the jambalaya news

VOL. 1, NO. 18 /DECEMBER 3, 2009

ALSO:• Dreaming of a Green Christmas

• Expressions: 19 Years and Going Strong

• Arts and Humanities’ Council Looks Ahead

• The Flavor of L’Auberge

DECEMBER 3, 2009 Volume 1 • Issue 18

DECEMBER 3, 2009 PAGE 3Volume 1 • Issue 18

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

PUBLISHERPhil de [email protected]

NEWSMANAGING EDITORLauren de [email protected]

EDITORLisa [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSKay AndrewsLeslie BermanGeorge ClineJames DoyleDan EllenderT.C. ElliotErica McCreedyMike McHughMary Louise RuehrBrandon ShoumakerSteve Springer, M.D.

ADVERTISINGSALES CONSULTANTPatricia Prudhomme

SALES ASSOCIATESFaye DrakeKarla TullosLazette ProcterKaty Corbello

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, 826 Ford 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 2009 The Jambalaya News all rightsreserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without priorwritten permission is prohibited.

December 3, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 18

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On Cover: Rebekah Dressler and Sharlene Boyle, owners of 505 Imports in Lake Charles. Photo courtesy of Mixed Media Group

COVER STORY26 Inspirational Design at 505 Imports

REGULARS7 The Boiling Pot12 The Dang Yankee14 Tip’s Tips16 Doyle’s Place17 House Call18 Animal 41125 What’s Cookin’36 A Greener World40 Sports Report

FEATURES5 Stars for a Night20 Matt Young: Optimism for the Arts22 Bayou Biz: Expressions34 Do You Have an Effective

Marketing Plan?38 Wii All Live in a Yellow Submarine

ENTERTAINMENT42 Red Hot Books44 Funbolaya45 Family Night at the Movies46 Killin’ Time Crossword47 Society Spice50 Eclectic Company51 Jambalaya Jam53 The Local Jam

contents


A Note From LaurenF

Now that Phil and I are living in Louisiana, the holidays are a lot differ-ent—as you can imagine. First of all, we’ll never have a White Christmasagain—unless we spend it somewhere else. That’s actually fine with me. Theolder I get, the more I can’t handle winter weather. One of the main reasonswe moved down here, anyway, was to get out of the cold.

We did spend our Thanksgiving with Phil’s aunt and uncle in Michigan.Luckily, it wasn’t that cold—40’s during the day and 30’s at night—and otherthan a very brief flurry, no snow. But we both got a jolt when we saw theice scraper on the back seat of our rental car. Now, that brought back somebone-chilling memories! Even worse, Phil had to use it one morning.

In general, holidays are all about families and getting together with peo-ple that you don’t see very often. That’s how it was for us in the past. Youmay not realize this, but people don’t party as much in other parts of thecountry as they do here! So you generally don’t see a lot of the people youcare about as much as you’d like.

Being Italian, my family’s big celebration was on Christmas Eve, and mymother and aunts would make spaghetti con vongole (spaghetti with clamsauce), baked stuffed shrimp (which my aunt Frances only made once ayear), and baccala (which is a dried cod salad, and one of the few things Iwouldn’t eat). The actual Italian tradition is to serve seven different fishdishes on that night, but through the years, as the old-timers passed on, itwas trimmed down—for good reason. I certainly don’t miss the eels.

Phil’s father is from India and his mother is Polish, so, along with theusual turkey and trimmings, they would also enjoy curry and other special-ties made by his Indian aunts, and peroges prepared by his Polish grand-

mother. And they had this crazy tradition of throwing wadded-up wrappingpaper at one another after the gifts were all opened. They really got into it,and no one was spared!

I have wonderful memories of all my past Christmas Eves, and eventhough almost all of the people I shared them with are gone, they live on inmy heart. But with both of my parents and so many other relativesdeceased, and a major rift in Phil’s family that will never be healed, our cel-ebrations have changed.

Now, all of our holiday parties seem to be with friends that we’ve justseen last week. We’re involved in so many social organi-zations (such as Mardi Gras krewes, the Buccaneers,etc.) and they all have a party—some of them for-mal. Because we have so many friends, andbecause everyone down here likes to get togetherso often, this time of year is a celebration offriendship. These are the people we’ve come toknow and love in the six years that we’ve beenhere, and a holiday party with them is simply anaffirmation of what they all mean to us. Simply,they’ve become our family.

So, to our Louisiana family, words cannotexpress how grateful we are to you for openingyour community and your hearts to us. We aretruly blessed to be living here.

– Lauren de AlbuquerqueTJN

Volume 1 • Issue 18 DECEMBER 3, 2009 PAGE 5

We’re not exactly stars, but for a few minutes,we, along with eight other couples, felt as if wewere.

Phil and I were given a wonderful opportuni-ty recently. We were asked to participate in theDancing With the Stars Competition at the 2000Healthcare Foundation’s annual Platinum andPearls Gala and Fundraiser.

Proceeds from the event go to theFoundation, which provides diabetes servicesand hospice care, as well as scholarships to nurs-ing students. We’d heard about the Gala in thepast (our dear friends Scot and Bea Hebert wonthe very first competition) but hadn’t had thechance to attend.

But in late summer, we met Stephanie Morrisand Lisa Walker, the organizers of the event, andthey convinced us to enter. We knew that theother couples had already been practicing,some of them for months, so we were at a disad-vantage. But we also knew the fundraiser wouldbenefit the community—so we agreed.

The next step was to meet with choreogra-phers/instructors Jay and Maria Cotto to figureout what we were going to do. I made it easy forthem by deciding that I wanted us to dance tothe song “Spanish Hustle,” which I rememberedfrom my disco days. It was just a question of fig-uring out what Latin dance would work with it.After listening to the song and trying out a few,they suggested a Brazilian dance called theBachata. So we were good to go—more or less.

We bonded with Jay and Maria immediately,which was a good thing, since we ended upspending a lot of time with them. In the begin-ning, I think we spent more time laughing than

dancing. We had lessons as often as three timesa week and practiced several times a day athome.

One of our cats, Bella, would jump up on thetable in the back parlor when she anticipated apractice session and watch us intently as wedanced. One night, we were just too tired topractice. When I went in to shut the lights off,there she was, up on the table, waiting. I literallyhad to get Phil out of bed, and we went throughour routine so we wouldn’t disappoint her!

We also had to get our costumes, shoes,accessories, and even props. (You know that myclown husband had to get some juggling in,somehow!) I have to say that it wasn’t untilabout two weeks before the event that I feltconfident I wasn’t going to fall or forget the rou-tine. Phil, ever the performer, was cool, calm andcollected; his only concerns were his wife fallingor forgetting the routine.

The week of the event, we were able torehearse on the stage of the Rosa Hart Theater,which was rather intimidating. Phil assured methat I wouldn’t be able to seethe audience because of thebright lights, which made mefeel a little better. And we finallygot to meet all the other couplesthat were performing.

Then it was Show Time. I’mdelighted to say that I neither fellnor forgot a step. Our routine wentlike clockwork—even Phil’s jugglingand broom-balancing act. We gotlaughter and applause (in the rightplaces), and most of all, we had fun.

And we were simply blown away by how pol-ished everyone’s performances were. It wasobvious that they all had put in an amazingamount of time and effort, which is a big sacri-fice for the busy people that we know they are.

Congratulations to Laura Leach (aka MissLana Turner) and her energetic partner, BobPastor, who boogied to first place to the tune of“The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.”And I’m thrilled to report that Phil and I came infourth—not bad at all for us latecomers.

But let’s face it. As Sly and the Family Stonesang back in the 70s, everybody is a star. Andthat includes all of the contestants: Anthony andCecelia Bartie, James and Bertha Coleman, JonEric Chretian and Dr. Adrienne Breaux, HarryWilliams and Ann O’Reilly, James and LorettaSpruel, and Rudy Garca and Christin Bennett.Congratulations to all of you for your hard work.Phil and I truly felt we were dancing with thestars.

– Lauren de Albuquerque

Photo Bywww.monsoursphotography.com

TJN


Sponsored by

According to a 2001 study of intentional animal abuse published by the Humane Society of the

United States, 13 percent of these cases involved incidents of domestic violence, 7 percent coincided with child abuse

and 1 percent with elder abuse.

The McNeese State UniversityBanners Cultural Series is once againoffering Banners Passes as holidaygifts. Gift memberships include twotickets to all events, plus invitations toexclusive Meet-the-Artist receptionsfor $150. Dec. 18 is the deadline.

“Really, there is no better gift,” saysMary Richardson, Banners director.“The recipient doesn’t need to store itsomeplace, it’s suitable for any dietand one size really does fit all.”

Holiday gift passes can be orderedby calling the Banners Series office at(337) 475-5123 or going online atwww.banners.org.

The Banners Series will begin Feb.19 with an opening reception.Performances and lectures begin Feb.20 and will run through May 1, witha total of 22 events this year.

Highlights of the season include:• The King’s Singers, Grammy-win-

ning vocal group• Avner the Eccentric, comedy for

families• Zachary Richard, Cajun singer/song-

writer• Ann Savoy & Her Sleepless Knights,

concert and dance• The Jason Bishop Show, illusionist• Wine & Alchemy, world music +

belly dancing

• Bill Miller, Grammy-winning NativeAmerican singer/songwriter andflutist

• Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company• Ji-Yong, concert pianist• Kelley Hunt, blues singer/songwriter

The free lecture series will includethe topics of “America’s Huge Stake inIndia,” “Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier– the Most Dangerous Place onEarth,” “Oil: a Sustainable Resource,”“Industrializing Everything:Agriculture in the 20th Century” and“Roots, Divorce, ‘Free Bird’ & FamilyValues: Debating Southern FamilyLife in the 1970s.”

Pulitzer Prize-winning authorRobert Olen Butler will be returningfor a reading, and the annual FrankGranger Poetry Reading will be pre-sented by Allen Braden.

The Short Circuit Traveling FilmFestival will return, as will theMcNeese Works on Paper Exhibition.The topic of this year’s McLeodLecture Series will be “Right to Work:Changes in Louisiana’s PoliticalLandscape.”

More information on these lecturesand performances is available on theBanners Series Web site, www.ban-ners.org.

Banners Passes Make a Great Gift

TJN

The Christmas Spirit is alive andwell at Care/Help. They encouragethe participation of individuals, fami-lies and corporations in their annualChristmas Project.

Please call with a pledge of whatyou would like to donate; this pre-vents Care/Help from being over-stocked in some items and understocked in others. It also helps makeefficient use of your time and funds.Once your group has had a chance tomeet and determine the areas inwhich you would like to help, pleasecall Debbie Russell at 528-2273.

Qualifying Sulphur residents willreceive a food box and a care packet.Each food box will consist of aChristmas meal. Donations ofturkeys, cream of mushroom soup,boxed instant mashed potatoes, sugar,cornbread stuffing mix, packets ofgravy, corn, green beans, othercanned vegetables, and canned fruitare still needed. Kleenex, laundrydetergent, dish soap, toilet paper, bathsoap and deodorant are needed forthe care packets.

Care/Help’s goal this Christmas isto give each qualifying family a foodbox and a care packet. In addition,folks aged 58 and over will receive a$50 gift card. Your monetary dona-tions will be especially helpful for thegift cards. Last year, 260 familieswere assisted. Because of the eco-nomic times, Care/Help is currentlyserving an average of 40 new familiesevery month through the SocialService Department. Therefore, theyare expecting to assist at least 350families this year.

The deadline for receiving alldonations (food, toiletries, and mone-tary) is Fri., Dec. 4. Please mail ordrop off your donations at 200 N.Huntington Street, Sulphur, LA70663. Donations are accepted at 200N. Huntington Street, 8 a.m.-4:45p.m., Mon.-Fri.

Care/Help of Sulphur thankseveryone so much for their ongoingsupport of this ministry, and appreci-ate each and every donation of time,energy, gifts and funds.

Christmas at Care/Help of Sulphur

TJN


The

BoilingP l

Galmore Receives Certification In Hyperbaric TechnologyTomika Galmore, a hyperbaric technologist with the Wound Healing

Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, recently completed the NationalBoard of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology’s certification process forhyperbaric technology. Over the years, the certification has become increas-ingly sought by health care professionals working with hyperbaric oxygen.Before joining the Wound Healing Center in July 2008, Galmore worked as anEmergency Medical Technician at WCCH for 1 ½ years. To maintain the certi-fication, Galmore must complete a minimum of 12 education credits every twoyears. For more information, call (337) 528-4708 or visit www.wcch.com.

David Drez, Jr., M.D., Co-Edits Sports Medicine TextbookDavid Drez, Jr., M.D. , a board certified orthopedic surgeon on staff at

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, is co-editor of the third edition textbookDeLee & Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. Publishedby Saunders Elsevier, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine provides expanded coverageof key topics. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr.Drez, call Orthopaedic Specialists at (337) 494-4900. The office is located at1717 Oak Park Boulevard, adjacent to Memorial Hospital on the third floor.

NAMI’s Clarice Raichel Wins AwardAt the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc’s. annual

Women’s Conference held recently, Clarice Raichel, Executive Director ofNAMI SWLA and NAMI National Board Member, was presented with the JackV. Doland “Citizen of the Year Award.” The award was established in 1991 inhonor of the late senator, who was a strong supporter of women’s issues.Recipients of the award are selected by the Commission through a nominationprocess based on individual achievements, contributions to civic and volunteergroups, honors received, and ways in which this individual has made a differ-ence in the lives she or he has touched.

LC Coca Cola Donates to MSU FoundationLake Charles Coca-Cola Bottling Company has donated $10,000 to the

McNeese State University Foundation for endowed scholarships for students.The company currently has six established scholarships endowed through theMcNeese Foundation.

United Home Care Wins AwardsUnited Home Care of Lake Charles received a Platinum 2008 Louisiana

Home Health Agency Quality Award presented by Louisiana Health CareReview, Inc. (LHCR) the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization forLouisiana. With this award, United Home Care is one of the five Home HealthAgencies in the state to receive a Platinum 2008 Louisiana Home HealthAgency Quality Award. The award is presented to home health agencies thathave achieved defined levels of health care quality improvement by Dec. 31,2008. In addition, United Home Care has been named to The 2009 HomeCareElite, a compilation of the top-performing home health agencies in the UnitedStates. This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies and furtherhighlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Winners are ranked by ananalysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement,and financial performance.

Whitney Bank Supports Rouge et BlancWhitney National Bank is one of several area corporate sponsors that made

a $5,000 donation to support Rouge et Blanc, the annual fall wine and foodtasting event in Lake Charles sponsored by the McNeese Foundation and theDowntown Development Authority. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefitthe McNeese Banners Cultural Series.

Please submit press releases to [email protected]

Tomika Galmore David Drez, Jr., M.D.

Lake Charles Coca-Cola Bottling Company representatives, from left, BlaineRoyer, cold drink sales manager, and Larry Stout, vice president, present thedonation to McNeese Athletics Director Tommy McClelland. McNeese Photo


301 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles, LA337-477-7977

We’ve got scooters, accessories, and gift cards for everyone

on your gift list!

He Hooked the Big OneDoug Addison, Jr. of Ragley is the grand prize winner in Cameron State

Bank’s Outdoor Adventure Giveaway. Addison won a 17-foot fishing boat,motor and trailer, as well as a signed and numbered print by Elton Louviere,and a guided fishing trip for two at Toledo Bend. The prize package is valuedat approximately $20,000. “I was shocked when I found out I had won,”Addison said. “I owe it to my wife, who filled out the registration slips whenshe would go to the bank.” She registered at both of the CSB Moss Bluff bank-ing locations. “Between me, my wife, and my son, we’re all excited to win thisboat!”

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Named Consumers’ Choice National Research Corporation (NRC), in its Healthcare Market Guide

Ticker® study, has named CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital as Lake Charles’Most Preferred Hospital for overall quality and image. In addition, LakeCharles named CHRISTUS St. Patrick as having the best doctors and the bestnurses. The Ticker® study is widely known as the nation’s most comprehensiveconsumer assessment of the health care industry. NRC polled more than250,000 consumers. Of the 3,200 hospitals named by consumers in the study,the winning facilities rank highest in their Core Based Statistical Areas(CBSAs), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Stephen Lacy, left, Whitney National Bank city president, accepts the framed2009 Rouge et Blanc poster from Lori Marinovich, executive director of the

Downtown Development Authority. McNeese Photo

Cameron State Bank’s Outdoor Adventure Giveaway winner Doug Addison, Jr.


2251 Maplewood DriveSulphur, LA 70663

533-1007 • 533-1008Call-In’s Welcome

3905 Ryan StreetLake Charles, LA 70605

477-4009 • 477-4020Fax 477-4024

STORE HOURS FOR ALL LOCATIONS.Monday - Friday, 10am-8pm • Saturday, 10am-5pm

Closed on Sunday

L’Auberge Names October Five Star EmployeesL’Auberge du Lac Casino recently announced its October Five Star

Employees and Employee of the Month. The October Five Stars are: PennyWilson, a lead retail clerk; Erica Smith, a table games pit clerk; Helen LaFleur,a porter; Josh Common, a valet attendant; and Donovan Sinegal, a bell atten-dant. Common was also designated as the October Employee of the Monthand is now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award.Common started at L’Auberge in June 2005.

SWLA Order of Purple Heart has Successful FundraiserThe SWLA Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1996 and the

Ladies Auxiliary is closing 2009 with a successful fundraiser, collecting fundsto finance Christmas parties for the 51 disabled veterans at Chennault Placeand the 152 veterans at the War Veterans Home in Jennings, with each of theveterans receiving an individual gift. For these programs to continue, thechapter needs newer, younger members. Many leadership vacancies are avail-able. Current National Guard members with the Purple Heart as well as othersare asked to call 436-6945 or write to 231 Helen St., Westlake, LA 70669 ifinterested.

AAA Southern Traveler Honors Avenue of FlagsAAA Southern Traveler recently honored the Avenue of Flags as an

Official Southern Travel Treasure for 2009. The Avenue of Flags is celebratedannually on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day in the Lake Area, and is com-memorated on each occasion with a ceremony celebrating the lives of thosewho made the ultimate sacrifice. Each flag represents an individual veteranand is the official “casket flag” that was presented to the family at the funeral.It is one of the largest displays of memorial flags in the country. The AAASouthern Traveler publication is distributed to AAA members in Arkansas,Mississippi and Louisiana and feature articles on destinations and events. Formore information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention& Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588, or see www.visitlakecharles.org.

Erica Smith, Josh Common, Penny Wilson, Donovan Sinegal, Helen LaFleur.

Will Scheufens, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Dept.; Belvin Fontenot, St. Patrick’s pharmacist; Anne Monlezun, chairman of the board of the tourist

bureau; Ted P. Harless Jr., managing director of Northwestern Mutual; and Mitch Perkins, Conoco Phillips.


Johan Kjellsten Joins Marquis InvestmentsJohan Kjellsten, a financial advisor since 2004, has

joined Marquis Investments. Johan attended McNeese& LSU on a tennis scholarship where he became a teamcaptain and All-American. He graduated with a degreein Finance, and went on to receive an M.B.A from LSU.With a career spanning financial management, market-ing, public relations, and corporate branding, his workexperience includes positions at numerous multination-al companies in the United States and abroad. Workingwith Marquis Investments in Lake Charles, a locallyowned independent financial services firm/IPI broker-dealer, Johan is committed to building trusted, long-term relationships with each and every client.

Christus Village-Lake Charles Breaks Ground CHRISTUS Village-Lake Charles celebrated the groundbreaking of the

area’s first continuing care retirement community recently at the Clubhouse inGraywood. The CHRISTUS Village community will be constructed over thenext 18 months in Graywood. CHRISTUS Village-Lake Charles is a state of theart Continuing Care Retirement Community that focuses on providing indi-viduals 55 or better a longer, healthier, more active lifestyle. In direct affilia-tion with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, the community includes independ-ent living apartments and chateaus along with assisted living services whenneeded. TJN

Left to right: Adrian Wallace - Assistant Administrator, City of Lake Charles;Landon Ashbey - Project Manager LaCraw Construction; Ellen Jones -

CHRISTUS Health SWLA CEO; Joy Huff - Administrator, CHRISTUS Village; Glen Stewart - Developer, CHRISTUS Village – Lake Charles;

Gray Stream – President, Graywood; Fr. Charles Okougoro – Chaplain; Linda McClung - CHRISTUS Health Sr. Vice President; John Cardonne - Administrator, City of Lake Charles.

Visions of gingerbread houseswill be dancing in their heads as thewinners of the Annual GingerbreadHouse Contest will be announced atnoon Sat., Dec. 5 at the LakeCharles/Southwest LouisianaConvention & Visitors Bureau, 1205N. Lakeshore Dr.

The contest, held in conjunctionwith the Southwest LouisianaAnnual Christmas Lighting Festivalwill feature awards for amateurs,professionals, organizations andschool groups. SouthwestLouisiana’s goodwill ambassadorand mascot, Gumbeaux Gator will

be on hand to present the awards.The winning gingerbread houses

will remain on display at HistoricCity Hall throughout the month ofDecember. All visitors to thebureau that month will be able tovote for the “People’s ChoiceAward” to be announced on Tues.,Dec. 29.

The contest is organized by theLake Charles/Southwest LouisianaConvention & Visitors Bureau. Formore information, contact thebureau, sponsor of the event at(337) 436-9588 or visit www.visit-lakecharles.org.

Gingerbread House Contest Winners to be Announced

TJN

Johan Kjellsten


League of WoMen Voters Town HallMeeting Dec. 7

Do you understand the health care“reform” bill? Do you still have con-cerns about some of the health careissues? You are invited to attend andsubmit your questions to be addressedat a League of WoMen Voters-spon-sored town hall meeting from 6-8 p.m.,on Mon., Dec. 7 at the Calcasieu ParishPolice Jury Room located at 1015Pithon Street in Lake Charles. Toinsure that your questions are heardand addressed at this special meeting,please submit your questions at once [email protected]. Foradditional information, please contactLollion Elmer at 439-3896.

LPSC to Host Business andEconomics Meeting Dec. 9

The Louisiana Public ServiceCommission (LPSC) will hold aBusiness and Economics Meeting inLake Charles on Wed., Dec. 9. Themeeting will take place at 9 a.m. in thePolice Jury Meeting Room located at1015 Pithon St. in Lake Charles.

According to organizers, theLouisiana Public Service Commissionconducts an official business and exec-utive session meeting each month.Generally, the meetings are held inBaton Rouge, but on rare occasions,commissioners are afforded the oppor-tunity to host a meeting within theirdistrict.

“I am pleased to announce that myfirst LPSC meeting in the district willbe in Lake Charles. As a public servant,it is my goal, by bringing the meetingto Lake Charles, that constituents willhave the opportunity witness first-hand the commission at work,” saidClyde Holloway, Public ServiceCommissioner District IV, which iscomprised of 17 parishes including

Calcasieu ParishAt these meetings, commissioners

hear various cases dealing with entitiesthe commission regulates. For moreinformation, contact Karen Haymon at(318) 748-4712.

How to Prepare a Budget Dec. 11Care Help of Sulphur is offering a

free workshop “How to Prepare ABudget” with noted workshop presen-ter Carol Pettyjohn on Dec. 11 from 1-3 p.m. at 112 E. Thomas St. in Sulphur.Attendees will learn:• Why a budget is necessary, • How to prepare a simple budget,• How to avoid financial pitfalls, and• How to repair bad credit.

There will be a free drawing forCare Help’s Wise Penny Thrift Storegift certificate. Seating is limited, so callto reserve your place at 528-2273.

Support Group Meetings at LCMemorial Hospital

Diabetes Support GroupDon’t underestimate the importance ofeducation and peer support when liv-ing with diabetes. For more informa-tion, call Memorial’s DiabetesEducation at (337) 494-6425.Tues., Dec. 1 and 15, 10–11 a.m.

Coping With CancerFor those cancer patients who arenewly diagnosed, undergoing treat-ment, or who have completed treat-ment. For more information callMemorial’s Chaplain, the Rev. DavidDeWitt at (337) 802-1933.Tues., Dec. 15, Noon – light refresh-ments served.

Sisters SurvivingA breast cancer support group forAfrican-American women, but open toany woman regardless of race. Formore information, call (337) 433-5817.Tues., Dec. 15, 6 p.m.

Lake Area Classes,Seminars, Workshops

TJN


YankeeDangThe

By Mike McHugh

This is the time of year when, itseems, most Louisiana males returnto mankind’s most base instincts andtake to the singles bars in search ofprey. The rest go hunting.

I understand how popular huntingis around here with number of peopleI see wearing camouflage, even atweddings. Now that may not seemso unusual in and of itself, but when Isee bridesmaids looking like theywere outfitted at Bass Pro Shops, thenI get an appreciation for why they callthis state “Sportsman’s Paradise.”

The hunting bug is one of thefew Louisiana traditions that hasfailed to take hold of me. I don’tknow why; perhaps it was because Igrew up in a big East Coast citywhere the only fauna were thingsyou would never dream of actuallyeating. Maybe hunting would bemore popular there, had onlyYankees had the same culinary tal-ent as folks here, who can make justabout anything palatable over a bedof rice.

Here in Louisiana, there are all

It’s Hunting Season!

sorts of wonderful creatures to put abullet or arrow in and drag home toput on the table, much like ourancestors did.

Well, not quite like our ancestors.All they had was clubs. By contrast,today’s sophisticated hunters have attheir disposal all sorts of high-tech(read expensive) equipment withwhich to pursue their targets.Today’s weapons can practically aimand fire without human interven-tion. Then there are all theadvanced devices for sighting,scenting, hiding, and makingsounds so as to totally confuse thesenses of our targets. With all ofthese advancements in huntingtechnology, you would think thatthe animals no longer stand achance. As far as I can tell, deerhave simply not kept pace over thecenturies.

By all rights, you would thinkthat the deer and other populargame animals would have beendriven to extinction by now. But,no, judging from the roadsidesthroughout our state, they seem tobe as plentiful as ever. Perhaps thatis because there are still enoughpeople like me who can’t see the

glamour in getting up during thewee hours and venturing out intothe woods to spend the day insomething the size of a porta-pottywith nothing but a rifle. If I were tospend the whole day in a porta-potty, at least I would want to havea newspaper with me to pass thetime.

Don’t get me wrong; I have noth-ing at all against people who enjoyhunting, as I understand that thereare many advantages to the sport. Itcontrols overpopulation in the wild.It gives fathers and sons a chance toshare something in common andcreates a great bonding experience.It gets husbands up off the sofa andaway from the TV on Saturdays,much to the delight of the wives,who are then free to scoop the cred-it cards into their purses and marchon down to the shopping mall.

But there’s a problem: At the endof the day, of the two of them, it’sthe husband who more often comeshome empty-handed. Perhaps thedeer somehow have kept pace withtechnology after all. If our ances-tors, armed only with clubs, werethis bad, mankind would havenever made it past the Stone Age.

In my house, it’s not really neces-sary that I take up hunting in orderto keep me off the sofa onSaturdays. No, my wife has beenable to accomplish this through theadept use of a device called thehoney-do list. I arise each Saturdaymorning to coffee, waffles, and atome of instructions that takeslonger to get through than thehealth care bill currently beingdebated in Congress.

This list is impossible for me toignore. After breakfast, if I evenappear to be making a move for theremote control, my wife decidesthat it is the perfect time to vacuumthe area of floor directly in front ofthe TV set. (So, by the way, howhas LSU done this year? About aswell as I have done on my list, yousay? In that case, I don’t feel sobad.)

So, after thinking this wholething through, I now begin tounderstand what Louisiana men seein this sport of hunting. Whereagain do I go to find a rifle and agreen-painted porta-potty?

But, what do I for an excuse oncehunting season is over?

Oh, that must explain why fish-ing is also so popular. TJN


The SWLA Economic DevelopmentAlliance recently received notices fromthree different locations that ourregion was in the national spotlight.

In the Nov. 2009, GreenstreetPartners and the Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Report, LakeCharles jumped up 22 spots to rankas the 52nd Best-Performing SmallCity out of 124.

In the Nov. 15, 2009, BusinessWeekarticle “America’s Best Place to RaiseYour Kids,” Lake Charles was their toppick of Louisiana cities, followedclosely by Metairie and Alexandria.

A Southwest Louisiana profile inthe March 2009 edition of SiteSelection magazine ranks as one of itstop ten most viewed stories of2009. (It was also one of the top tenfor Oct. 2009.) Site Selection is readby over 440,000 site selection andfacility planning executives aroundthe world. The feature, “DiversityDrives a Region,” highlightedSouthwest Louisiana’s resources andeconomic culture.

Previously this year, our regionalso received the following kudos:

From the article, “Hot Markets inCold Economy” in Southern Business& Development:

“Who could guess that LakeCharles, with all of its bad luck withweather disasters (Hurricanes Ike lastyear and the devastating Rita in 2005)over the last four years, would be sus-taining this economy like few othermarkets in the South? In fact, LakeCharles’ unemployment rate did not

top 5 percent between December2005 and December of 2008. Lots ofthings are happening in Lake Charlesright now.”

From the article “Ten LegendarySouthern Locations for LatinAmerican Trade” in SouthernBusiness & Development.

“Lake Charles’ location directly inthe center of the South’s Gulf Coastgives it a unique advantage.Apparently those involved with GulfCoast trade agree. Lake Charlesplayed host to the Gulf Coast TradeAlliance’s 2009 World TradeConference in early April. The GulfCoast Trade Alliance is a partnershipof states along the Gulf Coast whohave a common goal of enhancingthe economies of the coastal commu-nities through global competitive-ness. Lake Charles is home to thenation’s 11th busiest port, 23 petro-chemical facilities and the ChennaultAirpark that features a 10,000-footrunway.”

In the “25 Most Powerful Peopleon the Corridor” featured in theSpring 2009 issue of 10/12 magazine,SWLA Alliance Foundation boardmember and Lake Charles Mayor,Randy Roach, and SWLA on theMove supporter Dennis Stine wereboth recognized with this distinction.Bill Dore, Jack Lawton, AdamMcBride, Gray Stream and the SWLAAlliance’s own George Swift were list-ed as regional power brokers forSWLA.

Good News for SWLA

TJN

The Chamber SWLA’s CivicService Award honors outstandingmen and women of the SouthwestLouisiana region who have exhibitedleadership and service to the commu-nity during the current and previousyears. Now, we are looking for thisyear’s winner.

Do you know someone you feelhas demonstrated community serviceabove and beyond the line of duty?Let us know! The nominee need notbe a member of the Chamber SWLA,but must be a resident of SouthwestLouisiana whose achievement, leader-ship, and service was accomplishedfor the benefit of the region.(Previous winners are ineligible.)Candidates will be considered usingthe following criteria:

• Contribution to communityprogress during the year

• Evidence of civic leadership ability• Evidence of personal, professional,

or business standing within thecommunity

• Service through religious and/orfraternal affiliationsPrevious winners include; Carolyn

Shaddock Woosley, Dr. JohnStubblefield, Julie Gani, ClaireKushner Sorkow, Tom Shearman, Dr.Charles Mackey, Benjamin Mount,Billy Navarre and Evangeline PalmaOrdinario.

Deadline for submission is Dec.11, 2009. All applications will bescreened by a committee of regionalleaders and members of the businesscommunity.

Do You Know a Super Man or Woman?

TJN


As we’ve officially entered theChristmas shopping season, a littlereflection on personal safety duringthis busy time is in order. There willbe many public service announce-ments forthcoming regarding rec-ommended behavior, and I want tojoin in with my two cents’ worth.

Remember that those whomwould do you harm have 24/7 toplan their actions. You have only a

few seconds at best to react. Makesure that you park your vehicle in alocation that provides high visibilityand good illumination, especiallywhen evening falls. Don’t park nextto a large vehicle that obstructsvision. If one parks next to you, beextremely cautious. The bad guysuse that ploy to get you.

Keep alert as you exit stores.Remember what we used to tell our

kids about crossing the street? Stopand look both ways when you leavea building. See who’s out there andwhat they are doing. Remind yourchildren of the rules before you’re allout in the parking lot, so that they’remindful and can assist you in prac-ticing vigilance. You may save your-self some grief, or even help some-one else being victimized just bybeing observant. We all have a lot onour minds this time of year, but ifyou don’t look out for yourself, youmay pay far more than you original-ly planned for the holiday season.

WATCH YOUR $$I’ve previously discussed the need

to constantly monitor all your finan-cial accounts: Banking, investment,charge, credit or whichever oneshave anything to do with yourmoney.

Well, a friend just told me thatone of their relatives was scammedby one or more persons that haveforged checks on their bank accountand have had automatic withdrawalsfraudulently made from that accountas well. The evildoers even set up$150 in automatic monthly with-drawals in the name of a local utility

company that went to a bankaccount that the utility company hadnothing to do with. Their bank hadto close that account to get itstopped, as is the case in gettingmany automatic withdrawals termi-nated. This is a perfect example as towhy you have to stay on top of yourfinances.

BAIT AND SWITCHSome merchants have taken an

old unfair tactic this year by adver-tising specials that they lure theunsuspecting customer with. It’s thebait and switch of promoting anexcellent-appearing value, and thenonly having a very limited amounton hand so they can lead you to pur-chase a much higher-priced item.They can also offer a stripped-downmodel of an item, one that lacks thefeatures of the standard model thatis usually sold.

Know what you’re buying. Checkout the model numbers so you canreally compare apples to apples. It’seasy to under price your competitorswhen you’re shorting your cus-tomers. There are many ways forthem to put their thumb on thescale. Remember which stores use

Play it safe

By George “Tip” Cline


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these tactics and use that knowledgein your future purchases. Let themknow that you have purchased froma seller that you trust instead ofthem.

ROADWORKIt looks like one of our very

favorite intersections will eventuallybe dropped from the “Oh, my gosh,”list. In a couple of years, Lake Streetand Sale Road will be (read, “shouldbe”) fully usable in all four direc-tions. That southbound Lake Streetintersection will finally work. Theconstruction is supposed to be aspainless as possible (think “rootcanal”) with nighttime work, penal-ties for the contractors missing theirdeadlines and careful planning forthe least amount of inconvenience tothe nearby residents, the merchantslocated in the area and those nor-mally traveling that route.

Both Nelson Road and RyanStreets will be jam-packed with theextra traffic that usually travels LakeStreet to and from the Country ClubRoad area. The I-210 and NelsonRoad Exit will get enhanced traffic.The Cove Road Exit from I-210 east-bound will become a problem area,as well. Canal Street will go beyondconfusion. I know that projects likethis are hard on everybody, butthose merchants that can surviveshould eventually prosper.

I don’t know how any of the MossBluff merchants on Hwy. 378 thatmade it through their road expansioncould survive; but some did, so thereis hope. This is a much-needed roadimprovement project, and delayingthis work would be an even greaterproblem, as our community growth ismainly southbound. There are limit-ed arteries for that flow of traffic, sowe need as many as possible for therelief of the congestion that is goingto occur whether we like it or not.

A TIGHT REINThe tax elections have come and

gone. The voters have expressedtheir wishes and the chips will fall asthey may. Sheriff Mancuso’s taxrenewal shows the faith and confi-dence we have in the ways he con-ducts his office. The issues thatfailed illustrate the sentiment thatexists nationwide.

The electorate feels that we arenot getting our money’s worth fromour elected officials. There is toomuch fat in government at all levels,and as our family budgets have beenconstrained, budgets made by ourelected officials need to reflect theknowledge of where the moneycomes from—and those expendi-tures should be frugally and pruden-tially made.

The politicos can always give arationale for their need for our cash,but it’s up to us to keep a tight reinon them. Rest assured that there willbe future efforts made to reap addi-tional harvests from our wallets.Remember, they’re supposed towork for us.

A GREAT RESOURCESome of the good folks from the

Calcasieu Parish Library contactedus and told us how they appreciatedthat The Jambalaya News supportedtheir efforts to provide such fineservices to our area. Let me assurethem again that I think our librariesare one of the best resources in ourarea. I can’t think of a better dealgoing than using a library card. Visityour local branch and find out foryourself just what good things youcan do with the money you havealready spent with your tax dollars.They even thank you for using yourlibrary—where else do you get that?

TJN


Tickets available at www.ladydanceschool.com

or www.lakecharlescivicballet.com.

School performances: Thursday, Dec. 10 at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.Friday, Dec. 11 at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and at noon.

Advance reservations are required for the Thursday and Friday school performances.

Family performances: Saturday, Dec. 12 Matinee at 11:00 AM, and Gala at 6:00 PM. Tickets for Saturday shows are available at the door at The Rosa Hart Theatre.

Supported by grants from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts, City of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Southwest Louisiana Convention and

Visitors Bureau as administered by the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana*

By Jim Doyle

It was a typical end-of-day scenariofor me, head stuck in the back of mySUV, loading plastic bags of provisions,a little more than usual because it wasThanksgiving week. The young ladywalking by made a smiling, off-handedremark: “Wow, it looks like you’redoing all the cooking for the holidays,”she said. “Yes I am,” I replied, in anexchange that must have seemed mild-ly amusing to my interlocutor due tothe role-swapping gender reversal ofthe whole thing.

Truth is, I always do all the cook-ing. For all the holidays. From black-eyed peas and rice on New Year’s Dayto an occasional Christmas goose, witha traditional Easter leg of lamb hereand there. It’s what I do. It’s what I love.More to the point, it’s how I show thatlove to my family and friends. It’s a wayto recreate the scents and flavors of myyouth in a place far away in time anddistance, to carry on a bit of tradition,to summon all those who mean somuch to me—family and friends—tothe common experience of the hearthand home.

There are many special times inthose memory banks, like the first timeHarry’s mother had scallops. Or cham-pagne and popcorn, another favoriteI’d urge you to try. The many sweets Imade for my beautiful daughterBrittany, whose other favorite, unac-countably, is white beans and rice. Thevegetarian Thanksgiving I made oncefor my oldest son Jamey, which includ-ed traditional cornbread dressingmoistened with turnip pot likker.

Once, my British friend Nick was infor Thanksgiving. For several reasons,it wasn’t the happiest time in his life, soI compensated by over-achieving withthe best holiday feast ever. The maindishes were turkey and a rare, standing,prime rib of beef. But the appetizer wassomething else: toasted baguette slicesslathered with garlic aioli, from scratch,

topped with smoked salmon, crownedwith chopped eggs, chopped onion,and caviar. Unforgettable.

So when Brown got married byJudge Patti Minaldi in my house inAugust of 1999, I catered the recep-tion: shrimp etouffee, red beans andrice, a slab of beef, and multiple casesof wine and champagne. Damn rightit was good.

Other meals have a little more spe-cial place in my heart and my memory,like the time a few years back whenStratton and I stayed in Houston for acouple of months while he was havingradiation treatments for a recurrence ofhis brain tumor.

He wanted something like fried rice,but Mexican. So I made him a paellawith shrimp, chicken tenders, Englishpeas, and ancho chili powder. It wasjust what he wanted. What I wantedwas to create something that wouldsooth his appetite and his troubledmind, making mine a little removedfrom the desperate situation my boywas in by the oldest of humaninstincts: the creation of somethingtruly unique for someone you love.

That is the great tradition of the sea-son. Love. Food. Many smells andtastes reinforcing memories of each, alifetime library of hams, roasts, turkeyand all the trimmings. And it’s okay toeat too much. That’s how you love thecook back!

Harry is learning to cook, and has anatural touch. He’ll probably cooksomething for the holidays, even ifonly for his mom. The grandkids arecoming over. Brittany and her newboyfriend will be there. All will behugged by my smoked turkey and porkloin. All will remember the day, andthe meal, the rest of their lives. Howcan you beat that as a parent?Particularly, a dad?

Be blessed, dear readers, and I’ll seeyou on the flip.

The Blessings of My Table

TJN


3204 RYAN ST., LAKE CHARLES • 337-433-6200

By Steve Springer M.D.

You May Have To Ask… If You Really Want To Know

When I was in LSU medical school in Shreveport, I spent severalsummers doing research for a psychopharmacologic testing center. Thecenter carried out “drug trials” for medications vying for FDA approvalregarding a host of psychological conditions. Two of the main drugs wewere researching were an antidepressant and a drug labeled E2020—orthe now branded Aricept (a drug that treats Alzheimer’s Disease). Myjob was to perform a battery of cognitive tests that would assess thepatient’s memory and mental function.

Now enter Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, a lovely elderly couple dressed tothe nines in a very southern style, and a Mississippi drawl almost asimpressive. The man literally looked like Colonel Sanders from KFC.The wife (the Alzheimer’s patient) was just as proper, and they werevery polite and appreciative to be able to take free medications, as mostdrug trials offer.

I had seen and evaluated patients with Alzheimer’s disease before,during various clinics and medical rotations, but never on a level or tothe degree a drug trial required for objective data.

So, my testing with Mrs. Doe began, and at first I was wonderingwhy in the world this patient was even here. She was very sharp, had aspry sense of humor, and seemed to have a fairly good memory. Then Iread the instructions on the testing material, which has the spouse leavethe room for the rest of the test. I had to ask some of the same ques-tions, and see if the answers were the same.

The non-partnered answers did not match, and she couldn’t evenremember answers she had given just 15 minutes prior with confidence.When asked to address an envelope, she stated, “Oh, I just love to corre-spond by mail with all my childhood friends,” as she addressed theenvelope diagonally across its length. When asked to describe the exactsteps she would take to serve a group of people some orange juice (fromfridge to table) she went on at length and very eloquently, “Oh, we justlove to entertain at our home. We have friends over quite often. It’s sucha joy.” She was never able to tell me the steps: Take the orange juice,pour in a pitcher, arrange the glasses, etc. She failed another test whenshe drew the face of a clock with all the numbers correct, but the handsin the wrong positions.

What an eye-opening experience for a young medical student. Tosee the look in the husband’s eyes after he came back in the room,knowing that I had just had a glimpse into his world. He was always sosupportive of her and never treated her in a negative way. I really thankGod for allowing me to see that example of true empathy. It inspiredme to listen more, to look more carefully, and to ask the questions thatare sometimes hard to ask. Maybe this one, shared experience willinspire you to take a closer look if a friend or family member is affectedby this disease. Those caring for the individual will appreciate your trueempathy and benevolence. TJN


ANiMAL 411Though it’s sometimes hard to

believe, most people like and need towork, and not just for the money.Work is one of the ways we define our-selves in today’s world.

Just back from a much-neededvacation, I can truly say that I am look-ing forward to the structured time anddiscipline work requires. The psycholo-gist, Rollo May, said, “The only curefor grief is time and work.” Work has aprofound effect on us.

It should come as no surprise, thenthat dogs need and even want work,too. Many, if not most dogs were bredfor a variety of tasks and jobs.Although few of these jobs exist today,the instinct to do these tasks remains.

Sadly, many dogs today lack thephysical and mental challenges neededto make them happy and healthy.Fortunately, there are new solutions tothis problem that engage both dogsand people.

Southwest Louisiana boasts manyprograms that help canine and humansalike develop purpose and a sense ofparticipation and contribution. TheSouthwest Louisiana Chapter of theHumane Society sponsors the PetTherapy Program where dogs and peo-ple are involved in variety of activities.

The Pet Therapy dogs, sometimescalled therapeutic visitation dogs, andtheir owners volunteer time andresources at local hospitals, nursinghomes, long-term health care facilitiesand schools. Pictures found on the PetTherapy link of www.swlahumanesoci-ety.com say more than words. It’s awin-win situation for staff, residents,patients, volunteers and dogs alike.

Another Pet Therapy project is atThe Whistle Shop, a supervised visita-tion center designed to help abuse-rav-aged families rebuild relationships in asafe and neutral environment. The PetTherapy dogs offer a focal point forfamilies needing to reconnect.

Attorney Beth Zilbert, president ofSWLA Humane Society, recently saidhaving her dog, Luke, at workremoves barriers put up by juvenileoffenders.

The Fun With Fido ReadingProgram takes Pet Therapy dogs tolocal libraries. The dogs and kids enjoya few literary delights as they bondamong the children’s books. Again, pic-tures tell the story; just look at the pho-tos on the above-mentioned Web site.

The New Leash on Life Program atthe Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Center isa joint effort between Calcasieu ParishAnimal Services, Calcasieu ParishJuvenile Justice System and SWLAHumane Society. The JuvenileDetention Center serves as a fosterhome for the dogs in the project. Inaddition to supplying the rescueddogs, Calcasieu Parish AnimalServices provides approved kennelsand crates. Carefully selected residentsperform daily animal care dutiesunder the supervision of the HumaneSociety. The kids clean the kennels,exercise and train the dogs, andobserve and document their dogs’progress. Both dogs and kids benefitfrom a relationship built on love, self-esteem and the knowledge that some-one cares.

Rescues to the Rescue was the pilotprogram to the New Leash on Lifeprogram. The project idea was bornwhen a very astute seventh grader,Anna Ariel Dupre, noticed that thehurricanes of 2005 brought feweropportunities for kids to get guidance,support and rehabilitation. Rescues tothe Rescue paired young people anddogs so both could receive the benefitsof a relationship built on love andrespect. I have heard straight from Ms.Dupre’s mouth that a new andimproved Rescues to the Rescue is inthe works. I can hardly wait!

Although I don’t personally knowof any Animal Assisted Therapy Dogsin our area, the concept is alive andwell in Louisiana as well as nation-wide. These dogs and their handlersare highly trained to participate in for-mal treatment plans for both mentaland physical illnesses. Usually, oneparticular dog and handler team isassigned to a particular client. Specificgoals are determined by the handler

and the health care provider, thenaccomplished by working the agreedupon therapeutic plan.

My husband, Bill, and I recentlymade a decision about a work careerfor one of our rescues. Shadow, a blackLabrador/Border Collie mix, came tous through the local rescue organiza-tion, Animal Angels. After havingShadow for nearly a year, we discov-ered that he had passed the first testrequired to participate in the GiftedAnimal Placement (GAP) Program.

Dogs like Shadow are not usuallyadopted because they have beenlabeled “problem” dogs. They are veryenergetic and focused dogs – Shadowwill play ball until he is nearly deadwith fatigue. Though lame in a rearleg, he is incredibly energetic andagile.

Dogs accepted into the GAPProgram can be placed in a variety ofhighly trained service jobs such asbomb and drug detection, searchand rescue, handicap assistance,seizure alert, hearing ear, vegetablesniffing, cancer sniffing, acceler-ant detection, and many more.

While initially beingextremely opposed to losingShadow to this program, wehave decided that he will be amuch happier dog if he hasthe opportunity to “have acareer.” It would be selfish onour part to keep him with usand deny him the opportunityto have the mental and physicalstimulation that he deserves. Billsays, “One down, and 12 more togo,” though he doubts there’smuch of a market for what hecalls “doofus dogs.”

Employment opportunities fordogs are increasing, both profes-sional and volunteer. If you wantto help find your dog a job andsome of the above programssound interesting, please call meat (337) 912-0246. I will helpsteer you in the right direction –no headhunter fees required,either!

Cheryl Krull is SpinnakerCommunications' president and chiefexecutive officer, managing businessoperations and marketing. A LakeCharles native, she has worked at PPGfor more than 20 years as a licensedtankerman and has extensive industryexperience. She is very active in thecommunity, volunteering at several non-profit and non-government organiza-tions, her favorite being Dr. Joe Stark’sLake Area Animal Hospital. In additionto her love of animals, she is an avidlong distance bicyclist and a StephenMinister (in training through UniversityUnited Methodist Church.) Cheryl isalso a would be “geek” and is studyingXHTML, CSS and Web design. Pleasevisit www.spinncomm.com and also hernew work in progresswww.animal411.us.

By Cheryl Krull

We All Need A Job

TJN


Kittens and cats now available for adoption at

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As we enter Hurricane Season, we are dedicated to informing you of any weather threatening Southwest Louisiana. Part of our dedication

to keeping you informed and up to date is our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart sponsored by Cameron State Bank and Aggreko.The KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart will be available June 1

at our sponsor locations or at the KYKZ 96 station. More information at www.kykz.com

In the wide wake of the recession,it seems that everyone can’t stop talk-ing about the constant budget cutsaround the state. Locals have their eyesfixed on regional organizations to seewhich will begin to falter and whichwill continue. Imperial Calcasieu’s artsand humanities have had it roughthese past several months, and areaartists, musicians, writers, and otherswho greatly benefit from the Arts andHumanities Council of SouthwestLouisiana continue to voice their fearsof the council’s future in an unpre-dictable economy.

Matt Young, the new Arts CouncilExecutive Director and a DeRiddernative, sat me down at Regalia Caféand Market to once and for all set therecord straight: Things are lookinggood.

Cultural economy a remarkable force

It is vital to be optimistic this year,and Young is doing just that despitebeing surrounded by critical budgetcuts. What many overlook is the factthat Louisiana’s cultural economy is aremarkable force in that it not onlyremains the second largest contributorto state employment, but also con-tributes over $6 to the LouisianaTreasury for every $1 that is invested.The mere participation of locals in artsprogramming brings invaluable contri-butions to the state’s cultural economyby boosting adjacent amenities such asgasoline, dining out, childcare, etc.This accounts for $10 for every $1 inancillary spending.

Young has a strong perspective ofwhat he hopes the council will accom-plish in the coming months and years.

With nearly 250K given to the BatonRouge, Shreveport, and New OrleansArts Councils this year alone, Younghas his sights on reconnectingSouthwest Louisiana’s Arts Councilwith the National Endowment for theArts in order to strengthen local pro-gramming with additional funds andexposure.

Even though organizationsthroughout the city have been feel-ing the financial stress, the councilhas found itself ready to overcomeany potential obstacles. Thisnewfound andefficient func-tionality is not anisolated incident,by any means.Communityleaders havebrought together Matt Young

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skills and knowledge to aid Young andthe council in their fight to ensure itscontinuity.

Jason Barnes, the Cultural AffairsCoordinator for the Calcasieu ParishPolice Jury, became a key figure inopening and reinforcing communica-tion between regional arts organiza-tions and the Police Jury. Young wasthrilled. “For the first time in 2009, thePolice Jury voted unanimously to pro-vide up to $5,000 to non-profits forprojects and events stated in the parisheach year,” he said. “The initial grantadministered by the Arts andHumanities Council totaled $50,000.”

In addition, Shelley Johnson, theExecutive Director of the SouthwestLouisiana Conventions and VisitorsBureau (CVB), has become a strongpartner by providing necessary insightinto the region’s cultural tourism. Thebond between the CVB and the coun-cil continues to grow through a mar-keting and tourism grant, which givesartists and local non-profit organiza-tions the tools needed for exposure andexpansion.

Devastated by the hurricanes,Louisiana’s cultural economy is due fora restoration, and Young is ready. Thestate’s diverse and y unique tradition ofmusic, food, art, literature, etc., is enor-mously dependent on the efforts ofstate legislature, and it is crucial thatthe state comes back stronger andbrighter in order to continue on in artsand humanities.

“After the hurricanes, Louisiana’sartists, musicians, and performers werespread across the country,” said Young.“In order for them to come home,there must be an initial incentive orinvestment made. The comeback ofour state is largely hinged on the come-back of our cultural economy.”

Champagne and Tea fundraiserYoung’s positive attitude is not just

a hopeful way of viewing the council’sfuture. He and the rest of the councilare taking advantage of their renewedsense of what Southwest Louisiana’slocal culture needs by organizing afundraiser in early December. Theywere approached by local artists andorganizations, and their brainstormingefforts yielded a “Champagne and Tea”holiday social, which seeks to returnthe council back to its original pur-pose: To highlight, support, enhanceand aid local organizations and artists.

In conjunction with CharlestonGallery and Antiques, “Champagneand Tea” will be held on Sat., Dec. 12from 2 to 6 p.m. The historical down-town Charleston Hotel will open itsdoors to offer a Christmas shoppingexperience throughout the gallery,hotel lobby, and second floor mezza-nine.

Visitors will be greeted with com-plimentary champagne, tea, and horsd’oeuvres as well as live music. Morethan a dozen local artists, includingSarah Blanchard, Tony Forrest, KevinLeveque, and Candice Alexander, willbe displaying their work and donating20 percent of their sales to the council.By doing so, the artists are re-investingback into the council and local arts andtourism which, in turn, goes back intolocal and regional organizations,artists, performers, musicians, andwriters.

“Many people are still unaware ofthe number of organizations that thecouncil supports,” said Young.“McNeese Banners Series, the LakeCharles Symphony, the Children’sMuseum, the Imperial CalcasieuMuseum, ACTS, and the LouisianaChoral Foundation are only six of liter-ally hundreds of organizations sup-ported by grants administered throughthe Arts and Humanities Council ofSouthwest Louisiana.”

No rest for the councilWhile the future is always uncer-

tain, it’s good to know that Young andthe council are unfazed and are con-stantly in action to expand their effortsin the many investments it makes inthe city. Even now, there is no rest forthe council just yet.

To build on the success of theestablished Downtown CharlestonCultural Products District (CPD), anapplication was sent in to the LouisianaOffice of Cultural Development for aCottage Shops CPD.

“The council is seeking stateapproval for the special district under aprogram created in 2007 to encouragesmart growth by creating small, locallydriven hubs of cultural activity that willcontribute to economic growth andrevitalization,” said Young. In short, artpatrons will enjoy a break from thestate’s sales tax when purchasing origi-nal works of art.

All options are on the table, includ-ing locality. According to Young, thecouncil has been informally offeredgratis office space at an alternativeLake Charles site. “Even thoughCentral School is the logical positionfor the council, it would be foolish tonot first consider the offer, whichwould free up a substantial fraction ofthe operational budget,” said Young.

Young is encouragingly optimisticabout, well, everything. While anxietyover the recession is still rearing itsugly head now and then around town,it’s a relief to know that at least the Artsand Humanities Council is showing itsresilience and resourcefulness withoutmissing a step. Without a doubt, thiswill prove to be its saving grace. TJN


A few more days remain beforeChristmas arrives and local retailersare expecting the return of a holidaytradition: last-minute shoppers. SusieBook, owner of Expressions UniqueGifts & Accessories, said it doesn’tmatter if you shop early, or wait untilthe last minute – her store is preparedto make it easier for everyone.

“With Christmas fast approaching,the pressure to find just the right giftsmay be overwhelming,” she said.“Taking advantage of our personalservice and free gift wrapping willrelieve the stress of holiday shopping.”

Located at 3204 Ryan Street inLake Charles, Expressions has been apopular gift shop for 19 years. Onereason is you can find a wide varietyof fragrance products, as well as bathand body items at the store. Linesinclude: The Thymes, Crabtree &Evelyn, Lolia, Caldrea, Voluspa, SedaFrance, Aspen Bay, Votivo, Orleans,Agraria, Root, and Primal Elements.

AYALA BAR JEWELRYBook said a popular item in the

store is handcrafted Ayala Bar jewelry.“Ayala Bar is a top Israeli designer

who blends natural elements andglass with assorted metals and fab-

rics,” she said. “Expressions has beenfortunate to have carried this design-er’s work for over 12 years. Every sixmonths her line of jewelry is com-pletely different; and, twice a year herentire line is brought into the storefrom Dallas Market for a trunk show.”

She said Expressions will host atrunk show for Ayala Bar jewelry,Dec. 5-6, during regular businesshours. The new season’s collectionfeatures whimsical floral fabrics andbeautiful seasonal colors with someinteresting and unique metal ele-ments as well.

“There is such a following forAyala’s limited edition pieces, theinventory disappears quickly,” Booksaid. “Each piece comes with infor-mation about the artist, and may bebeautifully wrapped for that specialgift.”

Expressions also boasts a largeselection of whimsical, limited-edi-tion holiday items, such as MarkRobert’s Fairies, Katherine’s collectibleornaments, Patience Brewster andChristopher Radko.

Book said even last-minute shop-pers will find a large selection of spe-cial gifts in stock.

“The store is jam packed with the

most original array of gift items avail-able anywhere; and, we know thisbecause of our many customers fromall over the U.S.,” she said.

She has several customers whodrive in from Houston and othernearby cities in Texas to shop atExpressions. Book said many foundher store while visiting area casinos.

“Our customers in Houston sayour prices are so much better,” shesaid.

Book said many of her customersfind her store online at www.expres-sionslc.com and on the social net-working site Facebook.

“We have one lady in Florida whojust calls us and asks us to pick outgifts for her. She just trusts our judg-ment,” she said.

ARTIST AND ENTREPRENEUR Book has an artist’s eye and a

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, too! Infact, it was her original artwork thatled to the opening of Expressions.

“I started selling my artwork at outof town shows on weekends as a wayof earning money while I was still inschool,” she said. “I also workedgraveyard shifts at Wal-mart andwent to college during the day beforeopening a physical location.”

She operated her first local busi-ness out of a small office space in herfather’s office building next to PetroBowl. Shortly after, Book said shedecided to “take the leap” of openinga retail store.

“While driving around looking fora space to lease, I noticed a buildingon Ryan Street that had recently had a

fire,” she said. “I mentioned it to mymother; and coincidently, her familyowned it. My Uncle SammyMonticello had already suggested thatI open Expressions there.”

Book said everything seemed tofall into place. She became an entre-preneur, following in the footsteps ofher family.

“My grandfather, FrankMonticello, built this building in the1950s,” she said. “He passed awaywhen I was born, so it means a lot forme to spend my days in something hebuilt.”

However, a tornado fromHurricane Rita nearly destroyed thebuilding. Book said the entire storefront was missing and the roof waslying in the back parking lot.

“With a complete loss of inventoryand a building in shambles, we weredetermined to pick up the pieces andre-open,” she said. “We re-opened theday after Thanksgiving 2005, with anoverwhelming crowd of customerspouring through the door. We havebeen so busy ever since, I have neverquite had a chance to finish every-thing I wanted to accomplish.”

When she first openedExpressions, Book said everythingwas hand made.

“Now due to a lack of time andbeing a single parent, most of theinventory is made by other artists andmanufacturers,” she said.“Occasionally, I will sneak a piece ofjewelry or pottery into the store that Ifound time to make. One day I hopeto create again. I have endured manyhard times which I would not change,for they have only made me a strongerperson and a better parent.”

By Lisa Yates

Last-minute Shoppers Can Find Help at Expressions

Susie Book, Expressions owner, displays one of Mark Robert’s Fairies.


RECORD SALESBook said each year, including

2009, the store enjoys record sales.What is the secret to her success?

“I can only attribute the success ofthis small business to the wonderful,loyal patrons and employees I havebeen blessed with over the past 19years,” she said. “Expressionsemploys over 15 wonderful womenat this time, including my mother,Marian Book. My mother only helpsus part-time because she works full-time at my father’s law firm, but shehas been an essential part ofExpressions. She is our biggest cheer-leader, organizer and also our biggestcritic.”

The whole staff is friendly andready to help you – even you last-minute shoppers. Whether you arelooking for L.S.U. items for Dad or apersonalized first Christmas orna-ment for baby, Book said you aresure to find it at Expressions.

“The most important thing toremember, next to your shoppinglist, is that it is not the price of thegift that matters, but the thought thatwent in to selecting it,” she said.

For more information, call (337)433-6200, or visit at 3204 Ryan St. inLake Charles. Store hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,Sat. Holiday hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m.,Mon.-Sat.; 1-4 p.m., Sun. Visit onlineat www.expressionslc.com and onFacebook.

TJN


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On Nov. 20, the City of LakeCharles initiated a Request forProposals to private real estatedevelopers to plan, finance, buildand operate a first-class, mixed-usedevelopment on scenic lakefrontproperty in the City’s downtownlakefront development district. TheCity has approximately 50 acres ofwaterfront property to offer privatedevelopers for a high-quality,mixed-use development.

The City will accept responsesbeginning 60 days from the date ofthe request – Nov. 20. The City maynegotiate with one or more devel-opers and accept responses forreview until the entirety of theproperty has been leased for devel-opment.

Said Mayor Randy Roach:“Southwest Louisiana’s economy hasproven remarkably resilient throughrecent hurricanes and the current

national economic downturn. TheRequest for Proposals follows theCity’s intricate and systematic plan-ning since the voters of LakeCharles approved commercialdevelopment of the lakefront in apublic referendum on May 5, 2007.”

The mayor says that he is confi-dent that Southwest Louisiana andthe City of Lake Charles will con-tinue to build as a vital market fornew economic growth as the City

positions itself for successful devel-opment of the downtown lakefront.”

An interactive version of theRequest for Proposals is availableon the City of Lake Charles Website at www.cityoflakecharles.com.For more information, contact LoriMarinovich at 491-1292.

City Requests Proposals to Private Developers

TJN


What’sCookin’

Bacon-wrapped Dates INGREDIENTS• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 1 pound ground lamb or beef• 4 ounces ground pork• 1 tablespoon salt• ¾ tablespoon black pepper• 1 cup finely chopped red onion• ½ cup finely chopped fennel• I tablespoon garlic puree• 1 ½ tablespoons smoked paprika• ½ tablespoon ground cumin• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper• ¼ cup sherry vinegar• ½ cup orange juice• 2 tomatoes, blackened and pureed• 1 ½ tablespoon chipotle chili sauce• ¾ cup finely chopped parsley• 24 pitted Medjool dates• 24 slices of bacon

PREPARATIONHeat the olive oil in a medium skillet over

medium heat. Add the ground lamb, ground pork,salt and black pepper. Sauté until the lamb andpork are brown and crumbly.

Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir inthe fennel and garlic puree. Reduce heat to lowand stir in paprika, cumin and cayenne pepper.Cook for 5 minutes.

Add the vinegar, stirring todeglaze the skillet. Stir in the orangejuice and cook until reduced by three-fourths. Stirin the tomato puree and chipotle chile puree.Simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove from the heat and cool to room tem-perature. Stir in the parsley and chill in the refrig-erator.

Spoon the cool lamb mixture into the datesand wrap each tightly with a slice of bacon. Placeseam side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 385degrees for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

Enjoy!

If you have a recipe and story you

would like to share, e-mail us at

[email protected]

A visit to L’Auberge du Lac is not allabout gambling. The casino/resort is well

known for so many other amenities: Its fabu-lous spa, great pool, VIP suites and villas— andits outstanding restaurants that range from theFar East offerings of Asia to the 5-star gastro-nomical delights of the Snake River Grill.

Phil and I recently had the pleasure ofattending the launch party of L’Auberge’s newcookbook, The Flavor of L’Auberge. Written andpublished by the resort, it’s a collection ofrecipes from or inspired by the chefs and itseight dining venues.

We sampled many of the mouth-wateringofferings, such as bacon-wrapped dates (I thinkthat was my favorite!), cornmeal crusted troutwith Louisiana crawfish sauce, Oysters Rockefeller,and seafood tacos, to name but a few.

The cookbook is now available at Sundriesand Desserts for just $39.99. It can also be pur-

chased online at www.shopdulac.com, or by call-ing (866) 779-7795.

Since this was my favorite, I thought thatsome of you out there would like to try thebacon-wrapped dates. It’s from the Snake RiverGrill—and would make a perfectholiday appetizer!

The Flavor of L’Auberge

TJN


ebekah Dressler and hermother Sharlene Boyle, own-

ers of 505 Imports, know that home iswhere the heart is, which is evident inthe steady flow of design-savvy cus-tomers who are looking to revamp,refurbish and remodel their abodeswith inspirational pieces found attheir store.

Boyle said their customers reallyappreciate their homes and want tocreate a special place for family and

friends. Even with the economy thepast year, she said people aren’t neces-sarily looking for the least expensiveroute, but rather, they want to makesure that they are spending theirmoney wisely - they want good quali-ty at a fair price.

Her No. 1 design tip: Adopt the“frugal chic” way of life.

“Buy only the pieces you love –furniture or objects that speak to youor represent you,” she said. “Find apiece that makes you say: ‘That’s me.’In this economy, there’s no room forexcess or extravagance.”

Green, organic and eco-friendly

Are you thinking of buying somenew furniture this year? If so, makean environmentally smart selection.Eco-awareness in décor and furniturepurchases is a strong design trend for2010, and the designs at 505 Importsare representative of the movementtowards green, organic and eco-friendly materials and fabrics.

Dressler doesn’t believe you cancall “green” a trend anymore, butinstead, a new way of life that is

catching on in every area. In fact, shesaid many of her corporate Business-to-Business clients have “gone green.”

“Many companies are instituting aphilosophy of sustainability and wantfurnishings to reflect their business-es,” she said.

She said the store’s Business-to-Business design service is a wholesaleprogram where corporate clients canqualify for discounts – up to 40 per-cent on wood furniture. Stellar Beansand Renew Medical Spa are two localbusinesses to take advantage of thisprogram.

Rebekah Dressler and

Sharlene Boyle, owners of

505 Imports in Lake Charles.

RStory by Lisa Yates, photos courtesy of 505 Imports


The owner of Stellar Beans con-tacted Dressler to create a spacereflective of the organically growncoffees and teas featured at his coffeeshop. So she used furnishings done innatural and organic materials: a sofaand chairs upholstered in organic cot-ton; and, reclaimed teak coffee tableand end tables.

Dressler said the team at 505 alsostyled the waiting room at RenewMedical Spa. She said the inspirationwas to create a spa-like retreat fortherapeutic services.

“They feature an organic skin careline and their furnishings reflect that,”she said. “It’s very Zen-like and relax-ing.”

She said 505 also offers compli-mentary design services for retail cus-tomers.

“We have a designer who workswith our store, and she can be calledin for special projects,” Dressler said.“Also, my mom and I are available togo to homes to give advice or a com-plete design.”

A strong movetowards individuality

Boyle said there’s a strong movetowards individuality in home décor.She said design schemes are moreversatile than ever today.

“A very visual trend emerging inthe home is having items placedwhere consumers want them, notnecessarily where they were intendedto be used,” she said. For example:

• Chaise lounges have moved fromthe bedroom to the living room.

• TVs are in bathrooms, laundryrooms and kids’ rooms.

• Mini fridges and specialty coffeemakers are being integrated in bed-room settings.

• No more huge executive desks,thanks to pull-up furniture and tuck-away trays, a home office can be any-where.

Gone are the rooms with four orfive pieces of a single style in a uni-fied wood species. Boyle said“matchy-matchy” furniture is outdat-ed. Instead, she said today’s home-owners are mixing it up with aban-don.

“Avoid dining room ‘sets’ and mixit up,” she advises. “A long bench orbanquette can be more flexible andfun than matched chairs. Or youcould match your chairs, but makeyour table different.”

More and more people are optingfor custom-built furniture, which isavailable at 505 Imports. Boyle saidany of the designs at 505 (Bohemian,Coastal Cottage, French Villa,Nature-Inspired or Rustic Redefined)can be customized and built to specif-ic color and dimensions.

“If you like a piece of furnitureyou see, but you need itto be longer,

or taller, or shorter, why not have itbuilt?” she asked. “One man resistedcustomer-ordering because he didn’twant to wait. But after two years oflooking for something that didn’texist, he decided to have it built.”

Wanting to speed up the custom-order process for 505 customers,Dressler traveled to Indonesia inAugust and September, where shespent 35 days at one of the company’smanufacturing facilities and institut-ed some big changes.

“This is the first time we’ve hadcomplete control of that facility,” shesaid, noting a partnership with otherowners had been dissolved. “As aresult, our turnaround time for customorders has decreased dramatically.”

Dressler’s manufacturing facilityin India has been running smoothlyfor three years without delays in cus-tom orders.

A one-of-a-kind table made of reclaimed teak in Indonesia from the Tsunami.An 18” feather wreath, $9.95.

Teak PlankedCoffee Table

A crystal magnet,$10.95.

A standing fleur-de-lis

accent piece.


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“However, 75 percent of our cus-tom furniture came from Indonesia,”she said. “People are starting to see adifference now.”

It takes approximately four to sixmonths to get in custom orders -about the time it takes to build ahouse. You can bring your blueprintsto 505 and let the store’s expertsdesign custom furniture for your newhome.

Dressler said a local residentrecently did that. He built a huntinglodge in Hackberry and furnished itcompletely with custom-designedpieces from 505 Imports.

“He brought us his plans for athree-story hunting lodge and wedesigned furniture to fit with plans,”she said. “His furniture arrived whenthe house was finished. It worked outperfect.”

Color and texture add interest

Boyle suggested blending con-trasting colors, textures and surfacesfor a distinctly customized look.

She is seeing different colors oncabinets and different countertop sur-faces within the same kitchen. Forexample, a kitchen island can bepainted an accent color or the cabi-nets on either side of the cook topcan be stained instead of painted. Thecountertops may be granite and theisland countertop a very functionalbutcher block. The possibilities areendless.

Boyle suggested using armoiresand other pieces of painted furniturein place of some kitchen cabinets.

“Use them for storage or display -to bring that added factor of personalwarmth to a space and to avoid the‘kitchen cookie cutter’ look,” she said.

Dressler agreed painted furniture isa huge trend for 2010.

“Painted furniture like a greenhutch really pops,” she said. “It adds aburst of needed color in a sea ofbrown. You can do the same with a redchair – it adds some spice to a room.”

She said lime-washed furniture isone of the most important looks inpainted furniture today, and it’s fea-tured at 505 Imports.

The design at Stellar Beans features a sofa and chairs upholstered in organic cotton, with a coffee table and end table of reclaimed teak.

A custom gift basket w/ bath salts,body wash, shea butter soap, a

pumice stone, a pine cone ornament,clam shell pill box.

A waste basket made of reclaimed teak wood, $42.95.


Please contact the special services and equalityoffice at least 72 hours before any home event torequest accommodations for individuals with dis-abilities. This includes the need for materials inan alternative format such as large print orBraille, sign language interpreters, accessibleseating, and accessible parking information.Ph: (337) 475-5428.

Women’s Basketball vs. Paul Quinn CollegeLake Charles Civic CenterWednesday, Dec. 9 @ 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball vs. Centenary Toys for Tots GameBurton ColiseumSaturday, Dec. 19 @ 2 p.m.

soiree & special event design • planning • productionmanagement • organizing • staging • menu development

from the unique to the chicWe Can Handle All Your Special Occassions

Contact Bree Robinson For Your Consultation

337.214.3966

www.aposhplan.com [email protected]

What is lime wash? Lime wash is a100 percent natural, eco-friendly paint.

Limestone, a calcium-based miner-al, is combined with water to form asimple, natural paint that forms aunique, glowing finish. Lime washactually sinks into the surface of thefurniture, leaving a coat of calciumcrystals that wears off the surface overtime and creates a characteristicantique look. Newer lime washes aremore durable, washable, and longerlasting that those that came beforethem - have even been used for therestoration and preservation of nation-al monuments!

Parakeet yellow, smoky blue, hon-eycomb, turquoise, savage (olive)green, ivory linen, white sand and grayskies … these are THE interior colorsfor 2010! These are a few of the newpaint colors and stains Dressler devel-oped on her last trip to Indonesia.

“We have 12 new paint colors andfive new stains,” she said. “We have200 frames, 600 fabric upholsterychoices and you can add fringe or awhole host of other custom options.Our customers tell us we offer thebest choices in town.”

She also added two new productlines – Vintage View and Cebu!

Boyle said the trend is towardsvibrant colors with lots of pop andsizzle.

“Bright-colored sofas are front andcenter in today’s living rooms,” shesaid. “There are no more neutral sofaswith brightly colored throw pillows.Hint: Get a red sofa!”

Of course, vibrant colors need tobe tempered with neutrals to makethem grounded and livable.

At furniture markets in New York,Boyle said gray was featured as the“new neutral” in home interiors. Grayhas been on the rise in women’s fash-ion as a replacement for black as itsoftens the harsh edges – the sametheory crosses over to home interiordecorating.

A set of crystal magnets,$19.95.

A recycled beer bottletea light holder, $25.95.

Floating feather ornaments, $4.95 to $5.95.


With over 12 years experience in the field of speech pathology, Sonya is an expert in the areas of swallowing, communication,and voice disorders. Some of the disorders she treats are listed below. To find out if she can help your loved one, please callour clinic at (337)478-5880.

Pediatrics Adults/GeriatricsCerebral Palsy Speech and Swallowing Recovery following StrokeAutism Speech Retraining following LaryngectomyTraumatic Brain Injury Recovery from Traumatic Brain InjuryStuttering Voice Disorder/Professional Voice TrainingSpeech and Swallowing for Cleft Palate Speech and Swallowing Programs for Parkinsons Disease Speech and Language Delay Communication Device selection for degenerative diseases

Call today for more information or to schedule an appointment with Sonya at 478-5880.

From left to right: Jill Willis,PTA; Sonya M.

Brooks, MA, CCC-SLP;Kim B. Anderson, PT,

DPT; Mika Doucet, LOTR,MOT; and seated EmilyD. Pelican, MS, CF-SLP.

Left to right: Cindy Istre, Office Manager and Cyndy Lirette, Administrative Assistant.

SONYA BROOKS, SPEECH –LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

“Gray is the hot neutral to showcase thebright furniture – a twist on the hot metallicsfor the year,” she said.

The combination of the refined look ofgray and a subtle metallic is a strong trendboth in modern and traditional settings.

Boyle said a trendy “must have” is somesort of metallic. Throw a little (or a lot) ofmetallic in with any color, texture, or style,and she said you have hit upon one of thebiggest trends in home decorating. Metallicsadd a bit of sparkle and luxe to any setting,modern or traditional.

AccessoriesEven the most beautiful homes need key

accessories to create a space with great design.Boyle said pick pieces that you love and wouldlike to see waiting for you when you comehome each day.

“Use an odd number of accessories – threeor five – and choose sparingly,” she advised.“Don’t overdo or you’ll soon have clutter.”

To make an impact, Dressler said smallcollections of objects should be displayed ingroups, not arrayed here and thee throughoutthe room. She suggested an étagère, or a book-case, for mementos and decorative accessoriesthat otherwise have no place to go.

“One way to de-clutter your space is to usemore bookcases,” she said. “Putting acces-sories into bookcases makes your home look

clean and clutter-free. Bookcases can be usedfor more than just books.”

She said to shop for bookcases that offerboth strength and character. Her store carriesfurniture of reclaimed woods, includingcarved architectural pieces from India.

When shopping for furniture, Dressler saidlook for functional pieces with shelves, draw-ers and other storage areas. She said someottomans have storage beneath a lidded top,providing space for stowing magazines orCDs.

Another tip: go big with accessories.“Big makes a statement,” Dressler said. “Go

for the ‘Wow!’ That’s what we’re known for at505.”

From lighting to artwork and great conver-sation pieces, 505 Imports has amazing acces-sories to update any room.

An instant conversation starter is thestore’s Loro Bloryno statues. Dressler pickedthem up during her last trip to Indonesia.

“They are traditional wedding gifts inIndonesia,” she said. “The more carvings onthe statues, the more wealth, success, happi-ness and love the couple will have in theirmarriage – the tradition goes.”

Gifts for the holidaysUnique and affordable gifts are definitely

the trend for this holiday season. At 505 Imports, hand-selected pieces from

Tree decorations and collectibles at

505 Imports.


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the last New York market share thespotlight with one-of-a-kind furnish-ings for a variety of gifts you won’tfind anywhere else in SouthwestLouisiana.

“We looked for unusual, yet glam-orous, beautiful gifts that were afford-able,” Boyle said.

Look for eco-friendly holiday giftsat 505, including one of Boyle’sfavorites: a tea light holder fashionedfrom a recycled beer bottle, whichretails for $25.95.

“When you light the tea light, thewhole thing glows – it’s really beauti-ful,” she said.

She said there’s also plenty of dec-orative gift items for less than $20,including: a slate wine tag gift set for$12; floating feather ornaments from$4.95 to $5.95; 18-inch featherwreaths for $9.95; a crystal magnetfor $10.95, or a set of crystal magnetsfor $19.95.

Custom gift baskets are also avail-able to fit any budget!

For more gift ideas, visit 505’sonline store at www.505imports.comand sign up for the monthly newslet-ter, which features special offers.

Everything at 505 is aboutimproving the quality of life and help-ing to make a house a home.

Dressler and Doyle believe that ifwe live in a healthy environment thatis also aesthetically pleasing and func-tional, we create a strong foundationto enjoy our lives and families.

For more information about 505Imports, call (337) 480-6505, or visitonline at www.505imports.com; or at1776 Prien Lake Road, Suite G, in LakeCharles. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.,Mon.-Sat.; 1-5 p.m., Sun. Also, readmore about 505 Imports online atwww.thejambalayanews.com in theBayou Biz section of Vol. 1, No. 1.

A slate wine tag gift set, $12.

Rebekah Dressler working with a wood carver in Indonesia to create a custom piece for 505 Imports.

TJN


DO YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTHCARE REFORM?Submit your questions and join the League of Women Voters at a Town Hall

Meeting Mon., Dec. 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury room.Mike Bertaut, SR Healthcare Intelligence Analyst of Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA

will answer questions about the proposed healthcare reform bill.

Submit questions to [email protected]. For additional info contact Lollion Elmer, LWV Public Relations.

Office: 439-3896 Fax: 436-8904

Thanksgiving seems an appropriatetime to pause and express AssociatedLouisiana Artists’ (ALA) and my per-sonal gratitude to everyone in the LakeArea who contributed to the outstand-ing success of 2009 Affaire d’Art.Affaire d’Art is our largest annualfundraiser. Not only does it keep thelights on and promote art awarenessand quality programs at Gallery by theLake; it also contributes to an MSU artscholarship, thus supporting the futureof Southwest Louisiana.

Thanks to our door prize sponsors:Accessory Zone, Aesthetic Center ofSWLA – Dr. Mark Crawford, A-Mazen Seafood, GLOW Salon &Wellness Spa, Gordon’s Drugs & FineGifts, Mayor Randy Roach, RobertLandry’s Service Tire & Auto of MossBluff, Inc., ROLY POLY Sandwiches,Salon Evans, Simon Property Group –Prien Lake Mall and Social Denim.

Special thanks to: ALA ArtistMembers & Board of Directors, BillyNavarre, Coca Cola Bottling Company,H. Lynn Jones, Sam’s Club, the FrameHouse and Gallery, Gap Broadcasting,The Jambalaya News, and certainly notleast, our distinguished roster of art

donors and ticket purchasers.To our artists: Every single donat-

ed piece helped us meet and exceedlast year’s success. Without the art,there would have been no reason tosell tickets.

To our ticket purchasers: Each oneof you has ensured the future of art inSouthwest Louisiana.

Art plays a vital role in any culture.Art helps people of all ages and abili-ties to express themselves nonverbally.Art helps schoolchildren learn towrite, growing our productive work-force for every industry. Art con-tributes to healing and recovery fromeverything from hospitalization todaily stress to hurricanes, and at everylevel: physically, mentally, emotionallyand spiritually. Cradle to grave, art islike Mardi Gras, it helps us to celebratelife. My heartfelt thanks to you, eachand every one, for keeping art alive inSouthwest Louisiana!

— Belinda Y. Hughes,Corresponding Secretary

For Associated Louisiana Artists(ALA)

A Thank You from Belinda Hughes and ALA

TJN


1. High Design + Sustainability isHOT!! Organic, natural materials arein! Fake wood is out!

2. Sculptural objects or furniture piecesthat are dynamic in shape are in.

3. Mixing furniture materials is a hugetrend. (Woods with sea grass, etc.)

4. Furniture takes on a new finish withmetallics.

5. Vibrant furniture colors are in. (Newcolors at 505: parakeet, smoky blue,honeycomb, turquoise, savage green,gray skies.)

6. Bright sofas are front and center inliving room furniture. No more neutralsofas with brightly colored throw pil-lows. (Hint: Get a red sofa!)

7. Gray is the hot neutral to showcasethe bright furniture – a twist on the hotmetallics for the year.

8. Tradition with a Twist. Updatedshapes keep traditional roots and mixfun with formality.

9. Contrasts are huge! Use dark mod-ern finishes against light colored wallsor pair smooth against rough textures.

10. Desire and appreciation for artisanpieces and one-of-a kind decor andfurniture is in.

What’s In,What’s Out:

Top 10 Furniture Design Trends

By Sharlene Boyle

TJN


I know how much blood, sweat and tears go into owningyour own business. I’ve been an entrepreneur since I sold cher-ries in my front yard at the age of nine. It’s a lot of work, but itcan be so rewarding when it becomes successful.

Unfortunately, a potentially good business can fall by thewayside if you don’t have a good marketing plan.

When promoting your business, be sure you consider the dif-ferent types of media available, and how to reach your potentialcustomers.

You need to put a lot of thought into advertising. There aremany ways to advertise, and each tell a different story aboutyour business. Marketing agencies can also help you decidewhere to spend your advertising dollars.

BillboardsYou may want to consider billboards. Electronic billboards

are the latest thing. You only get a few sec-onds, but you sure can make a state-ment. I can’t help but wonder howmuch of that information we’reactually able to retain.

We’re concentratingon driving (hopeful-ly), we may be lis-tening to theradio, we may be

thinking about our day or where we’re going. We might evenhave some screaming children in the backseats! I tested myselfonce and tried to think about what billboards I saw on the wayhome. Try it yourself and see if you can remember. Also thinkabout where you saw them, what was around the sign, and whatkind of feeling you got when you saw the sign. Remember, effec-tive advertising is about emotions!

What energy do you feel when you’re at a McNeese footballgame? Relate that energy to your business. If it fits, you maywant to advertise during a McNeese game! What about aSwashbucklers game? Do you want people to associate yourcompany with that type of high energy? Let potential customerssee you there!

TelevisionThen, there’s television. Again, you don’t get much time, but

you can use it effectively. If you have a charismatic personality,television can work for you. Unfortunately, I see a lot of peopleon television that should not be there. Boring is the word. It’s too

easy today to skip commercials. If you can’t grab someone’sattention in a few seconds, don’t even think about television

until you can either master the technique, or leave yourselfout of the picture entirely, and let the studio create

one for you.

By Phil de Albuquerque


RadioRadio is another avenue. I listen to the

radio all the time as I drive to Fort Polk formy job, or even just driving around town. Italso keeps me alert if I’m returning fromLeesville after a long day. I’m one of those sta-tion jumpers. I don’t look at the numbers. Ijust scan for a good song. Advertisers betterbe there after a good song or they’ve lost me.I’m on to the next station. But again, if youhave a catchy ad, radio can be very effectiveon the right station. Consider the type ofmusic on the station and the type of peoplewho listen to it. Is that your potential cus-tomer? Your local stations can help you withthat information.

PrintWhy do I like print advertising?

Because I can have a publication lay-ing around the house or office andlook at it whenever I’d like. It’s therewhen the opportunity arises. I’m sobusy with two full-time jobs,shopping for our home and busi-nesses, caring for our pets, andjust going crazy, so it’s great to sitback with a glass of wine at the endof a hectic day, reach for a paper andread some uplifting news. That’s theadvertising that works for me. Butagain, I may not be the customer you’relooking for.

Summing upBefore spending your valuable advertising

dollars, think about your potential customersand their habits. What radio station do youthink they listen to? How about television?What publications do they pick up? If you’renot sure, start finding out. Do some researchon your current customers. They can lead youto more potential customers. With a little bitof thinking, you can maximize the effective-ness of your advertising dollars and add moremoney to your bottom line! TJN


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W RLDA Greener

Going Green For the HolidaysBy Lauren de Albuquerque

Have you been dreaming of a Green Christmas? Well,now you can turn your dreams into a reality. No, youdon’t have to go off the deep end and wrap all your giftsin newspaper, but there are plenty of things you can do tomake this holiday season a little more earth-friendly.

Light it upEveryone loves to decorate their houses with colorful,

blinking holiday lights. But a lot of folks tend to go over-board. Remember Chevy Chase messing with all thosewires and bulbs in National Lampoon’s ChristmasVacation? Really, you don’t have to do that. You can lightup the exterior of your home without being so ostenta-tious. Less is better, and you’ll save on your electric bill.

Another money saver is to choose LEDs (light-emit-ting diodes) instead of incandescent bulbs. They’re moreexpensive, but last much longer and use 80 to 90 percentless power than conventional mini bulbs.

But outdoor mini-lights will also save energy. A 100-light string uses only 40 watts. If you’re buying a new setof lights, compare based on equal “lighted lengths.” Somehigher priced brands have 100 mini-lights for only 8 1/2feet of length, while some 100 mini-light strings cover upto 40 feet in length.

Make sure your turn off your outdoor lighting at bed-

time. It’s a waste of energy to leave the holiday lights onat night when no one’s awake to enjoy them.

O Christmas treeA lot of us have the misconception that it’s more

eco-friendly to buy an artificial tree that will be usedfor years rather than get a real one every year. Thisisn’t so.

Most artificial Christmas trees are manufacturedin China. The amount of pollution emitted intothe environment to simply ship the artificialtrees from China far outweighs the environ-mental cost of transporting live trees.

Even if you purchase an American-madeproduct, remember that artificial trees aremade from PVC, plastic, and other non-biodegradable materials. The manufac-turing and production of artificial treesemits dioxins, a by-product of PVC.Dioxin is the most toxic man-madechemical on earth.

There are so many eco-ben-efits when you purchase thereal deal. While they’re grow-ing, the trees replenish the air


Calcasieu Parish has the highest child abuse rate in the state.

If you suspect that a child is being abused, call your local police department immediately.

You can make the difference in a child’s life.

with oxygen. Did you know that justone acre of Christmas trees producesenough oxygen to support 18 people?

Tree farms provide a habitat forbirds and other wildlife. Due to theirhardiness, Christmas trees are oftenplanted where few other plants grow,thereby increasing soil stability. Foreach Christmas tree cut on treefarms, two or three new seedlings areplanted. On average, 40 millionChristmas trees are planted annually.

However, the best way to be kindto the earth is getting a living tree,either in a pot or root ball. PottedChristmas trees retain all roots andare easily planted back into theground after the holiday season isover. You can also keep the pottedtree outside and bring it in againnext year. How convenient is that?

Recycle your treeTo avoid discarding old

Christmas trees in landfills, wherethey consume space, or incineratingthem, which pollutes the air, considercomposting or mulching your tree. Itcan be ground up and used in gar-

dens, on trails, or in animal stalls.Old trees can also be used as sand

and erosion barriers on beaches,which is a huge necessity here on theGulf Coast.

Eco-friendly decorationsYou can have a beautifully deco-

rated tree and still be green. Forstarters, use energy-saving LEDlights, and only keep them on whenyou’re around to enjoy your tree.

Consider edible garlands of cran-berries and popcorn instead of thosemade of plastic. Citrus slices and gin-gerbread men can be hung from thetree. Actually, any dried fruit will do.These are especially useful if youhave a living tree that can then beplanted outdoors to feed the localwildlife.

Homemade ornaments are morespecial than store-bought and willbecome treasured keepsakes, espe-cially if made by your children.

Green giftsLook for locally made gifts. We’re

so lucky to live in a region that has so

much to offer. Buying gifts made bylocal artisans and craftspeople sup-port the artists in our area, boostsour local economy, and eliminatesthe carbon emissions caused by ship-ping.

Stop by the farmer’s market andpick up preserves, spices, sauces,handmade soaps and other home-grown items. If you bake a wonderfuldessert that everyone loves, whip upa few for friends. Of course, if youknit, crochet, do woodwork, etc., thisis the time to show off your skills andcreate unique gifts that the recipientswill treasure.

There are always people on yourlist who either have everything or aredifficult to shop for. Instead of buy-ing them something that they don’treally need that may quickly end upin a landfill, give them an experience:A gift certificate to their favoriterestaurant, a massage, a manicureand pedicure—you get the picture.They’ll definitely use it!

To wrap or not to wrapWrapping paper is a huge waste—

it’s used once and then thrown in thetrash. I love gift bags, because theycan be used over and over again, notto mention you don’t have to spendall that time wrapping. Naturally, areally large box probably will have tobe wrapped, but gift bags come in alot of different sizes to fulfill most ofyour needs. If you must wrap, look inflea markets and thrift stores for vin-tage wrapping paper, which can oftenbe nicer than the newer products outthere.

Thrift stores have loads of oldChristmas tins and baskets that areperfect for food and dessert gifts—and many other items. Also, saveyour old holiday cards. You can reusethem to make gift tags, since mostpeople don’t write on the back of thefront of the card.

Speaking of cards, you can buycards printed on recycled paper,handmade papers, or paper madefrom materials like hemp. You canalso purchase cards that donate aportion of the proceeds to a goodcause. TJN


With childlike innocence, my six-year old daughter asked me one day,“Daddy, were The Beatles real?”

The question, like a punch in thenose from reality, sent me reeling for afew seconds. My mind was taken aback,not recoiling in horror at the question, but merelyan acknowledgement to a pivotal point in mychild’s life. I sensed her fragile, second-gradermind burst a tiny bubble of consciousness to theworld around her, and that she had attained onestep towards the rock and roll world and ancientpop cultural enlightenment.

I was ready to write off her generation and theprevious one as doomed. My daughter hadalready experienced the modern pop-cultureworld through the likes of Britney Spears,Hannah Montana and the latest Disney formulaic“talent.” Certainly, I thought, never would theseyounger generations know of the true talent ofmany classic rock artists like The Beatles. Thereare so many bands out there nowadays that onecan discover a new one every minute and noteven scratch the surface. But in the whole of rockhistory, there have only been a few bands thatever really mattered.

At times, I have often felt like Jack Black’scharacter in the movie School of Rock, question-ing whether or not the younger generation really

knows anything about rock music or much lesshow to “rock out.”

In my day, rocking out may have entailed theobligatory “air guitar” shredding. Nowadays,kids do not need to air guitar, and I fear thatgenerations of air guitarists may have becomeoutmoded, and it’s now some forgotten instru-ment of a forgotten art. Even the occasional useof incorporating a tennis racket into amakeshift guitar has fallen by the wayside. Withgames like GuitarHero and RockBand, theplastic toy gui-tar accompa-nied by achoice gaming

By T.C. Elliott


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system will become the trainingwheels for rocking that my genera-tion never had.

Back to my daughter’s question.“Yes.” I answered her smiling, “TheBeatles were very real.”

Her question came after hours ofus playing The Beatles: Rock Bandvideo game on the Nintendo Wiitogether, where she accompanied meon the drums. With me being amusician and songwriter, my daugh-ter has been around bands andmusic her whole life. She has toldme that she wants to be my drum-mer someday, and I always tell herthat would be great.

Through this game, she has expe-rienced “Beatlemania,” albeit digitalBeatlemania. She did not just witnessThe Beatles on Ed Sullivan, as didmany young people from generationsbefore, but she played the drums forthem! This game transcends genera-tions and is a great homage to the cul-tural icons from Liverpool thatchanged the world. For all of the fan-tasy games out there, this one issteeped in reality. I don’t think thatmy daughter will ever zap invadersfrom space or run from ghosts whileeating pellets in a maze, but she maybe in a band one day, or play andappreciate good music.

The New York Times claims thatThe Beatles: Rock Band: “may be themost important video game yetmade.” And I agree. Any game thatdoes not isolate and insulate a child isan achievement and well worth theprice. But a game that can bring afamily together for hours of enjoy-ment is priceless.

The Beatles: Rock Band does thisand so much more. Not only is thegame exposing the doomed youth oftoday to the music of Lennon andMcCartney, it’s also a gateway toinspiring future generations to pickup real guitars. And by the time theyget around to picking up one, maybethey’ll have rhythms down as well assome basic idea of fingering move-ments. In other words, had I beenplaying Guitar Hero or Rock Band asa youth, I honestly think I would be abetter guitar player today.

For example, my daughter wantsto be a drummer one day. The RockBand game comes with basically a 4-piece digital drum kit and stickscomplete with a bass or kickpedal. So now, she’s been prac-ticing playing with five differ-ent drum heads and getting afeel for rock rhythms. I figureby the time she’s 11, she’ll be adecent drummer, and that’s

good, because daddy may need adrummer then.

Since playing the game, mydaughter has now watched A HardDay’s Night, The Beatles’ first movie,twice. Trying to get a kid to watch ablack-and-white foreign film thesedays is quite an accomplishment. So,after much thought, she had to askanother good question: “Daddy, whywere all those girls screaming andchasing The Beatles?” I honestly don’tknow the answer to that question, butI told her that someday, she would.

Growing up a child of babyboomers, I was raised with TheBeatles music in and out of my younglife. I can remember playing my firstBeatles song at about the age of 9 or10 with my father. He was on theacoustic guitar and singing, and I wasplaying on a real drum kit thatbelonged to my uncle. Weplayed “One

After 909” from the Let It Be album,and there is recorded proof of this ontape somewhere.

Flash forward 25 years to theyear 2009. My father came over tovisit recently and we simply had toshow him the new video game. Wecame together, three generations ofthe Elliott family playing “YellowSubmarine.” I on the guitar, mydaughter on drums and her grandfa-ther singing the songs of his child-hood. A splendid time was had byall. And in the end, the love you takeis equal to the love you make. Howwonderful: A video game witha moral and a happyending. TJN


Sports Report

By Brandon Shoumaker

Sponsored by

Most newspaper articles and Websites I’ve read say that there are at leastfive keys to any successful relationship.

You could probably take a goodguess at them and get them mostlycorrect, but, in case you’re busy, I’lljust tell you the keys. The five univer-sal building blocks of relationships arecommunication, honesty, trust,respect and dependability.

Pretty bland and boring, I think. But

I find that, in my personal experience,these platitudes are fairly accurate. Theyalso transcend romantic relationships,what you are most likely thinking aboutright now.

You could apply these five words toany kind of relationship, whether it’swork or school or college football.

What’s that, you say? What do youmean, “college football?”

Sure. Say you’re a college footballcoach. Obviously, you’ve got to not onlybe able to communicate with your play-ers and fellow coaches, but also withfans and the media. Honesty is some-times a shady proposition in the collegecoaching ranks but, in general, you’d

want to be honest with your players andcoaches (maybe not so much the fans ormedia) because that builds what, gang?

Trust. Correctamundo. The playershave to trust that you know what you’redoing and that you’re not going to gorunning after the first available NFLcoaching position. The fans have to trustthat you are going to build their teaminto a winner and that they aren’t wast-ing their hard-earned money on ticketsand fan gear. Once you earn that trust,then you begin to earn respect and, ifyou do all the previous steps consistent-ly, you get to be known as a dependablecoach.

How about a real-life example? Let’suse LSU head coach Les Miles.

Uh, wait a minute. Is it just me, ordoes anybody else feel that, in light ofrecent events, Miles might not be thebest example, after all?

I mean, his relationship with LSU’sfans is starting to feel like an episode ofJon & Kate Plus 8. The Final Episode.Who knows what the status of his rela-tionship is with the team.

And the debacle LSU suffered at thehands of Ole Miss this season prettymuch encapsulates all that has gonewrong between Miles and Tigers fans.

Take a look. LSU trailed 25-23 withthe ball in field goal range at theRebels’ 32-yard line and a little over aminute to try and win the game. TheTigers then lost 16 yards on threeplays—-an incomplete pass, a JordanJefferson sack and a 7-yard loss on a

Losing Trust

DECEMBER 3, 2009 PAGE 41Volume 1 • Issue 18 Sports Report

screen pass to Steven Ridley.What happened next hits at the first

of the relationship keys. The clock con-tinued to run after the play to Ridley,and LSU needed to call timeout imme-diately after Ridley was ruled down andthe play was over. But, for 17 agonizing,tortuous seconds, no timeout wascalled until, mercifully, Miles got theclock stopped with 9 seconds remain-ing in the game.

Why did it take so long? Lack ofcommunication.

“Timeouts were being called verbally,but I didn’t relate to the official appar-ently, and that was a mistake,” Miles saidafter the game. “We didn’t know (thetimeout) hadn’t been called.”

Wow. The head coach didn’t knowthe clock hadn’t stopped. Awkward.

But it still wasn’t over. Jefferson com-pleted an unthinkable pass to TerranceToliver to give LSU the ball at the OleMiss 5 with just 1 second left. All LSUneeded was to get the field goal team onthe field as quickly as possible, set thingsup and kick a potential game-winningfield goal. Or, call it Plan B, line theoffense up, snap the ball and take a shotat the end zone.

LSU did none of those things. Oh,the Tigers offense lined up all right. Andthey snapped the ball. But, instead ofthrowing for a possible touchdown,Jefferson spiked the ball into the ground,running out the clock and giving theRebels the win.

Wha…? What happened? There issome grainy, Zapruder-esque videoevidence out there which suggests thatMiles himself may have called for thespike. Either that, or he was practicingsome sort of interpretive dance on thesidelines.

What say you, Jordan Jefferson?“(The coaches) had a lot of com-

munication going on. Time was run-ning out. I mean, it was just a lot ofconfusion.”

Okay, so Miles did not communi-cate well with his team, the othercoaches nor the referees and it costLSU a chance at a top-tier (maybe notBCS, but close) bowl game. At thevery least, you thought he’d comeclean about maybe calling for thespike, take his lumps and move on.

“I do not know who told[Jefferson] to clock it,” he said.

Oh, boy.That was the story until the Monday

after when, after a Warren Commissionmeeting of team representatives and themedia, it was determined that a gradu-ate assistant signaled for the spike afterhearing from an assistant coach in thepress box that Ole Miss had too manymen on the field.

Uh huh.In any case, the video, combined with

Miles’ denial, made him look like a big,

fat liar. This illusion of dishonesty iswhat has fanned embers of disliketoward Miles among some Tiger fansinto a scorching wildfire of animosity.

The best thing Miles could have doneat the press conference was to have justadmitted that, while he didn’t make thespike call, he knew it came from upstairsand he failed to communicate toJefferson to run a play instead.

But he didn’t. Now he’s got anangry segment of Tiger fans callingfor his head and that’s not good forthe program.

On a positive note, Miles did own upto his team after the game, telling the

players that it was his fault mistakeswere made and that he blamed no onebut himself. And with that he kept therespect of his players.

“I respect him,” Ridley said. “Anyhead coach that does that in front ofthe team and in front of the assistants,that comes up there and says, ‘This wasmy fault,’ it takes a lot for somebody toswallow their pride and say, ‘I messedsomething up.’”

But saying “Sorry” won’t makethings right for those angry Tiger fansjumping off the Miles bandwagon. Hedidn’t communicate his regret imme-diately, he seemed dishonest when he

was asked about the events of thegame’s final minute and, with that, helost the trust and respect of a portionof his team’s fan base.

Let me tell you, that group of fanswon’t forgive or forget.

That’s something you can depend on.

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate ofMcNeese State University and has coveredsports for more than seven years for vari-ous publications. Coaches or parents withstory tips may contact Brandon [email protected] or send him amessage on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

Sports ReportTJN


You can find healthy ways to havefun with your dog in Canine Sports& Games by Kristin Mehus-Roe.Besides giving both you and your dogthe exercise you need, these activitieswill help you bond with your “bestfriend.” The author covers dog nutri-tion, fundamental commands, train-ing, rules of the games, safety precau-tions, necessary equipment and relat-ed organizations, and she even sup-plies anecdotes. There are chartswhere you can find the right sport oractivity for each dog’s personality,

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Treats for Dog Lovers

breed and abilities,from digging andjumping to herd-ing and hunting.The book includes19 games that relyon either agility,obedience,instinct, strengthor other doggonetalents.

Writes theauthor, “Dogs par-ticipate in dogsports becausethey like to runand play and, moreimportant, becausethey like to be with their people. It iseasy to be swept up in the idea thatone or another particular sport willfinally fulfill your dog, but the fact is,dogs don’t need to be fulfilled in thesame way humans do. If you wantthem to play Frisbee, sure, they’ll playFrisbee. But they are also happy to lollon the couch next to you, fetch a ballin the backyard, or just be invited inthe car when you run to the store.”

Patriots will enjoy Giv: The Storyof a Dog and America” by BostonTeran. This episodic novel follows adog across the country, going from

one owner to another as he’s stolen,lost and found again. The story is across between Lassie, Forrest Gumpand a documentary on American his-tory, only with crime and abuse. Thebook includes a remembrance of9/11, a run-in with HurricaneKatrina, and a stop at the Texas BookDepository in Dallas. The author callsit a “mural of American life.”

The writing is often lyrical and attimes almost too poetic: “See the dog.He is old and scarred but still strong.He comes out of a desert dawn andmakes his way through the burningheat of the day. He follows the high-way west through terrain that is bar-

barous and wild. Aland as old as cre-ation, and wherespecters of dustrise like anony-mous djinns onlyto disappear againand again. Couldthese be his ances-tors calling to him,guiding himtoward a destinythat awaits?”

The book isheavy on dramaand angst, but it


has some nice moments: “There aresome dogs that touch you in ways youcannot explain. They seem to go tothe primal forest and ancient well ofthe invisible beyond the visible withinyou. And once that place is touched,time seems to fall immensely aroundyour heart for the months or yearsthat you’re granted their presence.”

Gone to the Dogs is a light-heart-ed, make-you-feel-good novel byMary Guterson. Rena is a singlewoman working as a waitress inSeattle. Her orthodox Jewish sister isgetting on her nerves; her boyfriendof seven years has dropped her with-out even bothering to tell her; herdivorced mother has begun datingagain and is trying to play matchmak-er to find Rena a new man.

In a bizarre attempt at revenge,non-dog-lover Rena steals “her oldboyfriend’s new girlfriend’s dog.” The“dog the size of a Volkswagen,” whomshe calls “The Big Guy,” takes overRena’s life, mostly because she has tohide him in her urban apartment, in abuilding that doesn’t allow pets.

I really liked all the characters inthe book, and I enjoyed Guterson’sbreezy writing style. I read it rightthrough in about one sitting, and Iwas smiling when I closed the book.It’s a silly, fun, laugh-out-loud read.

Dog On It is a “Chet and BernieMystery” by Spencer Quinn. BernieLittle is the part owner, with his ex-wife, of the Little Detective Agency,but the story is told by Chet, his dog.The plot is a solid missing-personscase with shady characters and classicmystery moments.

Chet isn’t so good at figuring outclues; he goes on instinct. But thedog, who flunked out of K-9 school,is an expert at finding missing chil-dren, which is a big help on this case.Unfortunately, Chet gets easily side-tracked when he sees food or smellsfood or thinks about food—or whenhe smells a cat. The book is funny,especially when the dog offers hisopinions, such as when he greets a lit-tle girl who “was holding a stuffedanimal. … This was something Inever understood. I had no desire atall to pal around with a stuffedhuman.” It’s a fun, new series anymystery-lover will enjoy. All threenovels above contain adult languageand situations.

Finally, all animal lovers can findinteresting insight in Animals MakeUs Human: Creating the Best Life forAnimals by Temple Grandin andCatherine Johnson. In Grandin’s firstbook, Animals in Translation, read-ers learned how her experience withautism made her relate with, and even“think” like animals. This book is aserious study about the forces that

drive animal behavior. Grandin’sinsights are always extraordinary, andhere she reveals what she knows aboutanimals’ emotional needs.

She discusses not only dogs, but alsocats, horses, cows, pigs, poultry, wildlifeand zoo animals. Writes Grandin,“Some people may not want to believethat animals really do have emotions. Ithink their own emotions are getting inthe way of logic. When I read all the sci-entific evidence …the only logical con-clusion was that the basic emotion sys-tems are similar in humans and all othermammals.”

She writes, “Dogs are so tuned in topeople that they are the only animals

that can follow a person’s gaze or point-ing finger to figure out where a piece offood is hidden. Wolves can’t do it, andneither can chimpanzees.” And let metell you from personal experience, nei-ther can a cat. Well, my cat, anyway.Writes Grandin, “Dogs can train them-selves to perform a lot of behaviors. Totrain a cat, you have to give it foodtreats, but a dog is happy when you’rehappy.” Man’s best friend, indeed.

Copyright © 2009 by Mary LouiseRuehr. Write to [email protected]. TJN


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CHRISTMAS - WORD SEARCH

Santa is looking for Rudolph the reindeer beforeChristmas eve. Draw the path for Santa through the

maze starting at 1 and counting by 1s up to 100.

26 25 24 5 8 11 12

27 28 23 6 7 14 13

51 50 33 32 29 22 21 20 15 16

52 49 34 31 30 39 40 19 18 17

53 48 35 36 37 38 41 94 95 96

54 47 46 45 44 43 42 93 92 97

55 56 57 82 83 86 87 90 91 98

63 60 59 80 79 76 75

64 65 68 69 78 77 74

66 67 70 71 72 73

1 2 3 4 9 10

62 61 58 81 84 85 88 89 100 99

F LYNBU AO AL E I E T S E E N M L P O I W

H G I E L S C G A E O M O O N

Y R S O I V H A C I A N O N S

R A R T D S E A N H U E E L U

O A R E Y A R S L D I G L R D

C H N L R N E R N P Y M T A N

N I L T G T I R S N E C N E M

A O I S T A N E B O A O A E A

H A A I N C D C T R L O M N Y

E A A M H L E O N T E E W I E

L I C E E A E P A H H G O G S

H P L O D U R R E P O A N N I

E C E S C S N E W O I A S I U

H C R A A O E C L L E N D P G

H E E E S T C O H E G S N I C

Candy CaneCarolChimneyElvesGingerbreadHolly

MistletoeNoelNorth PolePoinsettia

ReindeerRudolphSanta ClausSleighSnowman


August Rush(2007, DVD, Warner Bros.)

Did you ever think that, maybe,musicians were different from therest of us? That they could hearthings we can’t? If you believe thisstereotype, then August Rush is themovie for you. And if you happen tobe one of those countless AmericanIdol wannabes, if you think YOU arethat special, unique, gifted musician,then this is DEFINITELY the movieyou need to see.

Evan (Freddie Highmore) is anorphan. Eleven years ago, his futureparents, both attractive, young, gifted

musicians, got together for a roman-tic one-nighter and conceived a child.He was put up for adoption at birth,and his mother thinks he died whenhe was born. Now Evan has onefriend, a social worker who wants tohelp him find a home. But Evandoesn’t want to be adopted, he wantsto find his real parents. He’s fascinat-ed by music and believes that by lis-tening, he can hear his parents.

The movie is said to be based onOliver Twist, by Charles Dickens. Tome, it’s more like a classic medievalfairy tale. Only this version takesplace in grungy, gritty New YorkCity. Evan escapes from the orphan-age into Manhattan, and goes insearch of mom and dad who are stillhopelessly in love but have never metagain in all these years.

By Dan Ellender

Director of the Children's Museum

Of course, a fairy tale isn’t worth itssalt without an evil wizard. AugustRush certainly has one, par excel-lence, and appropriately named“Wizard,” (Robin Williams) whotricks homeless children into a life-time of musical servitude for theoccasional pizza. To add to the magic,they’re living in the abandonedFillmore East, the legendary auditori-um where the Allman Brothersplayed in 1971. What better placecould you find for a musical colony oflost boys?

And make no mistake, what makesAugust Rush enjoyable to watch isreally the music. Composed by musi-cian and Lion King producer MarkMancina, it’s very good. The music ispervasive, finding its way into thesounds of the street and the wind inthe trees. This tends to make up forthe slightly weak dialogue, fairytaleplot and mild overacting.

The movie has strong religiousovertones, touching on good and evil,the plight of the homeless, sex andparenting, faith and church. Yet itmanages to rise above the heavy stuffand find itself , all through music.Probably the best parts of the movieare the musical performances and theactors’ portrayal of the joy and releasethat music brings with it.

What August Rush really comesdown to is its theme: You have to lis-ten and have faith. Evan believes thatif he listens for the music, he will findhis parents. Even better, if he canplay the music, they will hear it andfind him.

To me, a flaw in this otherwiseengaging movie is its overuse ofstereotypes. Evan’s parents, played byJon Rhys Meyers and Keri Russell,remind me of upscale and eye-candy-ish fashion models. Even the lost boysand girls all have perfect complexionsand hair, making the film seem attimes like an extended Levi’s com-mercial. I suppose the director meantto enhance the idealization of a fairytale, but overall, it comes across asshallow characterization. Or maybethat’s just how American Idolwannabes like their movies. (Wait!I’m stereotyping!)

Even so, this is a wonderful, posi-tive movie for families, despite the PGromance at the beginning and the ter-rible Wizard (perhaps the most inter-esting character of all). The underly-ing moral is that children want to bewith their parents, and even have aspiritual bond with their parents. Thisis something that our modern worldneeds to hear over and over again.Are we listening? TJN

Please contact the special services and equality office at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information. Ph: (337) 475-5428.


Killin’ Time Crossword

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com(www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission.

The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana isworking to protect and showcase its richculture and proud history, investing inthe development of a new, 20,000-square-foot Coushatta Heritage Centerthat is set to be completed in 2010.

The Center will house a theater,interactive digital exhibits and videodisplays that tell the Tribe’s story. It willalso feature an archive of genealogicalmaterials and information about theCoushatta language, “Koasati.”Specifically, it will include a Koasati lan-guage library featuring books, computergames, tapes and audio equipment.

The mission of the new CoushattaHeritage Center is to educate the publicby providing an accurate representationof the Coushatta people.

The project is being led by Dr. LindaLangley of MSU, and its goal is to digi-tize more than 11,000 pages of Koasatilanguage manuscripts. The project issupported in large part by a $450,000Documenting Endangered Languagesgrant awarded by the National ScienceFoundation and the NationalEndowment for the Humanities.

Coushatta TribeBuilding Heritage

Center

TJN


Travis Norwood and Lisa Reinauer

Instructor Jay Cotto and Master of Ceremonies Gray Stream

Gail Brown and Cyrena Hight

Shawna Allen, Gertinna Chretien and Anthony Bertrand Amy and Mark Herbert

Clyde and Dana Keel Sandy Stansberry, Catrina Siverand and Freddie Marie Maxie Dance contestants Bertha and James Coleman

Rachel Looney and Roselie Kelly

PLATINUM AND PEARLS GALAIf you watch “Dancing With the Stars,” then I hope you were at the2000 Health Foundation’s fourth annual Platinum and Pearls Gala

and Fundraiser. Nine local couples participated in a dazzlingdance competition held at the Rosa Hart Theater. The Jam’s

Lauren and Phil de Albuquerque were contestants, and somehowPhil managed to fit some juggling into their routine! Prior to the

performance, the formally attired attendees mingled on the mez-zanine of the Civic Center, enjoying a delicious spread from

Marilyn’s and great music. Thanks to Lisa Walker and StephanieMorris for putting on a wonderful event benefitting some goodcauses: hospice care, diabetes services and nursing scholarships.

AFFAIRE D' ARTPrien Lake Park Harbor's Edge Pavilion was the venue for the

2009 Associated Louisiana Artists' Affaire d' Art. A major fundingevent for the ALA, the Affaire proceeds benefit community art

projects and the McNeese Visual Arts Department throughscholarships. The event featured local artists of Southwest

Louisiana, including both students and seasoned professionals.Ticketholders listened intently as Lynn Jones, master of cere-

monies, called numbers for the Artwork Lottery, getting anxiousas choices were made and selections dwindled. Upon enteringthe room, Spice espied that piece of art that rated number one

on her list. Her number was called early enough so she got it: anexquisite charcoal piece by Jacob Dugas. Magnificent!


Herman and Patsy Manuel

Beth Carleton-Wilburn with Betty and Milton Carleton Trena Hardie and Erin LaFosse

Ollie and Elwyn Cavin Mary Jones and Leslie Chol

Pat and Michael Robinson Pat and George Swift

ELVIS FOR AUTISMThe McNeese Marching Band gave the audience a thrill as

they marched into the room prior to the appearance of JohnIeyoub, Elvis for Autism's special guest entertainer. Known to

many in these parts as Elvis, John delighted the audience witha litany of Elvis favorites. Backed by Chris Flowers & LouisianaExpress and a host of backup singers, this last show for Johnwas the best. James Burton, who played with Elvis Presley's

band from 1969 to 1977 appeared at the event and presenteda guitar to the Creole House. Hal McMillin cajoled and spurredthe audience to the highest prices for the auction items thatincluded a one-week stay in Cabo San Lucas, a Mallard Bay

Duck Hunt for eight, an Audubon Golf Trail Package andmore. A truly entertaining evening for a great cause.

Lynn Jones and Lois Derise

Brian and Emily Abshire

Mike Moreno and Kristie Racca

Billy and Phyllis Loftin, Jr. with Regina Moffett


Mallory McKeivier and Mary Jane Vincent Jared Gremillion, Dillon Coates and Brett Stansel Judd and Chris Suaraz

Sondra Moss and Lonnie Smart Chase Koonce, Blake Miller, Chase Vincent and Shane Porchet

SULPHUR DUCKS UNLIMITED EXTRAVAGANZA

It was a sportsman's evening frombeginning to end at the 2009 SulphurDucks Unlimited Extravaganza in the

Cal Cam Arena. The event was relaxingand enjoyable with plenty of food, drink

and hospitality. On display were duckcalls, jerky, camo vehicles and boats,decoys and a host of other outdoor

equipment for the hunter. The live andsilent auctions included paintings, out-door furniture, guns, hunting trips, and

more. The event was just ducky! TJN


Houston JonesLocal Manager/Promoter on the Music Scene

By Leslie Berman“I always had a fantasy of being in the music

business,” Lake Charles native Houston Jonesadmitted. “The seeds were planted when my par-ents took me to see Elvis Presley, Sonny and Cherand the Doobie Brothers, back in the 1970s, whereI developed a taste for live music. Then, when Iwas living in New York, I made a half-heartedeffort to get a job with Steve Gottleib, who record-ed TV theme song records.” But then he got mar-ried and had kids. “I had to do more to take careof things than hang around with a bunch of starv-ing artists. So I just back-burnered the wholeidea.”

Jones went on to work in the financial industry,but the music biz dream kept simmering in thebackground. Then a few years ago, Jones helpedPonyfest – the arts and music festival and organi-zation started by a group of young Lake Areaartists – with fundraising.

“Then, the second year,” Jones explained, “theguy who’d booked the bands left. I was more thanwilling to take over that job, because it fulfilledthat childhood fantasy to get into music promo-tion. I was the chief talent buyer for Ponyfest in2008, which we expanded to a two-and-a-half dayevent. I think that year we tried to grow it too big,too fast. We didn’t have the marketing we neededto make it a big event.”

Jones had thought that if Ponyfest brought intop-notch bands in various musical genres, suchas Cajun, funk, country rock, alternative, and oth-ers, people would come out to the event spurredon by the music alone.

“They didn’t come,” Jones said, “and that wasdiscouraging. Now I’m a little smarter aboutthis.” They decided to skip festival year 2009, andconcentrate on getting their organizationtogether. Jones believes they’ll have a better planand a better festival in 2010.

New and improvedThe improved festival will be run by a new

501(c)(3) non-profit that was started by several ofthe remaining Ponyfest supporters – Jones, BlaineBourgeois, and Jeff Kudla, among them – and willhave a new name, Sassafras, that was selected forits regional associations.

“We wanted a catchy one-word name,” Jonesexplained, “something like Lollapalooza, orBonnaroo, or Coachella, that has a connection toSouthwest Louisiana. Sassafras is the principalspice in file gumbo, so it has the local context wewere looking for.”

More importantly, Jones said, they’ve selecteda new executive director, Blake Soto, “who’s ahuge arts and music fan, a really good leader, and

a universally well-liked young man, who’s got a lotof energy that he wants to use to make things hap-pen in Lake Charles.”

Magnolia SonsOne by-product of Jones’ involvement in

Ponyfest was that he developed relationships withsome of the bands he worked with on the event.

“I was looking to hire Magnolia Sons, andfound them in Atlanta recording their album andchanging their name from Tuesday Debut. Theywere also changing their sound, softening it, mak-ing it rootsier, more Americana,” Jones remem-bered.

“When they sent me a demo, I absolutely fell inlove with it. Oh, my God!” he remembered think-ing at the time. “I couldn’t believe these guys werein Lake Charles! Of course, we hired them andgave them a pretty good spot on Ponyfest. As theevent approached, I got to know them a little bet-ter, especially lead singer William Ferguson.”

Jones approached Ferguson about managingthe band, and discovered that the band was aboutto ask him if he’d consider working with them.Jones is proud of what he accomplished with themin less than a year before they parted ways, eventhough he wasn’t able to secure them a recorddeal. “I got them to where they’re playing fromAustin to South Carolina, with a substantial fanbase in the Southeast,” Jones concluded. “I reallylearned everything I know about the businessworking for Magnolia Sons. There are a lot ofmoving parts in it.”

Dash Rip RockAnother band that had played at Ponyfest and

ended up with Jones as manager is the Louisianamegastar party and bar band Dash Rip Rock, whohave been around for a quarter of a century.

“People like Bill Davis (Dash Rip Rock gui-tarist/front man and Barbe High School graduate)have seen how

the industry has changed in 25 years,” Jones said.“When the band started up in 1984, records wereon vinyl. Then there were CDs. Now it’s mp3s.”

He noted that 25 years ago, record labels hadhuge influence and importance, but as the Internethas grown, record labels have become less perti-nent.

“Artists are making their own records, or sign-ing distribution-only deals, so the traditional roleof a record label is falling by the wayside, “ hesaid. “That said, it makes it a lot easier for youngbands to do everything themselves with availabletechnology. The negative side is that so manymore bands are trying to get gigs, and trying tosell CDs or downloadable mp3s. It’s different,”Jones concluded. “Not easier or harder than it was25 years ago, just different.”

Dash Rip Rock’s power/punk trio has boastednumerous drummers and bass players over theyears: They spawned Cowboy Mouth (foundermember Fred LeBlanc was Dash’s second drum-mer) and helped mentor Louisiana-bred rock andalternative bands like Better Than Ezra. They’vebeen hymned as popular darlings more times thanthey can count (most notably on MTV news,where they were lauded by host Kurt Loder fortheir deconstructed cover of “Delta Dawn,” circa1990). But they’ve never really sustained a nation-al profile.

“I’m trying to get them back to the level ofprominence they were in their heyday,” Jones saidwith confidence. “They’re still a high energy liveband, as you can hear for yourself at Luna’s onThursday night, December 3.“

“And. when we go back to SXSW,” Jones said,referring to the Austin music industry conventionat which many careers are made orreborn, “we’ll get down tobusiness.” TJN


LATIN AMERICAN ART EXHIBIT AT ICM THROUGH DEC. 30

“Posadas, Retablos, and Icons: The LatinAmerican Way” featuring the artwork of Luz-Maria Lopez, is on exhibit at the Gibson-BarhamGallery of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 241 W.Sallier St. through Dec. 30. Lopez, who has been a SPARKSteacher in southern La., shares Latin American culture and lore in herpaintings and mixed media pieces. An educational curriculum and stu-dent workbooks are being developed in conjunction with her works.Also, the museum will host tours for local students from Nov. 30-Dec. 4and Dec. 7-11. For more information, call 439-3797.

MSU SENIOR EXHIBITION DEC. 3-11The McNeese Department of Visual Arts will present a fall senior exhi-

bition Dec. 3-11 in the Abercrombie Gallery of the Shearman Fine ArtsCenter at McNeese State University. An opening reception honoring thefall graduating seniors will be held from 6–8 p.m. Thurs. Dec. 3, inAbercrombie and is open to the public. The Abercrombie Gallery is openMonday through Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information aboutthe exhibit, call the McNeese Visual Arts Department at (337) 475-5060.

LADY ANTEBELLUM AT DELTA EVENT CENTER DEC. 4On Fri., Dec. 4, Lady Antebellum will be bringing their

fresh country sound to the Delta Event Center for a one-night-only performance, starting at 8 p.m. The band is aunique blend that mingles classic country, 1960s R&Bsoulfulness and the heart-on-the-sleeve opennessof 1970s singer-songwriters, all presented witha razor-sharp contemporary edge. Already thetrio earned “Top New Group” honors at the2008 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards.Tickets for Lady Antebellum start at $30 and areavailable online at www.deltadowns.com or ticket-master.com, or at the Delta Downs Gift Shop. To chargeby phone, call (800) 745-3000.

PURPLE STRIDE 2009 DEC. 5The Purple Stride Lake Area 2009 5K Walk/Fun

Run will be held Sat. Dec. 5 at Prien Lake Park.Registration begins at 7 a.m., withannouncements at 8 a.m. followed by thewalk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Early bird registra-tion before Dec. 5 is $25 for adults, $5 forleashed animals and free for kids under 12, aswell as pancreatic cancer survivors. Registrationon Dec. 5 will be $30. All monies raised will beused to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer ActionNetwork . Participates can pre-register online atwww.pancan.org/purplestridelaearea09.

THE WIZARD OF OZ AT LUTCHER THEATER DEC. 5-6Bring the whole family to experience this musical celebration

of the iconic 1939 MGM film as Dorothy, Toto and their friendstravel down the Yellow Brick Road to the magical Land of Oz. The

performances will be held in Orange’s Lutcher Theater on Sat., Dec. 5 at2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Get your tickets online atwww.lutcher.com or call (409) 886-5535.

MAKE A MERRY MASTERPIECE DEC. 5Mark your calendar, load up your elves, and join Patsi Prince for “Make

a Merry Masterpiece” on Sat., Dec. 5. ALA’s Creative Arts Center will betransformed into Santa’s Workshop for local families to create, embellishand personalize Christmas ornaments. The day begins with an adultclass from 9 a.m.-noon. A children’s class will be offered from 1-4 p.m.For only $25 per person, all supplies will be provided, along with profes-sional artist-led creations. ALA is located at 106 W. Lawrence Street,between Veterans Park and RyanStreet, in Downtown LakeCharles. Normal businesshours are Tues.-Fri. noon-5p.m. and Sat. 10a.m.-2 p.m.For more information, callAssociated LouisianaArtists at 436-1008.

MJA


Call our sales department for sponsorship information!

(337) 436-7800715 Kirby St, Lake Charles

MASTERWORKS CHORAL ENSEMBLE DEC. 7The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is pleased to

present the Masterworks Choral Ensemble at First Monday in theAtrium on Mon., Dec. 7. Under the direction of Dr. Darryl Jones, ArtisticDirector of the Louisiana Choral Foundation and Director of ChoralActivities at McNeese Sate University, the ensemble will perform avariety of patriotic and holiday songs. Free and open to the public,First Monday in the Atrium is a musical interlude held on the firstMonday of each month from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the atrium atMemorial Hospital on Oak Park Boulevard. For more information,please call (337) 494-3226.

TASTE N TELL SHOWCASE DEC. 9Come to the tasting event of the season! Our Lady Queen of

Heaven School’s Second Annual Celebrity/Amateur Chef Taste N TellShowcase will be held Wed., Dec. 9 at the OLQH Family Life Center at3800 Creole St., Lake Charles. It features celebrity Chef John Folse, whowill debut and autograph his latest book Hooks, Lies and Alibis, andlocal amateur chefs will share their culinary specialties. Tickets are $30in advance, $40 at the door. For more information, call 477-7349.

LADY SAINTS CLASSIC SCHEDULED DEC. 10-12The annual Lady Saints Basketball Classic is scheduled for Thurs.,

Dec. 10 through Sat., Dec. 12. The games will take place at the St.Louis High School and Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learninggymnasiums. Teams from around the state are expected to competein the tournament. Participants include squads from Churchpoint,New Orleans and Natchitoches. Local teams competing are St. Louis,Washington-Marion, LaGrange and Iota. For more information, callTony Johnson at (337) 377-6372.

SACRED SPACES DEC. 26The Lake Charles Symphony is thrilled to present “The Season’s Tour

of Sacred Spaces” which replaces the annual “Holiday Home Tour” thisyear. All of the sacred spaces are located in downtown Lake Charles.From 11 a.m. -1p.m., Immaculate Conception Cathedral – 935 BilboStreet and Sacred Heart Catholic Church – 1102 Mill Street are avail-able for tours. Additional churches available to tour from 11 a.m.-3p.m. are The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd – 715 KirkmanStreet, First United Methodist Church – 812 Kirkman Street, andTemple Sinai – 713 Hodges Street. Thetickets will be sold in advance from theLake Charles Symphony office. For thisyear only, tickets will be sold at thedoor the day of the event. Please call433-1611 for more information or topurchase tickets. The ticket price is $25.

TJN

Lady Saints Basketball Classic


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2• Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s

Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m.• Sequoyah Prep School/Paper Plains/Colorcast

Veteran @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3• Errol Jenkins & Louisiana Tradition @ DI’s Cajun

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

Kinder, 7 p.m.• Chas Collins @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• Dash Rip Rock @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.• Hipbootjoe @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge

du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4• Ganey Arcement & The Lakeside Ramblers @ DI’s

Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Toucan’s Toy Drive @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.• Lady Antebellum @ Delta Event Center, Delta

Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.• Chas Collins @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Laurel @ My Place, 9 p.m.

• Briant Lloyd Smith and Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• Rebecca Johnson & Travis Corbello @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m.

• Dead EarthPolitics/Vilkata/ Veneno Mortal @ Hawg Wild, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.• The 94’s @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m.• Barisal Guns/Godspeed The Jackal @ Luna Bar &

Grill, 10 p.m.• Matt Moss/Do Not Destroy @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Chris Miller & Bayou Roots @ VFW

Post 2130, 7:30 p.m.• Warchild @ Hawg Wild, Westlake, 8 p.m.• Chas Collins @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Bernie Alan @ Wayne & Layne’s, Sulphur, 9 p.m.• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.• Dead Earth Politics/Survive the Musical/From

Ruin @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.• The 94s/The Lake Charles All-Stars/Hot Damn I

Shot My Man @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9• Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food

& Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m.• Brad Broussard @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food &

Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Bernie Alan @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,

Vinton, 8 p.m.• David Newbould @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.• Bayou Kats @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 9 p.m.• Soul Haven @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge

du Lac, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun

Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Young Fly & Flashy Party @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.• Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers @ Gator

Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• X-It 43 @ My Place, 9 p.m.• Briant Lloyd Smith and Hot Gritz @

Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.• Jason Stutes & Chris Dugas @

Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m.• Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta

Casino, Kinder, 9 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

Whether you are dining inor calling in for takeout, letThe Luna Bar and Grill do all the work.

Come in today for one of our specialty salads, stellar sandwiches, or exceptionalentrees. We offer many choices for the health conscious individual.

We’re locally owned and the best place in town for liveentertainment, food, and drinks.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Thurs. Dec. 3 @ 9:00DASH RIP ROCK (from BatonRouge, La.)

Fri. Dec. 4 @ 10:00BARISAL GUNS & GODSPEED THEJACKAL

Sat. Dec. 5 @ 10:00THE 94’s, THE LAKE CHARLES ALL STARS & HOT DAMN I SHOT MY MAN

Thurs. Dec. 10 @ 9:00DAVID NEWBOULD (from Austin, Tx.) & more

Fri. Dec. 11 @ 10:00FIVE STAR FIASCO, FOR KARMA & IN RED LETTERS

❑ Leather Jacket❑ Chaps❑ Boots

❑ Purses❑ Jewelry❑ Accessories

❑ A New Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

• Colorcast Veteran @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m.

• Five Star Fiasco/For Karma/In Red Letters @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• David Newbould @ Bisbano’s Lounge, Lafayette, 10 p.m.

• Furr @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12• Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles • Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food &

Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Blackout Party @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.• Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers

@ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Kill Icarus/Fallen Embers/In Desolation @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15• Lesa Cormier & The Sundown

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16• T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food &

Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck

Cafe, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17• Felton LeJeune & The Cajun

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

• Grove Inc @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• Come On And Go With Us @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18• Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s

Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.• Crooks Carnival @ OB’s Bar &

Grill, 8 p.m.• Handsome Harry @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.• Grove Inc @ Gator Lounge, Delta

Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Idle Minds @ My Place, 9 p.m.• Briant Lloyd Smith and Hot Gritz @

Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.• Band X @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 9 p.m.• Meriwether/Parallel The Sky/The

Silent Planet @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m.

• Fresh Nectar/Lochness Mobsters @Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @

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

• Abatis @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.• Grove Inc @ Gator Lounge, Delta

Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.• Band X @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,

Kinder, 9 p.m.• Elle!oh!Elle/Starluck @ AJ’s Bar &

Grill, 9:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22• Travis Benoit & Allons Dance @ DI’sCajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23• Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @

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

• Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m.

• Devil & The Details @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.TJN


935 E. McNeese St., Lake Charles, LA

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