The Jambalaya News November 2017 by Dawn Miranda Hughes-Daley

November 2017

Bayou Living Publication

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SERVING ALL OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

a Word From …

Delta Dawn

A Wedding & Gumbo Don’t you just love weddings? I love family weddings and I love photographing them. Either way, I’m surely going to get a little emotional and teary-eyed and have a good time at the reception.

Seeing your brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, children and friends all in one location at one time made me happier than words can express. I think that we should all set aside one weekend every year to gather and catch up, not because of a wedding or holiday, but because we are celebrating the special people in our lives. In simple terms — don’t let life pass you by. Enjoy your family and friends, and be thankful.

This past weekend, my brother married my wonderful new sister-in-law and it was an epically beautiful day. Being a member of the Hughes family means many things, including running late for everything, including my own brother’s big day! But that’s because we were making sure things would be perfect for the reception before heading to the church, where they were waiting for us. (I’m sure the priest wasn’t too fond of the Hughes family gene of “Always Running Behind”-- that reminds me of a Tracey Lawrence song!)

Delta Dawn

I meant to show up at 9 a.m. at my brother Dale’s house, (the old Zigler Museum) and start the gumbo, but I got there two hours late. The wedding was at 1 p.m. and the reception was to immediately follow. A multimedia group text message going around to the whole family notified me that I was going to be late with the gumbo! Then my sister Bess said, “Y’all don’t worry! She is Fast Freddie!” I busted out laughing in Wal-Mart when I read it because it’s true. I’m known for getting things done in a hurry and my nickname has been Fred since I was about 9 years old, thanks to my brother Dale! The name Fast Freddie came along three years ago from one of my friends. Yep, it stuck, and I surely wasn’t going to live down that name on my brother’s wedding day! Making a gumbo for 50-plus people is fun for me. I love to cook, and feed others and it was perfect because it even included guests from Ohio. It had to be spot on as I did not want to give them the wrong taste of a Louisiana staple! The gumbo turned out great and I got many compliments—not only on the taste, but also on the quick accomplishment of the largest gumbo I’d ever made.

Charles & Venola Cormier—Nov. 11th, 1950

The gumbo was done just in the nick of time, so I could make it to the ceremony. The Catholic church that they chose is not only beautiful, but it just so happens that my maternal grandparents were married there on the same day--November 11— in 1950. It would have been their 67th wedding anniversary! My sweet, feisty little grandma was so happy that they chose to marry on this day and in the same church. The 11th has even more meaning for our family, because it is also my twins Mikko and Mikailyn’s birthday, as well! They turned 10 years old this year – oh my how time flies. What a wonderful time we had at the wedding! When it comes to get-togethers, being from a big family is always fun. Every family has traditions. Ours is arm wrestling and/or playing chess at every gathering. So naturally, we had arm wrestling matches going on before the night ended. It doesn’t matter if you’re a gal are a guy, you’re gonna get in on the action! I so look forward to it all and I know it’s what makes us the Hughes family. We will always have our quirky family traditions! The Jambalaya News

Joshua & Mandy Hughes —Nov. 11th, 2017 6

Bayou Living Magazine, LLC November 2017

October, 2017 …. VOLUME 11 …. ISSUE NUMBER 7

CONTENTS 630 West Prien Lake Road, STE B #301 Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601 Phone: 337-348-2958 Www.thejambalayanews.com

Publisher / Editor Dawn Miranda Hughes-Daley jambalayanews@gmail.com

Contributing Editors Dorothy Hughes Lauren Abate

Contributing Writers Bill Elliot Dawn Miranda Hughes-Daley Dorothy Hughes Dominique Dugas Luke Eddleman Jackie Tabor Jade Harrington Marilyn Brunt Nicole Shuff Arabie Paige Vidrine Tiffany Casey Russell Pawlowski

Contributing Photographers Dawn Miranda Hughes-Daley Dorothy Hughes Marilyn Brunt Tiffany Casey

Sales jambalayanews@gmail.com fayedrake@sbcglobal.net heatherhughes808@gmail.com joshdaniel4544@gmail.com Jambanews.keith@gmail.com

Graphics Art/Production Director Dawn Miranda Hughes-Daley Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News Columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff. The Jambalaya News is solely owned by Dawn Daley, published by Bayou Living Magazine, LLC, 630 W. Prien Lake Rd., STE B #301, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Phone 337-348-2958. While every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publisher cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. Copyright 2017 The Jambalaya News / Bayou Living Magazine, LLC all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. November 2017

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COVER STORIES 22 Iberia Bank 46 Honey B Ham

IN THIS ISSUE 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 20 24 26 28 30 32 34 38 40 42

A Word From Delta Dawn Contest Guide & Winners Note From Dorothy Children’s Christmas Book Review All Things Football Game Day & Tailgating A True Hunters Paradise Sportsman Bragging Rights Page Sportsman Bragging Rights Page Life On My Terms According to Bill Holiday Traditions New Orleans Strong Roll—On Soul Matters Traveling The Backroads Debbie’s Pie There Once Was a Kitchen Table Cookin’ With Chef Redhead

Dining Guide & THE SPICE OF LOUISIANA 43 44 46 48 54 57 58 60 62 63 66 68 70 72 73 74

Dining Guide Cover Amanda of The Villa Honey B Ham Dining Guide Ember’s New Fall Menu Spice Cover Society Spice Cover The Buzz The Buzz Events DIY: with Jaderbomb Ornaments What the Holidays Mean to Me DIY: with Jaderbomb BOHO Tree Dogs of Louisiana Funbalaya Word Search & Tic-Tac-Toe The Poker Lady - Poker Lingo

Happy 10th B-day to my twins Mikko & Mikailyn. 7

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Win Cash & Prizes …

Find the Blonde Bomber’s Necklace ……..

WIN $500 in CASH Holiday Special .. The Blonde Bomber has lost his necklace. Can you help him find it? He’s been wearing this necklace since he was 16 years old, it’s a lightning bolt with the letters TCB on it. Do you know what TCB means? Taking Care of Business and the lightning bolt symbolizes: in a flash. Elvis wore a necklace just like this one. Thankfully only the lightning bolt charm is lost. It’s important that he finds it … he’s lost it somewhere within the pages of The Jam, probably in one of the ads. If you find it please TEXT 337-348-2958 with details on where he can find it (page number, ad description and where in the ad). Leave your name when texting for the reward of $100. A Drawing will be held the 5th of each month and one lucky winner will be chosen. Look close it’s hard to find! Good luck! You MUST FOLLOW & LIKE us on Facebook to

The Blonde Bomber is a local retired professional boxer. He can be found punching thru ads in The Jam to help you get a prize. Find the Blonde Bomber’s red boxing glove in one of the ads & TEXT 337-348-2958 to claim your chance to win this months prize. Include your full name, page number and ad description. Drawing will be held on the 5th of each month. To earn extra entries in the drawing each month like and follow us on our social medias & rate us on Facebook. For each social media you follow us on you will get and extra entry! Winner will receive A $50 Gift certifi-

win this prize. Want extra entries? Follow us on our social me-

dias. You’ll get and extra entry for each that you follow us on! Also one for Rating us on Facebook!

cate to dine at a restaurant of your choice.

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NEW!!! Find the Eye-Of-The-Tiger! If you find the eye of the tiger during LSU football season you could win the prize of the month! If you find the eye of the tiger Text-337-348-2958 and list the page number & ad you found it within along with your name! If you want to get an extra entry please like and follow us on Facebook and rate us and tell us how you like our contest games! This month we are giving away a $50 gift card to Buffi’s Peaux Boys! Andrea Kiser of Lake Charles won a $50 gift card to Buffi’s Peaux Boys for finding the eye of the tiger. Try your luck! Find the Blonde Bomber’s Necklace. —————— Chelsie LeBeouf of Jennings, LA was our October winner. She won $500 for finding the lightning bolt necklace charm in the Cajun Tales ad on page 59. You could be our next winner, find the lightning bolt necklace charm and TEXT 337 - 348 - 2958 with the page number, what ad you found it in, where it is located in the ad along with where you picked up your copy of the Jam & your Full Name. If you are rect your name will go into monthly drawing. We will Be drawing live on Facebook! You will have 15 minutes to return our call We will choose another Winner! If you where in Last months drawing we Are leaving all your entries In the new drawing but You must play the November issue to qualify! GOOD LUCK!

Karley, Paul & Audrea Kiser with Paige of Buffi’s. Find the Blonde Bomber’s Boxing Glove … Kimberly Collins of Brookland, Texas was our October winner. She won a $50 gift card to a place to dine of her choice. Kimberly picked up her copy in Sam Rayburn, Texas in our newly expanded area! She chose Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp that will soon be opening in Jasper, Texas. She told me she loved Tia Juanita’s fish tacos and couldn’t wait for them to open up in Jasper! She found the boxing glove in the Gayle’s Hardware ad on page 9. You could be our next winner, find the boxing glove and TEXT 337 - 348 - 2958 with the page number, what ad you found it in, where it is located in the ad along with where you picked up your copy of The Jam & your Full Name. If you are correct your name will go into our monthly drawing. GOOD LUCK!!

No picture available but we’d like to say thanks to Kimberley Collins for being live with us when we drew her name! The Jambalaya News

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The Jambalaya News

Moments of Being Human How do you swing from Last Minute Queen to Mother of the Groom without damaging that delightful reputation that borders on disorder? You don’t! Life has taught me that we may wish ourselves to be more than hatched, formatted, and reinforced in all the interesting ways that create who we are – but, the mold of life is apparently one fashioned from titanium! I tried, I really did. In the final moments of preparations devoted to helping my household to be ‘ready’, with the door knob in my hand and the dogs kenneled for the day, I took one last breath before shutting the closure that would have us on our way. All is locked, I said to myself, “I think we’re ready and without a minute to spare!” We would be there exactly as I needed to pin those boutonnieres on the lapels of those gorgeous black suit jackets – these were the thoughts that delivered a sudden awareness about a missing component to make that happen. The flowers had been left where I placed them to not forget – on a long credenza behind that locked door!!! The one that I had pulled shut only minutes before. So, here I was half-way to the church, making calls to send out the alert –

and I couldn’t find my keys! Not a good time to have locked yourself out of your house! But, this is rather classic, right?!! I’ve seen these things happen in Hallmark movies and everything ends up working out in the end. And it did. We will chalk it up to the imperfections that happen along the way while seeking perfection – falling short as humans are known to do. But nothing – virtually NOTHING – can subtract from the beauty and happiness that we witnessed after stepping through the doors of the church that day. The same wooden doors of the church where my parents exchanged their vows of matrimony exactly sixty-seven years before, were now opened to reveal an assembly of family and friends who came to witness a new union on November 11, 2017. Our son, Joshua, and his beautiful bride, Mandy, proclaimed love and intentions as they began their lives as husband and wife. We had an amazing day as we joined in an epic celebration after a beautiful ceremony. Into the evening we enjoyed the company of guests – meeting new family members and catching up with ones not seen in a while. We watched the little ones play and teenagers tossing the football out back. The evening ended with the beauty and excitement of launching sky lanterns, and we watched as they became points of amber light fading high into the sky. It was quite profound! The fact that we will continue to celebrate both these beautiful relationships on the same day each year is really special to us! Sentiments run high in our family, and I am one proud and happy mother. Welcome to the family, Mrs. Hughes! A Word With— Dorothy Hughes

Dorothy Hughes with Patty Johnson holding grandson Jaxon Hughes.

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Bayou Living Magazine, LLC November 2017

Illustrator Mickey Asche

the misty bayou in predominantly rich russet tones as hypnotic as Pedersen’s words. Give this book to every child on your list as it is sure to become a Cajun Christmas classic!

Just in Time for Christmas Leif Pedersen’s Bayou Santa

Bayou Santa is published by Ally-Gator BookBites Publishing House. To order, go to www.theswampkids.com/ bayou-santa

By Lauren Abate

Louisiana native Leif Pedersen has brought joy to countless children and their parents with his wonderful Swamp Kids book series. This year, we’re all in for a treat with his latest book—which is not part of his popular series. Bayou Santa is a delightful tale of the origin of Papa Noel and is out just in time for Christmas! This lovely book must be read aloud. Try it. Here are the opening lines: “Noel Robicheaux was at home on the bayou, with lovely Aimee’ by his side; together they searched through the swamps for their treasures, all day in their pirogue they’d ride.” See what I mean? The rhythm is so soothing that it’s the perfect bedtime story. Pedersen weaves a tale about a Cajun couple living a simple life on the bayou. Every day, they go out into the swamp and return with wood so that Noel can carve duck decoys for the local children every Christmas. As the days grow shorter, he stacks wood and builds bonfires, explaining that the fire will serve as a beacon for Santa, so he will know how to find them deep in the bayou. Noel and his wife are so beloved that they are called “Papa” and “Mama” by all of the youngsters. Meanwhile, up in the North Pole, Santa Claus is up to his beard in last-minute tasks before the big day, and is worried about not being able to deliver his presents to the bayou because of the difficulty of navigating the swamp. But then he remembers the old Cajun who keeps Christmas in such a special way and solves his dilemma: Noel Robicheaux will become Acadia’s own Santa Claus! With the magic that only Santa possesses, he transforms him into Papa Noel. Beautifully illustrated by Mickey Asche, the artwork evokes November 2017

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Writer Leif Pederen

The Jambalaya News

2017 LSU Tigers Football Schedule

All Things Football

Date 11/18 11/25 12/2

By Scott Haltzman

So as of this writing, LSU is coming off a pretty convincing win over Ole Miss. I did find our run defense to be a little spotty though. After the Mississippi State and Troy game, I was thinking finishing with a winning record and going to one of the lesser bowls and playing an Eastern Michigan would be a win. But three SEC wins in a row? Over teams that are no patsies, I might add. Who'd a thought it? And now, a bye week, and then our dreaded nemesis Alabama. Before the season, in a prior article, I said it would be reasonable to forecast a 9-3 season, go to a respectable bowl game, win that and finish 10-3. Looking at the next 4 games, going 3 and 1, with the 1 loss coming by way of Alabama. I'll take that and be smiling. And I think we'll be favored in those 3 games as well. Which brings me to Alabama. I hate Alabama. With a passion. I can only watch a few plays when they're on. And I want us to beat them in the worse kind of way. As I look forward to the game, I'm reminded of one of my favorite movies. Rocky. Stay with me on this one. Bama will be a decided favorite, just like Apollo Creed was. Bama doesn't just beat teams. They knock them out. Just like Apollo. Rocky knew going in, he had a punchers chance, just like LSU. Rocky told Adrian, " nobody's gone the distance with Creed. At the end of 12 rounds, when that bell rings, and I'm still standing, I'll know I weren't no bum". Rocky took Creed to the end, with Creed getting the decision. In losses to Miss State and Troy, LSU, in my eyes, didn't play with heart. But from what I've seen in the last 3 weeks, LSU is all heart. Or as Coach O says, one team, one heartbeat. On paper, Bama will be probably a 10 to 14 point favorite. It's in Tuscaloosa. Everything says Bama will win. I don't expect LSU to win. Just don't get blown out. Make good fight, as Mr. Miagi said in Karate Kid. Take em the distance. Make us proud to be Tiger fans. And when that bell rings, and you're still standing, then you'll know, you took no quarter, and you gave as good as you got. And who knows, strange things happen in this game we all love.

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Opponent Tennessee Volunteers @ Knoxville, TN Texas A&M Aggies @ Tiger Stadium SEC Championship Game @ Atlanta, GA

TV/ Time TBA TBA 3:00

2017 LSU Tigers Football Schedule Date Opponent 11/18 Lamar @ Beaumont, TX

TV/ Time TBA

Rajun Cajun Date 10/19 11/4 11/11 11/18 11/26 12/2

Opponent Arkansas State @ Arkansas South Alabama @ Mobile Ole Miss @ Oxford New Mexico State @ Lafayette Georgia Southern @ Lafayette Appalachian State @ Boone

TV/ Time ESPNU / 6:30 Radio 107.9 / TBA Radio 107.9 / TBA Radio 107.9 / TBA Radio 107.9 / TBA Radio 107.9 / TBA

On Medicare and/or turning 65 Medicare Education Seminar

December 6th @ Central Library 5p-6p

Have questions about Medicare, Call: 337 477-4647

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All Pictures Gameday and tailgating â&#x20AC;Ś You can share all your pictures with me by facebook messenger or email â&#x20AC;Ś jambalayanews@gmail.com

Rolland & Dallas Thomas.

Myself, Dawn, with my sisters Bess & Heather Hughes. Geaux Tigers!

Heather Hughes a day of tailgating at LSU.

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Hayden, Cameron, West, Heather, Me, Tommy & Bess.

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A True Hunter’s Paradise As the green foliage of summer turns into bright bursting autumn colors then fades to brown and you hear that first goose in the distance of the crisp morning air, creatures of all varieties become more noticeable to us as they hustle to find food before the winter sneaks up on them. The crunch of a deer stepping on dead leaves, ducks calling their migrating friends and squirrels scurrying about franticly to store nuts away are all welcome signs for Louisiana hunters that it is also time to fill their freezers. Public and private hunting opportunities are abundant in our state. Southwest Louisiana offers everything from a simple squirrel hunt while walking underneath sprawling oaks trees and towering pines, to a complete first-class experience of a professionally guided duck or goose hunt, in our many fowl filled marshes of our state. There are wildlife management areas for the public to take advantage of during hunting season, such as the Sabine Island WMA that consists of roughly 9,000 acres and offers a fantastic chance to hunt a wide verity of game! All that you’ll need to hunt these places are the proper licenses and a quick visit to the LDWF office or website to make certain you know all about the area boundaries, rules and regulations. Professionally guided trips are also a great option to bag you limit quickly. All guide services are different, as some offer show up and shoot packages, while others The Jambalaya News

offer meals and lodging with a guided hunt. This option may be preferred by hunters without opportunities to prepare blinds for themselves, for those who don’t own marsh front property, farmland, or by inexperienced hunters, wishing to gain knowledge and experience in the sport by hunting alongside an expert in the field. In the end it really doesn’t matter what is your choice of all these options, as long as you get outdoors and enjoy a true huntsman’s paradise—LOUISIANA! By Dawn Daley - Photo Provided by Ryan Navarre

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The Sportsman Bragging rights Page â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Corey Bailey, got this 190 in class buck with his recurve bow.

Chase Hebert, Park, LA. Louisiana Public Land 9 Pt. Buck.

Maddie Hebert got this doe during a youth hunt.

Eathan Farquhar with his first buck.

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The Sportsmen Bragging rights — Ryan Navarre, Doug Quienalty & Eric Dupre in the blind ready to bag their duck limits!

Ryan Navarre enjoying the great outdoors.

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little today. So, when I think of how hard I have to work to make my own living, how tired I am raising two children and balancing a career and how difficult it is to deal with pain and heartbreak, I always compare my life with the lives of others who have it far worse. Regardless of what you don’t have, there are plenty of people who would give a lot to have your circumstances, which leads me to my next point. ENJOY THIS SEASON OF YOUR LIFE As a restaurant manager by trade and counselor by default, I am allowed to help others work through their personal and professional grievances on a day-to-day basis. What I hear consistently is that people feel that they will finally be happy when they have a better title, make more money, find a better partner, get a new car, etc. It’s as if they have an idea of what will eventually make them happy, so they have stopped themselves from being able to appreciate the season of their lives that they are in now. I was like this before and I constantly have to guard myself from getting back into this mindset. For years, I have had to work day and night to build my skill set, make a decent living and get out of the shadows of my successful parents, along with being a single mother. I would always think, “I wish it would just be easier.” A dead-end relationship made the day-today process a little better, but I still wasn't satisfied. When one problem was solved, another was created. So, back on my own I went. I learned then that “easy” wasn't the goal. I started to appreciate the time I had alone with the kids, no matter how hard it got. It taught me how tough I really was. It gave me a renewed sense of self assurance and appreciation. Now I realize that when you're constantly trying to get somewhere you forget how important it is to enjoy the season you’re in. If you’re waiting for the next stage, you can never really learn the lessons that life provided you during that time. I tell all my friends and colleagues, “Look at how far you have come. Look at the work you have put in to building your life up to this point. Look at all you have accomplished. All of those things have made you you. The pain, the hard times, the struggles are all things you can appreciate because they've given you an edge. So, in a few years, you will be looking back at this time and the hardships you endured with the same apprecia-

Can You be Content

With Nothing?

Image by Emily Martindale

The question really should be, “Can you be content when you're uncomfortable?” This has been a goal of mine for a few years now. Have I mastered the idea of being totally content in any situation? Not quite yet, but daily improvement is my motivation. I was raised with pretty much anything I wanted, and I realized that none of the “things” that I was afforded held much meaning for me. The idea of being comfortable was like a plague in the community of the “haves.” Satisfaction was a fleeting ideal and I learned this when my dissatisfaction in my life grew over time. At a certain point, I just had to disconnect from all that I was taught so that I could figure things out for myself. So, I went on a mission to figure out “the meaning” of life… well, my life at least. I moved into a small house that only affords me enough space for the absolute necessities. My 5 and 6 -year olds share a 10 x 12 room and sleep in a bunk bed. They can only keep the toys that they play with on a regular basis. Everything else had to go. It’s been a year now. Within this time of living a semiminimal lifestyle, I have grieved the loss of loved ones, ended relationships, and created new ones. Most importantly, I have found myself. Through it all I have learned some very valuable lessons: YOU HAVE ENOUGH We live in a consumer society where we are bombarded with ads 24/7 telling us what we need to make us happy. We scroll through Facebook and Instagram, watching the lives of those who have seemingly more than we do. We create this false sense of what life “should be.” Then, we wonder why we are constantly so unsatisfied with what we have. The majority of the human race has never experienced more comfort as we do in this time in history. Thousands of years ago, “civilized” people lived with the looming threat that they would be overtaken by the world powers. War was a consistent part of life. People had no choice but to walk wherever they needed to go. Food was not so easily produced. Overall, things have become better for developed nations, but truth be told, there are people who are still living with very The Jambalaya News

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tion. The goal is to not have to wait a few years down the line to see that. Be grateful now. Enjoy the present. Live in this moment without expecting any more or any less. Appreciate all that this season of life has to offer.” BE AWARE OF YOUR EMOTIONS, NOT CON TROLLED BY THEM When my brother died, my whole life changed. I had always talked about being strong but at that point my strength was truly tested. The grief was overwhelming and there were days where I questioned whether I would ever feel right again. During this time, I learned a very valuable lesson. I learned that regardless of what you feel, you don't have to be controlled by your feelings. I had to make a choice during my grieving period to either self destruct, like many people do after experiencing extreme pain and trauma, or find some way to get better. So, every day I would cry my eyes out and then do something good for somebody. I made the choice to open doors for others, give up my seat and extend overwhelming kindness to anyone I encountered. I became a servant, in a sense. A year later, I am still hurting, but that pain doesn't define me in a negative way. You can’t say, “After he died she spiraled.” Instead, his death is glorified by the example I set in how to deal with unrelenting grief. In a different example, learning to identify my emotions at work has given me a major advantage in the workplace. In my early days of managing the restaurant, I would get emotional about absolutely everything. If someone didn't sweep properly, it would throw me into a spiral. I took everything personally. Through time, I have learned that nothing an employee or coworker does has anything to do with my emotions. I learned

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how to be as objective as possible for someone with my personality type. As a leader, I do my best to stay emotionally consistent. I state what is expected and present consequences when those expectations aren't met. I give my all to my staff and expect the same. But I do not allow my personal life to affect my work life. I also do not allow their behavior to control my emotional state. I have learned to acknowledge when I am angry without lashing out in anger, to acknowledge when I am disappointed and give the other person a chance to redeem themselves without putting them on a guilt trip. Emotional rollercoasters aren't fun, so I try to stay off them. Do I lose it sometimes? Of course. I am not above the occasional emotional highs and lows, but this behavior is not a recurring theme in my life. The key is to always acknowledge how you're feeling without acting on those feelings. See the situation for what it is, nothing more and nothing less. With that mentality, you will be able to enjoy more peace in life than you ever thought imaginable

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Allen, Calcasieu, and Cameron parishes. IBERIABANK supports the community in education, the arts, cultural endeavors, healthcare, and economic development through volunteerism, financial donations, and other charitable actions. The Southwest Louisiana team alone averages over 350 hours each year teaching financial literacy and serving on area non-profit boards and committees. Company-wide, IBERIABANK supports thousands of worthy organizations and programs, many of which are located throughout Southwest Louisiana. Since joining the Southwest Louisiana region in 2011, IBERIABANK has donated over $1,000,000 to area organizations including The Allen Action Agency, Big Brother’s Big Sisters of SWLA, Family & Youth, Junior Achievement of SWLA, The Literacy Council of SWLA, McNeese State University, SWLA Chamber Alliance Foundation and United Way of SWLA. The Southwest Louisiana team is led by Phil Earhart, IBERIABANK President. Several members of our professional banking team are featured on the cover of this issue and include Will Moore, Christina Miller, Melissa Schwenneker, Sonja Howard, Shylyn Nunez, and Cassie Hudson.

All the Right Ingredients

IBERIABANK is the 130-year-old subsidiary of IBERIABANK Corporation and is the largest financial holding company headquartered in Louisiana. The Company, which started in New Iberia in 1887, has focused on delivering highquality, competitive banking services to its clients since inception. Through strategic acquisitions and organic client growth, the Company has grown to now serve 12 states across the southeastern United States. The Company now employs over 3,500 talented associates, has 319 combined offices, including 216 bank branch offices in Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, 24 title insurance offices in Arkansas and Louisiana, and mortgage representatives in 68 locations in nine states. A core part of the Company’s mission statement is to be a good steward of the community. The Company’s footprint across Southwest Louisiana serves clients in

Will Moore serves as Vice President and Branch Manager for IBERIABANK’s Moss Bluff and Highway 14 branches. He is a graduate from Nicholls State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Moore has over 6 years of banking experience and is active in the community where he is a volunteer for the Barbe Soccer Club. He previously served on the Habitat for Humanity Board and the Arts & Humanities Council.

Melissa Schwenneker serves as Assistant Branch Manager IBERIABANK’s Mid-City Branch. She has over 20 years experience in banking and finance. Schwenneker is originally from Brazil where she earned a Masters of Science in Business Administration from the University of Sao Paulo, as well as a Bachelors in Business Administration from Ceara State University. She has served as a classroom facilitator for Junior Achievement of Southwest Louisiana. Schwenneker enjoys giving back to her community and has a passion for non-profit work.

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Sonja Howard serves as the As-

Christina Miller serves as Assis-

Shylyn Nunez serves as Rela-

sistant Branch Manager of IBERIABANK’s Grand Lake Branch. She has over 24 years of banking experience and is a lifelong resident of Johnson Bayou. Howard volunteers her time as a classroom facilitator for Junior Achievement of Southwest Louisiana and coaches Little Dribblers Basketball. She enjoys visiting with her family, friends and bicycling.

tant Vice President and Senior Relationship Banker for IBERIABANK’s Nelson Branch. She has over 26 years of banking experience and is a lifelong resident of Lake Charles where she attended McNeese State University. Miller enjoys helping her customers become financially stable. She is a volunteer for the Mount Calvary Financial Literacy Committee. She enjoys visiting with family, reading and shopping.

tionship Banker for IBERIABANK’s Grand Lake Branch and brings nine years of banking experience to serve clients in the community. Nunez has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from McNeese State University. She volunteers as a classroom facilitator for Junior Achievement of Southwest Louisiana and enjoys spending time with family and friends

Cassie Hudson serves as Assistant Investment Representative for IBERIA Financial Services. She has 14 years of experience in finance. Hudson is a graduate of The University of Alabama and she maintains her Louisiana Life and Health insurance license and a Series 11 registration. Hudson enjoys volunteering in the community and became actively involved with the Autism Society of Southwest Louisiana after her 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with Autism in 2016.

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through INFINEX INVESTMENTS, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Iberia Financial Services, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBERIABANK. Infinex is not affiliated with either entity. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, not insured by any federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. For more information please visit www.iberiabank.com or stop by and visit one of the 10 Southwest Louisiana branches today. November 2017

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future that is different from just keeping up with changes in your occupation. It seems that no occupation is immune from the ferrets of technology that root out and destroy the costly human factor in the modern entrepreneurial world. There is a different kind of monkey wrench in the works that has to do with change increasing at an increasing rate. Change used to occur slowly and allow society to adjust with minimal discomfort. But today it assails the well meaning productive citizen like a battalion of banshees, stripping the wealth from an occupation and redistributing it to a new and savage innovation. The carcasses of its victims are everywhere. So how do we keep our powder dry as we aim at that place I mentioned…that little spot “retirement” just below the sunset on the horizon? And what do you tell the young person who is looking for direction? Well, safety often comes in numbers and this is an issue of a safe and secure and productive life. So, I say employ a strategy which is to diversify. Learn more than one valuable skill and occupation. Take nothing for granted. The conventional advice is to keep abreast of changes in your occupation. But I note that whole occupations are vanishing leaving nothing but the whine of “Why do they always have to change things.” So, my dear readers, I will do a practice projection into my own future. Today is now the day after tomorrow and the “According to Bill” column has been purchased by an international syndicate that purchases profiles and preference information about the local readers market from a vendor that accumulates the information from unsuspecting internet users. The syndicate feeds the profiles and preferences into an algorithm that selects topics for the column and automatically produces inoffensive articles that promote peace of mind and security as they surreptitiously influence the readers to behave in whatever manner their paying customers desire. The “Bill” in “According to Bill,” no longer has an occupation. But “Bill” has prepared himself for the inevitable loss of his occupation. Without missing a beat, he is now meandering around Main Street grinding an organ with a monkey on a chain who collects money in a tin cup from amused onlookers. With a smile, Bill fends off occasional catcalls from onlookers who assure him he is abusing his well fed happy monkey. He has recognized that the innocent “What do you do for a living,” is but a disguised cornucopia of questions that, when answered, are designed to infer value systems, education, apparent success, status, and so forth may no longer be valid. So, he now responds to the “What do you do?” question with a smile and a truthful “I live by my wits.”

According to bill Can we ever grow up? By Bill Elliott “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question frequently posed to children as soon as they can reason. At first the answer was easy. Nurses, movie stars, firemen, teachers, astronauts, policemen, airline pilots, and cowboys all had the wannabee ranks swelled by those uninitiated to the realities of life. As they aged, all wanted to earn vast amounts of money or perhaps acquire an enormous following of worshiping admirers that would assure that they were indeed “OK.” These choices served the cocoon of youth quite nicely until they are caught up in that great cataclysmic eruption called graduation from high school. (Incidentally, today I hear the term “graduate high school” used instead of “graduate from high school,” and can’t help thinking the language has been mysteriously infected with something like termites). Anyhow, they are spewed out into society with the directive that their purpose is to make a meaningful living outside of the protective aura of their parents which legally expired at age eighteen. Even still, if one makes a commitment in this youthful adulthood, how will one know if he likes something if he has never done it? There were always the few, who had a commitment early on, but most did not, and those who did were most likely following in the footsteps of a parental occupation. If one was undecided, one could join the military, learn what one was told to learn, and if one liked it one might make the military a career. Even still, one might find oneself on the street at age forty or fifty looking for an occupation that might employ those dearly earned and honed skills. Many wanted the immediacy of the real world or had no inkling of a life plan and populated retail sales, clerical occupations, construction work, and the occupations that were less demanding on formalized education. Many of these later sought to improve their marketability with formal programs. There are those who went on to study accounting, engineering, pharmacy, and doctoring, and are pretty much stuck with the occupation because of the exacting and highly specific training requirements. No different in the trades for it takes years to develop an equally valuable skilled machinist, electrician, millwright, or welder to name but a few. There are exceptions of course but those who learned history, French, economics, English, philosophy, physical education, art, theater, business, communication, and so forth became salesmen, appraisers, bureaucrats, air line attendants, travel agents, telemarketers, customer service, and industrial sales people, testing the waters in various economic environments until they found a homeostasis that provided them with an income-esteem balance that assured them it would sail their ship to that destination just this side of sunset ….retirement. . It brings to mind an unimaginative and whiney office worker I met in the fast-paced world of commodity brokerage. Her complaint was “Why do they always have to change things?” I knew that she would never understand that the essence of the free market system is change and innovation. But today is a different world that requires a strategy for the The Jambalaya News

Start Losing Weight today! Dawn Daley 337-348-2958

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We All Have the Family Traditions of Spending the Holidays Together – But as We All Drift Apart, Do We Really Come Back Together for Those Holiday Gatherings?

candles and cooking was a great memory and every time I smell that now, it reminds me of then. During my marriage, we did holidays the same way my parents did, and I tried to pass that down to my children. It was always a good time for me, and I wanted that for them. For years as they were growing up, I passed along the traditions of the holidays. We would always use Grandma’s China and Silver, and that too will be passed to my children at some point in their lives. As I got older, and we started going our separate ways during the holidays, we’d hang out with friends and surrogate families that became a part of our family along with our friends. My parents would visit friends more often than not, as we always seemed to have other plans by the time we hit our late teens and 20’s. My children are now doing the same. They are old enough to make their own plans, with friends, girlfriends and surrogate families. I hope that one day they will pass along some of our traditions to their own children. I miss a lot of the tradition these days, as my own children are older and going their own ways, but I get it and wish them all the love and happiness that I had during the holidays.

Written By Katrina Surdyk,

From the time I was a little girl, Thanksgiving and Christmas were my favorite Holidays. The house always smelled of firewood, candles, cinnamon and baking. Mom always had the card table set up in the living room, to write to everyone she knew. I remember one year, when I realized we were getting older, was when her card list went from 500 to 300 pretty quickly. People were doing form letters on the internet, and by email. Every Thanksgiving, we had family over. Dad was from a family of 13 brothers and sisters, so we had lots of Aunts and Uncles, and cousins. Thanksgiving was always traded off too. We would do it at our home one year, then an Aunt’s home the next. There was always lots of food. Usually a Ham, a Turkey, and sometimes a goose. Everyone brought pies and sweets, and stayed overnight. Truly the most wonderful time of the year, right? At Christmas, we had friends in on Christmas Eve. Mary and Charlie usually, friends of my parents that came every year, and also brought gifts. We were allowed to open one gift on Christmas eve and the stockings were left for morning before our parents got up.

I’m The Astonishing Katrina Surdyk of The Astonishing Tales and I approve this message… just in time for the holidays.

Thanksgiving at Uncle Randy’s where they both smoked cigarettes, it was the one time of year that mom allowed smoking in the house. For me, this smell combined with the warmth of The Jambalaya News

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Leaves burning. What's your dream breakfast? AB: Brennen's in Nola. SB: Brennen's in Nola. Daily Breakfast: AB: Chocolate protein shake. SB: Protein shake. Best Fitness Tip Ever? AB: Anything (movement) is better than nothing. SB: Roll Pressed Juices. What's always in your gym bag? AB: Earbuds. SB: Earbuds. Coffee or Green Juice: AB: Both! SB: Coffee. Song on repeat? AB: XM SB: Brother, Needtobreathe ft. Gavin DeGraw What's the makeup product you swear by? AB: Jane Iredale Powder. SB: Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Powder. We asked Annabeth & Sarabeth these questions separately and they returned their written versions more than a week apart. It's obvious by their answers that great minds think alike and it's no surprise these 2 created Blush Co. to glam up SWLA babes on the regular. Be sure to check out their website: www.everygirlneedsalittleblush.com to book one or two or three of the luxurious beauty services Blush Co. offers! You're going to love it as much as we do!

Roll-on Everything you want to know about AB & SB BY JACKIE TABOR P I N K A L E R T: Everyone knows we love to collaborate with other Rockstar businesses in the Lake Area. Lately the Roll Team has been hanging out at Blush Co. with the glam squad getting spray tans, blow outs, eye lash extensions, and basically being spoiled by the best in the most glamorous + luxurious ways. Lucky us have had the pleasure of getting to know Founders Annabeth Guillory and (believe it or not) Sarabeth Price. These 2 are more than adorable besties. They are smart, creative, trend setters that we caught up with because everygirlneedsalittleblush. So, ladies.... What made y’all want to bring a blowout bar to LCLA? AB: We just flat out loved the experience and when we were on our way home from a girl’s trip, Sarabeth & I decided to make it happen. SB: Annabeth and I looked for any opportunity to visit blow-dry bars in the cities we visited so we figured it was a great idea for Lake Charles. It took 3 years, but we made it a reality and are loving making life easier & more glamorous for the ladies (and sometimes gentlemen) of Southwest Louisiana! What's your "uniform" for Fall? AB: Leggings or skinnies with oversized sweaters & a scarf SB: Black leggings, big sweaters, & Uggs are a pregnant girl's best friend sooo, that's me this year. I am expecting baby #2 in March of course we can't wait! Current Mantra? AB: Good vibes only! SB: Grow through what you go through. What time is your alarm set for? AB: 5:30AM SB: 6AM (although my 1 year old's internal alarm goes off real loud at 12am, 2am, and 3:30am so I'm up pretty much all night. Book you make time to read? AB: The Bible SB: The Bible Your favorite scent? AB: Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline. SB: The Jambalaya News

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you be more “accepted” and “desirable” to the world. So here’s the thing. Just because I teach and share the importance of loving yourself and your body, it does not mean I am 100 percent good with myself 24 hours a day, and it means that I am human. The difference between who I am and what I have learned from yesterday and today, compared to who I was six years ago is huge. Six years ago, I would have had those self-hating, hurtful thoughts but I would have also believed them and acted on them. I used to find that I attached my self-worth and beauty to the opinions of other. I basically was selling my soul into the idea that there was one picture and that if I didn’t fit into it or keep up with it, then I was being “unworthy” “lazy” or “letting myself go.” My life was consumed by what I appeared to be on the outside rather than what I was capable of.

Soul Matters

I am grateful that I was given the gift of awareness to truly see myself and notice the negatively influenced thoughts of deceptive matter that I had received from the outside. I’m grateful that I now have the strength and self-confidence to redirect my thoughts and remind myself of what truly matters.

With Nicole Shuff Arabie

This is Not My Way for You Although love can hurt, it is essential to our existence. Don’t hide the love you feel. This love is bringing what has died inside of you back to life. This is happening to make you feel alive, to make you keep your eyes open to this life that is meant to be your experience of love. This is the only thing that you will take with you when you exit this world.

I will forever build my life upon His love. His love is the only firm foundation to trust in. To become happier, self confident and love yourself, you have to make the decision to believe that you are worthy to be loved, that you are enough, that you are beautiful, and that you are deserving of this life that love built.

Feeling vulnerable means you are aware of how unprepared you are for a task that you have to complete, which is the task of receiving and giving love to another. Ignoring your vulnerability suggests that deep down, you know that your fears are unfounded, and everything will turn out all right if you just allow it to become.

When you make the commitment to truly believe, you can then focus on your physical journey to better health, increased energy, and true happiness. Next, start working on getting fit and stronger, or developing mindfulness, or finally putting yourself back out there in the dating world. When your intentions behind what you’re doing are kindled by the fire of God’s love and not by guilt, shame and feelings of self-loathing, then the life that you desire will be a much happier one.

You may have an inability to confront the issues within your heart, pushing them to one side or running away from them. Instead of running away, ask yourself why this same situation or type of relationship is chasing you. Could this be related to something that scares or stresses you out?

I’m going to continue getting out there to be motivated by love for my life and by the progression that my kick-ass heart and soul is making. I will continue to detach from the way others view me. God’s love continues to shape me. I will remind myself that what I look like on the outside is just a small part of my true beauty and that there are so many other unbelievable qualities in me than just what you see in front of you. I will remind myself that the people who truly matter to me are the ones that will honestly, unconditionally love and support me no matter what. I will remind myself that this body, this home, this vessel is a gift that I'm privileged to have been given and it should be treated with the utmost loving respect for all the days of the rest of my life.

Wake up to the understanding that even if you fall or fail and seem to hit the ground, you never actually hit the ground. You may feel that you will die in real life, but this isn't true. This sense of falling or failing suggests that you have too much on your plate and are finding it hard to cope. It presents itself in this manner because something in your life is spinning out of control and you're trying desperately to hold on. When you find yourself feeling like you are lost in the wilderness, think about what's worrying you and what you can do to resolve it. Create a some time to sit in the witness seat of your own heart. What do you see? Do you like what you see? Can you pick out what your worldly eyes see as imperfections? I want you to reflect even further within. Enter your inner landscape. Go inside your heart and your soul. Listen to what is truth. Your heart and soul will tell you that you’re talking yourself out of something that brings you great joy and satisfaction, something that gives you health, vitality, something you can aspire to, something that creates unity and teaches you willpower and determination. You’re talking yourself out of this in exchange for something that you think you should do and that might help The Jambalaya News

With All My Heart - Nicole Shuff Arabie

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Written and Photographed By Marilyn Pepper Brunt

Growing up in Jennings was a simple life. My dad, Pierre Pepper, drove an 18-wheeler for the Evangeline Refinery delivering fuel to service stations around the state for over 40 years. Maybe that’s where my wanderlust for “traveling the backroads” has come from. My mom, Virginia Sonnier Pepper, on the other hand, was a stay-at-home mom to six daughters. Believe me when I say, that was not an easy job. My poor dad didn’t have a fighting chance living with seven females in one house. Hormones were very rampant at ALL times! Ha! We were known to everyone as the “6 Little Pepper Girls”. I’m so thankful for the love I received from my parents and the close relationships that I have with all of my sisters and their families. My immediate family have all moved away from Jennings, but we go back often to visit extended family and close friends. On occasion I enjoy driving down Main Street and the old bike path that I traveled with my some of my besties like Diane Bertrand Saulnier, Kathy Conner Ardoin, Jan Richert Lennie, Polly Mire Scott, Yvonne Pena Butcher, Colette Heichelheim Reed, Anna Duhon Romero…and numerous others. Through social media I have stayed connected with old neighbors, childhood friends, classmates and several acquaintances. Written and Photographed by: Marilyn Pepper Brunt If I had to choose a particular season as my favorite, it would definitely be Fall. When you mention Fall in Louisiana most people relate it to “Festival Season”. I can honestly say that my calendar is like a road map of what’s happening around the state. Seriously, in one weekend I had five festivals penciled in and I debated for quite some time on how I could attend ALL of them. Actually, I did pretty well because I checked three off of my list! Let me backtrack a little bit and tell you where I ended up on a Saturday morning while “Traveling the Backroads”. I was at our family lake house in Lake Arthur and I had planned a day-trip to Dry Creek, LA. We traveled north on LA Hwy. 14 going through Lake Arthur to LA Hwy. 26 toward Jennings, which as some of you know is my hometown. I always drive through Jennings and reminisce about my childhood days of growing up there. When you grow up in a small town you have memories of people and places that never leave you. I recall with fond memories how, as youngsters, we would ride our bicycles all over town. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s a great time to tell you some of the things that I’m thankful for, one of them being the fact that I grew up in Jennings. It’s a quaint city of about 10,500 but that fluctuates because, so many people move away but eventually move back. It’s the parish seat for Jeff Davis Parish and has often been called the “Cradle of Louisiana Oil”. The Jambalaya News

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It was through my connection with my Scott Street neighbor, Dorothy Cormier Hughes, that I became involved with her daughter, Dawn Miranda Hughes-Daley, who is my publisher. She was starting a new magazine and sent out a request for photos for a contest she was conducting. I toyed with the idea of submitting photos but thought they might not be “good enough” for a contest but I decided I would let others be the judge of that. I sent Dawn a few photos and she emailed me requesting to see some more of my work. I kinda thought it was odd that someone would request MORE photos for a contest, but I obliged. I received a call shortly afterwards asking me to work for Bayou Living Magazine as a photographer. Since then, she has purchased The Jambalaya News and now I write and do photography in my spare time for both magazines. I’m very thankful to Dawn! She is someone that has come into my life and challenged me to accomplish something that I always dreamed of doing, but never thought was possible. Well, now you know the rest of my story! Jennings is a little town that I’ll always call home, no matter how many other places I live. My in-laws, Debbie and Ronnie Brunt, their kids and grandkids that still reside in town, are definitely my connection to Jennings. I keep up on the local scene through them. Debbie is an excellent cook and you might recognize her recipe for Pecan Crunch Apple Pie featured in this issue. As you leave Jennings, there is a sign that says, “Au Revoir”. This French term translates to…Goodbye, until we meet again! Trust me, if you leave, you’ll definitely return! We continued on our journey heading north on LA Hwy. 26 traveling through “Hornet Country” in Hathaway and north to Elton. The drive was very scenic after we turned left onto LA Hwy. 190. I’ve traveled this way on numerous occasions enroute to the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder. That’s right, I’m guilty of indulging on occasion, but I only spend $20 (wink, wink)! The countryside is blanketed by wild yellow coneflowers and the leaves on the trees are every shade of nature that you can imagine. It is very picturesque! We turned right on LA Hwy. 113 at Reeves and proceeded a little north of Dry Creek, LA to our destination of CM Farms. For those of you that have never been to CM Farms, you owe it to yourself to experience a day in their 12-acre corn maze. I met up with Jackie Melsheimer who owns CM Farms with November 2017

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her husband Chuck. Their 17-year-old twins, Allison and Christopher are a vital part of the daily operations on the farm. The farm currently occupies 720 acres to run cattle & sheep, raise watermelons & cantaloupe, grow a big ole corn maze and most importantly share it with their guests and their families to make life long memories. My family certainly did! We mined for precious stones at the Alva Lee Mining Company with Gretta Young, climbed the tire pyramid and went down the dirt mountain slide. We played farm checkers, tic-tac -toe, ring-toss, corn hole & horseshoes and even had a rubber duck race. We boarded bright-colored, converted sugar cane carts for a tour of the farm where we saw long-horned cattle and Gulf Coast Native sheep. We also enjoyed watching a pig race and pony rides with Janice Burgess. Children and adults of all ages loved interacting with the goats, bunny rabbits, peacocks, chickens and some cows. There is also a giant jumping pillow that could literally occupy kids for hours. One of the most amusing attractions is the animal barrel train where kids and adults (if you dare) are taken for a ride into the corn maze by a tractor. Several new attractions have been added for 2017 including a zipline, a “Corn Barn” full of loose corn to play in and they also have “Movie Under the Stars” every Saturday night beginning at 7:00p.m. The “Corn Barn” was definitely one of my granddaughters, Olivia & Sadie’s, favorite activities. My daughters, Lacey Bertrand and Gigi, enjoyed this as well. There were so many activities to engage in. One of my personal favorites was touring the old Turner farmhouse that was built in the 1870’s. It was a photographer’s delight to see old implements, worn screen doors, Civil War records in the dogtrot area and nostalgic memorabilia from an era gone by. I would also like to add that Santa will be on the porch of the Turner house at Christmas for nostalgic photo ops with children. It promises to be a special new attraction at CM Farms in seasons to come. If you’re into photography or just enjoy walking down memory lane, you’re not gonna want to miss the retired implements and family brands in the weathered barn. Before you leave the barn, walk through the spinning vortex tunnel. It will have you walking a little wonky! If all this activity has exhausted you, then you might want to sit-a-spell in one of their giant rocking chairs or under their 9,400 sq. foot pavilion. Worked up an appetite? No worries! They have an extensive menu ranging from loaded cheeseburgers to hot fresh pizza or grab a juicy smoked turkey leg with a side of roasted corn-onthe-cob. Got a sweet tooth? They will satisfy that also! You can munch on funnel cake fries or fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. If you’re a chocoholic, you’re gonna want to check out one of their many flavors of melt-in-your-mouth fudge. This is a very friendly, family-oriented attraction; so, don’t expect to see any alcoholic beverages being served. They do however offer bottled water, Pepsi products, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and slushies too. My curiosity has finally peaked, and I can’t wait to check out the main attraction at CM Farms. That’s right, it’s time to exThe Jambalaya News

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plore the corn maze. Collin Mclawhon, a Junior at East Beauregard High, obligingly gave me a ride in their 40’ lift crane for an aerial view of the maze and farm. This maze is a labyrinth of twists, turns—and some pesky dead ends! It’s all carved into a field of sorghum with stalks way taller than your head. You can get lost…and have the time of your life exploring this 12-acre “field of fun”! Every year they have a different theme in the maze. This year features Curious George and he’s adorable. The Melsheimers also include a Bible passage in their maze design, which I applaud! I might have rambled on about how fun this place is but I think you need to visit it for yourself, so you can decide. I really think you’ll agree that it’s worth the drive. If you want to go, they’re open for their Fall season from September 30 - November 26, 2017. Tickets can be purchased online or at the farm. For more specific times, check out their website at cmfarmsllc.com. Have fun getting lost in the maze! We all agreed that we had a rootin-tootin good time on the farm, but we looked and felt like we had been rode hard and put up wet. It was time to mosey on down the road. On another weekend I traveled the same route toward Elton but turned right on LA Hwy. 190 toward Basile, LA. Every Fall the town is host to the Louisiana Swine Festival that is held during the first weekend of November at the City Park. According to board member Mone’ Douget, it’s a familyfriendly festival which promotes pork products, and everything associated with that. It includes a carnival, queen’s pageant, cooking competitions, a Cochon de Lait (pig in milk), a greasy pig chase, boudin eating contest, sausage making demonstrations and numerous other activities. My daughter, Gigi, and I ran into one of my cousins, Roxane Guidry Veillon, who works for Rhea’s Specialty Meats in Basile. Rhea’s owner, Jude Burton Jr. was so generous and welcoming. We were given t-shirts and a delicious sample of the roasted cochon that was prepared over an open pit. The aromatic scents emitted from the many Cajun chefs preparing a variety of pork dishes in their black iron pots for the cook-off was intoxicating. We strolled into the “Pig Barn” to listen to one of the local bands perform and before we knew it we were smack-dab in the middle of a group of local queens and kings competing in a boudin eating contest. It was quite entertaining to watch. Miss Basile Junior Deb, Aubrie LeJeune, was the winner of the competition and proudly walked away with the bragging rights. The Swine Festival mascot, Porky, entertained the crowd and coaxed others to join him on the dance floor as he engaged in a little Zydeco dancing. We also enjoyed chatting with the 51st Miss Louisiana Swine Festival Queen, Shelbi Rials, as she kept watch over one of the piglets at the “Piglet Pen”. Festival President Justin Miller and his committee do an excellent job of informing everyone of the historical background of conducting cochon de laits before refrigeration came into being. It’s also a time when families and friends gather to reminisce about their ancestors’ unique way of sharing a meal and socializing. In today’s culture, we have all become accustomed to social networks and tend to forego gatherings of this sort to connect with our peers. It might seem like it’s easier to text someone than it is to carry on a conversation, but are you REALLY conNovember 2017

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necting? I suggest that you disconnect from social media for a weekend and enjoy “Traveling the Backroads” as I do. You never know what you’ll discover! Before I bid you “Au Revoir”, I would like to give thanks for my wonderful family and friends who support me in whatever I choose to do. I hope that during Thanksgiving you will take a moment to pray for the families of the victims that were brutalized during worship services in Texas. We should also remember to give thanks for our veterans that serve our country, ensuring our freedom! I proudly stand for this honor! I will leave you with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt that seems to exemplify my perseverance in submitting my photos for a contest. You would not be reading this if I had not tried! “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed”. “Au Revoir” … Thanks for following me! Marilyn Brunt can be reached at: Mbrunt@bellsouth.net or follow me on my new Facebook page ‘Traveling The Backroads’ … I will also be posting pictures that we couldn’t fit in the articles and some extra side travels!

“Au Revoir”… Thanks for following me! 37

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Debbie’s Pecan Crunch Apple Pie By Marilyn Pepper Brunt

Photo by Marilyn Brunt

For many of us, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes feasting on turkey, a four-day weekend, football games or watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s also a time for giving thanks, family reunions, or a forerunner to Christmas festivities, and of course, a day to map out your shopping strategy for Black Friday deals.

ing in their motorhome. Debbie has prepared this pie on numerous occasions and it’s always a hit, especially if it’s accompanied by a scoop of ice cream! It’s quick and easy to prepare, affording you more time to spend planning your shopping strategy! I hope you will enjoy it also and even consider serving it for your Thanksgiving Day feast!

I can assure you that all of these indulgences were the farthest things on the Pilgrim’s minds when they arrived at Plymouth Rock in December of 1620. They must have endured rough seas while traveling during that time of the year. They suffered much loss and it was through the assistance of the Indians that they were able to survive the bitter winter and yield a bountiful harvest in 1621. Thankfully we don’t have a fraction of the harsh conditions that they had to contend with. I always anticipate Thanksgiving as a day to enjoy with family and friends. We always serve the traditional foods and that definitely includes several desserts. My sister-in-law, Debbie Brunt from Jennings, always arrives with an array of sweets that are too tempting to deny. She’s a fantastic cook and routinely discovers new recipes to share with others. Along with her recently retired husband, Ronnie, they enjoy traveling to their six grandchildren’s sports activities and campThe Jambalaya News

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Debbie’s Pecan Crunch Apple Pie Apple pie filling (2 cans) 1/8 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. cinnamon Pillsbury Pie Crust ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar (for pecan crunch topping) 1 cup pecan pieces 1 stick butter (softened) Caramel ice cream topping

Preparation and cooking instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Roll out pie crust in large pie plate Mix pie filling with 1/8 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp. cinnamon in medium bowl Pour pie filling into pie crust Mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup pecan pieces and stick of butter (softened) into medium size bowl. Mixture will be crumbly. Pour and spread on top of pie filling. Place in oven and cook for about 50 minutes or till crust is lightly brown After taking pie out of the oven, heat up caramel topping in microwave and swirl or drizzle on top of pie while it’s hot… Enjoy!

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Sweet Dough Pie Many of you may not be aware that I have been on a mission over the last few years to perfect a sweet dough recipe my mother and I found in a pile of old clippings and receipts once collected by my great aunt, Vena Derouen. So, you must understand how delighted I was when I found out there was a Sweet Dough Pie Festival in Grand Coteau, Louisiana! I knew instantly that I had to attend to see and taste for myself how my pies compared to those of the pros. Just about every sweet dough pie recipe I have ever come across gives instructions on how to combine the ingredients for your crust as if you were making a giant sugar cookie. I can remember my great aunt standing in her kitchen in Welsh making pies quite often but never do I remember her pies coming out anything like a sugar cookie. In fact, her sweet dough pies it seems were undistinguishable from her regular pie crusts, if my memory serves me right. I believe it does because I have very specific memories of being highly disappointed as a small child when I would get that slice of pie, the one I had been drooling over all morning, only to find that it was encased in regulation pie crust. Whether or not my recollection serves me well, I suppose I will have to wait and see until we meet again in that kitchen up above. Below is the recipe for sweet dough pie, typed precisely as she had written it. Added are the steps and instructions that have worked wonderfully for me when making her recipe. This recipe works well for both baked and fried pies. You will be delighted with the results every time. (Makes approximately 14-15 hand pies.)

refrigerator overnight. Set the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to the side. Add to the bowl the sugar, baking powder and cold butter. Quickly work the butter into the flour and sugar using a pastry cutter until you have a cornmeal-like consistency. In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs until pale yellow; add your cinnamon and combine. Pour your egg mixture into the flour mixture as needed. Using your hands, gently fold the ingredients altogether until you have a ball of dough. Using the remainder of the flour, lightly dust the surface of your counter and empty the wet dough onto it. Sprinkle with flour as needed until you get a smooth dough that does not stick to your hands. You must work quickly however, or it will become elastic and chewy. Pat the dough into a round and cover it with clingwrap. I like to place my dough in the refrigerator for an hour or so to allow it to stiffen some before rolling it out. I also find wax paper to be extremely helpful in this Louisiana humidity. When ready to make your pie, roll out the dough once more on a lightly floured piece of wax paper to about an 1/4 of an inch. Roll the dough up onto your rolling pin before draping it carefully over your pie pan. Gently form the crust to the shape of the pan trying not to tear it. Add a filling of your choice and bake at 375 degrees until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. Sweet Potato Pie Filling 4 Eggs 1 cup Sugar 1 1/2 cups Steen's Cane Syrup 3 tablespoons Butter 1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 cup baked Sweet Potato In a large bowl, add your baked and peeled sweet potatoes. Mash. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs before adding the sugar and Steen's syrup. Continue to whisk until light and fluffy. Add melted butter which has been allowed to cool, to the egg mixture. Add cinnamon. Fold the egg mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes until smooth. Remember that adding hot butter will curdle your eggs and that is bad.

Vena's Sweet Dough Pie Crust 1/2 lb. salted Butter = oleo 2 cups Sugar 4 Eggs 4 1/2 cups Flour 4 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder ---- Flavor --I put about 1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon To a large bowl add four cups of flour you have stored in your The Jambalaya News

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Bouillie de Sirop (Syrup porridge/Filling) 2 cups (16oz.) Cane syrup or molasses 1 3/4 cup Flour 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk 3/4 cup Water 2 tablespoons salted Butter 1 teaspoon Cinnamon In a cup, stir together your flour, milk, and water making a slosh. Set aside. In a large saucepan, pour your syrup and bring it to a boil. When it begins to froth, lower the heat and while whisking furiously, whisk in your slosh. Let cook on low, stirring continuously until thick and smooth. Remove from the heat and your butter. stir to combine. Allow to cool completely. Tarte a la Bouillie (Boiled Custard Pie) 5 Eggs 1 1/4 cups Sugar 5 tablespoons Flour 4 cups Milk 1 cup Half and Half 2 teaspoon Vanilla In a large saucepan bring milk and half & half to a simmer. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add flour and sugar to the eggs. Combine. While whisking the egg mixture, carefully pour in a small amount of simmering milk. Continue whisking. Add remaining milk to the mixture, continue to whisk. Place the mixture back into the sauce pan and over a low to medium heat continue whisking until the custard begins to thicken. Do not stop whisking or lumps will form. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely before pouring into your prepared sweet dough pie crust. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 - 35 minutes until crust is a deep golden brown.

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Russell Pawlowski

SWLA Cajun Speckled Trout

This time of year, is so challenging. Why you ask? Well there are a lot of things to do and the challenge is how to do them all. If you like to fish then the Red Fish, Shrimp and Specs are plentiful. If you like to deer hunt most areas open this month. If you like to Duck hunt then get your Federal stamp and get ready that's coming too. So how do you fit it all in. Easy it's called â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAN vacationâ&#x20AC;? no need to go visit anyone stay right here in SWLA and Fish Sunday-Tuesday, go deer hunting Wednesday and Thursday and go duck hunting Friday and Saturday. Enjoy the dish and enjoy this season!

son with salt and pepper. Add 2 ounces fresh butter to egg/ lemon mixture and whisk until smooth, careful not to overcook. Stir in remaining butter to finish sauce and add chives. Meanwhile, broil garnished fish for 4 minutes until brown. Serve immediately, napped with sauce.

Ingredients Flour, to dust Salt 1 tbsp. Cajun Red Head Seasoning 2 eggs, beaten Clarified butter 3 ounces fresh breadcrumbs 2 (1/4-pound) trout fillets, skin on 1 lemon, rind and pit removed, pulp sliced into thin rounds 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 egg yolks 4 ounces salted butter 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped Directions Season flour with salt and Cajun Red Head seasoning, to taste. Mix eggs and 2 tablespoons clarified butter to make egg wash. Season with salt and Cajun Red Head seasoning. Coat each fillet in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs. Shake to remove excess. Heat clarified butter in large baking dish over medium-high heat and fry fish, turning once after 2 minutes. Cook fish for 4 minutes on second side. Remove from pan and place on heatproof platter, garnish with lemon slices. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat broiler. Pour lemon juice in double boiler and stir in egg yolks. SeaThe Jambalaya News

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Dining Guide

Table …

Come Have A Seat By Dominique Dugas — Photography by

My “Food Dude” articles usually involve me talking with local business owners from around our growing city to shed a little light on small businesses and local restaurants while learning about the journey of their passion turned reality. Most often, however, many business owners have a different state of mind than the chef preparing the meals. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, then you know how different the “back of the house” is. When you walk past the controlled environment and polished atmosphere of the front dining room and enter the kitchen, you essentially enter another world. To the naked eye, it seems like absolute chaos and the energy is typically intense. On the contrary, those who know about this industry know that this “chaos” is quite controlled and that being an executive chef, for instance, and running a kitchen is an art form--and can be very intimidating. With that being said, I was lucky to snag an interview with Executive Chef Amanda Cusey at The Villa Italian restaurant, located in the historic Noble Building in downtown Lake Charles. I was a little nervous as I walked in early one sunny morning, but the peaceful calm of the empty dining room and a server setting up for the lunch shift comforted me. The natural light of the front windows shines into the front dining room. From the reclaimed hardwood floors to the marble and quartz countertops on the bar, I remember thinking how lovely everything was. I was greeted with what I can only describe as a ball of energy. Cusey introduced herself, and within seconds, all my guards were down. You know those people who you just enjoy being around because of their attitude and humbleness? She’s one of those people. My curiosity wanted to know the details of the journey that led her to her executive chef position at The Villa. Born and raised in Arizona, she continually sought new adventures and self-growth. She lived in both Florida and North Carolina, ultimately residing in Ireland for years before moving to England for schooling, then back to Ireland before calling the Lake Area home. Cusey graduated from the Tante Marie Culinary Academy in Surrey, England. Classically trained in Cordon Bleu French cuisine, she thought that was the direct path she would be taking. She eventually met Kristan Burness and Brendan Ward while she was a head chef at Fiorentina in Dublin. “[Burness] was also trained French and he put a lot of French influence in his Italian cuisine, which I quite liked, so The Jambalaya News

I’ve continued with that and, of course, put my own twist on things,” she explains. “And now being back in Louisiana, we try to keep it local with some Louisiana flair, which is easy because there is so much French influence in this state. So, it’s a really easy fusion to do.” After moving back here, Cusey looked at local restaurants where she could showcase her skills, and ended up getting the phone number of Michael Sperandeo, who was about to open an Italian restaurant on Pujo Street in downtown Lake Charles. The two hit it off. “He was open to me being more fine dining as opposed to your American-type comfort Italian food,” she continues. “He was all for me doing something a bit different. I have complete control of the kitchen [and menu] which makes me happy.” Cusey points out some of her favorite dishes on the official menu, such as the Wild Mushroom and Truffle Chicken: crispy skinned chicken with wild mushroom and truffle cream sauce with Parmesan mash. “It’s a killer dish!” she exclaims. Her description of a favorite appetizer made my mouth water. “Our Prosecco Risotto is Prosecco, spinach and fennel risotto topped with flash fried oysters. It’s one of our biggest sellers.” The Villa BBQ shrimp is one of her favorites. “We use ‘nduja salume’. It’s like a spreadable prosciutto that comes from Calabria and my favorite ingredient in the world to use.

I love it. It has tons of flavor, with a little bit of a bite to it.” While you can’t go wrong with any 44

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Dining Guide

appetizer, the main entree options will keep you coming back for more. The Louisiana and French influence is evident with a quick glance at the options, such as the Crawfish Pappardelle, which introduces this classic dish to crawfish and shellfish bisque, topped with zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Of course, they still have the comforting classics, such as lasagna, made from scratch and the passion of a brilliant mind. It includes Italian sausage, beef, tomato sauce, a béchamel sauce, melted Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Would you expect an Italian restaurant to serve a mouthwatering steak filet? Cusey raves over its deliciousness. Cooked in a wild mushroom and truffle jus, it’s served with a Parmesan mash potato and an arugula and Gorgonzola salad. That sounds like it’s worth a night out for dinner. As much as this winning menu carries plenty of options, Cusey is still proudest of her specialties. As they change, she gets to play around and create from different fresh ingredients. “All my specials give me the freedom to play and have fun. I always try to get as creative as I can with those,” she says. In a few weeks, the menu will most likely change. She’s excited about the new line-up and set of possibilities that will come to fruition. And although she can write a full menu in about 30 minutes, it has to take time and lots of preparation. Storage space, cost, kitchen staff abilities, ingredient dependability, are all factors that she has to consider. Don’t worry, though, with Cusey’s passion, creative control and talent, the new menu will put you in your happy place the minute you have a seat at their table. What’s next for Cusey? She has a dream of opening up a food truck down the road. With her passion and love of risk-taking, I can’t wait to follow her career and adventure as a chef. For now, however, we can enjoy her delicious dishes downtown.

The Villa Italian Restaurant, 324 Pujo St. Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM to 2 PM and 5-9:30 PM (Except 10 PM on Friday). Saturday, 5-10 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday. November 2017

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Honey-B Ham: Bring It Home for the Holidays! By Lauren Abate - Photography Dawn Daley

The holidays are right around the corner, and that means good food on the table. Lots of it. Do you want to stay in the kitchen cooking, or would you rather pick up a pre-planned meal so you can spend more time with your family and friends? Leave the cooking to Honey-B Ham—from a full meal to dessert— and enjoy so much more of your holiday season!

cornbread dressing, broccoli cheese rice, and everyone’s favorite, the green bean casserole. For dessert, they have everyone’s favorites: pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies. There’s also homemade fudge – which makes a great holiday gift! The sandwich trays, along with the meat and cheese trays, are just the ticket for office parties or casual gatherings throughout the season. And don’t forget New Year’s, Super Bowl Sunday or your Mardi Gras balls! Good food for your guests without the hassle of having to prepare it all yourself. Again, Honey-B Ham gets you OUT of the kitchen!

Honey-B Ham has been right here in the Lake Area since 1996, and their holiday meals are a local tradition. Franchise owner Joe Heinen sells thousands of hams and turkeys, both to individual families for their holidays and to business owners who give them as gifts to clients and employees. “I do 85 percent of my yearly business in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Heinen says. You’ll see him there every day during the season, overseeing his operations with savory scent of ham wafting throughout the restaurant.

Speaking of gatherings, Honey-B Ham offers full-service, selfcontained mobile catering services. Business catering is Heinen’s specialty, providing meals for holiday parties, company lunches, conferences and crawfish boils. You can choose from the traditional main courses/sides, or go for the trays or box lunches. Let Honey-B Ham take care of all of your catering needs.

The honey glazed ham is the top-seller, and is Heinen’s favorite. Hickory smoked, spiral sliced and baked with a thick, rich honey and spice glaze, it comes ready for the table. Just keep refrigerated until two to three hours before serving. You don’t even have to light your oven; Heinen does not recommend heating it, as a matter of fact. If you have leftovers, they can remain in the fridge for five to seven days or be frozen for up to 45 days. I’ve personally never had leftovers last longer than a few days! Between the ham sandwiches, ham and eggs and a hearty winter soup made from the bone, there isn’t much left when I get through with it!

The Restaurant Heinen is very much aware of what his customers like when it comes to his restaurant offerings. Through the years, he’s kept his menu simple to ensure the best quality, but has added various items, including cracklins, boudin, boudin balls and even fried brisket along the way. Come in and enjoy his sandwiches, gumbo, crawfish etouffee (in season) and other favorites, either for lunch or to pick up on your way home from work.

Worried about eating right? Honey-B’s hams have been certified by CHRISTUS Hospital in Beaumont as being lower in sodium than other commercial hams. You can also ask for an unglazed ham if you are cutting back on sugar. If you’re choosing a turkey, make sure you select smoked rather than fried. You can eat healthy and still have an amazingly delicious meal.

“The key to a successful restaurant business is consistency,” he explains. “I just have to be consistently good.” And with 20 years in the business and a loyal following, Honey-B Ham stands out and continues to thrive while a lot of eateries fail. You know what you get when you pay a visit to Honey-B Ham.

While Honey-B Ham may be known for their hams, they also offer smoked or Cajun whole turkeys, brisket, sausage and chopped beef. If you’re getting a turkey, don’t forget the gravy and cranberry relish. Then, there are the side dishes which are positively yummy: sweet potato or baked potato casserole, The Jambalaya News

Crawfish Season Soon! Yes, that’s right—Honey-B Ham does crawfish! The season is coming soon, and the thought of those delectable crustaceans makes me drool! Make sure to stop by Honey-B Ham and take 46

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a sack home, either live or boiled and don’t forget they cater crawfish boils. Heinen knows a thing or two about crawfish, as he’s been raising and selling them since 1978 on his farm north of Jennings. He prides himself on the best quality around. Check their FB page as the season nears or give them a call to find out when they will be available. You will come back for more!

Honey-B Ham is located at 506 E Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles. Hours: Monday– Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (this time of year), Monday-Sunday 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. To place an order, call (337) 477-8335. For more information, see their website, honeybham.net or find them on Facebook. They are now also avail bible on Waitr.

A strong worth ethic and a tremendous product is what keeps Heinen’s loyal customers. “If you want the best ham, turkey, or crawfish, I got it. We have a money-back guarantee,” he says with a confident smileHe also wants his customers to keep it simple. “Take Mom out of the kitchen and let us do the cooking for you!” Call HoneyB Ham today or place your order online.

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Dining Guide

Nina P’s

1600 W. McNeese Street, Lake Charles, LA 337–474-6462 | www.ninapsafe.com At Nina P’s Café, we have great home-made southern-style plate lunches, dinners, burgers, New Orleans style po-boys, gumbo, etoufee and much much more! We’ve now added a special Saturday Brunch to our menu! Serving some of the best breakfast in town! Some of our specialty are so mouth watering you’ll have to try everything on the menu, such as our Crepe C’est Tu, Cajun Monte, Omelet C’est Tu, Nina’s Eggs Benedict to the Cajun Eggs Benedict! Not to mention drinks like The Big Crispy, which is glazed donut-flavored vodka and coffee served with a sugared rim or the Raspberry Sparkler, which is raspberry vodka and champagne & everyone's favorite Bloody Mary!

Sassy Oil & Vinegar

4310 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 337-540-1408 www.sassyoilandvinegar.com Sassy Oil & Vinegar has recently opened a cafe inside The SEED Center Lobby. They have a coffee bar with a 75-cent cup of coffee for a quick cup of Joe on the Go. Their menu includes sandwiches and salads made to order. Two-egg omelets are also available with your choice of add-ons. One of the unique features of the cafe is that their menu changes weekly, with one new item included each week. It can range from healthy varieties of chicken salad and avocado chicken toast to the not-so -healthy Super Deluxe Nachos and Frito Pie. They also sell bottles of oils and vinegars with flavor cards to give you ideas on how to use them. They like to say, "It's OK to play with your food!” Look for Sassy Oil & Vinegar to go on Waitr in July.

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Spoonful of Sugar

1155 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. 337-488-9315 Spoonful of Sugar is perfect for any occasion. If it is for a planned event are just stopping for some daily sweets they have what you are looking for. With some of the most creative tasty working coming out of their doors they aim to please their clients with everything they do. They also serve a daily lunch special each weekday. They are located downtown Lake Charles and offer a nice clean open dining area. During the holidays don’t forget to order your pie ahead of time because it is the word that they have the best homemade pies around. So head down town this summer and bring the kids for some sweet treats!

Tio Juan’s Fresh Taco’s & More

2211 B Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 337-602-6772 At Tio’s you’ll find friendly smiling faces ready to serve you Breakfast at 6am! Lunch starting at 11am and thru dinner at 9pm! The food is a perfect blend of authentic Mexican and tex-mex. It’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and you can also now get Margaritas and ice cold beer! Tio Juan’s Fresh Taco’s & More is a little oasis that is sure to be one of the up and coming favorite Mexican restaurants in town! They also have a convent drive thru for when you are on the run!

Raja’s Curry Kitchen & Grill

3821 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. 337-476-2777 www.therajasgrill.com The cuisine at Raja’s Curry Kitchen & Grill reflects the food found in modern day India with diverse Indian cuisine. They have a freshly prepared buffet each day. You can get the buffet or order off the menu. The buffet offers some of their most popular foods and is serves fresh and hot. So go on down to Raja’s Curry Kitchen & Grill ready to taste some foreign flavors that will have you come back for more very soon!

The Bad Apple

3436 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 337-474-2294 The Bad Apple invites you to COME TAKE A BITE! They are serving breakfast starting at 7am and thru-out the day Monday thru Saturday. They are also rumored to have some of the best burgers in town! They have many other favorites that they serve during lunch and till closing everyday such as their catfish sandwiches, Grilled Jalapeno Cheese and much more! Also now serving steak on Tuesdays! They have service industry specials as well as 1st responders specials! The grill is open Monday thru Saturday 7am till 10pm. You can enjoy music and pool while you have a draft beer are one of their many specialty drinks. Now available on WaitR so you can enjoy at work are home by delivery! Bayou Living Magazine, LLC November

Dining Guide

Steamboat Bills

1004 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles 337-494-1070 | www.steamboatbills.com

Listed as one of the top 10 places to eat in the US and voted #1 in the top 20 best restaurants in Southwest Louisiana. Steamboat Bill’s draws in Cajun-Creole-craving tourists and locals alike. This fast full-service restaurant offers a wide range of Louisiana flavor from fried, etouffeeloaded pistolettes and the locally favored, boiled crawfish to the rivetingly pleasing homemade gumbo crafted from their family recipe. Steamboat Bill’s not only serves highly rated, Louisiana cuisine, but is an outstanding place for fellowship with close friends and family.

Los Ponchos Mexican Grill 2502 Broad St., Lake Charles, Louisiana 337-564-5814 2555 N. HWY 171, Moss Bluff, Louisiana 337-905-1016 520 HWY 397, Lake Charles, Louisiana 337-602-5553

Los Ponchos Mexican Grill has three location in the Lake area to better serve you. They serve an authentic Mexican Tex-Mex menu. They have 2 for 1 margaritas all day everyday. They have a lunch menu for $6.99 with a sweet tea. All of their locations are located next to a video poker right next door. With their great prices, drink specials and great tasting food you are sure to find a unique little place to dine!

November 2017

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Sloppy’s Downtown

329 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 337-602-6365 Sloppy’s Down town is serving towns best street foods around. They have everything from Pizza, Burgers, Sushi, Sliders, and so much more! They also serve lots of beer on tap! Offering such specials as beer and burger, pitcher & pizza nights! Recently they added a kids night to their menu. Kids eat free! They have entertainment for the kids on Wednesdays from 4-8. Another thing they have recently started in Lake Charles was a Saturday Zydeco Brunch! So not matter what night of the week you decide to check them out they have something special for you!

Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen

5614 HWY 14, Lake Charles, Louisiana

337-474-3731 www.hackettscajunkitchen.com If you love boudin, sausage or home cooked plate lunches you’ll want to head on down to Hackett’s Cajun Kitchen. Hackett’s has so many great varieties of boudin that you’ll have to get more than one because it will be to hard to choose! Their sausage is pretty darn good as well! Plate lunch are served daily Monday thru Saturday. If you love Crawfish and Boudin you’ll have to try their special Crawfish Boudin it will take you to Cajun heaven for sure!

Buffi’s Peauxboys

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp

If you’re looking for a Louisiana Poboy, Buffi’s Peauxboys is the place to go! It’s a little hide away restaurant on the east side of Lake Charles. They serve gourmet, New Orleans style poboys that pack a big punch in flavor. The options are endless when your searching for southern flavors with a flare. Their speciality is the Boiled Crawfish Peauxboy. You can find us on Facebook. Now available on Waitr as well!

A vibrant atmosphere breathes life into anyone who walks through the doors of Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp! The name alone suggests a casual little vacation from the rush your day might’ve been. With terrific food, colorful décor, a great downtown location and friendly service—this place is nothing short of a delightfully unique experience. Vintage brick walls, with memorabilia from times past, offer a virtual exhibit with an undeniable ’coolness factor’! Looking through the menu for the very first time, you’ll know you want to keep coming back — trying EVERYTHING served up by this eatery of special flavors, mixing their own version of Tex-Mex laced with Cajun Flair! It doesn’t get any more special than that!

3620 Gerstner Memorial Blvd. Suite H Lake Charles, Louisiana 337-656-2883

723 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 337-602-6243 | www.tiajuanitasfishcamp.com

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Dining Guide

Daigle’s

Strickland’s Spirits & Eats

415 E. Russell Street., Welsh, LA 337-734-4483 Hot-To-Trot in Welsh, Louisiana is now under new ownership! They plan on bringing you the same great daily lunch specials, boiled crawfish & Shrimp as well as adding some new items to their menu soon! So they encourage you to follow them on Facebook and stop by soon to see what’s new! I hear the rumor is that they are adding steaks and gumbo to the menu! So y’all go by and give them a try!

726 E. Russell Street, Welsh, LA 337-734-2500 Daigle’s has you covered for breakfast at 5am and for lunch and dinner until 5pm Monday thru Friday and Saturday from 5am until 12pm. They are serving homemade daily plate lunch specials every day! They are also know for their boudin and sausage for miles around. For all you hunters they also offer known for some of the best priced deer processing and any other of your needs.

203 East Nezpique St., Jennings, LA 337-246-7411 Everyone is talking about Strickland’s Spirits & Eats. They may be new to town but they are quickly becoming very popular. Everyone is boasting of their amazing burgers and chicken fried steaks, the atmosphere is good, the staff is friendly and they serve adult beverages late. It’s a place to go for a daily plate lunch are to order off the menu. It’s dubbed to be the gather place to hang with friends. If you haven’t tried it yet you may want to scurry on down and try them out. It may just be your new favorite place.

Cajun Tales Seafood Restaurant

Darrell’s Po-Boys of Jennings & The Crawfish House

Roy’s Meat Market

Richards Hot-To-Trot

501 North Adams Street, Welsh Louisiana 337-734-4772 | www.cajuntalesseafood.com

Cajun Tales is committed to satisfying their customers with great food and excellent service. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They feature a daily lunch special, crawfish pie, broiled stuffed catfish and award-winning seafood gumbo… just to name a few of their great menu selections. They offer a buffet on Friday & Saturday evening and a breakfast buffet on Sundays. They are also family friendly with a menu just for the little ones. Their menu is full of irresistible Cajun favorites as well as burgers, steaks, seafood, gumbo, red beans & rice and so much more! Your sure to find a reason to go back soon and try another dish off the menu. Conveniently located right off I-10 in Welsh.

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1020 North Lake Arthur Avenue Jennings, Louisiana 337-616-9977 | www.darrellspoboys.com

Darrell’s Po-Boys of Jennings is a franchise from the one in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is the first and only one like it. The unique thing about the Jennings Location is they also have The Crawfish House connected to it and serve crawfish and shrimp in season. They have ice cold beer bottled are on tap. They serve the same specials that are served in Lake Charles. They are a great location to go sit have a beer and watch the big game during football season. Everyday from 2-4 you get a chip for a free beer every time you purchase one, that buy one get one free! Stop in for a quick bite are stay indoors and cool off while having a cold brew, hey it’s hot outside!

401 S. Thompson Ave., Iowa, Louisiana 337-582-2220 This isn’t just your average everyday but butcher shop. They are a specialty grocery store and a restaurant as well. They have daily lunch specials each day of the week it is different serving up anything from shrimp stew, beef tips, pork jambalaya, pork chops & gravy, of course they all have great sides with all their plate lunches, and so much more. They have really great burgers, chicken etouffee, and sandwiches. They are one of the number one places to go during hunting season to get your meat processing need taken care of as well. So next time you are passing thru Iowa stop by Roy’s and the friendly staff will be happy to get you what ever you choose to try!

Bayou Living Magazine, LLC November

Dining Guide

Life is Too Short for Average Food ! Restaurant Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm Sunday: 12pm-9pm

Buffet Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-4pm Sunday: 12pm-4pm

Best Indian Food in Town! 337-476-2777 | www.therajasgrill.com 3821 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605

Now Serving Brunch on Saturdays 11am-2pm

Royâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meat Market 401 S. Thompson Ave. Iowa, Louisiana 337-582-2220

SMOKED & SPECIALTY MEATS BOUDIN CUSTOM MADE SAUSAGE DEER & WILD GAME PROCESSING PLATE LUNCHES SPECIALTY GROCERIES NOW SERVING BURGERS ALL DAY We Now Have Alcohol Steak Dinner & More on our New Menu!

337-474-6462 Great Food * Great Service November 2017

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* Outdoor Dining 51

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Dining Guide

PLACE YOUR HOLIDAY ORDERS EARLY—20 DIFFERENT PIES TO CHOOSE FROM. THANKSGIVING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER.

3 Locations Moss Bluff HWY 171 337-905-1016 Lake Charles Broad 337-564-5814 Lake Charles HWY 397 337-602-5553 For each stores hours follow on -

Daily Plate Lunches $6.99 with Sweet Tea Two for one Margaritas all day everyday!

NEW HOURS

FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM ALSO AVAILABLE ON WAITR

Thursday—Friday 10am—5pm Saturday—10am—2pm 1155 RYAN STREET, LAKE CHARLES, LA PHONE: 337-488-9315

$1.50 draft beer on Monday Nights … come watch the game with us! Thursdays after 5pm all Ladies drinks 1/2 Off.

Hours: Monday Thru Friday: Restaurant: 11 am - 2 pm & 4:30 pm - 9 pm. Bar Area: 4:30 pm - ‘til. Saturday: Bar Area: 2 pm - ‘til.

Daily 2-4 free chips for every beer you purchase. 203 East Nezpique St. | Jennings, LA The Jambalaya News

1020 North Lake Arthur Avenue, Jennings | 337-616-9977 www.darrellspoboys.com

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Dining Guide

Cajun Tales Seafood Restaurant 501 N. Adams St., Welsh LA 60591 | 337-734-4772 Visit www.cajuntalesseafood.com for our complete menu. Seafood Buffet Fridays & Saturdays 5-9pm Sunday Lunch Buffet 11am-1:30pm

Daily Lunch Specials

Hours: Monday-Closed Tuesday-Thursday 8am to 9pm Friday-8am to 10pm Saturday - 7am to 10pm Sunday - 7am to 2pm

Now Under New Ownership. Serving … Boiled Shrimp, Burgers, Fries & More. Daily Lunch Specials. Now Serving …. STEAKS & GUMBO!

Have you tried our Daily Plate Lunches? Follow us on Facebook to see what we are serving!

Breakfast & Daily Lunch Specials. We also service all your processing needs. Best Sausage & Boudin Around! Monday-Friday 5am-5pm Saturday 5am-12pm 726 E. Russell Ave, Welsh, LA | 337-734-2500 November 2017

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Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 2pm Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm Sat 5pm-9pm

415 E. Russell Street, Welsh, LA | 337-734-4483 53

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L’Auberge’s Ember Grille & Wine Bar The New Autumn Menu is Here!

Hunting Ground

By Lauren Abate

If you haven’t been to L’Auberge Casino Resort’s Ember Grille and Wine Bar lately, now is the time to go. They’ve just introduced their amazing fall menu, filled with choice delicacies to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Chef Brock Granger started as a line cook at Snake River Grille. In 2011, the restaurant was relaunched as Ember Grille & Wine Bar. The following year, Granger was promoted to Sous Chef, earning the title of Room Chef in 2016. His vision for the menu is to focus on seasonal flavors and to incorporate a bit of Louisiana into each dish he prepares. And what a fine dining vision it is! If you love seafood, you’ll enjoy the latest fish offerings: The Wild Salmon has a coriander and pepper crust that adds just the right crunchiness to the tender salmon. It comes with a delicious potato and horseradish purée, roasted beets, beet and balsamic gel and dill. Chef Brock selects fresh white fish for the Hoja Santa Wrapped Fish, and completes his creation with confit apple, curried sweet potato, onion and parsnip. The light fish and root vegetables strike a perfect balance. The Ahi Tuna is crusted in toasted sesame seeds and is accompanied by wasabi, shoyu, pickled carrot and daikon radish. At our tasting preview, housemade wontons were the perfect addition. If you get this dish, ask for them! Oh, the joy of big, tasty scallops! The Seared Scallops have the perfect burn on the outside and melt-in your-mouth goodness on the inside. Loved the saffron cauliflower purée and charred cauliflower, topped with baby mustard. Meat lovers have plenty to choose from, of course. The gargantuan Tomahawk Steak is still prominent on the menu and is as tender and juicy as ever. It’s a 42-oz ribeye (yes—you read that correctly) carved tableside with your choice of two signature sauces. New this season is my personal favorite. The Braised Pork Belly put me in gustatory heaven! Glazed with honey and black garlic soy, it simply melted in my mouth. If you love pork, you must order this dish! The very first time I tried Coq au Vin, I was eight years old and in Quebec City with my parents. I loved it then and I love Ember’s version. Covered in red wine jus, it comes with cremini mushrooms, lardons, fingerlings and onions. The lardons (cubed pork) are an unexpected but delightful addition. The perfect meal for a brisk fall evening! There are so many delicious dishes to choose from on the Ember menu, along with an outstanding wine list of over 200 selections. Then, there are the signature cocktails crafted by Kelly Bistok. I tried The Hunting Ground, her latest creation for fall. Bayou Silver Rum, Bitters and Orange Flower Water are the main ingredients, and it was topped with edible leaves! She’s currently working on a Winter Mojito that hasn’t made the bar menu yet—but it needs to be on it, immediately. Apples, berries, cinnamon sticks—what’s not to love?

Seared Scallops

Pork Belly

Hoja Santa Wrapped Fish

Ember Grille and Wine Bar, L’Auberge Casino Resort, (337) 395-7565. Open seven days a week, 5:30-until. The Jambalaya News

Bayou Living Magazine, LLC November

Dining Guide

If you’re looking for a Louisiana Poboy, Buffi’s Peauxboys is the place to GEAUX!

MEET YOUR FRIENDS HERE AND PASS A GOOD TIME PLAYING POOL, SHUFFLE BOARD, FOOSBALL & WATCH FOOTBALL

Buffi’s is located at 3620 Gerstner Memorial Blvd. Suite H. in Lake Charles Phone: 337-656-2883 Also NOW available on wiatr app order today! Hours — M-F 10am—8pm Sun-Sat 10am—4pm

WEDNESDAY DRAG SURVIIVOR

$1 OFF ALL MIX DRINKS AND LONG LECK BEERS! OPEN 9PM-2AM SHOW 11:30PM $25 CASH PRIZE FOR 1ST PLACE

THURSDAY KARAOKE W/ KELSHA

OUR FRIENDLY STAFF IS ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE WITH A BEER, WINE OR FAMOUS FROZEN DRINKS!

DRINK AND DROWN $10 BUY IN $1 REFILL ON ALL WELL DRINKS PEN AT 9PM-2AM KARAOKE @10PM

FRIDAY FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY $3 FIREBALL OPEN 9PM-4AM DJ IN THE MIXX

SATURDAY SHOW NIGHT

4688 COMMON ST., LAKE CHARLES, LA * 474-9019

2 FOR 1 FROZEN DRINKS, DRAG SHOWS ANNOUNCED WEEKLY ON CRYSTALS FACEBOOK OPEN 9PM-2AM * SHOW 11:30PM

$1 DRAFT BUDLIGHT $5 PITCHERS $2 JELLO SHOTS ALL THE TIME. 112 W. BROAD STREET, LAKE CHARLES November 2017

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JOIN US FOR KARAOKE FRIDAY & SATURDAY!

| 433-5457 55

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711 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70610 www.ryansperformance.net

Open 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week

Best Prices in Town

Low Prices On — Beer & Wine Alcohol Cigarettes Tobacco Icee Gasoline & Diesel 99 Cent Fountain Drinks w/ Crushed Ice Bagged Crushed Ice $1.29 for 8 lbs. Hunts Brothers Pizza & Chicken Wings

We’ve got all Your performance needs covered.

Call 337-656-2072

Evan’s Jennings Location — 1207 S. Lake Arthur Ave., Jennings Fishing Supplies & Bait—Live shiners, worms & frozen bait. Iced Single Beers Alexis’ Diner offers—Video Poker, Fried Chicken, Hamburgers & also available on Waitr App. Store is open 6am—10pm Coming Soon! 5th Ave., Lake Charles, LA Location! To serve you better!

Evan’s Corner Store Opening Soon on 5th Ave For Your Convenience — 4252 5th Ave Lake Charles, LA Iced Single Beers, Beer, Wine, & Liquor. Cigarettes & tobacco products. Gasoline & Diesel. Krispy Krunchy Fried Chicken, Hamburgers, Boudin, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice and More! The Jambalaya News

Bayou Living Magazine, LLC November

SOCIETY SPICE

Get Spicy with Society Spice

Giant Omelet Celebration Written and Photographed by

‘The Spice Girl’… Marilyn “Pepper” Brunt What: Giant Omelet Celebration When: November 4-5, 2017 Where: Magdaline Square Abbeville, LA

Cajun music, food, arts and crafts, and an antique car show are just a few of the things that make up the Giant Omelette Celebration. Oh, and did I mention eggs? Lots of eggs…5033 to be exact! The eggs are cracked then scrambled in 5-gallon containers with an oversized paddle drill. In 1984, three citizens of Abbeville attended the Easter Omelette Festival in Bessieres, France and were knighted as the first of Abbeville’s Chevaliers (chefs). After they returned home, they were determined to bring Abbeville closer to its French heritage by hosting an omelette festival. They wanted to join in the sisterhood of cities who celebrate the omelette annually. Fast-forward 33 years and the festival has garnered international status. Each year foreign representatives are invited to be knighted as Chevaliers into Abbeville’s Conferie (fraternity). The majestic Vermilion Parish Courthouse serves as the backdrop for the preparation of the eggs. A 12’ skillet is rolled onto Concord Street where a huge fire is awaiting the addition of: 52 lbs. of butter, 1 ½ gallons cooking oil, 50 lbs. onions, 75 bell peppers, 4 gallons onion tops, 2 gallons parsley, 6 ½ gallons milk, 15 lbs. Louisiana crawfish tails, 3 boxes salt, 2 boxes black pepper, Tabasco Pepper Sauce to taste and of course the 5033 eggs (5000 for the original recipe and an additional egg for each year that the festival has been in existence). This process was so entertaining. As the Chevaliers continually stirred the omelette, the Fa Tras Cajun Band performed as festivalgoers danced in the street. I would like to add that there is a group of “Petite Chevaliers” that prepare a junior size omelette alongside of the 12’ skillet. When it was ready, the Chevaliers served everyone in attendance a bowl of omelette accompanied by a slice of Poupart’s French bread. I hope that you will put this event on your calendar for next year. Remember, it’s held on the first weekend in November. Ca C’est Bon! The Jambalaya News

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Put some spice in your life! If you want to see us at your event and be featured in Society Spice please email us at jambalayanews@gmail.com November 2017

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THE BUZZ

CITGO Contributes to the Safe Disposal of Mercury in Lake Charles With the help of a $5,000 donation from CITGO, a mercury collection facility is offered to residents at no charge at the City’s Wastewater Division located at 1132 W. 18th Street. CITGO has long been a supporter of the Keep Greater Lake Charles Beautiful—Team Green endeavor, having contributed more than $35,000 to help support the program since 2007 when the mercury recycling facility opened. The site is open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to CITGO’s generosity, the site accepts fever thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries and thermostats to name a few items. Since 2007, more than 424 lbs. of liquid mercury have been collected, as well as 5,080 bulbs (including compact, neon and U-tube linears).

Family Medicine Physician Dr. Jason Burklow Joins Imperial Health Jason Burklow, MD, board certified family medicine physician, is the newest member of the Imperial Health medical staff. Originally from Lake Charles, Dr. Burklow earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and a Doctor of Medicine from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine on the island of St. Maarten. Dr. Burklow completed a Family Medicine Residency at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as a part of the Louisiana State University Health Science Center Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Burklow will join the family practice office of Dr. John A. DiGiglia III, located at 4150 Nelson Road, Building A, Suite 3. To schedule an appointment, please call (337) 474-7290.

Pictured (L to R) is Karen Hardy, City of LC Mayor’s Liaison to Team Green; Emelie Mosca Gary, City of LC Wastewater Division and Mercury Collection Facility Manager; Dana Keel, CITGO and Tara Ross, Team Green Chairman.

Vickie and Allen Singletary Donate to CHRISTUS Foundation Vickie and Allen Singletary, owners of The Investors Group of Louisiana, presented the first payment for a multiyear commitment to the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation. Their donation will be used to help fund a Hybrid Surgical Suite at the John & Sylvia Stelly Regional Heart Center at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital.

Couple Donate Instrument to McNeese David and Catherine Robbins of New Orleans have donated a bass flute valued at over $8,000 to the McNeese State University W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts after hearing a McNeese faculty member perform at a national flute convention this summer. “The couple heard me play on the program at the 2017 National Flute Association convention in Minneapolis in August,” said Dr. Judy Hand, associate professor of flute. Hand performed a program dedicated to the flute works of the late composer and McNeese colleague Keith Gates. “The next day they contacted me,” she said. David, who is an amateur flute player, had just purchased a new bass flute and they both immediately thought about donating his old instrument to McNeese since they had attended Hand’s program. From left: Catherine Robbins, Dr. Judy Hand, associate professor of flute, and David Robbins.

Left to right: Kay C. Barnett, CFRE, executive director of development, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation, Vickie and Allen Singletary and Donald Lloyd II, President and CEO, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Health System. The Jambalaya News

McNeese Photo 60

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SOWELA Eligible to Compete for Aspen Prize SOWELA Technical Community College was named as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. SOWELA was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public twoyear colleges nationwide to compete for the $1 million prize. Awarded every two years since 2011, the Aspen Prize recognizes institutions with outstanding achievements in learning; certificate and degree completion; employment and earnings; and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students. SOWELA will move forward to the next round of the competition by submitting an application to be reviewed for a spot on the top 10 Aspen Prize finalists list to be named in May 2018.

company’s 18th Annual Global Care Day. More than 40 volunteers helped to rebuild and paint the shelter’s fencing and landscaped the grounds of the facility. The volunteers pruned and removed overgrown trees and shrubs, weeded and prepared the vegetable garden for fall planting, and hauled away debris.

Sesquicentennial Bricks Now Available For Purchase In commemoration of the City of Lake Charles Sesquicentennial Celebration, a distinctive Sesquicentennial edition brick is being made available for purchase to honor area veterans. They will be placed in a 150-year section of Veterans Memorial Park on the Lake Charles lakefront. A limited quantity of 150 bricks are now available at a cost of $150 per brick. The list of veterans represented on these 150 commemorative Sesquicentennial Veterans Bricks will be placed in the time capsule that will be buried soon for opening in 2067 at the City of Lake Charles’ Bicentennial Celebration. Sesquicentennial Veterans Bricks can be purchased at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, or by calling (337) 491-1256. Proceeds will benefit the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission and its ongoing events and programs.

2017 Lynda M. Carlberg Award Recipient Announced The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is pleased to announce that Armajean Declouet, Genealogy Associate I at the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Library, is the recipient of the 2017 Lynda M. Carlberg Award of Merit. Declouet, who started out as a part time employee in the Genealogy branch in 1996, was chosen by her colleagues in recognition of outstanding service and exemplary contributions to the Calcasieu Parish Public Library and its patrons. She was promoted to a full-time position in 2001. Lynda M. Carlberg, Director of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library System from 1978-1997, left a legacy of professional excellence on every level. The Library Board of Trustees established a Certificate of Merit in her name, to annually recognize a Calcasieu Parish Public Library staff member for “exemplary contributions to the Calcasieu Parish Public Library and its patrons.”

Bike Paths Striped In Downtown Lake Charles Bike paths will soon connect Prien Lake Road with the downtown area and I-10 along Kirkman Street. Another trail is being striped along Pujo Street between Kirkman and Bilbo Streets. Mayor Nic Hunter says it is the beginning of many trails the city hopes to construct over the next several years. The project is part of an effort to implement the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which was approved by the City Council and addresses some of the initiatives stemming from the City’s recently adopted Completed Streets policy. To accommodate the new trail, Pujo Street will be restriped into a one-lane road between Kirkman and Bilbo Streets. A parking lane will be added on the north side of Pujo between the bike lane and the curb. The Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan can be reviewed at www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Tammy Peloquin Named CSE Consumer Lender Supervisor CSE Federal Credit Union congratulates Tammy Peloquin on her new role as CSE’s Lake Charles Branch Consumer Lending Supervisor, where she will oversee CSE’s Consumer Lending staff. Peloquin has more than 21 years of experience in the banking and credit union industry. Past positions include Loan Interviewer, Branch Manager, Assistant Vice President and Consumer Lender roles within the financial industry. Her hobbies include spending time with family and fishing. LyondellBasell Welcomes New Lake Charles Site Manager LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, is pleased to announce Shawn Cullen has been appointed as the new site manager for its Lake Charles Polymers Plant in Westlake. Cullen has 20 years of experience in petrochemical manufacturing, all gained while working for LyondellBasell and its predecessor companies. Prior to assuming his new role in Lake Charles, Cullen was the site manager

LyondellBasell Volunteers Help the Salvation Army of SWLA LyondellBasell’s Lake Charles Polymers Plant employees, families and friends spent October 28 working with the Salvation Army of Southwest Louisiana in celebration of the November 2017

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THE BUZZ

ner with Team USA events, held on Oct 20 and 21. All proceeds from the events benefited The Leadership Center for Youth, a division of Family & Youth Counseling Agency. For more information about Family & Youth visit www.fyca.org, call 337 436-9533.

for LyondellBasell’s Tuscola, Ill. facility. Originally from Fort Madison, Iowa, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Iowa and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. The Lake Charles Polymers Plant was recognized earlier this year by American Fuels and Petrochemical Manufacturers with the 2016 Distinguished Safety Award, its highest safety honor. Family & Youth Honors Philanthropists The Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, the endowment arm of Family & Youth counseling Agency, honored Cheniere Energy’s Community Investment Council, the Friends of Shannon Cox, and CHRISTUS Fund for giving their time, talent, and treasure for the betterment of Southwest Louisiana during the Philanthropy Celebration and Awards Breakfast, presented by Entergy, at L’Auberge Casino Resort recently. For information on establishing an endowment with the Family Foundation please contact Roxanne Camara at roxanne@fyca.org or 337-436-9533.

(L to R): Team USA Olympian Phil Dalhausser; Tim Andreas, President/CEO of Andreas Global; Tammy Andreas,   Manager/Marketing of Andreas Global; Julio R. Galan, President/CEO of Family & Youth; and Team USA Olympian Nick Lucena. West Cal Chamber Members Receive Honors West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce was honored to announce their 2017 Citizen of the Year, Jody Barrilleaux, at their 68th Annual Banquet on November 9 at the Isle of Capri. A life-long resident of Sulphur, Barrilleaux has been involved in various community-minded programs throughout Southwest Louisiana, blessing people of all ages with her ministry. She serves the Chamber in many ways, always finding time to help others through her position as Community Relations Director at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral home. In addition, awards of excellence were given to Board Members Jane Young, Ultra Outdoor; Brenda Ford, SuddenLink and Shawn Chamblee, Boy Scouts of America.

(L to R): Amy Peck, Cheniere Energy; Joy Parker, Friend of Shannon Cox; Jules Maust, Friend of Shannon Cox; Pam Tadlock, Friend of Shannon Cox; Ginny Henning, Friend of Shannon Cox; Kay Barnett, CHRISTUS St. Patrick on behalf of CHRISTUS Fund; and Julio Galan, President & CEO of Family & Youth.

Memorial Hospital Recognized for Pharmacy Excellence Lake Charles Memorial Hospital pharmacy recently received two awards from Comprehensive Pharmacy Services during their annual meeting and awards program in Scottsdale, Arizona. Memorial was named the 2017 Clinical Site of the Year for Pharmacy Leadership, which is given for excellence in hospital clinical pharmacy, supporting all aspects of hospital operations through clinical pharmacy techniques and demonstrated leadership. With the second award, Trisha Hanson was named the 2017 Buyer of the Year for outstanding pharmacy performance.

WCCH Honors Two Employees West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently recognized its 2017 August and September employees of the month. Gwen Thompson, the August employee of the month, serves as a runner in the hospital’s patient care services department. Thompson assists various departments of the hospital to deliver orders, requisitions, supplies, and equipment necessary for patient care. Sheila Kinney, the September employee of the month, serves as admissions processor in the hospital’s admissions department. She verifies patient insurance coverage and obtains insurance authorizations for services provided at WCCH.

Project Build a Future Receives Grant Affordable housing nonprofit Project Build a Future in Lake Charles, was awarded $20,000 in Partnership Grant Program funds recently, which it will use for training, technology and marketing. The check presentation, held at a home built by Project Build a Future, was attended by representatives of State Senator Ronnie Johns’ office (District 27), First National Bank of Louisiana, First Federal Bank of Louisiana and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.

Andreas Global Donates to Leadership Center for Youth Andreas Global Asset Management Group donated $14,000 to the Leadership Center for Youth in the form of a sponsorship for the Serving up Success Volleyball Clinic and DinThe Jambalaya News

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Deck The Halls … Christmas Events

toe and Moss Holiday Market at the Lake Charles Civic Center! Enjoy shopping, food, and amazing special events such as the Preview Party Gala, Ladies Night, and Cookies with Santa and Friends. $10 General Admission, $50 Preview Party, $25 Ladies Night, $15 Cookies with Santa and Friends. Tickets can be purchased at www.jllc.net. Martina McBride Christmas Tour Nov. 25 Hang up the stockings and cue the holiday music, because Martina McBride is going on a Christmas tour! A tremendously talented country singer, Martina McBride has released numerous chart-topping albums over the course of her career. Catch her performance at the Golden Nugget on Nov. 25 at 8:30 p.m. For tickets, go to tickmaster.com Bulber Youth Orchestra Xmas Concert Dec. 1. Join the members of the FGBYO at Tritico Theatre at McNeese State Universityas they celebrate the season with familiar Christmas classics, as well as new pieces that may become your next holiday favorites! All pieces are mastered by youth musicians age 7-18 throughout the fall semester and the members are excited to share their gift of music with friends, family and the Lake Area community. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. (337) 582-2466, www.fgbyo.org

2017 Holiday Events in the Lake Area Jack Frost may not actually be nipping at our noses, but the holiday season has arrived—with all of its magic and excitement! What is there to do in the Lake Area? Read on and find out! And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours! Decking the Halls in DeQuincy Christmas Parade, Fireworks and More! Dec. 1 Program will consist of craft and food vendors, hot chocolate, music and singing. At 5:30 p.m., the parade will travel west from the Nichols Dept. Store and at 6:30, there will be a Christmas program at McNamara Park. Wrap up the evening with fireworks at the DeQuincy Ballpark at 8. Admission is free. (337) 786-6451

Light Up the Lake Dec. 2 Beginning at 11 p.m., join Santa for the Downtown Street Parade. Santa's Workshop will take place from 1-5 p.m. with Kids’ games, prizes and entertainment. The Community Band Christmas Concert will held at Trinity Baptist Church (TIME TBA). Gather around the front lawn at 5 p.m. for the lighting ceremony with entertainment and the flipping of the switch at 6 p.m. to light up the Christmas lights. Catch trinkets and candy at the lighted boat parade at 6:30 p.m. followed by the fireworks extravaganza at 7:15 p.m. Food vendors will be stationed along the lakefront that evening. (337) 491-9159, www.cityoflakecharles.com.

KCS Holiday Express Nov. 28 In its 17th annual trip across Kansas City Southern’s (KCS) U.S. rail network, the Holiday Express train is planning to stop in DeRidder at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28. The six-car train will bring Santa Claus for a visit with kids and offer visual displays inside and out for young and old alike. This event is free and open to the public. Additionally, at each stop, KCS will make a donation to the local Salvation Army.

Cinderella’s Holiday Dining Dec. 2 Children will join their favorite storybook characters for an unforgettable experience. Character meals include pizza, dessert and a drink. The seating incorporates a visit, photos and autographs from each of these famous characters. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costume. Seating is at noon, cost is $25 per person (everyone must have a ticket including adults and infants). Seating is limited and reservations must be made by calling (337) 433-7323

Inspiration in Iowa Parade and Christmas in the Park Dec. 9 Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. from the VF Mall and travels to the Lawrence Toups Memorial Park. Christmas in the Park will be after the parade and includes kid events, arts and crafts, shopping and more. (337) 309-7914. www.iowala.org Joyful in Jennings Downtown Festival Dec. 2 The Jennings Downtown Christmas Festival is a perfect example of why there's no place like Jennings for the holidays. Founders Park is transformed into a glittering Christmas Wonderland, including picture opportunities with Santa (after parade); and over 20 vendors selling food, arts, and crafts; perfect for holiday gift shopping. The Christmas parade will start at 4 p.m., followed by a festive hayride. (337) 821-5532

Handel’s Messiah Dec. 3 A beloved Lake Charles holiday tradition, the 77th annual performance of George Frederick Handel’s “Messiah” will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in McNeese State University’s Bulber Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. As the City’s official kick-off to the Christmas season, you can enjoy 100 voices singing the most popular selections from this moving work. Soloists from McNeese’s music program and renowned musicians will participate in the performance. (337) 477-0662

Light Up Lake Charles Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market Nov. 15-18 The Junior League of Lake Charles proudly presents the MistleNovember 2017

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The LC Symphony Holiday Home Tour Dec. 3 The Lake Charles Symphony’s 2017 Holiday Home Tour is featuring homes along Shell Beach Drive. The date is Sunday, Dec. 3 from 2-5 p.m. Admission is $50 per person. Several homes will be delightfully decorated for the holiday season. After touring, enjoy music and complimentary refreshments.. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Symphony office at 433-1611 or visit the website at www.lcsymphony.com.

box. Christmas clowns, a battalion of Toy Soldiers, a Christmas card that comes to life, and a rowdy Holiday Hoedown are just a few of the treats in store. Let LCCB kick off your Christmas festivities! The family Matinee begins at 11 a.m. and the evening Gala begins at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center. www.lakecharlescivicballet.com Merry in Moss Bluff Christmas Parade Dec. 9 The Ward One Economic Development Board and the Moss Bluff Civic Club will sponsor the Moss Bluff Christmas Parade on Sat., Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. The Sam Houston Pride & Spirit Marching Band will be attendance and local businesses, civic organizations, clubs, and churches are also invited to enter a float in the parade. Santa will be there too! The parade will begin at the High School and follow the route for Homecoming, behind the High School, to Telephone Road, Parish Road and the parade will begin on Sam Houston Jones Parkway, and will end back at Sam Houston High School. For applications and more information visit www.mossbluff.webs.com

A Very Merry Xmas Party for Seniors Dec. 6 A festive day for seniors 60+ who reside in Calcasieu Parish begins at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Music will be provided by Ed Jardell & the Louisiana Scramble Band for the seniors to dance the day away. A nutritious lunch will be served and bingo will be played for prizes until noon. Lake Charles Civic Center. (337) 474-2583 (ext. 1050) Jazz in the Arts Holiday Gala Dec. 8 Jazz In The Arts Foundation will present its annual holiday gala at Treasures of Marilyn’s, 3510 5th Avenue, Lake Charles at 6 p.m. with musician extraordinaire Clarinetist Doreen Ketchens of New Orleans. The gala is a benefit for the funding of scholarships and music education and will include dinner and a silent auction. For tickets and more information, visit www.jazzinthearts.com or call (337) 794-5744.

Seasons Greetings from Starks Christmas Parade Dec. 2 The parade begins at 2 p.m. followed by a Christmas Gumbo hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary at 3:30 at VFW Post 4759. (337) 287-3886

Masterworks Chorale Concerts Dec. 8 & 10 The annual Christmas Concert will be offered again in two venues, First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Immaculate Conception Church in Sulphur on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at Swicegood Music at $15 and students and children free.

Silver Bells In Sulphur It’s the “12 Days of Christmas,” only this time, it’s not just a song! Christmas will last almost two full weeks in Sulphur this year!

A Christmas Story Nov. 24-26

The Mines Theatre presents A Christmas Story. Showtime is at 7 p.m. on the 24th, 6 p.m. on the 25th and 2 p.m. on the 27th. For more information, contact The Mines at 337-215-1602.

Holiday Art Market Dec. 8-10 Located throughout historic Central School, the annual Holiday Art Market will return December 8-10 with an array of fine and handmade items created by Louisiana artists, along with student arts and music performances, bakery treats, and a creative shopping experience. This year, donations will benefit MusicMakers2U, an organization devoted to providing area youth with access to musical instruments. Times are: Friday, Dec. 8 (3 -7p.m.), Dec. 9 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), and Dec. 10 (noon-5 p.m.). Admission is free. For more details, contact the Arts Council at (337) 439-2787.

Scripture Readings Nov. 27 The Ministerial Fellowship presents sunup to sundown scripture reading at the pavilion in Heritage Square. 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Christmas Caroling Nov. 28 The Ministerial Fellowship presents Raise Your Voices Christmas Caroling at The Grove. 6-7 p.m. Spanish Language Church Service Nov. 29 Houston River Baptist Church and Iglesia Hispana de Sulphur present Spanish Language Church Service at The Grove. For more information, call 337-718-1750.

LCCB’s Twas the Night Before Christmas and Other Holiday Treats Dec. 9 Join the Lake Charles Civic Ballet for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Other Holiday Treats, featuring the classic tale by Clement C. Moore! Santa and his elves have lots of treasures in their toy

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Mardi Gras 2018 The Jambalaya’s Annual Mardi Gras Issue! Holiday House Preview Gala Nov. 30 Enjoy food and music by Chester Daigle. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets $35. For more information, contact Thom Trahan at (337) 527-0357. Holiday House Dec. 1-2 Open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., entry is $5. Kiwanis Club of Sulphur Annual Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1. Live Nativity begins in the grove at 6:30. Maplewood First Baptist Church will provide free hot chocolate and water at the Nativity. Lighting of the Christmas Tree in The Grove at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 Carnival open from 5– 10 p.m. Dec 1 and noon-10 p.m. on Dec. 2 both days, wristbands $20. 100 percent Chance of Snow at Heritage Square at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Brunch for Seniors Dec. 5 The Old Tyme Brunch will be held at the West Cal Event Center from 9:30– 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 For more information, contact Jody Barilleaux at (337) 794-3113.

Once Upon a Christmas Dec. 9

The Mines Theatre presents Once Upon a Christmas in collaboration with Kress Dance Revolution. Showtime is at 6 p.m. For more information, call (337) 215-1602.

For more information about any of the various activities and events included in "12 Days of Christmas in Sulphur," please visit www.brimstonemuseum.org, or call 337-527-0357. Christmas Celebration Dec. 8 The parade kicks off the festivities at 5pm followed by hot chocolate, cookies, carols and the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree at Vinton City Park. (337) 589-7453, www.cityofvinton.com Santa Visits Vinton Christmas Festivities Dec. 8 The parade kicks off the festivities at 5 p.m. followed by hot chocolate, cookies, carols and the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree at Vinton City Park. (337) 589-7453, www.cityofvinton.com Wassail in Westlake Christmas Festival Dec. 9 Everyone in town is bustling about getting ready for the Westlake Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9. The celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. with a parade in the heart of downtown. Candy and Christmas fare will fly through the air, and spectators will be dazzled by the Christmas spirit! The parade, sponsored by the West Cal Kiwanis, will roll down Sampson Street. It is guaranteed to be Christmas fun for the whole family! November 2017

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It’s time to plan for The Jambalaya’s Annual Mardi Gras issue! We are very excited to announce that the entire 2018 Mardi Gras issue will be GLOSSY! Not just the cover! Excited? We are! In case you don’t recall how this works, let’s recap the following: Each full color page costs $300. Most krewes choose two pages, which cost $600. Krewes can get page sponsors by selling four ¼ page ads at $150 (one krewe page free), two ½ page ads at $300 (one krewe page free) or one full page ad at $600 (one krewe page free) or any combination of ads and cash to equal number of pages desired. Deadline for 2018 Unfortunately, this is a very SHORT season. All copy and photos must be in by January 17 AT THE VERY LATEST. NO EXCEPTIONS! All payments must be in by January 17. Checks need to be made out to Bayou Living Magazine, LLC, for Credit Card payments call Dawn at 337-348-2958 and also Cash will also be excepted. Photos must be emailed in a jpeg format to … jambalayanews@gmail.com . We will not scan photos. Photos need to be emailed directly not in a word document with your articles. If you don’t have capability of email and prefer to bring them to us be sure it is on a portable USB or SD card. You already know who’s on your courts, so start sending bios in NOW! A suggestion on article word count: Keep in mind that the longer the article, the smaller your photos will be. Less words, bigger photos! If you want one page, then your article should be around 600 words. For two pages, approximately 1,000-1,200 words TOPS. You want to show off those beautiful color photos, don’t you? Again, this is just a suggestion, but worth considering, and keep in mind that we do edit for space. For more information, email Dawn at — jambalayanews@gmail.com or lauren@thejambalayanews.com You can also call Dawn at 337-348-2958.

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Today I am sharing something that will make you go ga-ga! Not Lady GaGa just candy cane Ga-Ga. I made these cupcake ornaments a few weeks ago and they were a hit, so I figured I would make another version of them.

You can purchase all of these items by clicking on my affiliate links on my website or at your local crafting store. I am using white puff paint, so it looks like real icing! Have fun, use any color that makes you smile from ear to ear. I like to set them down in the container they came in after I apply the puff paint. Once in the container, sprinkle with glitter. When they are dry, add a little hot glue to the bottom of ornament and stick on a cupcake liner. I cut a few pieces of black and white bakers twine to hang them with. I think they are just precious! Follow me at www.jaderbomb.com for more holiday DIY projects and inspiration! See you there! The Jambalaya News

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Huge glittery hugsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;See you in the next post! Visit me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram! November 2017

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Stockings hung for Christmas morning and we’ve added one more since then!

What the Holidays Mean to Me

fect family Christmas, pestering his wife and relatives as he tries to find the best tree and struggles to put up all of those lights and the house decorations. Things quickly go wrong; his country cousin Eddie and family show up and park their camper in front of his house, and his boss doesn’t come through with his promised Christmas bonus. But all’s well that ends well! Another good movie to watch with the kids is A Charlie Brown Christmas, which offers a break from the buy, buy, buy and buy bigger clamor surrounding Christmas. Charlie Brown is depressed by the commercialism of the holiday, but ultimately his spirits are lifted by directing the school pageant and having a talk with Linus. There are tons of good Christmas movies out there, such as

By Dawn Daley

If you grew up in my family, Christmas wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t celebrated. I didn’t miss a thing; I was a perfectly happy kid. I enjoyed much more important things like life itself, the great outdoors and bonding with my siblings. We enjoyed all things outdoors; there was never a day when we just stayed in all day. We were out exploring the woods, fishing, riding horses, hunting, making things like log cabins, learning to mill lumber with our father and gardening -- we always had a garden! As we got older (in our teens,) us kids would make little homemade gifts for each other and pretend to celebrate Christmas; ‘til this day, I still have some of those little gifts made by my siblings! I cherish them more than some gift bought for me as an adult when I did start doing the Christmas thing with my family after moving out. It’s the simple things in life that we truly will cherish, even though we may not learn this until we are much older and wiser. After having my first child, I did enjoy the get-togethers and the food on the table and all of the family and friends that came from afar, but I was technically an outsider since it was with my in-laws. You could say that I enjoyed it, but my point of view was that it was something the majority of people do, so, I was just put right up in it. But as the years went by and more kids came along, everyone expected to have Christmas presents under the tree. Christmas eventually became more demanding, financially as well as on myself. I put myself in this situation because I wanted to give my children the perfect Christmas and the best presents. So, I worked harder and spent more and as technology became more advanced so did the children’s Christmas lists! And, each year I found myself doing the same--giving more and more! Nowadays, I still want to give my kids everything, but I’ve learned something important after all of these years. Giving them, good memories and family gatherings is the most important part of this whole holiday thing. The presents are just an added bonus and we shouldn’t put so much pressure on ourselves financially. So each year, I start with putting up a tree and decorating it with the kids the day after Thanksgiving. They love to decorate while I supervise! It helps to get into the Christmas spirit by watching some of my all-time favorite holiday movies. One of my very favorites is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – it truly reflects how things sometimes go in life. With the holidays approaching, Clark Griswold wants to have a perThe Jambalaya News

Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Clause, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Gremlins, Four Christmases (one of my favorite newer ones with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon). Serendipity is a

great romantic Christmas movie (with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale). Here in Louisiana, we don’t have the snow and weather like the movies, so these movies are great! But in the end, I will still get all of those presents (as long as I can afford it), because it is fun to shop, shop until you drop! But we shouldn’t get all wrapped up in just the shopping, we should remember that it is Jesus Christ’s birthday and we gather to celebrate it. I have a feeling He wants us to enjoy life and our loved ones most of all and that is why he brings us together! To all of you, I hope your holidays are full of love and laughter and may your New Year be filled with great memories from all of YOUR Christmases Past!

A Cajun Christmas feast!

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A Christmas ad Meme & Papa’s house … Darla, Phil, Blake, Trin, Seth & Jacob Daley. Christmas was always good at Meme & Papa’s!

Breanna with sister!

A Colorado Christmas, Darla Beth Mikailyn loved it! November 2017

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Scott (Blonde Bomber) with Evan.

Cousins Gabe, Ryan, Justin & Seth giving big hugs! 69

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BOHO Red Christmas Tree By Jader Bomb AKA Jade Harrington

I am pretty happy with the overall look of my red tree from Treetopia. I hope you enjoyed the little snippet inside my home! Happy Holidays Jaderbugs! Right now you can get FREE GROUND SHIPPINGSITEWIDE (((WOWZERS))) Looking for more tree inspiration? Hop on over and check out and see the other Treetopia Design Council Members! You will NOT be disappointed friends! Inspired by Charm, Jennifer Perkins, A Kailo Chic Life, Hi Sugar Plum & Jaderbomb Sending HUGE hugs from these pages straight to yours! XOXO Jade

I am so honored to be on the Treetopia Design Council! Today I am showcasing the Tango Red Lipstick Christmas Tree from Treetopia! If you are a fan of COLOR then you just found fake tree heaven, seriously! I will simply call it my BOHO Red Christmas Tree, mmmmkk! I’ve always wanted a bright and whimsical tree but never found one that looked good in person until Treetopia came into my life. I know most of you will not understand what I am about to tell you, but I truly had issues picking out the tree I felt I needed this Christmas. It took me about 3 days, I know I have issues. People this is serious business! Once I finally decided on a tree I realized I had bigger issues figuring out what theme I would go with for this stunning red tree until I went in my studio and saw a collage of DIY tissue paper flowers. It dawned on me that I needed to dig deep into my tissue paper collection (yes, I have one) and start busting out flowers. From there on I completely saw “the” vision in my head. A flower tree enhanced with a few spray painted pine cones and a handful of vintage glass ornaThe Jambalaya News

ments…..I DID say BOHO! If you know anything about me then you know I am a fan of BRIGHT colors. I don’t have a preference I just love color. A few years ago, we painted all the rooms in our house white and I just love it. For some reason it feels cleaner and it allows all of my gems to constantly POP! I love making paper flowers especially ones with black and white stripes bursting out of the centers! I will show you Friday how to make these flowers on the blog so make sure to come back! You don’t want to miss it. If you are wondering if I went with a certain color theme for my flowers the answer is yes and no. I knew I wanted pink, green and orange…. the teal and white just made sense once I started. Trust me anything will look good on this tree! I bought a bag of scented pine cones and spray painted them then dashed them with some shiny glitter! How beautiful are these miniature ornaments? I always have a “Christmas Scent” and last year I found this one. Let me tell you it smells AMAZING! If you are wondering it doesn’t smell like a cigarette smoking hippie, haha!

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You can follow Jade at www.jaderbomb.com You can find more DIY projects on these social medias!

November 2017

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By Luke Eddleman

Meet Orion!

Meet Orion! He belongs to Jerry and Cait Walker and is currently seven months old with a personality to match his adorable looks. Orion is a dark liver-colored Dalmatian. This coloring is not the norm if you remember 101 Dalmatians, which featured only black-spotted Dalmatians. His owners are often asked if his spots will turn black, but liver is only one of the various colors of this breed. Jerry grew up with a Dalmatian, and when he and Cait began to discuss which breed would suit their household, they found that a Dal would be a great match. They visited breeders, met the parents, looked over the history of the lines, and asked researched questions until finally deciding on a reputable and knowledgeable breeder in Texas. Dalmatians are high-energy dogs. Although their origin is unknown, they held a variety of jobs, being an adaptable breed in the right hands due to their demanding headstrong nature. They initially gained popularity in England, where they followed horse-drawn coaches to guard the coach and horses. Eventually, Americans began using them to ride alongside the fire wagons and guard the firehouses, and they are still mascots at many firehouses across the country. Knowing that the puppy would develop into an energetic dog with the need for a lot of physical and mental stimulation, Jerry and Cait enrolled Orion in a Puppy 101 class with local dog trainer, Britney Pitre of Bons Chiens Dog Training. He excelled with persistent training that continues daily. As Britney’s assistant and apprentice, Cait has taken what she has learned to help Orion become a well-rounded dog, hoping to work with him in agility trials in the future, as well as being a companion to her and Jerry on hiking and kayaking trips. His owners also hope to dispel any stereotypes about the breed, most notably that they are inherently aggressive, a typecast which came about after they gained popularity from the 101 Dalmatians movies. Unfortunately, when media makes an animal breed popular, there is a mass production of the breed and the consequences can be damaging. In many cases, when breeding continues with no genetic, health or temperament tests done, the result was a beautiful coated dog with a very poor attitude. Due to this, the Dalmatian shortly gained a reputation for being unpredictable and, which still carries to today. Reputable breeders have come a long way to work through this and to The Jambalaya News

Cait Walker & Orion.

place properly bred puppies in the right households. All puppies and dogs require a great deal of socialization. This helps them become comfortable around other dogs and with people, sights, sounds, and situations to help them be good “canine citizens.” “Knowing the personality of a dog and what its breed was intended to do can help us as their human companions set them up for success,” says Pitre. He is even featured along with his canine big sister, Pandora, in the logo of their pet sitting business, Cloud Walker Canines. They all can be found exploring our beautiful downtown, hanging out at one our growing lists of dog-friendly restaurants, kayaking Prien Lake, hiking in Sam Houston State Park, and enjoying playtime at Bark Du Lac.

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Tic-Tac-Toe

November 2017

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G Speaking that Texas Hold’em Poker Lingo

ame ...

Take A Seat poker player flopped 3 club flushes with this starting hand in one year! J-5 – Jackson Five, Motown 10-5 – Five and dime 10-2 – Doyle Brunson. (He won two World Series of Poker with this hand.) 9-9 – Meat hooks 9-5 – Dolly Parton, of course because of the song and the movie. 8-8 – Snowmen, Octopuses 7-7 – Hockey sticks, walking sticks 7-2 – The hammer (I hate this hand) 5-5 – Nickels, presto, speed limit 5-4 – Jesse James, for his Colt .45 4-4 – Sailboats 2-2 – Ducks

Have you ever sat down at a poker table and listened to people talk about their hands? Did the language they use about the two cards they held in their hand (in poker lingo, known as the hole or pocket cards they’ve been dealt) sound foreign? Learning poker lingo is like learning a different language! I remember once someone said something about a flat tire. I thought he really had a flat tire. Surely one of my blonde moments! Well, I figure some of you beginners could use a list of common nicknames for the hole cards while playing Texas Hold’em. That way, you’ll know what everyone is talking about. A-A – American Airlines, bullets, pocket rockets A-K – Big Slick, “Walking back to Houston,” Anna Kournikova A-J -- Ajax K-K – Cowboys K-Q – Marriage K-J – Kojak K-9 - Canine Q-Q – Dames, divas, ladies, Hilton sisters, & Siegfried & Roy Q-J – Maverick, Oedipus Rex Q-7 – Computer Hand Q-3 – A San Francisco busboy (a queen with a trey) J-4—A flat tire J-J – Jokers, hooks J-9 – T.J. Cloutier. This hand was named this after this famous

There are many others; these are just the ones that are the most popular. So, next time you are lucky enough to be enjoying a game of poker where there’s a big bad beat you are hoping to hit and you hear someone say any of these things, you won’t feel like you are in a foreign country. Maybe you can use some of the terms as well! See you at the tables, friends--enjoy your game!

The Poker Lady

All I want for Christmas is a suited Big Slick! The Jambalaya News

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Copyright 2017 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle of Capri and FanPlay are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 years of age. Isle of Capri employees and the immediate family of executives and marketing team are not eligible to participate. Disregard if prohibited from visiting Louisiana casinos. All promotions and events are subject to change / cancellation without notice. Rules and promotions may vary. Complete rules and eligibility for promotions are available upon request.

COMPULSIVE OR PROBLEM GAMBLING? CALL 1-877-770-STOP(7867). November 2017

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