find elec-tronics that have one of two green certifica-tions: EPEAT (Electronic ProductEnvironmental Assessment Tool)and/or RoHS (Restrictions onHazardous Substances). Consider get-ting your child a small solar charger sothe electronics can be powered renew-ably while on the go.

Getting him a new computer? Considera laptop over a desktop as these consumeup to 50 percent less energy. The same goesfor monitors: an old CRT monitor will con-sume 75 percent more energy than a newLCD screen.

Does your child need a new printer orscanner? Keep an eye out for a device thatconserves paper. Printers that can automat-ically double-side are ideal. If that’s notpossible, at least look for one that has aneasy step-by-step system for doing double-sided printing manually.

Finally, don’t forget to donate or recy-cle any electronics that can no longer beused. The United Nations EnvironmentProgramme estimates that the worldthrows away 50 million metric tons ofelectronics every single year, much ofwhich is laced with toxic chemicals andheavy metals. There are many charitiesin our area that accept used cellphones and computers. Never throwused electronics in the trash.

Green Tips forBack to School


Local Delta WaterfowlChapter Uses Funds Locally

The Gulf Coast Chapter of DeltaWaterfowl is pleased to announce thatit has teamed up with the CalcasieuArea Council – Boy Scouts of Americato build wood duck boxes that will beerected along the Calcasieu River.Nest-box programs such as this onehave demonstrated that local woodduck populations can be increasedthrough erection of properly con-structed boxes. Delta Waterfowl hasdonated $2,000 for box materials andscouts from Troop 107 will construct

and erect boxes as part of an EagleScout Project sponsored by Our LadyQueen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Delta Waterfowl also announcesthe grant of two $500 scholarships totwo McNeese State University studentsseeking wildlife management diplo-mas. For information about DeltaWaterfowl, call Bryan Leach at (337)739-5774. For more information aboutBoy Scouts, contact Kevin McMurrianat (337) 436-3376.

PaperAlthough kids today are

Internet whizzes, e-mailing home-work is still not the norm. Paper isneeded for taking notes and testsand writing papers. But that does-n’t mean that you can’t take stepsto cut down paper consumption.It’s important to buy products withthe highest percentage of post-consumer recycled content possi-ble that is processed chlorine free(PCF), such as New Leaf Paper forprinters, and Mead RecycledNotebooks for use in school.

Use these products to their max-imum efficiency by printing onboth sides of the paper and fillingnotebooks from cover to coverbefore purchasing a new one. Andit never hurts to ask teachers if yourchild can e-mail his homework.

Creative shoppingGet together with family,

friends and neighbors to discusssome creative strategies for back toschool shopping on a budget. Car-pooling to stores offers green fuel

efficiency. Even better, pool yourmoney together and buy basicschool supplies in bulk, which isalways cheaper.

Look over last year’s schoolitems and see what can beexchanged among your circle offriends. For example, that hardlyused lunchbox could be exchangedfor a backpack that your neigh-bor’s child forgot about in thecloset. Exchanging unneededitems for ones that are needed isalways a great green practice.

Be a mindful consumerIt’s very tempting to run out

and buy a bunch of back to schoolclothes and gear right away.Carefully consider purchasesbefore you make them, and thinkabout waiting a few weeks to seewhat items are truly needed.Before the end of September,retailers will put clothing andother items on sale to make roomfor all that Halloween stuff, whichmeans sales and big savings foryou! TJN TJN


Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Centerrecently announced programs for the “Beat The HeatLecture Series.” Many of these lectures includeexperts sharing knowledge with the public on topicssuch as wildlife, gardening, art and more.

Participants will meet at the Admissions Windowat the scheduled event time, 7 p.m., with sessionslasting about an hour in the Discovery Theater. Allprograms offered in the series are free of charge, butan RSVP is required as space is limited. Call (409)670-9799 for reservations.

August 18, 7 p.m.Teeth! The Truth About Sharks and Alligator Gar

Attendees will join award-winning outdoors jour-nalist and columnist Chester Moore during thisexclusive lecture as he discusses his passion forsharks and alligator garfish. Learn about bull sharksin area rivers, the truth about alleged alligator garattacks and pick up a few fishing and conservationtips. This is a family-friendly program.

August 25, 7 p.m.Going Solar

Visitors will learn about reducing carbon foot-prints through a lecture given by Steve and LedenaHoward, who investigated the advantages of solarenergy. They will share how they learned about lead-ing a more energy sustainable life and modifying thehome to be more earth-friendly. This lecture willinclude a practical analysis of the aspects of havingsolar cells installed and discussion of financial incen-tives to make solar power affordable. This program isfor adults only.

Located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange,Shangri La is open to the public Tuesday throughSaturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays, noon – 5 p.m.For more information, visit shangrilagardens.org.

TJN

“Beat The Heat LectureSeries” at Shangri La


Code 00330, 00274, 00150*Some restrictions apply. Call for details.

LAKE CHARLES3113 Ryan St, #1(337) 491-0925

4435 Nelson Road(337) 477-5014

www.ASTtanning.com

SULPHUR190 N. Cities Service Hwy.(337) 626-0925

Breakfast is the most importantmeal of the day. This means if you’rerunning late and you let your childgrab a doughnut or a Pop Tart on herway out the door, you’re doing her ahuge disservice. There’s no nutritionalvalue, and after the sugar buzz wearsoff, she’ll be ready to fall asleep. Sheneeds to stay alert and focused.

You need to feed your children anutritionally sound breakfast, com-

plete with a source of protein. Eggs, ofcourse, are the perfect breakfast. Ifyou know you’re going to have a busymorning, then cook some hard-boiledeggs the night before. Hot cereal, suchas oatmeal or cream of wheat, is verysatisfying and nutritious, especially ona cold day. Add dried fruit or nuts ontop. Whole-grain toast, a bagel, or anEnglish muffin with cheese is quickand easy. So is yogurt with fruit ornuts. You can also make smoothieswith yogurt and

fruit. Add a little cinnamon and vanil-la, and then pour it all in the blender.Here’s a tasty, nutritious snack foryour kids to carry to school: Dump ¼cup of nuts, ¼ cup of dried fruit, and½ cup of whole-grain cereal into aZiploc bag. They’ll love it.

Carnation Instant Breakfast isanother good choice. It’s been arounda long time and for good reason: it’sfull of antioxidants (as much as a cupof green tea), has twice the protein ofan egg and twice as much calcium asa 6 oz. container of yogurt with fruit.

It tastes like chocolate milk,but it’s so much better.

And remember, you don’t haveto serve traditional breakfast foodsimply because it’s morning. Thereare lots of things you’re kids will love,including:

• Fruit and cream cheese sandwich(use strawberries or other fresh fruit)

• Breakfast taco (shredded cheeseon a tortilla, folded in half andmicrowaved; top with salsa)

• Country cottage cheese (applebutter mixed with cottage cheese)

• Grilled cheese or peanut buttersandwich

• Leftovers (why not?)Don’t make breakfast a hassle.

With a little imagination, itcould become your child’sfavorite meal of the day.

TJN


Blazin’ Truck Parts & Accessories isowned by Sabrina McCoy and man-aged by her husband Scott, who hasover 28 years of experience andexpertise in the heavy-duty truckparts industry.

“Our main focus is heavy-dutytruck and trailer parts and chromeand stainless accessories,” Sabrinasaid. “Some of the brands we carry areGrand Rock exhaust, Baldwin andCaterpillar filters, Omega air condi-tioning parts, United Pacific chromeaccessories, Road Works stainlessaccessories, and much more. We alsocarry parts for boat, utility, and cargotrailers.”

She said they nurture their workingrelationships with an assortment ofvendors because they are dedicated toproviding the best products available

in the trucking industry. Come by and see what’s new! They

now have Long Haul brand belts andhoses and CB antennas and acces-sories.

In October, Blazin’ Truck Parts willbe have their 3rd annual Blazin’ Festwith vendors on site displaying thenewest products. There will also be atruck show displaying some big rigs,and you can also enjoy live music.This year, they are adding a JambalayaCook-off. Please call to register yourteam! It’s going to be good family fun.All of the proceeds are being donatedto the Parkinson Association of TheSouth.

So visit the REAL heavy-duty truckparts specialist, conveniently located atExit 36 off of I-10, with lots of big rigparking available. They look forward toserving your needs!

5925 Wright Rd.Lake Charles, LA

310-PART (7278)

1602 W. McNeeseLake Charles

(337) 562-9400

Slender Solutions is a licensedprovider of The Body Wrap by VictoriaMorton, who started Suddenly Slenderin Florida 32 years ago.

Dixette Williams opened the LakeCharles Slender Solutions 13 years ago.A paralegal for 26 years, she was frustrat-ed with her weight. “I had tried all theusual weight loss stuff, but nothingworked for me,” she said.

Desperate, she went on the Internet,and found a Suddenly Slender franchisein Lafayette. She went, and the inchescame off. In six months, she had quither job, and opened Slender Solutions inLake Charles. “People were skeptical atfirst,” Dixette said. “But when clientsstarted seeing results, the conceptcaught on.”

The rest is history, as they say. Afterstarting her business in a small rented

building where there was room for onlyone wrap at a time, she was able to buythe spacious building on McNeese Streetwhere her business is now. With threewrap techs on duty, three wraps can bedone at the same time. Male clients arealways wrapped separately; and couplesthat wrap together generally get theirown time.

We offer the detoxifyig Flat TummyMineral Wrap with a guarantee to look10-30 inches slimmer. The process takesabout one hour and you will feel clean,fresh, light and slimmer. In addition,there are a host of products in stock toenhance the results of the wraps.

Other services offered at SlenderSolutions include airbrush tanning, facialwaxing, face taping and skin-condition-ing masks. You’ll love glo minerals skin-nurturing, talc-free make-up and skincare with UV protection and antioxidantbenefits. Ask us about our makeovers!

Call 562-9400 and start taking thoseinches off!www.slendersolutionsoflakecharles.com

Let’s hear it for our local womenbusiness owners who continue to per-severe in spite of shaky economictimes. And I applaud the women onthese pages who are brand-new entre-preneurs, unafraid to take a chance andfollow their dreams.

Because isn’t that what owning abusiness is all about? Following yourdreams? Isn’t that what life is all about?

Owning a business is a lot of hardwork. Trust me, I know from firsthandexperience. There have been times

when I’ve asked myself, “Is thisworth it?” The answer I alwaysreceive from my subconscious is aresounding YES. So I have to gowith that.

There’ve been many times I’vebeen up all night at the computerwhen all I’ve wanted was to be inbed, sound asleep. My husband and Ihave made a lot of sacrifices for thebusiness.

But I love what I do and wouldn’twant to change a thing.

Following your dreams doesn’talways turn out as planned, but thatmakes them even more memorable.Nothing, really, turns out the way weplan it. There are lots of twists andturns along the way. The key is to per-severe and keep going when times aretough. We have to believe in ourselvesand what we’ve accomplished.

There are very few things worsethan regret, than thinking “What if…”years later. What will you regret tomor-row that you didn’t do today? So keepgoing!

So to all of our women in business,continue to follow your dreams. Andyou may not realize it, but you couldvery well be inspiring someone to fol-low in your footsteps. And that is thebiggest honor of all.


TJN


Fine LinesCosmetic LaserCenter opened inJanuary 2000. Amember of theAmerican Society forLaser Medicine &Surgery, the center providesan experienced and caringstaff to supervise and assist withthe services you choose.

According to ownersBronwen Darbonne, certifiedlaser technician, and Dr.Stephen Cannon, lasers havebecome a high-tech weapon inthe fight against aging skin. FineLines Cosmetic Laser Centerhas five Candela lasers that canbe utilized, depending on theneed of the patient.

“We have invested in a varietyof lasers, because each laserdeals with different skin issues,and no one laser can do every-thing,” she said.

Laser procedures are neededdue to a breakdown in collagen,a fibrous protein in the skin’sconnective tissue that causeswrinkling. Natural aging, sundamage, smoking, and otherenvironmental factors breakdown the collagen layer, causingthe skin’s once smooth surfaceto develop wrinkles. “After alaser treatment, more collagen isformed, giving a more youthfulappearance in the skin,”Bronwen said. The skin’s textureis changed and the skin istighter.

A free consultation is givenfor patients to get an idea ofwhat to expect, as well as givingthe clinical staff the opportunity

to determine if the client is agood candidate for the treat-ment, and if their expectationscan be met.

“Once that is determined, wediscuss a customized treatmentplan with a full explanation ofthe actual procedure and poten-tial outcome,” Bronwen said.

Laser treatment benefits menand women of all ages andnationalities, and is used to:

• Erase fine lines• Target the root cause of acne• Treat acne scars, rosacea and

psoriasis• Permanently reduce

unwanted hair• Remove tattoos, warts and

birthmarks• Eliminate scars and stretch

marks and leg and facial veins

Lasers have become main-stream in the quest for younger,smoother skin, or for the elimina-tion of many other undesirableskin conditions. Fine LinesCosmetic Laser Center laser treat-ments are also very affordable.

Please trust your treatment tothe experienced staff at FineLines Cosmetic Laser Center.

Fine Lines Cosmetic Laser Center www.finelineslasers.com.www.myfinelines.com

717 N Eastern Ave.Crowley, LA 70526

(337) 783-2426Fax (337) 783-2483

Need financial security? Ahome equity loan? Does yourcredit need to be restored? Cometo Lake Charles Finance andMortgage, and let the expertstake care of you.

Lesa Higginbotham has 27years of experience in the busi-ness. “We offer personal serviceswith experienced guidance,” shesaid. “We treat our customerslike people. They’re our family—not just a number.”

Lake Charles Finance andMortgage specializes in personalloans, mortgages and help afterbankruptcy.

“We’ve discovered the best pathto take if you’re looking for acompetitive mortgage and excel-lent service,” Lesa said. “And wehelp homeowners who have hada bankruptcy or other creditchallenge get a home equity loanto find payment relief, restoretheir credit, and achieve financialsecurity.”

Lake Charles Finance andMortgage, 2620 Common St.310-CASH (2274)

Relocating to LakeCharles? Selling your house? Tryingto find some good commercialspace? Whatever your needs,Derenda Grubb is there to help. Inthe real estate business since1998, she hit the ground runningwhen she was awarded both theSWLA Rookie of the Year Awardand the CENTURY 21-BessetteRealty, Inc. Rookie of the YearAward in 1998, and SouthwestLouisiana REALTOR® of the Year in2008.

Since then, she’s become one ofthe most accomplished Realtors® inthe state. Last fall, she was recog-nized for her years of excellence bybeing installed as the president ofLouisiana Realtors®.

Grubb is proud of her professionand has worked diligently throughthe various real estate organizations.“Every citizen should understandthey are using the service of aRealtor® whether they ever call oneor not, “ she said. “We are there,protecting their property rights andwatching out for them and their taxdollars every day. “

Her presidency has been veryexciting and will become more so asthe year progresses. “Fall is always aninteresting and exciting time inLouisiana, but more so when youhave an election year,” Grubb said.“I would like to take this opportuni-ty to encourage every citizen, regard-less of their political affiliation, toplease get out there and vote!”

Derenda Grubb (337) 310-215(office), (337) 842-2696 (cell).www.derenda.com swlashowcase.com www.lakecharleshomes.com


The CandleCart is locallyowned and operated bysisters Jessica Dally Bertrand, 22and Jenifer Dally, 18, both ofLake Charles. They just openedin May 2011 and love meetingtheir customers.

The Candle Cart featuresTyler Candle products, withover 40 scents to choose from.Some of their best sellersinclude Diva, Fleur De Lis, HighMaintenance and Kathina. Shopfor candles, laundry wash,sachets, Autoglams, MixerMelts, Fragrance Fuel, roomspray, gift sets and more!

Handmade candle charms aremade on location and gift cer-tificates are available. You’ll lovetheir gift baskets, which areeither pre-made or can be cus-tomized for that special some-one for any occasion, including:

• Birthdays • Anniversaries • Mother’s Day • Father’s Day • Grandparent’s Day • Secretary’s Day • Teacher Appreciation• Valentine’s Day• Bridesmaid Gifts• ChristmasThe sisters love Tyler Candles

because: • they’re soy-based • do not tunnel• do not produce black soot• the wicks do not contain

lead, and you can smell the fragrance within minutes!

They also raffle gift basketsfilled with popular products.Entries are $1.

Join them on their Facebookpage, where you can find outabout the next raffle, theirExclusive Customer e-mail listfor coupons, and updates onnew shipments. They welcomeyour comments or suggestions.Their goal is to own a storefrontto better serve their customers.

Located at the Prien LakeMall between Candy Craze andGamestop, business hours areMon. – Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. andnoon-6 p.m. on Sun. For moreinformation, call (337) 474-2490or [email protected].

Jenifer Dally with sister Jessica Dally Bertrand.

Located inPrien Lake Mall(337) 474-2490

Janelle Courville started makingYaYa Power Bars this past January.“My sister-in-law gave me a recipe,and I’ve changed it up to make itmine,” she said. “The name camefrom my love of my sister friendsand the fact that YaYa screams sis-terhood!”

Janelle makes them out of herhome. “Everyone loves them,” shesaid. “They say it’s like no other pro-tein bar they’ve ever had. They’remoist and chewy instead of hardand bland. Something different.”

The bars come in 12 flavors, andthe list keeps growing. “The mostpopular flavors are chocolate, straw-berry and banana,” she said. “I alsodo them with pecans, walnuts and

almonds, and use some gluten-freeand organic ingredients.”

Everyone loves them—even chil-dren. “I’ve had kids as young as fivetry them,” Janelle said. “They thinkit’s candy.”

This entrepreneur has always feltshe was put on this Earth to helppeople. “This is my way. I also wantto motivate people to follow theirdreams—especially women.” She isplanning to send a portion of herprofits to St. Jude’s Hospital and willalso donate for breast cancer aware-ness.”

“I want everyone to screamYAYA!”

For more information, call (337)278-1436 or e-mail [email protected].

After studyingdance locally as a young girl,

Cynthia Tomlinson lived anddanced in New York after gradua-tion from high school. She alsostudied in Los Angeles, London andParis, studying with Charles Kelley,Luigi, Phil Black, Twyla Tharp andmany others.

It’s no surprise that she openedher own dance studio after return-ing to the Lake Area to live and raisea family. In business for the past 16years, Les Danseurs recently movedto a brand new facility at 212 E.Telephone Rd. in Moss Bluff.

Dance classes include tap, jazz,hip-hop, cheer, lyrical, modern andacrobatics. Ballet classes offer theClassical Russian VaganovaTechnique, along with pas de

deux/variations. This class willinclude boys, and gives theminstruction on lifts.

There are also adult, pre-K(morning and evening), beginningtumbling (2 & 3) and Mommy andMe classes.

Les Danseurs is proud toannounce the newly charteredSWLA Ballet Company, along withthe new Cheer Competition Team!

“We’re so excited about the moveto our new building,” Cynthia said.“Parents can drive right up to thedoor, and we have beautiful newsprung floors.”

Registration is every Mondayfrom 4-7 pm. For more information,call the studio at (337) 855-1787 or(337) 274-8009. Certified to teachby Dance Masters of America.

212 E. Telephone Rd.Moss Bluff

(337) 855-1787


A professional dogtrainer for six years, Lake Charles

native Britney Blanchette opened herown business this past February so thatshe could reach and help more people.“Now that I’m able to actually travel tomy clients, I’ve gained business in placesas far as Longville, Beaumont, Cameron,and Lafayette,” she said.

Britney believes that there are twothings that keep her clients happy. “First,I travel to my clients. Most trainingtakes place within a store or group set-ting by trainers who are not actually cer-tified or well-versed in dog/animalbehavior.”

Second, the fact that she is one of onlyFOUR Certified Professional DogTrainers (CPDTs) in the state makes ahuge difference in her business. “Beingcertified means that I am qualified towork with more types of dog behavioralissues,” she said. “Just because someone

says they are a dog trainer does notmean that they are actually qualified todo the job. Only CPDTs are actuallycapable of handling the simplest of tasksto the most challenging.”

Britney doesn’t use old school, aver-sive dog training techniques. “What I dois exactly the same as what famous dogtrainer Victoria Stilwell from AnimalPlanet’s ‘It’s Me or the Dog’ does,” shesaid.

The vice president of The HumaneSociety of LA, SWLA Chapter, and amember of both 4 Paws Society & LakeCharles Pit Bull Rescue, Britney offers 15percent off to all those who have adopt-ed/rescued their dog(s) from a local ani-mal shelter. “My two dogs are rescues, sosaving dogs’ lives from the pound is veryimportant to me,” she said.

She takes appointments as early as 10a.m. and as late as 7:30 p.m., Tues.-Sat.

Google Places: Google Places - BonsChiens Dog Training, LLC

(337) [email protected]

www.facebook.com/BonsChiensDogTraining

Twitter - @BonsCheins

Forging a Future in FinanceDenise Rau, Certified Financial Planner, President, Rau Financial Group

When Denise Rau entered the finan-cial field over 25 years ago, women werefew and far between in the industry. In2005, after 20 years of working her wayup to the top levels of management atseveral area financial institutions, Raudecided to form her own company, andRau Financial Group opened its doors.

Rau is originally from Lake Charlesand received her undergraduate degreefrom Tulane University and an MBAfrom the University of Texas. She is aCertified Financial Planner and holds avariety of other certifications and licens-es for insurance and securities.

Rau says a big part of her job is lis-tening and she likes to ask clients whatthings are most important to them intheir lives. “Then together we look at

where they are spending their money.Very often, they will find that they arenot actually spending the most moneyon the things they’ve said are mostimportant to them. They are not puttingtheir money where their heart is, andthat’s why they are not happy with theirfinancial situation. Once we get theseelements aligned, they are on track forachieving not just their financial goals,but their life goals as well, and they feelmuch more confident about their finan-cial security.”

Rau Financial Group has grown sig-nificantly, with a staff that now includesthree additional financial advisors: EvaAbate, Mark Eckard and DeniseWilkinson. The company recentlymoved to a new expanded location at1634 Ryan Street in Lake Charles.

For more information, call 480-3835or visit www.raufinancialgroup.com.

1634 Ryan StreetLake Charles, LA

337-480-3835www.raufinancialgroup.com There is stress in every workplace,

but a difficult economy makes thesituation worse. Layoffs and budgetcuts are constant reminders of howprecarious our work environment is.

As women, we have additionalstressors, such as discrimination,stereotyping, and balancing workand family life. Hopefully, your com-pany has employee policies in placeto ensure that you aren’t penalizeddue to your sex. But the other issuesremain. How do we handle them?

THE WARNING SIGNSWhen we feel overwhelmed at

work, we often lose confidence in ourability to perform well. A stressed-outemployee is not a productive employ-ee. Look for these warning signs. Ifthey’re ignored, they can lead to moreserious problems:

• Headaches or muscle tension• Insomnia• Anxiety• Short temper• Upset stomach• Poor concentration• Apathy

STRESS FACTORSThe best way to manage your

stress is to identify what’s causing it. • Are there unreasonable perform-

ance demands?• Are you being harassed?• Is there a lot of conflict in the

workplace?• Have you been forced to take on

extra responsibilities or work overtime due to staff cutbacks?

• Do you worry about your own job security?

• Are you spending more and more time away from home?

• Do you feel underappreciated?• Is there a general lack of commu-

nication in the company?

STRESS MANAGEMENTTECHNIQUES

So you’ve identified what’s causingyour stress. What happens next?There are simple stress managementtechniques you can practice to takecontrol of the situation.



Photographyhas always been Erin Viator’s

passion. “I can remember the flashbulb going off and the smell of thefilm from my childhood and think-ing someday when I grow up, I’d liketo be a photographer!” she said.

Born and raised in Lake Charles,Erin is now married with two chil-dren of her own and a stepdaugh-ter—and she’s finally realized herdream of becoming a photographer."There are just some things in life Iwas meant to do – this is one ofthem,” she said.

Erin opened Effects Photographyin 2007, offering her clients theoption of either studio shots or on-location photo sessions—or both!Effects Photography’s sessions arefun and comfortable in a no-stress

environment, with Erin workingdiligently to capture the true mean-ing and emotion of family, life andlove through her work

“I want my photos to reflect emo-tion and happiness, and I loveknowing that someone will hold onto those memories forever throughmy photography,” she said. “I lovethe feeling I get when my clients seetheir pictures and absolutely lovethem!”

Effects Photography offers wed-ding, engagement, newborn, chil-dren, family and high school seniorsittings on-site or at her studio. Hergoal is to make sure the photos havepersonality, and that her clients feelat ease and relaxed.

Visit www.effectsphotography.comor call (337) 515-3691 for moreinformation and pricing.

(337) [email protected]

Uniformly Fit has been open foralmost 12 years. It started out as a900 square-foot store offering onlymedical uniforms from one manu-facturer. Now, it has expanded to3,300 square feet offering not onlymedical uniforms and accessories,but also culinary, hospitality, andidentity apparel from differentmanufacturers.

Owner Jackie Schuldes is a for-mer respiratory therapist who stillmaintains her license. But don’texpect her to go back to her previ-ous career any time soon, as sheenjoys owning her own business.“It has allowed me to expressmyself in many different ways,” shesaid. “And I love being able to meet

and work with people from variedbackgrounds.”

In addition to apparel,Uniformly Fit also offers a com-plete in-house monogrammingservice. The store has recentlyadded many new items that aregeared to be personalized, such asburp pads, towels, bags, blankets,kids’ backpacks, flat iron cases, andmore.

“We are a full commercial mono-gram/embroidery facility,” Jackiesays. “We have multiple machinesand multiple heads. Buy it here orbring it in, and we can personalizeit for you. We gladly accept outsideorders and contract work. We’renot just scrubs anymore!”

Uniformly Fit is open 10 a.m. –6 p.m. Mon – Fri. and 10 a.m. – 2p.m. on Sat.

3510 Ryan St.Lake Charles, LA(337)562-9990

Terri Kullerd,marketing manager for

ServiceMaster Restoration Services,spends much of her day in herbright yellow ServiceMaster car. Shenever meets a stranger, nor does shearrive empty-handed.

“I want to share our informationso home and business owners canmake an informed decision when itcomes to choosing a restorationcompany,” she said. If you thinkbringing cupcakes or cookies reallygets you in the door, try bringing anice cream truck. Her customers arestill talking about it.

With many years of hands-on cus-tomer service experience from herformer career as a hotel general man-ager, Terri understands customer per-ception and loyalty.

“Our customers want us tostand for something more than justthe elimination of moisture, soot orodor,” she said. “I understand thatevery customer wants to know thecompany they are using is lookingafter their best interests.Policyholders want their lives backto normal as quickly as possible.Agents want to make sure their poli-cyholder is given excellent servicethat reflects on themselves and theircompanies. And the adjuster wantsto be assured there will be no sur-prises in how the jobs are handled”.

Service Master offer a comprehen-sive suite of services: 24-hour emer-gency services, mold remediation,carpet and rug cleaning, electroniccleaning, HVAC cleaning and restora-tion, as well as fire, water and smokerestoration.

Terri is a member of the ChamberSWLA Economic DevelopmentCouncil and serves as a chamberambassador.

2700 Cline St.Lake Charles, LA(337) 439-2808

Keep healthy. Make sure you getenough hours of sleep so that you’renot tired and irritable. Eat a nutri-tious breakfast before work.Remember, exercise reduces stress,so make sure you take a walk duringlunch or schedule some exercise afterwork. Substitute water for coffee, tea,sodas and sport drinks. Our bodiesand brains depend on water to func-tion properly. If you lack water, youwill not function up to par. Drinkfour to eight glasses of water a day,and keep a bottle on your desk as areminder.

Communicate. Speak with yoursupervisors to clearly define what isexpected of you and then work tomeet these goals. This may lessentensions if everyone knows what isexpected of them. Above all, avoidgossips and troublemakers.

Manage your time. Take controlof your schedule. Prioritize yourtasks and don’t take on more workthan you can handle. Delegate, ifpossible. Multitasking is somethingwe all do, but working on three orfour things at once splits your focus,and your accuracy and attention todetails will eventually suffer.

Try to work on similar projects atthe same time. If you manage yourwork well, chances are it will giveyou more time at home. You needthat balance; all work and no play isanother contributor to job burnout.

Organize your desk. There’s noth-ing worse than a cluttered, disorgan-ized desk. How can you find any-thing? Searching for that importantfile while your boss waits impatientlywill cause your stress level to the hitthe roof. Keep your work environ-ment organized. Use folders,dividers, notebooks—whatever ittakes to get everything under con-trol. You’ll work more efficientlywhen you know where everything is.

Remember, there are stressors thatwe can’t avoid, such as worries aboutjob security, or a load of extra workthat’s required on a huge project. Butthere’s a lot we can do to help work-place stress. So think long and hardabout what’s causing your problem—and take the necessary steps to initi-ate the appropriate changes. TJN


Silpada Jewelry isthe real deal. It’s not painted or plated,

stamped or sadly strung. Trust us, thereis a difference. Our design divas collabo-rate with world-renowned artisans todevelop fashion-forward products thatare the standard by which all others aremeasured.

The main reason Stacie Luhrman is aSilpada Jewelry rep is because she lovesher family. “I want to spend more quali-ty time with each of them!” she said. “Myfather was rarely ever home when I was akid because he had to go to work to sup-port his family. Nowadays, both parentshave to work. I want to be there for mykids when they need me, and I also wanttheir dad to be home more, also.”

Stacie feels that the more she can con-tribute financially, the less her husbandhas to work, which allows for more fam-ily time. “It’s good when you get to dothe things that make life really worth-

while!” she said.Stacie has always been an independ-

ent woman. “I feel like I learned thatfrom my father,” she said. “I always sawmy mother as needing my father to getthrough life. I didn’t want to be that per-son that needed someone to rely on. Shedid not have an education to fall backon and she would work part-time jobson the weekends when we got older.”

Stacie’s goal was to become a dentist,but her children came first. “Now that mykids are in school, I am paying for collegewith my Silpada earnings!” she said.

A big part of her job is helping othersachieve their goals! “When I see peoplestart reaching their goals, it gives me asense of pride and accomplishment,” shesaid. “I know how it is to struggle, and Iwill do what I can to help others.”

Interested in purchasing Silpada, orbecoming a rep? Contact StacieLuhrman at (443) 655-4898 or atwww.mysilpada.com/stacie.luhrman

Pat Kelty, owner and interiordesigner, opened Decorative CenterFine Furniture and Kelty DesignStudio in DeRidder in 1979. She relo-cated the business to Lake Charles in1985.

The Decorative Center offers com-plete design assistance. This includeseverything involved in building andremodeling, including paint selec-tions, flooring, furniture, accessoriesand wall coverings. They even offeran in-house workroom, where fabrica-tor Brittany Wilder custom designsdraperies, pillows and bedcovers.

“We bring to Lake Charles thechoices and selections that you find inmajor cities,” Pat said. “Our furniturebecomes your children’s heirlooms.”

Decorative Center Fine Furniture

offers merchandise from exclusivesources such as Maitland Smith,Theodore Alexander and Hancockand Moore.

Pat says her customers tell her thather business helped make their build-ing or remodeling experiences enjoy-able, and they appreciate the ease withwhich decisions were made.

“We want each client’s home oroffice to reflect who they are—not justa rubber stamp of everyone else’s,” Patsaid. “We guide, we don’t dictate.”

For your next home or officeremodeling or building project, callPat Kelty to help guide you in choos-ing the right furnishings to make yourproject your very own.

400 W. Hale St.(337) 494-3913

[email protected]

PDI of the South is committed toproviding daily independence andquality, compassionate services tothe disabled and elderly populationof South Louisiana. This organiza-tion promotes the idea that eachindividual is entitled to the samerights, privileges and responsibilitiesas all others: to live, learn, work andreceive needed assistance with thecommunity.

“PDI was started by my parentsin 1987,” said Margaret McCloskey.“I worked in the company in everycapacity. My first job was stuffingenvelopes and answering phones. At17, I was processing billing and pay-roll. By my early 20s, I was workingas a program supervisor. I took overownership of PDI in the late 90’s.”

Margaret grew up surrounded bythe health care industry. “My motherhas been an RN for over 40 years,and has run Evangeline HomeHealth for most of my life,” she said.“My siblings and I were exposedearly on to the needs of elderly anddisabled and the desire to help oth-ers. My mother’s compassion anddedication to her patients was whatdrove us all to follow in her foot-steps.”

To this day, all of Margaret’s sib-lings work in healthcare, either atPDI or in their parents’ business.“My sister has also branched out andis a home health care businessowner herself,” she said.

With approximately 130-140staff member, PDI of the Southoffers alternatives to long-term facil-ity placement with:

Companion ServicesAs they age, many people may

require only a minimal amount ofassistance performing daily needssuch as grocery shopping, travelingto medical appointments or onsocial outings.

National Family CaregiverSupport Program

PDI of the South is the exclusiveprovider of this service within a fiveparish area. This program is offeredthrough Calcasieu Council onAging.

Long-Term Personal CareServices

This service is an in-home per-sonal care program offered toMedicaid recipients over the age of21 who are disabled and requireassistance with daily needs.

Elderly/Disabled Adult WaiverThis program is for adults that

have suffered an injury or illnessafter the age of 21 which leave theconsumer deficient in 3 or moreareas of life. These services are to beprovided in lieu of placement in along term care facility. Recipientsmust meet both financial and med-ical eligibility as set forth byMedicaid.

PDI of the South, Inc.710 W. Prien Lake Rd. Ste 100.

Lake Charles, LA 70601(877) 479-0048

www.pdihealthcare.com


Patricia Prebula is the currentowner and operator of two busi-nesses, PREBULA PublicRelations, LLC., and LA FitnessHealth Spa. Patricia has over 25years of experience in public rela-tions. She retired in 2006 fromCITGO where she was employedas Manager, Government &Public Affairs, directing anddeveloping strategies and pro-grams to enhance the image ofthat complex.

In August 2006, she formedPREBULA Public Relations, LLC,an issues management companyspecializing in lobbying, govern-ment relations, media relationsand strategic communicationsworking for PPG Industries inLake Charles.

In 2009, she purchased LAFitness Health Spa with her latehusband, Al Prebula. Since hepassed away in October 2010,Patricia has been running thebusiness with the help of somegood employees. “Al taught me alot about self discipline andappreciation. I feel very fortunateto work with a good team of pro-fessionals,” said Patricia. “Owningtwo business presents its chal-lenges at times, but you’re only asgood as the people who representyou in the business. They are

hard-working, dedicated individ-uals who understand my sincereappreciation for our customers.”

LA Fitness Health Spa is awellness and fitness center. It isthe only facility in town thatoffers a heated indoor pool, out-door pool, whirlpool, steamroom and dry sauna. “We offerpersonal training, water aerobics,weight training, spin classes anda variety of other programs,” stat-ed Patricia. “Our customersappreciate the variety of optionswe offer in order to maintain andpromote a healthy lifestyle. Werecently purchased new equip-ment and will be adding somenew programs very soon that ourmembers will be excited about.We encourage everyone to comeout for a personal tour of ourfacility so our experts can helpget you started on a fitness plan.”

“I’ve learned some much aboutbeing an independent businessowner. You have to be knowl-edgeable in so many areas, i.e.accounting, personnel, mainte-nance, purchasing and plumbing.I’m definitely not scared of workand don’t think I’ll ever officiallyretire. I do believe it’s importantto find something you enjoydoing and be good at it.”

Back: Jennifer Hebert, E.J. Olsen (LA Fitness Manager), Nikki McFatter, Michael Armand and Lynsey Reed. Front: Charlotte Antonetz, Shelby Hodges,

Morgan Falls, Emily Reed and Vince Landry (not pictured).

Patricia PrebulaPresident, PREBULA

Public Relations, LLCOwner, LA Fitness Health Spa

Dewana Young, Executive Consultant-LIIRodan & Fields Dermatology

Dewana Young is an executive con-sultant for Rodan & Fields Dermatology,and is so excited about her business.

“The products changed my lifebecause they actually work,” she said.“The business opportunity was too greatto pass up. The ground floor of a newbusiness and partnering with the doc-tors who created Proactiv® piqued mycuriosity. After studying the company, Irealized that I didn’t just want to use theproducts—I wanted to sell them! I lovechanging skin and changing lives.”

With Multi-Med Therapy, dermatolo-gists Katy Rodan and Kathy Fields com-

bine pharma-ceutical ingredi-

ents with active cos-metics for effective for-

mulations that feel likeluxury skin treatments.As the creators of Proactiv

Solution®, America’s number oneselling acne system, they have seen

the difference that intelligent skincareand great skin can make in people’slives. That’s why they created Rodan +Fields Multi-Med® Therapy designed todeliver the right medicines, in the rightformulations, in the right order to trans-form your skin. Regimens come pack-aged in 60-day quantities, so you can seeresults with your very first regimen. Allproducts come with a 100% SatisfactionGuarantee.

AMP MD (roller) system was featuredon the TODAY's SHOW. It was devel-oped to solve a critical challenge in deliv-ering active ingredients through the skin’sprotective outer layer. Gently roll over theface and neck, to safely create precisemicro channels in the uppermost layersof the skin, allowing for deeper and moreeffective delivery of the skin-transform-ing ingredients. It’s quick, easy and pain-less, and in just ONE MINUTE a day,you can AMP up your anti-aging results.

Dewana Young, Executive Consultant(337) 842-4849;[email protected]; Web sites:http://dyoung.myrandf.com (products)http://dyoung.myrandf.biz (business)

Largest Locally Owned Office Supply Store in SWLA

United Office Supply andEquipment Co., Inc., located at 4013Maplewood Drive in Sulphur waspurchased by Carolyn Cockrill inJanuary 1989. The business was indesperate need of attention. In thepast 23 years Carolyn has workedvery hard and many long hours tobuild up the business to where it istoday... the largest locally ownedoffice supply store in CalcasieuParish.

United Office Supply sells officesupplies, office furniture, officemachines, copier and computer sup-plies, janitorial supplies, promotionalproducts, printing, business cards,

wedding invitations, rubber stamps,fine leather gifts, TimeMist productsand so much more. Fast, professionalservice is what you will find at UOS.

Each order has free delivery, withno minimum order amount, so callUOS and save your time and gas!They even do desktop deliveries.Credit, debit and pro cards areaccepted, as well as cash and checks.

Visit Carolyn and her staff todayand experience the locally ownedpersonal service for yourself. You’llbe glad you did!

UOS is a proud member of theBetter Business Bureau. Start withTrust! Check out UOS with yourlocal BBB of Southwest Louisiana.

“Buying Locally-Owned keepsYour $’s Local”

4013 Maplewood Dr.Sulphur, LA

(337) 625-2442(337) 474-5589


ALL BECAUSE A GIRL HAD A BABY…

When Moss Bluff native MichellePawlowski found out she was pregnant,her search for a quality childcare facilitybegan. “To my amazement, all of thefacilities were either full with a waitinglist or did not take infants,” she said. “Icame home and told my husband aboutthe difficulties I was having—and saidthat I was just going to build onemyself!”

Michelle never realized that this wasthe beginning of an amazing opportu-nity. “I set forth on a quest to find theperfect piece of property to build theperfect childcare facility for my ownchildren,” she said. “I also didn’t realizethat my predicament was shared by somany working mothers. You know thatsaying ‘If you build it they will come?’To my amazement, they not only came,but we were at maximum capacitybefore we opened the doors!”

The BeginningReady Set Grow Learning Center

opened in August 2005 in the fast-growing community of Moss Bluff,clearly filling a need. “We had a waitinglist that extended over a year for someclassrooms,” Michelle said.

Hurricane Rita came a month later.Fortunately, the building withstood thedamaging winds and rain. “When wewere able to reopen, the demand foradditional spots was incomprehensible,”Michelle said. “A lot of childcare facili-ties in the surrounding areas sufferedlots of damage and parents needed toget back to work. Our waiting list grewfrom one year to several years. I toldmy husband that we needed anotherbuilding, after only being open for nine

months. Healmost had a heart

attack!”Nevertheless, he stood by

Michelle’s recommendation and pre-sented their plan to several financialinstitutions, to no avail.

“They all said it was too early, andthat maybe we could do a small busi-ness loan with SBA,” she said. “Wewould not take no for an answer. Afterbeing turned down by three differentfinancial institutions, we were finallyreferred to a banker who had the samevision we had. Thanks to his faith and

trust in us, we grew from 50 to 100children within a two-year period.”

Even after acquiring a second build-ing, the waiting list did not shrink at all;instead, Michelle discovered there wasa growing demand for infants—and hercurrent capacity was only 10.

“So, I came up with this idea to buildan infant-only center,” she said. “Wepurchased the property next door to usand built the very first state-of-the-art,infant-only center. We opened inFebruary 2011 and our current licensedcapacity is now 130 children. Finally,we now have the ability to accept addi-tional children instead of adding theirnames to an ever-growing waiting list.”

The CenterThe Center’s success can be attributed

to many things. They offer instructedage-appropriate programs that includethe Abeka curriculum. A combination ofthe Abeka program and hands-on cre-ative curriculums allows children’s imag-inations to soar and sparks a desire inthem to learn more and more.

“Our facilities are clean and safe, andwe have large classrooms with a multi-tude of different areas that promotesocial and emotional development, evenfor the youngest infant,” Michelle said.“We are also excited to have added theservices of Les Danseurs DanceAcademy and the SWLA Ballet Co. toour campus with their brand-new facili-

ty. They offer classes for our studentstwo years and up during the day. Thiswill free up a lot of afternoons for ourworking mothers so they can spendmore time with their families. “

The Ready Set Grow DifferenceMichelle said their 22 staff members

are the biggest contributors to theirsuccess.

“Our center could not be as success-ful as it is without the dedication fromour director, teachers, administrators,and Mrs. Bonnie and her Shepherd’sPie,” she said. “I am a true believer thatyou are only as good as the staff that

represents you, and I feel we haveemployed the best educated and experi-enced teachers around. These devoted,dedicated ladies come to work every daywith one thing in mind: the best interestof each and every child—and they treatthem as if they were their own.”

Michelle said they are all one bigfamily; all of them are working motherswho understand the heavy demands thatare placed on working families and theneed for quality childcare.

“From our most seasoned teachers toour newest members of our supportstaff, each plays a part of our success andthe pure enjoyment I have walking intowork each day,” said Michelle. We arelike a great big family of sisters. Welaugh, we cry, we learn and we teach—not only the children and families weserve—but each other as well.”

Ready Set Grow NowIn the six years since they first

opened their doors, Ready Set Grow hasthree buildings with over 12,500 squarefeet of uniquely designed child-friendlyfacilities, 15,000 square feet of play-grounds and an immeasurable amountof love and gratitude to the communityof Moss Bluff and the surrounding area.

“As I look back over these years andthe journey I’ve been on, I’m stillamazed and simply say ‘Wow’!” Michelleexclaimed. “This all happened because aworking girl had a baby.”

She would like to thank her patientand supportive husband Russell. “He’sbeen my rock. Without him, there wouldbe no success. I would also like to thankmy beautiful daughters Chynna andSydney for all their patience duringthose weekends mommy and daddy hadto work. Without my girls, the vision forReady Set Grow would never be what itis today. May both of you grow up to bestrong, successful and happy women inbusiness!”

For more information about ReadySet Grow Learning Center, go towww.readysetgrowdaycare.com for acomplete virtual tour of our facility andall the programs we offer.

188 E. Telephone Rd., Moss Bluff(337) 855-9190

Pictured Left: Chynna, Michelle, Russell and Sydney.

Ready Set Grow Staff


In November 1989, Lisa F. McMullen,CPA and Pamela C. Mancuso, CPAfounded McMullen and Mancuso,CPAs, LLC in Sulphur.

The first business for both, theyfound a compatibility as friends andpartners that was rare and felt comfort-able in building something for the futuretogether. “We wanted flexibility in ourinteraction with clients, and we wanteda family atmosphere in which to workand serve our clients,” Pamela said. “Weare fortunate to have been able to main-tain our partnership and friendship forover 20 years, which is rare today.”

Over the years, the company hasgrown to a staff of eight full-time andtwo part-time personnel. “Our goal, as aCPA firm, is to distinguish ourselves as auniquely personable organization,” Lisasaid. “We believe that our personalservice provides the assurance and com-

fort level necessary to form the relation-ships required to build our clients’ busi-nesses.”

The company’s philosophy says it all:“Through our personal attention, we arebetter able to relate to our clients andtailor our services to provide a uniqueapproach to meeting their individualneeds.”

Services include:• Tax planning and preparation• Financial planning• Quickbooks training• Financial reporting• Accounting and payroll services• Financial auditing• Consulting services“We love what we do and we never

want our clients to feel that we are so bigthat we can’t serve their needs,” Lisasaid. “We’ve developed close relation-ships we them, because we’re with themfor the long term.”

www.mcmullenandmancuso.com“Like” us on Facebook

3600 Maplewood Dr.Sulphur, LA

(337) 625-5054

Debbie Lewing has been a salesdirector with Mary Kay Cosmetics foreight years, and loves what she does.

“It’s a relationship business,” shesaid. “When you become a consult-ant, you’re given the tools and theguidance by your recruiter and/orsales director to build your businessto whatever level you choose. You areable to meet ladies you may neverhave met otherwise, and form lastingfriendships with your customers andother consultants.”

As a sales director, Debbie saysshe’s privileged to work with a teamof incredible women. “There are noquotas, so therefore, they are able topursue a career in Mary Kay eitherpart-time to have some additional

income, or full-time to pursue acareer in management,” she said.

In 1963, Mary Kay Ash, as a singlemother of three, began a businesswith her life savings of $5,000. MaryKay Cosmetics is now a multi-billiondollar company, debt free and in over30 countries outside the UnitedStates. Mary Kay took her dream andhas offered the opportunity towomen all over the world that mightotherwise have had little hope..truly adream come true.

Debbie Lewing, Sales DirectorMary Kay Cosmetics(337) 532-9000www.marykay.com/dlewing

DISCOVER THE MAGIC THAT IS THE GYPSY VANNER

The Breezy Knoll Farm LLC wasformed in 2009 after Terri Martelretired and decided to pursue a life-long dream of owning a horse, justthe beginning of a new adventure.She now breeds magnificent GypsyVanner horses, which possess beauty,athleticism, a gentle temperamentand genuine affection for people. Aversatile breed, they pull carriagesand surreys, excel at dressage, jump-ing, trail-riding (spook-resistant),plus are well -suited as therapy ani-mals for learning and physically dis-abled individuals.

This rare breed originated in theUK about a generation ago when a

small group of gypsy breeders selec-tively bred a colorful horse to pulltheir caravans—thus the name GypsyVanners. Only 20 percent of all gypsyhorses in the world can claim lineageto the original Vanners. They areDNA-certified by lineage and regis-tered with the Gypsy Vanner HorseSociety. There are currently only ahandful in Louisiana, but BreezyKnoll Farm will have foals for sale inthe near future as the herd isincreased.

If you are a discerning horseenthusiast who would enjoy experi-encing the magic of these magnifi-cent horses, contact Terri Martel at(337) 527-6858. She is a proudmember of the Gypsy Vanner HorseSociety, www.vanner.org, LouisianaEquine Council and AmericanHorse Council.


Started in April 2010, The Chamber SWLA’s Women’s Business Network(WBN) is a non-membership based group spanning all industries andcommunities, sharing common interests and goals. The WBN addressesthe issues and benefits of being a woman in business in SouthwestLouisiana. Women often have to juggle their jobs, homes and families,and yet are becoming entrepreneurs, working in previously male-orientedindustries and taking over leadership positions across all industry sectors.

For more information on the Women’s Business Network, contactAmanda White at 337-433-3632 or [email protected].

The Women’sBusiness Network of Southwest Louisiana

www.allianceswla.org

Michele Scism is abusiness and social media strategist

and the founder of Decisive Minds, LLCand The Global Social Media ManagersAssociation. She uses her signature “TakeAction Get Profits Formula” to help busi-ness owners get more visibility and moreclients for their businesses.

As the author of Take Action GetProfits: 5 Steps to Massive OnlineVisibility and a national speaker on top-ics related to business and social media,Michele is often asked by business own-ers to help them figure out how to usesocial media to get customers or helpthem find someone to do their socialmedia marketing for them.

“Social media is an amazing market-ing tool that the majority of businessowners still don’t understand,” Michelesaid. “There are 770 million peoplearound the world using Facebook today.If you can figure out how to get yourmessage out to that audience, then you

can expand your business globally andvery quickly. There are 175 million onTwitter and over 100 million onLinkedIn. But social media is still in itsinfancy and it requires a completely dif-ferent marketing strategy and therein liesthe problem.”

Michele offers virtual and live train-ing classes for social media throughoutthe year. The next training is Aug. 17 andis a virtual day of training, which willprovide business owners with provenstrategies for both Facebook andLinkedIn. “We will cover everythingfrom how do I create a Facebook FanPage to what to do once you have createda fan page to how to get your potentialclients to find you on LinkedIn andeverything in between.”

For more information, go towww.TakeActionGetProfitsVirtual.comor call Michele at (337) 205-7455. For a$100 discount, enter the promo code“Jambalaya.”

4845 Lake Street, PMB #125Lake Charles, LA 70605

[email protected]

www.GSMMA.com

With a retail background, TelaLambert always wanted to opena shop of her own that carriedunique things. “I used to love togo shopping out of town becausethere are some really good giftshops with things that we justdidn’t have here,” she said.

“I'm blessed to have the sup-port of my husband Dusty ofseven years, three children, fami-ly and the love of my extendedchurch family of eleven years,Christian World Ministries.”

She finally made her dreamcome true this past April withthe opening of Tela’s Things inMoss Bluff.

“I search online for uniqueproducts, and also for any specif-ic items that customers want,”she said. “I want to cater to thecustomer.”

Tela's Things has somethingfor everyone in your family, fromthe ever-so-popular "SwampPeople" T-shirts that dad is sureto love, to stylish comfortablefashions for mom, and MudPiefashions for the kids.

Tela’s carries Carriage Candles(they make perfect gifts!), infantand children’s clothing, Louisianachildren’s books and cookbooksand so much more. Come in andsee for yourself!

407 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy., Suite E

Lake Charles, LA(337) 905-8352

Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4


If you’re a woman living in Lake Charles or the surrounding area and haven’t yet gotten involved in the Healthy Woman program ofWomen & Children’s Hospital (WCH), it’s time to consider joining this exciting group. Geared towards women ages 25-64, the programoffers free monthly educational events that provide women with a wealth of information on health, wellness and life balance to help

them maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit for themselves and their loved ones. The idea of balancing the triangle of mind, bodyand spirit is something that many people yearn for, but not all achieve. The Healthy Woman program aims to change that.

“Women & Children’s Hospital is proud to provide the community with the Healthy Woman program to empower women ashealthcare consumers, and to engage them in dialogue about effective healthcare and life management choices,” said Annette

Garber, marketing director at WCH. “The program was first introduced to the community in 2008, but was re-launched inJanuary 2010.”

Wide Variety of Seminars & Activities With more than 1,600 members and

offering a plethora of activities includingeverything from Zumba, Hip Hop and LatinMoves dance classes to its seminar titled“From PMS to Menopause: Understanding

Hormones,” this is the kind of programthat would appeal to many women.

Most seminars are heldthe first Thursday of

each month at the Lake Charles CountryClub from 5:30-7 p.m. Membership is freeand it’s easy to join. Log onto the hospital’swebsite at www.women-childrens.com/healthywoman or click theHealthy Woman tab on the hospital’s homepage.

“I am proud to see how the HealthyWoman membership has grown over thelast year,” said Bryan S. Bateman, CEO atWomen & Children’s Hospital. “Monthlyseminar attendance has nearly doubled andthe wide array of topics provides something

for all women. In most house-

By Lisa Addison

Seated fromL-R: Lisa Bateman,Eva Broussard, NadiaNazeer, Olive Bonin and Michelle

Poche. Standing from L-R: Debbie Holt,Dolores Hicks, Stephanie Morris, Becky Dent,

Patricia Philmon, Stasha Bell Savoie, Debbie Boudreauxand Annette Garber. Not pictured: Carla Clark, Leah Bossano and

Ester Vincent. Photo by www.monsoursphotography.com


holds, women make the majority ofhealthcare decisions for their families.Women also wear a variety of hatsincluding employee, mom, wife,chauffeur, caretaker and the list goeson. The Healthy Woman programallows members and their friends tohave one evening out a month to takea break, enjoy some nice refreshmentsand learn something new.”

Advisory Council Committed to Program

Healthy Woman is supported by a16-member Advisory Council, whichis comprised of local women who arecommitted to educating and enter-taining the women of our community.

Led by Garber and HealthyWoman coordinator Nadia Nazeer,council members include: Becky Dent,WCH; Carla Clark, WCH; DebbieBoudreaux, Surgicare of Lake Charles;Debbie Holt, Lifeshare Blood Centers;Dolores Hicks, Calcasieu ParishSchool Board; Ester Vincent, City ofLake Charles; Eva Broussard, WCH;

Leah C. Bossano, Studio 901; LisaBateman, WCH; Michelle

Poche, WCH; Olive

Bonin, AdSource OutdoorAdvertising; Patricia Philmon, MerrillLynch Financial Advisors; Stasha BellSavoie, WCH; and Stephanie Morris,Health Systems 2000, Inc.

In addition to monthly events,council members have been busy plan-ning Healthy Woman’s first anniver-sary celebration, which will be held onThursday, September 8, at Treasures ofMarilyn’s in Lake Charles. Tickets canbe purchased for $20 each, or a tableof eight may be purchased for $160.Guest speaker for the event is DaleSmith Thomas.

“Our Healthy Woman membersand their friends can expect a greatevening,” said Nadia Nazeer, HealthyWoman coordinator. “Dale SmithThomas is a dynamic speaker who isready to give women the tools thathave allowed her and other women toreach their goals both professionallyand personally.”

Dynamic Guest Speaker to Headline Event

A motivational speaker who wasborn and raised in rural Mississippi,Thomas has been teaching audiencesfor more than 17 years on how to

“Choose Success” in all areas of theirlives. Her direct approach to helpingothers has been described as chal-lenging, empowering, and entertain-ing. Thomas has been a featuredguest on many radio and televisionshows and has been a guest expert on“The Dr. Phil Show,” “The Big Idea”on CNBC, and on programs on CMT,Vh1 and MTV. She is an author ofseveral books and has also recordedseveral empowerment CD’s.

Thomas also owns and operates aseries of “Boot Camps,” which areworkshops that educate and empowerothers to take their lives to the nextlevel. The camps have gained nationalrecognition and were featured in adocumentary on The Travel Channel.

Attendees of the anniversary cele-bration can expect to be educated,inspired and entertained. The eveningkicks off with a health fair andwomen’s expo from 5-6 p.m., musicand hors d’oeuvres from 6-6:30 p.m.,followed by dinner and the programfrom 6:30-8 p.m. Attendees will alsohave a chance to win some great doorprizes provided by the eventand booth

sponsors. Garber said any businessthat would like to participate as asponsor or would like to have abooth at the anniversary expocan call her at 475-4102.

“We are planning for 250-300 attendees, so this is a greatopportunity for both largeand small businesses toreach local women that arecommitted to makinginformed choices,” saidGarber. “What betterway to educate themabout your business,than face to face?”

Picturedleft: Annette

Garber and NadiaNazeer prepping for the

Healthy Woman Anniversary event.

Pictured right: Healthy Woman members learningLatin Moves with Daniel Gonzalez

Photo by www.monsoursphotography.com

Dr. Eddye G. Blossom, OB/GYNspeaking at the Understanding

Hormones seminar.


(337) 478-8530 Ext. 120 CELL (337) 802-7410 FAX (337) 477-7217

[email protected]

3221 Ryan St. Lake Charles

KARLA HUNT3028 Ryan St.433-9720

Women’s Role in Healthcare When it comes to women and

their role in healthcare as well as theirconsumer purchasing habits, do notunderestimate their power. Considersome of these statistics included inthe book, Re-Imagine! BusinessExcellence in a Disruptive Age, byTom Peters regarding women’s pur-chasing power.

Women influence:94 % of home furnishings purchases;92 % of vacation destinations;91 % of new homes purchases;80 % of DIY (do-it-yourself) projects; 68 % of car purchases;51 % of consumer electronics buys;89 % of the spending decisions around new bank accounts; and 80 % of healthcare decisions.U.S. women spend more than $3.7

trillion annually on consumer goodsand services, plus another $1.5 tril-lion as purchasing agents for business.Mothers, in particular, want to know

that thecompanies they are

spending money with careabout the community.

With all of the talk of the HealthyWoman program and its upcominganniversary event, you might get theidea that there’s nothing going on formen, but that’s not the case. There’sanother special program at Women &Children’s Hospital called SeniorCircle. WCH sponsors the local chap-ter of Senior Circle, a national non-profit organization that encourages ahealthy active lifestyle for men andwomen age 50 and better. The WCHchapter was launched in 2010 and hasgrown to nearly 300 members.

Attend Two Free Events“I want every person age 50 and

up to come and check out whatSenior Circle has to offer,” said BeckyDent, WCH Chapter Advisor. “Wealways allow interested people toattend two free events. Once theycome and see what we’re all about,they’re usually hooked and are readyto join. From the moment we get anew member, I make sure to intro-duce them to everything our chapterhas to offer and highlight the events

Becky Dent, Senior Circle Advisorreviewing the monthly events calendarwith member Kathleen D’Water.

Phot

o by w

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mon

sour

spho

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aphy

.com

Healthy Woman Car Care Seminar at Nissan of Lake Charles.


that will work with their schedule and personal pref-erences.”

Senior Circle members receive these local benefits: • Complimentary private room upgrade during a

hospital stay when staffing and availability permit;• Discounts at area retailers and restaurants;• Free monthly activities such as lunch and learns,

day trips and game days;• Book club and monthly supper club;• Free exercise classes;• Holiday parties;

• Free copying and faxing of importantpapers; and

• Subscription to quarterly chapternewsletter.

Senior Circle members also receivethese national benefits:

• Prescription mail pharmacyprogram;

• Quarterly issues of SeniorCircle’s national publication;

• Toll-free member serv-ices line;

• National travelprogram;

• Pharmacydiscount card;

and

• National car rental discounts.“I’ve had so much fun since joining Senior

Circle,” said Kathleen D’Water, charter member. “I’vemet so many new friends and my social calendar isfull almost every day. Now I’m a chapter ambassadorand volunteer some of my free time to help spreadthe word about our group. I think it’s the best club intown.”

Membership in Senior Circle costs $15 per per-son, per year or $27 per year for couples. To join,pick up a membership form at the reception desks atWCH, pay online or call the Senior Circle office for aform to be mailed to you. Visit the hospital website atwww.women-childrens.com to see a monthly calen-dar of events, a list of local Senior Circle merchantdiscounts and to download the quarterly newsletter.

Partners in Health It’s easy to see that, when it comes to promoting

healthy living, educating Lake Area residents andoffering a wide array of services, WCH is hitting itout of the ballpark.

“We want the community to know we are theirpartners in health,” said Bateman. “I know that somearea residents still don’t realize that WCH providesboth inpatient and outpatient services, or that wehave over 200 physicians on our medical staff whooffer a broad range of medical and surgical care.”

Bateman said that the hospital has recently wel-comed several new physicians to the medical staffincluding a new family medicine physician, urologist,obstetrician/gynecologist and a general surgeon.“We always ask our new physicians to speak at ourHealthy Woman seminars and Senior Circle lunch

Senior Circle day trip to Houmas House in Darrow, LA.

Members enjoying lunch at the MyrtlesPlantation in St. Francisville.


Medical Laser Therapy, LLC, announces its Light TherapyProgram to relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

• No dangerous drugs• No invasive procedures• Local Physicians in

our service area diagnose and supervise the therapy

• Economical payment plans available

"I chose Academy of Acadiana over theothers because of their friendly, helpfulstaff, positive campus atmosphere, and

full hands on experience. There wasn't alesson taught that we didn't go in the lab

and actually do. All of the equipmentthat we practiced on was up to

date which helped out a lotwhen I started my clini-

cals. This school gave methe confidence and edu-

cation I needed to achievemy goal of becoming a

dental assistant."

JessicaOldham

"After considering the options the LakeArea has to offer, Academy of Acadianawas the best choice for my daughter.They have extensive hands on training,experienced instructors, affordabletuition, and excellent clinical placement.I am extremely satisfied andrecommend the dentalassisting program foranyone having an inter-est in the dental fieldthat wants to be careerready in 10 weeks."

NicoleOldham

EnrollingNOW!

and learns, so our members canexpect to see several new faces overthe next few months.”

In addition to offering HealthyWoman and Senior Circle, Women &Children’s Hospital offers a widerange of healthcare services for men,women and children including:

• 24-hour emergency services;• Bariatric surgical weight loss

program;• Labor, delivery and nursery

services;• Diagnostic imaging;• Adult intensive care services;• Laboratory services;• Level 3 neonatal ICU;• Outpatient and inpatient med-

ical and surgical services;

• Pediatrics;• Physical, occupational and

speech therapy; and• Respiratory services. For additional information about

Healthy Woman, call (337) 475-4064.For Senior Circle, call (337) 475-4002.Go to www.women-childrens.com orcall (337) 475-4102 for more infor-mation about all of the services andprograms that Women & Children’sHospital offers.

Lisa Addison has been a writerfor more than 30 years. She writesfor local, regional and national pub-lications.

TJN

Senior Circle February BirthdayParty and Mardi Gras Celebration.


Sports Report

By Brandon Shoumaker

Sponsored by

It’s here, finally.Months of worry about your team’s

star players moving to a rival team, ofagonizing over every last second of thepast season, of wondering whether onemore pass completed or penalty calledwould have won your team one moregame, are over.

With the league’s finances in orderand the players in (relative) agreementwith team owners, we’re almost readyto start the new season.

Football is back!Oh, you thought I was talking

about the National Football League.Well, no, not exactly. I mean it is some-one’s national football league, just not,you know, the NFL.

I’m talking about the EnglishPremier League, home of some of theworld’s best soccer.

That’s right. I think it’s nice and allthat the NFL owners and playersunion got their differences settled andare back to getting ready for the sea-

son. Wonderful. But right now I’mthinking about the opening day of theEPL on Aug. 13. I’m thinking aboutManchester, not Minnesota;Tottenham, not Tampa Bay.

You should probably start thinkingabout the EPL, too, because the nextBritish invasion is not going to beslinging guitars, but rather, kicking asoccer ball.

Ready or not, soccer is poised totake hockey’s place at the table as oneof the Big Four sports in the UnitedStates.

I know, I know. You’ve heard all ofthat before. But it’s statistically true.

In a 2007 story about superstar

goal-scorer David Beckham’s move tothe Los Angeles Galaxy of MajorLeague Soccer, the premier division ofAmerican soccer, the BBC drops someinteresting statistics regarding soccer inAmerica. For example, according tothe article, more people in the UnitedStates watched the 2006 World Cupfinal than any one game of the 2005World Series. World Cup ratings in theUnited States rose another 41 percentfor the 2010 event.

Already, the EPL is outdrawing theMLS for American soccer viewers and,with Americans owning five EPL clubs(including two of the most heavily fol-lowed clubs worldwide, ManchesterUnited and Arsenal), there is moreincentive for those owners to expand Sports Report

The SoccerRevolution


shrinking pages of the daily newspaper,which is, nowadays, populated bygrumpy old cranks more interested inthe old days than these newfangledsports they don’t understand.

As far as successful women’s majorleague soccer goes…they’re gettingthere. The Women’s Professional Soccerleague is young (established in 2007)and is struggling to gain a foothold inthe vast marketplace of Americansports. The league is dealing with somegrowing pains, and, like the MLS andthe Women’s National BasketballAssociation, it will need years to estab-lish itself and begin generating more

widespread interest. This past Women’sWorld Cup could provide another smallboost toward legitimacy.

But Gazzolo implores us to “forgetthe solid viewing numbers,” beforebringing out the hoariest of all chest-nuts that soccer is “boring.”

He must not have seen the UnitedStates men’s team gripping 1-0 stop-page-time win over Algeria at the 2010World Cup. In that game (which, likethe 1999 women’s final, was tied at 0-0after 90 minutes), the United States, onthe verge of elimination, had severalchances to score but could not shakethe Algerian defense and a controver-

sial offsides call. It was maybe the leastboring 0-0 match in Cup history.

Finally in the 91st minute, the firstof four minutes of stoppage time,Landon Donovan’s rebound goal savedthe Americans’ Cup dreams and set offcelebrations around the country.

Must have missed Abby Wambach’sgame-winning goal against Brazil, too.

But that’s okay. He’ll have plenty oftime to see another exciting, heart-stopping moment in soccer history.There are lots of them to come.

Because the soccer revolution isn’tjust coming. It’s already here to stay.

the market and create more fans acrossthe Atlantic.

But don’t feel too sorry for theMLS; there are plenty of soccer fansto go around.

In another article, published thisyear, it states that the average atten-dance for MLS in 2010 increased 4 per-cent from 2009 to 16,675 fans, whilethe average attendance for the NationalHockey League, America’s fourth-mostpopular pro sports league, fell 3 percentto a shade over 17,000 fans.

This is a remarkable rise in popu-larity. The MLS has yet to celebrate its20th year in existence —- it is one ofthe youngest “premier leagues” in theworld — while the NHL has beenaround since World War I.

What we’re seeing is that Americanfans love their local MLS squad but theyalso finding European teams, mostlyEnglish teams, to love as well. Who saysyou can’t be both a Houston Dynamofan and a Tottenham Hotspur fan?

In addition, soccer is one of themost popular youth sports in theUnited States and growing every year.Combine this with the recent revela-tions regarding concussion injuries inAmerican football —- one doctorrecently said that the ideal amount oftime children should spend playingAmerican football is zero —- thenyou’ll start to see an even larger rise insoccer participation.

And, regardless of what JimGazzolo said in his misinformed andmisogynistic July 17 American Presscolumn (timed to drop a huge deuceon the good feelings surrounding theUS’ first appearance in a Women’sWorld Cup final since 1999), women’ssoccer is also growing as a sport.

In his column, Gazzolo claims,without the benefit of things like, youknow, evidence, that “the soccer move-ment gained little momentum (fromthe US’s 1999 Women’s World Cuptitle) long-term” and that “no success-ful major women’s league followed.”

Uh, sure. According to the USYouth Soccer organization, femaleparticipation in youth soccer hasgrown from 100,000 players 30 yearsago to 3 million players today. Inaddition, the final of the 2011Women’s World Cup between the USand Japan brought ESPN its highest-ever ratings for a soccer match withover 13 million viewers. The 2011final was the sixth most-viewed soc-cer match ever in the United States.

The most-viewed soccer matchever? That 1999 women’s final Mr.Gazzolo complained so much about.

In fact, with the explosion of sportsoptions on digital cable and theInternet, just about the only place youcan’t get soccer coverage is in the Sports Report

TJN


EAST HALE ST., LAKE CHARLES2 bed / 2 bath • Approx. 1,250 sq. ft.

Washer & Dryer | All appliances furnishedCentral location off of Ryan Street

I’ve enjoyed the books of ErikLarson, such as The Devil in theWhite City. He makes historyaccessible and breathes life into theunforgettable characters whoinhabit his accounts. This workedboth for and against me in hisnewest nonfiction book, becausethe destination and the people Imet there were frighteningly realand hard to deal with.

In the Garden of Beasts: Love,Terror, and an American Family in

Hitler’s Berlin takes us back to1933, to the streets of Germany’scapital, where Adolf Hitler is thenewly appointed chancellor. TheGerman people, humiliated by thetreaty that ended the First WorldWar, were encouraged by the racialpride and nationalistic fervor beingwhipped up by Hitler. They wentalong with his agenda of tyrannyand violence — against Jews,against Americans, against anybodywho didn’t agree with him.

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Nazi ‘Master-Race’ Delusions are Still Haunting

George S. Messersmith,American consul general forGermany, tried to warn the U.S.State Department: “With few excep-tions, the men who are running thisGovernment are of a mentality thatyou and I cannot understand. Someof them are psychopathic cases andwould ordinarily be receiving treat-ment somewhere.”

Into this emerging chaos camethe family of William E. Dodd, thenew U.S. ambassador to Germany, areasonable man trying to deal withthe lunacy around him. His mostinteresting relative was his daugh-ter, Martha, a young woman ofcareless virtue who had affairs withseveral Germans and a flamboyantRussian, a relationship that sparkedthe Soviet embassy to persuade herto spy for them. (Martha was evenfixed up with Hitler, but nothingcame of it.)

Paranoia was rampant: “Germansgrew reluctant to stay in communalski lodges, fearing they might talk intheir sleep. They postponed surger-ies because of the lip-looseningeffects of anesthetic.” The Doddsknew the embassy was bugged and

the staff was listening. “Wheneverwe wanted to talk we had to lookaround corners and behind doors,watch for the telephone and speak inwhispers,” said Martha.

Of course, what bothered me themost was the topic of the Jewish“problem.” The Jews were Hitler’sfavorite chew toy, and actionsagainst them were escalating, fromremoving them from jobs to out-right violence. Some Jews were “rec-onciling themselves to the presentsituation, accepting the status of theinevitable, adjusting themselves tomove in their own restricted circles.”

Dodd told Hitler that Americahad ways of handling its own“Jewish problem”; his intention was“to suggest a different procedure”from Germany’s treatment of theJews, but Hitler became “furious”and told him, “If they continue theiractivity, we shall make a completeend to all of them in this country.”

Well, by this point in the book, Iwas filled with nausea. Finding out


that Americans knew more than wewere taught they knew is very dis-tressing. All those alarm bells, allthose warnings, yet Americans inkey positions were far more worriedabout Germany defaulting on itsmonetary obligations than they wereabout the demise of the Jews.

But “the prickly sensitivities of theday” were getting even worse. Onehigh-ranking German said he dis-covered that the Gestapo was“attracting all the sadists inGermany and Austria” and “hadbeen actually creating sadists. For itseems that corporal chastisementultimately arouses sadistic leaningsin apparently normal men andwomen.” Dodd revealed that “Hesaw Hitler’s stature within Germanygrow to that of a god.” And thenthere was a day in June 1934 “wheneverything changed,” climaxing in aNazi purge of “undisguised bloodlust, fury, vicious vengefulness.” AndHitler kept insisting to Dodd that hewas a man of peace.

The title has more than onemeaning, referring not only to the“beastly” Nazis, but also to theTiergarten (literally, “animal gar-den,”), Berlin’s equivalent of CentralPark, where Dodd and others would

often walk and where later theycould speak to each other withoutbeing overheard.

It was an intense book. I had totake breaks, yet it kept pulling meback in. I think it’s vital for people tolook again at this dark page of histo-ry. And, of course, Larson’s writingis superb. Even if you don’t go fornonfiction, try this: It reads like anovel. It is just haunting.

Author William Dietrich usesNazi mythology in his latest action-packed thriller, Blood of the Reich.In the year 1938, proud Nazi andscientist Kurt Raeder is called tothe Berlin office of HeinrichHimmler, who wants the zoologist“to help conquer the world.”Raeder’s assignment is to take a vialof the blood of the CrusaderBarbarossa to Tibet to open thegates of the hidden kingdom ofShambhala, thereby propping upthe fantasy of Aryan superiority.

And where exactly is this king-dom of Shambhala? “The traditionalbelief is a lost valley deep in theKunlun Mountains at the head of adisappearing river, far from everytrade route and habitation. There,the voices of the dead inhabit thewind. Difficult to find and, by repu-

tation, dangerous to penetrate.There are impossible gorges andimpossible mountains.” Once there,Raeder is also supposed to look forVril, a power source that provides“the force…that animates theworld.” Ah, more power for theNazis. Just what they need.

The book moves back and forthin time. In present-day Seattle,Rominy Pickett barely escapes anexplosion, saved by investigativereporter Jake Barrow. He informsher that his research has revealedthat she is not who she thinks she is.In fact, she is the descendant of aU.S. zoologist who knew Raeder inTibet, and she is in line to inherit hisproperty, including his notes on thatTibetan expedition. But access tothose notes puts her in extreme dan-ger from modern-day Skinheads.

The fictional tale takes us toSeattle, Europe and Tibet, as thecharacters discuss myth, spiritualityand string theory, no less. Amongthe people we meet are a colorfulaviatrix and a female nun in Tibet.Adult situations and violence.

Copyright © 2011 by MaryLouise Ruehr. TJN

A one-stop registration helpdesk will be available to studentsduring late fall registration Aug.15-18 at McNeese StateUniversity. Students who havemet with their advisers andreceived their alternate PIN candrop by the AcademicComputing Center in KirkmanHall from 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.Mon., Aug. 15, and from 7:45a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.,Aug. 16-18, to receive assistancewith late registration.

At the help desk, representa-tives from financial aid and theregistrar’s office will be availableto answer questions and helpwith pin/password resets. Inaddition, students can sign upfor the First Call NotificationSystem, receive help fromInformation Technology person-nel with Banner Self-Service andPINs, as well as make onlinepayments for tuition, fees andparking decals.

Students can use the comput-ers in the center to go online toregister and make their onlinepayments at www.mcneese.edu.Students paying fees online canuse a check or bank draft,MasterCard or Discover creditcard and get assistance with theprocess at the help desk.Students paying with check orcash will need to go to theCashier’s Office in Smith Hall.Although students can pay fortheir parking decals at the helpdesk, they must go to theUniversity Police building topick up their decal.

For more information onMcNeese’s late fall registration,contact the McNeese Registrar’sOffice at (337) 475-5356. TJN

MSU Late FallRegistration Info


F LYNBU AO ABACK-TO-SCHOOL! - WORD SEARCH

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The Dot GamePlayers take turns connecting two dots. When you make a square, put your initials in the

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Cowboysand Aliens(Universal, DreamWorks, 2011)

Who likes cowboy movies? Wholikes alien movies? Raise your gunsand tentacles. Or in this case, yourspike claw, or your inter-thoraxialslime hand.

The year is 1873 and everyone isafter gold. 007 wakes up out on theprairie. Wait, no, he just looks like007. We don’t know who he is, but hehas a big metal bracelet around his

wrist. Within moments, hefights two rogue cowboys, gettingsome new clothes out of the deal,including one of the worst-lookingcowboy hats I’ve ever seen in my life.Seriously, along with his vest andshort sleeves, he looks less like 007and more like he escaped from aCalifornia dude ranch. This doesn’tstop him from riding to the nearesttown, where all is not well.

Percy, the son of a local cattletycoon, is playing target practice onMain Street (the only street). SinceDad is rich, Percy can get away with alot, but accidentally shoots a deputy,ending up in jail. Meanwhile, ourarmbanded stranger meets the folksin town, finding out he’s JakeLonergan, as featured on a wantedposter. Working through some verygood Western-style fighting,

By Dan Ellender

Director of the Children's Museum

Jake finds himself jailed with Percy.That night, Percy’s dad shows up intown, wanting his son. The aliens alsoshow up in flying ships, lassoing thepoor screaming townsfolk and haul-ing them up into the night. Jake savesthe day with his strange arm bracelet.

At this point, you need to under-stand that Cowboys and Aliens seemsdead serious, but it’s all deadpanhumor and satire. For example, thebartender is named “Doc.” The dia-logue is intentionally, seriously, lame,and the whole effect is supposed to becool. But after the cool abductionscene, the movie staggers alongthrough the prairie, painfully devel-oping until it’s the humans against thealiens, since the space bugs havemade everyone angry by taking theirkin. Yes, kin, and townsfolk, and redmen, and just about every othercliché you can think of are in thismovie script.

Things pick up, with the last halfof the movie full of action and vio-lence. The creatures spike the horse-riding cowboys and chow down ontheir necks in some really fast-pacedalien style fighting. This can be coolor uncool, depending on if you’ve haddinner yet.

On the other hand, Harrison Fordis awesome as the wealthy cattletycoon, Colonel Dolarhyde. (I pro-

nounce it Dollar Hide. Clever, huh?)He’s a mean character with a softspot, as hinted at when he almostpulls a man apart between two hors-es, but at the last minute, cuts a ropeand lets the fellow get dragged todeath by just one horse.

I can’t give away the ending,because you’ve probably alreadyguessed it. I’ve also left out the factthat this movie sports Olivia Wilde asthe beautiful and mysterious Ella,wearing her own silly dude ranch hatwith her flannel townswoman dress.Thank goodness Harrison Ford gotpractice wearing his hat in Raiders ofthe Lost Ark. He saves the wholemovie from being a batch of over-cooked alien oatmeal. Not only doeshe go through some much-neededattitude adjustment, possibly comingto grips with his inner child, he alsomakes friends with the red man andeven the townsfolk, not to mentionhis kin.

Warning: the alien violence isextreme, recalling Ridley Scott’sAlien. Though rated PG-13, this filmis over the top in screaming, spiking,and bloody intensity. Not recom-mended for kids. Maybe that’s whythe 12-year olds sitting behind meliked it so much. Uh oh, so did I.

TJN


Hope Therapy Center is a comprehensiveoutpatient clinic located on East PrienLake Road here in Lake Charles. We provide physical, occupational and speech therapy services for patients of all ages. We love what we do and are excited for the opportunity to provide services for you or your family member.

If you wish to know more about our programs, check out our website at www.hopetherapycenter.net

Bottom row, left to right: Cindy Istre, Office Manager; Emery DeSonier, PT, DPT; Cyndy Lirette, Administrative Assistant. Second row, left to right: Mika Doucet, LOTR, MOT;Kelly Abate, MA, CCC-SLP; Kristin Mathis, PT, DPT. Top row, left to right: Kim B Anderson, PT, DPT, Co-owner and Sonya M. Brooks, MA, CCC-SLP, Co-owner.


Norman and JoAnn Fruge

Ken Young and Jeff LaBouve

Paula Byrd and Carol Canerday

Stacie Luhrman and Shelby Trahan Aaron, Brennan and Sid Williams

Bobbie Fountain, Clifford Little, Dave Coontz and Curtis Fountain T.J. Murphy and Kasie Scallia

Jade Nunez and Kirstin Sonnier

MARSHLAND FESTIVALYou talk about some good tasting food! The aroma alone ofspicy gumbo, etouffee, sauce piquant, shrimp on a stick and

more was enough to draw crowds of people to the LakeCharles Civic Center for some good ole chowing down. Onecrank of live music is all it took to get this full-bellied crowd

to bust a move till midnight! The more laid back, easy-breezyshoppers had plenty of unique works of art, jewelry, craftsand more to chose from while the little tykes were enter-

tained with fun activities. I guarontee, those Marshland folkssure know how to throw down a festival! See ya next year!

ACTS ANNUAL FUNDRAISERIf you didn’t see the presentation of “ACTS Goes to

the Movies,” you missed a really good show!Featuring music from productions performed on theMain Stage of the 1903 historic ACTS One Reid StreetTheatre, the performance included wonderful theatresongs from KISS ME Kate and Annie Get Your Gun, as

well as shows made famous on Broadway and filmsover the years. The crowd was brought to its feet by

this interesting, funny and talented cast of charactersunder the direction of Marc Pettaway! ACTS did it

again--they brought another wonderful performancefor families and friends of our community to enjoy!

Allison Romero and Madison Jinks


Allen and Annette Garber with Beverly McCormick

Gayle McInnis and Vicki Williams Ruth Crunk and John Coffman

Emily Parker and Cathy Chapman Honoria Hebert with Trisha and Jason Martinez

Tommy and Denise Leger Joan, David and Ted Nixon

VOLUNTEER CENTER’S ‘CASINO ROYALE’ FUNDRAISER

The Volunteer Center of SWLA, Inc. presentedtheir new fundraiser “Casino Royale,” at Reeves

Uptown Catering. A crowd of generous sup-porters of the Volunteer Center joined togeth-er for a whole lot of dice-rolling and luck-of-the-draw fun. Adult beverages helped softenthe blow for the not-so-lucky, and we can allagree that delicious food can bring a smile to

anyone’s face! It was fun and fabulous, butmost important, the stroke of luck was toensure the continued success of this great

organization. Thank you for serving the needsof our community!

Donna Cespibva with Abram, Phillip and Bridgette Conner

John Bostick and Barbara Dubose

John and Jenny Lenox with Lacy and Caleb Waldmeier

Debbie and Doug Boudreaux


“I feel it is my duty to restore thepublic’s faith and trust in the Assessor’s office.”– Wendy Curphy Aguillard, CLA

Calcasieu Parish Assessor• Currently serving as Assessor• Certified LA Assessor with 15 years

experience• Implemented new financial/

administrative policies

Joi Broussard, Calvin Smith and Janet Broussard

Stacey Lowin, Amanda Donayre and Marie Keller Ruby and Wayne Guidry

LATIN DANCE NIGHTNow this is what I’m talking about! On a

Saturday night, the dynamic Latin dance duo,Jay and Maria Cotto, brought their cha-cha toPujo St Café for all to enjoy! The evening began

with an hour of Latin dance instruction, fol-lowed by an open floor dance party. Once Jayand Maria cranked up the Puerto Rican, Island

and Cuban music, everyone was suddenly trans-formed into salsa, merengue’, cha cha, and

bachata Latin dancers--or at least they felt like it‘cause they were having so much fun! Take a

look at these smiles. A big thumbs up to danc-ing the night away with a Latin beat!

Jay and Maria Cotto with nephew Nick Lugo

Nick Maciel and Isabel Coleman

TJN


AUGUST EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The Children’s Museum has the following eventsplanned for the month of August:• Amazing Thursday, Aug. 11 - Boat and Water Safety

Join Jim McCartney from the Power Squadron at 11 a.m. Hewill instruct the children on boat and water safety, and they will

learn basic knots hands-on!• Saturday, August 13 - Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show

“Liquid Nitrogen Isn’t Just Cool … It’s Freezing!” At 11 a.m., Matt Coyle of Sasol will do liquid nitrogen demonstrations

that involve freezing. He will create a water egg and shatter frozen tub-ing and flowers. He will also generate a vacuum in flask that “sucks in” a

hard-boiled egg. The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street indowntown Lake Charles. Hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.- Sat.Admission is $7.25 for children and adults. Call (337) 433-9420 or visitwww.swlakids.org for a complete list of admission fees, memberships andbirthday party information.

MAXIMUM JEN SHOWS AUG. 12-13Jen Kober (Treme, Curb Your Enthusiasm,

Comedy Central Presents) and Jen Bascom (TheBachelorette, World Cup Comedy) team uponce again to bring improv comedy to LakeCharles! This original blend of improv andsketch comedy is sure to leave you laughing asthese two talented ladies make up an entireshow based off of your suggestions and shout

outs! The Jens create scenes and songs right onthe spot. There are two weekends of shows -

each guaranteed to be different from theothers, so come back and see them all!

Friday’s show is at 9 p.m. and is appropri-ate for ages 16 and up. There are two

shows on Sat.: 7 p.m. is for all ages—bring the whole family and laugh

together! The 9 p.m. show is forages 16 and up. The shows will

be held at The Lake CharlesLittle Theatre at 813

Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles. For more information,e-mail [email protected].

TOURNAMENT OF THE STARS AUG. 12-14The 17th Annual Tournament of the Stars Pro Am Basketball

Classic begins Fri., Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at Barbe High School. The HarlemLegends will kick off the tournament with an exhibition game against

the media on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at Barbe High School. On Sat., Aug. 13, thetournament will start at 8 a.m. and continue until 9 p.m. at all sites. Theseries continues on Sun., Aug. 14 beginning at 8 a.m., and final games willmatch up at 11 a.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The championshipgame is scheduled for 3 p.m. for women and 4 p.m. for men. The “Back toSchool Fun Day” will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Civic Center, and the“Dollars for Scholars” celebrity gala will be held at 6 p.m. in the BuccaneerRoom. Tickets can be purchased pre-sale for the Pro Am Basketball Classicfor the games on Aug. 12 and 13 for $8 until August 5. They can also bepurchased at the door for $10. On Aug. 14, tickets will be $5 for adults and$2 for children. Tickets for the gala are $50. For more info, call 491-1466 orvisit www.tournamentofstars.com.

KREWE DE KAROLINE POKER RUN AUG. 13The third annual Krewe de Karoline poker run in memory of Carol

Breaux will be held Aug. 13 beginning and ending at Wayne & Layne’s Deliand Bar in Sulphur. Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Stops will be atFred’s Lounge, Bourbonz, Mollie’s Lamplighter, and Bob & Pete’s. There willbe BBQ plate lunches and music from noon until, silent and live auctionsat 5 p.m., a raffle and more. Proceeds go to WCCH Genesis TherapeuticRiding Center. For registration information, call 274-9155 or 842-0010.

A NIGHT IN TUSCANY AUG. 13The American Cancer Society’s 2011 Gala will be held

at the Isle of Capri on Sat., Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. The eveningincludes an elegant dinner, a silent and live auction, andlive entertainment. Tickets are $100 per person; a tablefor eight is $1,000. Cocktail attire. For sponsorship oppor-tunities or ticket information, call 433-5817.

VIOLIN RECITAL AT MSU AUG. 15The MSU Department of Performing Arts will present a

free guest artist recital featuring violinist Dr. Sarah JonesGentry at 7:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 15, in the Shearman FineArts Theatre. Gentry is an associate professor of violin atIllinois State University. A native of Lake Charles, she isthe daughter of Richard and Vera Jones and a graduateof Barbe High School. She studied violin with McNeesefaculty member Dr. Allen Fuller and performed in boththe Lake Charles and Rapides symphonies. For moreinformation, call the department of performing arts at475-5028.Dr. Sarah Jones Gentry


SIXTH ANNUAL LEGIS-GATOR LUNCHEON AUG. 19

The Chamber SWLA Legis-Gator will recap legisla-tion efforts undertaken in 2011 and recognize legis-lators across the state for working on pro-business,pro-Southwest Louisiana legislation. Scheduledspeakers include U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, U.S.Rep. Jeff Landry, and Louisiana Speaker of theHouse Jim Tucker. The Chamber SWLA has alsoinvited statewide elected officials and the entireLouisiana Legislative and CongressionalDelegation. The luncheon will be held Aug. 19 atL’Auberge du Lac at11:30 a.m. Admission is$45 forChamber SWLA Members and $55 for non-mem-bers. Contact Lynette Clark at 337-433-3632 [email protected] to reserve your seats.The deadline to RSVP is Aug. 12.

REGGIE KEOGH PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT OPENS AUG.19

The City of Lake Charles will exhibit “Places,Faces & Wildlife Around the World” by ReggieKeogh at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts andCultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street from Aug, 19-Oct. 22. Keogh will host an interactive gallery talkand reception from 6-8 p.m. on the evening ofAug. 19. The event is open to the public and allages are welcome. In these 77 colorful photo-graphs, this internationally-known local artist takesus on a journey with his love of photography and

travel. HistoricCity Hall is ownedand operated by the Cityof Lake Charles. The gallery isopen Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. andSat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. admission is free,but donations are gladly accepted. Formore information, call 491-914

ARTS & CRABS FEST AUG. 20 The second annual Arts & Crabs Fest will make

landfall again on Sat., Aug. 20, from 4-8 p.m. at theLake Charles Civic Center. Ten local chefs from yourfavorite restaurants will serve crab dishes along witha different Abita beer sample with each dish. It willbe held at the Civic Center and will also feature thebest in live music with the LakeSide Gamblers andGrayson Capps and the Lost Cause Minstrels. Theday will also feature vendor booths, beverage sales,and an art walk featuring the best of local artists.The Arts Council’s annual Gold Key Quest raffledrawing will take place, and ten lucky ticket hold-ers who purchased a $50 ticket will receive fabu-lous prizes. Admission is a $25 wristband andgrants the purchaser access to the entire festivaland all of the crab dishes and beer samples.Wristbands and $50 Gold Key Quest raffle draw-ing tickets are available online at www.artsand-humanitiesswla.org or at the Arts Council officelocated in Central School Arts & HumanitiesReggie Keogh Photography Exhibit

The Louisiana Department ofTransportation (LA DOTD)recently announced the creationof a new Facebook page to keepmotorists informed on theprogress of the Interstate 10Calcasieu River Bridge mainte-nance project. The Facebookpage can be found atfacebook.com/I-10-Calcasieu-River-Bridge-Maintenance-Project.

The current maintenance proj-ect on the I-10 Calcasieu RiverBridge includes repairing andresealing joints on the road sur-face, removing rust, replacingdamaged rivets with bolts andrepairing portions of thehandrails.

The bridge’s handrails featuredecorative crossed pistols, whichevoke legends of Jean Lafitte andpirates in the Lake Charles area.Some of the original pistols havebeen damaged or lost over the

years, and new pistols will be castto replace them.

Work on the bridge began onJune 27 and is expected to becomplete in early 2012. Motoristscan expect lane closures between9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 5a.m., outside of heavy traffichours. At least one lane in eachdirection will remain open dur-ing all lane closures. During onephase of the project, which beganin early August and is estimatedto last 45 days—there will be a24-hour-a-day closure of one lanein each direction.

LA DOTD advises motoristsapproaching Lake Charles on I-10 to use the I-210 Loop to avoidconstruction. Anyone who wouldlike to learn more about the proj-ect or would like to receive peri-odic updates can email LADOTDCustomer Service [email protected] or call (877) 4LA-DOTD(452-3683). TJN

LA DOTD Creates Facebook Page for I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project


Newspaper publisher Mary Katherine Goddard

(June 16, 1738 – August 12, 1816) in1877, risking British arrest, Goddardinserted her own name as printer of

the first copy of the Declaration ofIndependence including the signers’ names. Mary

Katherine Goddard died on August 12, 1816, at the age of 78, awoman of achievement who had taken an important stand for free-dom of speech and the rights of women in the young United States.

Join Up and Join In!www.lwv-lc.org

email: [email protected](337) 474-1864

Center, Suite 202 in Lake Charles. For moreinformation, call (337) 439-ARTS.

FAMILY AND YOUTH FESTIVAL AUG. 27Family & Youth Festival 2011 will take place on Sat., Aug. 27, , at the

Lake Charles Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $2 for childrenand $3 for adults. Featured again this year is Career Paths, a place forteens to explore career choices in a hands-on environment. Family &Youth Festival is a fun event promoting family life and family val-ues in a safe and exciting environment. It is a day of apprecia-tion to the people of Southwest Louisiana, as well as aUnited Way Community Impact Day. Enjoy games,making crafts, food, and live music in the air-condi-tioned comfort of the Lake Charles Civic Center. Ticketsare available from Family & Youth at 220 Louie Street,Lake Charles, by calling 436-9533, or at thedoor the day of the event. The festival is analcohol-free event.

IMAGINATION CELEBRATION AUG. 27Head to the Lake Charles Civic Center

Exhibition Hall on Aug. 27 for a fantastic nightof celebrity karaoke, music and fun as theChildren’s Museum presents the 9th annualImagination Celebration! This year, the eventwill host the first ever Celebrity Karaoke Sing Off!Come out and cheer on your favorite local celebrities asthey compete for the title. Enjoy the delicious food from the area’s bestrestaurants and relax by the cash bar. The silent auction and famous liveauction, with auctioneer Hal McMillin, will offer unique, must-have items.Please feel free to come dressed in 1950s attire and compete in our best-dressed contest. Enjoy fantastic music by the Boomerang Experience and

rock the nightaway! Tickets are $50 perperson. For sponsorship or ticketinformation, contact the museumoffice at (337) 433-9420.

HEALTHY WOMAN ANNIVERSARY EVENT SEPT. 8Women and Children’s Hospital’s HealthyWoman First Anniversary Event will be held on

Thurs., Sept. 8 at Treasures of Marilyn’s in LakeCharles. Guest speaker will be Dale Smith

Thomas, who will give an empowering and enter-taining presentation that will provide women with

the tools to become their personal best. Enjoy thefree Women’s Health Fair & Expo from 5 - 6 p.m.;

hors d’ oeuvres and music from 6 - 6:30 p.m., anddinner from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person

or $160 to reserve a table of eight. For more informa-tion, call (337) 475-4064 or e-mail [email protected].

USS ORLECK PATRIOT RIDE SEPT. 11The USS ORLECK Naval Museum is proud to host the USS

ORLECK Patriot Ride on Sun., Sept. 11. It will serve to com-memorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and to honor theservice and sacrifice of our active duty military, veterans,

police officers and firefighters. Registration is from 8:30- 10a.m. at the LC Civic Center Amphitheater. Opening ceremonies

begin at 10 a.m. and ride begins at 11 a.m. Riders meet back atAmphitheater at 4 p.m. for memorial service. At 5:30, the closing ceremo-ny and prize announcements will be held at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel.Post-event concert will begin at 6 p.m. Pre-registration fees are $20 per

The Black Heritage Festival,ConocoPhillips, and CapitalOne Bank will host a freeScholarship Seminar on Sat.,Aug. 27, at the Pryce MillerRecreation Complex, 216Albert St., Lake Charles.Registration is at 9:30 a.m. andthe seminar begins at 10 a.m.The seminar is open to students

from grade 9-12 and their par-ents. There will be free work-books for the first 100 house-holds, plus door prize drawings.Contact BHF ExecutiveDirector Judith Washington at304-0620 or e-mail:[email protected] for moreinformation. TJN

Scholarship Seminar Aug. 27


initial rider and $10 per addi-tional rider; $30 and $10 on the day ofthe event. There online registration atwww.orleck.org . Call Penny Miller at (337) 438-3038 for assistance registering.

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES SEPT. 17On Sept. 17, men from all walks of life will walk one mile

inside Prien Lake Mall in women’s high-heeled shoes to protestrape, sexual assault and domestic violence. This event is coordinatedby the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Registration begins at 8p.m. with the march scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Men, women, and childrenare invited to participate and pre-registration is welcome. The registrationfee is $20 per person, $15 for students, or $100 for a team with a maximumof six members. All participants registering prior to Sept. 5 are guaranteedto receive a free event T-shirt. Men are required to walk in a minimum of 2”high heels. They may wear a more comfortable woman’s shoe if they raisemore than $1,000 in pledges. For additional information or to register,please visit www.walkamileswla.org or call (337) 494-7273.

LCF SALUTES THE USO FUNDRAISER SEPT. 24The Louisiana Choral Foundation will celebrate the 70th anniversary of

the USO with dinner, dancing to big band sounds, and a musical show“Hooray for the USO!” On Sat., Sept. 24, at 6 p.m., Paxton Hall in FirstUnited Methodist Church in Lake Charles will be transformed into a 1940’sUSO canteen. A delicious meal with exciting entertainment by LCF mem-bers, local dance troupes and musicians will honor the USO tradition ofserving our troops. Tickets (for limited seating) are $25 and will be avail-able at Swicegood Music or by calling 491-9348. TJN

Big Brothers Big Sisters(BBBS) isseeking Lunch Buddy volunteers toenjoy lunch with an elementary-agedchild, twice a month, to offer indi-vidualized time and attention, withthe setting being the child’s schoolrather than in the community.

A volunteer is matched with achild at an elementary school that isclose in proximity to work or home.The volunteer and child meet twicea month during the school year toenjoy lunch together and utilize theresources available within theschool: computer lab, library, gymor schoolyard. All match activitiestake place during the child’s sched-uled lunch period, on schoolgrounds. Match activities lastapproximately 30 minutes, depend-ing on the child’s lunch period.

Whether the match plays boardgames, reads a book or just listens,the relationship promotes a positiveschool experience for the child:good attendance, positive peer andadult relationships, a positive atti-tude and academic enrichment. Asthe friendship evolves over time, the

volunteer and child discover ways tomake school and learning fun.When a match continues from oneschool year to the next, the volun-teer experiences the satisfaction ofwatching their Little achieve successin school.

BBBS has learned that beingimportant to a child doesn’t takemuch more than that, but theimpact can be huge—for both ofyou. You don’t need special trainingor certification. If you are 18+ yearsof age, able to listen, be encourag-ing, help build self-confidence andyou can commit to one hour, twicea month, for the full school yearthen you’re ready to be a LunchBuddy.

For more information on theLunch Buddy program or any of theprograms offered—please call BigBrothers Big Sisters of SouthwestLouisiana, a United Way agency. InLake Charles, (337) 478-5437;DeRidder, (337) 460-5437; Jennings,(337) 824-4847 or visit www.bbbs-swla.net. TJN

BBBS Seeking Lunch Buddy Volunteers

Chick-fil-A will be opening itsfirst stand-alone Lake Charleslocation on Aug. 11, where thefirst 100 adults in line thatmorning will beawarded a free year’ssupply of Chick-fil-A.

Seven years after itdebuted at an Arizonagrand opening, Chick-fil-A’s First 100celebration ush-ers in each grandopening aroundthe country. Theparking lot partydraws Chick-fil-A’sloyal customerswho comeequipped withcouches, TVs, com-puters, tents andother gear as theycount down to thenewest restaurantopening.

A similar scene is expected inLake Charles, where Chick-fil-Awill award a one-year supply offree Chick-fil-A® Meals (52 certifi-

cates) to each of the first 100adults in line, age 18 and older

with identification, at the restau-rant located at 3435 Nelson Rd.The line officially opens at 6

a.m., Wed., Aug. 10, withthe free meal cardsbeing awarded Thurs.,Aug. 11, sometimebetween 6 a.m. and

6:10 a.m. The restau-rant will open for busi-ness immediatelythereafter. If there aremore than 100 peopleby 6 a.m. on Aug. 10,all 100 spots will bedetermined by a raf-fle. Seehttp://www.chick-fil-

a.com/Locations/First-100for complete rules. TJN

LC’s First Stand Alone Chick-fil-A Opening Aug. 11

Meet Sarah!Sweet Sarah is a darling girl who came

to us pregnant and ready to deliver. She’sbeen a great mother to her healthy pupsand should be weaning them by July 25.She will be ready to be adopted to hervery own home where she can get thepampering and nurturing she deserves.We aren’t positive what Sarah’s breed is,but someone suggested Min/Pin mix sowe are going with that. She is approxi-mately three years old and very calm anddocile. Sarah loves getting tons of atten-tion and is eager to please her human. Sheis housetrained, crate trained, and readyto bring love to your home. For moreinformation, call Sarah’s foster mom at(337) 533-8212 or [email protected]. Sarah has beenspayed and is up to date on vaccinations.An application can found online atwww.4PawsSocietyInc.com and faxed to(337) 558-6331 or emailed to [email protected]. A vet reference and home

visit are part of the adoption process toensure a good match for both the familyand the dog. If you live outside the gener-al area, a “virtual” home visit can be doneby e-mailing photos of your yard andhome. Hurry! Sarah is waiting! TJN


The

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.• Taproot @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.• Judd Bares @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.• Paul Gonsoulin @ The Porch, 8 p.m.• DJ Kay @ Big Kahuna’s, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11• Pete Bergeron @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music,

Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Don Fontenot et les Amis de la Louisiane @

Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.• David Pellerin @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder,

7:30 p.m.• 311/Sublime @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge

du Lac, 8:30 p.m.• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge

du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.• Mark Mestre @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder,

7:30 p.m.• Paul Gonsoulin @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill,

8 p.m.• Large Marge/Honky/The Loaded 44erz @ Luna

Live, 8 p.m.

• DJ Smelly @ Bob & Pete’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.

• Jeff Tyson @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• David St. Romain @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys

@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder,

7 p.m.• Cecil’s Band @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder,

7:30 p.m.• Carlos Mencia @ Delta Event Center, Delta

Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.• Jeff Tyson @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton,

8 p.m.• Slim Harper @ Bob & Pete’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.• Twangsters Union @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m.• David St. Romain @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,

L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15• Kristy Lee @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Brad Broussard @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Paul Gonsoulin @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18• Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @

DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Kung Fu Pineapple @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 7 p.m.• John Cessac @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder,

7:30 p.m.• Kirk Holder @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge

du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19• Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food

& Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder,

7 p.m.• Kris Harper @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder,

7:30 p.m.• Chris Watson @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @

Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.• DJ Smelly @ Bob & Pete’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.• Krossroadz @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge

du Lac, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 7 p.m.

To list your event e-mail: [email protected]


MONDAY NIGHTS:Abita Beer Night

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS:Mondo Martini Night

THURSDAY NIGHTS:Be Well Night

LUNA GOODS ON SALE:Luna Classic Tee $15Luna Guitar Tee $15Luna Ball Cap $15Luna Dressings $6 (16oz.)

Citrus VinaigretteBalsamic VinaigretteRaspberry VinaigretteCosmic

Thurs., Aug. 11 @ 9 pmLUNA LADIES NIGHT! FEATURING DJ JOHN FLOYD

Fri., Aug. 12 @ 9 pmHONKY WITH THE LOADED 44RZ & LARGE MARGE

Sat., Aug. 13 @ 9 pmNIK FEST! (NEW INSTRUMENTS FOR KIDS!)

Mon., Aug. 15 @ 9 pmKRISTY LEE

Thurs., Aug. 18 @ 9 pmLUNA LADIES NIGHT! FEATURING DJ JOHN FLOYD

Fri., Aug. 19 @ 9 pmRESEARCH TURTLES

Sat., Aug. 20 @ 9 pmSOUL TRACK MIND

Thurs., Aug. 25 @ 9 pmLUNA LADIES NIGHT!

• Cecil’s Band @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Chris Watson @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.

• Signature @ Bob & Pete’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.

• Twangsters Union @ CitiLimits, Sulphur, 9:30 p.m.

• Krossroadz @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, AUGUST 22• My Wooden Leg @ My Place Bar,

7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill,

7 p.m.• Brad Broussard @ Huddle Up

Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.• Paul Gonsoulin @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25• Lesa Cormier & The Sundown

Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Dustin Ray @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• John Cessac @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Cam Pyle @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns

@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Street Side Jazz @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Reed Planchard @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Louisiana Indie Radio Launch Party @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

• David Locklear @ The Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• Marcus Ardoin @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• DJ Smelly @ Bob & Pete’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.

• After 8 @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.

TJN


I am flabbergasted to discover that I’ve

been writing this column for more than

three July 4ths, and no one’s cried “foul”

yet. See, I’m marking time by how many

New Bedford Summerfests I’ve written

about, and holy cow—this is the third time

I’m electing to wax lyrical about my

favorite folk festival since the millennium.

Each July 4th weekend, this gentle jewel

of an event in the streets of New Bedford,

Massachusetts teeters on the brink of not-

gonna-happen, and each year, despite

changing of the city’s administration

guard, it happens. Alan and Helene

Korolenko’s organization is so smooth it

seems almost to go of itself. Jamie Kelly

and her various crews make production

magic, Marilyn and Sheila and Louise stay

calm and collected, and other committee

chiefs circle their tents with a minimum of

fuss. The artists, crafters and food venders

show up at their appointed load-in times,

the audience shows up to fill the seats and

stand in the fried fish and (yum!) scallops

line, and an exceptionally good time is had

by all who come from far (overseas and

across the country) and near.

This year, I took over main stage man-

agement duties, so I was tethered. I heard

mostly the big groups playing the big

instruments, and those solo or duo per-

formers with substantial followings, miss-

ing at least 6/7ths of the festival’s perform-

ances on the other stages, including many

artists I’d never before seen.

I took a short break to listen to

Greenwich Village songwriting hero Mark

Johnson, whose “Love Radiates Around”

made me hug myself with joy when the

Roches sang it 30 years ago. Johnson has

moved to songwriter heaven (Austin) and

frankly looks and sounds a little worse for

wear. But man oh man, can he write!

I was at the musicians and festival staff

invitational at the incredible home of the

Morrisseys (he’s head of economic devel-

opment in the city) on Saturday night.

Johnson and his pal Cliff Eberhardt (who

played my fave tune of his “[Always] Your

Face”) with Johnson’s old bandmate, New

Bedford Mayor Scott Lang egging them on,

traded covers and each other’s songs in a

quiet and atmospherically lighted room,

my personal favorite way to hear music

live, always. Johnson called up song after

amazing song, and if he hadn’t been

dragged away to prepare for the next day’s

shows, would have played the dawn in,

without repeating himself.

But thank God I was on that main stage

for one of the best collaborations, not only

of the Summerfest weekend, but of any

jam session I could ever hope to hear/see.

It was at a workshop featuring three acts.

They included Maura and Pete Kennedy,

the husband and wife duo whose energetic

and embracing folk, rock, pop, alt.country,

and mystical lyrics are at the heart of every

Summerfest.

Then we had Le Vent du Nord, a

Quebecois trad folk-rock-jazz quartet who

speak and sing in French and in a charm-

ing, highly French-accented English.

Bandmembers are keyboardist and hurdy-

gurdy man Nicolas Boulerice, violinist and

step dancer Olivier Demers, guitarist

Simon Beaudry and bassplayer, accordion-

ist and hand percussionist Réjean Brunet.

Zoë Lewis, from Rottingdean, England,

almost defies description (worldbeat

vaudeville?), playing “swing, acoustic funk,

Latin jazz and folk” songs of her own

devising as well as big band and novelty

numbers from the great vocal eras of the

1930s and 1940s.

She utilizes piano/keyboards, ukulele,

harmonica, guitar, penny whistle, mouth

trumpet, hand percussion including

spoons and eggs,

and a voice that’s squeaky

kittenish and raucous baritone

belting by unexpected turns.

The magic happened at the end of the

set. I can no longer remember if they start-

ed out with a familiar song or one of Zoë’s,

like her Mariachi trumpet introed

“Gringo!” or her swingy “Eyelashes,” as

tricksy and tasty in your mouth as a Noel

Coward or Cole Porter lyric (“those ocular

fringes give me twinges so my knees go

weak”), propelled through an undulating

big band rhythm that’s got me dancing sit-

ting down even as I’m typing this to the

beat, and that ended with a bright trilling

Latin vocalization (“Ay, ay, Ay ya ya ya yai,

Ay, ay ay ay ay Eyelashes!”) because I was

so enthralled I was almost paralyzed with

delight, and couldn’t take down a single

note to remember it by.

But what happened was this: Zoë

played something that struck a literal

chord with Le Vent du Nord, and suddenly

there was a call and response way better

than “Dueling Banjos,” and then the

Kennedys leapt in and momma it was hold

on to your hat time! Oh, my heart is still

pounding hearing it again in memory.

This year, I promised myself that I

would actually sit myself down at a Sloan

Wainwright set, because I’ve missed hear-

ing her warm jazzy-bluesy voice in person

for many years, despite our proximity at

several Summerfests. Well, I didn’t man-

age it again this year, so I picked up a

copy of her Rediscovery CD at the sales

tent, and it’s in my iTunes right now.

Her covers of Nick Drake (“Time

of No Reply”), Phil Ochs (“There But

For Fortune”), Neil Young (“After

The Gold Rush”) and George

Harrison (“All Things Must Pass”)

proving once again that new ver-

sions respectful of the originals,

yet offering a different interpreta-

tion, can probe deeper by revoic-

ing. Here, Sloan wields her sul-

try boom-y bass-y sound to

make more of a delicate hush

than a wispy-voiced singer

Leslie Berman’s career in music spansfour decades, and includes stints as afolksinger, music teacher, coffeehousebooker, concert promoter, publicist, fes-tival director, music journalist, albumnotes writer, artist managerwwwww,trade organization president, enter-tainment attorney, and president ofthe Music Museum of SouthwestLouisiana. She prefers all thingsmusically eclectic, and votes on the

GRAMMYs as a member of theRecording Academy. She can be

reached at [email protected].

Small is Tremendous:

New Bedford

Summerfest


does, and in these selections, shefinds nuances that I hadn’t heardbefore.

There were incredible per-formances and hilarious storiesbetween the songs, such asCheryl Wheeler’s “Potatoes” andher canned (cremated) cats onthe mantel riffing; QuasiModalString Band featuring LisaGutkin (Klezmatics and formerWhirlygig fiddle), Matt Greenhill(mandola and guitar, youngest ofthe Greenhill folk royalty family)

and Steve Arkin (banjo) makingtheir first public appearance.

And I couldn’t forgetCalifornian singer and guitaristClaudia Russell with her man-dolin-playing husband BruceKaplan, singing Kyle Johnson’s“Ready to Receive,” my currentfavorite love song, replaying overand over and over and over in myvan from home to Trader Joe’sand back. I didn’t want it to end.

TJN

Killin’ Time Crossword

Crossword puzzles provided byBestCrosswords.com

(www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission.

Bayou Writers’ Groupmeets the first Saturday ofeach month at the CarnegieMemorial Library, 411 PujoSt. from 10 a.m – noon.

Join Bayou Writers’ Groupfor their 7th Annual BayouWriters’ Conference, Sat.,Nov. 12 at Fellowship Hall,University United Methodist

Church, 3501 Patrick Street,Lake Charles. Go towww.bayouwritersgroup.comand http://bayouwriters-group.blogspot.com for moreinformation on this excitingorganization devoted to thewriter. TJN

Bayou Writers’ Group

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