The Jambalaya News

VOL. 1, NO. 6 / JUNE 18, 2009

ALSO: • GlobeTrek’s Top 10 Getaways • Economical Summer Fun • Vintage Perfumes: A Heady Investment • Time for Krewe de Charlie Sioux Mardi Gras!

PAGE 2

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

GENERAL 826 Ford St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262

contents 27

REGULARS

NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque

6 7 16 19 20 22

lisa@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS L. Kay Andrews Leslie Berman Sara Blackwell Blane Bourgeois Dan Ellender George Kline Cheryl Krull Mike McHugh Jeanne Owens Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Eric Zartler ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme SALES ASSOCIATE Jessica Robinson GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck darrell@thejambalayanews.com

BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER L. Kay Andrews The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 826 Ford Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2009 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

DISTRIBUTION: The Jambalaya News is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. The Jambalaya News may be distributed only by The Jambalaya News authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Jambalaya News take more than one copy of each issue from its racks.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

24 38

27 43

Downtown Carriage Rides Bring Fantasy to Life

publisher@thejambalayanews.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates

June 18, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 6

COVER STORY

PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque

lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Cover Photo by Blane Bourgeois On Cover: Justin Gill, Maggie King, Ashley Woods, Sarah House and Emily Fruge.

The Dang Yankee The Boiling Pot The Zestful Life Tips from Tip Animal 411 Bayou Biz – When the Travel Bug Bites: GlobeTrek Travel What’s Cookin’ RU Game?

FEATURES 5 25 30 35 36 54

A Salute to Sammy Hayes Vintage Perfumes: A Heady Investment GlobeTrek’s Top 10 Getaways Getting the Most out of Your Vacation Staycations: Economical Summer Fun Time for Krewe de Charlie Sioux Mardi Gras!

ENTERTAINMENT 39 40 42 43 44 48 51 53

Killin’ Time Crossword Red Hot Books Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies Society Spice Jambalaya Jam The Local Jam Eclectic Company

5 48

30 22 JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 3

From the Publisher Six years ago, if you told me that my wife and I would leave Boston to live in Louisiana, I would have said that you were crazy. It would have sounded even more ridiculous if you added that shortly after we arrived, we would be helping children, animals and those devastated by a hurricane.

But that’s what was meant to be.

Most of our close acquaintances are aware of our outlook on life when change occurs. It’s always been, “Let’s see where this is going. We trust that this is meant to be for the best.”

It sure is hard to feel this way when life delivers a blow that we can’t comprehend. We want to understand why life is the way it is. We want to be in control – and we’re not. But so very often, we see down the road why things happened the way they did.

I read a story the other day about an Indiana family who lost their car dealership after 81 years. It started in 1928 with two brothers—farmers—who invested $5,000 to start the company. It survived the Depression, World War II and rationing, the steel mill strikes, and the loan guarantee years. Family members went on to say how their father missed so many family events because the business came first. “And all of it is for nothing now,” they said sadly.

But was it really for nothing?

Wasn’t dad able to put food on the table and to put a roof over their heads all those years because of the business? Wasn’t the business an opportunity for a father and his sons to work together and create a good life for their families? Does that mean nothing, too?

PAGE 4

JUNE 18, 2009

When my family disowned me because of religious reasons (I didn’t get married in the church of their choice), I really needed to understand where my life was going.

Never could I have imagined I would be living where I am today. I never would have known any of you, or this life, if my family had stood by me. My life would be wrapped up with them, as it had always been—running back and forth to Michigan to paint my mother’s house or driving my little sister across the country to a new job. When those family ties unraveled, as painful as it was, it gave me the opportunity to expand my emotional consciousness and become the person I was meant to be.

I wonder if life is not meant to be understood in concrete terms. Perhaps we’re just meant to experience the journey, remain positive, and “see what happens.”

Whether you agree with our philosophy of life or not, we hope you enjoy our paper full of positive news, heartfelt stories, and fun. Thank you for picking up this copy of The Jambalaya News and for welcoming us into your community.

If we’ve added a bit of warmth in your heart as you read our paper and go through your life’s journey, we’ve achieved our goal. Enjoy.

– Phil de Albuquerque

TJN Phil hanging with his buddy Logan Buck.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Sammy Hayes Sammy Hayes has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters for approximately 13 years. Everyone on the staff knows him as a longtime friend of the organization and an allaround great guy. Though none of the children in BBBS know him, the work he does is all for them.

In the years he’s been involved with BBBS, Hayes has never been a Big Brother. When he started his good works, Hayes was a student at McNeese. Now, he is a tech consultant for Southern Technologies. With his family to keep him busy as well, Hayes has never found the time to dedicate to being a Big. Still, he does his part every year to ensure the children in the organization can continue to enjoy the program.

For 13 years, Hayes has gotten together a team for Bowl For Kids’ Sake. He started his first team in the mid-90s when a fellow student, who was a Big in the program, mentioned the annual fundraiser. It sounded like fun for Hayes and he’s continued ever since.

Hayes isn’t just a regular at the BBBS event. He also makes it his goal to raise as much money as possible.

As soon as he receives his packet, Hayes is out asking his contacts to donate. For two and a half months, he will ask anyone he meets. He’ll also Volume 1 • Issue 6

accept any size donations, from $1 up to the most any individual has ever given—$500. His packet goes from crisp and clean to tattered, torn and stapled together by the time Bowl for Kids’ Sake arrives.

He admits that he usually asks over a hundred people to donate. He will keep his packet with him wherever he goes to find an opportunity to let others help him in his work.

Hayes is quick to dismiss his work in raising the money. “It’s not about me,” he said. “I’m just a conduit for people to give. I only provide them that opportunity.”

“It’s not hard for me to ask them to donate,” Hayes continued. “I’ll either get one of two answers—yes or no. I figure, in my line of work, I’m going to these places and meeting the clients anyway, so I might as well ask.”

Hayes’ dedication to the organization doesn’t stop at just raising money. He is an advocate for the organization, telling anyone who’s interested how to contact the office.

“I know the number by heart,” Hayes confessed. “I’ll get people involved while I’m collecting donations. I’ll tell them about Bowl for Kids’ Sake and the Lunch Buddy program since those two don’t involve a great deal of time. I’ll also tell them about the community program or

anything else they ask about.”

Even though he doesn’t have time to be a Big himself, Hayes got his wife Lenore involved. Lenore was matched with a Little Sister, Shontel. Hayes would often go out to eat or to the movies with Lenore and Shontel. He admits it was almost a couple match.

Shontel has since aged out of the program, but, at 22, she still visits Hayes and Lenore and even goes to their special events. The bond they formed has lasted well past the program’s end date.

Hayes knows all about the power of giving back, which is why he is so adamant about doing something to help his community. Coming from a civil service background, he has done plenty to be involved. He has worked with Harbor House and even donated through work. He’s given to Volunteers of America and participated in Relay for Life. He will even buy cookie dough and dinners for school fundraisers. Still, he always finds time for BBBS. “I like Bowl for Kids’ Sake.” Hayes says. “It’s my charitable thing. Some people pick other worthy causes like March of Dimes, but this is my cause.

I enjoy it, but I also know I’m helping out the kids and the community, since this fundraiser is completely local and I’m specifically helping the

children in my area.”

Hayes was surprised by the generosity of those he’s asked, even during the current economic situation.

This year, he raised over $4,100, the most he’s ever brought in at a single time. Since 2003, he’s raised over $16,000. He’s consistently been in the top money-raising bracket for seven years, and has won the grand prize four times for the most money raised.

Hayes admits he enjoys winning the prizes, but that’s not what it’s about for him.

“If I ever have the time or money to donate, I’ll do it.” Hayes says. “I want to be involved in my community. I never have to go out of my way to do it, but it’s important to me that if I can do it, I will.”

“If you don’t have time to be a Big, then call the office to see what you can do,” Hayes advised. “There’s always something you can do to better your community. Anything you can do or give will make a difference.”

To bring a little magic into your life or that of a child, call the United Way Agency of Big Brothers Big Sisters at (337) 478-5437 or visit www.bbbs-swla.net. There are offices located in Lake Charles, DeRidder, and Jennings. TJN

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 5

Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Help! It’s Hurricane Season!

The other day, I flipped the page on my calendar to the month of June.

Used to be when I’d do that, it gave me a real sense of joy with the return of lazy summer days. Now, however, those mirthful feelings have been displaced by thoughts of trepidation, realizing that hurricane season is upon us once again.

As you might imagine, living where I can practically smell the Gulf of Mexico has changed my whole attitude about hurricanes. As my wife will attest, I was always fascinated with natural disasters. Sitting safely from my perch in Yankee Land, I’d sit into the wee hours with my eyes glued to the Weather Channel when-

ever a Category 4 or 5 hurricane was approaching landfall on some distant coast. Funny how your perspective changes when Jim Cantore is broadcasting on location in your home town.

So now, in addition to the Weather Channel, I have my tracking charts and links to Web sites I never even knew existed. And I’m not the only one around here like that. I honestly don’t think anything gets done around here when there’s a major storm somewhere in the Gulf. And let’s be honest--how many of you are just like me, looking at those models and praying that the projected tracks take the storm farther away from us and more

toward some other poor souls?

I remember my very first hurricane season here. We were advised to prepare a survival kit. So we got this big plastic storage bin and filled it up with bottled water, Beanie Weenies, flashlights, batteries, a transistor radio, and all that stuff they told us we were going to need when the big one hits.

Then, when the time did come, we evacuated and that plastic bin sat in the trunk of the car while we ate steaks at a nice restaurant and caught a movie. I wonder, what is the shelf life of a can of Beanie Weenies?

Fancying myself as a glass halffull kind of guy, I have learned to cope with hurricanes by looking at the bright side. How can there possibly be a bright side, you ask? Well, what about those $2,000 checks and subsidized generators? And the three years’ worth of free firewood?

And what about the evacuations?

Evacuations to me are just unexpected vacations—lagniappe if you will. We went to Arkansas during Rita. It would have been real nice if I hadn’t developed a medical condition that put me in the hospital for several days while I was there. So, instead of spending the beautiful fall days on pleasant drives through the Ozarks, I got to sit in a hospital bed and watch reruns of Green Acres on TV Land.

And when I got tired of that, I flipped to the Congressional hearings where they raked that FEMA director over the coals for the Katrina fiasco. Now, that’s entertainment!

Now, don’t get me started about FEMA. That’s a four-letter word if ever there was one.

After Katrina, the people here all pulled together and did a bang-up job of taking care of all of those evacuees in the Civic Center. Seems like every local business and civic organization took a turn feeding our guests.

And then FEMA came along and told us we were doing it all wrong,

and only they could do it properly.

They kicked us out of the kitchen, aghast at the notion that we kept the hamburger meat and pork chops in the same refrigerator. I heard one story where these bureaucrats turned away a whole tractor trailer load of chickens that were donated by the people of Arkansas because they weren’t from a government-approved vendor. I don’t know if the story is true or not, but the fact that I could believe it really says something there. Okay, enough of this FEMA business. I’m on blood pressure medication.

I have some friends who moved here from Yankee Land about the same time I did. (I won’t mention any names, but they publish a biweekly newspaper.) They commenced to buy several properties along the Gulf Coast. I think every one of them got hit hard by one hurricane or another. Most recently, Ike ravaged one house so completely that all they found in the aftermath was a kitchen plate. These folks are a hurricane magnet. If they were not such good friends, I would advise them to move to Wyoming.

Honestly, though, after having experienced not one but two hurricanes here, I am awed by how the people responded to the adversity.

Everybody pitched in together, rebuilt, maintained order, and learned to deal with insurance adjustors and eat MREs with smiles on their faces.

(OK, maybe I am exaggerating just a wee bit here.) But you folks really impressed me.

Time now to sign off. I’ll be hanging out with Jim Cantore until November 30.

Mike McHugh is an engineer at Sasol North America, Inc. He and his wife Susan hail from the border state of Maryland and thoroughly love living in Southwest Louisiana. TJN

STEVEN M. JONES sjones@crownsecurity.net CROWN SECURITY, LLC P.O. Box 2244 Lake Charles, LA 70602 Phone: (337) 478-0006 Fax: (337) 310-4877 Home & Business Alarms Cameras • 24 Hour Monitoring

www.crownsecurity.net

We Provide Peace of Mind PAGE 6

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

The

Boiling

P l

Pest Management Assoc. Helps Camp Fire SWLA Members of Southwest Louisiana Pest Management Association helped Camp Fire USA SWLA Council get ready for the 2009 Summer Camp season by spraying all the buildings of Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin to control carpenter bees at the 75+ acre rustic camp. The group has donated their services for many years, spraying annually for carpenter bees and assisting with termite prevention through an L.S.U. Formosan termite. The camp could not open safely without their assistance, and Camp Fire USA SWLA is very grateful that they have made securing the camp buildings an annual priority, as weekly sessions of resident and day camp begin June 7.

LC Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Announces 2009 Board Members The Auxiliary at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the Board of Directors for 2009. Members of the executive board include: Bobbie Jefferson, president; Reta Kaspar, president-elect; Barbara Bourgeois, immediate past president; Anita Morgan, corresponding secretary; Virginia Turner, recording secretary; and Dorothy Bryant, treasurer. Members-at-large include: Tessie Boulet, Inez Morris; Gay Arnold, Lillian Salvador, Janet Chapman, Maxine Bennett, Tasnee Lianmongkol, Shon Castillo, Della Johnson, Barbara Fox, June Key, and Bridget Barnes. Since 1968, the Auxiliary has actively raised money for equipment and services at Memorial through gift shop proceeds, bake sales and other fundraisers.

Sabrina Barker

Mark Herbert Volume 1 • Issue 6

Fusion Five Announces New Board Members Fusion Five is pleased to announce its newest board members: Sabrina Barker, J.W. Bates, and Mark Herbert.

Sabrina Barker is a marketing representative for United Home Care Services. Previously, Barker worked as the Assistant Director of the American Heart Association for five years. She is married to Barry Barker and has a 10-year-old son Tyler and a 3-yearold daughter Shelbi. She volunteers with the American Heart Association, the Women’s Shelter and other organizations.

J.W. Bates is regional vice president for Primerica Financial Services and co-owner of Bourbonz bar on Ryan Street. He is married to Dolores Bates and they have four J.W. Bates lovely children.

Mark Herbert serves as U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu’s regional manager. He has 14 years of congressional experience, having worked for U.S. Representative Jerry Huckaby, U.S. Senator John Breaux

and U.S Senator Mary Landrieu. He is married to Amie Johnson of Lake Charles and they have a son, Jackson, who is two.

Fusion Five is an organization of and for young professionals changing the social and economic landscape of Southwest Louisiana.

Memorial Hospital Welcomes Vice President of Finance David Mak, a native of Hong Kong, was recently named vice president of finance at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. A graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Mak has more than 12 years experience managing fiscal affairs for hospitals, most recently serving as assistant chief financial officer at Women & Children’s Hospital in Lake Charles. In his new role, Mak’s duties include the oversight of Memorial’s revenue David Mak and supply cycles, as well as the accounting and medical records departments. An avid golfer and wind sailor, Mak is the father of two grown sons. For more info, call (337) 494-3108.

Dr. John Noble, left, and Dr. Geoffrey Collins welcomed the ArthroCare Mobile Surgical Skills Center to the Center for Orthopaedics on May 28.

Center for Orthopaedics Hosts Mobile Surgical Skills Center Center for Orthopaedics was one of 60 specialty groups and hospitals in the country chosen as a participating site for the ArthroCare Mobile Surgical Skills Center, an advanced sports medicine surgical training lab. The lab was set up on May 28. This innovative training program is designed to provide physicians, nurses and surgical support staff with firsthand experience using some of the JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 7

latest advances in sports injury treatment technology. The ArthroCare Mobile Surgical Skills Center is equipped with five complete training stations and features the medical company’s full spectrum of sports medicine equipment for hands-on learning. Each station contains full visualization equipment for arthroscopic and other procedures, and there is ample room in each suite for two surgeons plus one assistant, if needed.

Sarah Quinn Jones School of Ballet Summer Workshop with Guest Instructor, Gambrelle Jones Balanced Body Pilates July 1st – 16th

Registration Underway for MSU Teaching Conference Registration is underway for the third annual Teaching and Learning Conference for PK-12 educators sponsored by the McNeese State University Burton College of Education. The conference will be held July 23-24. This year’s theme is “Literacy, Numeracy and Technology.” Participants will learn and share ideas about the influence of reading, writing and technology in PK-12 literacy.

Breakout sessions and keynote addresses will present strategies and content for PK-12 educators to improve student literacy in their classrooms. July 1 is the registration deadline. Registration is $75 per person if received by July 1 and $100 per person if received after July 1. Registration must be completed in advance of the conference, as there is no on-site registration available.

Registration information and other conference details are available online at www.literacy.mcneese.edu.

Beginner thru Advanced Morning Class: 11:00 – 12:15 Evening Class: 7:30 – 8:45 Location: 1920 Ethel Street Additional Information contact: Phone: 337-433-7450 Email: sarahqjones@aol.com Cameron Communications donates $2,500 to WCCH Foundation’s annual Golf Tournament. From left right: Kristi Broussard (Cameron Communications, marketing, PR, sales supervisor), Trina Johnson (Cameron Communications, public relations coordinator), Bill Hankins (FACHE, CEO of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital), George Mack (Cameron Communications, president), Bobby LeTard (Chairman of the Board of Commissioners), and Debby Nabours (Foundation director).

June 25th-27th Fine European Clothing Glamorous & Sophisticated Fashion Visit website @ www.algosa.ch Call for private appointment

Cameron Communications Donates to WCCH Foundation’s Golf Tournament Cameron Communications donated $2,500 to the WCCH Foundation’s annual golf tournament. Along with co-sponsors Radiology and Associates of SWLA, Cameron Communications is able to aid the WCCH Foundation to participate in community activities, purchase equipment for departments, and assist in the Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center.

Memorial Hospital Receives Breast Health Grant Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s Breast Health Center recently received a $12,500 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to provide no-cost mammography screenings for medically underserved and medically uninsured

PAGE 8

JUNE 18, 2009

Kim Strong, director of the Breast Health Center at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, and Thad Minaldi, a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana board of directors, discuss the Blue Cross and Blue Shield grant recently awarded to the Breast Health Center.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

women and men in Southwest Louisiana. Referrals into the no-cost mammography program can be made through the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services, Calcasieu Community Clinic, and Urgent Care, or through the patient’s personal physician. For more information on eligibility criteria, contact Memorial’s Breast Health Center at (337) 480-7444.

W.O. Moss Regional Receives Silver Level Louisiana Hospital Quality Award W. O. Moss Regional Medical Center has received the Silver Level 2008 Louisiana Hospital Quality Award, presented by Louisiana Health Care Review, Inc. (LHCR), the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. The award was announced at the second annual Louisiana Health Care Quality Summit hosted by LHCR in Baton Rouge in May. With this award, Moss Regional has been recognized for improving the quality of health care given to their patients, and Moss Regional is one of 93 hospitals in the state to receive the 2008 Louisiana Hospital Quality Award.

Also receiving an award for his excellent care in the field of diabetes is Dr. Mohammed S. Sarwar, M.D. Dr. Sarwar received the 2008 Silver Level Louisiana Dr. Mohammed S. Sarwar Physicians Quality Award.

LC League of Women Voters Fundraiser a Success A recent cooperative event between the Lake Charles League of Women Voters and O’Charley’s Restaurant was held at Lock Park as a fundraiser for the League. The great success of this event was in no small part due to the participation and expertise of the staff of O’Charley’s. The League would like to thank Josh Rogers, Dustin Dewalt and staff; Anthony Bartie and Brown Sugar at KZWA; Sara at Cumulus Broadcasting; GAP’s Gator 99; Leaguers who volunteered their time and all who purchased lunches. The League of Women Voters of Lake Charles, a non-partisan, political organization, encourages the participation of citizens to increase understanding of issues through forums, voter registration, the election process, education and advocacy. Call 478-1864 or email info@lwv-lc.org for additional information.

LC/SWLA CVB Donates to Children’s Museum The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau recently provided financial assistance of $25,000 for the rebuilding and restoration of exhibits at the Children’s Museum located at 327 Broad St. due to the recent devastating fire.

Anne Monlezun, chairman of the bureau’s board of directors, presented the check to Dan Ellender recently at the bureau’s welcome center at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive.

“The Children’s Museum is a major attraction with imaginative events and educational programming occurring throughout the year. It’s a popular point of interest for families who are in town experiencing our destination, and the bureau is looking forward to the

museum opening its doors once again,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director of the bureau.

The Children’s Museum was established in 1988 as a project of the Junior League, and in a little more than 20 years, it has grown to occupy three floors of the old JC Penney department store. Prior to the fire, there were more than 45 hands-on exhibits taking up over 19,000 square feet.

Donations can be made at any Cameron State Bank or Jeff Davis Bank location or sent to the Children’s Museum at 327 Broad St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. For more information on the Children’s Museum, visit www.swlakids.org or call (337) 433-9420.

TJN

WiFi Internet Access Activated on Grounds Outside of Lake Charles Civic Center From left to right: Curtis Cochran, Bryan Judice, Maria Topete, Joseph Williamson, Chris Landon and Tim Verheeck.

L’Auberge du Lac Casino Names May Five Star Employees L’Auberge du Lac Casino announced its May Five Star Employees and Employee of the Month. The April Five Stars are Bryan Judice, a Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill lead barback; Chris Landon, an impressment clerk; Tim Verheeck, a staff accountant; Curtis Cochran, a porter; Maria Topete, a table games dealer; and Joseph Williamson, a Le Café food server. Bryan Judice was also designated as the May Employee of the Month and is now eligible to receive the coveted Employee of the Year award. Judice started at L’Auberge in April 2007, working his way up from bartender to prep cook and ultimately lead barback. The Sulphur native is a graduate of LaGrange High School and McNeese State University. TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 6

On May 18, the north, west and south grounds outside the Lake Charles Civic Center went live with WiFi wireless Internet service. The new service provides coverage on the north side of the Civic Center at least 200 feet from the building, on the west side of the Civic Center at least 100 feet beyond the seawall, and coverage on the south side of the Civic Center as far as the amphitheater and at least 100 feet over the water at the dock area commonly called the Lady Claire dock, continuing west and north along the seawall.

Said John Cardone, City Administrator: “WiFi is provided free by the City of Lake Charles as a public service. New Internet usage oppor-

tunities in access areas include vendor credit card processing during events and general public usage while visiting outside access locations. Usage will be monitored by the city and content filtered to prevent the downloading of inappropriate material.

The WiFi network was installed by Louisiana Radio Communications.

TJN JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

HandsOn Southwest Louisiana, the volunteer management program of the Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana, is pleased to announce volunteer job opportunities available in the Southwest Louisiana Parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis.

HandsOn Southwest Louisiana’s mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. Through a variety of projects throughout the year, HandsOn Southwest Louisiana promises to put people at the center of change.

Through volunteering, it is our hope that one day every person will discover their power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant democracies around the world. Need to know where volunteers are needed right now? Below, we have several opportunities in Southwest Louisiana with agencies Volume 1 • Issue 6

that directly impact the citizens of our area. Join us today and Be the Change!

The American Red Cross of Southwest Louisiana is seeking volunteers for several different positions.

Volunteers are needed to become Disaster Action Team (DAT) Members, input training and service records into their computer system, and answer phones. Training is provided at no cost to you as a volunteer.

For more information, contact Ted Shelton at (337) 478-5122.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana is seeking volunteers for their wide variety of mentoring programs and many opportunities to volunteer. Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages members of the community to give of themselves and make a difference in the life of a young person. For more information, or to fill out an application, visit www.bbbs-swla.net or call (337) 478KIDS. The Board Bank of Southwest Louisiana, a project of HandsOn Southwest Louisiana, is seeking persons interested in developing their

leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills to volunteer their time and talents to serve on the boards of directors of local non-profit agencies in our five-parish area. The board bank exists to provide qualified board members to area non-profits by effectively matching their strengths, talents, and skill sets to organizations that need their service. For more information on this project, please contact Beverly S. McCormick at (337) 513-4616 or beverly.mccormick@310info.org.

The Calcasieu Medical Reserve Corps is seeking volunteers. The CMRC program was designed to assist Calcasieu Parish by building a team of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, mental health and support personnel that will activate and augment the existing medical response during a man-made or natural disaster. In JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 11

addition, the CMRC team will address community needs and public health education and assistance on a daily basis. They are looking for medical and non-medical personnel. Medical personnel needed include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dentists, veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, mental health professionals, EMS professionals, respiratory therapists and other public health and medical personnel.

For more information, contact Angela Jouett at (337) 721-4020.

Rebuilding Together Calcasieu, a local non-profit that preserves and revitalizes houses and communities, assuring that homeowners in need, particularly those who are elderly, disabled and low-income live in warmth, safety and security. Their goal is to make a sustainable impact in partnership with the community.

Rebuilding Together currently has several opportunities available.

Volunteers should contact Erin Wood at (337) 433-1755 for opportunities, dates, and times.

SHARE! is looking for caring adults or families to host international exchange students for the upcoming school year or semester. Host

Animal Angels and our furry friends wish to thank Downtown Animal Hospital and Southwest Louisiana Vet Clinic for their unending support in our neuter/spay efforts!

Every Monday night, feast on juicy mouth watering Prime Rib. Rubbed with our own mix of seasonings and roasted to perfection.

Enjoy a 8, 12, or 16 oz. Prime Rib with aujus and horseradish cream sauces, a loaded baked potato and mixed vegetables.

Come early, supplies are limited.

families provide a bed and meals, as well as friendship, understanding, and a desire to share their American way of life. All students speak English, are covered by medical insurance and have spending money for their personal expenses. They attend the high school closest to their host family’s home and hope to arrive in August.

Families are able to choose their own boy or girl. SHARE! students come from more than 25 different countries. Start making a difference in a young person’s life and yours! Contact Yvette Coffman, executive director of SHARE! For more information call (800) 941-3738 or www.sharesouthwest.org.

Volunteers of America is seeking volunteers for several positions within their organization. Volunteer opportunities include archivists, arts & craft volunteers, bingo hosts/callers, Clean Sweep volunteers, food drive volunteers, and many other opportunities.

For more information, contact Kay Vanchiere at (337) 497-0034.

HandsOn Southwest Louisiana is seeking volunteers to work their Volunteer Reception Center.

Volunteer Reception Centers are activated in the aftermath of a disaster, whether man-made or natural, as close to the disaster area as safely possible to process volunteers wanting to help in response and recovery.

Volunteers are needed to act as greeters, interview and match response and recovery volunteers to opportunities in the disaster area, answer calls from agencies in need of volunteers, and print identification information for volunteers. Training is provided twice a year. For more information or to have your name placed in the Volunteer Reception Center volunteer registry, contact Jonathan Marcantel, HandsOn Southwest Louisiana program manager at (337) 513-4621.

2-1-1 is seeking volunteers willing to help others over the phone. 211 is the three digit direct dial number that connects callers to information and referral services in their seven-parish service area of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Rapides, and Vernon Parishes.

Volunteers are needed to answer phones, provide information and referral, and other tasks related to 211. Training is provided to all volunteers. For more information, contact Lynette Dewey at (337) 513-4618.

TJN

901 Ryan St., Lake Charles • 439-2054 • pujostreet.com PAGE 12

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

City Conducts Lakefront Promenade/ Marina Ground Breaking Ceremony The City of Lake Charles conducted a Lakefront Promenade and Bord Du Lac Marina Ground Breaking Ceremony recently near the 9/11 Memorial next to Bord Du Lac Drive.

The ceremony marked the kick-off of a major remake of the lakefront along the seawall.

City of Lake Charles, Downtown Development Authority, state and federal officials along with private partners involved in the projects were represented and recognized at the event.

Said Mayor Roach: “This is an important day for the City of Lake Charles – it marks the beginning of our most extensive project to-date as we continue the effort to transform our lakefront along Bord Du Lac Drive into a true destination for Lake Charles visitors and residents alike. The Lakefront Promenade and Marina projects, when complete, will help provide an anchor for new lakefront-downtown development.”

Volume 1 • Issue 6

The $3.6 million Lakefront Promenade project will enhance the lakefront servitude edge and include a 60-foot public right of way along the lake, enhanced decorative lighting, benches, and trees and other enhanced landscaping.

It will provide for general public use and enjoyment as a lakefront destination, improved infrastructure for developers developing the area on the east side of Bord Du Lac Drive, and will furnish more amenities for annual festivals and other events. The project is scheduled for completion in May of 2010.

The $1.7 million Bord Du Lac Marina project will consist of a floating marina/docking facility including 50 boat slips and accommodating vessels as large as 80 feet. The facility will include dockside electricity and water for transient, short-term use.

The projected completion date for the Marina is March of 2010. TJN

Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. Announces Date for Fall Conference 2009 At a recent meeting of the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., President Pam Golding swore in 18 new members and announced Thurs., Oct. 15, 2009, as the date for the annual Fall Conference.

New members inducted into the Women’s Commission were Roxie Bacarisse, Soshe Brown, Sue Conn, Jenifer Cummings, Linda Doucet, Dena Everage, Ruth E. Giaimis, Maxine Guillory, P.A. Guillory, Jennifer Jones, Dorothy King, Anne Kratzer, Thelma “Petie” LaBove, Martha Polk, Kimmie Saucier, Stephanie Seemion, Stephanie Tarver, and Karen Woodard.

The conference includes the MarketPlace, where local businesses and community service organizations can provide information to the public; four sessions of workshops with topics ranging from fun/fluff to personal development; luncheon with entertainment as well as a keynote address by a guest speaker. The year 2009 is the 20th Fall Conference that celebrates women. Look for some

new and exciting additions to this year’s conference.

The Women’s Commission is a nonprofit organization designed to serve as a resource for personal and professional growth of women in Southwest Louisiana. It includes 45 regular active members, 15 active advisory members, 8 emeritus members and 6 lifetime members. The membership covers a wide range of professions including public, private, academic, spiritual, secular, and governmental.

Officers for 2009 are as follows: President Pam Golding, Vice President Angela Pierson, Secretary Debbie Boudreaux, and Treasurer Brenda Wilkinson. Directors are: Membership—Bernadette Seaberry; Finance—Fran Clophus; Special Events—Carra Sergeant; Jr. Women’s Conference Chair- Kay Vaughan; Past President—Carol Henry; Parliamentarian, Juanita Poland and Advisory Member, K. Benton.

To learn more about the Women’s Commission, please visit www.womenscommissionswla.com. TJN

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 13

Style Network Films at Local Salon been selected by the Style Network.

The production crew for “Split Ends,” an Emmy-nominated Style Network reality According to O’Keeffe, the first episode of the new season of “Split Ends” will air on series, filmed at Signatures Salon in Lake August 8 on the Style Network. Subsequent Charles during the week of May 18. The episodes will appear every Saturday. The series, entering its fifth season this fall, airdate featuring Signatures has not yet swaps stylists from two different salons in been scheduled. the country – typically, polar opposites – TJN to experience “cutting with someone else’s scissors,” according to Style Network spokesperson Melissa O’Keeffe.

The show swapped local stylist Lensi White of Signatures with Tweet Jones of M Salon 1 in Tampa, Fla., for seven days.

Signatures Salon, located at 803 W. McNeese Street, is best known as a modern, Christian-owned business that recycles everything from empty product bottles to discarded hair. M Salon 1 in Tampa serves a predominantly African American clientele and is regarded as one of the top salons in the area for funky, chic, unconventional styles.

While in Lake Charles, Tweet served longtime clients of Signatures, while Lensi styled cuts for M Salon 1 patrons.

Wendy White McCown, Tweet Jones from Tampa, Fla., cuts a client’s hair while Signatures owner of Signatures, said the Salon owner Wendy White McCown supervises. Jones swapped salon submitted a video audition places with Signatures stylist Lensi White as part of the Emmyfor the show in January and were nominated reality series “Split Ends.” notified in April that they had

PAGE 14

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Photo by Blane Bourgeois

Eagle

The

has Landed

There’s a welcome addition to the new Lake Charles Regional Airport. After a nine-year absence, American Airlines has returned, with daily flights to and from Dallas. Heath Allen, airport executive director, said the second airline gives residents connections to hundreds of cities the world over. “This new service will provide a tremendous economic impact for our region, and connect residents and business owners to cities throughout the nation and around the globe.” American Eagle operates twice daily service to Lake Charles. The flight between Dallas and Lake Charles takes approximately one hour. TJN

Win over $5,000 of diamond jewelry courtesy of Diamond Durrell’s and the Swashbucklers! Prizes include: • Lady’s white gold bracelet with princess cut, channel-set rainbow- colored created sapphires.

• A 17’’ strand of 7.5mm cultured pearls with a 14kt yellow gold filigree clasp.

• Gent’s Citizen chronograph watch with alarm in two-tone metal.

• 1.00 ct total weight yellow gold round diamond channel set heart pendant on yellow gold box chain.

• Lady’s white gold emerald cut mystic topaz ring with diamonds accented with engraving on band.

• And so much more!

The prize will be given at the June 29 Swashbucklers game! Be there!

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 15

The

Life

Smokers and Coffee Drinkers Clip this $50.00 off coupon for the most effective way to brighten your smile. In just 20 minutes your smile will be 4-7 shades whiter and can last up to one year.

Affordable Teeth Whitening That Really Works.

Dealing With Unhealthy Body Image: When Young Girls Want to Look Like a Teen Idol

www.smileEZ.net Private Sessions Available

$50 OFF 40 Minute Double Session - $149.99 with coupon only-$99.00 Not valid with any other offer. Coupon expires August 31, 2009

496 W. Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70601 (Inside Prien Lake Mall) • Phone: 337.477.2278 PAGE 16

JUNE 18, 2009

By Sara Blackwell It’s joyful to watch your two-yearold daughter dress up like her favorite princess. The imagination of a little girl is powerful enough to transform her from Belle at the ball to The Little Mermaid in the ocean blue. A child’s interest in characters created for their targeted age group is adorable. At such a young age, little girls don’t notice the physical difference in themselves and their idols. A blond toddler truly believes she looks exactly the same as the Asian Disney character Mulan.

And most don’t realize that they don’t have fins like Ariel in the Little Mermaid.

However, as little girls grow, their interest in cartoons fade and a new

fascination arises for the young “’tween” shows and other entertainment that is readily available in multiple media facets.

As young girls mimic their new favorite characters, parents complain about the attitudes of the young stars because their sweet children are copying their silly, entertaining sassiness rather than the way they’ve been brought up.

And as girls mature, the physical differences between those they admire and the way they look become more evident. There is an awareness that comes with age that their heroes are not mirror images of who they are.

Since they want to look and sound like their idols, they may feel self-conscious and unattractive if they don’t. It isn’t wrong for them to imitate their behavior or fashion style as long as it’s done with reason. Unfortunately, children can’t always determine what is within reason.

But kids have more than the media and Hollywood shaping their minds as to what is a desired body image.

Parents take a vital part in this, too— and it can hurt instead of help.

Mothers, like myself, tend to speak endlessly with their friends about their dissatisfaction with their own bodies. “These pants make me look

Volume 1 • Issue 6

like a cow.” “I hate my fat thighs.”

“Don’t even get me started on my backside!” Parents, remember that your children are listening to you and they are affected by your image of yourself.

So, how do you handle a child with low self-esteem or unhealthy body image?

Danielle R. Caraway, M.A., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., program director at Family & Youth Counseling Agency, agrees that young people are influenced by their environment: television, movies, music videos, magazines—and other people’s opinions.

“Girls and young women grow up surrounded by these influences that tell us how to define beauty. Our tendency is to think we are lacking something if we don’t ‘measure up’ to society’s standards,” she said. “Boys and young men experience this, as well – there is the push in our society to be muscular and athletic – and not everyone can (or desires to) look this way.”

Caraway advises parents to focus on providing their children with opportunities to maximize their strengths (academics, musical talent, or the like) while at the same time encouraging and modeling good eating and exercise habits.

She further recognizes the importance of positive thinking on the parent’s side as to their own body image.

“One of the best things parents can do to help their children from inheriting a poor body image is to address their own body image issues and tap into what makes them unique and successful,” she said. “Professional coaching or counseling can be helpful in getting parents on the path they choose, rather than staying stuck on an undesired path.”

As part of Family & Youth’s Smart Parenting program, Caraway is presenting “Body Blues,” a seminar for children and teenagers who want to improve their body images. ‘“Body Blues’” addresses how we develop our views about what is attractive and healthy, and the way our eating patterns are influenced by those views,” she said. “It’s structured for parents and children aged nine and up.

It is important for parents to attend the seminar with their children.”

“Body Blues” will be held on Tues., July 7 at Family & Youth on 220 Louie Street in Lake Charles. Cost is $10 per family and seating is limited. Call (337) 436-9533 to reserve your seat for this fun and informative event.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 17

LifeShare Blood Centers, Lake Charles, will be celebrating World Blood Donor Day on June 19. Join LifeShare Blood Center at 214 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, Lake Charles from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. for the World Blood Donor Day festivities.

Come in and enjoy refreshments from around the world and register to win one of their fabulous door prizes.

Voluntary blood donors are the lifeblood of the community and are the source of the safest blood and blood products for patients. World Blood

Donor Day has been established to thank and celebrate these volunteer donors that give the gift of life. The celebration of this day is global and has the support of the World Health Organization (WHO,) International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT,) International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations (FIODS,) the International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC.) LifeShare Blood Centers encourages donors and potential donors to celebrate World Blood Donor Day by

making giving blood a regular part of their lives. Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to visit www.lifeshare.org and schedule a donation appointment online. You can also call your LifeShare community donor center at 436-4932 or (800) 256-4932 and schedule your donation appointment.

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet other donor requirements may be eligible to donate blood.

LifeShare Blood Centers, Lake Charles supports all hospitals in Southwest Louisiana. Their goal is to help ensure that blood is available to patients whenever and wherever it is needed. It is the blood on the shelves, close at hand, tested and ready to be transfused, that saves lives. Simple actions and privileges, such as voting or donating blood, can positively affect the lives of loved ones.

TJN

Blood Drives Wed., June 17 through Tues., June 23 Wednesday, June 17 St. Patrick’s Hospital—11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Brookshire Brother’s, DeRidder—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

City of DeRidder—Donor Coach—1:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.

St. Francis Nursing Home—11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sam’s Club—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-1noon Market Basket, Westlake—Donor Coach—2 p.m.-5 p.m.

PAGE 18

Saturday, June 20 Wal-mart, DeRidder—Donor Coach—10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Wal-mart, Hwy 171—Donor Coach—10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Wal-mart, Sulphur—Donor Coach—10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

VFW, DeQuincy—10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 21 LifeShare wishes you a Happy Father’s Day

Thursday, June 18 Basell/Shaw—Donor Coach—7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Jennings Fire Department—3:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Market Basket, Lake Arthur—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Temple Inland—1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Monday, June 22 Walgreens, Sale Street—Donor Coach—9 a.m.- noon Walgreens, Country Club—Donor Coach—2 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Wal-mart, Hwy 14—Donor Coach—noon- 6 p.m.

Friday, June 19 Lake Charles Nissan—Donor Coach—2:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Wal-mart, Hwy 14—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Jennings Eye Clinic—Donor Coach—9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

SZWA, Juneteenth Celebration—3 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Market Basket, Iowa—Donor Coach—3 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23 Waste Management—Donor Coach—1 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Navarre, Sulphur—2 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Entergy—2 p.m.- 6 p.m.

JC Penny’s—Donor Coach—11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Walgreen’s, Moss Bluff—Donor Coach—5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

By George “Tip” Kline

Don’t you feel ripped off when you buy a product and then find out that you could have gotten it for less? I know that I do, and it really makes me mad.

My friends always kid me for trying to be aware of good prices, but they always seem to call me when a question arises.

That’s why I was asked to write this column—so we could share some thoughts on how much things cost. Maybe we can save a few bucks, help one another and have a little fun doing it.

First of all, the reason prices are so high is that people are willing to pay that particular price for a product or service. If the product didn’t sell well at that price level, then the price would not be so high. It’s not rocket science; it’s plain old economics.

The Law of Supply and Demand is the ultimate mechanism that controls it all. We all notice the big sales when seasons start to end. It’s because things didn’t sell out, and sellers want to recoup their investment. They want the last dime they can get out of you and me. We may be willing to give them a nickel instead.

When I was a kid, I remember a time when sugar prices started to rise and the soft drink, candy and bakery concerns were lamenting the price increase. You know what happened.

There were countless spokesmen relating their great sorrow in raising their prices.

It wasn’t too long after that sugar prices fell and there were no reductions in the pricing of sweet treats. The spokesmen then began to explain how the ingredient cost was not really that big a deal and that there were other factors in play (greed.) They get so spoiled when they hit a jackpot.

Nothing much has changed.

Recently, when we had to pay $4 a gallon for gas, and oil was at $140 a barrel, the spokesmen were again lamenting the high transportation costs, corn Volume 1 • Issue 6

being used for ethanol and not animal feed, and so on. Of course, prices at the grocery went through the roof. Well, I bought gas for $1.29 a gallon back in December and now it’s $2.50. That’s still a long way from $4, and I haven’t seen much corresponding reductions in consumer goods pricing. Boy, how they love hitting the jackpot.

Remember, when you spend your dollar, you are spending after-tax money. To have a dollar to spend, you must earn $1.35 (more or less,) depending on your tax situation. Not only do you have to earn the net dollar, you have sales tax on top of your purchase. When you look at the real cost of your purchase, it is not as economical as your mind wants to think. Being a smart, savvy consumer makes a lot of cents, which can translate into more dollars in your pocket. Getting more for your dollar is the whole point of Tips from Tip. Yesterday, I had some propane tanks to refill. I went to my old favorite, Lake Arthur Butane (the old Gas Appliance Co.). With tax, one refill was $15.27. The other tank was out of date and I had to get an exchange at another place. Market Basket, Shop Rite, Albertson’s, and Stine’s all were $19.99, plus 9 percent. Today, I drove past Ferguson’s and saw that refills were on sale for $18.99. Oops—missed that one.

Hey, I don’t walk on water, folks.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a favorite of many people here in the Lake Area and elsewhere. BWW has 40-cent Wing Night on Tuesdays. We usually get a bunch of friends together that evening and take advantage of that special and other perks they have (such as their discount appletinis). Makes for a fun, more economical evening. Why not find out what the specials are at your favorite stops and get in on a deal?

Drinks are a big profit area for restaurants (we’ll talk about bars later.)

I can’t understand how people will go to a fast food restaurant and order anything other than their smallest size drink with self serve or free refill beverages. You can save a huge percentage of your bill by getting the smallest size.

Think about it. You’re just throwing money away while getting the same amount of product. I find myself with more beverage than I want, anyway.

Soft drinks in the handy 12-pack “Refrigerator Pack” of 12 oz. cans used to go on sale for $1.88. Now, they act like they’re giving it away for $4. I sure don’t stock up like I once did. I wait for a decent sale before I buy more than I really must have. If you buy it at the high price, you’re encouraging the price to remain high. At the $4/12-pack price, the price per ounce is $.03. The cost for the self-serve drinks at a restaurant or store is much less. That’s why the food service industry promotes cold drinks with a passion.

Mixed drinks are another matter entirely. Let’s do some simple math. A “well drink,” (house brand) comes from a bottle that costs maybe $7.50. There are approximately 25 one-ounce drinks per bottle. That makes the booze cost of your drink 30 cents, if they don’t short-shot you.

Using the canned drink price of 30 cents/ounce, 5 ounces would add 15 cents to the cost of the drink. A little ice, at a cost of about a nickel /pound to make, adds maybe 2 cents. We have a total ingredient cost of $0.47, or a food cost of 25 percent of a $1.88 drink.

When was the last time you bought a drink for $1.88? Sure, they have to buy the glass, wash the glass, pay the bartender, and so on. Most restaurants want to have a food cost of their food between 25 to 30 percent. They have to wash the dishes, pay the help, etc. for the food, too. So beverages are their big profit area.

Beer is another thing. It’s not mixed at the point of delivery so it can’t be diluted. Draft beer can be sold in heavy glass, high-bottomed mugs that appear to give you a larger serving than you’re getting. A pitcher of beer is a non-specific quantity—you get what the vendor wants to give you. Bottled beer is your best friend financially. You know the quantity and quality being offered, and you know what you’re getting. They usually don’t do much more than double the cost of beer, since people know the price of beer. Also, the price of wine in a restaurant is normally doubled, but you can occasionally find some real deals on vino.

If you find this column of interest, let The Jambalaya News know. Comments, suggestions, ideas, info, etc. are welcome.

Send to lauren@thejambalayanews.com.

TJN

Locally Owned & Operated

We can elimate all your INSECTS and WOOD DESTROYING FUNGUS. FREE Inspection • Eco-Friendly • Direct Wood Treatment & Preservation Pressure Washing • Wood & Siding Repair We Can Turn Untreated Wood Into Treated Wood Termidor Termite Treatments

Dave “THE WOODMAN” LLC Wood Treatment Specialist Real Estate Certificates

Featuring Bora-Care Pre-Treats Phone: (337) 532-6785 Fax: (337) 480-6799

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 19

By Cheryl Krull

411

ANiMAL

“Pawsitive” Training Can Make Your Dog A Proper Pooch All too often, the pets we bring home turn into Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. That cute and cuddly little pup is suddenly not so cute when he pees on the floor, jumps up on you, chews on the furniture and barks or whines incessantly.

That’s when many people return the animal to an uncertain fate.

Statistics indicate that most surrendered or abandoned pets are a result of unsatisfactory behavior on the part of the animal.

Yet, nearly all pets can put Miss Manners to shame with the right training—for both pet and owner.

Sally Stride believes unacceptable behavior is readily overcome through proper communication and learnable skills. Stride, owner of Proper

PAGE 20

JUNE 18, 2009

Pooches, advocates positive and straightforward training. By taking the role as benevolent leader, animal owners can have a long, satisfying, relationship with their canine companions.

Stride is both an Animal Behavior College accredited dog trainer and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen approved evaluator, and is certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She believes that many behavior problems result from bad communication between humans and their pets.

Stride admits to a lifelong love and passion for dogs. She started training dogs early in life. Little did she realize her “hobby” would develop into an immensely satisfying career.

Stride moved from her small hometown in England to Los Angeles.

Before settling in Lake Charles with her husband, Justin, Stride lived in Seattle, New Orleans and Austin. She worked mainly in the restaurant and wine industry after coming to the States, but her heart belonged to her hobby. She spent her days off reading or watching everything she could on canine behavior and dog training.

While living in Austin, Stride enrolled in the Animal Behavior College, an intense online curriculum.

She completed the program and spent 18 weeks under the tutelage of a mentor. She had the good fortune to train under Kelsey Williams, a regularly featured guest on Animal Planet and member of the Houston Society for

the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Animal Behavior Department.

Soon after graduating, she went to work as a certified animal behaviorist and trainer.

“I turned a lifelong hobby into a career that I loved and never looked back,” Stride said.

She worked as a certified trainer at the Lake Charles PetSmart for six months before starting her own dog training business, Proper Pooches.

Stride customizes training to meet the special needs of both dog and owner. Working with dogs with aggression or fear issues is an area Stride feels particularly competent in due to her extensive training in animal behavior and her success with positive reinforcement techniques.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Sally Stride and her boys.

When the economy becomes more stable, Stride wants to open an on-site training facility. There, dogs will develop socialization skills in addition to getting more advanced training.

Stride’s love of dogs is not limited to her training practice. She’s involved with several local rescue groups that foster dogs in need and find placement for them in loving homes. She also participates with several global organizations that specialize in stateof-the-art training trends worldwide.

Stride has seen a definite trend from traditional negative/punishment techniques to the method of positive reinforcement/reward system of training that she embraces.

One of Stride’s most noteworthy volunteer efforts has been with Beth Zilbert of the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of the Humane Society and The People’s Advocate. With the cooperation and support of Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Justice System, the New Leash on Life program was

implemented at the Juvenile Detention Center. With the help of volunteers, Stride and Zilbert are literally helping juvenile inmates and homeless dogs save each other’s lives.

For more information on Proper Pooches, contact Sally Stride at (337) 480-9349, sallystride@properpooches.com or www.properpooches.com. For more information on the New Leash on Life program, contact Beth Zilbert at (337) 436-3475 (office) or (337) 513-2857 (cell) or bethemma@yahoo.com.

Cheryl Krull is Spinnaker Communications' president and chief executive officer, managing business operations and marketing. A Lake Charles native, she has worked at PPG for more than 20 years as a licensed tankerman and has extensive industry experience. She is very active in the community, volunteering at several non-profit and non-government organizations, her favorite being Lake Area Animal Hospital. TJN Sally’s “Proper Pooches.”

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 21

By Lisa Yates

When the Travel Bug Bites: GlobeTrek Travel With so many people booking their own flights, hotels and rental cars online, is there’s still a reason to use travel agents?

“Definitely,” says James Halphen, an industry veteran with his own agency – GlobeTrek Travel Inc., located at 3310 Creole Street in Lake Charles.

“The value of using a travel agent’s services is it saves you money,” he said.

Halphen said many people have the mistaken idea that using a travel agent is expensive, but the opposite is true. He said GlobeTrek Travel does not charge any fees, with the exception of a nominal airline ticketing fee - $35 for nationwide travel, $50 for international travel.

“The Web sites charge a service fee, but you don’t get any service,” he said.

“We are a full-service travel agency.

We book it all.”

Service Halphen and his staff can arrange all types of domestic and international travel, from hotel and resort accommodations to air and ground transportation, including car rental needs and tour packages. They can provide assistance with travel insurance protection, passport and visa applications, inoculation procedures and other foreign travel requirements.

While travel Web sites point to their service alerts and 24-hour hotlines, Halphen said traditional agents have the upper hand when it comes to dealing with the mounting travel hassles – they can help you if you

need to change your tickets.

“Tickets you purchase from online companies are 100 percent nonchangeable,” he said. “With us, they are changeable. Of course the airlines will charge a fee.”

Some people purchase vacation packages over the Internet and don’t even know what they purchased.

Halphen said he receives calls asking for help afterwards.

“They by passed us because they thought they were getting a better deal,” he said.

This is why you need a travel consultant, he said - to help you plan the vacation you want and ensure it goes smoothly and hassle-free from boarding gate to luggage claim back at home.

“I’m not saying the Internet is bad.

As a traditional travel agency, we rely heavily on the Internet to introduce us to potential new clients,” he said. His Web site is www.globetrektravel.com.

Halphen said the Web is a great way to discover destinations never before considered.

From left: Lynn Carr; James Halphen, owner; Sylvia Greene; Jeanne Coston; and, Jessica Lafosse of GlobeTrek Travel Inc. negotiate rates you would never be able to manage on your own.

“My prices are lower than the cruise lines,” he said. “For example, I booked group space on a cruise, getting them to hold 150 cabins at a certain rate. As it gets closer to the sail date, the cruise line’s prices get higher.

My prices are still lower – the negotiated rate.”

Halphen said strong working relationships with travel suppliers and the latest in computer reservations technology enable his agents to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the most value.

Expertise Chances are that whatever your destination is, GlobeTrek Travel’s agents have been there. Halphen and his staff share with clients the experience and knowledge they’ve accumulated about a variety of travel destina-

tions and topics, from where to eat and shop, to what to pack.

There are 14 well-traveled agents in Halphen’s office in Lake Charles, including: Lynn Carr; Sylvia Greene; Jeanne Coston; Jessica Lafosse; Paige Mays; Roni Kemerly; Faye Caesar; Cookie Boullion; Clifford Bailey; Natalie Harger; Suzanne Walker; Ann Bruner; Sharon Bayard – and Halphen, himself.

“We all have different specialties,” he said.

For example, some of Halphen’s agents are Certified Travel Counselors (C.T.C.), having completed an educational program with the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.

“There are not that many Certified Travel Consultants – it’s rare that you find a C.T.C. agent,” he said.

Halphen specializes in a number of destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean and Disney.

Price Many times, a travel agent can get things less expensive due to the many resources they have. They know where the best deals are found at any time during the year.

Halphen explained his travel agents have relationships with preferred suppliers, including cruise lines, tour operators, hotels and resorts. He said this makes it possible for them to

James Halphen, C.E.O. of GlobeTrek Travel Inc. PAGE 22

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

“We are all Disney specialists,” he said.

He is also a cruise specialist.

“I’m a cruise-a-holic,” he said. “I love cruises!”

Halphen also speaks several foreign languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.

He was educated in Europe, receiving a C.P.L.F. (Certified Pratique de Langue Françoise) from the Université de Paris-Sorbonne, Paris IV. He also has an Associates Degree in Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in French Studies from the American University in Paris.

“I was studying to work in the Foreign Service as an ambassador,” he said. “When my dad got sick, I moved back to Lafayette and completed a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and French Literature at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.”

Halphen said he worked as a foreign language teacher in the public school system.

“To augment my salary as a teacher, I became a travel agent,” he said. That was the beginning of his career in the travel industry. He worked for his friend and mentor Kermit U. Duhon, the owner of the Lafayette-based travel agency, Travel Machine Inc. In 2003, Halphen became manager of the Lake Charles office. In 2006, he purchased GlobeTrek Travel.

Halphen loves working in the travel business. What does he like best?

“I know it sounds corny, but I like helping people’s travel dreams come true,” he said. “I deal in dreams. I like helping people achieve their dreams of a vacation of a lifetime.”

Halphen joked, saying AT&T stole his catch phrase – “Your world delivered.”

“They stole that from me,” he said.

“That was going to be Globetrek’s catch phrase – Your world delivered.”

Halphen is a marketing wizard. He grew the small local business to include larger markets nationwide. He now has agents in Shreveport, Houston, Mobile,

Memphis, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

“GlobeTrek is local, but I have agents all over the nation,” he said.

“This is still the only brick and mortar building. We print all of our tickets here.”

History Halphen said GlobeTrek Travel was founded in 1972, by William C. Hutchinson, a former Naval Intelligence Officer who loved to travel.

He said Cookie Boullion, who was present during GlobeTrek’s formation, remains on the agency’s current roster of travel experts.

In the early years of the business,

GlobeTrek Travel is located at 3310 Creole St. in Lake Charles (off W. Prien Lake across from the mall near First National Bank)

Globetrek was at 226 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles, but soon added a branch in Sulphur. The business also leased space in the Calcasieu Marine National Bank in downtown Lake Charles, where Ahrenkiel Shipping line had a GlobeTrek in-house agent handling their travel needs. During the 1970s, Hutchinson helped form the Pelican Ski Club, which became enormously popular with residents of Southwest Louisiana. He also traveled with the McNeese State University basketball team during the Joe Dumars era, and flew with the team to Hawaii one year of the pre-season Maui Classic Invitational Tournament.

A few months before Hutchinson died, his picture was on the cover of Travel Weekly magazine. In the Aug. 1994 interview, Hutchinson emphasized the importance of service to the customer.

Halphen said he and his agents are dedicated to keeping this legacy alive at GlobeTrek Travel.

So when the travel bug bites, give GlobeTrek Travel a call at (337) 4770835, or (800) 737-8735.

For more information, visit Globetrek Travel at 3310 Creole Street in Lake Charles; hours are 8 a.m. –5:30 p.m., Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat.; or, visit online at www.globetrektravel.com.

TJN

T

o establish and promote a strong sense of community pride by preserving our past for our future generations. We will make our patrons aware of Webster Parish’s historical assets and significance by promoting, teaching, involving, and displaying history in many unique ways. This will be not only for our community but for others outside of our area.

116 Pearl St, Minden, LA 71055 (318) 377-3002 www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 23

If you have a recipe and story you would like to share, e-mail us at lauren@thejambalayanews.com

What’s Cookin’

A Delicious Recipe from the Past Since we’ve been here, we’ve heard about so many wonderful restaurants that are no longer in existence. Recently, Phil had the privilege of meeting Mark Madison, whose family owned a popular Lake Charles restaurant, Mr. D’s, for many years.

Mr. D’s was established on Ryan Street in 1981 by John and Beverly Madison. In 1988, the Madison family purchased the old “Cock of the Walk” building at 3205 Common Street. There, the family restaurant thrived for many years in the heart of the Cottage Shop District. They offered diversified cuisine and traditional Louisiana faire along with the infusion of cross-culture dishes.

Mr. D’s was known best for their much-loved coleslaw, homemade cornbread mustard-greens, and spicy boiled crawfish and crabs, as well as their various recipes for farm-raised catfish, snapper and seafood pastas. The restaurant also featured a separate lounge with video gaming. The establishment closed its doors in 2002 upon the retirement of John and Beverly Madison.

Mark was the chef at Mr. D’s for over two decades. He and his family possess a treasure trove of mouth-watering recipes. This, he tells me, was a huge favorite at the restaurant. TJN

Catfish Roullard INGREDIENTS • 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper • Salt to taste • 1/2 tsp. Dried Basil Leaves • 4 oz. Onion • 4 oz. Celery • 4 oz. Bell Pepper • 1 tbsp. Garlic • 8 oz. Butter • 8 oz. Flour • 16 oz. Chicken Steak • 8 oz. Claw Crab Meat • 8 oz. 90/110 ct. Shrimp • 8 oz. Bread Crumbs • 8 oz. Olive Oil • 4-6 (5-7 oz.) Catfish Fillets PAGE 24

JUNE 18, 2009

DIRECTIONS Sautee’ vegetables in butter until translucent. Add flour to vegetable mixture, mix well. Now add chicken steak, shrimp, crabmeat, and seasonings. Mix in bread crumbs.

Let stuffing cool enough to handle. Wrap catfish fillets around stuffing and close with toothpick. Place on baking sheet, coat with olive oil, season to taste, and bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes. Serve hot with melted butter and lemon.

A traditional “meuniere sauce” may be substituted.

Enjoy!

Volume 1 • Issue 6

By Jeanne Owens, Charleston Gallery and Antiques

Vintage bottles of Prince Matchabelli like this one go for upwards $100. Check for a glass cross stopper instead of plastic.

An inky, cobalt bottle of Evening in Paris is my first memory of perfume. It posed on my mother’s dressing table with its come-hither look and sweet, creamy fragrance just like thousands of other blue bottles on dressing tables around the world.

Bourjois of France launched Soir de Paris in 1929—the same year the Charleston Hotel was built in downtown Lake Charles—just in time for the Great Depression. A bottle of Evening in Paris exuded more than fragrance; it breathed escape, sophistication, and

romance for decades of hard-working women. Today, the slender, deco bottles fetch hundreds of dollars from collectors as do thousands of other perfumes and bottles.

Perfume is an ancient obsession.

Early Egyptians made pottery, alabaster, and obsidian vials for perfumed oils; 16th century Venetian and Murano glassmakers blew exquisite bottles; and the British were masters of enamel and porcelain bottle making in the 18th century. Mass production eclipsed individual perfumers and craftsmen in the 1800s, and the 20th century gave

rise to the huge commercial perfume houses like Chanel, Lanvin, Dior, and Lauder.

The hand-made perfume bottle was replaced with manufactured bottles which were also beautifully crafted, sometimes producing gorgeous collaborations like that of Nina Ricci and Lalique Glass which birthed L‘air du Temps and its famous dove bottles.

Perfume collecting is intimidating, with thousands of alluring bottles and scents out there. Yet, like wine tasting, it is personal, lovely, and sensual. On the practical side, however, you can make some wise investments by pick-

ing up some bottles and scents and reselling them at a profit. Here’s how.

Where to find vintage perfumes Estate sales. Most people pass perfumes right by to beat each other to the cookie jars. Poke around in the bathrooms and dressing areas and take all you find if the bottles are reasonably priced—often about $1 each except for Avon—and in decent shape.

Recently I picked up a little bottle of Arpege by Lanvin for a dollar; it turns out that collectors are paying $50 for the exact piece.

The Jambalaya News is donating 4,000 square feet of items to The Salvation Army. This includes new name-brand clothing, new entertainment centers, new outdoor furniture cushions and lots of flea market items. See it all beginning Thursday, June 18 at their new location.

Across the street from Kroger on Hwy. 14

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 25

Antique malls or flea markets.

Usually, at least one booth has lowpriced perfumes. eBay. A popular way for collectors to buy and swap, but you can’t test the perfume to see if it’s still good and usually the prices are a little high.

Swapping. Not for everybody, but if you like the idea of sampling a scent, try a swap site online like www.makeupalley.com. Two people simply trade perfumes following codes of conduct etiquette—see www.nts.com (Now Smell This). But beware; there are “swaplifters” and it’s illegal to mail alcohol-based perfume in the U.S. Thrift Stores. Goodwill and

Salvation Army sometimes have a “boutique” section.

What do you look for?

The following affects the value: Overall condition—Are there chips, scratches, fleabites (tiny dots), stains, or cracks? Chips on mouth of bottle or stopper? Is there wear to any gilding? Is the stopper frozen in place?

Condition of the label or enamel lettering—Is there wear, fading, smudges, chipping? Is the label missing on the base?

Matching stoppers and bases?

Original box? Label intact?

Lake Area Foot Care Center now has CrocsRx Silver cloud. CrocsRx are designed for ultra-sensitive feet, impaired circulation, impaired sensation and diabetic feet.

All sizes Blue and Black Call us for all your foot care needs

DR. ROBERT ARANGO 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 2nd Floor, Lake Charles, LA 70601

337-479-2200 PAGE 26

JUNE 18, 2009

Corners and edges solid? Gilding worn?

How do you date the bottles and perfumes?

Glass stoppers with dowels in corks: 1870s-1920.

Lucite caps: Late 1930s-onward.

Older Lucite caps yellow or discolor from perfume.

No zip code: Before 1937.

Enameled lettering instead of labels on glass bottle: After the 1930s. This lettering is fragile and is lost with too much cleaning.

Bakelite Screwcaps: 1930s to 1950s.

Some perfume bottles like Lanvin used black Bakelite screwcaps into the 1960s.

Rub the cap briskly with your finger or hold it under hot running water (cap only!) for 20-30 seconds. If it has a formaldehyde odor, it’s Bakelite.

Two code numbers on mail and labels: 1937 to 1962.

Lot numbers or patent numbers embossed right into the glass base: 1930s-40s.

Goldtone metal screwcaps: 1930s and on.

A patent number on the base of the bottle: 1930s and 40s. Search US patent Web pages online for dates.

Same with English registry design numbers.

“Returning this bottle to the perfumer is a national duty“ on the label: 1940-1945 during WWII. “Made in Occupied Japan”: September 1945 until April 1952.

Cellophane packaging: After the 1940s.

Goldtone plastic screw caps: After the 1940s.

Clear labels on front or back of the bottle: First used around 1950s.

A degree symbol on the box or label notes the perfume or cologne’s alcohol percentage. Common are 80 percent and 90 percent for eau de toilette and cologne: After the 1950s.

Zip Code on a label: 1962 or later Colored numbers—usually four numbers: Stamped on the bottom around 1970.

Etched matching numbers on perfume bottle base and bottom of stopper: Stopper was factory ground to fit bottle and should have matching numbers. Usually on older French bottles.

“Warning—Use only as directed.

Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal”: After 1975.

“Hypoallergenic”: After 1975.

Older perfume darkens. Oldest perfumes have a syrupy texture.

The “Juice” If you are looking for that scent you wore to your high school prom 25 years ago, don’t buy vintage perfume. After 7 to 10 years, scents start to lose their freshness and can smell like alcohol or worse. However, the fuller a bottle is, the more value it holds. Even perfumes in sealed bottles, however, start to evaporate from heat and poor storage conditions and will look depleted. Old perfumes darken, and even older ones get syrupy. If that sounds yucky, remember that the beauty is mainly in the bottle and its story. Some sealed bottles, however, will maintain their original smell. That’s when you can trick time and embrace a bygone scent!

Questions? Call Charleston Gallery & Antiques (337) 421-1700 or e-mail charlestongallery@att.net. TJN Volume 1 • Issue 6

By Lisa Yates, Photos by Blane Bourgeois

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Raised on a farm near Rosepine, Gill said he started the business with Roy as a hobby because he thought it would be fun to offer carriage rides along Shell Beach Drive during Christmas. He got the idea, he said, from his friends who own and operate Royal Carriage in New Orleans.

Gill and Roy have kept their day jobs – for now. Gill is a retired dairy farmer who owns and runs a mobile home park. Roger works at Firestone Polymers. They purchased three Belgian mules from Amish trainers to form their business J & R Carriage.

Their three Belgian mules weigh more than 1,500 pounds, are seven and eight years old, and stand about 17 to 18 hands tall.

Roy calls them “gentle giants” because they are known for their passive natures. He said the mules worked

horses do. In New Orleans, they won’t allow horses to pull carriages – except for funerals. We have a couple of horses, too. People sometimes want them for weddings.”

Roy said the new carriage business is doing very well.

“We have three carriages now and we plan on having three more by the end of the year,” he said. “We have already ordered four more mules.

Photo by Lisa Yates

I

f you’ve heard clickety-clop, clickety-clop sounds on Ryan Street recently, don’t be alarmed if your mind starts suddenly drifting backwards in time.

That’s the whole point of Justin Gill and Roger Roy’s new business: To treat residents and visitors to tours of Lake Charles’ historic district and waterfront the way they were once seen and enjoyed – by horse and carriage.

The two owners of J & R Carriage began offering carriage rides downtown during festival events and on weekends. They plan to continue the tours Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer, as well as offering services for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

“J & R Carriage is Lake Charles’ first and only full-time carriage service,” Gill said.

for several years to become harnesstrained, then a few more years to become street-trained.

“Our mules are well-trained by the Amish to pull carriages in traffic,” he said. “We get our mules from the same sources as Royal Carriage in New Orleans. They’ve been operating their carriage business for three generations and they use Belgian mules. Mules handle the Southern heat better than

Justin Gill and Roger Roy, owners of J&R Carriage in Lake Charles JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 27

They are on the way. We have been busier than ever.”

The Cinderella-style carriage lined with red velvet is popular with brides wanting a fairy tale wedding. Roy said the carriage is also a coveted site for dream-like proposals.

“There was a gentleman from Westlake, who was trying to figure out how he was going to propose to his girlfriend,” he said. “When he saw our carriage, he said ‘This is what I want to do.’ He got his whole family involved to make it a surprise.”

Roy said he took the couple on a carriage ride to dinner at Luna’s downtown. He said the gentleman’s family was at Sylvia’s Bistro having dinner and waiting to surprise the couple later.

“The man’s sister went along Shell Beach Drive and planted signs while the couple was eating dinner. One sign said ‘Will,’ another said ‘you,’ another said ‘marry,’ and the last one said ‘me?’” he said.

Roy said after dinner, he took the couple on a miniride down Shell Beach Drive, where the woman saw the signs and her boyfriend proposed.

“After that, I took them to Sylvia’s to meet up with the rest of the family,” he said. “It turned out great.”

The owners said the carriage is popular for weddings, anniversaries and other events; and, they thought it could add an element of old-fashioned charm and color to the historic district.

Gill recalled a visit to a local nursing home, where he and Roy donated their time giving carriage rides to residents and their families.

“There was an older couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary,” he said. “They took a carriage ride and really enjoyed it. The mayor was there. He rode with them. The couple was real excited.”

Gill said the company has donated services to

PAGE 28

JUNE 18, 2009

organizers of all of the Mardi Gras parades, as well as the M.L.K. and Black History parades.

“I had grand marshals riding with me at two of the parades,” he said. “We put red hats on the mules for the Red Hat Mardi Gras parade. The ladies liked that.”

J & R Carriage owners are hoping to bring more people downtown with their carriage ride service. They said they are excited by the revitalization efforts in Lake Charles and they feel their business adds to the ambiance.

Standard tours vary in price, but are priced to be affordable to families. A mini-tour costs $25 a family. It lasts about 15 minutes and includes a ride on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center. A 30-minute tour costs $35 per family and starts at the lakefront, turns onto Ryan Street by downtown businesses and then heads back by Veterans Memorial Park.

Extended tours last about an hour and cost $75 per family. The route starts at Bord du Lac Drive by the lake, turns onto Ryan Street downtown, goes past the old city hall and then runs through the Historic Charpentier District.

Dinner tours are also available at the same rates as the other tours. Gill and Roy said the dinner tours have been a big hit. They said people who live in the garden district can call and the carriage will pick them up to take them downtown for dinner like a taxi service.

The owners are also thinking about offering a ghost tour like those in the French Quarter in New Orleans!

Gill and Roy purchased property at 112 Railroad Avenue in Lake Charles, which they plan to open to the public as a tourist attraction. The plan is to show visitors the carriage house and demonstrate some of the work done to maintain the vehicles.

Until they had this property, the owners housed

Volume 1 • Issue 6

their carriages in the building behind Sylvia’s Bistro. Their mules had to be transported by trailer from a farm in Rosepine to the lakefront downtown.

Gill said they owe a big debt of gratitude to Sylvia Hankins, owner of Sylvia’s Bistro at 329 Broad Street in Lake Charles.

“We really want to thank her for keeping our carriages,” he said.

“Without her contribution, we would have never have gotten as far as we have. We also want to thank Briant and Carolyn Smith, owners of the Blue Duck Café. They let us park in front of the restaurant.”

Roy and Gill have been pleased with the response to their business so far. Roy said members of the Downtown Development Authority, city officials and downtown business owners have embraced the new business. He said the public has also been supportive.

“People here are very friendly,” he said. “They’re amazed. They roll down their window and wave.”

J & R Carriage owners strongly suggest calling ahead for reservations. They can be reached at (337) 570-9909, or (337) 842-0778. TJN

Keeping you Cool!

Stop by The Jambalaya News office and pick up your coupon for $1.00 off your purchase at Cold Stone Creamery. Offer expires October 1, 2009, Limited to the first 100.

The Jambalaya News 826 Ford St., Lake Charles 337-436-7800

A Special

Thank You The Jambalaya News would like to thank photographer, Blane Bourgeois and his models; Maggie King Ashley Woods, Sarah House and Emily Fruge.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 29

Whether you’re choosing a family vacation with children, an adult adventure off the beaten path or a romantic honeymoon, consider what a local travel expert has to say.

James Halphen, C.E.O. of GlobeTrek Travel Inc. in Lake Charles, has selected his top 10 vacation getaways for 2009.

See what locations made the cut from the top vacation destinations all over the world.

1. CRUISES – Cruising is the most popular leisure vacation available today. Your choices of accommodations, cuisine and destinations are nearly limitless.

Halphen said a cruise offers you the best travel value for your money compared to any other form of vacation. He said your fare includes all meals, your cabin, entertainment, onboard activities and nighttime parties.

“The top three cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, in that order,” he said.

Right now, GlobeTrek is offering a great deal on a Caribbean cruise aboard the ship Carnival Fantasy.

The ship leaves New Orleans, Oct. 17, for five days to Cozumel and Progreso – a port city in the Mexican state of Yucatan.

“With taxes and everything, it’s a total of $312 per person – and that

By Lisa Yates

includes all of your meals,” Halphen said.

2. MEXICO – Mexico continues to dominate the list of top international destinations with travelers.

Mexico boasts hundreds of beaches, many consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Halphen said Mexico has a wellearned reputation for hospitality and value offering everything from bustling mega-resorts to tranquil romantic hideaways. He said the most popular Mexican getaways are Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

“Cancun tends to attract a younger crowd of graduating seniors,” he said. “It’s a little less expensive and a little easier to get to – you get off the airplane and you’re right there. Married couples and those going for romantic getaways prefer

Riviera Maya. It’s more secluded, more intimate with great resorts and spas.”

El Dorado Royale and Palace Resorts like Moon Palace are some of the preferred spa resorts in Riviera Maya, he added.

Halphen said Cabo San Lucas, on the south tip of the Baja Peninsula, is another hot-spot for vacationers – especially sport fishermen. He said Cabo San Lucas has some of the best all-round sport fishing in the world.

An all-time favorite of Halphen’s is the La Jolla de Mismaloya resort in Puerto Vallarta.

“It’s where Liz Taylor filmed the movie Night of the Iquana,” he said, noting that Puerto Vallarta is located by the beautiful blue waters of the Mexican Pacific Riviera.

No. 2-MEXICO

No. 4-BAHAMAS & JAMAICA (IN THE CARIBBEAN) PAGE 30

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

No. 3-DISNEY

“Pacific beaches are not like the white, sandy beaches on the Caribbean side. Pacific beaches are darker, volcanic beaches. It’s a different kind of beauty, still very tropical, and very pretty.”

Halphen said the government lifted travel restrictions to Mexico in the wake of the swine flu outbreak.

He said people are traveling to the resorts as much as ever without any problems. (See related article entitled “Swine Flu Update.”)

“In fact, I just had a couple return from their honeymoon in Mexico,” he said. “They stayed at the El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya – they loved it.”

3. DISNEY – Disney is an American tradition, part of the cultural landscape. For most Americans, a trip to a Disney attraction is the vacation dream of a lifetime, a must-do.

Halphen said Walt Disney World, southwest of Orlando, is probably the most popular tourist destination on earth, with its four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment complex, 20 resort hotels and eight golf courses. The theme parks include: Magic Kingdom; Epcot; Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Disney’s Blizzard Beach; Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon; and, Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

“Mickey’s a popular person. The boy’s got it going on,” he joked.

Halphen said GlobeTrek Travel is offering some specials on Disney vacation packages this summer.

Some of the deals include free dining at some of the restaurants, free nights at some of the resorts, and a cabin upgrade aboard some of the Disney cruises.

“We book Disney packages daily,” he said.

GlobeTrek’s agents are specialists having gone through Disney’s exclusive training for travel agents, according to Halphen.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

“We all have to go to the ‘University of Disney,’” he said. “The training book is so thick it looks like a Bible and has everything you need to know about Disney’s properties – places to eat, places to stay, rooms – everything. There’s a lot to learn.”

Halphen said Disney is always adding on to its properties and developing new vacation experiences for guests. For example, he said Disney recently launched a new company for vacationers called “Adventures by Disney.”

“It is adventure travel for Disney buffs,” he said.

On an “Adventures by Disney” vacation, guests are taken on expeditions to some of the world’s greatest destinations, including Asia, Africa, Central and South America.

Two Disney-trained guides – part concierge and storyteller – look after a group to make sure they are in the right place at the right time. They also arrange for local guides to join the group at various points of the vacation to give guests firsthand knowledge from someone native to the area.

“Disney has it all – they have everything,” Halphen said. “If you want a real family-oriented heartwarming vacation like you remember growing up, this is what you need to do.”

4. BAHAMAS & JAMAICA (IN THE CARIBBEAN) – The Caribbean is one of the most popular vacations spots in the world – especially the Bahamas and Jamaica. The appeal is obvious – year-round temperate weather, soft sandy beaches, the famously clear Caribbean Sea … what’s not to like?

“These destinations are beautiful.

I book a lot of weddings and honeymoons here,” Halphen said.

He said getting to the Bahamas and Jamaica is easy – you can arrive in half a day.

“You can leave in the morning and arrive by noon,” he said. “If you

Relax in your own private luxury condo on the beautiful white sand beaches and emerald waters of Okaloosa Island. We are the condo rental specialist with a network of privately owned condos right in the heart of paradise. You will find Okaloosa Island to be a very family-oriented vacation destination. We have no high rises on the Island due to our six story restriction, making our beaches the least crowded of any on the Gulf Coast.

VROM (Vacation Rental Owner Management) offers one, two & three bedroom premier condos. Whether it is a family vacation, a golf or fishing getaway or a romantic escape, we can put you in luxurious, upscale accommodations with all the best touches of home.

Come enjoy the kind of hospitality the South is legendary for.

Call us at 888-988-3331 or visit our website at www.vrombeachrentals.com.

Mention this ad and receive a 15% discount.

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 31

have only a short amount of vacation time, you don’t want to use it traveling to your destination.”

Halphen said Atlantis Paradise Island Royal Tower in Nassau is a huge resort property that draws many visitors to the Bahamas. He highly recommended the dolphin encounter tour at Atlantis, if you go.

He said Atlantis offers just about everything, except an all-inclusive package.

“Atlantis has a meal plan, but they don’t offer an all-inclusive package,” he said. “They want you to visit their casino, where you can drink for free.”

Halphen said many other properties in the Bahamas and Jamaica do offer all-inclusive packages. He explained how it works.

“All-inclusive vacations mean you pay one price in advance. It includes your airfare, hotel, food and alcohol. It even includes your non-motorized water sports like snorkeling and water sailing,” he said. “A European plan is no food, no alcohol included.”

Bessette Realty, Inc. Phil and Lauren, you have given me the perfect tool for relocation.

I have wished for a way to express the personality of Southwest Louisiana for years. The warmth, charm, and caring of our people for one another is not easily conveyed in a few words. The beauty of our area, the cultural richness and the zest of our food and humor abound in the pages of your magazine. The Jambalaya News captures all of these features within its covers and serves it up as spicy as the dish for which it takes its name. Congratulations on a job superbly done. This will be an integral part of my relocation kits from now on.

5. GRAND CAYMAN IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS (CARIBBEAN) – Halphen said Grand Cayman is popular for its clear, beautiful water.

“It’s a popular place for diving and snorkeling,” he said. “It’s British by the way. Not that language is a barrier for any of these places. It’s just this vacation is a little pricier than the rest. Water, diving, snorkeling – it’s just beautiful.”

He said preferred beach resorts are the Grand Cayman Marriott; the Ritz Carlton; and, The Reef.

“The Reef isn’t as illustrious as the other two, but it’s very nice,” he said. “People here travel year-round, but I tell people who don’t have children to travel while the kids are in school.”

He said the “off season” is when

kids are in school - travel is cheaper then.

6. PUNTA CANA IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLICAN (CARIBBEAN) – Halphen calls Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic “the new Mexico.”

“What I mean by that is Mexico has always provided a beautiful, inexpensive destination,” he said, adding Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and great deals.

Halphen said the best resorts in Punta Cana are the Iberostar Hotels & Resorts; and, the Riu Hotels & Resorts. He said both hotel chains are popular for pampering and spoiling their guests.

“I just did a wedding for a couple at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro,” he said. “Right now the Iberostar Grand Hotel is offering an all-inclusive package for $1,000 per person. It includes airfare, hotel, transfers meals and alcohol for five nights – a great deal!”

7. CALIFORNIA & LAS VEGAS – You probably already know what other globtrotters know - some of the best vacations spots are nearby in California and Las Vegas.

Halphen said California is one of the best vacation destinations in the U.S. – its vast size makes it more like a country than a state. California has a vacation for everyone – from beaches to big cities, forests to funky towns, desert oases to deep canyons, thrill rides to timeless redwoods and giant sequoias.

Some of California’s best views lie along coastal Highway 1, between San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to Halphen. What he recommends is flying into San Francisco and using the city as a base of operations while you explore the sights along the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway.

No. 7-CALIFORNIA & LAS VEGAS

— Derenda Grubb - CENTURY 21 Bessette Realty, Inc. (337) 842-2696 • www.derenda.com

PAGE 32

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

“Rent a car, get one of those cheap Styrofoam ice chests, fill it with drinks and picnic food,” he said.

“Can you image a better picnic spot than Yosemite?”

Las Vegas is the world’s premiere gaming destination for high-rollers, but there’s more to the city than its spectacular resort casinos.

Halphen said Vegas is known across the globe for its world-class entertainment.

“The Celine Dion show is amazing!” he said.

No. 8-ALASKA

Volume 1 • Issue 6

8. ALASKA – Halphen recently returned from an Alaskan trip where he took some amazing photographs, which are posted on his Facebook page. He said you could actually hear the sound of cracking ice as his cruise ship coasted through Glacier Bay National Park.

“Glacier Bay National Park is stunningly beautiful,” he said. “It’s one of the few places on earth where it’s still possible to connect with the wild.”

Halphen said it is best to see Alaska on a “cruisetour.” He explained an Alaskan “cruisetour” is a vacation package that combines an Alaska cruise vacation with a land tour. Part of your tour is spent aboard a cruise ship; the other is land-based, where you stay in hotels and travel by railcars or coaches to see the sights.

“Holland America is my favorite vendor for Alaska – they have the best cruisetours,” he said.

“They’ve been doing it the longest and they own all of the trains, rails and hotels.”

Halphen said the Holland America Line is the only tour company offering something called a Double Denali - a second day to explore the Denali National Park – home of Mt. McKinley, the nation’s tallest peak.

“Alaska is an amazing wilderness wonderland,” Halphen said. “But you can only go from May to September. The best prices are in early May and late September.”

9. HAWAII – “While you are in Hawaii, see multiple islands,” Halphen said.

His favorite is Kauai. He recently returned from a trip with photographs of the Garden Island’s lush greenery, tropical plants, amazing canyons and beautiful waterfalls.

“The left side is like a desert. The right side is tropical,” he said. “That’s where they filmed Jurassic Park. A helio-ride in Kauai is beyond breath-taking – it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.”

Halphen said a Norwegian Cruise is a great way to see all of the islands, or you can take one of the popular island hopper flights.

“If you go all way to Hawaii, at least see two islands,” he stressed.

10. EUROPE – “Cruise lines are going to Europe now,” Halphen said. “You can see multiple countries in a week spending a day in each port.”

He suggested going for a 12-day Mediterranean cruise aboard the Carnival Dream, which features stops in seven beautiful and historic ports – including Venice, Rome, Sicily, Barcelona, Monaco and Croatia. GlobeTrek Travel is booking the cruise, which leaves Oct. 15.

Halphen said GlobeTrek Travel is also offering a 14-day Cradle of Civilization and the Holy Land – European Retreat for Oct. 17 – 31, on the ms Rotterdam, a Holland America ship. He said this

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 33

Our Vacation Homes are scattered throughout the Island offering a variety of choices from Waterfront and Water view, to "In the Pines" homes for Birding. We have several Canal front homes for boaters and fishing. Several homes are Pet Friendly.

Our Condominiums include units at Holiday Isle, Sandcastle, Pass Chateau Harbor, The Beach Club, The Inn at Dauphin Island, Surf Club, and The Fish Camps (some with dockage).

ACP Real Estate, Inc. Dauphin Island, Alabama Mobile & Baldwin Counties Toll Free: 866-861-3311 www.acpinfo.com Real Estate Sales • Vacation Rentals Property Management

cruise takes visitors to a number of exciting ports in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Malta and Italy.

“Cruises are the way to go if you want to get a taste of each country,” he said.

Halphen also books a lot of destination-specific travel to Europe.

Because he lived in Europe and was educated in Paris, he can put together the perfect itinerary depending on the length of your stay.

“I lived in Paris for five years and still didn’t see it all,” he said. “You need a minimum of two weeks to see Paris. Besides all museums, restaurants and touristy spots, there are other fantastic things to see and do.”

For example, Halphen said the Basilica of Saint Denis is notable for its Gothic architecture, but few know it is the burial site of French monarchs.

“Below are crypts with the tombstones of all the kings and queens of France,” he said.

Halphen said there are so many options with a European vacation.

“The rail system in Europe is so well-developed you can go just about anywhere you can go with a car – even the smallest towns have a train station,” he said. He added larger cities are served by several different European rail lines, including high speed trains and comfortable long distance overnight trains.

The most important thing to remember in planning a “Eurotrip” – or any trip - is seek advice from an experienced travel agent.

Halphen wanted to add a No. 11 Top Getaway: New York City.

“New York is like another Paris.

It’s very expensive, but it’s very popular because of places like Times Square and Rockefeller Center – all the places you see on T.V.,” he said.

Halphen said New York’s Gray Line Tours are very good for seeing the sights.

“The tickets are good for 48 hours and they take you to all of the famous places,” he said.

The “All Loops Tour” includes four separate double-decker tour loops that allow you to enjoy Manhattan and Brooklyn with unlimited hop-on, hop-off opportunities at more than 50 stops.

Halphen said the tour includes a Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry ticket.

“The best time to go is anytime before or after the snow – fall is nice – summer is expensive,” he said.

For more information, call Globetrek Travel at (337) 477-0835; or visit at 3310 Creole Street in Lake Charles, online at www.globetrektravel.com. TJN

No. 10-EUROPE

Swine Flu Update: Mexico Travel Band Lifted The CDC has lifted travel restrictions to Mexico in the wake of the swine flu outbreak, saying the outbreak south of the border is slowing.

The CDC first warned against nonessential travel to Mexico on April 27.

The alert has been downgraded to a “Travel Health Precaution,” which means people traveling there should take some common-sense precautions.

People who are at risk for serious illness from influenza, such as the elderly and young children, should check with their physicians and consider postponing travel.

This is from a CDC alert: “CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak. There is evidence that the Mexican outbreak is slowing down in many cities though not all. In addition, the United States and other countries are now seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico. Finally, the risk of severe disease from novel H1N1 virus infection now appears to be less than originally thought.”

Source: Orange County Register / June 8, 2009 PAGE 34

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

By Phil de Albuquerque The vacation season is in full swing! This is the time of year that we all look forward to: Taking some much-needed time off and getting out of town for some R&R. I was an international tour guide for Collette Tours for almost three years, so I’ve learned some secrets for getting the most out of your vacation. (I got the most out of that job—I met my wife on one of my tours—but that’s another story!)

First, ask yourself this question: Why am I going on vacation? This will help determine where you need to go. If it’s relaxation that you’re after, then running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, might not be your ideal destination.

Most of my passengers were looking to enjoy a location that they’d never been to. If that’s your goal, here are some tips: Do some research Get on the Internet and research your vacation spot. Make sure it’s what you’re looking for. Talk to friends who’ve been there. After booking your trip, contact the hotel if you have any questions or concerns, such as if you’ll be sharing a bath with strangers (common in out-of-the-way inns) or what type of adaptor to bring for hair dryers, etc. in a foreign country.

In the information age, there’s no excuse for lack of preparation. If you go to Greece in July and you can’t tolerate heat, or the castle in Italy you’ve been dying to visit has a hundred winding steps and you have knee problems, it’s your own fault for not doing your homework.

Don’t bring expectations with you Enjoying a new destination means enjoying the difference. If it’s just like home, then why are you there? You might as well stay in your own back yard. When you travel, put home behind you, and keep your mind open.

I began all my international tours by telling my passengers just that. In Europe, one of the biggest differences was the lack of adequate airconditioning. But that’s how it is there. Remember, everything is exactly the way it should be—wherever you are! You have to be adaptable.

I took a British group on a tour of New England. You wouldn’t believe the complaints I received about toast. The Brits couldn’t understand why toast was served to them already buttered. “Are you Yanks babies?” they asked me. “Can’t you butter your own toast?” On the flip side, when I took a group of U.S. tourists to Great Britain, they were upset that they had to butter their own toast! “Why can’t they butter the toast?” I would hear. “Are they too lazy?’ No, they’re not lazy and Americans aren’t babies. It’s just the way it’s done in that particular country.

Of course, things may happen that are not to your liking. There are flight delays; your room may not be ready when you arrive; your luggage went to Frankfurt and you’re in Vienna. Stuff like this happens all the time when you travel, and you have to expect the unexpected, good or bad. But it’s your attitude that will make or break your trip.

Try something new Make sure you try the specialty dishes of the area that you’re in.

That’s part of the adventure. You can get a hamburger when you go home.

(And trust me, if you order a hamburger in Bangkok, it’s probably not going to taste the way you like it, so don’t bother.) Keep an open mind about what you’re eating, and use your head. Don’t order something bizarre, unless you’re an adventurous eater. Sheep’s brains aren’t for everyone.

Learn some phrases in a new language. Try it out on a waiter or shopkeeper. Don’t be embarrassed; they will appreciate the fact that you’re trying to speak to them in their native tongue.

Bring something back from your trip that you will always have. Spend a little more for a nice piece of local pottery, jewelry, etc., instead of loading up on cheap trinkets that will end up at your next garage sale.

Lauren’s parents loved to travel, so we now have teapots from England, Murano glass from Venice, and a cuckoo clock from Switzerland.

In summing up, life is an adventure, whether you’re home or abroad.

Make the most of it—don’t be afraid

to try something new. Lauren and I came to Southwest Louisiana will all of this in mind: We told ourselves this isn’t Michigan, this isn’t Boston, it’s Southwest Louisiana. We kept an open mind, and we love it! Thank you for sharing your hearts with us.

TJN

Phil de Albuquerque

June 22-25

Mon-Wed 8am-4pm • Thurs 8am-Noon

CAMP DISCOUNTS: Sign up in a group of 3 or 4 and receive

$15 OFF

Sign up in a group of 5 or more and receive

$25 OFF

If each group member attends both camps they receive

$25 OFF

Call for Camp Discount

475-5481

Coach Patrick Haynes Camp Director patrickhaynes84@gmail.com Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 35

By Brandon Shoumaker

It’s summertime, which means it’s travel season in the United States.

But the prospects of packing up the family for a long vacation may give those feeling the pain of the nation’s ongoing recession pause for concern.

In a survey last year, the American Automobile Association estimated that the average vacation, including lodging and food, would cost $244 per person per day. According to 2000 Census data, the average family size tops out at just over 3.1 people per household.

Add in gas prices, which are currently averaging close to $2.62 a gallon nationally but are still a bargain compared to last year’s nearly $4 a gallon, and it could make for an expensive trip.

However, there are alternatives.

In part because of those high gas prices last summer, taking a vacation at home—“staycations” —have become popular among families looking to save money.

A staycation works in many of the same ways as a regular vacation; most have a set start and end date, and involve a certain amount of planning of

activities that are designed to break up the everyday routine.

A staycation is a trip without the travel and the headaches traveling can cause. There are no long waits at airport security and no hefting heavy luggage to and from hotel rooms.

Mostly, there are no hotels at all as families stay in their own homes and drive a short distance to each leg of the trip.

Locally, there are myriad options for fun and educational trips for anyone planning a staycation for their own family while also keeping costs low.

“One of the great things about the Southwest Louisiana area is that many of the attractions here are either free or very affordable,” said Katie Harrington, public relations manager for the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Museums like the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, the DeQuincy Railroad Museum and the Henning Cultural Center are very affordable or free and have

For More Information Call: 337-475-5473 WALK UPS ARE WELCOME FUNDAMENTAL CAMP – JUNE 22-25 Who: Grades K-8 Cost: $165 • Where: McNeese Rec Complex Registration: Rec Complex (7:15 – 8:00 am) Description: Back to the basics! Station work, COMPETITION and games will provide you with the TOTAL basketball experience for all levels. 8 am – Noon.

SHOOTING CAMP – JUNE 22-24 Who: Grades K – 12 Cost: $75 • Where: McNeese Rec Complex Registration: Rec Complex (12:15 – 1:00 pm) Description: Shooting 101! Enhance your shooting skills with BASIC fundamental footwork, form and technique for all ages and levels. 1 – 3 pm.

PAGE 36

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

lots of cool stuff for the entire family. Places like the Charpentier Historic District—it doesn’t cost anything to walk or drive through there. The Creole Nature Trail is an adventure through Louisiana’s outback. There really is a lot to do.”

Water Parks Summers in Southwest Louisiana are notoriously hot and humid. One way for families to have fun and stay cool on their staycation is a trip to one of the area’s water parks.

The Sulphur Parks and Recreation water park offers a pair of tall and twisty water slides as well as a pool and misting fountains among other amenities. There are also slides and other equipment designed for smaller children.

Daily admission to the SPAR water park is $5 for anyone outside the recreation district ages three years-and-up and $4 for in-district patrons.

Admission is free for children under two years old.

The Little Kahuna Water Park off Interstate 10 in Lacassine is currently under construction and could open by sometime mid-summer. Developers look to build more than 10 slides, including a high-speed water slide, a wave pool and beach, misting area and outdoor grill facilities.

The admission price is projected to be $18-19 a day for children and $2122 a day for adults.

Museums Locally, there are a multitude of museum options, at a minimal cost, offering a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike.

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum (204 W. Sallier St.) offers a historic exhibit displaying artifacts dating back as far as the mid-1850s. The museum also offers several different period rooms, such as a barbershop and a pharmacy, as well as art galleries. On its grounds is the Sallier Oak, a Louisiana live oak that is estimated to be between 350-400 years old.

Admission to the ICM is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12.

In Sulphur, the Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center offer a

Volume 1 • Issue 6

historic look at the city and its ties to the mining of sulfur as well as the works of local artists and photographers.

Through June 25, the Brimstone is featuring photography from students at Sulphur High School in addition to its exhibits on city history and the Frasch sulfur mining process.

The DeQuincy Railroad Museum, occupying a restored train depot in the heart of DeQuincy, showcases railroad memorabilia and equipment including a 1913 steam locomotive and a 1929 caboose.

Admission is free to both Sulphur museums and the DeQuincy Railroad Museum.

Nature and Camping The Creole Nature Trail offers a wide array of outdoor activities for the whole family.

At the mile-and-a-half long marsh-walking trail at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, one can see a multitude of wildlife including alligators, redwinged blackbirds, ducks, egrets and much more.

Bird-watchers can scope out a myriad birds at the Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, located eight miles east of Holly Beach.

Families can also enjoy various fishing and crabbing opportunities, with a valid basic Louisiana fishing license, throughout the Trail, especially along the Rockefeller NWR and Lacassine NWR. Admission to the Trail and refuges is free.

For more information on these local attractions, visit: www.sulphurparks.com www.imperialcalcasieumuseum.org www.brimstonemuseum.org www.creolenaturetrail.org

TJN

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 37

R•U

By Eric Zartler

GAME?

Southwest Louisiana & the Southland Conference – A Perfect Match If you’ve taken notice over the past two years, there have been a number of college athletic teams in the area all at one time. It’s been pretty standard to see a team or two around town when they come in to play at McNeese, but to see five or six at the same time is something that Southwest Louisiana has not been privy to in years past.

Much of this credit goes to the youthful, energetic athletic administration at McNeese State University, namely athletic director Tommy

Individual Camps Will Emphasize: • Offensive and Defensive Skill Development • Proper Throwing • Base Running and Sliding • Teamwork

PAGE 38

JUNE 18, 2009

McClelland and assistant athletic director of internal affairs, Ryan Ivey.

They have made it their mission to put MSU on the map, so to speak, when it comes to showcasing the university and Southwest Louisiana on the largest and most attractive stage at the conference level. And, the response from the member universities of the Southland Conference (SLC) and the conference administration has been outstanding.

In 2008, McNeese State and Southwest Louisiana played host to

The Cowgirl Software Camp will be held at Cowgirl Field, home of MSU softball, and surrounding facilites. It is located on the east side of Hodges Street, adjacent to campus.

Individual Camp Commuter: $200 Individual Camp Overnighter: $300

• Commuters will register on Sunday and return on Monday to begin camp at 9a.m.

• Registration is at Hodges St. Fieldhouse (Adjacent to campus and the MUS Softball Field)

Call: (337) 475-5475

conference championship events in impact price tag of nearly $1 million. men’s golf and women’s soccer. In The direct impact coupled with the 2009, there were championship events publicity and recognition our area in women’s golf as well as received for putting on such a sucsoftball. The 2008 SLC Men’s Golf cessful event are the perfect ingrediTournament was held that May at ents for what has been an outstanding Gray Plantation. The course received partnership between the Southland high marks as being both competitive Conference and Southwest Louisiana. and well groomed from some of the The Conference has taken quite a best college level golfers in the counliking to the offerings we have here, try. so much so that in addition to the Then, in November of 2008, the above-referenced championship best that the Southland Conference events, they will be holding their 2009 has to offer in Women’s Soccer came Southland Conference Media Days to town to battle for the right to event at L’Auberge du Lac advance and play in the prestigious Casino/Hotel, July 27-29.

NCAA Soccer Tournament. The This prestigious event brings in event was held at Ward 3 Recreation’s, athletic directors, sports information Lake Charles Multi-Sports Complex directors, head football coaches, and located behind the Power Center and select players from the conferences’ was a success on many levels. nine football schools, not to mention Fast forward to 2009. In April, the the numerous members of the media SLC’s women’s golf championships that cover these schools. This event is were slated to be held at Koasati Pines the kickoff to the college football seain Kinder; however, heavy rains son and is truly a very big deal in forced the conference to find another terms of media exposure our area will location, and the event landed at the receive. Newspaper writers, as well as Lake Charles Country Club. Member television and radio station reporters, schools and conference officials were and the numerous fan-based Web site more than pleased with the results. operators, will be on hand for the But perhaps the largest and most unveiling of the projections of the successful of the Conference 2009 football season.

Championship events was the SLC Once again, the Southland Softball Tournament that was held in Conference gives McNeese State and early May 2009. This event shined Southwest Louisiana yet another from day one until a champion was opportunity to put our best foot forcrowned, and received rave reviews ward and “wow” participants and from all participants, spectators and media with what has become a officials. strengthening relationship between “This was an excellent the three entities. event for us here at McNeese. It was very well Eric Zartler is the Athletic attended, everything went Sales Manager at the Lake smooth, and the feedback Charles/Southwest Louisiana was wonderful. We plan to Convention and Visitors bid on this event again, for Bureau. Contact him at sure” said Ivey. ezartler@visitlakecharles.org.

The event also made a TJN nice impact on the area, as it carried an economic Eric Zartler Volume 1 • Issue 6

Killin’ Time Crossword E-mail: aimee@structurex.net Ragley - Mobile homes allowed.

7 tracts of land as follows: Four 2.5 Acre Tracts - $17,500 Each Two 4 Acre Tracts - $28,000 Each One 10 Acre Tract - $70,000 All Tracts are Wooded, with Black Top Streets, Public Water and No Flood Zone.

Moss Bluff - Restricted Wooded Lots on Ravenhurst Drive (Off Pine Cone Dr.) 1600 Sq. Ft. Minimum Required. Black Top Streets.

Owner will finance with 10% Down, 6% Interest amortized over 6 years with a Balloon Payment at the 24th month. Call for details. $23,900 each.

E. Tank Farm Road - 7.5 Acres cleared and ready to build on.

Horses allowed. $120,000.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 39

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Vacation Mysteries You Can’t Put Down Would you like a good mystery to take on vacation? How about four?

Let’s start with an old-fashioned cozy, set in the little village of Bishop’s Lacey, England, in 1950. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley introduces Miss Flavia de Luce, age 11, one of the most refreshing sleuths I’ve ever found.

Flavia is way too clever for her own good. She has “acute hearing” (good for snooping), loves to study chemistry (especially poison), and frequently carries out lab experiments.

After she discovers a body in the garden of her family’s centuries-old house, she waggles her way right into the middle of a mystery of historic proportions — and into mortal danger.

Flavia tells the story in first person, and she has quite a sense of humor. In describing the elderly former librarian, she writes: “She had been Librarian-in-Chief … when Noah was a sailor. … The villagers still held novenas to pray she wouldn’t come out of retirement.” But she also

As we enter Hurricane Season, we are dedicated to informing you of any weather threatening Southwest Louisiana. Part of our dedication to keeping you informed and up to date is our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart sponsored by Cameron State Bank and Aggreko.

The KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart will be available June 1 at our sponsor locations or at the KYKZ 96 station.

More information at www.kykz.com

PAGE 40

JUNE 18, 2009

reveals lovely detail: “As I stepped outside, I saw that the silver light of dawn had transformed the garden into a magic glade, its shadows darkened by the thin band of day beyond the walls. Sparkling dew lay upon everything, and I should not have been at all surprised if a unicorn had stepped from behind a rosebush and tried to put its head in my lap.”

I love Flavia. I can still “see” her riding her bicycle, Gladys, through the countryside. She combines elements of Miss Marple, Harriet the Spy, Nancy Drew and a “CSI” technician. This is the first of a series to feature the young sleuth, and it’s a great adventure, suitable for young people.

It should be an instant hit and may well go on to become a classic for mystery fans.

Flipping Out is the third Lomax and Biggs Mystery by Marshall Karp.

Detective Mike Lomax writes in the first person about solving a case of homicide in Los Angeles with his partner, Terry Biggs. The popular wife of a fellow police officer has been killed, and the crime has them stunned. It turns out that she and the wives of several other officers are part of a group who call themselves the L.A. Flippers — they buy houses, renovate them quickly and then re-sell or “flip” them. One of their group is a murdermystery author who profits from using the addresses of the flipped houses as the settings for her books.

Biggs and Lomax are led in unexpected directions, and the author gives us a complex world with warm, interesting relationships among the police officers and their families. It has adult language and situations, but the book is completely entertaining, quick and easy, humorous and surprising. Karp’s books are first-rate all the way!

Look Again follows author Lisa Scottoline’s usual pitch-perfect style with a strong central character, but this plot is not like any of her others.

Newspaper reporter Ellen Gleeson has a happy life in Philadelphia with her 3year-old adopted son, Will. She’s working on a story about women who’ve lost their children to city violence when one day, she notices that the photo of a missing boy on a postcard looks just like her son. As she investigates the possibility that her son and this missing boy may be connected, what she discovers makes her uncomfortable. “She had thought that Will was hers and would be forever … and now Ellen was deathly afraid of what Volume 1 • Issue 6

celebrity chef who was expected to win the local barbecue cook-off with his famous hot sauce. His demise inspires Lula to team up with Stephanie’s grandmother to develop their own sauce and win the big-money prize.

The most exciting news: Ranger shows up on page 11. And oh, yeah, he is all over this book. He asks Stephanie to “snoop around,” to help him solve a series of burglaries. And once again, Stephanie is living and working at Rangeman headquarters, which she calls the “Batcave.” As usual, she has been dealt a handful of hilarious “skips” to round up, and she has no luck at all trying to keep a car.

was true.” And “deathly” is right — there could be danger in store for more than one person.

Scottoline is one of my favorite authors, and here she blends a fascinating premise with tense action. She sets us up with a heart-breaking dilemma and makes us ask ourselves: What defines a parent? What can you do when there can’t be a happy ending?

The book also has adult situations.

Finally, here is the book I’ve waited all year for — the latest entry in the quirky adventures of New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum and her band of recurring characters: Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich.

Stephanie’s on-again, off-again relationship with Joe Morelli is “off ” again because of a “disagreement over peanut butter that turned into a disagreement over everything under the sun.” The wonderfully flamboyant Lula has just witnessed two guys “removing a head from some guy’s body,” and she’s terrified when the killers come after her.

The dead man turns out to be a

Contact Oneforthebooks@inbox.com.

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Louise Ruehr.

The book is simply scrumptious, filled with flirty fun, adult situations and really accessible humor, with sound effects and silly scatological references. I laughed out loud at Steph’s father taste-testing Lula’s recipes; I almost fell off my chair over Lula’s antics; I screamed out loud because of Grandma. I had to agree with Stephanie: “I was laughing so hard tears were rolling down my cheeks and I could hardly see.” I didn’t want it to end. And there’s never enough Ranger.

I don’t think there’s a better humor/mystery series out today. Next June — and book No. 16 — can’t come soon enough!

Save the Children’s Museum Fund

Mary Louise Ruehr is the Books Editor for the Record-Courier in Ravenna, Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kent State University. Mary Louise is interested in all subjects and has many favorite authors, including Pearl S. Buck, James Michener, and P.G. Wodehouse, as well as mystery writers Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. She blogs at http://blogs.dixcdn.com/shine_a_light/ and you can write to her at Books@recordpub.com. TJN

0 0 0 , 50

$4

Devastated by a recent fire, the Children’s Museum needs your help to reopen. The goal is $450,000.

So far, $74,982.13 has been raised! The museum would like to thank all of you who have contributed, including the following: Prien Lake Elementary St. John's Elementary A.A. Nelson Elementary Combre Fondel Elementary Westwood Elementary Vincent Settlement Elementary Dolby Elementary Henry Heights Elementary Lebleu Settlement Elementary South Beauregard Elementary Frasch Elementary Brentwood Elementary T.H. Watkins Elementary Barbe Elementary First Methodist Day School Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School St. Margaret's Catholic School McNeese State University Psi Chi Chapter SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau

Iggy the Iguana says: Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing all of you in my new home!

3 1 .

982

, 4 7 $

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 41

U A B A O F N LY

VACATION - WORD SEARCH A B A S T

L S M U K A E O M U

N S H N

T

I

I

C K E T S A P S

Y G T O M W O A

I

A G G A R R

N C R R S O

I

U H A A B C S E

E E N K E S

I

U R C U A

L

I

N

M O N E Y T U E E G M T G G E U R

L

L G U M N S P U H D H R

S G U O E A C Y G A V O

I

S U

E G C T

N T S

L Y N D S

I

I G R E O E E P A G R E

I

S S H P H U A G V B C S H E A

Airport

Hotel

Sunglasses

T

Bathing Suit

Money

Swim

Camera

Sightsee

Tickets

Campground

Snorkel

Tour Guide

Cruise

Suitcase

Travel Agency

I

U S N O R T C A S U S H E

R O E D S T T S

I

JUNE 18, 2009

T R O P R

I

A H N N E S A C T

S O K E T

PAGE 42

L R P

I

T B T

L C U T

A E C I

U S

T K

I

Volume 1 • Issue 6

der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil of th r in for both kids and o t c adults. As a friend of mine told Dire

Up Disney/Pixar 2009 Meet Carl Fredricksen, a whitehaired grumpy old man with the voice of Ed Asner and pretty much his personality of Lou Grant from the Mary Tyler Moore show. His twostory cartoon house is surrounded by city construction, and he’s about to be sent to a retirement home. In this situation, he does what any one would do: He ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies off to find adventure in faraway lands. Along the way he meets Russell, the Explorer Scout, Dug the talking dog, and lots of adventure. All in jaw-dropping Digital 3D. So you don’t get the wrong idea, it’s an awesome movie and the 3D was, to me, a nice add-on, but not needed. Pixar has pulled off another hit with a storyline that is touching, funny, and even has a moral thrown

Volume 1 • Issue 6

me, the movie shows that sometimes you have to let go of the past to move forward.

The main reason Carl wants to go on adventures is because he’s had this dream since he was a kid. The theme of heroism and adventure is repeated often in the movie, as Carl’s young friend, Russell, tags along. Russell wants to earn his last Explorer Scout badge for assisting the elderly. Can you imagine Ed Asner allowing himself to be assisted? They finally make landing in South America, with Carl and Russell towing the floating house around. This is where they encounter a pack of talking dogs.

Out of all the family movies with dogs that talk, Up definitely wins best in show, mainly because these talking dogs are cast more in the mold of Gary Larsen’s “Far Side” canines.

Their dialogue reveals their uncontrollable instincts towards squirrels (“Hey, I know a joke! A squirrel walks up to a tree and says, ‘I forgot to gather acorns for the winter and now I am dead.’ Ha ha! It’s funny because the squirrel gets dead.”), humans (“I hid under your house because I love you.”), and especially each other. (“He’s wearing the cone of shame! I do not like the cone of shame.”)

The remarkable thing about Up is that it’s really two movies—one about Carl’s past and one about his future.

All kids who have grandparents around are fascinated by them. How did they get so old? Why are they so grumpy and strange? In Carl’s case, these questions are answered.

We also get some great jokes regarding his age. In one fight scene (yes), Carl raises his cane to hit his assailant and can’t move—his back is thrown out and he freezes. His assailant raises his weapon, but throws his back out, too. (He’s at least

12 years older than old Carl.) Not to worry, Carl has a secret weapon. (Can you spell Polident?)

A young relative of mine (a middle-schooler, no less) had seen Up at least once and wanted to see it again.

So he took me and some other old people with him. We put on our digital 3D glasses, silenced our annoying cell phones and had a fantastic time.

Did you know that the art of storytelling is finally coming back to the movies? This was yet another film with no foul language, no innuendo, not even a doggie poop joke.

A long time ago, Disney and also Warner Brothers knew how to make cartoons that were outlandish, funny on several levels, and works of art in their own right. With Up, those days are back. In jaw-dropping Digital 3D.

TJN

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 43

All Over But to Cry It began when the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road hired Fresh Media to gather oral histories from survivors of Hurricane Audrey.

Ultimately, it became the Hurricane Audrey documentary All Over But to Cry, held recently at MSU to a packed audience. Jennifer John Block and Jake Springfield gathered, documented and filmed people, dialog, old photographs and footage and produced a feature documentary that minutely tells personal, emotional and physically challenging events of a horrific storm and the strength of a people whose lives were and continue to be rooted in Louisiana soil. The original 8-minute video entitled Six Survivors of Hurricane Audrey won two Telly Awards and a Gold ADDY.

Sno, Michael and Pat Vincent

Kathe Miller and Katie Prince

Bonnie and Pat Landreneu

Teirral Thompson, Sandra Duhon, Latricia Reed and Herman Reed

Lyndal Hair and Juanita Beall

Carol “Cockrell” Smith, Lorina Bartie Turner and Martha Nicole Turner

Walter Rutherford and Rhonda Rutherford-Montou

Look What the Cats Dragged In…AGAIN! Hal McMillin, master auctioneer, opened up the bidding on some highly sought after items at the “Come Look What the Cats Dragged in ….AGAIN! benefit auction held recently at the Lake Charles Civic Center. No cat fights but some fast and feisty bidding between the guests to create a fun time and raise much-needed funds for Neuter N Spay SWLA. Some of the hottest items auctioned off were Nina Vincent’s pralines, Ray Krull’s “Clinic Birdhouse” and a beautifully crafted throw embellished with the “Come Look What the Cats Dragged in Again” artwork. The guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and entertainment by Skipper Drost and the Six Dollar a Day Band.

Bobby Gotreux and Danny Williams PAGE 44

JUNE 18, 2009

Tami and Jared Anderson Volume 1 • Issue 6

Judge Robert and Kit Wyatt with Dale Mann

Karl and Sharon Edwards, Karla and Durrell Hudson

Tracy Stelly, Megan Berglund, Casey Farris, Shakiyla Soloman, Nancy Arnold, Leslie Guidry and Lynette Stoute

Hal and Sue McMillin and Carter

Tabby Ardoin, Christine Moseley and Christi Perkins

Bonita Blair and Russell Warner

Lake Charles Civic Ballet The dance recital of Lady Leah La Fargue’s School of the Dance is always an enjoyable event. Tiny dancers just beginning to stand on their spot and balance on one foot along with more experienced dancers presented a program that included a variety of choreographed dances including tap and ballet, with a few instances of individual artistic flair.

The Rosa Hart Theatre was filled with an appreciative audience enjoying the results of another year of hard work by the dancers and instructors.

Kermit Karriker, Charles Deeker, Bryan Karriker and Joel Werner

Charlie Watson and Georgeann Compton Volume 1 • Issue 6

Scott and Sherrie Raymond

Abby, Sydney, Michael and Lisa Morales

Jacob Weaver, Sharron and Eric Brauner JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 45

Nutria Queens Exhibit Not at all akin to the imagery one conjures up when hearing the words Nutria Queens; on the contrary, the exhibit at the Arts Associates Gallery was an interesting and enjoyable view into the lives of several former queens and how they have made out with the rest of their lives. The artist, Jessie Eisner-Kleyle, remembered reading a newspaper article about a girl who was the Fur and Wildlife Queen and who was also a champion nutria skinner. This triggered the artist’s curiosity and was the beginning of this ongoing project to explore the offstage lives of former queens and the particular regional femininity in which the artist was raised. It’s an original story with a delightful display of inspired photography.

Kenny Hedrick, Julie Sanders, Michelle and Doug Brown

Janette and Don Hamilton

PAGE 46

JUNE 18, 2009

Patrick and Bronwen Theriot

Tamika Williams and April Lowe

Lucy Ryder (also in photo), Taylor Rodgers, Alayna Eisner and Emily Eisner

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Zachary Richard An appreciative audience welcomed Zachary Richard, David Torkanowsky and Shane Theriot to the Central School Arts and Humanities Center Theatre on a recent Wednesday evening and was not disappointed. In celebration of “Last Kiss,” Zachary’s first release in English in 17 years, the trio treated the audience to a steady stream of songs about hard times, hurricanes and courage mixed with those of love, happiness, heritage and file’ gumbo. It was a performance to remember.

TJN Jeff Peterson, Taylor Armistead and Rebecca Butaud

Laura Walker and Ken Gaar

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Carolyn Woosley and Vicky Crookshank

Cindy and Charlie Champagne

Gail Wooten and Joel Davidson

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 47

THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL JUNE 5 - AUG. 15 Award-winning artist and author Kadir Nelson spent seven years researching, writing and creating handsome paintings to be included in the book We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, which is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Negro Leagues. Follow the beginnings of the league in the 1920s and through its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. This exhibition is the story of Negro Leagues: The story of gifted athletes and determined owners; of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship; of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the 20th century. At 1911 Historic City Hall, 1001 Ryan St. Lake Charles, Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free admission. For more info, call 491-9147.

MCNEESE THEATRE SUMMER BAYOU PLAYERS PRESENT FUDDY MEERS JUNE 18-21 Fuddy Meers, a bizarre comedy as full of kooky characters as a carnival fun house is on stage June 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on June 21 in Ralph Squires Hall, Shearman Fine Arts Center, performed by McNeese Theatre Summer Bayou Players. The cast includes: Leslie Robinson (Claire), Tony James (Richard), Kelley Landry (Kenny), Jes Breaux (Limping Man), Michele Martin (Gertie), William Lormand (Millet), and Heather Westbrook (Heidi).

Joy Pace is director. Tickets at the door are $10 and $5 for McNeese faculty and staff, senior citizens, and youth (K-12). McNeese students are admitted free with a current ID. No reservations are required. For mature audiences. For information, call 4755043.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION JUNE 19 This year’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, marking the 143rd anniversary often cited as the African American Independence Day, will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Friday, June 19. Festivities will commence at 11 a.m. with the annual Celebrity Cook-Off .You can expect to wet your pallet since last year’s BBQ Cook-Off winners Sheriff Tony Mancuso, Buddy Young and Stitch JOSH GIBSON from Guillory are sending out a We are the Ship challenge and responses are

by Kadir Nelson

PAGE 48

JUNE 18, 2009

JAM

coming in. There will be live music all day on the KZWA Sound Stage. Entertainment includes Barbara Carr, Stan Mosley, Carl Marshall, T-Broussard, J-Paul, Curly Taylor and more. Look for the biggest KIDZ ZONE ever. Kids will enjoy games; a clown, balloon art, face painting, jumpers and the famous Sonny Carlin will be in from Texas with an educational and informative show with exotic performing birds. For more information, call the KZWA office at (337) 491-9955, ext. 11, or stop by the station at 305 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles.

ST. THEODORE ALTAR SOCIETY FUNDRAISER JUNE 20 Charles Mann & Louisiana Pride will be performing at the VFW Hall Hwy. 171 in Moss Bluff. Tickets are $10 per person. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; band starts at 8 p.m. Cork/ice chest fee; set-ups available. Burger, sausage links, chips and soda available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit St. Theodore Altar Society. For more information, call 526-1049 or 855-2832.

MALLARD COVE GOLF COURSE TO HOST CITY CHAMPIONSHIPS STARTING JUNE 26 Beginning June 26 and over the course of the following three weeks, Mallard Cove Golf Course will host the Men’s City Championship, June 26 – 28; the Junior City Championship, July 6 – 7; and the Women’s City Championship, July 11 – 12. Entry forms can be picked up at all area Cameron State Bank locations, at Mallard Cove Golf Course and all area Golf Pro shops. The entry deadline is June 19 or the first 160 paid entries received. For entry fee information, contact Derek Smith, 491-1204.

NORTH LC CIVIC CLUB INAUGURAL GOLF CLASSIC JULY 6 The North Lake Charles Civic Club was formed in 1987 to enhance the learning experience of the children of the community. It includes student mentorship and donations to school activities with an emphasis on Washington-Marion High School. The tournament will be held Mon., July 6 starting at 8 a.m. at the Contraband Bayou Golf Club. The entry fee is $300 per team or $100 a person, which includes green fee, cart and ditty bag.

Prizes and awards will be given, and refreshments will be served at the end of the tournament. Proceeds will benefit the Washington-Marion athletics department. For more information, call Alfred Braxton, Jr. at 274-3734 or John Lewis at 263-6841.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

SAFE BOATING CLASS JULY 11 The Lake Charles Power Squadron will hold a one-day Safe Boating Class on Sat., July 11, at their clubhouse located just past the I-210 boat launch past Lafleur Park. The class is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boaters with insurance may get a discount by completing this approved class. Anyone born after Jan 1, 1988 must take the class before operating a boat over 10 hp. This class will cover all aspects of safe boating along with information on the hazards of our local waterway. A light lunch will be provided, or you can bring a sack lunch. There is a $5 charge for each person age 10 and up to cover refreshments and materials. An adult must accompany anyone under age 13. For more information, call Ship to Shore at 474-0730.

Telephone System Maintenance • Computer Maintenance Business Services Telephone Systems Computer Repair Wireless Networking Wired Networking

Wireless Network Setup Phone Label Templates Home Service

FOURTH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC FOR WOMEN’S SHELTER JULY13 Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge du Lac is the presenting sponsor for the Fourth Annual Gold Classic benefiting the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter on Mon., July 13. Tee times are at 8 a.m. and noon. All golfers will be entered into a hole-in-one shootout for $1 million. Other awards and prizes will be given out. Tickets are $125 per person or $500 per team. Lunch from O’Charley’s is included and all players receive a golf shirt. Grand Slam tickets are $20 and include two Mulligans, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin prize opportunities. To register or make a donation, visit www.cwshelter.org/CWSGolfTourney.htm, or call the shelter at 436-4552.

KREWE OF KREWES WILD JUNGLE BINGO JULY 17 Support the Mardi Gras Museum! Come on out to the VFW Country Club Rd. on Fri., July 17 at 7 p.m. for Wild Jungle Bingo. $35 includes food (Junga-li-a), two drink tickets for Jungle Juice and 20 bingo games with great prizes. Dress in safari/jungle wear, or whatever you’d like.

Men are invited this year, so get a date ladies! There will be prizes for the best-dressed krewe, and the krewe selling the most tickets. Tickets are on sale now at Joseph’s Electric, Party Time Store, Gordon’s Drugs, Moss Bluff Flower & Gifts and Hamilton House. For more information, contact Anne Monlezun at egmonlezun@yahoo.com.

CAJUN FRENCH MUSIC ASSOCIATION FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 18-19 The Cajun French Music Association is proud to announce its 22nd annual Food and Music Festival, to be held at the Burton Coliseum. The doors open at 8 a.m. on Sat. July 18 and the fun doesn’t end until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Enjoy music by Lesa Cormier and the Sundown Playboys, Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold, Joe Simon and the Louisiana Cajuns, and many more! There will be accordion contests, a dance contest, silent auction and raffle, arts and crafts and lots of delicious Cajun food. Admission is $7 per person; free for children 12 and younger. For more information, call 494-0018. TJN

Add some spice to your life!

The Jambalaya News is looking for a Media Sales Representative.

Full-time position, prior sales experience required.

E-mail resume to publisher@thejambalayanews.com or call (337) 263-4736 for more information.

826 Ford Street, Lake Charles, 70601 Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 49

David Granger is a graduate of Lacassine High School and is now a resident of Iowa. He is a longtime employee of Honda of Lake Charles.

He and his wife Laura, have two daughters, Megan (3) and Samantha (5). David was the victim of a motorcycle accident on April 1, 2009.

He was hit by an oncoming car that “just didn’t see him.” He tried to avoid a head-on collision, but was unable to do so. He was transported by life flight to LSU Medical/Shreveport, where he had several surgeries to repair a broken leg and back and fractures to his face. On May 7, he was transported to Houston for rehabilitation. David is now on the road to recovery.

POKER RUN • 5K • SWEETS SILENT AUCTION LIVE AUCTION • ENTERTAINMENT To benefit DAVID GRANGER

Iowa City Park, Iowa, LA • June 20, 2009 7:30 a.m.

8 a.m.

8 a.m.

9:40 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10 a.m.

10 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

3 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Registration for 5K 5K begins Poker Run registration (Honda of LC) Welcome 5K walkers Door prizes for 5K walkers Poker Run begins (Honda of LC) Lacassine Playboys Steel Shot Welcome Poker Run riders Live Auction, Raffles, Door prizes

Proceeds will go toward uncovered medical expenses, family travel, and living expenses. davidgrangerbenefit@yahoo.com *BRING LAWNCHAIRS* Shelia White, Event Coordinator: Poker Run (337) 540.4978 Erin Howard, Event Coordinator: Benefit (337) 794.6573 PAGE 50

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 • Homer Lejeune @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• City Heat @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• John Guidroz @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 • Lesa Cormier/Sundown Playboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Brian Racca/Cory Labert @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7-10 p.m.

• The Molly Ringwalds @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge, 7 p.m.

• Crooks Carnival @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• After 8 @ Jack Daniels, L’auburge, 11 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 • Tally Miller/Marshland Band @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Tom Brandow @ Outrigger’s Tavern, 5 p.m.

• Colorcast Veteran/Mothership/Lions @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Whiskey South @ Mary’s Lounge, 8 p.m.

• Wilson Miller and Still Kickin @ Linda’s Lounge, 8:30 p.m.

• Gator/True Spirit @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

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

• Do Not Destroy @ OB’s, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 • Al Roger/Louisiana Pride @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Steel Mel/Mark John Davis @ Catfish Cabin, Moss Bluff, 6-8 p.m.

• Ganey Arcement & The LakeSide Gamblers @ VFW 2130, Lake Charles, 7:30 p.m.

• Paper Plains/Fresh Nectar @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Pork Chop Express @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m.

• Josephine & The Blues Thang @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• In Liquid/Trip Wamsley @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• Meriwether/Parallel The Sky/Sunrise Kills @ Toucan’s, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 • Tripper @ The IstreWind Band @ Mary’s Lounge, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 22 • Singer/Songwriter Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Singer/Songwriter Night @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23 • Jamie Berzas/Cajun Tradition Band @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Backside Pick @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 • Travis Benoit/Allons Dance @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• John Guidroz @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 • Briggs Brown/Bayou Cajuns @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Dave Pellerin @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7-10 p.m.

• Triggerproof @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge, 7 p.m.

• Twangsters Union @ Caribbean Cove Lounge, Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m.

• Dash Rip Rock @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 • Howard Noel/Cajun Boogie @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Glenn Fontenot @ Walkers Lounge, Jennings Holiday Inn, 8 p.m.

• Wayne Newton @ L’auburge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• Jabarvy/Ashes of Babylon @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Dan DeSandro @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• Amely @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Twangsters Union @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Butt Roxx @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• Static @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 • Scotty Pousson/Pointe Aux Loups Cowboys @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 51

• Du Lac Live (Jabarvy, Funkotron, Mynameisjohnmichael, & more) @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Wayne Newton @ L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Kokomo’s, 9 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Wayne & Layne’s, 9 p.m.

• The Flamethrowers @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Better Off Dead/High Top Kicks/Herrington @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 29 • Kris Harper @ Cajun’s Wharf, 8 p.m.

• Singer/Songwriter Night @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Singer/Songwriter Night @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30 • Al Roger/Louisiana Pride @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Alvin Touchet @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 • Don Fontenot/Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• When the Word Was Sound @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

MONDAY NIGHTS: Abita Beer Night

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Mondo Martini Night

THURSDAY NIGHTS: Be Well Night

FRIDAY, JULY 3 • Tripper/MuZic Unlimited @ I-10 Park, Jennings, 4 p.m.

• Tally Miller/Marshland Band @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• The Banner Year @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Thingfish @ Caribbean Hut, 8 p.m.

• The Flamethrowers @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• Paper Plains/Datlight Broadcast/The 94’s @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 4 • Mack Manuel/Lake Charles Ramblers @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Ashes of Babylon/Live Oak Decline/Fresh Nectar/Barisal Guns @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Research Turtles @ Scout Bar, Beaumont, Texas, 9 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ V’s Longbranch Club, Elton, 9 p.m.

• Magnolia Sons/Paper Plains/Colorcast Veteran/ The Highlines @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m. TJN

THURSDAY, JULY 2 • Homer LeJeune @ D.I.’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 5-10 p.m.

• Dave Pellerin @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 6-10 p.m.

• Toad the Wet Sprocket @ Party by the Pool, L’auberge, 7 p.m.

• Kris Harper @ Caribbean Hut, 8 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Caribbean Cove Lounge, Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m.

Thu. Jun 18 @ 9:00 CROOKS CARNIVAL Fri. Jun 19 @ 9:00 THE ROAMING SOLDIERS (from Dallas,Tx.) Sat. Jun 20 @ 9:00 PAPER PLAINS, FRESH NECTAR & DAYLIGHT BROADCAST Mon. Jun 22 @ 9:00 SINGER SONGWRITER / OPEN MIC NIGHT HOSTED BY: WILL FERGUSON Wed. Jun 24 @ 9:00 ACOUSTIC MUSIC WITH JOHN GUIDROZ * MONDO MARTINI Thu. Jun 25 @ 9:00 DASH RIP ROCK (from Baton Rouge, La.) Fri. Jun 26 @ 9:00 JABARVY (from Austin, Tx.) & ASHES OF BABYLON Sat. Jun 27 @ 8:00 DU LAC LIVE! w/ JABARVY, FUNKOTRON, MYNAMEISJOHNMICHAEL & MUCH MORE!!!!!

Mon. Jun 29 @ 9:00 SINGER SONGWRITER / OPEN MIC NIGHT Sat. Jul 4 @ 9:00 ASHES OF BABYLON, LIVE OAK DECLINE, FRESH NECTAR, BARISAL GUNS & MORE!!!

PAGE 52

JUNE 18, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Life’s A Beach

By Leslie Berman

When the summer comes to Louisiana, it’s time to head for a body of water to offset the hazy heat and humidity with a reviving breeze, a fast boat ride, or even a swim. I for one am looking forward to many lazy days lying around the pool, umbrella drink in hand, boombox gently pulsing the music of summer oldies on 92.9-FM The Lake, with my copy of War and Peace handy, just in case I’m awake long enough to actually focus on a page or two.

And I will definitely make it out to area beaches, maybe even to kayak or canoe on the lake or take a party barge picnic trip up the river. But this year, I’m also planning a vacation to the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina shoreline, so I can finally hear and dance to Beach Music in its natural habitat.

You may not have known what it was called when you were listening to it, but Beach Music is the definitive sound of the American summer: Songs like “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Under The Boardwalk,” by The Drifters, and “(I’m A) Girl Watcher,” by the O’Kaysions are all Beach Music top 100 hits.

Traditionally, the term Beach Music referred to R&B, and was popularized starting in the racially segregated 1940s and 1950s out at southeast coast beach clubs from Virginia to South Carolina, where white audiences could dance “the shag” – a slow version of the jitterbug – to the music of the black R&B bands who played there.

You’ll know the names of some of the artists and groups from the formative years of this genre, whose minor and regional hits did make it onto the airwaves, including Clifford Curry (known as the

“King of Beach Music”), Artie Shaw, Ruth Brown, Little Willie John, The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter, Billy Ward and His Dominoes, Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs, The Tams, The Coasters, Fats Domino, Sam Cooke, The Platters, The Four Tops, Louis Prima, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Dinah Washington, The Temptations, The Impressions, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The O’Jays, The Spinners, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, The Checkers, The Clovers, Mary Wells, Ben E. King You can still find their records online and at garage sales and flea markets in most recorded formats.

Beach Music songs are typically played at 120 beats per minute. Recordings with a 4/4 “blues shuffle” rhythmic structure and moderate-to-fast tempo are most popular because they’re the perfect speed for “shagging.” While some of the Beach Music hits appeared on the R&B and rock and roll charts nationally, a great many of them were “bsides ” or even more obscure recordings that never charted. The vast majority of the music in this genre fits that description.

The use of the term Beach Music became more popular in the 1970s, and was played by non-R&B bands in an attempt to crossover. Jimmy Buffet’s CD Beach House On The Moon was intended as an homage to the genre. For a while, Buffett featured Beach Music stalwarts The Tams (“What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am”) as vocalists on his tours. The phenomenon crosses cultural boundaries: South Carolina author Pat Conroy (best

known for his novels The Prince of Tides and Conrack), titled a novel Beach Music from the musical genre.

These days, although the traditional sound is still heavily R&B-based, Beach Music is treated as a more flexible term, referring to doo-wop, Motown, and close harmony music – or it can be any music you’d hear on an ideal summer night at the beach.

In the 1990s, the country-rock band Alabama recorded a Beach Music country song, “Dancing, Shagging On the Boulevard.” Others, by artists associated with Jimmy Buffett that have had that “perfect shag beat” and a beach music feel to them, have become hits with shag dancers, including “Drift Away” by Uncle Kracker, “Some Beach” by Blake Shelton and “When The Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney. These country-flavored songs went over well on the dance floor regionally, but did not please the more R&B-oriented Beach Music fans, who have made local and regional stars out of Beach Music bands whose reputations are as local as the dance style.

Producer Don Dixon (co-producer of “Murmur,” R.E.M.’s first LP, and co-producer with T-Bone Burnett of Tommy Keene) a North Carolina native, recalls seminal Beach Music bands that weren’t household names outside of the South, including Embers, 1957, Raleigh, Catalinas, 1958, Charlotte, Rivieras, late ‘50s, Charlotte, Bill Deal & Ammon Tharp (Rhondels) debuted 1959, Virginia Beach, Venturas, 1959, Statesville, Shadows, late ‘50s, Charlotte, Harry Deal and the Galaxies, late ‘50s , Taylorsville, N.C. and Maurice Williams and the Gladiolas, 1956, Lancaster, S.C. “All of these groups had huge hits on the beach circuit, but few had Top 40 success,” Dixon recalled. The same is true for the groups performing Beach Music in summer clubs today. They’re hometown heroes, most of whom you’ll never hear, or hear of, unless you go down to the beach and hang out in the clubs at night.

You can hear some Beach Music songs on our local oldies radio station, 92.9-FM The Lake, where radio host Gary Shannon assures me there is a small, but regular quotient of the Top 40 Beach Music hits, even if the obscure songs aren’t often spun there.

Or you can pick up a copy of Dixon’s Beach Music project, “Dip Ferrell & The Truetones,” a new “studio only” 10-piece band recording playing the music of Billy “Dip Ferrell” and Jack Jeffords, two South Carolina music veterans. For more information about their 2007 and 2009 Beach Music CDs ,try www.dondixonmusic.com, or www.billyjeffords.com.

Get up off your beach towel when you hear one of these songs, and keep on shagging!

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 6

JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 53

Lauren – The Duchess of Walruses

By Lauren de Albuquerque When we moved to Lake Charles five years ago, we knew as much about Mardi Gras as anyone else from outside Louisiana. Everyone has seen the controlled chaos of a New Orleans Mardi Gras on television: The huge floats, lunging crowds, heavy drinking and public craziness.

We were excited to find out that Lake Charles celebrated the holiday, but even happier to learn that it was far different from what went on in New Orleans.

Taking “different” a step further, the Krewe de Charlie Sioux is far different than any krewe in Lake Charles. It is unique in that it’s comprised of members from both Lake Charles and Sioux City, Iowa. The folks from Iowa come to Lake Charles the weekend before Fat PAGE 54

JUNE 18, 2009

Tuesday to celebrate, and in the summer, the Lake Charles members make the trip to Iowa, costumes and all, bringing Mardi Gras to the Midwest.

You can imagine the fun!

The krewe was born when three men from Sioux City drove south in the dead of winter in search of golf.

Sick of the bitter cold, they were on a mission. They ended up as far south as they could go on the map—Lake Charles.

One night, they ran into Blane Bourgeois in Café Glitterati, a coffee shop then located in downtown Lake Charles. He informed them that Fat Tuesday was coming up, and that they should stick around for the fun.

They did. And they had so much of it, they decided to come every year, and bring friends.

The founding members put their heads together and decided to come up with something really different: Mardi Gras in Sioux City. They would bring the holiday to a part of the nation that knew next to nothing about it—but at a time when the kids are out of school, the weather is beautiful, and people are ready to party. They chose the weekend closest to July 4, when everyone’s in the mood to celebrate, and when Saturday in the Park, the annual music festival, is going on.

Imagine the scenario: The Lake Charles members, friends and family embark for Iowa by plane, car, van, truck, camper and even bus (in the past). Costume designers John Chavanne and Joe Broussard rent a huge trailer to carry all the elaborate, over-the-top costumes that the Krewe de Charlie Sioux is known for. Even the Twelfth Night Revelers get in on the action, driving up together in a large van.

We’ve gone to Sioux City a few times, and it’s a blast. Since the Big Gala is on Thursday evening, most folks arrive on Wednesday. There’s always something planned for us on that day. Once, we had a special audience with the mayor in their beautiful old city hall, complete with punch and chocolate chip cookies. Another time, we joined the Revelers at a local nursing home where we crowned the Golden Age king and queen and threw beads to the excited residents.

On Wednesday night, there’s always a big dinner. On one occasion, it was held on the lawn at the home of a krewe member. Another time, we had a catered dinner at the convention center in downtown Sioux City, across from the hotel. That evening, court members exchange gifts (there are always dukes and duchesses from both states in every court, and the king and queen alternate between states every year), and all of us LC folks receive a goodie bag, which we reciprocate when Sioux City comes to town. It’s great fun to hang out with folks that you only see twice a year. Because of the nature of the relationship, we’ve all become family.

The next day is the Big Gala, held at the Tyson Event Center downtown.

Locals from far and wide come to watch the show, catch beads and eat real Cajun food, brought from LC and served in the stands. Rehearsals for this event go on most of the day.

Even if you’re not on court, you’ll probably find yourself performing in a skit or dance routine. I’ve been Cousin It, an Indian maiden, a blue tarp roof. My husband’s most memo-

rable character was a big skunk with silly string shooting out from under his tail. The kids loved it!

The year we were on court, the theme was “Wild Adventures,” and Phil and I were walruses. Our costumes were HUGE—to this day, I don’t know how we managed to walk down that runway. We bumbled through the dress rehearsal, but we promenaded across the stage with no problem during the actual event.

Friday morning gives everyone a little time to recuperate from the night before, then it’s off to decorate the floats and load up the beads for the Big Parade, which rolls through downtown in the late afternoon. We heard that the first year of the parade, the Siouxlanders (that’s what they call folks from the area that includes much of northwestern Iowa, the northeast corner of Nebraska and the southeast corner of South Dakota) actually ducked and ran from the beads raining down on them from the floats. Of course, after 11 years, they know better! Now, they catch beads like they were born and raised on Bourbon St. After the parade, there’s live music down by the river, and it’s always a zydeco band from Louisiana. You wouldn’t believe the crowds that come out to dance and party and enjoy the beautiful night (remember, it’s Iowa—which translates to NO humidity!). After dark, there’s a Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza that just adds to the fun.

The next day is Saturday in the Park—a huge outdoor music festival that is free to all. There are shuttle buses conveniently outside our hotel to take us there—what more could we ask for? As Charlie Sioux members, we get VIP passes, which means we’re allowed in the sponsors’ tents behind the stage for free beer, beverages, snacks and comfortable seats.

The festival always attracts big-name performers such as Blues Traveler, Chuck Berry, the Black Crowes, the Neville Brothers, and so many others.

This year, the headliner band is Counting Crows.

We’re sorry we’re going to miss it all this year, but we definitely plan to go back. Mardi Gras in Sioux City is an unforgettable event. This year, the theme is “Legends of the Silver Screen,” and I hear the costumes are fabulous. Save some beads for us!

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 6

Cajun French Music Association, Lake Charles Chapter

22nd Cajun Music and Food Festival

July 18th & 19th, 2009 • Burton Coliseum, Lake Charles, LA SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009 8:00 A.M. Doors Open 8:30 A.M. Opening Ceremonies 9:00 A.M. Arts & Crafts Open 9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M. Kids Jam Hour 10:00-12:00 Noon Lesa Cormier & Sundown Playboys 12:00-1:00 P.M. Introduction of Queens Professional Accordion Contest 1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M. Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajuns 1:00 P.M.-1:30 P.M. Dance Contest 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. Ron Miller & Midnight Ramblers 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Paul Daigle & Cajun Gold 7:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. Jackie Caillier & Cajun Cousins

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2009 8:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M.-12:00 Noon 12:00 Noon-2:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M.-2:30 P.M. 2:30 P.M.-4:30 P.M.

French Mass with French Choir Coffee & Donut Social Arts & Crafts Open Ellis Vanicor & Lacassine Playboys Introduction of Queens Amateur Accordion Contest Don Fontenot & Les Amis De La Louisiane Silent Auction & Raffle Drawing Fricasee

PLEASE NO ICE CHESTS

n AdmissPeio rson

$7.00 Per Under Free & 2 1 n re d il h C

Queen's Pageant Saturda y, July

1 Contac t Charm 1, 2009 aine La ndry 337-43 6-1760

PLATINUM SPONSORS • Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana • Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program

Contact Personnel Festival Chairman Bank Chairman Food Chairman Dance Contest Accordion Contest Arts & Crafts RV Reservations Raffle Tickets Volume 1 • Issue 6

Walter Gotreaux Rob Piraro Hilary Daigle Hazel Cormier Renee Daigle Betty Bergeron Robert Hebert Dorothy Bell

337-598-4149 337-217-4880 337-477-3174 337-477-4752 337-802-4077 337-562-0890 337-598-4149 337-478-3002 JUNE 18, 2009

PAGE 55