The Jambalaya News - Vol 1, No. 12

VOL. 1, NO. 12 / SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

ALSO:

• Keeping Your Retail Customers • Benchworks Jewelers: Sparkling for 20 Years • Evacuation and Your Pets • Hope to the Uninsured

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque

contents

lauren@thejambalayanews.com

EDITOR Lisa Yates lisa@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Kay Andrews Leslie Berman Sara Blackwell George Cline Phil de Albuquerque James Doyle Dan Ellender Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Steve Springer, M.D. ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme SALES ASSOCIATES Faye Drake Karla Tullos GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Michelle LaVoie BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews

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The 4th Annual Platinum and Pearls Gala Featuring “Dancing with the Stars”

REGULARS 7 12 13 14 17 18 21 34

The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Doyle’s Place The Zestful Life What’s Cookin’ A Greener World House Call Sports Report

FEATURES 20 26 28

Finders Keepers Bayou Biz: Benchworks Evacuation and Your Pets

ENTERTAINMENT 29 30 32 33 36 40 43 46

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

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MARKETING INTERN Leslie Davis 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 12

September 10, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 12

COVER STORY

publisher@thejambalayanews.com

NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque

On Cover: Mistress and Master of Ceremony Stephanie Morris and Gray Stream.

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From the Managing Editor 9/11 Remembered September 11, 2001. It’s a glorious late summer morning in downtown Boston—golden sun, blue skies, mild weather—the kind of day that makes you feel glad to be alive.

At this time in my life, I’m a senior legal assistant for the financial titan known as Fidelity Investments. My building is steps away from Faneuil Hall and the Boston waterfront and any number of wonderful restaurants and stores. Phil and I had moved an hour outside of Boston a year earlier; so every workday I made the trek into the city by commuter rail.

It’s a few minutes before 9 a.m. I e-mail Bryan, one of our New York-based attorneys, who works in a building across the street from the Twin Towers, to confirm that he’s coming to Boston tomorrow. He e-mails me back almost immediately. “A plane has crashed into the World Trade Center.”

I’m a bit confused. We have a World Trade Center in Boston; as a matter of fact, at the time, Fidelity owned much of it. So I think that’s what he’s referring to. I get on the Boston Globe’s Web site—only to see a picture of a plane going through the building in New York.

At the office, everyone is aghast, but at that point, we think it was all just a terrible accident—until I get another e-mail from Bryan’s Blackberry a few minutes later.

“Another plane has hit the other tower. I’m on the street.”

I’ll never forget the feeling that came over me. I’d always heard the expression “My blood turned to ice water.” Now I knew exactly what that meant. It was the most helpless, doomed feeling I have ever had. And when

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

the third plane hit the Pentagon, I went numb. It was clear that all hell had broken loose in our comfortable world.

Fidelity dismisses all of us at 10:30 that morning. I manage to call Phil, and as I tell him that I’ll try to get on the next commuter train, the line goes dead. There are so many calls made from cell phones that morning that the system simply becomes overloaded.

I remember making my way towards South Station with thousands of other people. Everyone is strangely quiet, their faces blank. All those people, and no one talking above a whisper. But no panic, either—probably because they were as numb as I was. I remember that I kept looking up at the skyscrapers on either side of me, expecting one to explode or the sky to fall—and wondering what I would do if that actually happened.

I make it to the station and am able to squeeze on the noon train.

As it finally pulls into Mansfield station an hour later, I’m shaking with relief to be out in the suburbs, far away from Logan Airport, where one of the doomed flights originated, and all those tall buildings. I see Phil waiting for me with tears in his eyes, and I run to him.

– Lauren de Albuquerque

Michelle LaVoie

The Jambalaya News is delighted to welcome Michelle LaVoie, our new art/production assistant, to our team. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Michelle studied advertising design at McNeese State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May 2009. “I knew I wanted to work for a magazine someday, but I never thought it would happen so soon. I picked up The Jambalaya News and I was immediately attracted to it. I asked Darrell if he needed help and now here I am, doing what I love!”

Welcome, Michelle!

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 12

The most recent statewide study revealed the rate of uninsured adults aged 19-65 is 21.2 percent.

This translates into approximately 720,000 adults with no health insurance living and working in Louisiana.

The Calcasieu Community Clinic was established by a group of concerned physicians to address the needs of the growing population of low-income, working uninsured people in Southwest Louisiana.

Their goal was to provide free quality health care to those who help themselves, but were unable to provide for their own health care and pharmaceutical needs. The first clinic was held in February 2001.

Over eight years later, with an unduplicated patient base of over 2100 persons, the Community Clinic has provided over $3 million Volume 1 • Issue 12

in total medical services to the community. Every Thursday evening during clinic, volunteer physicians and nurses provide onsite health care while volunteer pharmacists staff the Clinic pharmacy to dispense the medications prescribed. Patients are referred out for lab tests, mammograms, or specialized services not available at the Clinic. This is all done at no charge to the patient.

The Clinic’s patient population is 78 percent female. Many of these women had never received mammogram services prior to their treatment at the Clinic. The Mammogram Screening Program was started in 2002, which was initially funded with grant funds. The Clinic now holds an OB/GYN clinic once each quarter, and to date, it’s provided over $30,000 in mammo-

gram screenings. In addition, diagnostic tests and ultra sounds are being made available in an effort to ensure that patients are given the best health care. Pap tests from OB/Gyn patients are referred to local labs for diagnostics.

All patients receive free medications from a state-approved pharmacy located in the Clinic. While many of the medications prescribed must be purchased, the Clinic receives donations of medications from physician’s offices and nursing homes. The Clinic also subscribes to patient assistance programs offered through various pharmaceutical companies.

The Calcasieu Community Clinic is financially dependent on the community it serves. It is housed at McNeese State University College of Nursing, which has pro-

vided this facility, free of charge, since its inception in 2000. The local medical society has remained steadfast in their support, and in addition to private donations and grants, is supported by The United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

The Calcasieu Community Clinic offers hope and well-being to an often forgotten population of low-income, working uninsured persons. In the words of one of its patients, “The Clinic provides me with an opportunity to see a doctor and [receive] over $800 in life-saving medication every month. It is virtually impossible for me to buy this medicine myself. If it weren’t for the Clinic, I don’t know if I would still be alive, much less be able to work.”

For more information, please call (337) 478-8650. TJN SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

The

Boiling

P l

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Chamber Presents Scholarship to MSU College of Business Representatives from the Chamber SWLA and the City of Lake Charles Small Business EXPO recently presented a scholarship check for $5,000 to Mitchell Adrian, Dean of McNeese State University’s College of Business. The money was raised through booth sales for the Chamber SWLA Business EXPO held on March 18, 2009.

p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 330 Arena Rd., Sulphur. Meet up with fellow members to discuss business and make connections. There will be networking, socializing, and door prize drawings. Admission is only $1 and one business card. Due to the nature of this function, prior reservations are requested. Call The Chamber SWLA at 433-3632 to R.S.V.P.

City of Lake Charles Receives Awards for Newsletter About Housing & Community Development Activities The City of Lake Charles Community Development Division was recently honored for its “citizen friendly” newsletter about the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). CAPER provides information on Housing and Community Development activities undertaken by the City. The City’s Community Development Division was awarded “Best Newsletter” 2009 from the Southwest Region of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and “Best Newsletter” in the Small Community Development Agency category from the Louisiana Housing Council, a state affiliate of NAHRO. Cameron Communications donates $5,000 to the SHHS Football Team. From left to right, are George Mack, President of Cameron Communications, No. 22 Perry Chatman, SHHS Coach Russ Sutherland, No. 7 Orlan Lockhart and Jason LeBlanc, Retail Manager of Cameron Communications’ Moss Bluff market.

With over 1,200 family and friends present, nearly 100 graduates walked across the stage to accept their diploma.

Delta Tech Celebrates 2009 Commencement Delta Tech recently held their annual commencement ceremony in the Rosa Hart Theater at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Delta was excited to host Mayor Randy Roach as the commencement speaker. Delta Tech also was proud to showcase their valedictorian, Kevin Herrick as the student speaker.

With over 1,200 family and friends present, nearly 100 graduates walked across the stage to accept their diploma. For information about attending Delta Tech, call (337) 439-5765 or visit www.deltatech.edu.

Chamber SWLA Business After Hours Sept. 17 The Chamber SWLA and The West Calcasieu Association of Commerce will be hosting a joint Business After Hours on Sept. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 Volume 1 • Issue 12

Cameron Communications Donates $5,000 to Sam Houston HS Football Team Cameron Communications donated $5,000 to the Sam Houston High School Football Team for their 2009 season. The Broncos officially began their season Sept. 4, although team members have been hard at work all summer! Senior team members Perry Chatman, No. 22, Running Back for the Broncos, and Bronco Quarterback Orlan Lockhart, No. 7, were on hand for the check presentation, along with Sam Houston High School coach Russ Sutherland. The check was presented by George Mack, President of Cameron Communications, and Jason LeBlanc, Retail Manager of Cameron Communications’ Moss Bluff market. Throughout the SHHS season, Cameron Communications will be right along side the team to cheer the Broncos all the way to victory.

Dr. Lawrence Weber

Lawrence Weber, M.D., Ph.D., Joins Orthopaedic Specialists Lawrence Weber, M.D., Ph.D., an orthopaedic surgeon whose interest focuses primarily on surgery and reconstructive microsurgery of the hand and upper extremity, recently joined Orthopaedic Specialists and the staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. A native of New York City, Dr. Weber received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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Jewelry Design • Jewelry Repair Diamonds & Gemstones • Pearl Restringing Eye Glass Soldering • Gifts • Watch Repair Effusion Lamps • Miche Purses Orleans Home Fragrances

A Creative Jewelry Tradition Since 1990 Julio Galan, Executive Director of the Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, Sam Hebert, and Andrew Vanchiere, Trustee Institute in Tory, New York and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pharmacology from Weil Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences / Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York. Dr. Weber received his medical degree from Weil Cornell University Medical College in New York, New York. He was awarded the American Society for Surgery of the Hand’s Joseph H. Boyes Award in 2006. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Weber, call Orthopaedic Specialists at (337) 494-4900.

KZWA 104.9 FM Celebrates Whitney Houston’s Comeback Record label Sony BMG and radio station KZWA 104.9 FM hosted a Whitney Houston “I Look To You” CD Release Party recently at Glam-NGloss Day Spa. The invitation-only event celebrated the release of Whitney Houston’s first CD in 7 years. Party attendees listened to the CD in its entirety and were given an opportunity to rate each selection from the CD. Attendees were also treated to complimentary spa services courtesy of the Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa Pamper Squad. One lucky party attendee won a Whitney Houston Collector’s Package and a complimentary spa service from Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa. Feedback from party attendees will be utilized by the radio station and the record label to determine future releases.

New York Life and Sam Hebert Financial Group Support Family Foundation of SWLA Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana accepted a $10,000 endowment from Sam Hebert Financial Group - New York Life Insurance Company in support of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program of Family & Youth. CASA recruits and trains volunteers who advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information on each child’s situation. They also serve as the voice of the child, presenting their information, along with fact-based recommendations, to the Family & Juvenile Court Judge, ensuring that the child’s best interests are considered in every decision.

Stacey Corbello

Corbello Joins Mallard Investments Mallard Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cameron State Bank, has announced the addition of Stacey Corbello to the staff as an Investment Executive/Wealth Consultant. Originally from Lake Charles, Corbello attended McNeese State University and brings with her over 13 years of experience in the financial field. She is a registered investment representative and a certified Accredited Asset Management Specialist. For more information or to schedule a free consultation at Mallard Investments, call (337) 312-7040.

Maplewood-Hollywood Lions Club of Sulphur Celebrates 65 Years The Maplewood/Hollywood Lions Club will be celebrating 65 years of existence on Tues., Sept 22, at 6 p.m. at the Lions Club building in Sulphur (3310 Maplewood Drive). Any past members who would like to attend should call Lions Club President Tim Lyons at 344-4788 to reserve a seat. Those interested in joining a service club are also invited, but should contact the club so they can have an accurate head count.

TJN

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Chamber Reveals SWLA Treasure The Chamber/Southwest Louisiana has announced plans to publish a coffee table book on Southwest Louisiana. The book, to be titled Southwest Louisiana: A Treasure Revealed, will feature photography by noted local photographer, Lindsey Janies. Her photos will be accompanied by text written

by Jeanne Owens.

According to George Swift, president/CEO of The Chamber SWLA, the book is being produced to “offer a unique visual perspective on our region.” The book will showcase our region, its vibrant economy and the people who live here.

The coffee table book will contain dozens of original color photographs depicting life, leisure and work in the five parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis.

A unique part of Southwest Louisiana is the “Partners in Southwest Louisiana” section, which will include the profiles of many of the region’s leading corporations and organizations.

Participation in this section is being offered by invitation to area organizations and institutions that have played a role in the development and economic strength of the region.

The “Partners in Southwest Louisiana” section is separate from the main historical manuscript and stories will be written by Owens.

Project Manager Joe Bowman will be sharing with regional business leaders the benefits of including their own business profile in the book.

The book, when published, will retail for $49.95 and will be available through the Chamber SWLA and area book stores. It will also be utilized as a collateral economic development piece by the SWLA Economic Development Alliance.

For more information, contact Amanda White at awhite@allianceswla.org. TJN

Parents Now Workshop On Sat., Sept. 12, the “Parents Now Workshop” will be held at University United Methodist Church, located at 3501 Patrick Street Lake Charles, La., from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The workshop is designed to help parents guide and direct their children in today’s world that is littered with signs that can quickly misguide them. Presenters are Robbie Dowden, Brenda Gueringer, Nathaniel Langford, James McGee and Yvonne Pauley. Topics include setting limits for parents and children, talking to

your children at any age, praying with your children, balancing work and home, and raising generous children.

The cost is $15 per person. This will include a picnic lunch for both parents and children. Activities will also be provided for children up to 12 years old whose parents will be attending the workshop. For more information contact Gayla Abshire at gabshire620@yahoo.com or Molly Morgan at mollymor@worldnet.att.net.

TJN

Hurricane Audrey Documentary ‘All Over But to Cry’ Now Available at the CVB The Hurricane Audrey documentary All Over But to Cry, which premiered earlier this year, is now available for purchase at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau’s welcome center, located at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. The DVDs are $20, and the supply is limited.

Award-winning filmmakers Jennifer John Block and Jake Springfield spent two years producing the film, which started as an oral history project for the Lake Charlesbased National Hurricane Museum and Science Center. All Over But to Cry weaves firsthand accounts together with archival photos and film footage not seen in fifty years, as well as 3D special effects, and recreation scenes with actors.

All Over But to Cry tells the story of Hurricane Audrey, a storm that killed at least 500 people in Cameron Parish, Louisiana nearly 52 Volume 1 • Issue 12

years ago, making it the second deadliest hurricane in Louisiana history. Audrey is rare among hurricanes because along with predictable storm surges, the fast-moving storm generated a single, giant tidal wave described by several survivors as more than 20 ft. tall.

The documentary was produced

by Fresh Media LLC, located in New Orleans through a grant to partially fund the film from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

Other partners include the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center, the Creole Nature Trail AllAmerican Road, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau and the McNeese Banners Series.

For more information, contact the CVB at (337) 436-9588, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org. TJN

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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Sept. 11 @ 7 p.m.

Cowgirl Soccer vs. Houston Baptist Armed Services Appreciation Night – fans encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

Please contact Ryan Ivey at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information.

Sept. 11 & 12 McNeese State Volleyball Tournament at Memorial Gym • Sept. 11@ 6 p.m.

Cowgirls vs. Prairie View A&M • Sept. 12 @ 1 p.m.

Cowgirls vs. UT – Pan Am • Sept. 12 @ 6 p.m.

Cowgirls vs. UL - Lafayette Sept. 19 @ 7 p.m.

Cowboy Football vs. Savannah State Take a kid to the game night – children’s tickets half price Sept. 22 @ 7 p.m.

Cowgirl Volleyball vs. LA Tech

Own a small business? Want to get involved with McNeese Athletics but don’t know how?

Our “Partner with the Pokes” program is for you. Become a McNeese sponsor for prices starting at only $500 and receive a great ticket allowance, sponsor recognition and many other great benefits. Call 337.562.4MSU or visit McNeeseSports.com and click on the “Partner with the Pokes” link to learn more.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

By George “Tip” Cline

Big Brother and Julia Child It has always been the object of “Tips from Tip” not to support one business over another, but to bring information on some good values, good deals and some thoughts along the way. It will continue to be written in that vein. I am not compensated by any of the establishments that I have brought to your attention. Please rest assured that I am not going to be a paid advertiser for those places or things and ideas that have been and will be discussed in this column. The Jambalaya News will be more than happy to place advertising from these and other merchants if you contact the office.

Big brother Lately, there has been some discussion of the use of surveillance cameras as an additional means of law enforcement. Businesses have been using them for years to monitor employee theft and for security reasons in general.

The city of Sulphur went through an extremely lively debate recently as to whether they wanted them used for traffic issues before realizing that it would be a mistake.

I can well understand the position of police officials wanting all the devices possible to assist them in their role of public safety.

However, we may have already given up far too many of our liberties as of late, and there are more getting ready to go down the tube. I have the greatest admiration for the leadership of the City Lake Charles, the Lake Charles Police Department, and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Department, but I would hesitate to see mandating Volume 1 • Issue 12

businesses to use camera surveillance for police purposes.

Think of the precedent it would set—and where would the end of it be? It could become so easily more than what it starts out to be. It then would be invasive, and privacy issues would abound. Big Brother would be watching you. The use of public cameras for safety reasons is one thing, but soon it would be used as a means of personal scrutiny. It is not in keeping with the policies that this country was founded on. Once you start going down a slope, it gets harder and harder to stop.

that we all love—butter-laden and bacon dripping, just like mother made, melt-in-your-mouth cooking—has finally reached the position it so richly deserves. I say that it’s about time for us to return to our senses and once again enjoy life.

For far too long, we have succumbed to “They.” You know who I mean, the ones that know better than we do, the ones that hold all the secrets to correct living and cannot wait to share with us their directives.

Is it now possible for us to think we know what we want, what we like and how we should behave? It looks like we may be shedding that sheeple frame of thought and letting our innate senses come to the front.

May God bless Julia Child and Meryl Streep and all the ships at sea. Not that I advocate unhealthy living, but we were given taste buds for a reason. I do not believe that there is a taste bud-ectomy—or if we would need one if there was one.

We all like the taste of luscious food. Moderation is quite highly recommended.

Modern science has discovered many things about the human body.

Unfortunately, that science does not take into account the factors that make us human. We are not automatons that can be programmed to eat and drink only the approved items. No, we are human and have human triumphs and failings. We can try and convince ourselves to go against our grain, but deep in our heart of hearts we all know what we would like.

Try to tell yourself that when no one will know but you when eat that last little bit of chocolate cake, use that little extra bit of butter (just to empty the plate) or satisfy some other gooey calorie craving. It isn’t called comfort food for nothing.

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

Rebates for appliances There is another government program coming out to get you buying new appliances. Rebates will be available for refrigerators and other selected items that meet the Energy Star rating. If you are not in an emergency need situation, it might behoove you to wait and see the details that will come out. If Uncle Sam wants to help buy you a new washer or whatever, you might as well take advantage. You will get to personally spend some of your own tax dollars.

Just enjoy life!

Could it be that a touch of reality has begun to surface in our politically correct lives? We now can say SUV without the preface of “Gas Guzzler,” downsized vehicles can just be called small cars and Julia Child’s 1961 book, The Art of French Cooking, is now number 1 on just about every major best seller list in the country. That tome, which glorifies the types of foods

1312 Sampson St. Westlake, La 70669

(337) 494-0806 SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

It’s Tailgate Time!

I’ve just turned the page on my calendar to September, and we all know what that means! OK, it does happen to be the peak of hurricane season—we in this area are still a bit shell-shocked after the past few years—but that’s not what I was thinking about. No, here in Lake Charles it’s time for McNeese Cowboys football, and that means tailgating!

I’ll tell you, here in Louisiana, the word takes on a whole different meaning than it does up in Yankee Land. There, when you hear “tailgate,” all you think about is the idiot

driver who was making love to your rear bumper on the daily commute. I once went to a football game at a Yankee college, and there wasn’t an ice chest or barbecue grill to be found in the parking lot. I was afraid I’d get arrested if I tried to crack the cap on a cold one there before kickoff.

Then I moved to Louisiana and went to my first McNeese tailgate.

My wife and I were wandering around with our good friend Charlie Boudreaux, who was one of the first guys we met coming to Lake Charles. He asked us, “Would you like to be my guest at the Petrochem

tailgate? They’ve got beer and barbecue brisket, and the school band comes in and plays for us along with the cheerleaders.”

“Did you say cheerleaders?” I asked. “That does it for me right there.” At that moment I felt like I was Gandhi at a smorgasbord just after breaking a hunger strike.

The one thing that amazed me when I started tailgating here was all of the big RV’s. They had their satellite dishes and were watching the LSU game on big screen TV’s, and cooking on barbecue grills that looked like steam engines.

The term “tailgating,” as I understood it, came from hanging around the back of a pickup trick with an Igloo cooler cooking burgers on a hibachi. This scene was as far from my vision of tailgating as living in a plantation house is from a FEMA trailer.

It’s not that I’m opposed to it, you understand; it’s just that it seems to me they ought to call it something besides tailgating. I asked one of the RV’ers where the tailgate was on his rig. He just kind of looked at me funny, probably thinking, “Oh geez, another dang Yankee.”

Something else that I really like about the tailgate scene in Louisiana, especially early in the season, is that you can do it wearing a tropical shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. This really freaked my wife out in the beginning. She always says that she can’t associate football with warm weather. For some strange reason, she’d rather watch a football game freezing her tail off, wrapped in a warm blanket, and sipping on a hot toddy. Well, if that’s what she likes, she should go watch an ice-fishing tournament.

It also seems funny to me that McNeese always schedules their games for Saturday evening. It’s as if they do it intentionally in order to maximize the tailgate time. (I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the actual reason.)

I notice, at least around here, that tailgating seems to be as popular among women as it is with the men.

I’m sure the men like to believe that their partners have tagged along to share the experience of partying and football with their significant others.

I hate to admit it, but I think that the real reason they come along is to have the day off from cooking.

While doing research for this article on the Internet, I discovered that there is actually a Commissioner of Tailgating. He was appointed by the National Tailgating Committee, which I think consists of himself, but he works hard enough at it to have earned the title.

According to his Web site, www.tailgating,com, he gets to around between 40 and 50 tailgates per season at college and pro stadiums across America, tireless in his quest to enforce the official rules.

These include making sure that the grills remain manned regardless of weather and that no beer is wasted.

Well, I’ll be seeing you all in the Cowboy Stadium parking lot. And please tell the kids to watch where they’re throwing the football; I don’t want my beer to get knocked over and find myself on the Commissioner’s bad list.

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. He is also the author of "Road Kill Gumbo," a newly created blog containing satire about news and life in Louisiana. You can find it on the Internet at www.roadkillgumbo.com. TJN

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Doyle

By Jim

Clunkers I Have Known Well, the cash for clunkers program is over. Where the hell was it when I needed it?

Fellers, as LSU Coach Charlie McClendon might have said, I have owned some clunkers. My first fatherin-law, Seth Haney, was in the car bidness in Natchez. Now, he didn’t have a car dealership. He had a wrecker yard and a body shop. Not infrequently, he would retrieve wrecked and otherwise deceased autos from the side of the road and through the magic of welding torches, spare parts, and a little dab of paint here and there, transform them into usable machinery.

One of his prized possessions was a 1946 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet convertible with a 12-cylinder engine.

It was a thing of real beauty. He also had an assortment of Model-T’s, antique trucks, motorcycles with shrine emblems and almost anything else you can think of with two or four wheels.

He also contributed to a bit of Louisiana history. He was such an artist with metal and paint that he was commissioned by the Lucky Dog people to make those wiener carts you still can see in the French Quarter.

“Pop,” as I called him, provided me several cars along the way. The first was a 1963 Ford which used more oil than gas to get from point A to point B. I drove it once to a Southern University football game I was covering for the Advocate. In those days, tension was still a little high after the 1972 North Boulevard riots.

Right where you turned off Scenic Highway to get to the Southern campus, there was always a smartly turned out Muslim handing out copies of Muhammad Speaks, the Volume 1 • Issue 12

publication of the Elijah Muhammad group. He always studiously avoided this blond, blue-eyed interloper on his way to the football game. But on this occasion, my car died right at his feet. I was able to push it to the foot of the railroad bridge, which leads to the Southern stadium, and I walked the rest of the way.

After the game, I walked back to where my dead brown car lay in state, hoping against hope it had somehow resurrected itself. Miracle of miracles, when I turned the key it started! I drove it from there towards the newspaper, but it died again on the off ramp right in front of the Governor’s mansion, where I left it overnight until I could get a wrecker from Natchez to move it to its final resting place, wherever that was.

Pop also sold me, for $200, a 1961 Plymouth with a push-button transmission. Some prior owner apparently had a problem with the starter. As a result, there was a hole in the teeth on the flywheel, which is the mechanism in the car that the starter meshes with to turn the engine over to get it to start.

So every now and then, I’d turn the key and hear nothing but a sickening “whirrrrrrr.” When that happened, I had to pull the trusty toolbox out of the trunk, take off the starter, and use a long chisel to advance the flywheel to a point where it had teeth.

Sort of like the people you saw in Deliverance.

Eventually, I equipped the Plymouth with a brand new stereo radio. But I could not get it to fit in the dashboard no matter how hard I tried. The dashboard on a ‘61 Plymouth has lots of sheet metal, and in trying to find a way to force the radio into the dash, I managed to peel away enough of the sheet metal so it

looked like a discarded can of cat food. But it sounded great.

I sold that clunker to my friend and sports writing colleague Joe Planas for a profit of $75, and he was so mad that I refused to come down on the price that he paid me with a bag of quarters. I think he was trying to tell me something.

I owned and disposed of other clunkers along the way, but the piece de resistánce was, without a doubt, the 240Z I borrowed from one of my first law partners, Bart Eaton.

Bart represented a man named Jesse Jarreau, one of those unforgettable characters I have collected along the way. Jesse owned a company called Economy Carpets Manufacturers and Distributors, and had a running gun battle with the Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau which claimed he didn’t really manufacture carpet. He rented a parking space across the street from the BBB’s downtown headquarters and planted a portable sign there, which insulted the parentage of the BBB managers.

He also filed suit against them. Bart represented him.

Bart’s 240Z had, in its original incarnation, been painted a mixed shade of green and yellow which should be familiar to anyone who has ever changed a diaper. The paint got a little chipped and funky over the years, so Jesse volunteered to come in and help Bart by reconditioning his car.

Jesse took the car into his shop and carpeted it. On the outside. With indoor-outdoor carpet about the same color as the original baby diaper shade, but with flecks of black yarn included for emphasis. It even had the original “Z” symbol in black thread on either side of the back window panel. Driving that car in the rain was an interesting experience, because the rain never actually went anywhere.

You couldn’t wash the car, only vacuum it. It certainly was an eye-opener.

I drove a succession of clunkers, including Bart’s car, because my Triumph TR7 had a blown engine that I tried unsuccessfully to fix over the course of about a year and a half.

I finally got rid of it by swapping it to a client in exchange for a discount on his bill.

My final clunker story is the inevitable Volkswagen. For $250, I bought a battered blue bug, which barely held oil in its sump because the threads on the bolts, which held that part in place, were worn almost beyond service. Hell, I didn’t care. As long as I could keep enough oil in it to get me from my house to the office, I was okay.

In a measure of some small revenge, I sold it to an Iranian student during the height of the 1979 hostage crisis, and when he backed it out of my driveway, the sump head fell off for good, depositing most, if not all, of the oil right there on the street.

The Iranian student still drove off with the car. God knows where he went.

I don’t suppose there is any real lesson in this, other than the obvious one. Clunkers, whether cars or other things, are a part of life, and the measure of how you live your life is how well you use these clunkers to your advantage. Apparently lots of folks traded in their high mileage Tahoes for fuel-efficient Japanese compacts under the recent government program. All in all, that’s probably a good thing.

I have lots of boxes in my garage now from moving my residence last month. Maybe there are some clunkers I can trade in. I’ll let ya know.

See you guys on the flip. TJN

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 13

The

Life

The Breastfeeding Experience

By Sara Blackwell There are many wonderful experiences that come with motherhood, along with some difficult and frustrating elements. Breastfeeding seems to be all of these experiences wrapped into one. It offers a unique connection with your baby; at the same time, it’s exhausting, embarrassing and hard.

Women who choose to breastfeed over bottle-feed face distinct challenges. After your baby enters the world, the new bundle of joy is

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

placed on your stomach for the first breastfeeding encounter. The initial task is teaching her how to latch on correctly. Then, there’s the issue of milk flow, and whether or not you have the correct amount of flow for your child’s needs. And many women experience cracked and bleeding nipples, especially with their first child.

If a new mom can survive these challenges, later ones will occur when the baby’s need for milk increases, which creates a stronger milk flow from the mother. This means the inevitable wet chest and the occasional milk aroma wafting from your shirt top. Mothers who work and breastfeed have the added stress of pumping —which can make anyone feel like a milked cow!

Pumping is a skill all its own, given that the milk only flows when the baby needs it. This creates a problem of supply and demand.

With all of that said, there are many great rewards when choosing the breast over the bottle. The main reason women choose to

Volume 1 • Issue 12

feed their child breast milk is the incredible health benefits it provides for the baby. Further, there’s a close bond that the act of breastfeeding creates between mother and child. Of course, for frugal mothers like myself, the money saved by breastfeeding is astronomical and worth every wet-chest moment.

Formula is a very expensive alternative to natural milk—which comes free!

If you choose breastfeeding, you’re not alone, and you’re not without help. The La Leche League is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, education, information and encouragement and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Lake Charles offers a local La Leche group, which meets once a month and is open to all. Babies are welcome and the meetings are free.

The group meets the first Thursday of every month at the Gauthier Campus of Memorial Hospital. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Refreshments are provided. Various topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, overcoming the difficulties of breastfeeding, weaning, nutrition, starting solids and the like. Pregnant women are encouraged to attend and receive support.

There is a group leader, who is actually a nurse at Memorial Hospital, but the meeting typically consists of mothers sharing and helping one another. New mothers, mothers-to-be and experienced mothers enjoy the time together, offering ideas and laughing over common mistakes and misperceptions.

La Leche also offers a membership for $40 a year. This includes a discount to the La Leche on-line store and a year subscription to its publication New Beginnings. Also available is a $25 membership, which provides just the discount to the on-line store. The membership is optional and meetings are available to anyone who is interested at no charge. TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 12

West Calcasieu Port Barge Basin Dredging Project Ahead of Schedule The third and final phase of the maintenance dredging project at the West Calcasieu Port’s west barge basin is underway. “The $2.31 million maintenance dredging project should be completed during the last half of September, weeks ahead of schedule,” said Lynn Hohensee, West Cal Port director. “The first two phases focused on preparing the spoils reception area and the installation of concrete revetment along the west barge basin shoreline.

“The Mike Hooks, Inc. dredge barge moved on site last week, and dredging operations began over the weekend,” he continued.

State and federal monies are covering the larger portion of the expenses associated with this project which is essential to returning the West Cal Port’s west barge basin to its original 12-foot depth. The port also received critical financial support from the City of Sulphur and Calcasieu Parish.

“Returning the basin to full operation capability is not only critical to our port’s barge services for the towing industry along the Gulf

Intracoastal Waterway, but it also plays a vital role to the Southwest Louisiana maritime industry hurricane-response planning,” Hohensee explained.

“Because of the port’s strategic location on the GIWW two miles west of the Calcasieu River Waterway, the port’s expansive west barge basin serves as a ‘safe haven’ of sorts for shallow-water marine vessels and barges in the event that our corner of Louisiana is struck by another hurricane.”

Hohensee also noted that the port’s largest tenant, Devall Towing, currently operates one of the most expansive barge fleeting operations along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and that demand for quality barge docking space is essential if the company is to meet growing demand for shallowwater maritime transportation in Southwest Louisiana. Located 12 miles south of Interstate 10 and just west of Highway 27, the WCP offers 2,500 feet of waterfront property on the GIWW. TJN

Care Help of Sulphur Life Skills Class: The Hidden Job Market Care Help of Sulphur is holding a Life Skills class on Sept. 11 from 1-3 p.m. on The Hidden Job Market.

Topics include How Job Seekers Look for New Employment, Finding Employers Who Need My Skills, and Ways To Find A Job. The class will be held at Education Building at 112 E. Thomas St. in Sulphur. There will also be a drawing for a free Wise Penny Thrift Store gift certificate. The class is free and open to all, regardless of income. Call 528-2273 to sign up, or visit www.care-help.org.

TJN

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 15

McNeese Leisure Learning Fall Schedule 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.

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

COMPUTER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • AutoCAD: Essential AutoCAD 2008, 2.1 CEU/21 PDH, Mon. /Thurs., Sept. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, Oct. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 22, 6:30–8:30 p.m. — $449 • Microsoft Excel: Level 1 – Basic, Thurs., Sept. 17, 8:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.—$75 • Microsoft Excel: Level 2 – Working with Multiple Workbooks, Thurs., Sept. 24, 8:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.—$75 • Windows XP: Beginning Computer – Introduction: Working with Folders and Files, Tues., Sept. 29, 5:15–9:15 p.m.—$75 ARTS AND CRAFTS • Oil Painting for Beginners (web course), Mon., Sept. 14, $65 + supply list.

• Rambling Rose Basket, Sat., Sept. 26, 9 a.m. – noon, $59 by Sept.

19, Limited to six students.

• Paint your own Masterpiece: Edouard Manet’s “The Banks of the Seine at Argenteuil,” Mon., Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 5–7:30 p.m. $89/$79 until Sept. 15 and $19 to instructor + supply list.

DANCE • Adult Ballet/Tap Combo, Thurs., Sept. 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6–8 p.m.—$60.

Traditional Cajun Dance, Mon., Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 7–8:15 p.m. $49 singles/$89 couples/ $29/$39 MSU student.

• Salsa for Beginners, Tues., Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $49 singles/$79 couples/ $39/$59 MSU student.

DESIGN • Wedding Planning, Sat., Sept.

19, 26, Oct. 3, 10, 6-7:30 p.m. $49/$39 until Sept. 4/MSU student $29.

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 16

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

HEALTH/SAFETY • Stress Relief with Yoga, Mon., Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 4–5p.m. $45/$35 MSU Student.

MUSIC • Beginning Guitar, Tues., Sept.

15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 7:30–8:30 p.m. $99/$89 includes text, until Sept. 10.

• Beginning Keyboard Piano, Mon., Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 6–6:50 p.m. $89/$79 until Sept. 14 + text.

PHOTOGRAPHY • Digital Cameras: Understanding the Fundamentals, Tues., Sept. 15, 6–9 p.m. $49/$39 until Sept. 10.

• Beginning Photography for SLR Film and Digital Cameras with Interchangeable Lens, Sat., Sept. 19; 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Tues., Sept.

22 & 29, 6–9 p.m. $159/$149 until Sept. 12 + $20 to instructor.

SPORTS AND RECREATION • Beginning Golf, Thurs., Sept.3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 7–8 p.m. $99.

TEST PREPARATION • ACT Math Review, Sat., Sept.

26, Oct. 10, 17, 9:30–12 p.m. $69 or all 3 for $189.

• ACT Science Review, Sat., Sept. 12, 19, Oct. 3, 9:30–11:30 a.m. $69 or all 3 for $189.

WINES/SPIRITS • Wines of California, France, Australia & South America, Wed., Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 7–8:30 p.m. $79/$69 until Sept. 16.

WRITING AND PUBLISHING • Advanced Creative Writing: The Writer’s Workshop Experience, Tues., Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 6:30–8 p.m. $59/$49 until Sept. 15.

To register: Call (337) 475-5616,or (800) 622 - 3352, ext. 5616. For course descriptions and additional information see www.mcneese.edu/conted

TJN

MCNEESE TEENS/KIDS • Latin American Exercise for Kids - Latin dance, Macarena (Gr. 3 5), Tues., Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 5:15–6:15 p.m. $39/$35 until Sept. 15.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

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

What’s Cookin’ What’s for Dessert?

Platinum and Pearls!

There’s nothing more gratifying then a delicious dessert (or two) after a satisfying meal. In keeping with our Platinum and Pearls theme, here are two dessert gems that are easy to make and sure to please. TJN

Sponsored by

Platinum Blondies

Tapioca Pearl Delight Ingredients 3 cups water 1 1/2 cups sugar 2/3 cup small dried tapioca pearls 1 cup whole milk 2 cups coconut milk 2 cups 1/2 inch diced melon (honeydew or cantaloupe) Preparation Bring water and sugar to a boil. Turn heat to low and stir in milk. When the mixture returns to a boil, turn off heat and stir in coconut milk. (Do not boil.) Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature and chill in refrigerator for at least two hours.

Soak tapioca pearls in cold water for 20 minutes. Drain. In a medium pot, add a quart of water and bring to a boil. Turn off heat, add pearls and stir constantly for 1 1/2 minutes. Drain immediately. Combine with the coconut milk mixture and chill in refrigerator. To serve, ladle mixture into individual bowls and add a generous spoonful of diced melon.

Serves 8.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Ingredients 1 cup flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp.) butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 7 oz. chocolate chips Preparation Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add nuts, mix well and set aside.

Melt butter. Add brown sugar and beat well. Let cool. Add egg and vanilla, blend. Add flour mixture, small amounts at a time, until just blended.

Spoon the batter into a 9×9 or 8×8 inch greased pan and use a flat metal spatula or a butter knife to smooth the top. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is dry and golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached (not wet, but not perfectly dry).

Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Cut the blondies into 2-inch squares. They can be stored, well wrapped, at room temperature for up to 3 days (these seem to get better as they sit) or frozen for up to 2 months (thaw before serving).

Enjoy!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 17

A Greener

W

RLD

Celebrating the “Queen of the Night”

By Lauren de Albuquerque A few weeks ago, we received a call from our good friends, Tip and Gayle Cline. Yes, Tip’s the Blue Man who gives out all that good advice in his Tip’s Tips column. Well, he had another tip for us: His night blooming cereus was about to bloom, and he wanted us to stop by and have a bottle of wine to celebrate the momentous occasion.

What? We had no idea what he was talking about, but since he was so insistent (and he was promising us wine), we made the trip to Casa Cline to see what all the fuss was about.

Upon arrival, we were escorted to the back patio. There, in a big pot, was a nondescript, stringy green plant that wouldn’t have elicited a second look except for the beautiful, fragrant flower that was in the final stages of blossoming.

What made this all so exciting is that the plant generally blooms only a few times a year—always close to midnight— and starts to fade by dawn. Hence its nickname: Queen of the Night.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Beginnings The cereus is a member of the cactus family. First discovered by early navigators in the jungles of Central and South America, the cuttings were taken to Europe. The plant was named Epiphyllum which means “upon the leaf ” in reference to its habit of sending out its flowers from the edges of the leaf.

By 1811, the British started hybridizing the plant. Enthusiasm soon spread to France, Germany, Belgium and beyond; seeds and cuttings were eventually sent to the United States before 1900.

The flowers of the Epiphyllum species, with only one exception, are all white, or white with a touch of yellow.

There are a number of cactus relatives that may go by the common name of night blooming cereus, but Hylocereus undatus is the plant that gets the official nod for the name.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Easy to grow The plants are quite easy to grow — provided you don’t overwater. Since they’re members of the cactus family, they need a fast-draining potting soil; one’s that formulated for cactus is best.

Otherwise, add sand and perlite to the potting mix. Down here, of course, you can grow them in the ground— but they do prefer to be pot-bound.

Indoors, place them in full sun and let the soil dry between watering.

Outdoors, you may want to give them a bit of afternoon shade, considering our hot summers. Always let the water run out of the hole in the bottom.

If your plant doesn’t bloom, it may be getting too little sun, or it’s not mature enough. Often, they don’t bloom until they’re more than five years old. But this varies widely.

Generally, they produce a few blooms, then more and more.

Whatever you do to try to induce blossoms, don’t repot the plant. If you own a stubborn bloomer, it won’t hurt to fertilize with Miracle Gro or Super Bloom once a month from April until September.

The problem with this plant is that

it’s not very attractive. Okay, it’s ugly.

But when it comes time for the blossoms to open, you won’t even notice those stringy leaves.

Ready to bloom When the bud gets to be about a foot long, it’s close to opening. So when the giant white buds start to unfurl, that means it’s time to celebrate. Tip has heard of formal dinner parties held in New Orleans where guests show up in black tie and designer gowns to watch the petals unfold. What a great excuse for a party!

The Clines have had their plant for over 15 years. A friend gave them a cutting, and it took off from there.

Despite being advised not to repot the plant, they actually have done so— twice. And they get lovely blooms.

So we sat outside on the patio, sipping chilled wine, enjoying the evening and watching. Slowly but surely, the thin outer petals unfolded, followed by the broader inner petals.

By 11 p.m., it was in its full glory.

What a cool thing to experience on a hot summer night!

TJN

New Full Service Salon and Wellness Spa here in Lake Charles.

We are now offering the KERATIN SMOOTHING COMPLEX as seen in the September Issue of INSTYLE Magazine. We are the only salon in Lake Charles offering the new Straightening Chemical Free Service.

Call to book your FREE consultations.

(337) 477-6868 Now offering promotions for the month of September.

Please call now to inquire about one of our promotions

(337) 477-2888

Jill Hebert,

Tasha Buxton-Evans

Owner, Glow Salon & Wellness Spa

Owner, Salon Evans

1 0 9 W. L a G r a n g e , L a k e C h a r l e s Volume 1 • Issue 12

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 19

By Phil de Albuquerque

Rarely have I heard a business owner say, “I have all the customers I can handle.” If you’re in that position, congratulations! For those of you who are not, here are some important considerations when looking for customers.

Do your potential customers know you’re here? One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is lack of marketing. “Build it and they will come” should not be part of your mindset. Unless your product or service is that unique to the area, this type of thinking is ridiculous.

Advertise. If advertising isn’t part of your budget, then be prepared for some lonely days.

Once a customer comes through your door, what do you do? How do you greet them? When my wife and I came here five years ago, we were so impressed with the friendly greetings we received when we walked into most businesses (quite a difference from the snooty Northeast).

That’s so important. Don’t ever let a customer think “Does anyone even know I’m here?” That leads to their next thought: “Does anybody care?”

I remember an incident Lauren and I had when we walked into a local lighting store to look for fixtures for our beach house in Alabama to replace those damaged

by Hurricane Katrina. A very unfriendly man treated us as if

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

we were bothering him. We had barely explained what we were looking for when he shook his head, indicated he didn’t have it, and basically showed us the door. He didn’t give us an opportunity to look around the shop or even discuss alternatives.

We certainly would never go there again, and we have to think that if he was rude to us, he’s rude to others. It’s amazing that he’s still in business—especially since we found out from many people we told our story to that “he’s like that.” At any rate, we took our business to another lighting store where a very friendly salesperson helped us find what we needed.

So let this be a lesson to you.

Everyone is a potential customer, so treat them as such. If you don’t have what they need, perhaps you can refer them to the right place. They’ll appreciate it and will more than likely return to shop with you

another day. “If they don’t have it, they can tell you who does!” is a great reputation to have—because that means you’ll be their first stop!

Do your customers know when you’re open? It’s no fun driving up to a store only to find out that it’s closed—especially if it’s at a time when most businesses are open. Be sure your hours of operation are clearly indicated. If you have later hours on specific days

or are open on Sundays, be sure everyone knows. Extra hours mean extra sales.

Finally, are you satisfied with the appearance of your business? Is it clean and inviting? The only places that can have an untidy look are warehouses and the prices should reflect “warehouse deals.”

In today’s economy, we need all the customers we can get. By following these few tips, you’ll get more customers—and keep the ones you already have happy!

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 12

By Steve Springer M.D.

Taking Charge of Your Health I’d like to take a look at a scenario that happens almost every day in my family medical office. It’s surprising to me how often this conversation happens, but I guarantee it will occur again tomorrow at some point in the day.

Mr. or Mrs. John Doe is in the office for a check-up, and we discuss their visit with a specialist I have referred them to (cardiologist, orthopedist, rheumatologist, nephrologists, etc). I am, of course, very interested in the opinion and plan of care that the consulting physician has shared with the patient. Almost 100 percent of the time, I receive a formal letter from that consultant regarding this—but this letter is not always available to me at the first follow-up visit back at my clinic.

This is the astonishing part. The conversation usually goes, “What tests did they order?” “Oh, I see...and the results are where?” “Oh, OK, you’re not sure about the results yet.” “Did you discuss when you would sit down and go over these results? “OK, so when is it you are going to be following up with that physician?” Frankly, it is quite astonishing to me how often the patient cannot answer even the most basic questions about their visit.

Now, I start to ask myself a few questions. “Hmmm, did I really explain the purpose of the referral to the patient well enough? Did the patient relay the appropriate information to the consulting physician when they were at their visit?”

These are very important concepts. When it comes to your health, you don’t want to be guessing. You want to know, without a doubt, exactly what we docs are planning and what we are thinking. So, if you don’t know the answers to some of the questions above, you’d better be asking. At the same time, we as physicians need to communicate better, to be fair; but the point is, you may not truly understand what we’re telling you unless you ask.

If you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or obesity, it is very likely that you will meet several of my colleagues…over several visits…and over several years. You must take control of your health care. Often, my role as a family physician is to help you make sense of multiple recommendations from other doctors—as well as the things I need you to do.

Ultimately, I know that there are three people responsible for my own health care…me, myself, and I. In other words, the person truly responsible for your health care is you. That’s a big pill for some people to swallow, but it’s the simple truth. I can give you the medications to control your blood pressure and diabetes, but I can’t be there to make you take them.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Here are some tips to follow when it comes to a doctor’s visit: • Be proactive and think ahead.

• Have a few questions in your head, or write them down prior to your visit.

• Take a few notes about what is being planned, what tests are being ordered and what tests have been resulted. (I make copies of labs for patients so that the next physician in line will not duplicate them.)

• Keep some of your basic health information with you and share it among your physicians.

• Write down dates, appointments, and follow-ups • Don’t “no-show” for an appointment. There are many compliant patients who need that spot—not to mention that someone who may have been acutely ill or in a worse position than you could have been seen.

You’ll be surprised how much more you will get out of your doctor’s visit if you feel like you have a hand on the wheel with your physician. You don’t have to know the answers or know what to do. That’s our job—to guide you to the best course of action. We’re in this together, but ultimately you, the patient, have to make it happen. TJN

Advertising with The Jambalaya News gave us the exposure across Calcasieu Parish we needed. We never could have expected the additional business we have now. Keep up the good work! We’re a customer for life!

— Justin Gill, J&R Carriage Call for Booking: (337) 570-9909 SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 21

By Lisa Yates, Photos courtesy of The 2000 Health Foundation

Imagine spandex, sequins and the glamour of “Dancing with the Stars.” Now add some local celebrities, professional dancers and a good cause, and you have The 2000 Health Foundation’s Platinum & Pearls Gala “Dancing with the Stars.”

On Sunday, Nov. 1, nine local celebrity couples, trained by professional dancers, will light up the Lake Charles Civic Center with their ballroom skills.

The line up will be a star-studded one to be sure, including Eduardo and Rosiris Assef, Anthony and Cecelia Bartie, dancing the Salsa; Jon Eric Chretien and Dr. Adrienne Breaux, James and Loretta Spruel, dancing the Chacha-cha; James and Bertha Coleman, dancing the Merengue; Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque, dancing the Spanish Hustle; Bob Pastor and Laura Leach, dancing a

“Rendition of the Zydeco;” Harry Williams and Ann O’Reilly, dancing “In the Mood for Swing;” and Leslie Harless and Bobby Dower, dancing the Bachata.

Be prepared to be wowed by each of these ambitious pairs, as they are sure to inspire the audience with their poise, footwork, rhythm and choreography.

SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING EVENT Stephanie Morris, gala chair and executive director of The 2000 Health Foundation, said this black-tie gala is

the Foundation’s signature fundraising event of the year.

“If you’ve never been to a Platinum & Pearls Gala, this is the year you want to come,” she said.

Morris and Gray Stream will serve as Mistress and Master of Ceremonies.

“Gray Stream came onboard during the inaugural competition,” she said. “I really appreciate his commitment and the time he lends to make the event a success.

He has an incredible presence in the community; and, I appreciate his support in what we do.”

Festivities include sophisticated hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the VIP Pre-Gala party, live music by Scott Gertner, an exquisite dinner

by Marilyn’s Catering, with guest chef Carolyn Shelton, and a live auction, with Claude Gunderson as auctioneer.

Adding a little intrigue to the evening’s bill, the event will feature a special surprise performer.

Don’t bother asking, Morris isn’t giving away any clues.

“We will have some special VIP guests,” she said. “Last year, we had U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, her brother Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, and U.S. Congressman Dr. Charles Boustany. They’ve all been invited back this year, but we’re still waiting for confirmations.”

Not to be missed – the red carpet where John Ware and Kay Billedeaux of KPLC TV will be asking “Who are you wearing?” as guests enter the event wearing their best tuxes and designer gowns.

Dr. Juan Bossano and Leah Bossano PAGE 22

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

THE 2000 HEALTH FOUNDATION Not only does the performance promise to be fun and exciting, but it will also raise money for The 2000 Health Foundation.

Lisa Walker, founder and chairman of the board, said the goals of The 2000 Health Foundation are to increase diabetes awareness, care and education; provide respite care for hospice patients; serve as a partner in education to Sacred Heart St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School; and, provide nursing scholarships that address the nursing shortage.

“When the foundation was born, we engaged in the typical fundraising activity but we needed one major fundraising event, so we started the Platinum & Pearls Gala, and it was a success,” she said. “We are going on our fourth year, and each year it gets bigger and better. The community took ownership

of the event, and some wonderful people have been involved with it throughout the years. This has helped us to meet the needs throughout the community.”

According to the 2000 Louisiana Health Report Card, issued by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana has the second highest death rate due to diabetes.

Walker said in lieu of these findings, the Foundation provides assistance and information through a Diabetes Information Resource Center, located at 2013 Oak Park Boulevard in Lake Charles.

“It’s mainly about education,” she said. “We help people to know how to take care of themselves and we do screenings.”

In addition to checking blood sugar, the center partners with physicians to provide eye screenings. That’s because dia-

betes-related blindness, or diabetic retinopathy, is one of the complications of the disease.

The center also provides information on proper foot care and screens for problems.

Longstanding high blood sugar can damage blood ves-

Lisa Walker

Stephanie Morris

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Volume 1 • Issue 12

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 23

Dr. Charles Humphries and Darchelle Humphries

Dr. Alan Hinton and Bridget Hinton

Lynn Jones and Beverly Jones

sels, decreasing blood flow to the foot. This poor circulation can weaken the skin, contribute to the formation of ulcers, and impair wound healing.

Walker said some diabetic patients lose feeling in their feet. She said that’s why they wear white diabetic socks – to detect any drainage in the event they get a sore on their feet they cannot see or feel.

Also, the Foundation sponsors health care seminars throughout the year that focus on the self-management of diabetes and other associated diseases. Walker said physicians and other health care professionals facilitate the seminars.

“Next, we plan to hire a full-time R.N., who is a certified diabetes educator,” she said. “That is one of our primary goals.”

SPONSORSHIPS AND TICKETS To keep these programs operational, the Foundation relies on big fundraising events such as the gala, Morris said.

“This is our signature event and we need the support of the community to maintain our mission to provide help that makes a difference,” she said.

Sponsorships for The 2000 Health Foundation’s Platinum & Pearls Gala “Dancing with the Stars” are available at $50,000 for Crowned Jewel Underwriter Sponsors; $25,000 for Platinum Sponsors; $10,000 for Pearl Sponsors; $5,000 for Diamond Sponsors; $2,500 for Gold Sponsors; $1,000 for Silver Sponsors; and, $500 for Bronze Sponsors. For details on sponsorships and contribution levels, call (337) 562-1140.

Individual seats are available for $100 a person,

PAGE 24

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

or $50 a person for the dance show only.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, at the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office, or by calling (337) 562-1140.

The 2000 Health Foundation is a qualified 501 (c) (3) and all donations are tax deductible.

Donations can be mailed to the Foundation at 1901 Oak Park Blvd., Lake Charles, La., 70601.

Some of last years sponsors include Million Air, Crowned Jewel Underwriter Sponsor; LA Tank, and CITGO, Pearl Sponsors; and, Entergy, and the Doré family, Diamond Sponsors.

In 2008, the gala broke all previous records in attendance, items donated and funds raised, generating approximately $200,000 for the Foundation.

“In the last three years we have enjoyed the support of the community and we keep getting bigger and better,” Morris said. “We’ve out grown two venues and doubled our fundraising each year. Our goal is to do better than last year. We’d love to be at $400,000 this year, and we’ll do it with the support of the community.”

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS The Platinum & Pearls Gala is organized by an all-volunteer committee with Mayor Randy Roach serving as Honorary Gala Chair; Stephanie Morris, Gala Chair; Robbie Gunderson; Bridget Hinton; Kay House; Libby Looney; and, Amal Shamieh.

The Gala Advisory Committee is Shirley Baynes; Juan Bossano, M.D.; Robert Carman; Jay and Maria Cotto; Cecile Cutrer; Kevin Guidry; Clark A. Gunderson, M.D.; Ann Marie Hebert; Carloyn Johnson; Dawn Reed; Fayez K. Shamieh, M.D.; Gray Stream; Brooke and Jonald Walker; and, Judith Washington.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Roger Porter and Melinda Lemke www.aposhplan.com

poshplan@inbox.com

soiree & special event design • planning • production management • organizing • staging • menu development

from the unique to the chic Anyone interested in volunteering for the event should contact Gala Chair Stephanie Morris at (337) 5621140.

“We started literally in April planning for this year’s gala,” she said.

“Both the dancers and the committee work very hard. We want to give a performance the audience appreciates. What we are really giving them is our best. We have fun getting there – it’s a fun night - for a good cause, but it’s really serious what we do.”

A HEARTFELT REQUEST Morris said part of her job is reviewing Foundation grant applications from hospice patients. She remembered one that stood out from the rest.

“A dying patient had requested funds to get her grass cut and plant a garden,” she said.

With tears in her eyes, Morris said she understood. Her mother had been diagnosed with a terminal disease and died within three months.

“Everything takes on a deeper meaning when you know you are dying,” she said. “It’s little simple things that matter, like this dying person wanting the grass cut and flowers for a garden. When you know you are dying, you start living and celebrate each moment. Everything is significant.”

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Morris said helping with simple needs makes a difference.

“That’s what the gala is all about – changing someone’s life – making something better for someone with a terminal illness, helping a diabetic, and someone who wants to be a nurse,” she said.

DANCERS GIVE THEIR TIME Like the real “Dancing with the Stars,” Morris said each participant trains with a professional dancer and spends the last several months practicing a different style of dancing.

“They spend 10 to 16 weeks practicing on their own time and with instructors during rehearsals,” she said. “The key to this thing is the dance instructors – Jay and Maria Cotto. They have the best personalities and bring out the best in the dancers.”

And while the event is certain to create a few stars, the ultimate stars of this event will be the people served by The 2000 Health Foundation.

“The time the dancers spend preparing is so valuable,” Morris said.

“Every move they make funds everything we do. It’s not about the glitz and glamour, it’s about the people we serve.”

TJN

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Charlie Wharton

Only the finest gold and silver wire is elegantly sculptured with handcrafted gemstones selected from around the world for their exquisite characteristics.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 25

By Lisa Yates

Chris, Lori, Jordan and Jake Hughes

Benchworks Jewelers: Making Sparkling Memories for 20 Years Customers often turn to Benchworks Jewelers for help in celebrating the milestones in their lives.

But this year, Benchworks Jewelers is doing the celebrating as it marks its 20th year in business this November.

Benchworks owner, Chris Hughes, offers a truly unique shopping experience in his one-of-a-kind “full service” jewelry store, located at 238 W. Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles.

“Full service” includes repairs, custom design, watch repair, eyeglass repair and pearl restringing. All work is done on the premises by Hughes, who is also a master goldsmith jeweler with 30 years experience.

“I’ve been repairing since day one – 10, 14, 18 or 22 karat gold – I fix it all,” he said. “My wife, Lori, works with pearls, doing all of the beadstringing.”

Starting out He said the business started out in a smaller space – 500 square feet - in the same shopping center, where it is now. Benchworks shared retail space with a doctor’s office in the building.

Over time, as the doctor’s office relocated, Hughes took over the space, with Benchmarks occupying 1,800 square feet.

“We were able to expand, put in more cases and offer more services,” he said. “We also added gifts – Orleans Home Fragrances, Miche Purses, watches – and unusual gifts, like enamel roses and 24 karat gold roses.”

While most jewelry stores send their repairs offsite, Hughes is proud of the fact that he does everything inhouse.

“We do everything here,” he said.

“I own the business, I’m the buyer for the business, I’m the jeweler, the goldsmith, the stone-setter and the watch guy, and I have a watchmaker on staff. He can repair Rolex and Omega – all the big names in watches.”

Heirloom repair Hughes said often there’s a sentimental story or significant event behind each piece of jewelry.

“Jewelry becomes an heirloom for mothers to pass to their daughters and fathers to pass to their sons,” he said. “That’s why I have a hard time turning things down.”

Some jewelers don’t work on pieces that are not cost effective to repair; and, some even tell customers that pieces cannot be repaired.

“I have people come in here all of the time with pieces that other places couldn’t fix,” Hughes said. “In 30 years of repairing jewelry, I’ve seen just about everything. Most of the time, I find a way to fix it up.”

Occasionally, there are times when repairing a piece of jewelry is not wise – when the piece has been worn down and deteriorated. Hughes said he tells customers when that is the case.

“I’ve gotten the reputation in town as the guy who can fix just about anything,” he said.

Custom-designed jewelry Hughes is also known for creating unique one-of-a-kind pieces. He can take customers’ old rings and redesign them to give them a new look.

He will work with the customer to finalize a desired look, sketching out the piece to their specifications, then carving the ring out of wax. The next step is to do a cast of the design.

The customer is involved throughout the entire process, ensuring that

the design is just right.

One unique piece Hughes designed was a cocktail ring made from five diamonds of various sizes and cuts, totaling 5.5 carats.

“Years ago, I had a woman come into the store with five different wedding sets from five different men,” he said. “She was divorced, but kept the rings. She said she deserved them.”

When the ring was finished, Hughes said she loved it.

“She called it her trophy ring,” he said.

Distinctive and unusual stones The shop deals with all the normal gemstones available, as well as many more distinctive and unusual stones.

They have stones from mines in Russia, Australia and Sri Lanka.

“We have Alexandrite,” Hughes said. “It is expensive and very rare.

The best quality comes from Russia.”

The most sensational feature about Alexandrite is its ability to change color. Green or bluish-green in daylight, Alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities.

Hughes said people come to Benchworks for that reason – they know if they come to Benchworks they won’t find run-of-the-mill type jewelry. They will find more unique pieces – like Russian Moss Agate.

“People see it and fall in love with it,” he said. “We keep unusual things – like this 2.5 carat (diamond) bangle – it turns into a ring.”

Chris Hughes, owner, melts gold.

PAGE 26

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Outstanding jewelry repair is one of the many services at Benchworks Jewelers Another unusual piece of jewelry is a shimmering diamond pendant that is just stunning! Hughes said the three diamonds have been laser-drilled and suspended in a special way.

“The diamonds never stop moving,” he said.

Benchmarks is an authorized dealer for Luminox watches – manufacturer of the world’s finest dive watches for Navy Seals, and the U.S. Air Force, according to Hughes.

Customers can also shop their wonderful selection of estate jewelry. Each one-of-a-kind piece is hand-picked and authenticated by Hughes. He said these pieces make great gifts for the holidays.

“We have free gift wrapping, too,” he added.

Outstanding service If ring sizing is required, Benchmark customers do not have to wait – or pay extra.

“If you buy a ring here, you don’t pay to have it sized,” Hughes said. “You walk out the door with the ring fitted to your hand. I believe it’s wrong to charge someone extra to size a ring that’s bought in your store.”

For more information, call (337) 4780477, or visit at 238 W. Prien Lake Rd. in Lake Charles, Store hours are 10 a.m.6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; and, every Sat. in Dec.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 12

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 27

Evacuation and Your Pets:

Be Prepared

By Robert Lofton, D.V.M.

Guest Speaker Amy Dunn, LCSW, Executive Director for the Harbour House ETC at noon, Friday, September 25, 2009 at Reeves Uptown Catering located at 1639 Ryan Street in Lake Charles. The cost is $13 for members, $15 for non-members.

For reservations and membership information contact Kay Andrews, President by email at info@lwv-lc.org or calling 474-1864.

As we’ve all learned with Rita, we’ve been told to leave our homes for a “short time,” only to find that we can’t return for days or even weeks. Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep us from tending to our pets for extended periods of time. To prevent situations such as these, take your animals with you!

If you must leave your pets at home, pre-place stickers on the front and back doors to notify the neighbors and rescue personnel that your animals are on the property, and include any tips for the handling of these pets. Also, leave notice of where to find your evacuation supplies. It is also suggested that you sign a letter that releases veterinarians to treat your animal. If you must leave your animals in your yard, do NOT tie or restrict them in case of high water or fallen trees. Leave plenty of water and food in heavy containers.

Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, if applicable, will help reunite you with them in the event that you are separated.

Identification should provide your name, home address, phone numbers and an out-of-state phone number of someone that you will contact after evacuating. If possible, include your veterinarian’s information also. Forms of identification include: • Collar tag (a piece of tape applied to the back of the collar tag

Small Animal Evacuation Kit 1 week supply of food / 2 weeks if special diet Supply of water Cage/carrier – labeled with your contact information Copy of vet records/ proof of ownership Emergency contact list Familiar items for pets First aid kit / medication for travel Flea and tick preventative / heartworm preventative Medications that your pet may need on regular basis Flashlight and radio Instructions for care (diet and medication) Leashes and collars Litter pan and scoop Food and water bowls Paper towel and cloth towels Trash bags

Remember, a little bit of planning now can greatly reduce your stress at a critical time.

PAGE 28

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

can provide evacuation site information).

• Microchip. Do it ahead of time.

This is important, so see your veterinarian as soon as possible to get this done.

• Temporary neckband.

Ideally, you should take your animals with you, if at all possible.

Have a leash, collar and/or harness for each pet. You will also need a collapsible cage or carrier for each pet, including bedding. Your pets should be familiar with the cages.

The carrier should be large enough to hold bowls for water and food and a litter pan for cats.

Carriers are good not only for transportation, but for housing during the evacuation time.

Keep photocopies of important documents in your evacuation kit.

Documents may include vaccination records, important test results and any medical conditions your pets may have. Remember to bring copies of registration, adoption papers, proof of purchase or microchip information. Pictures of your animals, with you in the picture with your pet, could also be helpful to reclaim your pet if it is lost.

The evacuation kit should be assembled in an easy-to-carry container and stored in an easily accessible location away from areas with temperature extremes. Replace food and water and medications as often as needed to maintain their quality and freshness.

This information is adopted from the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 12

der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil If this sounds of th r o t c e juvenile, you haven’t seen r i D

Shorts (2009, Warner Brothers) Move over Microsoft, Google and Apple. The community of Black Falls is the home of Black Box Worldwide Industries International Incorporated (Black Inc.), owned by Carbon Black himself. His invention, the Black Box, is more than a phone, audiovideo player, scheduler and alarm clock. It can also become a toaster, hair dryer, microscope—in fact almost anything you wish.

The gadget is so successful that everybody in town works for Mr. Black, including Toby Thompson’s parents. Toby (Toe), our narrator, is bullied every day at school by Carbon’s kids, Cole and his sister Helvetica. But the Black Box, that ultimate wish granter, is about to be upstaged by the real thing: A magical wish-granting rainbow colored rock found, not at the end, but at the beginning of the rainbow, by the Short brothers.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

anything yet. In a plot that outgrosses both Nickelodeon and Dude Where’s My Car?, Shorts manages to show us just how badly people can get screwed up by greed. There is even a giant booger monster in this movie.

(Remember, son, how I’ve told you not to eat your boogers? Well, your booger is about to eat you.)

Yet, as childish as this movie is, it also carries its own brand of sophistication and in-your-face subtlety. (I just realized why you beat up on me every day, Helvetica. Why, because I hate you? No, because you love me.)

Significantly, the storyline is presented out of order. Toby keeps backing up and fast-forwarding as the mood hits him. To me, this worked, because the movie is presented as a modern fable. If there’s one thing that today’s kids understand, it’s information anywhere and anytime. In our computer age, children have access to everything instantly, and that’s what Shorts is all about.

But, like an Aesop’s fable or a Grimm’s fairy tale, every wish is somehow twisted. Toby wishes for unique friends, and gets visitors from

another planet. Another kid wishes to fly, and he’s turned into a bird, dropping the rainbow rock so he can’t change back. This adds to the confusion in the movie, as the rainbow rock manages to get dropped and into more hands than a hot potato.

Eventually the whole community of Black Falls is in chaos.

This movie has everything you don’t want your child to see: Bullying, cynicism, disrespect, horrible parenting, irresponsible babysitting, and walking alligators (They even walk up the walls of the castle. What castle?

Don’t ask).

Shorts is like an in-generation’s coming-of-age movie, a new Ferris Bueller. And in our accelerated

world, this happens not in high school, but in middle school. Still, this movie gives a parent plenty to talk to the kids about after the movie.

(If you could wish for anything, what would it be? Do you think I talk on my cell phone when I should be talking to you? Are you being bullied at school? Do you have a fear of germs?)

In other words, I would say if your older kids want to see this movie, go with them. Leave the six and unders home, with a reliable babysitter, and have a great discussion on the way home. You may just learn something.

TJN

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 29

By Mary Louise Ruehr

A Potpourri of Current Fiction Let’s take a look at three very different books now available on the fiction shelves: The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a wonderfully moody, satisfying novel by Katherine Howe. The story is set in Massachusetts in the 20th century, with flashbacks to the 15th century, when the belief in witches was not just superstition; it was very real, and having the finger of suspicion pointed at a woman for being a witch was very dangerous indeed.

In 1991, Connie Goodwin is studying at Harvard for her doctorate in the history of American colonial life. Her adviser is aggressively pushing her to finish her research; at the same time, her mother is pushing her to clean out her grandmother’s heretofore abandoned and incredibly old house near Salem. In this house, Connie discovers curious items among granny’s belongings, including the scrawled name of Deliverance Dane. When she goes sleuthing to find out more about the

LAKE CHARLES LOCATION:

3522 Ryan St.

337-474-6625 PAGE 30

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

ing at all. The main characters are likable (there’s even a nice young man to spark Connie’s romantic interest), and the sense of place is strong. The old house is created with such detail that I felt I was there, and I can still imagine it in my mind. I was disturbed by the author’s attempts at local pronunciation, finding them distracting and unnecessary. But then, I didn’t like it when Mark Twain did it, either, so Howe can consider herself in good company! The book is nicely written and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s destined to be a best seller.

Part of Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann takes place 110 stories up on the

quaint name, she discovers that, centuries ago, a woman with that name was accused of using witchcraft, and the reader is taken back in time to meet her, as well as the other women in the genealogical chain.

The absorbing premise and background material make for some thought-provoking reading, as when Connie explains her views on the Salem witch trials: “One of the weirdest things about this time period is that it’s before the Scientific Revolution. They didn’t have the scientific method, and so they couldn’t tell the difference between correlation and causation.

The world would have seemed like a big, incomprehensible progression of random occurrences and acts of God.” The book reminds me of the recent The Lace Reader in tone and even in subject, but I liked this much more. Some of what I predicted happened; other things I didn’t see com-

South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. It was there, on Aug. 7, 1974, that a figure appeared high above the onlooking crowds and walked across a wire strung between the two towers.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

In the book, the daredevil’s feat brings people together, watching in awe, “All of them reassured by the presence of one another. … Would he jump, would he fall?” The book follows events in the lives of the tightrope walker and several characters that saw the achievement of the “funambulist” and went on to walk their own metaphorical tightropes.

McCann creates some strong characters — particularly a monk

Volume 1 • Issue 12

named “Corr” and his brother, the narrator. The brothers’ back-story takes us to Ireland, where Corr finds his calling, working with those who survive on the seamy side of life.

Among the other characters, we meet hookers and pimps, a judge, and a group of mourning women whose sons have died in Vietnam.

Here’s my favorite sample of McCann’s writing, an account of a character walking across the city: “I caught glimpses of people’s rooms: a white enamel jar against a window frame, a round wooden table with a newspaper spread out, a pleated shade over a green chair. What, I wondered, were the sounds filling those rooms? It had never occurred to me before but everything in New York is built upon another thing, nothing is entirely by itself, each thing as strange as the last, and connected.”

And more insight comes from the still-grieving mothers: “People are good or half good or a quarter good, and it changes all the time — but even on the best day, nobody’s perfect.”

I’m sure it will win literary prizes, but there’s little here to lift the spirit.

I wasn’t impressed by his frequent puns, such as “Another day, another dolor.” And sometimes I didn’t know

what the author was talking about: “I suppose I’ve always known that it’s hard to be just one person. The key is in the door and it can always be opened.” Huh? There are adult situations and language, but if your tastes run toward the urbane, you’ll probably love it.

On the other hand, there’s a warm spirit pervasive in Heart and Soul by the popular Maeve Binchy. When modern St. Brigid’s Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, decides to start a clinic to care for patients with heart problems, Dr. Clara Casey is hired to manage the place. Heart patients come in for follow-up care, periodic check-ups, and lessons on nutrition and exercise. Like a small town, the clinic is a community in itself, as the staff, doctors, patients, and all their friends and families interact.

As in Binchy’s other books, everyone has a back-story and relates to everyone else. In fact, she even brings back some of the characters from her previous books. We meet rich and poor, old and young, follow them to Ireland, England, Greece and Poland, and become involved in their troubles and romances. Besides the heart care clinic staff, we meet a priest, a stalker, a swindler and a bigot.

It’s a simple setup with straightforward writing. Dr. Casey muses near the book’s end: “But most of all there was the clinic. That’s what amazed her. It was bigger in her mind than all the other life-changing things that had happened. They were making a difference.” The book had a rather mediocre start for me, but once I got into the heart of it and sorted out all of Binchy’s wonderful characters, I couldn’t put it down. It isn’t highbrow literature, but it made me feel good.

Copyright (c) 2009 Mary Louise Ruehr.

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

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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Volume 1 • Issue 12

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Volume 1 • Issue 12

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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r Shoumake n o d n a r B By

Cowgirls Volleyball Off to Great Start... and Other Things The first weekend of September brings with it the start of football season.

It’s also volleyball season. And soccer season (except for Louisiana high schools).

There’s the U.S. Open tennis tournament, too.

Did I mention that baseball is still going on?

PAGE 34

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Jeez, there’s so much happening it’s hard to keep track, but, for a sports-lover like myself, it’s easily one of the best times of the year.

When else can I follow all of my favorite McNeese and LSU sports (especially football), my beloved Red Sox, my also-beloved Chicago Bears (sorry, Saints fans), tennis and my favorite English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, all at the same time?

To heck with the summer, with all of its heat and humidity and moribund sports variety. To heck with a summer swoon that far outlasts June. Bring on the autumn. Bring on football weather and pennant fever. Bring on colored leaves and chilly winds. Bring on

Halloween and hockey season.

Summer’s silly season is over. I, for one, won’t miss it in the least. I’ll be too busy watching sports.

Dig those cowgirls, spiking opponents The McNeese State Cowgirls volleyball team is off to its best start in a decade after sweeping through the Mississippi State tournament held Aug. 28-29.

The Cowgirls defeated ArkansasLittle Rock, Mississippi State and Jackson State, all by the same score of 3-1, to win the tournament. It was the first tournament win for the Cowgirls since 1999.

McNeese (4-0) continued its hot streak on Sept. 1, beating Houston

Baptist in straight sets in the Cowgirls home opener.

Led by senior outside hitter Chanel Tyler, who was named the Southland Conference’s offensive player of the week for her performance at Mississippi State, setter Sarah Cartie and freshman libero Whitney Ellisor, the Cowgirls are off to their best start since the 1999 team began the season 9-0.

The Cowgirls will try to continue their hot streak this weekend at the Bama Bash tournament hosted by the University of Alabama before hosting the McNeese State Invitational. To me, it looks like the Cowgirls have a pretty good shot at possibly exceeding the 1999 team’s opening run.

Their first opponent at Alabama, Jacksonville State (3-1), was picked to finish sixth out of ten teams in the Ohio

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Valley Conference. And while JSU has played well early on, their competition hasn’t been great. The Gamecocks beat a so-so Furman team, a terrible Wake Forest team, and a weak Charlotte squad.

McNeese follows that match with one against a mediocre Southern Methodist team and finishes up the tournament with a struggling Alabama team.

A win against the Crimson Tide would give the Cowgirls two victories over SEC opponents and, while they might ring a little hollow on paper with both Alabama and Mississippi State struggling, it should mean a great deal to a Cowgirls team that has come out strong early this season and looks to build momentum toward the start of Southland Conference play on Sept. 25.

Entering the McNeese Invitational, the Cowgirls could conceivably be 7-0 and should easily handle Prairie View A&M in the tournament opener. TexasPan American features a solid libero in Rebecca Toddy, but the Cowgirls should also take care of the Lady Broncs.

All that leads up to the tournament finale against hated rival LouisianaLafayette. The Lady Cajuns have played well early on, despite picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division, and will have just finished playing in the LSU tournament before coming to Lake Charles.

ULL freshmen Ariel Krolikowski and Bethany Fogler, along with libero Lindsay Brown have helped the Lady Cajuns to a 3-1 record and look to be a tough test for the Cowgirls.

If the Cowgirls can get past the Cajuns, they have a return match against Jackson State at the Louisiana-Monroe tournament. A win over the Lady Tigers gives the Cowgirls their best start in program history with 10 straight wins.

LeBlanc called up Lake Charles’ Wade LeBlanc was recently recalled to the San Diego Padres roster from the Triple-A Portland Beavers.

LeBlanc, a left-handed pitcher, made his first start since June 25 and had his best outing of the season. He pitched six innings against the Florida Marlins, giving up four runs on four hits and he struck out two. He did not earn a decision, but the Padres won the game 7-4.

The performance was easily his best major-league appearance of the season and the best since going six innings in back-to-back starts on Sept. 9 and Sept.

15 of last season.

LeBlanc has pitched well over his past three starts, including two starts (both wins) at Portland, striking out 14 along the way.

It looks as though he has recovered from the early-season struggles that got him sent down to the minors. His walkto-strikeout ratio still needs improving, but, in his major league return he was

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able to minimize any damage the Marlins inflicted in the early innings (two runs in the second inning) and keep his team in the game while his offense helped bring the Padres back.

Saints preserve us I want to wish good luck to the New Orleans Saints as they prepare for their season-opener against Detroit on Sept. 13.

Saints, I know it’s going to be a tough game. I don’t know how you’re going to stop the Lions’ bruising rushing attack led by...Kevin Smith? The “Clerks” guy?

I‘m sure, Saints, that your secondary will be tested mightily by the passing

prowess of...rookie Matthew Stafford?

Maybe he’ll suffer some carpet-related injury and you won’t have to worry about him passing for lots of yards.

Saints, you probably have a game plan for wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

But, just saying as a friend, you can’t just triple or quadruple-cover him all game long. I mean, the Lions have other receivers who can beat you like...Dennis Northcutt? Keary Colbert?

Drew Brees, try not to get too frightened when you’re being blitzed from the end by the ferocious...Cliff Avril?

Oh, the heck with it. Enjoy opening the season with a win, Saints.

Save the Children’s Museum Fund

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

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than seven years for various publications. Coaches Brandon Shoumaker or parents with story tips may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

TJN

0 0 0 , 50

$4

So far, $197,918.44 has been raised! The museum would like to thank all of you who have contributed, including the following: Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury City of Lake Charles City of Sulphur Sempra Energy Global Enterprises William & Katherine Blake Waste Management Tadlock First Federal Bank of Louisiana Cameron State Bank Charleston Gallery and Antiques Wal-mart (Nelson) Wal-Mart Store # 521 (English Bayou) Lake Area Model Railroaders Crawford Orthodontics Inc. you Atlantic Scaffolding Company hank ays: T ok s a n Devall Towing & Boat Service I lo ua t, and u the Ig Judge Guy E. Bradberry Iggy r suppor all of yo g u o in y e r e Kiwanis Club of Calcasieu fo os e! ard t forw new hom M.N. Davidson Foundation y m in Senator Willie L. Mount Honeywell W.R. Grace

4 4 .

8 7,91

$19

Ad Sponsored by The Jambalaya News SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 35

ACTS – MAHALIA! The gospel according to Mahalia rang loud and clear across the stage at ACTS One Reid Street Theatre recently, bringing to Lake Charles a moving history of this world-renowned performer, whose beginnings were rooted in poverty. Following the path before her, Mahalia became a much sought-after performer who wowed the crowd at Carnegie Hall and toured throughout Europe and Israel. She also played a significant role in the desegregation movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The UpStage Theatre Company of Baton Rouge adeptly made history come alive in their portrayal of the life and times of Mahalia.

Mary and Lonnie Wilkinson with daughter LaNea Wilkinson, “Mahalia”

Cathy Frank and Barbara Small

Sara Dennison and Nancy Shaw

Elijah and Nomica Guillory

BREATHE – CIRCULAR CONNECTIONS The 2nd Annual Showcase of Breathe, “Circular Connections,” was about strength, trust, relaxation, honesty, support and being connected. Jillian Ardoin, artistic director/founder/choreographer of Breathe created this show based on her interpretation and definition of these characteristics.

The dances incorporated life experiences in the production and choreography, treating the audience to a varying display of dance with some impressive aerial performances.

Great show! Just Breathe!

Sydney and Alex Powell and Mary-Catherine Zachary

Landon, Eljeana and Lenard Quebedeaux PAGE 36

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Corey Stout, Beth Devillier and Duston Erwin

Steven and Allegra Wright

LaDonna McKnight, Whitney and Blair Henry Volume 1 • Issue 12

Roxie and Robert Boxie

Ann Margaret Rosteet, Valerie Hogan and Mary Elizabeth Rosteet

Tracy LeMieux, Chris Shearman and Jillian Ardoin

JOKES, JAZZ AND JUST DESSERTS Jokes, Jazz and Just Desserts was a sweet ending to the day for the Spice Girl as local confectioneries presented a dazzling array of sweet treats to compliment a delightful dinner at the annual fundraiser for Educational & Treatment Council, Inc. (ETC). Serving at-risk youth, ETC derives a great deal of assistance in fulfilling their mission from the many supporters of this event. In addition to the Just Desserts provided by the gracious sponsors, the Justin Pierce Trio treated the guests to Jazz. After the auction (with auctioneers Hal McMillin and Ben Mount), Mark Robinson provided the Jokes. It was quite an evening and surely a satisfying one for everyone’s sweet tooth.

Debra and Jerome Lastrapes and Rhonda and Bruce Blanchard

Steve and Julia Broussard and Carmel and Anthony Fazzio

Deann and Chris Fontenot Volume 1 • Issue 12

Charlene Warren and Chad French

Laurie McCall, Vicki Zimmerman and Kim Vaughan

Cookie and David Phillips

Chris and Angel Duncan

Megan Bernard and James Cannon SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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FAMILY AND YOUTH FESTIVAL For the 11 years, the Family and Youth Festival has provided a day of fun and games for families throughout Southwest Louisiana From animal shelter kitties and pups to balloon hats, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Booths filled the Civic Center Coliseum offering games and crafts of all kinds, and the Swashbucklers, magicians, musicians and more added to the fun.

The event brings the community together in a wholesome and fun atmosphere. All money raised goes toward services offered by Family and Youth, a United Way agency.

Jeremy Abbott, Taylor Bell and Kayla Gaugh

Jackson and Garrett Limberis

Kara Knighton and Katie Forrester

Jordyn O’Quain and Jerika Fontenot

Dianne and Eliza Purdy (Eliza won a $50 gift certificate from United Way)

When we came to Lake Charles we chose Derenda to help us find our new home. We were simply impressed with her exceptional service. She worked tirelessly to make sure our transition to the city was seamless. When work took us to Texas, we had Derenda market our home, and it sold in less than a month! Thank you, Derenda, for all you’ve done for us!

— Chase and Ashley Wilson

SULPHUR LOCATION:

1811 S. Ruth St.

337-527-0318 PAGE 38

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

KPLC-TV’S YOUNG AT HEART Jambalaya was on the menu for the many attendees at the 2009 KPLC-TV’s Young at Heart Expo with Mr. Bill’s Seafood providing the lunches. Free health services included seminars and medical screenings, and there were lots of freebies from a myriad of agencies for the many attendees. This was an excellent opportunity for the over-50 members of society to avail themselves of information pertaining to a good, healthy and satisfying life. Christus St. Patrick Hospital’s “Stayin’ Alive” seminar summed up the gist of it: Stay active and healthy; enjoying the best life has to offer. TJN I.J. and Sandra Tarou

Cliff and Sue Granger with Marceline and Larry Miller

Amy Magee, Elaine Dyer and Jan Simmons

Johanna and E.J. Clophus

Clifford Willis and Lois Neveu

Lake Charles Civic Center October 9 & 10 Garage, Antiques, & Collectibles Sale Do you have unique, one-of-a-kind treasures to sell?

Maybe you have more stuff than house.

We will invite people to shop your new and used merchandise.

ITʼS A FUN AND EASY WAY TO MAKE YOU MONEY!

Booth spaces are first come — first serve.

Contact us today!

Volume 1 • Issue 12

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 39

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30p.m.

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

• Choke/Black Feratu @ The Wood ‘n Penny, 8 p.m.

• Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Vilkatas/Ashes of Eden/Dead Earth Politics @ Hawg Wild, Sulphur, 8 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• The Fruge Family Band @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• Paper Plains/Loser’s Reunion/Near Death Experiment @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Outlaw Nation @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • Blues Tonic/The Kadillacs @ Molly’s Lamplighter, 4 p.m.

• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Crooks Carnival @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m.

• DJ Fresh @ VFW Post 8107, Sulphur, 8 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

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

• Trip Wamsley/In Liquid/The Bow Ties @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• The Fruge Family Band @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• Subrosa Union @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dance @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Do Not Destroy @ Cajun’s Wharf, 8 p.m.

• Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • Joe Simon & The Louisiana Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Twangsters Union @ Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Blues Tonic/End Transmission/Daylight Broadcast @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Zero Echo @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• Lance @ Sloppy Jeaux’s, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Glenn Fontenot @ Frey’s Restaurant, Jennings, 7 p.m.

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

• Blues Tonic @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• Whiskey South @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ One-Eyed Jack’s, Elton, 9 p.m.

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

• Nothing More/Colorcast Veteran/Pandemic @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Forever Falls/Last November @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Red & White Party @ Toucan’s, 9 p.m.

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

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

• Cheater Pipe @ Hawg Wild, Sulphur, 10 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 • Homer LeJeune @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 • John Waller/33 Miles/Pocket Full of Rocks @ Rosa Hart Theatre, 6 p.m.

• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 • Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• 2nd Party Program/Destination Sanity/SugarGlyder @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• T-Broussard @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 • Jamie Berzas & The Cajun Tradition Band @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Michael Bryant @ Frey’s Restaurant, Jennings, 7 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Barisal Guns/Liquid Cheese/Handsome Harry Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• The Von Dukes/The Flamin’ Hellcats/The Good Ole Boys @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Martina McBride @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• T-Broussard @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• The Happy Papi Band @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

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

• Research Turtles/The Amazing Nuns @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Martina McBride @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• T-Broussard @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• Moss Back @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m.

• Paul Noyola/Five Star Fiasco/Mission vs. Madness @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Magnolia Sons/Tyler Read @ Toucan’s, 9:30 p.m.

• Live Oak Decline @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 • Blues Tonic @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

• Whiskey South @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m.

• Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Blues Tonic @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

TJN

MONDAY NIGHTS: Abita Beer Night

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Mondo Martini Night

THURSDAY NIGHTS: Be Well Night

Thurs. Sep.10 @ 9:00 BLUES TONIC (from Lake Charles, La.) Fri. Sep. 11 @ 9:00 OUTLAW NATION Sat. Sep. 12 @ 9:00 SUBROSA UNION from Austin, Tx.

McNeese Football Conference Ticket Packages now available. Prices start at $68 for reserved seats to all four Southland Conference home games.

Tickets for the McNeese vs. Tulane game to be played in New Orleans are also on sale at the ticket office. Be sure to buy your tickets from McNeese.

By doing so you will not only save money but you will also be supporting McNeese Athletics.

Wed. Sep. 16 @ 9:00 SCOTTY DOLAND Thurs. Sep. 17 @ 9:00 END TRANSMISSION & DAYLIGHT BROADCAST Sat. Sep. 19 @ 9:00 CROOKS CARNIVAL Wed. Sep. 23 @ 9:00 SCOTTY DOLAND

Please contact Ryan Ivey at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

Thurs. Sep. 24 @ 9:00 BLUES TONIC (from Lake Charles, La.) SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 41

JAMBALAYA COOK-OFF IS OPEN TO INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS. First prize is $200 for teams and $100 for individuals; trophies will be awarded to second and third place in each category.

Entries will be judged on flavor and presentation.

Entry fee is $100 for teams and $50 for individuals. All proceeds will benefit The Imperial Calcasieu Museum.

7:30-8 AM: SET-UP 8 AM: COOKING BEGINS NOON-12:30: JUDGING BEGINS; PUBLIC INVITED TO SAMPLE 1:30 PM: WINNERS ANNOUNCED

ON-LOOKERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME AND SAMPLE THE FARE. Music, beverages, and lots more. Admission is $10 to sample all the entries; and, there will be a cash beverage bar. For more information on entering your special recipe, please contact the Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 439-3793.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Volume 1 • Issue 12

ROASTIN’ WITH ROSIE BARBECUE FESTIVAL SEPT. 11-12 The second annual Roastin’ with Rosie Barbecue Festival will be held Sept. 11 and 12 at the Grand Marais Courtyard in Jennings, allowing grillers to compete for cash and prizes.

Includes live music, delicious food, dance and cheerleader competitions, Kids World, and more. For information, call (337) 821-5534.

FUNDRAISER FOR USS ORLECK SEPT. 12 The USS Orleck, DD-886, a gearing class destroyer, served this country in both Korea and Viet Nam. She was built in Orange, Texas in 1945. After her service to the US Navy, the Orleck then served the Turkish Navy for many years. She has been returned home, and is now looking for a permanent berth in Lake Charles. There will be a fundraising dinner on Sept.

12 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1 on 1530 Ninth Street, Lake Charles. The cost is $20 per person. Make checks payable to USS Orleck Naval Museum and send to Ginger Beningo, P.O. Box 4470, Lake Charles, LA 70606-4470.

JAMBALAYA COOK-OFF AT IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM SEPT. 12 Come one, come all to The Jambalaya News’ Jambalaya Cook-off, to be held on the grounds of The Imperial Calcasieu Museum on Sept. 12. Admission is $10 to sample the fare; all proceeds benefit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Public is invited at noon. There will be music, beverages, and more!

For information, call 439-3793.

JAM

LAUGH OUT LOUD/PRIDE PARTY WITH JEN KOBER SEPT. 19 Comedian Jen Kober is blowing up in 2009! Her Delicious Tour has been playing to sold-out crowds across America.

She’ll be rocking the stage at the Brick House at 710 Pine St. in downtown Lake Charles on Sat. Sept. 19. Joining her are the Wicked Funny Hella Cool Band with Justin Hill, and comedian Jeff D. There will be two shows at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students with valid ID; $20 general seating; $30 VIP. Get your tickets now at jenkober.com.

MARTINA MCBRIDE AT L’AUBERGE SEPT. 25, 26 Country Music star Martina McBride will be performing at L’Auberge du Lac on Sept. 25 and 26. Martina has won the CMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year award 4 times, tying her with Reba McEntire for most wins in this category. The performances begin at 8:30 p.m.; doors open one hour before show. Attendees must be 21 and older. Ticket prices are $90 Floor/$70 Stadium. Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

Martina McBride

NOBLESSE OBLIGE TEAHOUSE PRESENTS MUSIC, POETRY SEPT. 12 Downtown Lake Charles teahouse Noblesse Oblige will present live music and poetry on Sept. 12 starting at 6 p.m. Local amateur poets and singer/songwriters will be showcased, and signature teas and desserts will be available. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 433-8094 or visit www.noblesseobligeteas.com.

Jen Kober

Volume 1 • Issue 12

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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CHILDREN’S MUSEUM’S IMAGINATION CELEBRATION SEPT. 26 On Sat., Sept. 26, the Children’s Museum will hold its 7th Annual Imagination Celebration. The theme this year is “Save Iggy’s Home.” Enjoy fantastic music by the Al Becker Band featuring the Crawford Brothers and John Ieyoub. The event will offer some of the best food from area restaurants, a cash bar and a good time for all.

And don’t forget the silent auction and live auctions for unique, musthave items. Tickets are $50; table sponsorships are still available. For more information, please call (337) 433-9420 or e-mail allyson@childmuseum.org.

COOKIN’ FOR A CURE WITH CHEF JOHN FOLSE OCT. 1 The Lake Charles Country Club will be the setting for Cookin’ for a Cure on Thurs. Oct 1. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person; $750 to sponsor a table of 10.

Proceeds benefit The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Fund. Includes dinner, music, door prizes, cash bar, and a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef John Folse. To purchase tickets, call the Memorial Marketing Department at (337) 494-2936 or e-mail bfarquhar@lcmh.com for more information. If you are unable to attend, your purchased tickets will sponsor the attendance of Memorial cancer survivors and you will be recognized at the event for your compassionate donation.

THE WINE STORE/JAMBALAYA NEWS WINE TASTING BENEFIT OCT. 1 In recognition of Breast Cancer Month, The Wine Store and The Jambalaya News are holding a special wine tasting event on Oct. 1 at the new Jambalaya News office at 715 Kirby St. from 6-8 p.m. Come and sample some fabulous wines selected by Mike and Martha Holleman from The Wine Store. Admission is $5; proceeds go to the Cancer Care Fund at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. For more information, call The Jambalaya News at 436-7800 or The Wine Store at 477-7017.

Around Town With The Jam

Lauren and Phil with Susie Book of Expressions at the fundraiser to benefit autism at Nic Hunter's Harlequin.

We Don’t Just Report It— We Support it!

Phil and I firmly believe that as owners of a publication that reaches so many people, it’s of the utmost importance for us to be out and about in the community. We can’t put our finger on the pulse of Lake Charles if we’re hiding behind our computers, day in and day out.

Moreover, we also believe in giving back to the area that has given so much to us in return.

Whenever possible, we volunteer our time to good causes, and try to sponsor as many charitable events as we can. We can’t do it all, but we know that every little bit helps a lot to those in need. TJN

The Jambalaya News was a sponsor at the American Cancer Society's Jamaica Me Crazy Party for a Cure

COUSHATTA TRIBE TO HOST ANNUAL POW WOW OCTOBER 2-4 Hundreds of Native American dancers and singers are expected to gather at the 15th Annual Coushatta Pow Wow Celebration on Oct. 24 in Kinder. It will begin with Gourd Dancing on Fri., Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. followed by the Grand Entry at 7 p.m., during which Native American dancers dressed in full traditional regalia will parade in a brilliant spectacle of color and sound. There will be competitions and specialty dances throughout the event and the famous “Indian frybread” and “Indian tacos” will be sold. Talented Native American artists and craftsmen will showcase their wares in the Pow Wow Market. The public is invited to attend this family-friendly, alcohol-and-drug-free event. For more information, visit www.coushattapowwow.com.

KOOL & THE GANG AT DELTA EVENT CENTER OCT. 10 World-renowned R&B group Kool & The Gang has been keeping everyone dancing for decades. On Sat., Oct. 10, Kool & The Gang will be bringing their classic party hits to the Delta Event Center for a onenight-only performance starting at 8 p.m. Kool & The Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Thanks to songs like “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness” and “Open Sesame,” they’ve earned two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards, and have had 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums.

Tickets start at $40 and are available online at deltadowns.com, ticketmaster.com, or at the Delta Downs Gift Shop. To charge by phone, call (800) 745-3000. TJN

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Lauren and Phil at Jokes, Jazz, and Just Desserts, where The Jambalaya News team enjoyed a wonderful night for a great cause.

Volume 1 • Issue 12

McNeese Theatre Opens 70th Season McNeese Theatre’s 70th Season Celebration will open with the Bayou Players performing Moliere’s Imaginary Invalid, translated and adapted by Adley Cormier as Le Malade Imaginare en Louisiane on stage Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

The Imaginary Invalid, the comic reversal of “healthy, wealthy and wise,” tells the rib-tickling tale of a wealthy, but not wise Acadian farmer named Argan whose life is topsy-turvy by an absurd obsession with his imaginary illnesses, by his new wife scheming for his money and his daughter seeking a new love against his wishes. Set in Calcasieu Parish in 1939 and strongly flavored with the sounds of Southwest Louisiana, the play sparkles with Cajun high spirits. The diagnosis is laughter, Moliere-style.

The Long Christmas Ride Home is a humorous and heart-wrenching play, beautifully written by Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright, Paula Vogel. A family drama, where past, present and

future collide on a snowy Christmas Eve, this play proves that magic can be found in the simplest events of life. It will be performed Nov. 12-16, and is for mature audiences.

The spring season opens with Ibsen’s classic, A Doll’s House, which tells the tale of Nora Helmer, a vibrant young housewife and mother who suffers from a crippling dependency on her husband, Torvald, a Victorian male chauvinist. In order to save him from a debt and to spare his masculine pride, Nora arranges a loan without his knowledge by forging a signature.

When the crime is inevitably discovered, Torvald’s response is to punish her with verbal abuse and with accusations that she is morally unfit as a wife and mother. When Nora slams the door in the famous last scene, she not only provided a historic moment in modern drama but also gave the Women’s Liberation Movement a pioneer heroine. Production dates are Feb. 17-23.

Working, a musical from the book inspired by Studs Terkel, adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, is timely and reflective of today’s working people, a vivid portrait exploring the American workday from the Monday morning blues to second-shift blahs. This original look at the American landscape gives a panoramic view of everyday life in America.

Performance dates are April 21-25.

Season subscriptions are $45 for adults and $30 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens and youth (K-12)—four shows for the price of three. All season subscriptions support McNeese Theatre scholarships and book stipends. This year, McNeese Theatre, in the department of performing arts, is offering season subscriptions online. Log on to www.mcneese.edu/theatre to subscribe. For information, call Anita Tritico at 475-5043. TJN

Saturday, Sept., 19th from 2-6 PM At the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall

TICKETS $5.00 To Purchase Tickets call Angie with CCOA at (337) 474-2583 or Melissa with Southern Home Health at (337) 479-2233 All proceeds from this event supports Calcasieu Parish Meals on Wheels program.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like to make a donation, please contact Robin Abshire (337) 309-6861 or Jackie Hebert (337) 302-6960 Volume 1 • Issue 12

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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Fruge Family Band Reunion at Sylvia’s Bistro this Weekend

By Leslie Berman Guitarist/vocalist Ronnie Fruge is happy on the highway, rolling south from Monroe to Lake Charles, because he’s anticipating seeing his Momma, Leola “Bea” Benoit Fruge, and many of his six siblings, at the annual Fruge family reunion.

This year, it will honor his dad, the late Dudley Joseph Fruge, who died in an accident in 1964, when oldest son Ronnie was just 11 years old.

“I’m definitely a momma’s boy,” Fruge admitted with a little laugh, “because I’m so proud of my mom for all she did. When my dad died, she was 29, and there were six of us. In fact, she was 3-1/2 months pregnant with my baby brother Dudley II. She was alone, and she had seven kids to take care of, and she worked hard to make sure we were able to follow our dreams.” As it happened, many of the Fruge siblings’ dreams included working in music.

“I had just gotten my first guitar, a Sears Silvertone, before my daddy died,” Fruge reminisced. Less than a year later, the musical youth played well enough to be hired as guitarist for an older kid playing music on the bus to their Iowa school – accordionist August Broussard, whose band played local Cajun dances and private parties around the area.

Then, it turned out, Ronnie was just the tip of the family musical iceberg; five of the Fruge kids played instruments and sang. So they became the Fruge Family Band. “Momma helped and encouraged us,” Fruge explained. “She traded in her car for a station wagon to drive us to teen centers and little festivals for years. She bought our equipment, and basically acted as our manager.” Fruge’s pride in his mother continues today: “Everyone knows Bea, if they ever buy flowers from the Albertson’s on Ryan Street. She still runs that, at 73!”

While the Fruges are in town for their larger family reunion, Sylvia’s will host the musical members of the Fruge family this weekend, on Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, in a rare reunion of the Family Band.

“It gives us a chance to get together, to play the old songs together, and to make a little bit to help finance the cost of traveling,” Fruge said cheerfully, contemplating the coming weekend. Listening to Fruge’s own songs on www.myspace.com/ronniefruge, you will hear the country-flecked style that Fruge’s writing and performing these days.

But in the old days, the Family Band covered R&B and soul, among other styles, with a sturdy backline fronted by KJ’s angelic singing and

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Ronnie’s tasty lead guitar work. “We’re 100 percent Cajun – half Benoit on one side and half Fruge on the other – but we never played Cajun music in the Family Band,” Fruge told me. When pressed for sample songs and styles we’re likely to hear at Sylvia’s, he mentioned Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, and Wilson Pickett. Three excellent choices. I can’t wait.

The Fruge Family Band featured oldest brother Ronnie Fruge (guitar and vocals), sister K.J. Fruge Smith (vocals and percussion), Darrell “Bro” Fruge (bass) and first Clinton Fruge and later Dudley Joseph Fruge II (drums) when Clinton joined the military.

In the ‘70s, KJ went to Nashville for a time, where she played with Billy Troy, son of the bluegrass band Flatt & Scruggs’s dobro player, Josh Graves. Then she returned to Lake Charles and traded in her musical career to become a popular physical therapist. Which didn’t surprise Fruge at all: “KJ’s like my grandmother, who was what the Cajuns call a “traiteur” or “treater,” with real prayer power in her hands. And KJ’s got this presence – she steps onto a stage and the sun just comes out.”

Brother Clinton too gave up playing music. He moved to Colorado and became a pipefitter after a couple of tours of duty with the Marines. But Ronnie, Bro and Dudley went on to play music professionally as adults, working with some great names and great talents over the years.

Ronnie moved to various music cities, including Austin, and five years ago to Nashville, where he’s worked as guitarist for songwriter Alex Harvey (famous as composer of the 1970s megahit “Delta Dawn,” and for 17 covers of his songs sung by Kenny Rogers, including three on “The Gambler” album).

With his sweetheart Julie Hardy, Ronnie also sings and plays with blue-eyed soul singer Jimmy Hall, and other Nashville musicians. He still doesn’t play Cajun music for a living, but among the tunes linked to his myspace page is a self-penned number featuring famed Cajun accordionist (and former fellow Nashville resident, now living in Moss Bluff) Joel Sonnier.

Dudley II moved to Lafayette, played with Zachary Richard’s band, and with the girl group Evangeline, a band that Jimmy Buffet signed to his label and took on tour as his opening act for several years, and even played on “The Tonight Show” a couple of times. Most recently, Dudley’s been playing with the Lafayette-based Louisiana roots band,

Roddie Romero and the Hub City Allstars, who were nominated for a Grammy in 2007 – the first year for the new Cajun & Zydeco category.

Bro is no slouch either, having joined up with Lake Area Cajun musicians Moe-D, and when that band retired, with fiddler and accordion player Abe Manuel (who was once Merle haggard’s bandleader and fiddler), to record with him on the soundtrack sessions for the Lake Arthur-produced film Little Chenier. “For a while there, Dudley, Bro and I were all in Zachary Richard’s band as his rhythm section,” Fruge recalled. “We were pretty good.”

And as for the family reunion offstage? Fruge is looking forward to spending time with his Momma and honoring her. “I’m anxious to hear the stories the family members will tell about daddy, and there’ll be pictures and souvenirs,” Fruge said. “But it will also be a great time to honor my Momma.”

The Family Band’s reunion will have a big role in doing just that. “I’m a musician today because my Momma made sure we could all follow our dreams. She showed me with her hard work and her loving support that we could be whatever we were willing to work for. We’re very lucky she was there for us.”

And so are the Fruge Family Band’s fans.

TJN

Volume 1 • Issue 12

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