VOL. 1, NO. 19 /DECEMBER 17, 2009
ALSO: • New Year’s Recollections • The Golden Age of Christmas Music • Celebrating the Diversity of the Holidays
Randy Roach Senator Willie Mount Don Dixon Kevin Guidry Hal McMillin Phil de Albuquerque Jacob Colonna Larry Spears Kevin Thibodeaux Kip Texada Michael Raichel Britney Glaser Brandon Thomas Marcus Wilridge Frank Harrell Bob Brankline Carol Sensley Tom Annino James Stahl Joshua Benoit Eric Crawford Rev. Roger Templeton Gary Brown
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
Volume 1 • Issue 19
On Cover: Susy Courville, front left, Phil deAlbuquerque, Clarice Raichel, Carol Sensley, Michael Raichel, the Rev. Roger Templeton, Thom Hager, Kip Texada, Penny Miller, Frank Harrell, Josh Benoit, Britney Glaser, Helen Lewis-Dunn, Brandon Thomas, Don Dixon, Gary Brown, Johnny Suydam, Kevin Guidry, Jacob Colonna, Wendell Benoit, and Tom Annino. Photo by Lisa Yates.
GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque
contents
December 17, 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 19
COVER STORY 24
NAMI’s Hometown Heroes
publisher@thejambalayanews.com
NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com
EDITOR Lisa Yates lisa@thejambalayanews.com
CONTRIBUTORS Kay Andrews Leslie Berman Sara Blackwell George Cline Dan Ellender Cheryl Krull Erica McCreedy Mike McHugh Jeanne Owens Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Steve Springer, M.D. ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme SALES ASSOCIATES Faye Drake Karla Tullos Lazette Procter Katy Corbello GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck
REGULARS 6 10 12 14 15 17 19 46
The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee The Zestful Life What’s Cookin’ Tip’s Tips Animal 411 House Call Sports Report
FEATURES 18 20 32 35 36 44
Visions of Gingerbread Bayou Biz: Paradise Smoothie The Golden Age of Christmas Music New Year’s Recollections Riding High Candice Alexander: Art is Everything
24 44
ENTERTAINMENT 39 40 41 42 51 56 58 61
Funbolaya Killin’ Time Crossword Family Night at the Movies Red Hot Books Society Spice Jambalaya Jam Eclectic Company The Local Jam
12
ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Michelle LaVoie BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews
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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, 826 Ford Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Copyright 2009 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Volume 1 • Issue 19
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From the Publisher A Bigger Plan As we begin to close out another year, I’d like to share a tradition of ours with you. Lauren and I pick a relaxing day shortly after New Year’s. (In the past, it was while we were taking down the Christmas tree and putting away the decorations. Since it’s usually around 5 degrees in Boston this time of year, what else can you do?) We put the video camera on a table, press the record button, and talk about the past year and all that has happened to us. Then we discuss what we think the next year will bring and what our goals are. It’s funny to watch the old videos as the years go by. You learn that life is not predictable—but it’s always an adventure! In January of 1999, I anticipated another wonderful year traveling the world as a tour guide. In March, I asked for the first week of May off so that I could be with my baby sister as she got her master’s degree from my alma mater, Michigan State University. I was assured that it wouldn’t be a problem. But in late April, I received a call from my supervisor while on tour in Germany, telling me that I would have to be “on the road” the first week of May on a southern plantations tour. I was furious that I couldn’t see my sister graduate. The first day of the tour was not a happy one for me, since all I kept thinking was, “Why couldn’t I be in Michigan today? Life isn’t fair!” At that moment, a beautiful blond came up to me and said “Hi! I believe my mom and I are on your tour!” A year later we were married. In the summer of 2003, Lauren and I returned to Boston from Dallas after
visiting my brother. “We’re home for the year!” I said as we started unpacking our suitcases in our 150-year old Victorian home in Taunton “No more traveling for us!” “Sounds good,” Lauren replied. A month later, we found a bed and breakfast for sale on the Internet in a city we had never visited called Lake Charles, La. In early November, we arrived here with our dog Rhiannon— ready for an adventure! I never could have guessed that six years later, we would be publishers. We had started 2009 by saying we were going to take it easy. Instead, we now have a fun, wonderful group of people all working together to make The Jambalaya News the fastest growing publication in Southwest Louisiana—and having the time of our lives! I believe there is a bigger plan out there for us that we don’t know about. We just need to let go and enjoy the journey. We don’t know what 2010 will bring, but Lauren and I sure have a lot of fun trying to guess! As you go through your life, I truly hope you have a lot of adventures, too. And when things aren’t going the way you anticipated, be ready— because there may be a bigger plan for you. Someone just may come up to you and say “Hi!” and change your life forever. Note: We’re giving our hardworking staff a few weeks off to enjoy the holidays with their families. Our next issue will be out on Jan. 14. Happy New Year!
– Phil de Albuquerque TJN
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
Volume 1 • Issue 19
Grayson Johnson plays with the SWLA WaterWorks exhibit on the first floor at the Children's Museum.
After eight long months, the Children’s Museum in Lake Charles has reopened its doors! This would not have been possible without support from the community, area schools, volunteers and its many donors! The second and third floors of the museum are open to visitors, along with a Thursday, December 17: Wright Brothers Day Learn about the Wright Brothers first flight and receive an airplane glider! Holiday Activities: December 19-30 Saturday, December 19: Bulber Youth Orchestra Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy a wonderful performance by the Bulber Youth Orchestra at 11 a.m. on the third floor. Afterwards, cake and drinks will be served in the third floor party room in celebration of the opening of the new exhibits.
Monday, December 21: Gingerbread House At ArtSpace Workshop at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., learn how to make a gingerbread house with graham crackers and icing. Each workshop is limited to 15 children. Tuesday, December 22: Headband Workshop At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., learn how to make beautiful headbands with Christmas fabric! Each workshop is limited to 10 children. Wednesday, December 23: Cookie Decorating At ArtSpace, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., learn to decorate your own yummy cookie. Each workshop is limited to 15 children.
The museum is still seeking funds to rebuild exhibits. Donations can be mailed to the Children’s Museum at 327 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70607 or made at any Cameron State Bank or MidSouth Bank branch. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission for children and adults during Volume 1 • Issue 19
portion of the first floor. The main part of the first floor is still under construction with plans to reopen Sunny’s Market, Baby Bayou and Rowdy’s Cowboy Café the end of December. The ArtSpace is open with a full list of weekly activities for this month. The following programs will be offered for the month of December:
Thursday, December 24 - Sunday, December 27: MUSEUM CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS Monday, December 28: Kwanzaa Celebration Exotic fruit salad will be served in celebration of Kwanzaa. Learn about beautiful African fabric motifs in the ArtSpace at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 30: Hot Chocolate Day Keep warm and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate! Thursday, December 31Friday, January 1: MUSEUM CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S
the month of December is $6. Memberships are available. Contact the Children’s Museum at (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for more details and special events.
TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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The
Boiling
P l
Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Cameron State Bank Announces Recent Promotions Roy Raftery, Jr., president and CEO of Cameron State Bank announces recent promotions for Terrie LeBlanc and Janice Constance. LeBlanc was named assistant branch manager at the CSB location in Vinton. She has been with CSB for 13 years, with over 30 years in the financial industry. Constance was named the assistant branch manager for the Maplewood branch in Sulphur. With 27 years of banking experience, she has been with CSB for 10 years.
measure practice-wide clinical quality and improve clinical outcomes at the points of care. PPC-PCMH recognizes those practices that use information systematically to improve the quality of patient care. Patients notice and appreciate the improvements in care. “The physicians at W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center are to be commended for their achievement in earning Recognition,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. To find out if your physician is PPC-PCMH-Recognized, or for further information about the program, visit www.ncqa.org/ppc or call Kris Like, RN, Moss Regional Quality Assurance director at (337) 475-8349. Interest-free Charge Plan at MSU An interest-free student charge plan is available to students enrolled for the spring 2010 semester at McNeese State University to assist with the purchase of books and supplies through the McNeese bookstore. The Personal Touch Account (PTA) allows students with a valid ID and a current paid fee receipt to establish a student charge account at the bookstore, which can be used at the beginning of the semester for one month for the purchase of up to $600 in books and supplies. At the close of the purchase deadline, each student is billed for purchases made and the amount is split into two payments. PTA accounts for the spring will open Jan. 4 and close Feb. 12. The first payment will be due March 15 and the second payment will be due April 15. For more information, call the McNeese bookstore at (337) 475-5494.
New owners Al Prebula, left, and Adam Veron.
LA Fitness Announces New Ownership LA Fitness Health Club has announced that it’s under new ownership and management effective October 2009. The 24-hour health club, located at 4324 Lake Street, currently offers water aerobics, spin and body sculpture classes in addition to cardiovascular and weight training equipment. LA Fitness is also one of the only facilities in the area to offer an indoor heated pool, dry sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and outdoor pool. New owners are Al Prebula, Adam Veron, Richard Baggett, Tony Perot and Jim Ingram. The acquisition of the health club will have no impact on current operations; however, several positive enhancements will be made to the facility, including enhanced services and classes. Personal tours and customized fitness plans are available. For more information, call 478-8686. W.O. Moss Medical Center Receives NCQA Recognition LSU Health Care Services Division - W. O. Moss Regional has received Recognition from the Physician Practice Connections-Patient Centered Medical Home (PPC-PCMH) Program for using information systems to PAGE 6
DECEMBER 17, 2009
Kjellsten Participates in Fitness Symposium Allie Ieyoub Kjellsten, certified Personal Trainer and founder and owner of Project Fit, recently participated in the American Council on Exercise 2009 Fitness Symposium in San Diego, CA. Continuing Ed classes were taken in the following areas: Fundamentals of Female Fitness, Boot Camp Complete, Training the Core, Speed, Agility, Quickness and Power, Fundamental Principle for Training Kids, High Intensity Strength Training for the Time-Efficient Exercise Sessions, and Top Fitness Professionals: Life Coaches and Educators. Project Fit is has just moved to its new location at 528 7th St. Green Joins The Wound Healing Center at WCCH Tyson Green, D.P.M., has joined the Wound Healing Center at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Green will see patients at the center, which specializes in the outpatient treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions. He also practices at the Center for Orthopaedics and is a member of the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital medical staff. Green earned a degree in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University in Philadelphia. As part of his work with the Wound Healing Center, Green underwent specialized
Allie Kjellsten
Dr. Green Volume 1 • Issue 19
training and updates on new wound care therapies at the National Healing Institute at Ohio State University. A resident of Lake Charles, Green is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Mayor Roach Announces Appointment of Willie King, Jr. to LC North Redevelopment Authority Mayor Randy Roach recently announced the appointment of Lake Charles businessman Willie King, Jr. to the Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority. King is the president of King’s Transmission Services, Inc. and King’s Funeral Home in Lake Charles. He has been involved in numerous educational initiatives and programs in the area. His many civic-related volunteer activities have included being United Way Small Business Campaign Chair, 1999 to 2002; president of Project Build a Future; and chairman of marketing for Charles Moore Davis Boy Scouts. He is the 2008 recipient of the Good Samaritan Award. King holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and is a veteran of the United States Army. The Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority was enacted into law during the regular session of the state legislature this year.
• Corporate Gift Baskets • Christmas Gift Baskets Sweet trays • Dessert Cakes Party Cakes • Pies • Cookies Tues.-Fri. 10am-6pm Sat. 8am-Noon 910 Sampson St. Suite F, Westlake, La. Ph:(337) 497-0263•E-mail: becca@bakedbybecca.com www.bakedbybecca.com
Cardiovascular CT program at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Expands Michael Turner, M.D, a cardiologist with Cardiovascular Specialists of SWLA will begin seeing patients weekly at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s new Diagnostic Center in Sulphur. Dr. Turner, board-certified in cardiac CT, will serve as the center’s cardiac CT program director and will see patients at the center each Wednesday afternoon. With the addition of Dr. Turner, the Diagnostic Center will be the only establishment in Sulphur, aside from the hospital, to offer outpatient cardiac CT Scans. The Diagnostic Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is located at 250 South Beglis Parkway, Suite 2, in Sulphur. Office hours for the new center are Mon. through Fri. from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more informaMichael Turner, M.D. tion, call (337) 310-8834 or visit www.wcch.com. Buccaneers Raid La. Association of Registrars Banquet The salty Buccaneers of Lake Charles stormed the Isle of Capri Casino’s Aruba Room recently to raid the La. Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Office’s annual banquet. Attendees caught beads and partied with the pirates. A good time was had by all. Aaargh!
Left to right: Mark LaVergne, Jimmy Bastow, Jean Lafitte 2009 Lloyd Lauw, Madame Lafitte Jonelle Lauw and Donnie Istre. F. Miller Construction Becomes Newest WCP Tenant West Calcasieu Port officials have announced that F. Miller Construction, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Orion Marine Group, Inc. (NYSE: ORN), has become the port’s newest tenant. F. Miller Construction recently completed the relocation of its equipment yard from Highway 90 East in Lake Charles to its new facility on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway waterfront at the port, located 12 miles south of I-10 on Highway 27. The relocation enables the company to expand its operations in the Louisiana market. In 2006, Orion Marine Group purchased F. Miller Construction, a 75-year-old LouisianaVolume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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based company in order to expand its operations in Louisiana. The WCP offers 2,500 feet of waterfront property on the waterway. Other tenants include Devall Towing and Devall Diesel. Current tenant activity includes barge operations, maritime fueling service, diesel repair, heavy-equipment contracting and maritime supply operations. PRCA Calf Roping Rookie of the Year The title of Calf Roping Rookie of the Year for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association belongs to Shane Hanchey, 20, of Sulphur. He was in Las Vegas recently to accept his prizes as the 2009 PRCA Tie-Down Roping Rookie of the Year. The Cowboy Militia endorsee raked in $41,480 over the regular season roping and tying calves, despite having to switch horses midway through season. He also competes for the Hill College rodeo team and qualified in the College National Finals Rodeo this year, where he had the fastest time of the finals. A former two-time Louisiana State High School Champion, Hanchey is also a former champ of the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo and recently won the Marana (Ariz.) Invitational Match Roping. Shane is the son of Gail and Doug Hanchey. TJN
Winter Basketball, Garage Sale at YMCA The Lake Charles YMCA is now taking registration for Winter Basketball, which will be held at the EDS gym on Saturdays from Jan. 23 thru Feb. 27. Also, on Dec. 19, there will be a YMCA garage sale in the parking lot of the Y. All proceeds will
go to the YMCA’s Capital Campaign. Donations can be dropped off at 618 Kirby and will be taken until Dec. 16. For more information, please contact Jennifer at (337) 912-5897.
TJN
Free Gift Deal at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Healthy Living Marketplace The CHRISTUS St. Patrick Healthy Living Marketplace will give shoppers a free Ne’Qwa Christmas ornament with a purchase of $75 or more beginning December 2. These hand-painted ornaments have been created exclusively for CHRISTUS Hospitals. A limited supply is available and each ornament is numbered. Ne’Qwa is the Chinese term for hand painting on the inside of mouth-blown glass. From outlining to shading to color application, all work is done in freehand by skilled artisans from remote villages throughout China. Depending on the intricacy, one ornament can take several days to complete. The Marketplace is located on the first floor of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. When you shop the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Marketplace, you Shop With a Mission, as the proceeds go directly back to CHRISTUS PAGE 8
DECEMBER 17, 2009
to support the mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
TJN
Volume 1 • Issue 19
Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest - Call for Entries! Glitter, feathers, glue and shoeboxes. Who knew that Mardi Gras could be so crafty? The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau is inviting the community to bedazzle their shoeboxes and help usher in the 2010 Mardi Gras season. Anyone can participate! There are school group divisions as well as divisions for amateurs ranging from child to adult, and new to the contest is an additional category for adult civic groups and organizations. “The first shoebox float contest held by the bureau took place last season, and the response from visitors to the welcome center was overwhelmingly positive. It definitely brought Mardi Gras to the forefront and put a magnify-
ing glass on how important Mardi Gras is to everyone in the community,” said Shelley Johnson, executive director. The deadline for registering is Mon., Dec. 28. Floats will be received at the bureau’s welcome center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, on Fri., Jan. 8, and judging will take place on Sat., Jan. 9. Visitors to the bureau will vote on their favorite floats until Wed., Feb. 17, and the People’s Choice Award will be announced Thurs., Feb. 18. For a registration form, visit www.swlamardigras.com and click on “Get Involved” or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 456-7952. TJN
Coushatta Leaders Comment on White House Outreach to Native Americans Last month, David Sickey, ViceChairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, attended the White House Tribal Nations Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference coincided with Native American Heritage Month and was part of a series of federal announcements and initiatives designed to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. “Last month was a very important one for Tribes across the country. Not only was it a time to honor and recognize Native cultures, but it marked what I believe is an important turning point in the relationship between Tribes and the Federal Government,” said Sickey. “The Obama administration has shown a serious interest in improving communication between White House policymakers and Tribal leaders.” The Tribal Nations Conference was held at the U.S. Department of Interior and was attended by leaders from most of the 564 federally recognized Native American tribes. Each federally recognized tribe was invited to send one representative to the conference. The conference came on the heels of President Obama’s Nov. 5 executive memorandum that directed all federal departments and agencies to develop action plans for implementing the policies and directives of Executive Volume 1 • Issue 19
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, which was issued by President Clinton in 2000. President Obama also issued a statement encouraging all Americans to observe Native American Heritage Day on Fri., Nov. 27, and promising that his administration was “committed to strengthening the nation-tonation relationship with Tribal governments.” “This is a very exciting time for the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and for all Tribes,” said Sickey. “The President and the Department of the Interior have opened new lines of communication and have shown a great amount of respect for Tribal governments. We are hopeful that we are entering a new era in government-to-government relations that will benefit all Native peoples and the entire country.” President Obama delivered the opening and closing remarks at the Tribal Nations Conference and discussions were held on topics such as economic development and natural resources; public safety and housing; and education. A number of key administration officials attended the event, including Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Indian Health Service Director Dr. Yvette Robideaux.
TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
Merry Yankee Christmas! If you are one of this column’s loyal readers, you’re probably standing there in the chilly (for a Southerner) December morning hours at your favorite pick-up spot for this publication. You’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of Phil’s delivery truck so you can read The Dang Yankee as soon as it hits the stands. If that’s the case, then, as you read this, I will at the same time be making last minute preparations for a holiday trip back to Yankee Land. You also need to get a life.
I do this every other year. (Go home for the holidays, that is, not get a life. That I never do, according to a small circle of friends.) I don’t know why; I believe it is instinct, like salmon swimming upriver to spawn and then die, if a bear doesn’t eat them first. I try to convince my family and friends up North that it’s really insane for my wife and I to travel there this time of year. No, it makes better sense for all 238 of them to come down here for the holidays
instead. They could charter a plane. They could tie up the airport security line for several days, especially with one particular nephew, who wears more metal than Iron Man. What fun that would be! I got as far as forcing a vote on the proposition this year. We lost, 238 to 2. At least it was close. So, it’s off to Yankee Land we go! We’re going for two weeks, during which we have to figure out how to fit in visits with all 238 people. That works out to 17 people a day. So, we had to hire an out-of-work Republican Party campaign chairman to plan the junket so we could fit it all in. That’s worked out well, except that we haven’t gotten any RSVPs for the $1,000 a plate pancake breakfast with Santa. Since we travel for the holidays, it seems reasonable that I can avoid that thing I hate most about the season: putting up lights. My wife, unfortunately, does not share that opinion. This year, as usual, she kicked me out the front door with two large plastic bins and the admonition that I could not go back inside until everything that was in those bins was on the house.
❑ Leather Jacket ❑ Chaps ❑ Boots
❑ Purses ❑ Jewelry ❑ Accessories
❑ A New Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t so much the putting-up-the lights part that distresses me; it’s more the getting-all-the-lights-to-work part. I mean, in my job every day, I troubleshoot problems with industrial processes that involve complex chemistries. Yet, I can’t for the life of me figure out how to get a string of Christmas lights to completely light up. So, having lost the battle this year, I ended up running the lights as usual, but I’ll tell you one thing. Never again will I try to get cute with them like the one year when I tried to spell out “PEACE ON EARTH” with the lights. Even though I had tested all of the strings in advance, after plugging them in I ended up with “PEA ON LAP,” and a lot of puzzled looks from the neighbors. When I tell folks around here that we are going home for the holidays, they invariably comment on how delightful it will be for us to have a white Christmas. I know that they really feel sorry for us and are just trying to find a silver lining in this cloud of despair. However, contrary to popular opinion in these parts, the East Coast is not Alaska, and snow in December there is quite rare. I think that the way the Saints are playing this year, we’re going to be the ones to miss the blizzard while we’re away. When you travel for the holidays, another logistical nightmare is how to deal with the Christmas presents. Not only do you have to buy the gifts, you also need to ship them back and forth, which ends up costing more than they’re worth. (I’d like to see you work that out on your whiteboard, UPS dude!) This year I got smarter about it, realizing that maybe I shouldn’t have asked my sister-in-law for that foosball table. So this year, for her gift suggestion list, I simply put down “diamonds.” So, enjoy all of the snow here while I’m gone. My only hope is that they carry the Saints games on the local Fox affiliate up there. Well, maybe that’s not my only hope. Here’s also hoping that all y’all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, wherever you may find yourself this holiday season. And thank you, Lauren, for giving your talented, hard-working contributors time off for the holidays. TJN
Volume 1 • Issue 19
Safe Lighting Practices Make for Happier Holidays The holiday season is in full swing. For many of us, that means more than just shopping. It also means breaking out the holiday decorations. Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. wants you to keep the festivities from turning tragic by remembering some important holiday lighting safety tips. “This is the time of year when we all come together to celebrate the holidays with our families and friends,” said Sheila Pounders, Regional Customer Service Manager. “But it also can be a dangerous time if we don’t remember to respect the power of electricity and take care to follow safety guidelines both inside our homes and outside.” According to the National Fire Protection Association, in the four years between 2003 and 2007, Christmas trees were to blame for an average of 250 home structure fires each year. Thirtysix percent of those fires occurred between Dec. 24 and Jan. 2. On average, one of every 18 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. Electrical issues were a factor in nearly half of those fires. Problems with decorations that lead to fire are only part of the story. In each of those years, about 5,800 people per year were treated at hospital emergency rooms for falls associated with holiday decorations. Following simple safety rules, however, can ensure the holiday season remains bright. INSIDE LIGHTING TIPS: • If using a live tree, make sure it is
fresh and green, with needles that are hard to pull from the branches. • Place the tree in a stand with water, well away from heaters or the fireplace. Check water daily. • Examine all lights before putting them on the tree or using them in other home
Volume 1 • Issue 19
decorations. Do not use lights with frayed wiring or loose sockets and make sure they have been tested for safety by an independent testing laboratory. • For greater efficiency and safety, use smaller, cool-burning LED lights. • Make sure all light sockets have bulbs in them. Children are fascinated by lights and could put their fingers in empty sockets. • Keep bulbs from touching tree branches. Never burn candles on or near the tree and never use flammable decorations. • Never use lights on a metallic tree. If the lights become faulty, the entire tree could be electrified. • Be careful not to overload extension cords, outlets or even whole circuits in your house. • Turn off decorative lighting when you leave the room. • Place wires where they can not trip anyone. Do not run them under rugs. OUTSIDE LIGHTING TIPS: • Make sure the lights you put up are
designated for outdoor use. • Use a non-conducting fiberglass or
wooden ladder when working with strings of lights. Also, stay clear of all overhead wires. • Do not replace bulbs when the electricity is on. • Never let light bulbs touch flammable materials such as plastic or dry grass and leaves. • For outside use, work only with three-wire grounded extension cords. • Use rubber gaskets in light sockets or hang sockets downward to keep water out. • Keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes. • Turn outside holiday lights off when away from home or asleep. TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
PAGE 11
The
Life
Celebrating the Diversity of the Holidays By Sara Blackwell Although the origin and purpose of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas vastly differ, each of these religious and cultural holidays promote family values and quality time in prayer and meditation—as well as the exchange of gifts and great food.
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PAGE 12
DECEMBER 17, 2009
Kwanzaa Darleen Wesley is a longtime resident of Lake Charles and a mother of three beautiful children. She and her family have celebrated Kwanzaa and Christmas since 1995. “You do not have to choose Christmas or Kwanzaa. Each person can choose whether they want to celebrate one, or the other, or both,” Wesley explained.
Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas. The celebration includes seven important principles to consider, one per day for one week. These principles are called the Nguzo Saba. A special candle is lit each day as the principle is read and considered. Wesley says that her entire family sits together in the living room and each child takes a turn lighting the candle for that day. “Then we read the principle of the day and discuss, as a family, how we can incorporate the principle into our everyday lives.” Wesley states that Kwanzaa promotes gift giving, but only gifts that you make yourself. “My children typically make necklaces or a food dish for the celebration at the end of the seven days,” she said. After the days of principles and candles have passed, there is a large feast celebrating African-American history. “It is important for the African-American community to teach their children history and the origin of their ancestors,” Wesley said. “Kwanzaa is a tool to educate and to celebrate our culture and all that the African American people have experienced. There is a bond that should be continued and this is a great way to strengthen and continue the bond of African-American people.”
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Wesley’s children attend Sacred Heart Catholic School where, she says, they are taught the principles and celebration of Kwanzaa. Additionally, Kwanzaa is celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, including a feast at the end of the seven days, which is open to the public. Wesley encourages people to consider it not as a substitute for Christmas or any other holiday tradition, but as an additional festivity.
Hanukkah Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Diane McCarthy works at Temple Sinai in Lake Charles, although she is not Jewish herself. “This [Hanukkah} is in remembrance of the miracle in which a one-day supply of oil was found in the temple but lasted eight days.” Hanukkah is observed for eight nights by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum: the ninebranched Menorah. A candle is lit every day for eight days with a special prayer for each day. This year, Hanukah begins on Dec. 11 and ends on Dec. 19. Along with its spiritual origins, the emphasis is on family. Everyone gathers each night for the prayer and candle lighting, and gifts are exchanged every day for the entire eight days. Of course, no gathering is complete without good food. “Many families eat latkes, a potato pancake which is fried in oil, with brisket during Hanukkah,” McCarthy said. A custom that is especially popular with children is the spinning of the dreidel. A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with each side marked with a letter from the Hebrew alpha-
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bet. This game is similar to gambling, but is typically played for pleasure. Christmas Christmas is rooted in the birth of Jesus Christ and is a celebration of his birth and life on earth. Of course, there’s a lot of commercialism that has obscured the true meaning of the holiday, but like it or not, Santa and his reindeer are here to stay. Let’s face it: most everyone enjoys the lights, decorating the tree and the general excitement of the holiday. Kids eagerly wait for Santa Claus while adults take pleasure in the great sales at their favorite stores. Towns throughout Southwest Louisiana take pride in their parades and even fireworks, and most businesses throw fun parties for their employees. Christmas is the time to bring family and friends together, but it’s also the time to remember the foundation of the Christian religion, Jesus Christ. As the mother of a Christian family, we attempt to keep the focus of the holiday on the birth of Jesus by singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus first thing Christmas morning. Also, we try to attend a Christmas musical at a local church each year. We also have a tradition of providing Christmas to a local underprivileged family. We purchase their gifts, food and everyday necessities; wrap the gifts together and deliver everything to the recipient’s home. My children get to see the excitement on the faces of the less fortunate children when they open their gifts. Since we speak Spanish, we always try to find a Spanish-speaking family to help. My husband covers our home, inside and out, with Christmas lights which blink and dance to music. We have a secondhand, slightly pathetic Christmas tree, but it is covered with several “First Christmas” balls and homemade keepsakes created by our wonderful children. Christmas is an especially fun time of year for our extended family as well. My mother makes the best holiday meal and creates the most loving atmosphere in her home for all of us to enjoy. We are very grateful for family and for God who sent his son to be born to this world. So, regardless of your religious, cultural or ethnic background, enjoy this holiday season and have a very Happy New Year! TJN
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
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If you have a recipe and story you would like to share, e-mail us at lauren@thejambalayanews.com
What’s Cookin’ Becca Foy is ready for the holidays.
Santa Face Cookies Looking for delicious holiday treats and no time to bake? Look no further! Baked by Becca in Westlake is thrilled to be celebrating its third anniversary on Dec. 19. Becca Foy specializes in all types of cakes: wedding, birthday, specialty and dessert, along with cookies, muffins, brownies, and cupcakes. She also offers party trays, gift baskets and party supplies. Special orders are encouraged. For you bakers out there, we asked Becca to contribute a holiday dessert recipe. She was delighted to give us a family favorite that’s sim-
Rolled Sugar Cookies INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup shortening • 1 cup sugar • 2 eggs • 2 cups flour • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 tbs. milk • 1 tsp. almond extract
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ple to make and fun to decorate. “This is my grandmother’s recipe, and my uncle’s favorite,” Becca said. “We used to go to her house every Christmas Eve morning to make Santa Claus face cookies. The toppings were coconut for the beard, raisins for the eyes and a cinnamon red hot for the nose. We never missed a Christmas without making them. When my grandmother died, my mother took over. We still use the original cookie cutter from the 1950s, and I use this recipe in my shop. This holiday tradition lives on through me!” TJN
PREPARATION Mix all the ingredients well. Roll out on a floured surface. Cut to desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately eight minutes. Cool on rack and decorate as desired. Enjoy! Baked By Becca 910 Sampson St. Suite F, Westlake, LA 337-497-0263 www.bakedbybecca.com Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - noon Volume 1 • Issue 19
By George “Tip” Cline
Passing on a Christmas Tradition Although this particular column is a departure from my usuaI, I consider it a “tip” nonetheless. As the Christmas season approaches, I would like to share a custom that has been in our family since the 1950s. It was originally started by the Snead family, who shared it with us. It has become an annual practice, and we consider it an important part of our family’s Christmas celebration. We call it the Christmas Creche. A date is selected, usually a weekend or two before Christmas. One family member’s home serves as the host location and the rest of the family comes over, each bringing a dish to share. Gifts are exchanged with those of us who won’t be together on Christmas itself. The Christmas gospels of both St. Luke and St. Matthew form the basis of the practice, using the figurines from the crèche scene itself. The nativity scene is vacant of everything but the stable and manger. The individual crèche figurines are distributed among the family members with the youngest member of the family given the baby Jesus (in the arms of his/her mother if too young to participate). It begins with all of us singing “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” led by one of the more talented voices. “O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie Above the deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark street shineth The everlasting light The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” The eldest member of the family performs the reading. READER: And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Volume 1 • Issue 19
Caesar Augustus, that the world should be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Mary and Joseph should be placed in the manger scene. All sing “It Came Upon The Midnight Clear:” “It came upon the midnight clear That glorious song of old With angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold. Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heaven’s all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. READER: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and placed Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. The baby Jesus should be placed in the manger scene. All sing “Away in a Manger:” “Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky Looked down where he lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.” READER: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night. And, Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tid-
ings of great joy, which shall be for all people.” The angel, shepherds and sheep should be placed in the manger. All sing, “Joy to the World:” “Joy to the world, The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room. And Heaven and Nature sing, and Heaven and Nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven and Nature sing.” READER: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward men. Now, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King behold there came Wise Men from the east to Jerusalem, saying “Where is He that is born King of the Jews, for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.’ And, Lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them till it came and
stood over where the young child was. The star should be placed in the manger. READER: And when they were come into the house, the saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshipped him. The three wise men and camels should be placed in the manger. READER: When they had opened their treasures, they presented him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. All sing “We Three Kings of Orient Are:” “We three Kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star Oh, Oh, star of Wonder, star of Light Star of royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light.” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of my readers! If you find this column of interest, let The Jambalaya News know. Comments, suggestions, ideas, info, etc. are welcome. Send to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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By Cheryl Krull
411
ANiMAL
Saving Snoop Dog: Just in Time for the Holidays Trotting briskly down the street, she crossed the intersection of Broad Street and Enterprise Boulevard, barely dodging the wheels of a slow-moving pickup. Not missing a beat, she continued north on Enterprise. She was a dog with a purpose—survival. The driver of a passing car saw the fast moving beagle, and pulled into the old Dimmicks’ Auto Parts parking lot. Expecting her to take off, the woman got out of her car and was surprised when the small dog came running up to her. Lifting the scrawny, stinky dog into her car, the woman made a men-
tal note: “Male Beagle, we’ll call him ‘Snoop Dog.’” Risking being late to work, the woman brought Snoop Dog home. She asked her husband to bring him to the vet. The dog’s starved condition and huge swellings concerned both of them. The woman thought his testicles were grossly swollen. Also, what are the chances of rescuing a heartworm negative dog in Southwest Louisiana? As you may have guessed, I was the woman, and Snoop Dog is the latest addition to Krull’s home for wayward hounds.
Dr. Matt at Lake Area Animal Hospital called and said that “he” was in fact a “she.” She was an older female with two mammary tumors. Miracle of miracles, though, she was heartworm negative. Dr. Matt gave her the requisite shots and treated her for coccidia, a parasitic, protozoa organism that causes diarrhea, nausea and GI irritation. Though mostly found in very young pets, coccidiosis can occur in animals that lack a mature and effective immune system. Street survivors like Snoop Dog sometimes have compromised immune systems due
to genetic, developmental or environmental conditions. Malnutrition is further compounded by the symptoms of coccidiosis. Dr. Matt recommended that we give Snoopy (a feminine spin on Snoop Dog) a few weeks to put on some weight and build up her immune system. Getting Snoopy to eat was a challenge. Her teeth were worn well beyond her years; so eating dry food isn’t easy for her unless softened up with broth, milk or water. Snoopy is also a very finicky eater. The canned dog food that the other mutts drool over doesn’t appeal to
KIM ANDERSON, PHYSICAL THERAPIST What is manual therapy? Manual therapy is a clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques to treat impairments of the muscles and joints. Kim B Anderson, PT, DPT completed a graduate program which focuses on the hands-on techniques of manual therapy and has extensive experience in applying these techniques. Kim also enjoys working with patients who may have experienced a decrease in balance indicated by increased falls at home. It makes her smile to think that she can help someone to be safer and more independent at home. Here at Hope Therapy Center, our skilled therapists treat patients from infants to geriatric adults and garner positive results in part because our patients receive one on one treatment with a licensed therapist. We love what we do and it shows. If you feel that you would benefit from physical therapy, ask your doctor for a prescription and get started on increasing your function!
Call today for more information or to schedule an appointment with Kim at 478-5880.
From left to right: Jill Willis,PTA; Sonya M. Brooks, MA, CCC-SLP; Kim B. Anderson, PT, DPT; Mika Doucet, LOTR, MOT; and seated Emily D. Pelican, MS, CF-SLP.
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
Left to right: Cindy Istre, Office Manager and Cyndy Lirette, Administrative Assistant.
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her. She also refuses to take treats directly from your hand. Bill theorizes that particular behavior is part of her survival street sense. Two weeks later, we were able to have Snoopy spayed in addition to having her tumors removed. Snoopy makes the third cancer survivor in our household. In addition to the three mutts that can wear their pink bandanas with pride are two dogs that suffer from seizures. It seems our home is moving towards being a special needs facility with every new arrival. Are they worth it? You bet! All but two of our dogs are rescues. The Queen (Daisy) and Queen Mother (Kizzy) have always lived the good life. The others, however, were adopted or rescued without us knowing their stories. My heart breaks when one of them cowers if you reach to pet them unexpectedly, even after many years of being treated with love and kindness and being downright spoiled. Snoopy is a joy to have in our home. I love the way she follows me around with her whole rear end wagging and brown eyes shining. No sense of entitlement with her—not yet, anyway. She knows she has fallen into the good life. Whatever Snoopy’s story is, she wasn’t abused. Humans and the other dogs are her friends. But, how did she end up on the street in such poor health? Though I don’t consider myself a “front-line rescuer,” I certainly can see how the active members of our area’s remarkable rescue groups start suffering from compassion fatigue. There are too many homeless, abandoned and abused animals to save them all. But all of us can do our part by being the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Even those who choose not to have animal companions can help by speaking up against animal abuse and supporting area rescue groups with donations of time and/or money. Those of us with animals can be responsible for their welfare by having them spayed or neutered and making sure they are current on shots and receive monthly flea and heartworm prevention. Above all else, we can make this a better world for people and animals by teaching our youth to live by the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Compassion and empathy for animals kindles compassion and empathy for humans. Cruelty towards animals often results in cruelty towards humans. Volume 1 • Issue 19
All of us matter and all of us have a role to play. Imagine a world devoid of animals, different cultures, ethnic groups and religions. Let us all embrace our differences and work together to make this a better place for all of us–two–legged and four–legged alike.
Drs. Matt and Michelle Traynor of Lake Area Animal Hospital remove Snoop Dog’s stitches.
Cheryl Krull is Spinnaker Communications' president and chief executive officer, managing business operations and marketing. A Lake Charles native, she has worked at PPG for more than 20 years as a licensed tankerman and has extensive industry experience. She is very active in the community, volunteering at several non-profit and nongovernment organizations, her favorite being Dr. Joe Stark’s Lake Area Animal Hospital. In addition to her love of animals, she is an avid long distance bicyclist and a Stephen Minister (in training through University United Methodist Church.) Cheryl is also a would be “geek” and is studying XHTML, CSS and Web design. Please visit www.spinncomm.com and also her new work in progress www.animal411.us. TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Pastry Chef Bill Foltz
By Lauren de Albuquerque If you’re heading for L’Auberge du Lac Casino and Resort during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat. Stop by Le Beaucoup Buffet and take a look at the amazing gingerbread village that was created by a team of pastry chefs, with a little help from the resort’s engineering department. “Pastry cook Preston Smith designed it, and five chefs worked on it,” said Bill Foltz, pastry chef. “It took two weeks to build.” The village was created with over 25 different kinds of candy and nuts in addition to the gingerbread, not to mention the Triscuits and Wheat Thins that make for clever roof shingles. The shiny glass windows are made of gelatin sheets. The village Christmas tree consists of layers of authentic Parisian macarons, which were flown in from New York. Foltz explained that these delectable treats are so unique that chefs have to be specially trained to make them. “It’s an art,” he said. The entire creation is in a climate-controlled case located at the front of the restaurant.
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“It can’t be too dry or too wet,” said Foltz. The village isn’t for sale, but if you want something extravagant, you can purchase a two-foot tall, eight-pound chocolate Santa, made by the talented pastry team. The Santas also come in white chocolate and retail for $100. The village is certainly getting a lot of attention. While we were there, resort guests stopped by to take photos and exclaim over the display, with one woman excitedly telling me how much she enjoyed macarons on a recent visit to Paris. “See, honey?” she said to her husband, pointing to the tree. “Remember those cookies we had in France?” Foltz said that this is the first time they’ve created a gingerbread village— and they’ve only just begun to show off their talent. “After the New Year, this will come down, and we’ll come up with another creation, probably with a MardiGras/Valentine’s Day theme,” he said. “We want people to say, ‘What are they going to come up with next?’”
TJN
Volume 1 • Issue 19
By Steve Springer M.D.
In the Palm of Your Hands This past week was national hand-washing awareness week. I know that may sound a little corny, or at the very least, a bit “naggish” but it is easy to underestimate the importance of this little procedure. Direct inoculation of a mucus membrane of the T Zone (eyes, nose or mouth) is the primary mode of contracting viral and bacterial diseases. The poster on this page was generated by a family physician in Ohio, Dr. William Sawyer M.D., whose campaign for hand washing has been approved by both the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The majority of disease enters our bodies from our hands; for respiratory and gastro-intestinal diseases, it is the portal of entry 100 percent of the time! This why the “Four Principles of Hand Awareness” are so important. Let’s review those four principles: 1) Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating, 2) Do not cough into your hands, 3) Do not sneeze into your hands, and 4) Above all, do not put your fingers into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Believe it or not, the fourth principle is one of the main recommendations from the CDC to prevent the spread of the flu. Hand sanitizers? Another question I often get in relation to this topic concerns alcoholbased hand sanitizers. A controlled study of 200 workers at FedEx in 2004 showed that placing hand sanitizer dispensers in the office and educating workers about their use resulted in a 21 percent reduction in absenteeism. The CDC has recognized the importance of these alcohol-based sanitizers as part of good hand-washing principles and has officially supported their use. So remember...the key to avoiding that cold you get every year or even that stomach bug that’s going around right now is right in the palm of your hand!
According to a 2001 study of intentional animal abuse published by the Humane Society of the United States, 13 percent of these cases involved incidents of domestic violence, 7 percent coincided with child abuse and 1 percent with elder abuse.
TJN
Sponsored by
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
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By Lisa Yates
Larry Spears, owner of Paradise Smoothie and Coffee.
Paradise Smoothie and Coffee Shop: A Healthy Start for the New Year One New Year’s resolution that never seems to go away: eat healthier and, in return, lose weight. Instead of munching on celery sticks, consider fruit smoothies for a quick healthy breakfast or afternoon snack. Larry Spears, savvy smoothie expert and owner of Paradise Smoothie and Coffee Shop in Sulphur, made a healthy Berry Sensation smoothie for this editor to try. Smoothies like the Berry Sensation can help build up immunities to fight those winter colds and take off those holiday pounds. It’s made with fresh ingredients, including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries that contain plenty of antioxidants that boost immunities; and, it’s not high in calories, but filling, suppressing the appetite to help keep weight off during the holiday season. “The varieties are endless,”
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Spears said, adding his customers like to chose their own fruit combinations. “We have a calories sheet that shows the calories, fats, oils and other nutrients to help you when you are choosing your ingredients.” Paradise Smoothie and Coffee Shop can be a challenge to find, if you don’t know your way around Sulphur. It’s located at 1570 Maplewood Drive, next to Snap Fitness and behind Walgreens on Beglis Parkway. A lot of people stop in to pick up a smoothie after working out at the gym. That was Spears’ routine before buying the business in November. FIREFIGHTER TO ENTREPRENEUR Spears, 31, worked as a firefighter before a horrible motorcycle accident nearly ended his life. He spent three weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. “I lost everything I had,” he said.
“I had to learn to walk, talk, read and write again.” He recovered from his injuries and returned to work; however, his doctor sent a letter to his superiors recommending termination of employment or putting him out on disability. Spears said neither was an option for him. “I chose to resign,” he said. “I’ve faced bigger challenges. Besides, resigning gave me the option of coming back one day.” Meanwhile, he was unemployed. “I was looking for anything,” Spears said. He found work doing a little bit of everything from umpiring local games to network marketing and carpentry. While working in network marketing, Spears read Robert Kiyosaki’s best-selling book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, which advocated financial independence through investing, real estate and owning businesses. “I signed up for his coaching program, because I believe you become like the people you hang around,” he said. “I also continued my self affirmations, believing in the power of the spoken word.” His affirmation: “The doors of opportunity open up for me.” Spears said it was challenging, but he kept a positive mental attitude with the support of his friends at Victory Worship Center in Sulphur.
“If you have two dogs, Faith and Fear, which one are you going to feed?” he asked. “Whichever one you feed will grow.” Then one day, Spears walked into the store after a workout to get a smoothie. “It turned out the lady behind the register was one of the owners and she told me the place was for sale,” he said. Spears said he was able to purchase the business at a fair price. He said entrepreneurship was a goal of his. “Since the accident, I’ve had a lot of hopes and dreams come true,” he said. THE MENU AND AMENITIES At Paradise Smoothie and Coffee Shop, you can get sandwiches between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – turkey and cheese garnished with lettuce, tomato and a pickle; ham and cheese; turkey and ham; grilled cheese; chicken salad; tuna salad; and hot dogs, served on white or wheat bread. Also, you can get nachos, Frito chili pies, chips, cookies and Blue Bell ice cream! Oh, and don’t forget the fresh brewed coffees – regular, decaf, dark roasts and special blends. Plus there are specialty espresso lattes – caramel, mocha, cappuccino, and espressos – even specialty herb teas and hot chocolate. Five computers with free Internet service, wi-fi, two large plasma TVs, a wii with tennis, boxing, golf and bowling are among some of the amenities available to customers.
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Spears said the space off to the side is available for meetings. “It’s a place to meet and mingle,” he said. “Full Circle Cell is a Bible study group that meets here.” You can join some friends in a spotlessly clean living-room style couch area, or just grab something and go. Spears said he’s adding a window where the smoothie machine is, so kids can watch as their smoothies are made. He said they love to watch the sealing machine that seals the lid to the smoothie cups. “Kids love our straws and lids,” he said. “Our straws are massive – like tubes. Our sealing machine seals the lid on and kids love to poke through it with their straws.” Another change: new signage inside and out. “We’re having the menus on our walls redone,” Spears said. “The previous owners sold sandwiches, but they were never listed on the menu.” Spears added he is expanding the business to reach Louisiana Swashbuckler fans. “We’ll be attending all of the Swashbuckler games and selling there,” he said. “We’re all over the place!”
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BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Spears’ business philosophy is simple: give people what they want. “Customer satisfaction is the key,” he said. “You have to give people what they want. We’ll try to make the customer happy the best we can.” He also strives to create a positive workplace for his six employees and allows them to create their own schedules. He said it’s working out well for everyone. Spears said business is good. What’s the secret to his success? “So many things have brought me to where I’m at today,” he said. “More than anything, I attribute my success to God.” Part of his philosophy involves giving back to the community. When he heard NAMI Southwest Louisiana wanted to sponsor this issue of The Jambalaya News, he provided the funding in order to publicize the organization’s charity basketball game against the Harlem Ambassadors on Jan. 13, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. He’s also playing in
the game! “Whenever I was a child, that was a dream of mine to see the Harlem team play,” he said. “When I was a kid, we were poor. I wanted to break that tradition and reach my dreams, so I could give others the chance to go see them.”
For more information, call (337) 528-6843, or visit at 1570 Maplewood Dr. in Sulphur. Business hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.Thurs.; 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.&Sat.; noon-8 p.m., Sun.
TJN
Cassie Couvillion, employee of Paradise Smoothie.
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Lauren judges the creative ginger bread displays at the CVB.
www.thejambalayanews.com • (337) 436-7800
“Our ad has made the phones ring off the wall! It has been amazing. Phil & Lauren have been wonderful. A special thanks goes to Faye Drake whom I would not want to be without. Teamwork has helped push us over the top.” – Dixette’ Williams, Owner Slender Solutions
1602 W. McNeese St, Lake Charles • (337) 562-9400 PAGE 22
DECEMBER 17, 2009
I was privileged to be asked to be one of the judges of the annual Gingerbread House Contest, held in conjunction with the yearly Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival. We certainly have some talented folks in the area! The winners were announced recently at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Welcome Center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive. The contest features awards in different categories including amateur, school groups, and professional bakers. Southwest Louisiana’s goodwill ambassador and mascot, Gumbeaux Gator, was on hand to take pictures with the winners. This year, entries highlighted themes such as the Calcasieu Parish Court House, a New Orleans Saintsthemed winter wonderland, a candy dreamland and more. In the Teen division, Andrea Williams took first place, Olivia Vincent took second place and Ashley Cooks, Andrea Celestine and Devin Guy took third place. Dixie York’s class from D.S. Perkins Elementary placed first in the PreSchool Developmentally Delayed Division, and Tina Harris’ class from Vincent Settlement Elementary took second place. In the Pre-School Division, Kids 360 Learning Center took first place and Rusnak’s class from St. Margaret’s Elementary School took second place. In the Elementary Division, the first grade classes at Pearl Watson Elementary School earned first place honors. In the Middle School Division, Pat Robichaux’s art club at Vinton Middle School captured the first place vote. Debbie Wild’s class at J.I. Watson Middle School earned second place
and the CRAFT Program at Oak Park Middle School placed third. Taking home first place in the High School Division was Pro-Start from Sulphur High School. Culinary Arts at College Street T&I won second place. First place in the Amateur Adult Division went to Meagan Dougay. Mona Holman, Melanie Evers and Angie Newell placed second, and Victoria and Jessie Cart placed third. The L’Auberge du Lac Bakery Team won first place in the Professional Division. Best of Show went to Meagan Dougay. Her entry was a gingerbread fishing camp on the bayou complete with an alligator, a fisherman, a pirogue and realistic trees. The winning gingerbread houses will remain on display at the bureau’s Welcome Center throughout the month of December. The final award to be announced, “People’s Choice Award,” is yet to be decided. Southwest Louisiana’s residents and tourists visiting the center during the month of December will vote on the winners of their liking in both the children and adult divisions, which will be announced Tues., Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB would like to give a special thanks to the sponsors for their contributions for prizes: A Piece of Cake, Casa Manana, Children’s Theatre Company, the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, Putt-Putt Golf and the Southwest Louisiana Swashbucklers. For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org. TJN Volume 1 • Issue 19
Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Susy Courville, front left, Phil deAlbuquerque, Clarice Raichel, Carol Sensley, Michael Raichel, the Rev. Roger Templeton, Thom Hager, Kip Texada, Penny Miller, Frank Harrell, Josh Benoit, Britney Glaser, Helen Lewis-Dunn, Brandon Thomas, Don Dixon, Gary Brown, Johnny Suydam, Kevin Guidry, Jacob Colonna, Wendell Benoit, and Tom Annino. Players not pictured include: Eric Crawford, Mayor Randy Roach, State Sen. Willie Mount (D-District 27), James Stahl, Larry Spears, Kevin Thibodeaux, Hal McMillin, Marcus Wilridge and Bob Brankline.
By Lisa Yates While many local sports fans were glued to their TV sets watching the New Orleans Saints clinch the NFC South title in overtime, others were at the Pryce/Miller Recreation Center gym practicing for a charity basketball game. They will be giving of their personal time every Sunday afternoon for more than a month to practice for the game. Jacob Colonna, an attorney with the Richard Law Firm, explained why. “It’s a worthy cause,” he said. “When you have people who cannot help themselves by definition, it is important people help them the best they can.” He and other community leaders will be holding court as the NAMI Southwest Louisiana’s Hometown Heroes when they compete against the Harlem Ambassadors 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. “NAMI Southwest Louisiana would like to invite everyone to an evening of exciting family fun and community support, as the internationally acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors challenge NAMI Southwest Louisiana’s Hometown Heroes to an exhibition and fundraising basketball event at the Lake Charles Civic Center,” said Penny Miller, NAMI Southwest Louisiana director of marketing and development. This is the first year for the fundraiser. Miller said she got the idea from visiting the Harlem Ambassador’s Web
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site, where the team is featured helping local organizations through amazing basketball tricks and keeping everybody entertained. “We needed to find a supplemental fundraiser for the fall, so I began looking at different options, such as concerts and galas, when this came across my desk,” she said. “Out of all of the options, this was the most interesting.” Miller said in order to make it work, she would have to find local players people wanted to see – and she did! THE PLAYERS Unlike the Globetrotters, the Ambassadors don’t travel with a pre-selected opponent. Instead, they play local celebrities, making every show different and spontaneous. The team they will be facing includes a local pastor, a couple of television personalities, a few politicians, firefighters, business owners, athletes, and then some. The NAMI SWLA Hometown Heroes are:
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Maison D’Amis provides safe, affordable housing to people with mental illness. NAMI SWLA received a national housing award for the facility in July, 2009.
• Randy Roach, Mayor of the City of Lake Charles; • State Sen. Willie Mount (DDistrict 27); • Don Dixon, Chief of Police, Lake Charles Police Dept.; • Kevin Guidry, Calcasieu Police Juror, District 9, Child Abuse Prevention Council Member, and National Football League Alumni; • Hal McMillin, President, Calcasieu Parish Police Jurors, District 14 Police Juror; • Phil deAlbuquerque, Owner/Publisher, The Jambalaya News, and President of the Board of
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Directors of the Lake Charles Children’s Museum; • Kip Texada, Director, Ward 3 Recreation, First Head Coach of the La. Swashbucklers; and, McNeese State University Alumni; • Michael Raichel, A.M. Barbe High School Graduate, Varsity Basketball Player, U.S. Naval veteran, and NAMI SWLA consumer; • Britney Glaser, KPLC TV, Channel 7, News Anchor and Health Reporter, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Volunteer; • Brandon Thomas, Defensive Back for the La. Swashbucklers and 2009 All-SIFL Team; • Marcus Wilridge, Wide Receiver for La. Swashbucklers, SIFL’s Offensive Player of the Year; • Frank Harrell, St. Louis High School Band Director, former Sam
Houston High School Principal, former Westlake H. S. Band Director for 23 years; • Carol Sensley, Assistant Youth Director, Living Word Christian Center, and former MSU Women’s Basketball Coach; • Tom Annino, KPLC TV, Channel 7, Sports Director; • James Stahl, Enbridge, NAMI SWLA Committee Member and Volunteer; • Josh Benoit, Firefighter FirstClass, Sulphur Fire Department; • Bob Brankline, Firefighter/Paramedic (replacing Wendell Benoit, due to injury); • Eric Crawford, NAMI SWLA Board of Directors, and NAMI SWLA Consumer; • The Rev. Roger Templeton, Associate Pastor, St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church, and NAMI SWLA Board of Directors; • Gary Brown, Conoco Phillips, NAMI SWLA Board of Directors;
• Jacob Colonna, Attorney, Richard Law Firm; • Kevin Thibodeaux, former Washington Generals and MSU Basketball player, and former MSU Varsity Basketball Player; and, • Larry Spears, Owner, Paradise Smoothie and Coffee, Second Half Sponsor, and NAMI SWLA’s Sponsor for The Jambalaya News. The team will be coached by Helen Lewis-Dunn, who is the assistant director of Calcasieu Parish Parks and Recreation. She’s also an entertainer known to many as “C.C. the Clown.” “Come out and see a whole lot of celebrity people make clowns of themselves,” she said jokingly. Even though the coach will dress in her clown costume for the game, she’s serious about winning. Lewis-Dunn and her team are in it to win it! “Most definitely,” she said. “My strategy is to put the tallest players on offensive and defensive rebounds and (have them) go back up with it.” Assisting her, as needed, is Johnny Suydam, veteran coach of McNeese State University Football and Baseball and the voice of MSU Cowboy Football.
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NAMI SWLA Executive Director Clarice Raichel (center) is greeted by her son Michael Raichel, and her sisters Charlotte Koons (far left) and Marty Cox (far right), during The Women’s Commission of SWLA, where she received the Jack V. Doland Citizen of the Year Award. “I don’t know about the talent of the other team, but anytime you have a team with Harlem in the name, you know you’re up against some pretty good athletes,” he said. “I do know that there are a lot of college stars on the team, but several of our dignitaries here are outstanding athletes, as well.” Thom Hager, SIFL president and owner of the Louisiana Swashbucklers, will serve as the game’s guest referee. He encourages everyone in the community to come out and see the game. “First of all, it’s one-of-a-kind entertainment,” he said. “We have some tremendous athletes in the community participating along with community service providers – centers of influence in the community. It’s raising money with the fun factor. It’s a great cause mixed with fun, family entertainment.”
1570 Maplewood Dr., Sulphur, LA 70663
NAMI SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA Not only does the game promise to be fun and exciting, but it will also raise money for NAMI Southwest Louisiana. What is NAMI? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI has more than 1,100 affiliates in communities across the country – including Southwest Louisiana - who engages in advocacy, research, support and education. Members of NAMI are families, friends and people living with mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The local NAMI affiliate, NAMI Southwest Louisiana, is located at 715 Ryan Street, Suite 203, in the United Way Building in downtown Lake Charles. The local telephone number is (337) 433-0219. Clarice Raichel, NAMI Southwest Louisiana executive director, said NAMI SWLA continues its mission of serving Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis Parish families through a wide range of services and education programs. “We are not mental health professionals,” she said. “We are a family organization helping families find the resources they need in the community.” HER STORY Raichel said the statistics are alarming - one in six people is diagnosed with a mental illness and one in four is directly affected by mental illness. Her own son, Michael, had a psychotic breakdown when he was 26 years-old, which she said led to her advocacy work with the NAMI organization. “He was a junior engineering student at McNeese State University, when he had his breakdown,” she said. “A lot of people think people with mental illnesses have low IQs, or they’re indigent, but that’s not true. It can affect anyone from A to Z, but you only hear about the indigent.” Her son played on the varsity basketball team in high school and had dreams of playing college ball. After graduating, Raichel’s son served in the U.S. Navy. She said after returning home there were changes in his behavior.
(337) 528-6843 Mon-Thurs: 8am-9pm • Fri & Sat: 8am-10pm • Sun: 12pm-8pm PAGE 26
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Hundreds of local citizens participated in NAMIWalks for America to raise money and awareness about our country’s need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. “Michael had issues with depression in high school; however, it was under control until approximately 1995,” she said. Raichel said her son was evaluated with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. “That was something we knew nothing about,” she said. Since her son was an adult over the age of 18, Raichel said the family could not get him treated without his consent, which he did not give. She had no idea where to turn until she found NAMI. “I was working on my master’s degree at McNeese, so I went to the library looking for help,” she said. “In the back of a journal on mental health, I found the NAMI organization with an 800 number. I called the number
custody) if he became a threat to himself or someone else,” she said. “I asked the people in the group, ‘How am I going to know when that happens?’ They said, ‘You’ll know.’” Raichel said it was a parent’s nightmare watching as her son spiraled downwards. “For an entire year, I watched him decompensate,” she said, noting there was an incident that led to her son’s hospitalization. “I had everything documented, thanks to what I had learned through the NAMI organization. I was able to go to the coroner’s office to obtain the protective order. It was sent to the judge, who signed it, so my son could be hospitalized.” Since receiving help, he is doing better. Raichel said her son is 41 now,
Please contact the special services and equality office at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information. Ph: (337) 475-5428.
When we’re raising awareness, we’re removing the stigma. Clarice Raichel, NAMI Southwest Louisiana executive director. and was given the name of a local contact, Vera Morgan, who is now a dear friend.” Raichel, and Michael’s father learned of a local support group and began attending on a regular basis. “There were about eight people in that first support group – wonderful, supportive people,” she said. “Because of this organization and what they told us, it made possible for us to obtain help for our son’s mental health.” At the first NAMI meeting, Raichel was given a checklist of things to do. “I learned that I could get help through an OPC (order of protective
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living independently and taking his medication. “Michael tells me ‘Thank you’ every day for the work I’m doing for the NAMI organization,” she said. Raichel also serves as an advocate at the national level on the NAMI Board of Directors in Washington, D.C. At the local Women’s Conference in October, she received the Jack V. Doland Citizen of the Year Award for her work. “You know the best thing about receiving this award was that I got to stand up and tell the women at the conference about mental illness,” she
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said. “When we’re raising awareness, we’re removing the stigma.” NAMI SWLA SERVICES Through the dedicated efforts of grassroots leaders, NAMI Southwest Louisiana focuses on activities that offer support, education, and advocacy. The programs are free to the public, including these classes: • NAMI Basics designed specifically for parents and other primary caregivers of children and adolescents who are living with mental illness. Caregivers who suspect their child is experiencing symptoms of mental illness will also benefit as they begin to navigate the evaluation and treatment process. • Family-to-Family provides caregivers with communication and problem-solving techniques, coping mechanisms and the selfcare skills needed to deal with their loved one’s mental illness well as its impact on the family. • Women and Depression (in partnership with Family and Youth Counseling, the Louisiana Office of Mental Health, and the Louisiana Office for Addictive Disorders) assists participants in developing a personalized plan, with identifying tools, to serve as a guide to help them stay well, maintain relationships and to recover a full life.
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• Parents and Teachers as Allies helps teachers and other school professionals better understand the early warning signs of mental illness in children and adolescents and how best to intervene so that youth with mental health treatment needs are linked with services. • Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is implemented through law enforcement agencies, where specially trained patrol officers provide services to mentally ill individuals and their families in times of crisis – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The overall goal of CIT is to treat mental illness as a disease, not a crime. The objective is to stabilize the crisis and get the consumer to the appropriate resource for appropriate care. Raichel said NAMI SWLA began implementing the CIT training program in 2005. She said CIT training helps law enforcement better understand mental illness and learn crisis management techniques. “If you have a family member (with mental illness) in crisis and you need to call the police, ask for a CIT officer,” she said. Also, Louisiana has been selected to participate in a pilot program called CIT and Youth. CIT and Youth is geared toward youth and law enforcement, modeled after the adult program with special emphasis on violence at home and in schools.
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“Southwest Louisiana is looking into the program,” Raichel said. In addition, NAMI Southwest Louisiana has been instrumental in obtaining housing for people living with mental illness. “In 2007, NAMI SWLA applied for and received a HUD 811 housing grant for the chronically mentally ill,” Raichel said. The Maison D’Amis apartment complex, located at 401 Gerdsen St., was completed in Oct. 2007, and provides affordable housing for people living with mental illness. In 2009, NAMI SWLA received the NAMI National Phillip and Sarah Francouer Award, which honors outstanding achievement in providing housing or other needed services to people with mental illness. Raichel said all 23 apartments are occupied with a waiting list for openings. “We are currently developing a plan for additional housing for the mentally ill,” she said. Services also include numerous support groups for consumers and family members, one-on-one appointments, (limited) emergency medication funds, and outreach activities at
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conferences, health fairs and festivals, where volunteers distribute literature and educational materials to increase awareness about mental illness. “Education is a big component,” Raichel said. “A lot of people don’t understand the illness. One thing that is so important to do is listening to the families. Another thing we do is assuring them not to feel guilty in seeking help, whether that’s getting an OPC or calling for a CIT officer.” She said NAMI is working with mental health professionals, stressing the importance of hearing the families’ voice as part of the treatment process. SUPPORT NAMI Southwest Louisiana is a volunteer organization dependent on dues and the NAMI Walk as its source of income. Annual dues are $35 for families; Open Door dues are $3, which is an economic ability to pay category. Dues include publications and membership to the local, state and national organization. The NAMIWalks for the Mind of America is a nationwide fundraising and mental health awareness program
that is held in more than 80 communities around the country, including right here in Southwest Louisiana. “In 2003, NAMI Southwest Louisiana was selected as one of the 16 pilot programs across the country to initiate NAMIWalks for the Mind of America,” Raichel said. The Jambalaya News was one of the local sponsors at its 2009 fundraiser, which was held April 25, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Miller said the event was a success raising $98,000; however, the amount fell short of their goal of $150,000. “I believe it was due to the economy,” she said. In order help NAMI Southwest Louisiana get closer to its fundraising goal, organizers set a goal of $40,000 for its charity basketball game. They said 100 percent of the money raised will stay here in Southwest Louisiana to benefit local families. Miller, who chairs the event, said the response has been good so far, and she hopes it continues. “I am honored, overwhelmed, and humbled at the number of supporters, both in the civil service and business fields, that have stepped up to support
NAMI Southwest Louisiana and this event on our behalf,” she said. “Their sponsorship, support, and participation validate our cause and their understanding of the need for mental health services in the Southwest Louisiana community. “We can only stamp out the stigma of mental illness if we stand together, acknowledge it, and address our needs together.” TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS Advance tickets are $7 for students (and seniors 55+) $9 for adults and can be purchased at the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office; Meaux’s Western Wear, 3911 Common St. in Lake Charles; and at NAMI SWLA’s downtown office up until the day of the event. Tickets are available at the door the night of the event at $9 for students/seniors and $11 for adults. Sponsorships still available include $1,000 Quarter Sponsors; $250 Player Sponsors; $100 Banner Sponsors; and, $100 Ticket Package Sponsors. For details on sponsorships and deadlines, call (337) 433-0219, or E-mail namiswlapm@bellsouth.net for more information.
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NAMI Southwest Louisiana Inc. is a qualified 501 C (3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Sponsors to date include the following: Event Sponsor, Richard Law Firm, L.L.C.; First Half Sponsor, L’Auberge Du Lac Casino Resort; Second Half Sponsor, Paradise Smoothie and Coffee; Quarter Sponsor, Hilliard & Hilliard; Business Player Sponsors, Business First Bank, Compro- Tax Inc., COPS N’ JOCKS, Sulphur Fire Department Local 3765, Louisiana Swashbucklers, Richard Law Firm L.L.C., The Jambalaya News, Houma Filter & Supply Co., U.S.M.C. League, Det. 535; Personal/Private Player Sponsors, Randy Robb, Hal McMillin, State Sen. Willie Mount, The Raichel Family, Mayor Randy Roach, Latonia Morrison, Dr. Peter J. Dorsey D.D.S., James Stahl; Banner Sponsors, Boudreaux’s New Drug Company; Scofield, Gerard, Singletary & Pohoreskly; Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson L.L.C.; Center for Orthopedics; and, River Oaks Apartments. Ticket Package Sponsors are the Richard Law Firm L.L.C.; Randy Robb; Susan Fry; NAMI National Board of Directors; U.S.M.C. League, Det. 535; The Civic Center Marquee Advertising Sponsor is Suzy Courville. The Post Game Meal Sponsor for the Harlem Ambassadors will be provided by Seafood Palace. The Media Sponsor is KPLC TV. The Jambalaya News Sponsor for NAMI Southwest Louisiana is Paradise Smoothie and Coffee. SUSY’S STORY Susy Courville is a registered nurse who got involved with NAMI Southwest Louisiana when her then 14 year-old daughter was diagnosed with a mental illness. “I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I kept thinking ‘What happens now?’ Even though I was an R.N., there was a lot I didn’t know about mental illness. I thought it would never happen to me,
or my own child, but the truth is it could happen to anyone – even if there’s no history of mental illness in the family.” Courville found help at NAMI. “NAMI helped me,” she said. “I had the opportunity to meet with other parents who were walking the same road as me. I received education about my daughter’s illness – current education and education about the latest medications available.” Prior to receiving this information, Courville feared the worst. “I thought when you had a child diagnosed with a serious mental illness, that’s it, the child would be locked up and you would never experience your child again,” said. “That’s not true.” Courville’s come full circle since that time; and now, she works as a registered nurse in a psychiatric facility. She also serves as the NAMI Southwest Louisiana Board of Directors President along with Vice President Sherrie Raymond, Secretary Nola Ducote, Treasurer Eric Crawford, and board members Lt. David Anders, James Anderson, M.D., John Bleich, Stephanie Boyd, Gary Brown, Ta’Shana Leach, Veronica Malbrew, David Medus, Rudie Soileau and Roger Templeton. Even though Courville’s daughter still struggles, she’s doing better. Today she’s a senior at McNeese State University. “A lot of parents feel guilty,” she said. “The important thing to remember is you did nothing wrong. This disease doesn’t care if you have money, if you have no money, if you’re middle class or if you’ve been nice to everyone your entire life – it can happen to anyone.” Courville said it is important to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental illness and to support research to someday eliminate these illnesses. “It may not happen in my lifetime, but it could happen in my daughter’s lifetime with enough support,” she said.
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Community Outreach
301 W. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles, LA 337-477-7977 PAGE 30
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Several non-profit organizations will have information booths set up at the NAMI SWLA event, including: • Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s Office Youth Division • Boy Scouts of America • Calcasieu Women’s Shelter • Fatherhood Mentoring Foundation, Inc. • Foreman-Reynaud Community Center • United Way of SWLA
• Genesis Complex Therapeutic Riding • Girl Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf • Junior Achievement • Literacy Council of SWLA • Big Brothers/Big Sisters • Boys and Girls Villages Foundation • Camp Fire USA • The D.A.R.E. Program • Red Cross Rape Crisis Outreach Volume 1 • Issue 19
The Home Team Shares Its Strategy By Lisa Yates Look for lots of high-flying and slam dunking when the Harlem Ambassadors, an exhibition basketball team, take on NAMI SWLA’s Hometown Heroes. The hometown favorites include local celebrities such as Phil deAlbuquerque, owner and publisher of The Jambalaya News. Does he think his team has a chance of winning? “Bringing in donations for NAMI will be the biggest win,” he said. “Winning the game will be a bonus!” Brandon Thomas, defensive back for the Louisiana Swashbucklers and the 2009 All-SIFL Team, said he’s in it to win it! “Anytime I play a sport, I’m in it to win it,” he said. “I don’t like to lose. I have a competitive nature” His strategy: Defense. “Defense wins championships,” he said. The Jambalaya News spoke to several players to find out what strategy they’d use against the Harlem Ambassadors. Here’s what they had to say: Phil deAlbuquerque: “I will distract the opposing players with clown antics while my team makes baskets.” Kip Texada: “As an ex-coach I know it’s important for everybody to give our best effort and whatever happens, it’s for the cause.” Britney Glaser: “My strategy – maybe I’ll out charm someone on the court!” Frank Harrell: “I’m hoping once I get out on the court the opponents will fall down laughing and I can go straight to the goal!” Carol Sensley: “Just last the entire game and have fun.” Josh Benoit: “Play defense.” The Rev. Roger Templeton, “Breathe. Keep breathing and get the coach to keep me on the bench!” Gary Brown: “Defense and deny, deny, deny!” Jacob Colonna: “Play from the heart.” For Colonna, losing is not an option. “My boss, Ron Richard, told me not to come back unless I win!” he joked.
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This "ste reo the popu phonic" record fr om the 1 lar “Rudo 95 lph the R ed Nosed 0s features cow boy Reindeer” and othe star Gene Autry singing r Christm as favori tes.
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By Jeanne Owens, Charleston Gallery and Antiques Playing a shiny black record on a turntable is somehow as comforting as a good wintertime fire. You have to tend it, sometimes it crackles and pops, and setting the needle gently into the groove feels like kindling music with your own fingers. Since CDs hit the market, records were almost ostracized by tiny technology, but they are making a comeback— perhaps because baby boomers have stacks of them—not to mention the upcoming generation actually likes their retro ambience. The record and record player, in fact, ignited the golden age of popular Christmas music that stirred nostalgic hearts from the 1930s to the 1960s. Prior to the 1930s, records could only be played on their manufacturer’s record player; they were not interchangeable in the marketplace. When
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sound studios standardized general record formats, the 78-rpm record turned to gold. Also, around 1930, silent movies starting talking—and singing—and the movie musical was born, birthing a golden age for Hollywood as well. In addition, the microphone gave us “crooning.” Before the microphone, songsters had to belt it out loud enough for back row listeners, but the mike was invented in the early ’30s, allowing a singer to express emotion through nuances and varying tones in his voice. Bing Crosby’s 1935 “Silent Night” was one of the first huge hits benefiting from the new microphone technology. This song issued in the era of heartwarming, sentimental Christmas music sung by big names like Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Mel Torme, and Frank Sinatra.
After World War II, there was money to spend, so record players became fixtures in 1940s living rooms. So did the stacks of records, including a proliferation of Christmas tunes. Ten-inch records were sold in albums—folders with pages that looked like picture albums—thus the term “album” that eventually referred to a long-playing record. Collecting Christmas albums can take two avenues: The music itself, which has a homey, nostalgic sound, then all the peripherals used in marketing the music—sheet music, picture sleeves, album covers, and advertisements for the music. Many collectors play the records, while some just display the album cover as art. Today, CD covers often replicate old album covers.
Several songs highlight the Christmas season. One is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” from a 1939 poem created on the job by Robert L. May in 1939 for Montgomery Ward. The tale is about Santa Clause’s ninth reindeer whose unusually bright red nose causes him to be a misfit, yet empowers him to become the hero, leading the team through “one foggy Christmas night.” The song eventually gave rise to a CBS television special that has aired several times each Christmas season since 1964. Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” shot to the top ten on the record charts in 1943 during World War II. The idea of returning home for Christmas originated during WWI when soldiers thought the war would end quickly. The homesickness caused by the long,
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drawn out WWII engendered the line “if only in my dreams”—a sentiment that rang true to many listeners abroad and at home. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was allegedly written in 1942 by a 16-year old homesick college student, Buck Ram, but was copyrighted in 1943 by Kent and James Gannon. Bing Crosby’s rendition recorded by Decca Records touched a tender place in America’s heart—soldiers abroad and civilians at home—and earned Crosby his fifth gold record. The song was the most requested at Christmas USO shows in both Europe and the Pacific, and is attributed for boosting military morale more than anyone or anything of that era. Countless artists including Perry Como (1946) and Frank Sinatra (1957) recorded their versions of the song, and it was even requested by NASA’s Gemini 7 astronauts to be piped to them as they hurtled back to earth after the longest flight in the US space program. Most of us think one of the most popular Christmas songs is titled “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” However, it is actually called “The Christmas Song.” This wintry tune was written on a blistering 1944 summer day by Mel Torme and Bob Wells in an effort to “stay cool by thinking cool.” Wells thought if he could envision himself in a winter scene he could cool off, so he jotted several lines onto a spiral pad. Torme recalled seeing four lines written in pencil:
“Chestnuts roasting… Jack Frost nipping… Yuletide carols… Folks dressed up like Eskimos.” Within 40 minutes, the song was written, including all music and lyrics. Nat King Cole first recorded “The Christmas Song” in 1946, then re-recorded it with a small string section—the version that was a massive hit on both pop and R&B charts and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974. Cole recorded the song again in 1961 in stereophonic sound with an orchestra conducted by Ralph Carmichael—now considered the definitive version and the one that plays on radio stations nationwide each holiday season. Old Christmas records are great collectibles, and recordings by stars like Roy Rogers, Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, and Frank Sinatra add to their collectability. We hum to old Christmas tunes while we hang ornaments on the tree; they enrich the eggnog, they brighten the moment, they ny ugh ma ned thro is an o bring generations together. Just as ro c y e sle Elvis Pre albums. This on country we hold old records in our hands h as it w tm t s c ri je h C and place them onto a warm int pro jo g g "Blue n in ti s d intere es--inclu and, v turntable, we hold the old songs e e R singer Jim and "Take My H the in our hearts and set them spinas" is and Christm " with Elv ning in our minds for a short, rd o L s u Precio sweet season. TJN anaires.
de t to inclu ched ou pel spirin ra b ic os as Mus g black g Christm includin e Jesus Boy" and s re n e g many alia eet Littl h as "Sw " by Mah tuals suc n the Mountain pped It O dro "Go Tell ionel Hampton g L . recordin n is o Jacks ring th u d io e d k stu ta vited to into the nd was in e." a n io s s e s on "vibraph over the
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By Lauren de Albuquerque
New Year’s Eve was always an exciting time for me, starting from childhood. My parents would get all dressed up to go out, telling me that when I woke up the next morning, it would be a new year. I couldn’t quite figure out how that worked, but it sounded very magical, so I loved the idea of it. I remember one New Year’s, when I was seven or eight years old. My parents and my aunts and uncles were all out at parties and my cousin Karen, who was around 14, was home babysitting me and her brother, Richard. She invited a bunch of her friends over and we popped popcorn and made purple macaroons. At the stroke of midnight, we all ran out into the snow banging pots and pans, yelling, “Happy New Year!” We all got a good laugh a few days later when Karen told us that her mother commented that her pans appeared to be “out of shape.” We never did confess! Back in the day, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians were the big thing on television every New Year’s, playing Auld Land Syne at the stroke of midnight, after the ball dropped in Times Square. Then Dick Clark came along with his New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. The first one, in 1973, was hosted by Three Dog Night. Remember them? In high school, New Year’s Eve was all about parties in someone’s basement, with black lights and patchouli incense, drinking Boone’s Farm Apple wine (yuck) and listening to Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and the Moody Blues. During the disco years, the parties were huge affairs held at clubs with champagne and fog machines and mirrors. We’d put on our platform shoes and Qiana jumpsuits or dresses and we were ready to dance the night away! Those were the days. As I got older, things changed. When you’re in a relationship, you calm down. Boston always has a huge Volume 1 • Issue 19
First Night celebration, but even back then, you wouldn’t find me hanging out on the streets at night when the temperature was in the single digits. So we’d go to house parties or have friends over, or we would drive to the Clarke-Cooke House, a wonderful restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island, where I would indulge in a great big lobster, and we’d then go to the club downstairs to party. A New Year’s ritual I always enjoyed was to put a coin outside in the early evening, and take it in after midnight on New Year’s Day. This was supposed to ensure that you would be bringing more money into your home that year. One time, it was so cold that the quarter I had put out a few hours earlier was frozen solid to my deck! I remember one New Year’s Eve that I spent with my cousin Karen (she of the pots and pans party) in Phoenix, where she now lives with her family. She and her husband had become Mormon, and Mormons are a conservative lot—no alcohol, no smoking, no caffeine. Definitely no partying. So that night, we went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant— and then we came home and went to bed. By 10 p.m. Hello? I don’t recall ever being asleep for New Year’s, but since I had nothing else to do, that’s what happened. I awoke to the sound of firecrackers going off somewhere in the neighborhood, and I assumed that meant it was midnight. Happy New Year to me, I guess. There was one New Year’s Eve in the mid-90s that was so very sad for me. In late summer, my sweet Scottie dog, Samba, was diagnosed with a very rare form of nasal cancer. There was nothing that the doctors in Boston could do for her, so I went on the Internet and found a vet in New York who claimed to have had success with an innovative surgery and treatment specifically geared towards this type of canine cancer. So we brought Samba to New York, and after meet-
ing with the vet, decided to let him do the surgery. Big mistake. They supposedly removed all the cancer, but she suffered terribly from the effects of the surgery, and she was never the same again. On New Year’s Eve day, my friend Karen and I took her back to the clinic in New York. They discovered that the cancer had returned with a vengeance. I had no choice but to have her put down. I will never forget that long, sad ride home. I had lost my baby girl and I was heartbroken. I called my boyfriend, Jimmy, and told him to remove any evidence of her—her toys, bowls, etc. I just couldn’t handle coming in the house and seeing anything that related to her. That night, we had friends over for dinner, and I remembered we opened a bottle of champagne and toasted Samba as the clock struck midnight. The next morning, I got up and went into the living room, and there was Samba’s favorite ball, next to the couch where she usually left it. Jimmy had taken everything away before I returned home, and I know that ball was not there the night before. Somehow, I think this was a sign from
Samba, letting me know that she was still with me. I met Phil in the spring of 1999. By autumn, we were engaged and planning our future. The year 2000 was going to be momentous for the whole world, but especially for us, as we would be getting married that May. But on our first New Year’s Eve together, we were so wiped out from traveling to Michigan to meet Phil’s family for the holidays, and planning the wedding, that we just went to bed around 9:30, and set the alarm for 11:30 so we could get up and watch the ball drop on TV. It was still the best New Year’s I’d ever had because it was spent with the man I was going to marry. Since then, every single New Year’s has been incredible—even if we just stay home. It’s wonderful having a soulmate that you can share everything with, and holidays are all the more special because of him. So Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year, honey. Thank you for making my life complete. TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Stephanie Darbonne, Occupational Therapist; Hollie Clement, tech; Jessica Barefield, tech; with D.J. Mitchell riding Goldie.
By Lisa Yates, photos by Darrell Buck
It’s a sunny afternoon in Sulphur, and 9-yearold D.J. Mitchell is sitting in the saddle on Goldie, a therapy horse at Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center. Two “sidewalkers” hold onto D.J.’s legs, making sure he stays balanced in the saddle, while Stephanie Darbonne, a licensed occupational therapist at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, examines D.J.’s progress with a watchful eye. This unique horseback riding lesson is called hippotherapy, or therapeutic horseback riding - a type of therapy that Genesis has provided for 15 years – and, it’s the first of its kind in the nation to be owned and operated by a hospital. Hippotherapy is a term that literally means “treatment with the horse,” and can be part of an overall treatment plan for a broad range of children and adults with diverse needs. In hippotherapy, the patient is positioned on – and actively responds to – the movement of the horse. The therapist directs the movement of the horse, analyzes the client’s responses and adjusts the treatment accordingly. As opposed to many traditional therapies, hippotherapy has a systemwide impact including: balance, posture, respiration, speech/language, timing, circulation, strength, self-esteem, sensory input, perception, coordination, muscle tone, cognition, processing, impulsivity, emotions and behavior – bonding and compassion. Instead of using a saddle, D.J. is seated on a saddle pad held in place by a strap wrapped around the horse’s girth. He holds onto a handle connected to the strap, while his team walks the horse around the arena. D.J., who is autistic, has been riding at Genesis for three years. His mother, Kimberley Mitchell, said the program has helped her son achieve dramatic results. “It’s helped him to be more social; and, it’s helped his coordination he use to be clumsier,” she said. “Before, he struggled in school; and,
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OT techs Hollie Clement and Jessica Barefield prepare D.J. Mitchell for a riding lesson. now he’s on the honor roll.” Paula Koonce, Physical Medicine Director at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, said for children like D.J., therapeutic riding can be an indispensable tool to address their physical, cognitive and emotional needs. “The therapists rarely use a saddle,” she said. “The children can correct their balance because they feel the horse’s movement more directly than they would on a saddle.” Koonce said the therapist will have the children ride backwards, sideways
and even on their bellies! “Turning them backwards works different muscles,” she said. “Sometimes there’s weakness on one side, so we turn them sideways. Lying flat like a potato sack helps relax them. You’ll see a lot of autistic children rocking back and forth to relax themselves, so we’ll get them on their bellies in the potato sack position.” Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center provides outpatient occupational therapy services in a non-traditional health care setting. Koonce said the center
OT Stephanie Darbonne and D.J. adjust the horse’s saddle pad as Hollie holds the reins. currently serves about 25 patients with 11 on a waiting list. She said therapeutic horseback riding is beneficial for kids and adults with diagnosis such as: • Autism • Traumatic brain injury • ADHD/ADD • Down’s syndrome • Stroke • Developmental delay • Cerebral palsy • Learning disabled/ behavioral disorders • Sensory integration dysfunction
• Multiple sclerosis • Other neuromuscular disorders She said one of the components to utilizing hippotherapy is knowing how to choose the appropriate horse for any given patient. “If you have a floppy child, a child with low muscle tone who has difficulty sitting up, you use a horse with a faster, choppier gait to help stimulate their muscles to contract which helps them to sit up,” Koonce explained. “For a child whose muscles are tight, you choose a horse with a longer, slower
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
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flowing gait in order for the movement to mobilize their pelvis and relax them.” Koonce said children with autism typically experience deficits in language and reading social cues. She said being on a horse addresses many of these needs. For example, she has seen verbal skills increase as patients learn commands. “We’ve had children with autism speak their first words, not to the therapist, but to the horse,” she said. “They tell the horse: ‘Go.’” Another benefit: Children learn sequential thinking and how to follow directions. To the best of their ability, the patients have to halter their horse, lead their horse, groom their horse, tack up their horse and ride their horse. Koonce said this teaches responsibility. “We work on attention and focus, especially when the child is having difficulty in school,” she said. “We work with teachers on the child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) and help them to meet instructional goals. We also work with the parents and give them homework they can do with their child.” Koonce said the program helps riders with physical disabilities improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Riders with mental and emotional struggles build confidence, self-esteem and patience. “Horses are non-judgmental – they accept you as you are,” she said. “Also, working with a big powerful animal empowers the child and builds his selfconfidence. He gets to do something his peers don’t do. This sets him apart from his peers in a positive way.” For more information, call (337) 625-3972, or visit the center at 886 Landry Lane in Sulphur. Visit online at www.wcch.com. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is a United Way Agency. TJN PAGE 38
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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U A B A F N OLY
NEW YEAR’S - WORD SEARCH
D N W O D T N U O C O G O C R W O A A P M N L L R B E F A O E I K E C H A M P A G N E T S Auld Lang Syne Baby Black Eyed Peas Celebrate Champagne Countdown Fireworks First Night Guy Lombardo Happy New Year Midnight Party Resolution Rose Bowl Times Square
M T S S T M S H D Y L Y T E E Y U E T O Y E P E F W S G T B G L S M I E E M I E A G E A O S O S O A M I R N E L N O R W I A C G H T C C
S E R T H S C E
A S D G K E N R
E W I R H T L M
P N O A C G E I
D W P A N U T T
E P A R T Y H I
Y S Y I R L G A
E R S B G O I O
K D I Q A M N P
C M O L U B T U
A L D L U A S I
L O E L B R R R
B E L E C D I E
L G W Y G O F P
The Dot Game
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Players take turns connecting two dots. When a player completes a box, they write their initial in the box. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.
Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Killin’ Time Crossword
Reduce Stress! Add years to your life! ADOPT A PET! Kittens and cats now available for adoption at
Downtown Animal Hospital. 113 W. Clarence St. Lake Charles, La. (337) 439-4330
Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission. PAGE 40
DECEMBER 17, 2009
Volume 1 • Issue 19
r m ende's Museu l l E an en By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire To me, the whole thing was reminis-
Planet 51
(New Line Cinema, 2009)
Animated movies have always been popular with kids, and Planet 51 should be no exception. You adults have seen this B-movie plot before: An alien creature terrorizes the entire planet, but turns out to be peaceful. This time there’s a twist. The alien is from Earth, and the planet (Planet 51) is full of little green people. There’s one other interesting curveball thrown in. The planet has a culture that is just like our own, but stuck in the ’50s, right around the time of America’s flying saucer scare. Planet 51, get it? Clever, huh?
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cent of the old Flintstone cartoons. Instead of Dino, the family pet is a frog-tongued gray thing straight out of the Alien movies. Everyone drives a little flying saucer, but they just hover over paved roads. The aliens watch black and white TV, love barbecues in the back yard and going to the movies. The latest one coming out is a science fiction thriller called Humaniacs III. The alien kids are all into mind control and flying saucers from other planets. It’s an interesting setup. A whole planetful of aliens fearful of an alien invasion. A strange creature actually does touch down on Planet 51. It’s United States astronaut Chuck Johnson, a Buzz Lightyear kind of guy, with a Wall-E kind of robot that he calls “Rover.” If all this sounds juvenile, well, it is. Your kids will probably love it, especially when Rover gets scared and leaks oil in a puddle underneath himself. Itself.
Whatever. The story line is somewhat tediously played out. A young alien named Lem has just gotten a job in the local planetarium. (“The universe is a big place, about 500 miles long.”) He’s in love with Neera, the alien girl next door, and their teenage romance weaves in and out of the story. Lem’s main competition is the leader of a ’60s style protest group that wants to welcome the strange creature from Earth. The whole movie attempts to add postmodern cultural references in much the way Wall-E and Back To the Future did, but it’s old hat and will probably escape all except the oldest kids. There’s a mad scientist alien who wants to take out Chuck’s brain, a macho general who wants him dead, and an army of bumbling alien soldiers that is really the only comic relief in the movie. The premise is so full of potential, but it just doesn’t get the treatment it deserves. At least, not enough to entertain adults. As for your kids, they won’t see anything
they haven’t already seen on kid’s TV channels. There are a handful of poop jokes and one reference to Chuck Johnson’s “antenna.” The movie carries a message of acceptance and tolerance, something we’ve had up to our eyeballs from Hollywood. Your kids will probably never fear mind control again. The best thing you can say about this movie is that the animation is excellent. After decades of budget cartoons, this is an art form that’s coming back, and providing jobs for all those out-of-work actors. Now, if only the writers can catch up and provide decent storylines. Skip this one and rent it for the kids when it comes out on video.
TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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By Mary Louise Ruehr
Fun Christmas Reading I’ve been filling my reading hours with Christmas-themed books — mostly mysteries — and have found them fun. My favorite of the bunch may be Decked with Folly by Kate Kingsbury. This true British cozy, part of the Pennyfoot Hotel mystery series, takes place just days before Christmas in the first years of the 1900s. Cecily Sinclair Baxter, manager of the “country club on the quiet southeast coast of England,” and her staff are preparing for the holidays when a dead body is found in the duck pond. Everyone’s a suspect, including the staff and guests. The deceased was a former employee at the club and had some complicated romantic relationships, but who would want to kill him? Other than a couple of main characters, the rest are a bit two-dimensional, and most of their conversations are just to move the plot along. But the mystery is just complicated enough to make it a great story, and it’s suitable for any age. My next favorite is an Amish romance by Cindy Woodsmall, The Sound of Sleigh Bells. In Pennsylvania, young Beth can’t get over the tragic death of her beau, Henry. She’s the liaison between the Amish community and the “Englischer” store owners, and when she travels to Ohio on business, she finds herself drawn to the artistic creations of a mysterious “Old Man.” All her life, all she’s ever wanted for Christmas was a sleigh ride. And, after PAGE 42
DECEMBER 17, 2009
a series of mistaken identities, she might just get her wish. The story is more full of insight about personal pain, both physical and emotional, than about Amish life, although there are moments of reflection when “Sunday afternoon conversations ran like threads through a homemade dress, each one helping to hold the family together.” It’s a very nice, quick read, perfectly suitable for all ages. The Body in the Sleigh is the newest of the Faith Fairchild mysteries by Katherine Hall Page. Faith and her husband are spending Christmas in Maine when Faith finds a dead body among the mannequins in a sleigh on display at the local historical society. Meanwhile, a woman tending her goats on a nearby farm finds a baby in a basket, tucked in among a passel of hundred-dollar bills. Is the baby related to the dead woman in the sleigh? Faith takes it upon herself to find out how the woman died and to whom the baby belongs. The book has a slow start but the pace
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The Origin of the New Year Did you know that New Year’s is one of the oldest holidays that is still celebrated today? The first known observance was in ancient Babylon over 4,000 years ago. However, back then it was celebrated in March—signifying the new beginning of spring—and lasted 11 days. The tradition of New Year’s resolutions also began with the Babylonians. They made it a policy to return all items borrowed from one another, so they could begin the New Year with a clear conscience. The ancient Romans also celebrated New Year’s in March until 46 BC. There had been so many changes made to the Roman calendar that the days were now out of sync with the sun. Julius Caesar felt the only way to
restore the calendar was to have New Year’s begin on January 1. This tradition was eventually picked up by Egyptian and Celtic cultures. TJN
does gain in intensity. It’s a good choice for those who want to take a leisurely vacation in a small town for the holidays and spend time with “the women settled around the kitchen table with their coffee talking about recipes, diets tried and untried, husbands, and kids. The things women talk about.” It’s a very nice read, with some adult language and situations. And there are holiday recipes, too. Holiday Grind is part of the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle. Clare Cosi is a single mother and manager of the Village Blend coffeehouse in New York City’s West Village. As the staff at the shop prepares for Christmas and Hanukkah, romance is in the air. Clare finds a fully costumed Santa Claus dead in the snow, and the police conclude that the death is the result of a random mugging. But Clare, who was a friend of the victim, is convinced that she’s found some clues, and when she starts checking them out, her own life is put in danger. This is an enjoyable visit to the city. Plus, there are more than 80 pages filled with coffee recipes, tips, and a glossary of coffee-related terms. Merry, Merry Ghost is Carolyn Hart’s second mystery based on the problem-solving spirit of the late Bailey Ruth Raeburn. (The first was Ghost at Work.) Bailey Ruth’s ghostly boss, Wiggins, sends her on a new assignment: watching over a young orphaned boy who’s been united with his elderly grandmother just before Christmas in Oklahoma. The boy’s a joyful surprise to the wealthy family matriarch, who decides to change her will in his favor. But the relatives may not be happy about losing their inheritance, and both the old woman and the boy may be in danger. It’s up to the dead-but-bursting-with-personality Bailey Ruth to keep the boy safe.
Copyright © 2009 by Mary Louise Ruehr. Write to OnefortheBooks@cheerful.com. TJN Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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By Erica McCreedy
It’s not hard to introduce Candice Alexander. You can’t throw a rock in Lake Charles without hitting a home, office, gallery, or festival that doesn’t feature her work. She is perhaps one of the most recognized artists in the region, and because of her talent and her marketing efforts, it doesn’t seem as if she will fade into the background anytime soon. Early years Originally from Hathaway, Alexander was, surprisingly, not exposed to much art instruction during her younger years.
It wasn’t until the 11-year-old met artist Yvette Ward that Alexander discovered a genuine interest for art. She quickly became enthralled with Ward’s career as an artist, and Ward gave her initial instruction and guidance by giving her paintbrushes, books, and anything that would aid Alexander in her tutelage. “She gave me anything to create with, and I was always doing something,” Alexander added. After a 15-year friendship, Alexander continued her deep involvement in the arts by enrolling in McNeese’s art depart-
Each time a brush touches the surface, a new life is born. —Candice Alexander
706 Ryan St., Lake Charles • (337) 433-3670 PAGE 44
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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ment and completing a degree in printmaking. She has blended together an earlier love of graphic design with the printmaking skills and knowledge she achieved at McNeese to create her current work. On the road Lately, the artist has been focusing on life moment to moment. With a whirlwind tour still in progress, Alexander currently spends her time (now and for the next few weeks) at the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette promoting and selling her wide arrangement of prints, jewelry, shirts, paintings, and more. When I visited her booth, I could clearly see the success that the Alexander Art Studio has celebrated since its installation in October of 2002. In spite of the nearly overwhelming attention that Alexander and her co-workers have received as of late, the studio is able to keep its head above the water. With the immense success of Mistletoe and Moss behind her, Alexander keeps her eyes on what’s next in line. The studio devotes much of its time to traveling shows, festivals, and events in places like Ocean Springs, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. But despite the continuous promotional efforts, Alexander still finds time to work on new pieces. “Even though I’ve been gearing up for Christmas sales, I’ve been working on large oil paints that focus on abstract expression,” she said. Inspiration But being the business-savvy worker that Alexander is, much of her time is devoted to figuring out what her customers want and how to sell it. “The more I listen to what people want, the more they love it,” she explained. If anything, Alexander is inspired by her customers and is constantly altering and rediscovering her work in accordance to what she feels works outside of her studio. While Alexander has spent much time abroad and out of state, she returned to Lake Charles in 2006 to experience her roots again. “I feel that leaving was part of my success,” she said. “When I graduated in 2002, I didn’t know what I should do, so I left for New York City where I worked so hard on my artwork. But four years later I realized that I needed to come back home, and it’s been the best three years ever.” Since her return, Alexander has turned her journey back home into a core inspiration in her current work. In the artist statement found on her Volume 1 • Issue 19
studio Web site, Alexander writes, “As an artist, I am exploring and rediscovering ideas and images through deconstruction, rebuilding, and layering. I am currently exploring themes of interpreted shifts between dreamlike images and reality to create surrealistic imagery. Reality shifts are the source of all synchronicity and coincidence where dreams, wishes, and prayers come true.” Fleur de Lis Alexander’s most recognized series of late, Fleur de Lis: Worlds Within, shares a direct correlation with her artist statement. It layers a traditional image of the fleur-de-lis with more contemporary designs that stretch from the natural world to professional careers. “If someone would have told me four years ago that most of my work from the past two years would be focused on the fleur-de-lis, I would never have believed them,” she said. When Alexander was working in New York City, she was commissioned by a client to create an engraving featuring the fleur-de-lis. Even though the customer never claimed her order, Alexander brought the engraving back home, and each time she made a print, it immediately sold. Over 300 prints later, Alexander realized a decision needed to be made: Either leave behind the immensely popular and perhaps overused Louisiana icon or embrace it. “I felt the need to rediscover the fleur-de-lis, and I pushed it to a whole new level. Now, the series brings together professions, services, nature, food, the whimsical, and the spiritual,” said Alexander. The series continues to run strong with the inclusion of the theme into jewelry and clothing. The future in focus The future for the Alexander Art Studio, which is celebrating its eighth anniversary in March, is peppered with new projects and new ways to further bring Alexander and her work to the next level. She is also in the conception stages of working on a voiceover film. While her career is rapidly progressing, Alexander strives to stay focused. “It has taken a lot to understand how to break through and not just survive as an artist. It’s really half art and half business. Over the past ten years, my art and business have grown. It’s my dream come true, but it’s speeding up.” TJN DECEMBER 17, 2009
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It’s Not the End of the World Indian poet and philosopher Sri Chinmoy once wrote that, “Death is not the end. Death can never be the end.” Tell that to the contingent of McNeese football fans and commentators that is in deep mourning over the Cowboys’ fourth-straight early exit from the playoffs. Crank up The Cure. Break out the Baudelaire. It’s time to have a pity party.
After reading some columns and forum posts following McNeese’s 4913 home loss to New Hampshire, you’d think that the Cowboys’ football program couldn’t compete with the Barbe Bucs and was going to disband and join Hofstra among the ranks of ex-football schools. “Matt Viator’s just a high school coach.” Waaaa! “We’re being out-recruited.” Boo hoo! “The fans aren’t supportive.” Sniff! “McNeese may never win another playoff game as long as it exists.” Mama! Was the playoff loss disappointing? Yes. But guys, please don’t get so emo on me. You’re going to get black fingernail
polish on all of this nice, neat column. While it was kind of ironic that the latest team to plant a tombstone on the Cowboys’ national championship hopes happened to be the Granite State, I think the reports on the death of the McNeese football program are beyond premature. I mean, if you look at the 2009 season objectively, I think you’ll find that McNeese persevered in the face of adversity. You’ll find that the Cowboys had a pretty successful season despite returning a grand total of nine starters and battling a plethora of injuries to key players. Look at the facts. McNeese, a team that was predicted to finish as low as 7-4 in some circles and second in the
Southland Conference in one preseason poll, returned just one starter on the offensive line but was still able to average 223.6 yards per game and 33 rushing touchdowns. Some of that had to do with the otherworldly talent of running back Toddrick Pendland, but those numbers also include the one game Pendland completely missed and the three or so games where he played but was less than 100 percent. At quarterback, Derrick Fourroux passed for 2,307 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushed for 678 yards and five scores. The Cowboys scored on 91 percent of their red-zone opportunities and outscored their opponents 407-278. In addition, freshman tailbacks Champlain Babin and Javaris Murray came in and combined to rush for 623
Calcasieu Parish has the highest child abuse rate in the state. Please contact the special services and equality office at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information. Ph: (337) 475-5428.
If you suspect that a child is being abused, call your local police department immediately. You can make the difference in a child’s life.
Dec. 22 @ 7 p.m. McNeese Men’s Basketball vs. Southern. PAGE 46
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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yards and six touchdowns either as backups or starting in place of the injured Pendland. Again, all this with one returning lineman. On defense, McNeese lost starting linebacker Deron Minor for the season with an injury and several Cowboys defenders spent part of the season banged up. Even so, McNeese allowed just under 158 yards per game rushing and 191.5 ypg passing; intercepted nine passes and forced 12 fumbles. The Cowboys’ top three tacklers of the season were all sophomores. Senior Matt Kreamer was fourth in tackles followed by Hayden Dobbs in fifth. Dobbs was a true freshman. Junior defensive end Josh Ellison, a backup last season, led the team in sacks and tackles for loss. Want more? In the secondary, sophomore Seth Thomas led the team with three interceptions while Malcolm Bronson, the team’s leading tackler, added a pair of picks. McNeese finished the season 9-3 with losses coming on the road to FBS school Tulane, on the road to a laundry basket of penalty flags (and, consequently, Stephen F. Austin) and the aforementioned loss to New Hampshire. That’s one Bowl Subdivision team with 22 more scholarships to hand out than McNeese and two FCS quarterfinalists, if you’re counting. The Cowboys went on the road and upset the No. 2 FCS team in the nation, Appalachian State, and gave the Green Wave everything they could have wanted before Tulane pulled away in the second half. All that and they still won a piece of the Southland Conference title. Not bad for a bunch of underdogs. I understand the expectations fans and media alike have of McNeese State football and it has been a tough time the last few trips to the playoffs. I get it. But to say that the program is uncompetitive, that it will never win another playoff game, is ludicrous. I don’t believe anyone has the answers to McNeese’s playoff woes right now. It could be a mental block; it could be the Russians; it could be anything. The point is the Cowboys were young this season. They battled their butts off to even make the postseason and that includes winning its last six regular season games to earn that at-large bid. UNH got ahead, McNeese got down on itself, things snowballed and it was all over. Those games happen to young teams, especially in pressure situations. And as far as fan support goes, let’s pick a (semi-) random FBS school (I pick Northern Illinois) and compare home attendance. In three home games this season, McNeese outdrew FBS school Northern Illinois. That’s right. McNeese outdrew a team from the hal-
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lowed FBS. Three times. Among FCS teams currently remaining in the playoffs (William & Mary, Villanova, App State and Montana), McNeese regularly outdraws William & Mary and Villanova, though comes up short against the other two. Last week, 2,661 hardy souls came out to watch Nova pound on New Hampshire in a quarterfinal playoff game. There were probably as many or more Cowboy fans in the Superdome to watch the Tulane game than there were actually, living Green Wave fans. Almost five times as many fans came to watch McNeese’s game with UNH. Sure, they
may not have stayed after the Wildcats’ game-clinching pick six, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love their Cowboys. Wait until Tiger Stadium gets a load of Pokes fans. So, yeah, McNeese’s football season may have died a little prematurely than any Cowboys fans may have hoped, but it’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t mean McNeese is through being a player on the national scene. The sun will come out and McNeese will have its day again. Now, put away those darn Elliott Smith albums. You’re dripping tears on this page.
Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than seven years for various publications. Coaches Brandon Shoumaker or parents with story tips may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).
TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Taking Care of Business The Jambalaya News teamed up with the Chamber SWLA to host November’s Chamber After Hours at our new office at 715 Kirby St. Talk about taking care of business! It certainly was the night to network. Over 150 guests enjoyed delicious food and libations courtesy of Josh Rogers and The Landing under a huge tent from Groves Rentway. Baklava and pralines were provided by Diana Backhaus and Dru Ellender of B&B Catering. Rick Sanders of Platinum Limo brought one of his fabulous limousines to our location so guests could see what his company has to offer. And many lucky folks walked away with door prizes contributed by
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Platinum Limo, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Coldstone Creamery, Holiday Inn— Sulphur, The Wine Store and Expressions. In addition, every attendee went home with a goodie bag from the CVB filled with all kinds of good stuff from area businesses such as Cameron State Bank and Slender Solutions. And they all included a Jambalaya News mug! The Chamber told us that we had one of the most well attended After Hours events that they’ve ever had. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event the success that it was. We all had a blast! TJN
Phil and Lauren de Albuquerque with George Swift
Burn Rourk and Greg Locke
Peter O'Carroll and Jim Ray
Tamara and Donald Landry
Bea Hebert, Katsie Fanelli and Shalonda Gims
Andrea Collins and Joey Racca
DECEMBER 17, 2009
Volume 1 • Issue 19
Ellie Stalker, Linda Robertson and Carol Ann Gayle
Chip and Tracy LeMieux
Annette Garber, Kathy Armentor and Roman Jenks
Margaret McCloskey and Andrea Arceneaux
Dwayne DeRouen, Kevin Hebert and Randy Goodloe
Lauren, Derenda Grubb and Phil
Calcasieu Marine Bank 844 Ryan St. Lake Charles, LA Corner of Pujo & Ryan
Cash Grocery & Sales 801 Enterprise Blvd. Lake Charles, LA Corner of Broad & Enterprise
The historic Calcasieu Marine Bank Building has been a part of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana since 1928. The elegance of this treasured landmark makes it perfect for your special event.
Available to rent for all your event needs! Weddings • Reunions • Corporate Events • Mardi Gras • Parties
For more information, including a 360 degree inside view of the buildings, please visit our website at www.empireoftheseed.com. For rental information for the Calcasieu Marine Bank or the Cash Grocery & Sales, please contact Tommy Eastman of Flavin Realty, Inc. at (337)478-8530 or by email at teastman@flavinrealy.com. Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Photo by Christina Louvierre Photography
Give the gift of love this season. Gift Certificates Available!
(337) 477-6868
(337) 477-2888
1 0 9 W. L A G R A N G E , L A K E C H A R L E S PAGE 50
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Enchanted roses were everywhere at the production of “Beauty and the Beast.” With such a large cast, it was evident that those behind the scenes worked diligently to present such a flawless production. The entire audience was drawn into the drama that included laughter, sadness and, of course, a happy ending. It was quite a sight to see the lighted, enchanted roses waving in the air and pointed toward the Beast to help Belle save his life. An extremely talented cast with an ever-strong and supportive director and production staff gave us the pleasure of a very memorable evening.
Noah and Phoebe Fincher-Dupree, Amber Mize and Jimmy Fincher-Dupree
Mary Cathryn Conner and AnnaBeth Robideaux
Angela Broussard, with Gerald and Linda Touchet
Rose and Dick Ostafin
Rosie and Kristina Bruchhaus
Milissa Thibodeaux and Tracy LeMieux
Mattie Waite and Julia Walker
HOLIDAY & MARDI GRAS RUNWAY FASHION SHOW The Barbara Dubose Holiday & Mardi Gras Runway Fashion Show and Brunch had the glitz and glitter that was just The Perfect Fit. Mardi Gras and holiday vendors displayed beads and bangles, sequins and feathers, ceramics, jewelry and more in the upper level of the Charleston Hotel. The Runway Fashion Show was exciting and included casual, cocktail and Mardi Gras attire. It was a merry brunch with a single red rose at every place setting. The menu included a lovely tropical fruit salad followed by grits and spinach cake topped with jumbo lump crabmeat. Dessert was a warm chocolate lava cake with a raspberry compote topped with whipped cream. Yep, that will get you festive, all right. Becky Farque and Summer Schmitz Volume 1 • Issue 19
Laurie Moffett and Heather Priola DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Peggy Caire, Mavis Raggio, Molly Harless and Mary Savoy
Colleen Phillips and Dina Cuccio
Angela Noland, Angela Matte, Nomica Guillory, Pam Robinson and Whitney Manns
KIWANIS CLUB OF SOUTH LAKE CHARLES Artists/exhibitors were contacted early and Kevin Mattingly worked diligently to spread the word that the annual Kiwanis Club Antique, Art & Handicraft Fair was coming to town. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of South Lake Charles since 1972, the fair has become a shopping tradition. The Friday evening Sneak Peek included free gumbo with ticket purchase. Artisans and crafters from near and far displayed a great selection of varied goods to the delight of the shoppers. Traditionally an arts and crafts show, this year's event had a new look with an emphasis on art and added events. The featured artist was Elton Louviere, who unveiled a painting created especially for the event. Lauren and Hayley Smith and Asa Tindall
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
Gladys and Keri Buller
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Robert and Stephanie Ryder
Alice Manning and Dolores Edwards
Molly Reed and Peggy Borel
Sara Simoneaux, Elisa Oakley and Nicole Medlin
Andrew, Emily and Christy Rhoads
Don Ash and David Martin
“Serving Southwest Louisiana with Excellence”
Contact
John Robinson, Realtor
(337) 526-5399 jrob1649@gmail.com
1145 Hodges St. Lake Charles • 70601 Office (337) 802-7726 Fax (888) 877-6530 www.alvinguillory.com Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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LAKE CHARLES DISCOVERY SERIES/SYMPHONY And the beat goes on--as does the search for the next conductor for the Lake Charles Symphony. Classical music enthusiasts had the opportunity to meet the second of four candidates at the home of Carma and Jonathan Manns at the Thursday evening Discovery Series preceding the Symphony performance on Sunday afternoon. Conductor Predrag Gosta talked about the upcoming performance and his choice of compositions. On Sunday afternoon, the audience was treated to a stunning presentation of "Pictures at an Exhibition" composed by Modest Mussorgsky. The orchestra, board, and the community, will choose a conductor to lead the Symphony from the 2010-2011 season forward. The two remaining candidates will present at concerts in early 2010. Janet and Neill Osborne
Margaret Cromwell and Stan Chapman
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
Jacob Theriot, Ryan Nugent and Elizabeth Ray
Carma Manns, Conductor Predrag Gosta and Jonathan Manns
Jenny Slaydon and David Richard
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POSADAS, RETABLOS AND ICONS: THE LATIN AMERICAN WAY In celebration of her Latin American roots, Luz-Maria Lopez opened "Posadas, Retablos and Icons: The Latin American Way" featuring her artwork at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum's Gibson-Barham Gallery. Simultaneously, an exhibit titled "Images & Icons" was on display in the Museum Library featuring iconographic art created by Calcasieu Parish School System art students. Raised in Honduras, Luz-Maria Lopez was an art school student by age 10. Inspired by stories told by her grandmother, and in her honor, Lopez shares Latin American culture and lore and depicts the strength and beauty of women like her grandmother. Words cannot aptly describe the beauty of the art by Lopez and the students. A must see.
TJN
Marvin Fox, Luz-Maria Lopez and James Breaux
Megan Peters, Gray Pumpelly, Julie Lundy and Anna Pumpelly
Chasity Thomas and Tessa Oliver
Rebecca Holland and Jeff Doyle
Carlin Chapman and Jenna Fazende
Tracy Gilmore Stylist/Barber – Manager Formerly at The Stag Barber Shop
2406 Ryan St., Lake Charles • (337) 433-0760
Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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SOWELA’S 25TH ANNUAL ART SHOW NOW THROUGH DECEMBER Sowela Technical Community College’s 25th annual art show is now on exhibit at the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. It includes a wide array of industrial art from students in the college’s commercial art degree program. Some of the vivid displays were selected by a panel of local media and advertising professionals to compete for placement at the local student division of the ADDY Awards in February 2010. The exhibit will remain at the Central School throughout the month of December. WESTLAKE BAND’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT DEC. 17 The Westlake High School Band will present its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 in the school’s auditorium. The Band Boosters will serve gumbo in the school cafeteria from 5-7 p.m. before the concert. Cost for the gumbo is $6; concert admission is free. For more information, contact Jay Ecker, band director, at 433-6866. TAMALES AND TEQUILA NIGHT AT ICM DEC. 17 Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 204 W. Sallier will present “Tamales, Tequila and Jay and Maria” on Thurs, Dec. 17 from 6-9 p.m. Join us for a tamale tasting and other refreshments with a Latin flavor, sample eight different kinds of tequila, and enjoy a dance demonstration with “lessons” by local Latin dancers, Jay and Maria! Seating is limited; you must have a reservation. $10 for non-museum members; free for members. BARBE HS SOUNDS OF THE SEASON DEC. 17 The Barbe High School Chorus will present its annual Christmas concert, “Sounds of the Season,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on the corner of Kirby and Bilbo Streets. The concert will be performed by candlelight. The Barbe Show Choir will perform some Christmas songs after the concert. Admission is free.
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
JAM
DANNY O’FLAHERTY’S IRISH CHRISTMAS DEC. 20 Join entertainer Danny O’Flaherty for an Irish Christmas! A Carol Dinner and Concert will be held at the Brickhouse, 110 Pine St., at 4 p.m. on Dec. 20. Enjoy turkey and all the trimmings prepared by Brickhouse Catering followed by a concert of Celtic holiday tunes. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Bella’s Bridal/Mr. Formal on 2603 Ryan St. For info/reservations, call 564-4702 or 439-4888. KINGZ OF ZYDECO DEC. 26. Get your fill of zydeco at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum! Ten bands will be performing from noon to midnight. Hosted by Diva “D” of KZWA’s Zydeco Radio Show and also Lafayette’s own, Cupid, don’t miss the largest Cupid Shuffle in Southwest Louisiana! Tickets are $21.50 for adults; $11 for children. On sale now at the Civic Center Box Office, or call Ticketmaster at (832) 618-9006. SACRED SPACES DEC. 26 The Lake Charles Symphony is thrilled to present “The Season’s Tour of Sacred Spaces” which replaces the annual “Holiday Home Tour” this year. All of the sacred spaces are located in downtown Lake Charles. From 11 a.m. -1p.m., Immaculate Conception Cathedral – 935 Bilbo Street and Sacred Heart Catholic Church – 1102 Mill Street are available for tours. Additional churches available to tour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. are The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd – 715 Kirkman Street, First United Methodist Church – 812 Kirkman Street, and Temple Sinai – 713 Hodges Street. The tickets will be sold in advance from the Lake Charles Symphony office. For this year only, tickets will be sold at the door the day of the event. Please call 433-1611 for more information or to purchase tickets. The ticket price is $25.
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FRIDA AT THE ICM DEC. 29 Frida chronicles the life Frida Kahlo shared unflinchingly and openly with Diego Rivera, as the young couple took the art world by storm. From her complex and enduring relationship with her mentor and husband to her illicit and controversial affair with Leon Trotsky, to her provocative and romantic entanglements with women, Frida Kahlo lived a bold and uncompromising life as a political, artistic, and sexual revolutionary. The 2002 film won two Oscars and another 12 awards along with 28 nominations. Begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Free admission for members; $5 for non-members. For more information, call 439-3793 VFW MOSS BLUFF NEW YEAR’S DANCE DEC. 31 The VFW Moss Bluff is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy the sounds of Charles Mann and the Louisiana Pride Band and gumbo at midnight. Admission is $15 per person; set-ups available, $5 cork/ice chest fee. Located on Hwy 171 North in Moss Bluff. Contact Barbara Impastato-McCain at 855-7887 for more info. DELTA DOWNS NEW YEAR’S BASH DEC. 31 Rock in the New Year with all of your favorite 80s party songs performed by a truly unique band, The Chee-Weez. Must be 21 or older to attend. The fun starts at 9 p.m. in the Delta Events Center. Admission is FREE! For more information, call (800) 589-7441. VFW POST 2130 NEW YEAR’S DANCE DEC. 31 Ring in the New Year at the VFW Post 2130 on Country Club Road. Dance the night away to Bayou Roots from 8 p.m.- midnight. Enjoy free gumbo and the company of good friends. The event is $25 per couple. Call (337) 477-7546 for more information. TWELFTH NIGHT JAN. 6 Kick off Mardi Gras Season 2010 at the Lake Charles Civic Center from 7-10 p.m. Twelfth Night is an enchanting evening with the 2009 royal courts of more than 50 krewes making their last glittering promenade, ushering in the 2010 season. Luxurious door prizes, music and dancing! Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children 5 and under are admitted for free. TJN
Danny O’Flaherty
As we enter Hurricane Season, we are dedicated to informing you of any weather threatening Southwest Louisiana. Part of our dedication to keeping you informed and up to date is our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart sponsored by Cameron State Bank and Aggreko. The KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart will be available June 1 at our sponsor locations or at the KYKZ 96 station. More information at www.kykz.com
Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Christmas We Have Heard On High By Leslie Berman For most of my life, I’ve concealed a guilty pleasure: I love Christmas music. Solemn, silly, or sentimental, traditional, modern or post-modern, whether it calls to me from a TV or movie screen with surround-sound, spits tinny and underamplified from the Salvation Army bell-ringer’s boombox, or billows out of my old car’s rattling and crackling fade-in-and-out speakers – I just love it all. I hear those first notes of anyone’s recording of “White Christmas” playing on some Lite-FM radio station, or find myself shopping in Books-A-Million to the strains of “Santa Baby” or “Jingle Bell Rock,” and I start to bop and hum, or even sing out loud, as a great contentment steals over me. Which I’d be the first to admit is really quite odd, because I’m Jewish, from an Orthodox family, and unlike some Jews from non-Orthodox traditions, I grew up without Christmas. I don’t mean I didn’t know about it, that I missed all the signs of the approaching season from street banners to department store sales, that I never saw It’s A Wonderful Life or Miracle On 34th Street. No, what I mean is that my family didn’t and doesn’t celebrate Christmas. To this day, we have no
tree strung with lights and a carefully preserved collection of ornaments, we hang no wreaths or mistletoe, our real estate is never decorated with blow-up vinyl yard Santas or Styrofoam rooftop reindeer sleighs, and never in my life have we gone caroling, or stayed awake sipping hot cocoa so we could participate in a Midnight Mass. That’s because I grew up without Jesus, as Jewish people do not follow him, and we are still waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Friends who are good Christians have often suggested that I should celebrate Christmas anyway – make my own rituals, and share in the holiday’s secular traditions without feeling guilty about ignoring its fundamental meaning. They often argue that as there’s been a substantial decline in the religious focus of the season for Christians (as amply evidenced by the commercialization of the holiday, which seems to be what they’re inviting me to enjoy), the holiday I would be celebrating would be about family and community, about gifts and food. But despite their good intentions, I find that I can only participate in the season secondhand, through the eyes and experiences of my Christian friends,
welcomed, to be sure, as an honored guest; but always aware that I am an outsider. Because once, while living in Israel nearly 40 years ago, I went to Bethlehem as a Christmas Eve sightseer. There, at the site of the shrine of the manger, in the company of many Christian pilgrims, I discovered that a modern day Christmas, for all its pagan and popular shopping and giving rituals, is, first and foremost, the time for his followers to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Standing in the silent, reverent crowd, I could appreciate their practices as a respectful fellow visitor, but as a non-believer, I could not tap in to the feelings of wonder, love and joy that must have satisfied fundamental longings of those around me who clearly did believe. So how could someone Jewish, not in communion with the Christian world, nevertheless feel so warmed by Christmas music? I’ve been thinking about this aloud today in the company of awardwinning lyricist Pamela Phillips Oland (who penned, among hundreds of other songs, the Grammy-nominated and Country Music Award -winning “Nobody Loves Me Like You Do,” debuted by Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson on the soap “As The
COMMISSIONERS NEEDED If you are interested in employment as a commissioner working at a polling place on election day my election department will hold a general course of instruction for new commissioners TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010 AT 6:00 P.M. At the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, in Courtroom A, on the 3rd Floor. YOU WILL BE TAKING AN OPEN BOOK TEST ON ELECTION LAWS. The class will last approximately 3 hours. You will need to bring a pen or pencil everything else will be furnished. THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS TO ATTEND: YOU MUST BE 17 YEARS OF AGE ENROLLED IN THE TWELFTH GRADE OF ANY CALCASIEU PARISH HIGH SCHOOL OR STATE-APPROVED NONPUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL OR PARTICIPATING AT THE TWELFTH GRADE LEVEL IN A HOME STUDY PROGRAM APPROVED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, OR ANY PERSON CURRENTLY REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE PARISH OF CALCASIEU. YOU MUST TAKE AND PASS THE OPEN BOOK TEST ON ELECTIONS LAWS WHICH WILL BE GIVEN AT THE CLASS.
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION YOU MAY CONTACT PAULETTE DARTEZ, DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS AT 437-3558, EXT. 123 PAGE 58
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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World Turns,” and honored for the Anne Murray and Dave Loggins version). Oland is a nice Jewish girl who’s written several wonderful Christmas songs (including “New York Christmas” sung by Nashville-based singer/writer Benita Hill, herself an author of two of Garth Brooks’ number one hits). To begin with, Oland and I noted the endurance of Jewish composer Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” It’s still the bestselling single of all time, although it was written and first recorded nearly 70 years ago. It’s the subject of a
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Broadway musical, countless articles, and scholarly and popular books. That song defined for us a simpler time, evoking what New York Times journalist Stephen Holden has called a “primal nostalgia” – a pure longing for roots, home and the safety and security of childhood – couched in memories of American Christmases past. (Berlin embraced and lauded America in many songs that captured our national qualities, values and dreams; his “God Bless America” became the rallying anthem that salved our wounded psyches following the attacks of 9/11.) When I hear “White Christmas,” I often burst into tears. Childhood, nostalgia, longing, indeed. Then Oland told me that when she writes any song, she begins by remembering that it’s the listeners she’s writing for, whether or not she’s had their feelings or experiences herself. So, she channels their presence and imagines her lyrics falling on their ears, as she selects simple and straightforward words that will bridge any gap between them, to be sure she’s convey-
ing her ideas in ways her listeners will understand. And Christmas songs? “Well, Christmas is about love,” Oland told me. And suddenly I got it: I can hear and feel love in Christmas music and decorations, in community and church rituals, and of course, in family and friends’ gatherings, because all of these are ways to express and share the comfort and joy that rest at the core of Christmas. After we parted, I listened to a few of Oland’s Christmas songs, which like Berlin’s chart-topper express love, warmth, and nostalgia. I’m especially fond of “Christmas All Year Long,” which captures my sentiments perfectly: “I’ve waited all year through / To finally reach December / ‘Cause that’s when we’re reminded / That love is still alive and strong / I’m wishin’ it were Christmas - All year long....”* To find out more about Pamela Phillips Oland’s wonderful work, check out her website at www.pamoland.com. *“Christmas All Year Long,” Music by Steve Bramson, Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland © 2003 Famous Music/Paramount (ASCAP). TJN
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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In the spirit of the season the
LAKE CHARLES LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS wishes you all the joys of the season. May you be blessed with peace, love and joy now and in the coming year. PO Box 180, Lake Charles, LA 70602 www.lwv-lc.org • info@lwv-lc.org • (337) 474-1864
Service Hours Mon - Fri 6am-10pm Sat & Sun 6am-9pm P.O. BOX 1120 GRAND CAYMAN KY1-1101 (337) 436-7800 Ext.110
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
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To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Idle Minds @ My
• T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, • • • • •
Basile, 6:30 p.m. Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m. Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin’ Cajuns @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. Centerfire @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. Benji, Mike & Wayne @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m. Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 • Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Grove Inc @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • Come On And Go With Us @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Rio Sabine @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • Rockstar Karaoke @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Percy Sledge @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. • Crooks Carnival @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • Laurel & The Electric Circus/Handsome Harry @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m. • ThingFish/Tracy McGinnis @ Caribbean Hut, 8 p.m. • Grove Inc @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.
Place, 9 p.m. • Briant Lloyd Smith
• • • •
and Hot Gritz @ Blue Duck Cafe, 9 p.m. Band X @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. Cold Sweat @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. Meriwether/Parallel The Sky/The Silent Planet @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m. Fresh Nectar/Lochness Mobsters/Drew Landry & The Dirty Cajuns @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food &
Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Saints-Cowboys Game @ My Place, 7 p.m. • Abatis @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m. • Justin Pierce/Cold Sweat @ Caribbean Hut, Isle of
Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Steel Shot @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. • Grove Inc @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,
Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Band X @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Elle!oh!Elle/Starluck @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m. • Electric Mudd/The Chris Shearman Experience, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food &
Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Alvin Touchet @ Blue Duck Cafe, 7:30 p.m. • Handsome Harry/Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar &
Grill, 8 p.m. • Devil & The Details @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m. • Parker James & Fat Boy South @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. • Whiskey South/Ceth Talbot @ Caribbean
Hut, 9 p.m. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 • The Hotel Cazin Band @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music,
Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Coming Home Party @ Toucan’s, 8 p.m. • Ka-Nection @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,
Vinton, 8 p.m. • Static @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac
Casino, 9 p.m. • Shimmur @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Jag @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino,
Westlake, 9 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
• Zydecane @ Fred’s Lounge, 5 p.m. • Kevin Naquin & The Ossun Playboys, 6 p.m.
• Merry Christmas Party @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • Johnny Raincloud Christmas Party @
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
• Foret Tradition @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. • Matt DelRossi @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,
• Travis Benoit & Allons Dance @ DI’s Cajun Food &
Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.
Toucan’s, 8 p.m. Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Static @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill,
L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 9 p.m. • Shimmur @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,
Kinder, 9 p.m. • Classie Ballou @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 • Sean Ardoin @ Lake Charles Civic Center, 11 a.m.
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DECEMBER 17, 2009
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• Hooterbros @ KC Hall, •
• • •
• • • •
MONDAY NIGHTS:
Westlake, 6 p.m. Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. Travis Matte & The Kingpins @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. Matt DelRossi @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. Research Turtles/The Amorist/The Last Challaron @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. Shimmur @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. Cedryl Ballou @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. Magnolia Sons/In Liquid/Snidely Whiplash @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Mike Zito @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 10 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 • Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.
• • • •
Post 2130, 8 p.m. Abatis @ My Place, 8 p.m. Paper Plains @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. Butt Roxx @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. Mojeaux @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 • Capital One Bowl Showing @ My
• • •
Place, Noon •
Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Nivero/Broadmore @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.
•
Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. The Molly Ringwalds @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. Trim @ My Place, 9 p.m. Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. Tyler Read/The Silent Planet @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m. Daylight Broadcast/Godspeed the Jackal/The Roaring 20s @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 2 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9
@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Gary Allan @ Coushatta Casino Pavilion, Kinder, 8 p.m.
• Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 SUNDAY, JANUARY 3
Boogie @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. • Chris Louviere @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m. • Scotty Doland @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.
• Blues Tonic @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 17 @ 9:00 COME ON AND GO WITH US & MORE...
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la
• Travis Benoit & Allons Dance @ DI’s
• Geno Delafosse & French Rockin’
Be Well Night
Swamp Band @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.
Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: THURSDAY NIGHTS:
• Chubby Carrier & The Bayou
• Chris Miller & Bayou Roots @ VFW
Abita Beer Night
Mondo Martini Night
Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s
Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Static @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m. • For Karma/Brothers and Kings @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 • T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Twangsters Union @ Caribbean
TJN
Fri. Dec. 18 @ 10:00 FRESH NECTAR, LOCHNESS MOBSTERS & DREW LANDRY & THE DIRTY CAJUNS Sat. Dec. 19 @ 10:00 THE ELECTRIC MUDD Wed. Dec. 23 @ 8:00 X-MAS EVE - EVE W/ HANDSOME HARRY BAND Wed. Dec. 23 @ 10:00 SCOTTY DOLAND Fri. Dec. 25 @ 8:00 MERRY X-MAS PARTY Sat. Dec. 26 @ 10:00 RESEARCH TURTLES, THE AMORISTS & THE LAST CHALERON Wed. Dec. 30 @ 10:00 SCOTTY DOLAND Thurs. Dec. 31 @ 9:00 PAPER PLAINS & MORE ... Fri. Jan. 1 @ 6:00 CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY Sat. Jan. 9 @ 10:00 FOR KARMA & BROTHERS AND KINGS PAGE 62
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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(337) 436-7800 715 Kirby St, Lake Charles Volume 1 • Issue 19
Here at The Jam we’re busy little elves, Putting out a publication that’s flying off the shelves. Now we’re sending out some holiday cheer, To thank y’all for making this such a fabulous year!
Happy Holidays from...
Volume 1 • Issue 19
DECEMBER 17, 2009
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