The Jambalaya News - 04/18/13, Vol. 5, No. 2

VOL. 5, NO. 2 / APRIL 18, 2013

Photo: Romero & Romero Photography

PAGE 2

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

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

contents

lauren@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Shuff Arabie Leslie Berman George Cline Angie Kay Dilmore Julie Fay Monica Hebert Mike Louviere Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com

SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack Faye Drake Allen Garber GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Burn Rourk ART ASSISTANT Sarah Bercier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Danley Romero BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 715 Kirby 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 2013 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

April 18, 2013 • Volume 5 • Issue 2

5

COVER STORY 23 Harbour House

publisher@thejambalayanews.com

NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque

On Cover: Harbour House Executive Director Amy Dunn, with supporters Robert Frey, and Julius Guillory

6

REGULARS 8 The Boiling Pot 9 Hospital Round-Up 10 The Dang Yankee 11 Tips from Tip 12 Adoption Corner 14 What’s Cookin’ 22 Sports Report FEATURES 5 JLLC’s Special Needs Resource Fair 6 How the ‘John B.’ Came to Be 15 Newcomers’ Guide

15 19

ENTERTAINMENT 12 Soul Matters 24 Red Hot Books 26 HeART of SWLA 28 Acting Up! 29 Eclectic Company 30 Funbolaya 31 Family Night at the Movies 33 Society Spice 36 Jambalaya Jam 38 Local Jam

18 24

31 32

28 We accept credit cards!

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 3

A Note From Lauren Marathon Memories The Boston Marathon.

A tradition that was started back in 1897. Always held on the third Monday in April, which is also a Massachusetts state holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775; the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Folks come from all over the world to run in or watch the race.

It’s a big, big deal. It supposedly attracts almost half a million people.

I think most of them have sat on the steps of the various apartment buildings I have lived in along the race route. That’s right, while hordes of people were out there in all kinds of weather (it can still be pretty chilly in Boston in April), cheering the runners on, I could just poke my head out of the window and watch the race in the comfort of my own home.

I’d done that a few times when I

PAGE 4

APRIL 18, 2013

was stuck inside writing term papers and wasn’t able to party.

The weekend before the event, Boston would swell with people and press pouring into the city and its environs. Everything would be transformed into Marathon Central. Parking would be impossible, and don’t even think about going out to eat. But it was fun. We all got caught up in the spirit of the race.

When you live on the race route, you also have “Marathon Parties” and so do your neighbors. You also get out there and wander the streets of the Back Bay and people-watch and mingle and stop in bars and drink without worrying how you’re going to brave the congested streets or jammed subways to get home.

You just walk around the corner.

I remember one year, way back in the 1970s, when I had to work.

I was selling cosmetics in Lord & Taylor and of course, retail is always open on a holiday. It was a raw, rainy day and I was actually

glad to be working. It was clearly not a day for spectator sports, let alone running.

The finish line is on Boylston Street, right near the store. It was so cold that some of the poor runners crossed the line, wrapped themselves in their foil blankets, and proceeded to the warmth of our store, only to collapse on the floor, writhing in pain from leg and stomach cramps. “Why do they put themselves through this?” I remember thinking. It didn’t seem worth it, to me.

But it is to the runners, and to the thousands of people who come each year to cheer them on.

If you run in the Boston Marathon, you are really something. Even if you come in last.

It’s an achievement that most runners dream of. It’s 26 grueling miles, but all along the route, people are there, cheering you on.

If you cross that finish line, you’ve made it.

Today started off like any other race day. The crowds, the

excitement, the perseverance of the runners.

It did not end like any other race day.

I left Boston nine years ago.

Louisiana is my home now. I put Boston behind me in 2003.

But with today’s tragedy, everything I love about Boston came flooding back: its beauty, its history, its politics, its openmindedness, its culture.

If Philadelphia is the “Cradle of Liberty,” then Boston is the hand that rocked the cradle. And the people of Boston did not fail today.

Journalist Howard Fineman said it best: "In the end, the terrorists will fail because Bostonians did not turn from their fellow men -- they turned toward them. And that is the real music of mankind."

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 5 • Issue 2

When an individual is diagnosed with a developmental disability such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, etc., parents and caregivers have many questions about the services, treatment and therapies available in our area.

The Lake Area Special Needs Resource Fair, presented by the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc., (JLLC) will allow these questions to be answered all in one place. The community will be able to see what resources are available and speak with providers and vendors, such as Autism Society SWLA Chapter, St. Nicholas Center for Children, Autism Services of SWLA, Up for Downs, Autism Support Alliance, Hope Therapy Center, McNeese Autism Program, Milestones Behavioral Services, Families Helping Families, Early Steps, Ultimate Performance Sports & Rehab, Pure Foods and AdvoCare.

This is the inaugural event, but the JLLC hopes to present the fair on a yearly basis. “Our goal is to bring different speakers in annually to discuss current strategies and therapies available to assist families,” said Jill Demeritt, the chair for the JLLC’s Impact Support (formerly Done in a

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Day) committee. lies to know there are answers. Our Demeritt has personally experigoal is to showcase all these wonderful enced the dilemmas that face parents resources available in our community. of developmentally disabled children.

With the population “When my son was of special needs chilfirst diagnosed, I felt JLLC’s Impact Support/Done in a Day Committee Presents dren growing, the lost and uncertain The Lake Area Special Needs need for this inforabout where to turn Resource Fair mation is even for help and Saturday, April 27, 2013 greater. We want answers,” she 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. families to be able to explained. “I am a Waters Edge Community Theatre network with one speech pathologist 2760 Power Center Parkway another and be there that works with speto support each cial needs children, Featured Speaker: other.” but did not know Elizabeth Strickland Another goal of what to do first Author of Eating for Autism…the 10-Step Plan to Helping Treat Your the fair is to bring when my own son was diagnosed with Child’s Autism, Asperger’s or ADHD. national speakers here locally to eduautism.”

Registration: 8-8:30 a.m. cate families on topDemeritt and ics being discussed her husband had Strickland Workshop: nationwide. “When been told by one of 8:30-11:30 a.m. a poll was taken of their son's doctors in Dallas that in Resource Fair: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. parents of special needs children, the order to get the best topic of nutrition care and therapies, Admission is FREE. and diet was one they they should look into had heard and read a lot about, but moving to a larger city.

“That was not going to work for us, wanted more information on how to since our family support was here,” she implement in their daily lives,” Demeritt said. “We will address differsaid. “I quickly found out there are ent topics from year to year.” topnotch services available right here Attendees can expect to walk away in the Lake Charles area. I want fami-

with information on all the resources in our area committed to assisting families with a special-needs individual. They will be able to network with others in similar situations so they can have a local support system to turn to for guidance. And they will learn how diet and nutrition play a key role in improving behavior, cognition, mood and attention skills of those with special needs.

There will be a three-hour workshop presented by Elizabeth Strickland, the author of Eating for Autism. She will discuss how certain foods, critical nutrients, food additives, chemicals, trans fat and sugar impacts your child’s ability to focus, concentrate, learn, and maintain selfcontrol and affects their mood and behavior.

Discussion will include basic strategies families can implement at home to improve the mealtime experience and expand their child’s diet to include a variety of nutritious foods.

If you’d like more information, if you’re interested in volunteering, or would like to have a booth at the fair, contact Jill Demeritt at (337) 302-6132 or email Jilldemeritt@yahoo.com. TJN

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 5

by Mike Louviere of rabbit and wild hare fur for qualia fire, but more often was used to enough for the rough life of a Shortly after mankind began to ty hats, and wool for the cheaper shunt cows in this direction or working cowboy. cover their bodies with leaves, anifelt hats. It is easy to tell the quality that.” mal skins, or whatever else was of the felt by the The “Boss” had handy, they decided to also develop The Birth of the Cowboy Hat feel. Wool fur John Batterson Stetson was born an uncreased crown, some sort of cover for their heads. feels rough. and like a dome and a in New Jersey, the seventh of 12 Over the centuries, men wore hats the better the flat brim. Later, children of Stephen Stetson, a hatof all sizes and shapes, made from quality of the Stetson built the ter. As a youth, he worked with his all sorts of materials. One of the fur felt, the “Carlsbad,” identimost iconic of all hats has been the father, learning the hat-making smoother the fied by its crease trade. When Stephen Stetson was Western style or “Cowboy Hat.” By feel of the felt. down the middle of diagnosed with tuberculosis, he the second millennium, materials An off-thethe crown. moved out West, wanting to see had settled into two basic types: rack wool felt The hats became that part of the country while he straw and felt. hat from a truck known as “Stetsons” still could. There, he saw that In the heyday of the working stop can sell for because “John B. drovers were wearing coonskin cowboy (the years after the War as little as $35.

Stetson Company” caps and he began to wonder if fur Between the States), huge ranches A 100X fur felt was embossed in of several thousand acres came into felt would work for a lightweight, hat will cost gold on every hatall-weather hat for the westerners. operation, mostly in Texas, raising over $1,000. The band. The Stetson In 1865, John B. Stetson moved thousands of head of cattle. Since number of “Xs” became the bestthere was a huge market for beef in to Philadelphia, taking the lessons John B. Stetson denotes the known hat in the he learned from his father. There, the eastern United States, the quality of the he began manufacturing hats suited West. Soon, the Loving and Goodnight trails, high-crowned, wide-brimmed, soft fur felt. A 4X hat may cost in the to the needs of the westerners. He among others, were developed to felt Western hats became associated range of $100; as the number of Xs developed a neutral fur felt hat in drive the cattle from Texas to the Kansas railheads for shipment east. the “Boss of the Plains” style. It had with the cowboy image. A cowboys increase, so does the price.

The meaning of the X has called his hat a “lid,” “shade-maker,” a four-inch crown, four-inch brim The hundreds of working cowchanged. Until the late 1960s, the “sky piece,” or “John B.” boys on the ranches and trails wore and a plain strap for a band. number of Xs on a hat would give After hats began to be sold in One observer noted: “It kept the whatever kind of hat they could you a good indication of the price. boxes, Stetson’s main advertising sun out of your eyes and off your find: fedoras, derbies, slouch hats; image, printed on the box for near- Stetsons used to sell for $5 per X. A neck. It gave you a bucket to water veterans of the late war wore their cowboy could go into a general ly half a century, was a kneeling your horse and a cup to water old army hats. Mexican sombreros store in a small town, take a hat off cowboy watering his horse from a and even the occasional silk top hat yourself. It made a hell of a fan, the shelf, turn it over, look at the which you sometime needed to fan hat filled with water. could be seen on the trail. number of Xs stamped on the Beaver fur band, and know that the 4X hat Enduring Style was becoming would cost him $20. Gradually the In the 165 years scarce by the dollar value of the X gave way to it since Stetson time of the great becoming a mark of quality. invented the trail drives.

Hats used to be sold with an “Cowboy Hat,” there Beaver had been “open crown” and flat brim. The have been some the fur of choice seller of the hat would then shape changes, but the for making hat basic shape remains. the hat to the wearer’s preference, felt for decades, “crushing” the crown and “rolling” The average brim but by the midthe brim. Nowadays, the hats come on today’s hat 1800s, beaver from the maker in a crown that has remains at four and had been mostly already been shaped, and a brim half inches. The trapped out. Silk that is no longer rolled, but height of the crown had been develstamped into a squared-off shape. still averages oped for use in Some hat sellers have the ability to between four and men’s dress top Stetsons are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, five inches. Today’s reshape the hat for the wearer, but hats, but it was it is becoming harder to find them. felt is made mostly not durable as seen in Patton’s Western Wear PAGE 6

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

places such as Ecuador, the West Catalina Hatters is one of the Indies, or other tropical areas. The premier hat companies. The highest quality hats are made from Catalina family has produced Panama toquilla fibers. Toquilla is rodeos for over 25 years and recently decided to branch out into light and durable. Most straw hats have either open the hat business. ventilation spaces They sell hats woven in or have from several several metal makers, but they grommets insertalso offer a ed on each side unique service: of the crown. As they will rework with felt hats, the a felt hat. They better the quality will chemically of the straw, the clean the hat, Straw Hats higher the price sand the felt back of the hat. to original condition, replace the Sadly, when a straw hat gets too band and the lining and custom dirty, out of shape, damaged, or crease and roll the hat to the cusjust too old, there is no way to tomer’s request. The basic price starts at $80, far cheaper than buy- recondition them. They will have ing another hat of the same quality. to be replaced.

Stetson is still selling large Straw hats are also popular and numbers of quality hats in both practical. The cheaper hats are felt and straw, but they no longer woven from some sort of palm have the lion’s share of the market, leaf. They are heavier and have a since there are a plethora of hattendency to shrink if you are makers today. With such variety caught in a rainstorm and the hat and quality available, you can be dries out unattended. fitted with any type of hat you Better straw hats may be made wish to purchase. of one of several straws from

TJN

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 7

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

DELTA DOWNS DONATES TO UNITED WAY Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel announced that it has made a contribution of more than $58,000 to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

Delta Downs and its parent company, Boyd Gaming, have a long-standing relationship with the United Way. The company has played a leading role in supporting the organization in each of the communities where it does business.

Tammy Abraham, Delta Downs executive secretary; Carol Core, Delta Downs director of operations; Nora Popillion, PR manager; and Becky Ainsworth, United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

L’AUBERGE HOSTS EMPTY BOWL FUNDRAISER L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles recently hosted the Fifth Annual Empty Bowl dinner benefiting the Salvation Army. The Empty Bowl dinner reminds attendees of members of the community in need. Ceramic bowls crafted by local artists are donated and attendees enjoy a variety of soups cooked up by local restaurants. The in-kind donation of $16,845 consisted of ballroom space and food and beverage donations.

PAGE 8

APRIL 18, 2013

CITGO LAKE CHARLES EMPLOYEES FUEL EFFORTS TO SUSTAIN THE ENVIRONMENT CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex employees have recycled more than 5,200 pounds of recyclable material through the CITGO Employee Recycling Program, which began in March 2012. As part of the “Greening of CITGO”, a corporate initiative, the program provides the opportunity for LCMC employees to engage in recycling materials from work and at home through recycling bins located in the refinery. Items commonly collected for recycling include paper, plastic and aluminum items. CITGO Lake Charles also hosts employee and community recycling events each year, including E-Recycle Day, an annual effort that collects disposable electronic waste from the community, such as computers, monitors and mobile phones – which contain valuable recoverable materials.

NEW POSITIONS AT CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION CSE Federal Credit Union congratulates Peggy Wright, Jim Swift and Tammy Powers on their new positions. Wright has been named CSE’s Mortgage Lending Manager. She is a certified Notary/Loan Review Analyst with 28 years of experience in the financial industry. Swift joins the team from Jeff Davis Bank as Member Business Lending Officer. With 40 years of experience, Jim looks to provide excellence service to members while growing CSE’s business portfolio. At his side will be Tammy Powers, also a certified notary, and CSE’s new Member Business Lending Assistant. Tammy aims to promote and support business membership while developing new business relationships. For more information, call (337) 477-2000, and ask for Peggy, Jim or Tammy. CSE is federJim Swift ally insured by NCUA.

Peggy Wright

Tammy Powers

J&J EXTERMINATING HONORED BY SW ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS J&J Exterminating’s Lake Charles office was recently honored with the Affiliate of the Year award presented by the Southwest Association of Realtors. Gerard Brown, supervisor of Realtor inspections with J&J Exterminating in Lake Charles, accepted the award at the group’s recent banquet. The association noted that Brown provides exceptional service to area

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Realtors by providing reliable and timely inspection of properties to detect wood destroying insects or dry rot. The office is located at 1717 W. Prien Lake Road. For more information, call 474-7377 or visit "http://www.jjext.com" www.jjext.com.

SWLA ATTRACTIONS NOMINATED FOR ‘BEST OF THE SOUTH 2013’ According to the nominations for “Best of the South 2013,” as submitted by readers' of AAA Southern Traveler, Southwest Louisiana is looking good with

CHRISTUS SPONSORS FIRST AHA DESIGNATED WALKING PATH IN SWLA On April 3, the first AHA designated walking path in Lake Charles was unveiled. This new walking path, located in Drew Park and sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, is a step toward heart disease prevention and reducing heart disease in Louisiana. April 3 was National Walking Day, designated for companies, organizations and individuals across America to wear sneakers to work, take 30 minutes to walk and pledge to live hearthealthy lives. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in Louisiana. The American Heart Association’s designated Walking Path program, sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital and UnitedHealthcare, provides safe and accessible walking paths that give communities a resource that can be used to increase heart health.

CHRISTUS COMPLETES PHASE ONE OF $1.5 MILLION PROJECT CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital recently completed the initial phase of a $1.5-million patient room enhancement project, made possible by a $1-million donation from the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Foundation. The enhancement work was unveiled at a dedication ceremony on April 11, and tours of the updated floor were given. Phase one of the project focused on the medical/surgical hospital unit, located on the fifth floor. The total project will encompass all patient care floors. The project focuses on the improvement of patient satisfaction and quality outcomes. CHRISTUS St. Patrick provides private rooms, which reduces the risk of infection and allows patients to speak more freely with caregivers about health matters. A more comfortable environment will promote interactions among people since an inviting space with privacy encourages family and friends to visit longer.

three nominations. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is in the running for the best nature trail or natural area to explore. L’Auberge Casino Resort is competing for best casino. And Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail, which includes Lake Charles’ own Gray Plantation Golf Course, is in contention for the golf trail providing the best courses. Final voting is underway online at www.AAA.com/traveler (click on Southern Traveler, then Best of the South) and continues through May 17, 2013. The winner in each category will be announced in the July/August issue of AAA Southern Traveler. TJN

WCCH ANNOUNCES OPENING OF OBG-1 West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of OBG-1 of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, formerly OBG-1, a local obstetric and gynecology clinic. OBG-1 of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital offers quality, personalized women’s care at one convenient location in Sulphur. The clinic will remain under the medical direction of Ben Darby, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN and Scott Bergstedt, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN. Allison Hansen, CNM, certified nurse midwife will also provide services at the clinic. OBG-1 of WCCH is located at 1200 Stelly Lane in Sulphur. Office hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (337) 312-1000.

ADVANCES IN ARTHRITIS TREATMENT APRIL 25 AT WCCH West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will host Movement Improvement, a free community seminar featuring physician specialists discussing advances in arthritis treatment, at 6 p.m. on Thurs., April 25, at L’Auberge Casino Resort’s Event Center. Advancements in arthritis treatment, including new joint replacement options, have grown tremendously in recent years, which is the focus of this upcoming seminar. Speakers include Center for Orthopaedics' physicians Dr. John Noble, Dr. Geoffrey Collins, Dr. Tyson Green and Dr. Steven Hale. Seating is limited and preregistration is requested. Call (337) 527-5459 or register online in the event section of www.centerforortho.com. TJN

FOUNDATION FOR FAIRPLAY DONATES TO MERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL The Foundation for Fairplay recently donated $677.50 in athletic equipment to Merryville High School. The money went towards the purchase of two sets of catchers gear, 5 batting helmets, two coaches’ helmets and a folding backstop for the baseball team. F3 was established by The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital to provide a more level playing field in the areas of preventable injury needs. The fund will assist schools in acquiring equipment such as quality football helmets, training room equipment needed for the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and creating safe physical fitness surroundings. Funds are distributed through an application process, which is reviewed by a volunteer board of directors. To learn more about F3 or to make a donation, call (337) 494-3226 or visit "http://www.lcmh.com/f3" www.lcmh.com/f3.

WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TO HOST DERBY PARTY MAY 11 Women & Children’s Hospital will host their next Healthy Woman event on Sat., May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Charles Country Club located at 3350 Country Club Road. The Healthy Woman Derby Party – Heels, Hats and Horses will feature author and cooking expert Liz Edmunds; aka The Food Nanny. Women are encouraged to put on their best hat and heels and enjoy a fun ladies day out. An expo featuring Healthy Woman partners will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, and the program and lunch will follow. To register and purchase your $20 ticket for this event, please go to www.women-childrens.com/healthywoman by May 4, or call 475-4064.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 9

Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Opus 100

Four years ago, I pitched the idea of a column about a Yankee’s view of living in Louisiana to my good friend, Lauren, for her thennew publication. We were at a party, and I made sure to wait until the time was right—that is, at least twothirds of the way to the bottom of the Crown Royal bottle. Now, exactly one hundred articles later, I’m still going strong, plus I have a line on selling Lauren’s side of the story to Hollywood for the next Hangover movie.

Since I’ve been writing “The

PAGE 10

APRIL 18, 2013

Dang Yankee,” the first question I get from people when they see me in public—outside of when it’s open season on Yankees and I’m wearing camouflage—is, “Where’s your wife?” I’ve learned that, around here, it’s frowned upon for a man to leave the house without his wife unless he’s carrying a fishing rod.

Even then, she’ll often be seen tagging along, and not to help bait the hook, if you know what I mean.

Another question I often get is, “How do you come up with your ideas?” Well, it isn’t hard. First off, it

helps a lot when you’re married to someone where every day is like an episode of I Love Lucy. It’s not a bad thing, really, except for the reruns, like the episode where she’s calling her cell phone in order to find it, only she left it on vibrate.

That’s the same one where I do a mean job of cursing in Spanish a la Ricky Ricardo.

Actually, my wife is the first one I’d like to publicly acknowledge for this column, because, let’s face it, I’d better. But, more importantly, I’m fortunate to be married to someone who’s such a good sport about it all.

I could lampoon her in an article, and she’d just giggle over it as she reads the draft over our morning coffee. Everything is hunky-dory, except for the strange odor of correction fluid in my creamer.

On top of married life, Louisiana itself is a veritable gold mine for the humorist. This is confirmed by the world-respected Cajun think tank, Boudreaux and Thibodeaux Research Associates, LLC, on whose accurate data I have come to rely as a source for this column. According to their studies, Louisiana has more jokes per capita than any other state in the nation.

(Fully half of them involve some reference to road kill.) Of course, our state also has the most prison inmates per capita, and that’s counting only the elected officials.

So there’s no shortage around here of subject material for a humor column. I’ve written about hurricanes, high school football, and weed infestations that I could control only with napalm. I’ve learned, however, that there are certain, sensitive subjects where I’d best tread lightly. I’m talking grave issues where people hold strong, deepseated views. Chief among these is

LSU football. And while I do often hear people knock on the Tigers, I notice that these are all natives talking. It’s a birthright. If you were born in Louisiana, you could say all you want about Les Miles; like, maybe, how you’ve seen better X’s and O’s drawn on a Valentine’s Day card. However, if I, being of Yankee persuasion, tried to say that, I’d find myself resting peacefully underneath a duck blind somewhere in Cameron Parish. This is why I left the whole Honey Badger thing alone, even though, for a time, his comic value rose almost to the same level as road kill.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my many loyal readers.

(I count at least ten, including my mother.) So many of you have had such nice things to say about the column. This has helped to keep me going, even though I’m sure most people do it for fear of otherwise having their names mentioned. (It doesn’t work; just ask around.)

Finally, I have to thank my editor, Lauren, particularly for sticking with me through my early period (what the literary critics call my “Brown Period”). She is an English major and reads Faulkner; I’m an engineer who did his senior-year term paper on Dr. Seuss. (I got a “C” mainly out of sympathy.) She taught me a lot about writing, like how important it is to use the right word. Mark Twain said it best: “The difference between using the right word and almost the right word is like the difference between ‘honeymooning’ and just plain ‘mooning.’”

So now, Lauren, are you sure I can’t get you something for that hangover?

Can’t get enough of “The Dang Yankee?” You can catch more of Mike’s wit at thedangyankee.com

TJN

Volume 5 • Issue 2

By George “Tip” Cline

LC VOTERS SPEAK I am proud of my fellow citizens of Lake Charles for their recent electoral rejection of the proposed hotel on the Civic Center grounds.

There are two old saws that state “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” and “Dance with the girl that brung you.” The concept to do something, even if it’s wrong, seems to be a driving force in so many cases. Our Civic Center is a highly regarded feature of downtown Lake Charles.

Although parking can be inadequate at times, we surely don’t want to lose any more of that space. If you want people to come, you have to have plenty of convenient parking within a short distance of any event. The view of the lakefront does not need to be obscured any more than it is at present and the city does not need to compete with private enterprise. The marina and lakefront improvements were moves in the right direction; the hotel project was not.

OZONE LEVEL ISSUES Next month is “Clean Air Month.” Lake Charles is flirting with “non-attainment” status with the EPA, due to our ozone level being one point from the mark.

“Non-attainment” is defined as 75 ppb and we are at 74 ppb. We have been accepted into the EPA’s Ozone Advance Program, a voluntary effort to work with the agency in a cooperative manner to improve emissions and ozone levels. We will be hearing more about ways to attain better air quality and remain in favorable status with the EPA. We do not want to suffer the penalties associated with “non-attainment” status, which would cost us in many ways. Simple efforts on Volume 5 • Issue 2

our part can help, such as reducing the idling time of engines, limiting vehicle, boat and lawnmower usage and converting to newer, cleaner engines.

SPRING ART WALK Here is a freebie for you. On Friday, April 26, the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is sponsoring the Spring Art Walk from 5 – 9 p.m. There will be complementary wine and hors d’oeuvres served at various locations around Lake Charles. The Art Battle, a very popular event last year, will again he held downtown.

Galleries will abound as businesses and other locations are utilized and they will feature different visual artists from our region. There will be some ancillary activities, music, a pub crawl and more. Some of these activities will not be gratis, but touring the exhibits will not cost you a dime.

EXAGGERATION? The “know-it-alls” just can’t help but editorialize when they are opposed to something. Cars that fit the family need are “gas guzzlers,” and appliances are “energy hogs.”

The anti-foodie refers to sodium and calorie content as “whopping.”

They just can’t report the facts; they have to be embellished. The amount of sodium, fat and sugar can’t be just so many milligrams-they have to be gut-busting, arteryclogging or something that sounds like you’ll be at the undertakers after one bite. I do not mean to promote unhealthy eating. It is clear that we Americans are overeaters. Obesity abounds here, but I believe that the facts should speak for themselves, not the presenter of the facts. TJN APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 11

by Nicole Shuff Arabie

Choose To Be Brave

Do you have to be brave to do brave things? Absolutely not. There really aren’t brave people, there are just people who do things that scare them and people who let fear keep them from doing what they want to do.

The brave ones make this world interesting. You’re brave if you don’t back down, even when there are lots of people giving you reasons why you should.

Most people assume brave people accomplish brave things by being

born without fear. And that they do something absolutely incredible.

In reality, bravery is usually something like this: •Not feeling obligated to say “I’m sorry” to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

•Leaving some form of love behind, with no guarantees of ever finding something else.

•Honestly not caring about what anyone else thinks of you while acknowledging that it’s nearly impossible to go through this life without

caring how you’re perceived.

•Creating something, anything, and sending it out into the world.

•Not backing down, even when a lot of people are giving you reasons as to why you should.

Out of all your friends, you’ll find a few who are actually like this.

It just never occurs to them that what they’re doing isn’t 100 percent the best. Their attitude is intoxicating. It’s sort of the reason why we’re drawn to reality shows. Day in and day out, we’re surrounded by people who are so self-conscious. Then suddenly, we meet a bunch of crazy people who are convinced that the way they live is THE BEST. Admit it.

We all wish we had an ounce of their confidence.

You’re brave if you’re able to get out of a situation that feels comfortably uncomfortable. You’re brave if you leave some form of love behind with no guarantees of ever finding something else. It might not seem like a brave thing to do, but look how many people are in loveless relationships. They’d rather having something awful than nothing at all.

Know who you are and embrace it. Don't care what other people think. Be true to yourself.

Meet Pirate!

When found by a busy highway, Pirate's days were numbered.

The evidence of the abuse she had endured was glaring. She was missing one eye and most of the teeth on the right side of her broken jaw, which appears to have been broken by being kicked.

She was in desperate need of rescue, medical care, and love. Pirate is now in a safe, loving place where she will continue to thrive and learn, by her foster's example, that all humans are not cruel. She is slowly overcoming her fear and shyness when approached by people. The few humans she does trust give her extra doses of love and belly rubs, and she has made new feline and canine friends, too.

PAGE 12

APRIL 18, 2013

Don’t listen to that defeating voice that says” I'm not enough.” It breeds insecurity. And it totally puts out your fire. Instead of feeling confident and passionate, you start to feel insecure and even embarrassed.

You start to believe that voice.

If that thing that is stirring in your heart is a nudging from God, asking you to come alive and do what you were created to do, it is a risk you must take. Express the parts of you that need to be said and need to be heard. Be confident that the One who created you has a plan that must be carried out. He's telling you that you’re the one for the job. Don’t be afraid to be your unique self, with all your passions and callings. Don’t be afraid to be brave.

To book a session or other services with Nicole Shuff Arabie, call (337) 540-6573 and leave a message indicating several dates/times that work for you. You will hear back by phone with available dates and times. You can also go to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/#!/Decluttering YourSoul. Both in-person readings or phone/skype readings are available. TJN Pirate is current on shots and is spayed, microchipped and working on housetraining. Although she is only 5-6 months old, Pirate has had a very rough life. Her perfect match will be someone who is patient and kind with a desire to change Pirate's nightmare past into a "dream come true" life. Are you willing to share your life and love with this special little girl? If you would like to arrange a meeting with Pirate, call (337) 478-7294 or email us at "mailto:lapaw@bellsouth.net" lapaw@bellsouth.net. If you would like to help with Pirate’s vet bills, please make a donation at "http://www.lapaw.org" www.lapaw.org. Hurry, Pirate is waiting!

Urgent Need for Foster Parents!

Help us to save even more animals May through September marks the time of year when our foster families receive many pleas for help, LAPAW RESCUE and TNR is asking all residents who have the interest and time to contact us and become a Foster Parent. Training, as well as all necessary supplies, will be provided to each foster volunteer. Caring for a foster animal takes patience and care.

If you can dedicate the love and care to help save these lives, please contact LAPAW at (337) 478-7294, or e-mail lapaw@bellsouth.net. TJN Volume 5 • Issue 2

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 13

Zeus Cafe in Lafayette is recognized as a valued, high-quality restaurant that has become integrated into the Lafayette community. Diners in Southwest Louisiana are also coming to recognize Zeus Cafe in Lake Charles in much the same way, and the restaurant is happy to part of the Lake Charles social environment.

Zeus is pleased to celebrate their second year of serving the people of Southwest Louisiana. Rosemary H. Schuh and her son Pablo Mejia III, co-owners, enjoy what Zeus has brought to their lives: the opportunity to meet and interact with new people while introducing them to a new flavor. "We have customers who come in every week, religiously,” Rosemary said. “This means we must be doing something right."

Rosemary and Pablo are always happy to support

Happy Anniversary Zeus Café Lake Charles!

local organizations and community service groups. "We donated sandwiches to workers at the Bord du lac Park downtown, hosted a successful auction for The Peoples Advocate of Lake Charles and have donated

Museum and director of the Houston’s Blaffer Gallery. "You never know who on the Who's Who list you’ll see at Zeus Cafe in Lake Charles,” Rosemary said.

At Zeus Cafe, you'll always enjoy healthy, fresh and flavorful food in a unique and exotic family atmosphere. There’s a wide selection of items on the menu, including seafood and vegetarian dishes. New items include Cajun Hummus, the Greek Burger, Chicken Shawarma Pizza, and the delicious Chicken Shawarma PoBoy. "For Lent, we introduced our spinach pie with sautéed crawfish and our delicious pasta sauce,” Rosemary said. “It’s so delicious that we thought, ‘Why have it just for Lent?’”

When diners ask about the food, Rosemary tells them, “It’s Greek and Lebanese with a Louisiana flare to it."

If it’s your first time and you're not sure what to order, your server will be more than happy to give you small sampling of chicken shawarma and gyro to help you make your decision. They also have a full service bar along with a good selection of

wine, which complements the menu.

The house drink is the Zeustini, which is delightful.

“To help celebrate our anniversary we will be handing out Lunch Punch Cards and Hummus Punch Cards,” Rosemary said. With the Lunch Card, enjoy seven lunches with Zeus and get the eighth for free. With the Hummus Card, enjoy five orders of regular hummus or Grecian dip and receive the sixth FREE. Don't forget belly dancing on Friday nights starting at 6:30 p.m. and a classical guitar player Jay Kacherski, who plays on Saturday nights beginning at 6 p.m.

“Our patio is always open, so stop by and enjoy your meal outside while we still have such lovely weather,” Rosemary said. “And we are always happy to host small or large groups, private parties and get-togethers.”

Zeus Lake Charles, 409 W. Prien Lake Rd.- Suite A, Lake Charles, (337) 439-7099. Hours: Mon. – Thurs.

11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. – Sat.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Check out their website www.zeuscafe.com and like them on Facebook. TJN

several gift certificates for local fund raisers,” she said. “We are also very proud to support the Visual Arts program at McNeese State University, donating money for the Outstanding Artist Merit Award, along with providing refreshments to many of their art shows and exhibitions.”

In the past two years, Zeus hosted Nat Livings from the Dallas Cowboys, former Saints player Mike McKenzie, and Peregrine Honig, a contestant on the Bravo series "Work of Art--The Next Great Artist." Most recently, they entertained Claudia Schmuckli, acting chief curator of the Zeus has a wonderful bar, and the restaurant’s signature University of Houston’s Art drink is the Zeustini. It’s light and refreshing and perfect for the warm summer nights to come!

The Zeustini 5 parts sweet tea vodka 3 parts lemon citrus mix Pinch of rosé water Garnish with lemon Enjoy!

PAGE 14

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

It’s not easy moving to a new area. There are so many things to think about, and something’s bound to slip through the cracks.

So, for those of you who’ve just arrived (and for the rest of you who sometimes misplace important contact info), here’s some information that you’ll need to keep on hand.

Utilities Electricity Cameron (800) 368-3749 or (337) 775-5332 Carlyss, Iowa, Jennings, Kinder, Lake Charles, Starks, Sulphur and Westlake (800) 368-3749

www.entergy.com DeRidder (337) 824-7330 Moss Bluff (337) 855-6684 Gas Carlyss (337) 625-4171 Cameron (337) 775-5049 DeRidder (318) 335-1606

Jennings (337) 824-1623 Kinder (337) 738-2585 Lake Charles (337) 477-1307 Moss Bluff (337) 433-0691 Starks (337) 786-6251 Sulphur (337) 625-4171

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Kinder (337) 824-4162 Lake Charles (337) 491-1307 www.cityoflakecharles.com Moss Bluff (337) 855-7250 Sulphur (337) 527-4500 www.Sulphur.org.

Westlake (337) 433-0691 www.cityofwestlake.com

Water Carlyss (337) 583-2777 DeQuincy (337) 786-4426 DeRidder (337) 821-5523 Iowa (337) 582-3535 www.iowala.org

5909 Hwy. 14 East Iowa, LA Ph: 337-540-0278 Fax: 337-478-5078 www.stansairboatservice.com/about-hydroseeding

5909 Hwy. 14 East, Iowa, LA 24 Hour Call: 337-802-9147 337-540-0278 www.stansairboatservice.com Stan’s Airboat & Marsh Excavator Service began as a company that provided transportation for clients whose jobs were non-accessible by terrain vehicles.

We have now grown into a full service pipeline right of way reclamation and excavation as well as oil spill recovery, clean-up and disaster recovery service.

We are fully insured, ISNETWORLD approved and have all OSHA and NCCER certifications.

“We can get to most of our commercial clients within 1-2 days,” says Liz Todd, who owns the company with her husband Tommy. “Our business is successful due to our dependable employees. And because our equipment is small as far as marsh excavation is concerned, we are in a niche business.”

Todd says that they have little downtime because they keep a local parts inventory and their operators are trained to fix most of the problems that arise.

“We also own six Mini Marsh excavators,

Westlake (337) 433-0691

so we can replace one quickly if the need arises,” she added.

The Todds were already owners of AnuWorks, Inc. when their good friend who owned the marsh business were ready to sell. With help from local bankers and advisors, they were able to purchase Stan’s.

“We take a lot of pride in being a Louisiana company and a Lake Area company,” Todd said. “Even with the tough economy of the last few years, we have managed to triple our excavator and Airboat fleets and double our sales, which we feel is a testament to our can-do and will-do attitude that is company-wide.”

Todd says they have been blessed to have wonderful mentors—the previous owner as well as local business people whom they look up to.

“Building business relationships and being able to help younger people in their personal growth is a huge reward,” Todd said. TJN

In 2001, Tommy and Liz Todd bought a hydroseeding business that was meant to be a replacement for AnuWorks, Inc.’s backbreaking work of building metal structures and fences.

The metal-building business was too profitable to leave for the next five years, but the hydroseeding side continued to grow as well.

Tommy Todd personally runs the business, and there’s a good chance that he will be spraying your job.

“We specialize in erosion control and carry different grades of mulch to take care of the specific needs of your job,” said Liz Todd. “No job is too big or too small for our crew. We have serviced the State of La. DOTD with sprayed-on Erosion Control Bonded Fiber Matrix as well a vast array of contractors between

Mississippi and Houston.”

In addition, AnuWorks does residential work. “We would also be happy to help you beautify your lawn whether it be with, native common bermuda, centipede or your own choice of grass that you may have researched and wish to experiment with,” Liz said.

Their services can be used in but are not limited to the following applications: • Highway beautification and erosion control • Pipeline Right of Ways • Levee vegetation • Ditch and canal vegetation • Dust control • Embankment vegetation • Construction site vegetation • Lawn beautification Call us and ask about our free estimate! TJN APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 15

Newcomers’ Guide to the Lake Area

Ron Fogal Gen. Mgr.

Magan Wilhite Hwy. 14

Chris Best Ryan St. Mgr.

Mark Fuselier Sulphur

Chris Sanders Sulphur Mgr.

Rita Atkins Sulphur

Ron Ardoin Warehouse Mgr.

Dustin Corbello Hwy. 14 Mgr.

Danny Brown Ryan St.

City of Lake Charles Water Bill Payments Several options are available for water bill payment: Online Credit/Debit Card Payment at "http://www.cityoflakecharles" www.cityoflakecharles.com Mail your payment to P.O. Box 1727, Lake Charles, LA 70602.

Pay in person at the business office located at 326 Pujo St. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.- Fri. Pay through night deposit box located near the back doors of City Hall at 326 Pujo St. Pay in person at local Kroger grocery stores.

Automatic bank draft.

Pay by phone at (877) 396-3915; a convenience fee will apply for this service.

To Restore Service for Non-Payment Service will be restored the next business day if payment is received by 2 p.m. If payment is received after 2 p.m., it will take two business days to restore service. Customers who wish same day service must pay an additional $60 fee. Payment must be made in the business office by cash, credit/debit card or money order only--NO CHECKS.

Telephone AT&T Lake Charles, Iowa, Westlake, Carlyss and Sulphur Residential: (800) 288-2020 Business: (866) 620-6000 " http://www.att.com" www.att.com Cameron Telephone Co. Carlyss (337) 583-2111 "http://www.camtel.com" www.camtel.com CenturyLink Iowa Residential: (800) 201-4099 Business: (800) 201-4102 PAGE 16

APRIL 18, 2013

Automobile Office of Motor Vehicles 951 Main St., Lake Charles (225) 925-6146 "http://www.omv.dps.state.la.us" www.omv.dps.state.la.us New residents must buy a Louisiana driver’s license after establishing residency in the state.

If you have a valid license, you are not required to take a driving test; however, you must take the visual and other tests. Bring your out-ofstate license with you to the OMV. Tags/Registration Vehicles should be registered within 30 days of residency and after you have received your LA driver’s license. After the vehicle is registered, it must be inspected annually at service stations and garages with the large orange sign indicating that it’s an “Official Louisiana Vehicle Inspection Station. For the nearest location, call (337) 491-2011.

City Street Lights To report street light outage, call the Public Works Department Help Line at (337) 491-1220 or send an e-mail to www. HYPERLINK "mailto:publicworks@cityoflc.us" publicworks@cityoflc.us.

Lights should be repaired within seven-10 working days. Entergy repairs all city street lights except for the downtown ornamental lights and lights on the Enterprise and Shattuck Street Overpasses.

Who trims tree limbs around street lights?

If the tree is on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to have the tree trimmed. If the tree is located in the public right-of-way, the City will trim. Entergy does not trim tree limbs that interfere with street lights.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Who trims tree limbs around electrical lines?

Entergy will trim tree limbs that jeopardize service lines along the street. Entergy does not trim trees that jeopardize service lines from the street to a home. That is the homeowner's responsibility.

My street is dark. How do I get a street light installed?

Subdivision developers install street lights at their expense. The City does not install street lights in subdivisions; however, street lights may be installed in older areas of town that are not part of a dedicated subdivision. The standard light spacing for street lights is currently 180-200 feet.

Street lights are installed for the benefit of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Homeowners wanting security lights installed can contact Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY. The cost of the security light is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Solid Waste The Solid Waste Division of Public Works provides garbage and trash collection and wood waste processing services for the City of Lake Charles. Garbage and non-burnable items collected from residences are taken to the Jeff Davis Landfill or the Waste Management Transfer Station.

Burnable items are incinerated at the Wood Waste Processing Facility.

Solid Waste Division Responsibilities Furnish once-a-week garbage container collection Provide container maintenance and repair on all city supplied and owned containers with 24 hours of reported request.

Provide collection of trash and yard waste from residences a minimum of four times monthly.

Provide a citywide collection of white goods from residences when Volume 5 • Issue 2

required.

Operate a wood waste processing facility for the general public.

Enforce the provisions of Chapter Nine of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Lake Charles.

Street and Drainage If you have a complaint concerning drainage, call the Public Works Helpline at (337) 491-1220.

Voter Registration Registrar of Voters Office Calcasieu Parish Courthouse 1000 Ryan St. Rm. 7, Lake Charles (337) 437-3572 Area Chambers Cameron Parish Chamber of Commerce 433 Marshall St. Cameron, LA 70631 (337) 775-5222 DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce 400 Lake Charles Ave. DeQuincy, LA 70633 (337) 786-6451 Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce 111 N. Washington St. Deridder, LA 70634 (337) 463-5533 Jeff Davis Parish Business Alliance 246 N. Main St. Jennings, LA 70546 (337) 824-0933 Kinder Chamber of Commerce 414 North Ninth St. Kinder, LA 70648 (337) 738-5945 SWLA Economic Development Alliance 120 Pujo St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 433-3632 "http://www.allianceswla.com" www.allianceswla.com West Calcasieu Association of Commerce 1906 Maplewood Dr. Sulphur, LA 70663 (337) 533-1040 TJN APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 17

Business First’s Southwest Louisiana Banking Team (left to right) Joey Ardoin, Mortgage Officer Russell Pawlowski, Vice President/Commercial Banker Gregory Robertson, Southwest Louisiana Market President Gwen Himel, Vice President

Business First Bank Hits its Stride

By Jude Melville, President and CEO, Business First Bank

The world of community banking is changing. Regulatory, economic, and political uncertainty and perpetually low interest rates add to the challenge. If you’ve survived the last five years of economic turmoil, you’ve proven yourself capable of turning adversity into opportunity.

So it has been with Business First Bank. Chartered in 2006 just before the financial crisis began, we persevered in building a company during the midst of the storm and are now hitting our stride. We are active in six markets across Louisiana, each of which has its own strength and character and all of which have positive economic growth. We finished 2012 with all-time highs in loans, core deposits, and net earnings.

We have learned lessons that have helped us navigate the changing landscape. They include: •Determining what your niche is and focusing on serving it well. We are business bankers and focus on serving organizations, their owners, and employees.

•Centering decisions on customer needs. We’ve invested in remote capture deposit capability, enhanced internet banking, Virtual Vault, and other products that help our clients put their businesses first by making their processes more efficient.

•Being optimistic. We still live in the greatest country in the history of the world!

Our Mission

them, our priorities are: •Investing in “hi-tech/hi-touch” service: remote deposit capture, internet, mobile, and text banking are arriving and will be ubiquitous before we know it. What comes next?

•Maintaining a robust suite of commercial banking products. We are one of the few community banks in Louisiana with a full-time treasury management department.

Jude Melville •Attracting a growing roster of our most powerPresident and CEO ful branding tool: influential and talented people.

We have over 100 employees, over 350 investors, and over 2500 clients all of whom are here and involved for a reason.

•Remaining disciplined in our growth. In an increasingly connected, regulated, and competitive world, development of our processes, procedures, and people has to outpace our asset size.

Business First Mortgage Banking is not magic—it is hard work applied consistently over time.

That is how we have built value over the last seven years and that is how we’ll build value in 2013 and beyond.

Business First Mortgage is a division of Business First Bank. It is our mission to be the financial institution of choice for Louisiana enterprises and their owners and employees. Mortgage financing is a key part of that mission.

Our lending team is experienced in securing low rates and favorable terms, along with personalized service and expert financial advice. We are committed to making your home-buying experience a pleasant and professional one. Whether you are buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, contact Joey Ardoin in Lake Charles with Business First Mortgage at (337) 721-2700.

Business First is one of only a handful of community banks that have statewide reach. With a physical presence in six markets--Baton Rouge, the Bayou Region, Lafayette, the Northshore, Northwest Louisiana, and Southwest Louisiana—and strong leadership, clients, and shareholders in each, we benefit from Louisiana’s economic diversity.

Add our commercial and business banking expertise, product set, and focus to this community-oriented geographic range and we are poised to not only participate in but to contribute to Louisiana’s business resurgence. Our mission is to be the “With our focus on commercial and industrial lending, Business First Bank’s Southwest financial institution of choice for Louisiana enterprises and Louisiana banking center has been an integral part of the economic growth of this five-parish their owners and employees. region, especially with the expansion of the liquefied natural gas industry and related servic2012 was a very positive year for Business First Bank. Our es,” said Greg Robertson, President, SWLA Banking Center. “Our business banking expertise earnings increased year-over-year, loan and deposit volumes and specialized products uniquely position us to be the ‘go-to’ bank in the area.” grew to annual highs, and our asset quality improved. We begin Along with Gwen Himel and Russell Pawlowski, Robertson’s banking team collectively 2013 with what we believe to be a conservatively capitalized balrepresents more than 50 years of diversified experience and a firm commitment to grow busiance sheet, prepared for opportunity. ness in Southwest Louisiana. “Add to that the mortgage expertise of Joey Ardoin and you Our niche focus—serving Louisiana enterprises, their ownhave a full service business banking approach,” Robertson continued. “We have each dedicaters, and employees-- is increasingly attractive. Our markets ed ourselves to meeting the needs of businesses and professionals throughout this region with cross a state poised for potentially region-leading business one-on-one, personalized banking. We understand the importance of offering flexible service growth and the traditional community banking industry conto business owners and entrepreneurs and want to be a part of their success.” tinues to work through a transitional period. Both trends are You can learn more about Business First Bank by visiting www.B1Bank.com. Feel free to opportunities for our company. As we work to capitalize upon call Robertson personally at (337) 721-2700.

Focus in Commercial and Industrial Lending

TJN

PAGE 18

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

By Angie Kay Dilmore On a recent sunny spring day, a group of adolescents spent their recess enjoying the outdoors, shooting hoops, and relaxing at picnic tables, just like other schoolchildren across Calcasieu Parish. When the break ended, they reluctantly returned to the classroom.

But this is no ordinary school. These young people temporarily live at Harbour House, an emergency youth shelter nestled in the shadow of Chennault Airport.

“Harbour House is the only facility in our five-parish region that provides a safe haven for any child,” said Amy Dunn, Executive Director of Educational and Treatment Council (ETC) and Harbour House. “We’re going to take care of the at-risk kids in our community, regardless of their situation.”

Harbour House, one of several programs within the ETC network, was opened in 1985.

It’s a facility for boys and girls ages 9-17 in need, serving abused, vulnerable, and at-risk youth, including runaways, homeless youth, and children in the juvenile justice system.

Other shelters often have strict requirements for admission, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or homelessness.

Harbour House has very few restrictions or limiting criteria for admission. Kids come to Harbour House through school or parent referrals, police involvement, the MultiAgency Resource Center (MARC), the foster care system, or by youth themselves contacting

Volume 5 • Issue 2

the shelter. The facility assists approximately 12 children on-site at any given time, with a maximum capacity of 16. The average length of stay is approximately two weeks, but some residents live at the facility for several months.

Calcasieu Parish Voted Yes Dunn thanks the Calcasieu Parish community for once again passing the juvenile justice services tax renewal at the election earlier this month.

“This is a tax that was initially funded in 1967 to build the juvenile detention home,” she said. “Since then, it’s been renewed every ten years. It supports all the juvenile justice services for the parish. Harbour House and some other ETC programs are funded in part through that tax. It’s significant for us that the renewal passed. We are grateful to the community for their support, allowing us to provide support services for children who are at risk, who need a safe place to stay, or who might need counseling services.”

Dunn said this tax renewal reveals the community’s dedication to area youth. “It’s not just about supporting us as an agency or the juvenile justice system for the parish; it’s a commitment to the children of the parish.”

With approximately 300 admissions each year, Harbour House is a vital link for these atrisk youth.

“Where would some of these kids go, if Harbour House wasn’t here?”

Dunn wonders aloud. This unique shelter makes a lasting impact on the children it serves. Often, youth who spent time at Harbour

House will return years later to say hello or call to simply say thank you and let the staff know how they are doing.

“A couple of weeks ago, we had a young man come back for a visit,” Dunn said. “It had been six years since he was with us. He’s 22 now. He returned with his younger cousin and said ‘I wanted to show my cousin where I came from.’ The young man had graduated high school, stayed out of legal troubles, and now he’s a mechanic with his own shop in Allen Parish. Those are the kinds of things that keep me going. The kids remember.”

More Than a Shelter Dunn, who has worked at ETC for 22 years, is proud of the facility and how the lives of the children are enriched while they are there.

“It’s more than just a shelter,” she explained.

“We try to provide these youth with a variety of experiences while they are here. We have an onsite school program provided through the Calcasieu Parish School Board. The school offers a credit recovery program or they can work on their GED. Our classrooms are equipped with all the tools of regular classrooms, including Promethean boards and a computer lab. Education is one area where our kids struggle. They’ve fallen behind. This is an opportunity for them to get back on track with their education.”

There’s no chance these kids will suffer boredom. The staff at Harbour House keeps them busy with plenty of fun social activities.

They attend events and plays at McNeese, and went to LaGrange High School’s musical production of Suessical. They go bowling, skating, and to the SPAR Water Park in the summer. They stroll along the lakefront or play at Prien Lake Park. They attend parades and festivals and go on various field trips. Dunn and her staff strive to expose these children to APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 19

them express emotion. Art can help kids through frusThe 15-year-old who painted her interpretation of tration. It can Van Gogh’s still life flowers often struggled with the help them learn meaning of beauty. With a history of trauma, includ- perseverance ing the loss of one eye to a violent crime, she often and creativity.” remarked that she was not pretty and struggled with Dunn said her sense of self-worth. The art session allowed the that many of young lady to express her inner beauty in a way she the children was unaware of and to discover an unknown talent. think they’re She eagerly chose bright colors to create a work of not capable of art uniquely her own and proudly shared it upon its contributing completion. She remained at Harbour House for 47 and don’t think days before moving to a group home placement. highly of themThrough the efforts of Harbour House, she was selves. “Erin scheduled to be fitted with a prosthetic eye. draws them out,” she said.

“She helps Art as Therapy them learn that they can create Dunn emphasizes the imporbeautiful things. Through art, they tance of art for children in a facili- can explore talents they might not ty like Harbour House. know they possess. It’s an impor“We have a wonderful art tant aspect of our program.” instructor, Erin Barker, who comes here and works with the Community Perception, youth,” she said. “The kids love Awareness, and Involvement her. She really cares about them.

Dunn said that juvenile justice, Art is a terrific outlet for these mental health, child abuse and kids. For some, it’s a way to help neglect issues and homelessness

Art as Therapy

everything the community has to offer.

Sometimes, they dine out at restaurants. “Some of these kids have never ordered off a menu,” Dunn said. “We practice those skills before we go. We talk about tipping. Before we go anywhere, we talk about appropriate behavior, such as movie etiquette. We try to teach them life skills.”

PAGE 20

APRIL 18, 2013

are some harsh labels.

“We want to change the public’s perception of these kids,” she said.

“They are not hopeless. Maybe they’ve made some bad choices or have been dealt a bad hand, but they are still kids.”

Dunn is grateful for community support of Harbour House.

Especially during the holidays and other school breaks, young people in a shelter can experience loneliness and despair. They are acutely reminded of how abnormal their lives seem to be. Many area church groups and other organizations make an effort to spend time with these kids. They do activities with them or invite them to events. “ When we connect the community with these youth, people can see they’re just kids!” said Dunn.

“They have hopes and dreams like any other kid. We want to increase the public’s awareness about Harbour House.”

That’s where BAAK of SWLA comes in.

Benefitting Area At-Risk Kids Five years ago, Bob Redmon sought out a worthy cause to support. He has a heart for children, and soon discovered Harbour House. To raise money for the facility, he put together an organization called Benefitting Area AtRisk Kids, or BAAK of SWLA, for short.

BAAK focuses on two main objectives. “Our number one goal is to raise money for Harbour House. The second goal is to raise public awareness,” Redmon said.

He talks to local civic groups or just the average man on the street and is surprised to learn that many people are not aware of what Harbor House is and what they do.

Contrary to some public opinion, he said the residents are not “bad kids.”

“They come from difficult circumstances,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have people like Amy and her staff to help them.”

Redmon and his dedicated board of directors have organized several fun community events.

Each year, they grow and expand their fundraisers to include more people. They also increase their contribution to Harbour House Volume 5 • Issue 2

annually. Last year, BAAK donated $34,996.

Dunn greatly appreciates their efforts. “Grants and contracts cover salaries, insurance, utilities, food costs and other operating expenses, but it’s the support from BAAK that allows us to provide the special activities for the kids,” she said.

BAAK’s Second Annual Golf Tournament BAAK’s first event this year is a day of fun on the links at Mallard Cove Golf Course, just a long shot away from Harbour House, on Friday, May 10.

Registration begins at noon, with lunch provided. Tee-off at 1 p.m.

A four-person team scramble, the entry fee is $400 per team or $125 for an individual. Individual golfers will be matched to form a team. Hole sponsorships are available for $100. For more information, call the Mallard Cove Pro Shop at (337) 491-1204 or go to ETC’s website, www.etcyouth.org, to register.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

BAAK Benefit On June 1, BAAK will sponsor its annual benefit and poker run at Micci’s Lounge. This year, they’ve added an additional longer motorcycle route that will cruise through the parishes of Calcasieu, Jeff Davis and Allen, and a classic car show across Ryan Street in the parking lot of the old Piccadilly’s Restaurant. The Idlers car club will present the car show, and Redmon expects 100-125 vehicles.

The popular band Twangsters Union will play on the outdoor stage at Micci’s. Take a chance and buy raffle tickets to win two tickets to a Saints game. There will also be live and silent auctions, and food such as sausage sandwiches and sausages on a stick.

“We hope this event will expand the public’s awareness about who we are and why we do what we do,” Redmon said.

For more information on BAAK of SWLA, their events, or how to volunteer, go to www.baakofswla.com, or call Bob Redmon at (337) 249-7285. TJN

BAAK Benefit Schedule of Events Classic Car Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 3539 Ryan Street.

Registration at 8 a.m. To register a vehicle or for information, call Wesley Blanchard at (337) 474-7241 or (337) 884-4349.

Motorcycle Runs: Micci’s Lounge, 3606 Ryan Street, Two routes -- traditional and dry. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 9:45 and 10 a.m.

Auctions: Silent, 9-4 p.m. Live, 3:30 p.m.

Raffle: $1 per chance for two New Orleans Saints game tickets. Drawing 4 p.m.

50/50 Split the Pot: Drawing, 4 p.m.

Outdoor Concert: Featuring Twangsters Union, 2-5 p.m.

Food will be available beginning at 11 a.m.

All entertainment FREE to the public!

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 21

On Sportswriting A couple of weeks back, I was tasked to write a short paragraph reintroducing myself to you, dear readers.

In it, I mentioned my years of experience as a sportswriter, my favorite sports teams, and so on. One clarification from that blurb I would like to make: the best high school football player I covered was Leesville running back Michael Ford. The best high school football player I ever saw

PAGE 22

APRIL 18, 2013

play was Josh Reed of Rayne, who literally did everything, including sell nachos at halftime and drive the team bus to road games, for the Wolves.

But, anyway.

There is not a whole lot of room in one, short paragraph to say a whole lot of substance.

But, I guess one of the things I wanted to get across that didn’t make it in the last time, is just how much I enjoy writing about sports and trying

(sometimes too hard) to be entertaining for you readers out there.

This column, writing about sports, is one of the coolest, most enjoyable things I do.

It really doesn’t at all seem like four years since I started writing for The Jam, probably because it has been truly fun to be writing about sports after I thought I’d never get a second chance.

I may not be a fan of all sports individually (I’m looking at you, basketball), but I am definitely a fan of the collective sports universe. I like to read, talk, and write about sports.

I mean, one of the most important aspects of sports journalism is, you know, an interest in sports. Though, it is true that, sometimes, after you’ve covered all nine months of the NBA playoffs (for example), a sportswriter just wants to come home and watch The Mentalist and not care what Kobe Bryant is up to.

Burnout is inevitable.

But that’s no reason for abject negativity and cynicism.

Look, guys like the currently

unemployed (at least, in a national sense) Jay Mariotti and tanning bed casualty Skip Bayless, guys who seem to loathe everything except the sound of their own voices and jangling coins, are the least interesting kind of sportswriters to me.

Guys like Bayless have no animus, no spirit, and no passion for anything other than themselves. They live to play, in the parlance of our times, the troll.

We have our own local troll and, though the rule of thumb is “Don’t feed the troll,” sometimes you just can’t help yourself.

Over the past month, there have been columns about how soccer is boring (which is odd, considering how often said troll evidently watches soccer), baseball is dead, basketball players don’t practice the fundamentals anymore, and the NCAA is corrupt and hypocritical.

One could have quite a lengthy discussion about how “novel” and “fresh” these screeds truly are (They don’t score a lot in soccer?! You don’t say?), but then, why would you want to?

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Just because one man is dead inside doesn’t mean you have to die too, you know.

I certainly don’t have time for all that.

There are a whole heck of a lot more sportswriters out there I love to read, who love sports and love to talk about them as much as yours truly.

That was another thing I didn’t get to mention before, just who are my favorite writers, literary and sportswise.

There are too many to mention.

However, in sports, I think Wright Thompson is just fantastic. You should really drop what you’re doing, get on your computer, and read his stuff. It’s great, and not just because he called Tiger Stadium “the best place in the world to watch a sporting event.”

His story “Holy Ground,” about Thompson fulfilling his father’s dream of walking Augusta National Golf Club during The Masters is not only powerful, but also appropriate given that the tournament just ended.

Dan Wetzel at Yahoo! Sports is another guy I like a lot, more of a straight columnist than Thompson, but just as good. And, if you want a tenacious, informative beat writer, there aren’t many better than LSU beat guy Gary Laney from ESPN.com.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

I love all kinds of literature, too.

The late Larry Brown (the Mississippi writer, not the New York basketball coach) is a personal hero of mine. His autobiography On Fire blew me away.

Stephen King is also one of my heroes.

And Faulkner and Hemingway, as well.

Like a lot of people, I wish I could write as well as those cats, but no one really can. That’s why they are who they are.

But I can certainly try.

It sure is a lot of fun and I hope that I can to continue to try to live up to those big guns, while at the same time entertaining all of you out there, for a long time to come.

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications.

Coaches or parents with story Brandon Shoumaker tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

TJN

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 23

Enter the World of a Private Eye Let’s see what goes on inside the world of a private investigator.

Fans of Sue Grafton’s alphabet books featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone will have to wait awhile for the release of her next book, W Is for [?]. But we can find consolation in her latest

PAGE 24

APRIL 18, 2013

publication, Kinsey and Me. This is very much a multi-part book. Grafton discusses the craft of writing detective novels and how the writing rules change when writing detective STORIES instead.

She examines the role of the private investigator in literature.

“The hard-boiled private eye in current fiction represents a clarity and vigor, the immediacy of a justice no longer evident in the courts, an antidote to our confusion and our fearfulness,” she writes.

She then discusses her relationship with Kinsey.

“Kinsey is my alter ego,” she writes, “the person I might have been had I not married young and had children.”

Grafton tells us that inventing Kinsey has given her great opportunities. “Since she can know only what I know, I have to do a great deal of research and this allows me, in essence, to lead two lives -- hers and mine.”

Sue owned the cars Kinsey drives.

Sue owns the same “all-purpose dress.” She continues, “Often I feel she’s peering over my shoulder, whispering, nudging me, and making bawdy remarks.”

Then we get to read nine early stories featuring Kinsey, which are first-class mini-mysteries with intriguing plots: A woman finds a dead man in her daughter’s bed, but when she goes for help and returns, the body has disappeared.

Kinsey solves a missing person case, a kidnapping, an accident that wasn’t an accident, a possible poisoning, a mystery book club with its own mystery, and more, including a little puzzle.

Grafton is always clever, and her work is filled with her oftendry sense of humor: “While a cop is required by statute to identify herself (or himself) as a law-

enforcement officer, a private investigator is free to impersonate anyone, which is what makes my job so much fun. I’m a law-abiding little bun in most instances, but I’ve been known to tell lies at the drop of a hat. The fib I cooked up ... wasn’t far from the truth, and I sounded so sincere that I half believed it myself.”

Finally, she gives us 13 stories that feature not Kinsey, but a character named Kit Blue. “Kit Blue is simply a younger version of me,” writes Grafton. These are NOT mysteries. They are not even stories so much as character studies of a girl growing up with alcoholic parents. When Kit has grown to adulthood and must take care of her aging parents, she tells us, “I discover that I’m the mother to my mother.”

Grafton is such a great mystery writer that one forgets what a great weaver of words she is. Her phrases are beautiful, lyrical, pensive, almost poetic. These final pieces are sensitive and sad: “Life Volume 5 • Issue 2

is as veiled, as elusive as death and there is no way to separate one from the other.”

This is a truly interesting look at a great writer and how the fictional character she created has affected her real life.

If you’re looking for a male P.I., try Hammett Unwritten, in which Owen Fitzstephen has given us a kind of bizarre sequel to Dashiell Hammett’s classic, The Maltese Falcon. A sequel, yes, but it’s also an original work of high literary quality.

This novel is, according to Fitzstephen, the true story of the writer Dashiell Hammett. The fact that Hammett once worked for Pinkerton as a detective, before he became a writer, is a major element of the story.

Hammett tells us the characters in The Maltese Falcon were real, but he had to change their names, and the story was basically true.

So, now those characters are back, showing up one by one, each demanding that Hammett give them “the black bird.” Each has a different theory as to the bird’s magical qualities, from the Holy Grail to a meteorite containing the spirit of a goddess.

The presence of each character is explained in relation to the end

Volume 5 • Issue 2

of Hammett’s book, the mysterious seductive woman, the Big Man, the odd little man. A couple has been locked up; one wasn’t as dead as he was supposed to be.

We follow Hammett to Hollywood, where he meets John Huston, who will direct the movie of The Maltese Falcon.

And later, we meet Hammett in prison, where he sits as a victim of Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s search for Communists under every rock.

The book also has Hammett reflecting on writing: “He knows there aren’t good kinds of writing or bad kinds of writing, there is only good writing or bad writing.

And what is the first, essential characteristic of good writing?

That it exists.”

So, in the end, is the Falcon “a mystical catalyst” that works in the life of the one who possesses it? Says Hammett, “The truth was a pendulum, swinging back and forth.” That applies to the rest of the plot, too. It’s a real headscratcher, but I enjoyed it.

Finally, just for fun, I thought I’d look up Hammett’s original The Maltese Falcon. No, I had never read it before. And yes, this classic about the definitive hard-boiled P.I. Sam Spade was great fun! The characters, the atmosphere, the writing: “He stood beside the fireplace and looked at her with eyes that studied, weighed, judged her without pretense that they were not studying, weighing, judging her.” And that wonderful dialogue, as exemplified by the Fat Man, saying, “I’m a man who likes talking to a man that likes to talk.”

Here’s a suggestion for book clubs: Read the original Maltese Falcon and then the Fitzstephen novel (they’re both fairly modest in length) and compare the two. Discuss.

Copyright © 2013 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN

• Low Rent & Utility Allowance • 1 and 2 Bedrooms Available • Elevators • Handicap Accessible Units • Range & Refrigerator Included • Heat/Air Conditioning Units • Trash Chutes Each Floor • Ample Parking • Two Patio Areas • Recreation Room • Laundry Room • Resident Activities • HRTA - Tenants Association • Security • Public Transportation

MAKE NEW FRIENDS & TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL WE HAVE TO OFFER: In-House Bingo • Parties & Gifts • Gospel Nights HRTA Monthly Newsletter • Live Entertainment Movie Nights: Big Screen TV, Surround Sound!

Workshops • FREE Lunches (M-F)

Kathleen Reeves Brand Partner in the Lake Charles/Moss Bluff Area

Phone: (337) 936-9191 E-mail: kreeves.nerium.realresults@gmail.com APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 25

By Monica Hebert

The Three ‘Fs’ of SWLA Art Flowers, Fish and Fowl The passions of two local artists are expressed in uniquely different ways, yet their desires are the same. Both enjoy the pleasure of expression and of communicating their feelings about a particular subject, yet are unique unto themselves in their portrayal of the flowers, fish and fowl of SWLA. Artists find a medium from which they personally derive pleasure. Their medium also serves as a means of communication between the artist and the public.

Sometimes, the subject is a sophisticated painting of a flower or fowl, as in Imogene Dewey’s art. And sometimes, the subject is a fish, one of Reajean Clark-

German’s favorite subjects.

As I enjoyed the beauty of Imogene’s paintings of irises, it occurred to me that I have not experienced such sophisticated , yet simple floral paintings before. Most of my art experience is in New York City, where one can see a plethora of artistic expression. Yet even there, I had not viewed the level of artistry I see in her work with flowers.

Dewey began painting in the early ‘80s after her work as mom was about complete. “I actually began drawing at an early age,” she said. "I learned by tracing the comics in the newspaper.”

When her last child (she has eight !) left the roost, she finally had time to pursue her personal

15% Senior Discount All Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted “Red Lilies” by Imogene Dewey

PAGE 26

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

passion. She began to take courses at MSU under the tutelage of Bill Iles, the former art department head at the university. ”I enjoyed it, but it was when Melinda Atnoon-Cormier stepped in to teach that I fell in love with watercolors,” she remembered. “I loved the glow of the paper through the water.” er natural vibrancy kicked up a notch when she spoke of that glow. She proceed to show me how active the white paper is within the watercolor painting process and how special it is to plan a painting to allow the paper to glow. I realized that’s it—that’s why her florals are so sublime.

Reajean Clark-German lives on the Calcasieu River and is fortunate to have a studio overlooking water. “Traveling and living for many years in other parts of the country gave me a new appreciation of my native Gulf Coast region,” she said.

Clark-German returned here with a strong desire to explore the natural gifts of the water in order to share their beauty with her own children. It was at this point that she became interested in reaching other children with art.

“I believe the self esteem of children is heightened by seeing their region honored through art,” she said. “Through my art, I seek to celebrate the ordinary to confirm how extraordinary we all are.”

Her unique form of expression is called Gyotaku. Gyo means fish.

Taku means rubbing.

“I’d known about the art form for quite some time, but never had the desire to explore it until I began to fish on a regular basis with my husband--a self-described pathological fisherman,” ClarkGerman said. “Gyotaku became a way for me to reconnect with my native Gulf Coast area.”

Her finished images break from the traditional to reflect her relationship with her roots, as do her collages.

“A collage piece takes the viewer on a unique journey,” she said. “From a distance, it looks like one thing, and as you get closer you discover the depth and interest in the piece.”

Viewing a professional collage is much like getting to know an interesting person. You find yourself more involved as you get closer. I found myself wanting to take a class with her to learn collage. I never take art classes, but this time I think I may just have to break my own rules, and allow Clark-German to show me the art of allowing my personal history to become a part of the present, in a whole new fashion. I rather like that.

Both artists are currently showing their work. Dewey’s art can be seen at Pujo Street Cafe in an ongoing group exhibition with Art du Lac. In particular, you will see her florals, but also a stunning watercolor of two egrets.

Clark-German’s fish and collages can be seen at The Frame House Gallery. TJN

“Fish” by Reajean Clark-German

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 27

Filmmakers: Ready, Set, Go! “Lights, Camera, Action” meets “Ready, Set, Go!” in this month’s column. Local filmmakers will take on a Film Sprint challenge this April; meanwhile, film watchers will have several opportunities to see some films from across the seas.

PAGE 28

APRIL 18, 2013

But first, the filmmakers--and what is a Film Sprint, anyway?

The Lake Area Film Group is inviting all filmmaker beginners and pros to participate in a 24-hour filmmaking challenge. Basically, you show up at a designated place

to be given instructions, such as a certain line of dialogue, a specific prop or special location to include in a short film. This is to keep you from cheating and pre-planning your story ahead of time. Then, your team has 24 hours to write, shoot, edit and turn in a complete film between 3 to 10 minutes long.

If you’re ready to place your toes on the starting line of the race, here’s what you need to know. This month’s sprint starts Sat., April 27 at 7 a.m. at Stellar Beans in Lake Charles. You can bring a team or come alone and you’ll be placed on one. Instructions about what items your short film must contain will be handed out at 7 a.m. Teams will be finalized and then you’re on your own to make movie magic in 24 hours. (Hint: I’ve personally dashed in film sprints before. Editors, be ready to stay up late into the night and possibly even wee hours into the morning!) For more information…

Now, not all short films are as short as a 24-hour sprint video.

Technically, anything under 70 minutes long is considered a short film.

At least, that’s the official cutoff at the famous Sundance Film Festival.

And some readers may remember hearing about a short film shot around the area in 2011 titled East Stackton. I’m delighted to say that all those folks who played major roles as well as many dozens of local extra’s that populated the mysterious town of East Stackton can now get their very own completed copy via digital download. Not only do you get to see yourself and your friends and point out familiar locations used in this supernatural horror film, but the download also includes extra features discussing why the filmmakers shot in Southwest Louisiana. Sean Farina and Lake Charles’ own John Veron wrote the film while they were living in Los Angeles.

“If we can do it, so can other people,” said Veron. “With all the people from California coming to Louisiana to make films, the time is ripe for some homegrown cinema of our own. The process of making the movie was long; two years from shooting our first scene to being 100 percent done, but we got it done.”

If you want an East Stackton copy of your very own, you can pur-

chase a download at "http://www.eaststackton.com/buy"w ww.eaststackton.com/buy for $4.95.

Now, if you’re not quite ready to run a camera or act in front of one, this month is also a great one for taking a virtual trip to faraway places.

The next couple of films are showing for one night only and you won’t find them at your usual movie theater.

First up is an award-winning Romanian film. If you like a healthy dose of drama and comedy mixed into the same movie, it sounds like this one may be worth a look. Even the title seems to have more than one meaning. The Human Resources Manager is about an HR manager of the biggest bakery in Jerusalem. He’s in a career rut but life circumstances shake him out of it when a suicide bomber kills a worker. The manager learns the value of human life and during his efforts to bring the body to rest the tragedy takes on comedic overtones as other characters join his quest.

There will be a question and answer period after the film to discuss the themes of displaced people. The screening is free and takes place at Central School on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

Another fun choice that night stirs up a little romance as only the French can inspire. At 7 p.m. in the F.G. Bulber Auditorium, you can escape into the 1500’s with The Princess of Montpensier. This historical epic takes place during the French Wars of Religion. The story unfolds around a love triangle between Marie de Mezieres, who is married to the Prince of Montpensier for political reasons even though it is the Duke de Guise who holds her heart.

But the French follies don’t stop there. Love and chocolate go together and sets up the backdrop for a lighthearted French confection titled Romantics Anonymous.

In this delicious tale, a chocolatier who is so humble that even compliments cause her great discomfort goes on a date with the owner of the Chocolate Mill. But he’s so socially awkward he’s afraid to even answer his phone. Will their date end in a sweet dessert or a bitter parting of ways? To find out, grab a seat in on May 2 at 7 p.m. in Ralph Squires Hall. If you don’t remember anything past your high school French classes, don’t worry -- both of these films have English subtitles.

Until next time, save me some popcorn and I’ll see you next month!

TJN

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Leslie B e four dec rman’s career in ades, an music folksing er, mus d includes stin spans ic teach ts as a booker, e c tival dir oncert promote r, coffeehouse r e notes w ctor, music jou , publicist, fesr r nalist, a it e r, a organiz ation pr rtist manager lbum , trade esident, attorney ent ,a Museum nd president o ertainment f She pre of Southwest the Music fers all Louisian eclectic , and things music a. ally GRAM votes M Recordin Ys as a mem on the g Aca ber o reached at leslie@ demy. She c f the an leslieber man.co be m. . h O uc s how. ough I wa ighty s that we n th he m . rged.) ans Eve than half t tanding for pital retch e new a h c e r e a s j s c , t r s d e e f a w l f h d ar am no inful, with he songs o asing nd un airly stand ith I a e d g e a t t a w f a as p now showc da r ized timul some long w w did we k at she was we owne 78 over-s d to go in its, accesso k n d f 19 e Ho aster, th n’t thi forget, in At use re nd decid eakers out o s E d a , I w d a r . n reco ay night? and don't wnloads. e and s n earrings going to do look used, o , w o s e r p n y e t o m e that M etween us Tube, no d o suspect d e p w f a t we tam th the sa n th t i e t e b a u i g h e h y o t u v n t i p Y a i W e o B h ke in t o why b rld, has to ma r our ears w en some O ey were c ere was n in time, I sis, or we he t r s e u k j r h ma ove ut th ke op r t is distance m by osmo “Because t ying sic wo xplain ever. p them ell we bro plicators, b red marke d to e in the mu r, well, for t a o th r pla w he o a l h ’s p It rbed t ow we kne as actually to chart, the s. W ut the a ider to me fo gether a o e g s b s r n n b m i i o r a o s t f s n n s t to to ,a I kn hat w n’t ab d, tatio ers, witho ed to know o importan e worked d been ou them. because t fficient ro of the cov hings ro, and did we switch Kotex bran t a w s f h o ” n n , u e t c e e d o i e h n nt be Nigh radio in s new som p My Life,” , too m that well, s robably th ne I remem ago, w company, a iable amou and I s k r e a o p l e n c Y on th e certainly ou Light U -O-R-I-A) is’s ink al pplicators, only other ed results aising ome appre uddy Car y in the r d Y w n “ t a h e u Elv h d f (G-L e’s an with e that’s th The finis we thoug e ne for s st cats hool b Boon ’s “Gloria” r encores – y G-Gy w b s . h t b a u colleg y high-sc the hippe tle of mave t c r e a u n i D bec , wh e m r r is o nk, b u that e o’s “M hits fo time, need to b ed the man g expert, b ver ber from tty realistic ere and pu trings were an Mo old men’s d The Wh V e e s o h an he he ut t d pr her felt th and assum rd meanin astic title) plus t use Rock” looke be really o ng them. T ur ears, so e saw ng o , w o n h o i e l d ” r e . i l room Yiddish w t, it’s a sarc h so n “Ja wou uble wea to stay on theater, w s s eratio ing year, w e,” the title audiout n b e a o r t r a e t G r g ism (a imes at lea . e h o e n G had y too sh Wav s th ollow rythi g our n to t t The f 5-4-3-2-1 , we, that i ying to some ical domain owing eve re about ryy dow by coverin dweebs. uall a t c w a “ e a t m n e s h n t u re es r rm a mu at meant k ers might c al), and ev aost of eld them o e it, we we oked fabuperfo er next alb er ourselv the count m r t e e h e c h p o n v h T l a . m f e m o r r F d g e o e i u m y o d . f w fro kind ur hands mble ther w es the nres o , heav o p er nk) Patti d y hip o ce, stu t enough t , just like w lucky I the ge w Country usical genr ehind (pu ut each o d for totall d down the h n t d i e l w o t s o b s o r r e e (Mell bout the m and) and rything abo ove fa our finge nk about h as, what I But w hatever wo , and strutt overed we m a B i n e c w o Iw s th ek thing efore (Big ut, and ev them and in us, or ng that we ere, we di bleed secdown etimes, I was when gone o l b e o g r s b H i e Som where I hat's now tion ht care a disdainin pop cultu f ere us the show. in the nos in the very e rememw e t e g b i e o b ” r l i ’s a o g d m o o h t y e t l t n pl wh us kin was t see and he -life echo once-in-a street terally sitti er it, actual away from r tunes ld peo ngs t any f h i l o b s f show orms of “o hing abou theme so r e t m r a e c e got to arely a hal as so muc e w em 0 light y f t o erfe w r y o r o p t he I r e d h b w e e s h s v b o t a o e h e o TV her wit rough nd ion, , about 1 ed out to Patti, wh rt o do o doo T a t h o m t . , d o y c s r i b t l f o i e w d n do do pub y music, uys r t dee last ro Which tur ld barely se wn dress sh htly, bere me stuff. tson / ,” o doo t conce nd geeky g list.fm, ’s i o i u . g t t i novel t George Je s wife / do ghter Judy / e d o e t r f g c a i l P e et er on ,a sta i u hile w man’s butt I rememb s not a relive e Internet s at www.s l wantI W (“Mee o / Jane, h Elroy / da ee the USA s . s f a u o S g of th , stil at w ist et list and i white doo d o / his boy snippets (“ o recordin . ore a nny jeans ( tank top th aye, guitar magic ut up the s as needed xcitement w o r k d n c M e a a i K sk g“ red log ”) to wh ny doo who p n find themhe rush of eral thing hewin t o ad s Tiny over a flesh-colo ce), or Len ely nice, t a s i i etc.) t r Chevrole scenery-c rmances ( h o o m s so I c feel again ing ephem te earthal e in g ch nd supre ’s o n u r f n i r y e o o y e b y b n o f t o p t i ) l a p ” in edia -b w ing beaut aire (a years ”) and am Sh er. tuck-u Tulips mind lmost imm the energy e n o (Willi urine Man ough The nown bett cu- extraordin ble, not a s rned some en behind of its a , ent, i o r k d a a d then g replacem I find third rr y Tamb Tiptoe Th ould have I, in a part aroach of guy I le gherty, hid of view, n p a p a o “ l n h b e s d u d i i l s ’s o t a l r n n g r i e e n o a m D n t p k Ti ra ee d( s dy hat ing me u inds. I fe e u s wh y, Car yn s o u D o o e o b i e y t d e i a m m e s J r h ll w ld fro or celeb ll, one da decid n-ish prope , and fifth on’t have t stay up later), m kit, and no one couood thing. to mave he moon) l l d We h a t o u , I s t r g t r n t i u , t u d k fo she his visible ma say, was a g it took t nowat, e will el f t h a el, or s pun I larly k e to the fu drogynou person, as in on r mys , or even th music, to e or s l o h e a f s h w h t o y c l i h n p er na fair e , wh ber bly du to hear a tti Smith in p, skip and f stami s to soak u ep it, all ov on either n’t remem ings, but in use we wer in d o a o a P y y h h k e a l n a a e c m r d a s g a c a e r i w I for fittin ur ea Acad d not laying m b ec ook b e, dy music don o mped the about not unger nk an t when I l tombston poet/ ing to be p fices at the to get rea i n r a d b a u d u o y f o d d e y B r o s a g m e s s u . h r s r a e e ou wa gy, do er w arr yea again , I can se tan. W from racke d by ord r too emb y 15 to 20 g the ener wd e p cat.” TJN jump in Manhat . So we w , and aide rin e o l i r t h s h c t my lif itaph: “He i c o e t e a h m e s t c p c c d i s e sy id ith re ep Mus experien anosecon f sleep d with k s, or too bu w songs w s, who we RE my o e e n I u a n T f for th for a few n and days rking as n e o s are tha ement and screaming for the EN s brain s of caffein we were w fundraiser ne excit be 5,000 note o y a m gallon (Did I say time? All o m r f f o r feet vation isers at the n thei o a r d f un

0s

197 e h t f o s t a C p He

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 29

EARTH DAY! - WORD SEARCH

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.

PAGE 30

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Well, maybe you did, but do you know where it is? Okay, maybe you did, but did you know the paint color selection?

Seriously, this movie offers some excellent escapist drama and suspense. All of the acting is well done, even if the script is at times weak.

And the tension has a way of getting pulled taut, and then Mike Banning will throw in a sarcastic remark that just cracks up the audience. Some of the patriotism is corny, but its nothing worse than you would hear from Arnold Swarzenegger, even when he

was Governor of California. (By the way, I hear Arnold has another movie out. This gives the phrase “I’ll be back” a whole new meaning. Like he knew the future or something.)

Olympus has Fallen is rated R and earns it with a whole lot of four-letter words (well, the same one used over and over), especially when the heroes are spitting in the face of the villains. But there’s a lot of blood flying, some of it out of the back of peoples heads, not a pretty sight.

Leave the kids at home for this one, please. Pass the popcorn. TJN

Olympus Has Fallen (Millennium Films, 2013) There are few things more terrifying than the idea of terrorists attacking American soil. But I’ve learned one thing from watching Olympus Has Fallen, where the White House itself becomes the headquarters of an international organization of bad guys: Forget John Boehner or Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. We need Morgan Freeman in there to help us save the day.

Our story revolves around Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler.) Once a friend of United States President Asher, Banning has since has been relegated to the Treasury Department down the road from Pennsylvania Avenue. But when a diplomatic meeting at the White House goes wrong, Banner seems to be the only person who can save the President from some really nasty terrorists.

If you ever wondered how a takeover could happen, Olympus offers a pretty credible scenario, in the beginning at least. In its use of big weapons and a large cast, the movie ratchets up violence to a degree not seen since – well, since the last action movie that I saw.

Never mind that the plot is predictable, so is that of Romeo and Juliet. There are lots of folks who die, but you can’t resist watching to Volume 5 • Issue 2

find out who’s next. But what’s really fascinating about Olympus is that you start to believe that a takeover could happen. (Just remember, we didn’t really think 911 could happen, and it did. ) What I liked about this movie, apart from its blatant patriotism and sense of melodrama not seen since Apollo 13, was that almost every character in the movie had a motive for acting the way they did.

The President is heroic for very personal reasons.

Mike Banning loves the Secret Service, and is extremely loyal, even having been kicked out. The Secretary of Defense is doing his own political thing. The villains have particular reasons for wanting to take the White House.

Okay, everyone else in the movie just wants to save the President from taking a bullet to the head, but at least we know where they stand.

Another great thing about Olympus is that you learn so much about our country’s capital. I really didn’t know that it takes 15 minutes to get from the Pentagon to the White House by tank, and I’ve been in D.C. during rush hour. Likewise, I didn’t know that there was a safe hidden behind a painting in the Oval Office, although I have to admit my last tour of the White House was cancelled suddenly, due to the sequester. And did you know about the secret bunker?

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 31

It was a night for celebration when Sylvia Chaves Stelly received The Jambalaya News 2012 Person of the Year Award. The event was held at the Chateau du Calcasieu Event Center on Enterprise St. in downtown Lake Charles on April 4, which was filled with friends, family and supporters.

In the fall of 2012, Jam readers were asked to vote for the Person of the Year, choosing from three deserving individuals (Stelly, Doug Gehrig and Willie King), which were narrowed down from a list of names suggested by the SWLA Alliance and the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce.

Stelly received the most votes. And this night was all about honoring her and her good works.

Her proud family was in attendance, including her 84-year-old mother. Her pastor, Norman Thomas, said the invocation and his wife, Dr. Debbie Thomas, was the keynote speaker.

Her husband, John Stelly, presented her charity, La Familia Resource Center, with a check for $15,000.

Sylvia Chaves Stelly

From her humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Stelly has succeeded in making a difference in the lives of newcomers to the Lake Area. “We want [La Familia] to be that connection between the Lake Charles community and other cultures.

“It is truly an honor to be voted Person of the Year,” she said. “Living in Lake Charles now for over nine years and witnessing the progressive growth within the Lake Charles community, I believe this recognition is a true reflection of positive change in our area.”TJN

Photo: Romero & Romero Photography

ages 7-17, and free for 6and under. At the door, ticket prices will be $40 and $15. Tickets are available at the symphony office (809 Kirby St.), Gordon’s Drug Store, Bella Cose, or online at www.lcsymphony.org.

Come share the bounty of local hunters and fishermen, and support your Lake Charles Symphony! TJN

Photo: Romero & Romero Photography

Southwest Louisiana is a sportsman’s paradise. Game and fishing abound and so do people who love cooking and eating. Whether you’re a hunter, fisherman or just someone who enjoys good eating, the Wild Beast Feast on Saturday, May 4, is the place you’ll want to be. This major fundraiser for the Lake Charles Symphony will be held at Burton Coliseum this year because it was so popular that it outgrew last year’s location.

Thirty teams of the area’s best wild game and seafood cooks will gather at the barn adjacent to Burton Coliseum to grill, smoke, or stew their favorite meat or fish. A ticket entitles the bearer to sample these culinary creations, as chefs vie for first place in the judging. The feasting begins at 5 p.m. for event goers with live music by City Heat all night long. A cash bar will be provided.

Tickets are $35 in advance for adults; $10 for

LC Conductor Bohuslav Rattay

City Heat PAGE 32

APRIL 18, 2013

Volume 5 • Issue 2

JAMBALAYA’S PERSON OF THE YEAR EVENT The Chateau du Calcasieu Event Center on Enterprise was the setting for a very special dinner honoring The Jambalaya News’ “Person of the Year” and founder of the non- profit organization La Familia, Sylvia Chaves Stelly. Family, friends and supporters of Sylvia and the La Familia Resource Center gathered for cocktails, dinner and most important, to honor a woman who is dedicated to building our Lake Charles community and to reaching out to Latinos and newcomers to the Lake Area.

Jam staff Allen Garber, Mike McHugh, Mike Louviere, Angie Dilmore, Faye Drake, and Burn Rourk

Daryl Boyd, Sylvia Stelly and Sherese Picornell

Maria Mott with Brenda and Len Ford

Lindsay Quebedeaux and Sue Grigsby

Allison Ducat, Lauren Gibson and Gaige King

Jay and Maria Cotto

Jam writer Angie Dilmore with her husband, Bob

Mariah, Sylvia, Josiah and John Stelly

THE DAFFODIL TEA The ladies of the Lake Area tea-eed off for a lovely High Tea Buffet and a fashion show showcasing this spring’s latest styles by Teci’s Fashions at the Lake Charles Country Club.

The Daffodil Tea was presented by The Foundation of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and included performances by outstanding high school seniors in dance, theatre, creative writing, instrumental music and more. There was a raffle, hat contest and specialty drinks, too! Hats off to the Foundation for making a difference in our community!

Amanda McCall and Stephanie Shaddock Volume 5 • Issue 2

Olivia Nolan, Abbie Stack, Gracie O’Blanc and Bella Poole

Suzanne McCann and Laurie Martin APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 33

Janice Reblich and Missy Ivey

Marily McSwain and Laura Duhon

Elaine Brown, Katie Johnson and Della Johnson

ZACHARY RICHARD CROSSROADS CONCERT The Louisiana Crossroads Concert Series ended with a bang as Zachary Richard, Cajun bard, rocker and activist and his incredible band took to the stage at the Central School Theater last week. They brought the packed house to its feet with a blend of acoustic guitar, harmonica, accordion, drums, keyboard and base cello. The band introduced a collection of music from their new release, “Le Fou” and Richard answered questions from the audience. Two thumbs up for a memorable evening!

Maria Ruiz and Bonnie Lee

Janice Latour and Anne Backe

Jim and Linda Fazende with Libby and Charles Tempa PAGE 34

APRIL 18, 2013

Wilma Manuel and VJ Chauvin

Terry and Linda Terrebonne

Vera and Neil Frank

The Jam’s Allen Garber with wife Annette

Dee Schexnailder and Susan Guidry

Karen and Jack Delpappa with Judy and George Bastidas Volume 5 • Issue 2

DOWNTOWN CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Let the fun, food and games begin!

The festival gates opened wide at the Lake Charles Civic Center Grounds for the Downtown Crawfish Festival.

Crowds of little eager beavers flocked to the carnival rides, candied apples, cotton candy and more, and Crawfish royalty and bands paraded around the lakefront. There was all kinds of indoor action with vendors and bands kicking it up till midnight. And don’t forget the crawfish! Finger-lickin’ good!

Latrice Watson, Patricia Prater, Ayana Watis and Amaya Watson

Emilee Wix and Victoria Harrington

Volume 5 • Issue 2

Leetha Mouton, Von Cooks and Chrissy Carter

Carol LeBlanc with Lisa and Morgan Derise

Ayden and Jade Sanders

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 35

for McNeese students with a current ID. For tickets or more information, call (337) 475-5040 or visit www.mcneese.edu/theatre.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM APRIL 18-21 The McNeese State University Theatre Bayou Players will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 7:30 p.m. April 18-20, with a 2 p.m. matinee April 21 in the Shearman Fine Art Performing Arts Theatre. By William Shakespeare, this play contains some wonderfully lyrical expressions of lighter Shakespearean themes, most notably those of love, dreams and the stuff of both -- the creative imagination itself. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens and youth, and free

FUN FRIDAY, APRIL 19: PASTA NECKLACES Join them anytime between 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace!

FUN FRIDAY, APRIL 26: FINGER PAINTING Join them anytime between 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the ArtSpace!

FRI., APRIL 26: S.J. WELSH STUDENTS ART EXHIBIT The Children’s Museum is partnering with S.J. Welsh Middle School and art teacher Julie Dallas. Her students will exhibit artwork using a variety of techniques. The museum will host a gallery opening during Art Walk from 5-8:30 p.m.

SAT., APRIL 27: 25TH BIRTHDAY BASH The Children’s Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary! There will be face painting from 10 a.m. - noon. “Chico” the Clown will kick off the party at 10:30 a.m. and cupcakes and refreshments will be served at 11:30 a.m. Kids can paint a ceramic bug in the ArtSpace from noon - 3 p.m.

The Children's Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Admission is $7.50 for children and adults. For more information, call 337-433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org.

PAGE 36

APRIL 18, 2013

NANCY MELTON & FRIENDS WATER COLOR SHOW APRIL 19 An opening reception will be held on Fri., April 19 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church Student Center, 221 Aqua Drive, Lake Charles. The group, with featured artist Edith Pavy Beam, will exhibit works from 25 area artists, including some from Texas.

This event will help raise funds for a Youth Mission Trip by holding a Silent Auction of original paintings, donating 100 percent of all proceeds. The show will be a one-of-akind event, as artwork will be scattered throughout two outdoor-lighted patio gardens. Guests will be treated to refreshments and music as they wander through the artistic maze both inside and out. The exhibit will continue through May 12, as it is a Contraband Days event. For more information, email nmelton@suddenlink.net.

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS APRIL 19, 26 Movies Under the Stars is a free event that’s open to the public.

Each event date will begin at 7 pm. Seating is first come first serve. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Snacks can also be purchased. Prien Lake Park is located at 3700 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. In the event of inclement weather, dates may be cancelled. On April 19, enjoy Muppets, and on April 26, it’s Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

ECO-FEST AND BUTTERFLY RELEASE AT SHANGRI-LA APRIL 20 Bring the family to Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas for Eco-Fest on April 20 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. There will be booths offering eco-friendly products and services, a butterfly release, and games and fun for visitors of all ages. Tickets are $8 and children under 10 years of age get in free. The fee includes access to all Eco-Fest activities, and children will receive a butterfly to release at 11 a.m.

Butterflies are available to children while supplies last. Entry does not include Outpost Tours. Buy your ticket in advance online at www.shangrilagardens.org.

DINNER AT MI CASA APRIL 21 Join Sam and Denise Hebert at their home on Sun., April 21 at 5:30

Volume 4 • Issue 25

p.m. for a very special dinner to support Court Appointed Special Advocates and the abused and neglected children they serve. The event is presented in partnership with the Culinary Team of Coushatta Resort. During cocktail hour, guests will enjoy grilled oysters, lobster, shrimp, prime beef and blackened foie gras sliders, an assorted domestic and imported cheese display with breads, fresh tropical fruits, fresh tossed pastas, and butlerpassed hors d’ oeuvres. Dinner will begin with crawfish bisque, followed by a shrimp and crab martini. The main course is a grilled bone-in filet of beef served with rosemary roasted red potatoes and sautéed baby vegetables. Dessert will be creamy Creole cheesecake topped with Louisiana strawberries and a crispy toasted pecan cookie. Tickets are $150 per couple and can be obtained by calling (337) 436-9533 or going to www.fyca.org. Seating is limited.

SPRING ART WALK APRIL 26 The Arts Council of SWLA’s annual Spring Art Walk will be held on Fri., April 26, from 5 – 9 p.m. This free event focuses on artist exposure by concentrating the region’s talent into a few square blocks within the Charleston Cultural District. Coffee shops, businesses, restaurants, and vacant buildings will be transformed into pop-up galleries for the evening, complete with live music and vendors in the street, low cost pedi-cab rides, art battles, and interactive activities throughout downtown. For more information, visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org or call (337) 439-2787.

‘WINDOW ON THE WEST’ APRIL 26 Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is excited to announce the arrival of a new exhibition, “Window on the West: Views from the American Frontier.” It will open on Fri., April 26, during Spring Art Walk from 5-9 p.m. It is an extraordinary examination of Western American art and includes more than 60 works from artists who all share the rare characteristic of being one of the first to set eyes on the vast, untouched land of Western America. The exhibition will hang in the second floor gallery through July 20. Historic City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

A reception will be held at 6 p.m. for the general public for a meet and greet with Queen Ida. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, and can be purchased at the Arts Council office or online at www.queenida.eventbrite.com. For details, contact the Arts Council at 439-2787.

DERBY FOR DOLLARS MAY 4 You won’t want to miss this fabulous event at The Stables of Le Bocage benefiting The Shannon Cox Counseling Center.

Enjoy an afternoon with food from the Lake Area's finest restaurants, spirits, a cochon de lait, live music, televised derby action, equestrian jumping exhibition, and contests for the best ladies hats/ gent's best derby duds. Music by Andrew Bateman. Only 100 tickets available, so don’t miss out! Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased by calling Family & Youth (436-9533) or online at www.fyca.org.

ACTS PRESENTS SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL MAY 10-12, 17-19 Artists Civic Theatre and Studio, Lake Charles, announces tickets are now available for Seussical the Musical, which will take the stage May 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19. Reserved seating tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youth under 18 and students with school-issued identification. They will be available at Lakeshore Medic Pharmacy, Moss Bluff Florist and Gift, Lake Charles Civic Center, or by calling (337) 433-ACTS. For additional information visit www.actstheatre.com. TJN

MASTERWORKS CHORALE SPRING CONCERT APRIL 26, 28 Louisiana Choral Foundation’s Masterworks Chorale will present two spring concerts entitled “Voices of the People.” Amazing brass and choral music of Moravian settlers in early America will be featured at the McNeese State University’s Ralph Squires Recital Hall Fri., April 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., April 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and may be purchased at the door and from Chorale members, Swicegood Music, or by calling (337)491-9348. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.lachoral.org.

QUEEN OF ZYDECO CONCERT APRIL 27 The Arts Council of SWLA, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau present a one-night-only homecoming concert to celebrate the career of Zydeco music legend Queen Ida on Sat., April 27, at 7 p.m. in the Benjamin W. Mount Auditorium at Central School in Lake Charles. Queen Ida has been awarded a GRAMMY, six Blues Music Awards, and the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award. She officially retired in 2010 but will give a rare performance on the 27th with GRAMMY-winning Zydeco band Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 37

Sponsored by

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

The

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 • Ryan Bunch @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• Marty Monte Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 • Street Side Jazz Band @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• Horace Trahan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Black Tie Affair @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• DJ San-D @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 • Alex Rosell @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

• When the Word Was Sound/Certain Satellites @ Dharma, 8 p.m.

• The Dubonauts @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Tom Brandow @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

PAGE 38

APRIL 18, 2013

• Charles Mann @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Crossroads @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Mark Reeves & Twisted X @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

• Johnny Gates & The Invite @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Pokey LaFargue @ Bulber Auditorium, McNeese State University, 7:30 p.m.

• Jen Kober @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Herban Cat/Brett Chase @ Dharma, 8 p.m.

• Allen Tramp @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• The Kadillacs @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Crossroads @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Geno Delafosse & French Rockin Boogie @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

• DJ San-D @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 • Gregg Martinez & Delta Kings @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23 • Scattered Hamlet @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 • Neal Smith @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• The Posse @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25 • Ryan Bunch @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• Brade & Hurst @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Brad Dunn Band @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

• Brandon Ledet & Creole Touch @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• TDJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 • Kris Harper & Matt Moss @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• La Princesse de Montpensier @ Bulber Auditorium, McNeese State University, 7 p.m.

• Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Tassie Burnette & Hundred Dollar Habit @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• RKW @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• Andy Frasco @ My Place Bar, 8 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Billy Currington @ The Pavilion, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• Terry Fator @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 9 p.m.

• Big Poppa Lee & Southern AllStars @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Bag of Donuts @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

• Hillbilly Picnic @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

Volume 5 • Issue 2

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 • Various Artists @ Vinton Dogwood Festival, 9 a.m.

• Queen Ida/Terrence Simien @ Central School Auditorium, 7 p.m.

• Fortunate Youth @ Luna Live, 7 p.m.

• No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Ruthie Foster @ Bulber Auditorium, McNeese State University, 7:30 p.m.

• AF the Naysayer/Jaylotus @ Dharma, 8 p.m.

• Ryan Harris & Killin Time @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Big Poppa Lee & Southern AllStars @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Wayne Dylan @ Micci’s Piano Bar, 9:30 p.m.

• Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

• DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28 • Brad Sapia & Bayou Soul @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 • David Joel @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 2 • Audio Adrenaline @ Contraband Days, Lake Charles Civic Center, 7 p.m.

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

• TBA @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m.

• Street Side Jazz Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

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

• Lynn Trefzger @ Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center, 7:30 p.m.

• Molly Ringwalds @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

• Robert Frith @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 11 p.m. TJN

FRIDAY, MAY 3 • KB Unplugged @ Otis & Henry’s, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 6 p.m.

• Rude/Midnight Star @ Contraband Days, Lake Charles Civic Center, 7 p.m.

APRIL 18, 2013

PAGE 39