VOL. 2, NO. 8 /JULY 15, 2010
PLUS: Back 2 School Tips The Freecycle Network • Rhino Rhenovators • Cheers for Taylor North
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Volume 2 • Issue 8
GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com
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publisher@thejambalayanews.com
REGULARS
lauren@thejambalayanews.com
EDITOR Lisa Yates lisa@thejambalayanews.com
CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Berman George Cline James Doyle Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Patricia Prudhomme SALES ASSOCIATES Jody Barrilleaux Katy Corbello Faye Drake Karla Tullos GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Michelle LaVoie BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews MARKETING INTERN Morgan Murray
July 15, 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 8
COVER STORY
PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque NEWS MANAGING EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque
On Cover: From Left to Right Back row: Jerod Jessie, William Hays, Thomas Piert Middle row: Nayomi Campanile, Jace Littleton, Hunter Freeman Front row: Madison Anderson, Jonah Arnold, Ethan Burnett, Dianna LeLeux
6 10 11 13 16 18 30
The 360 Effect
The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Tip’s Tips Doyle’s Place Greener World What’s Cookin’ Sports Report
FEATURES 5 14 26
Help La. Now Bayou Biz: Rhino Rhenovators Back 2 School Tips
21 29
ENTERTAINMENT 32 35 34 37 40 42 45
Red Hot Books Killin’ Time Crossword Funbolaya Society Spice Jambalaya Jam The Local Jam Eclectic Company
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Clarification: In the June 17 issue, Joe Bergeron was incorrectly identified as Joe Broussard in Society Spice. TJN apologizes for the error.
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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 2010 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Volume 2 • Issue 8
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18 We are now accepting credit cards! JULY 15, 2010
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A Note From Lauren Library Days The best candy shop a child can be left alone in, is a library – Maya Angelou One of my favorite things to do in the summer when I was a child was to go to the library. The Orient Heights Branch Library was a small stone building at the end of my street. It was only about a 5-minute walk from my house, but you had to cross Saratoga Street to get there—and that street was always heavy with traffic. For years, my mother would never allow me to cross it by myself. So once a week, my mother and I would walk to the library, my mother hanging on tightly to my hand as we darted across the busy street. Once inside, I’d return the pile of books I’d read the week before, and begin the delicious search for new ones. Of course, the librarians knew me well, and they would often recommend books that they thought I’d like. I’ve figured out that if you’re an only child, two things can happen to you: you either become a spoiled brat, dependent on your parents for your happiness (which leads to much future unhappiness) or you become very resourceful at entertaining yourself. The latter was I, and books were my favorite entertainment. Ahhh, books. I’ve had a love affair with them all of my life. I love the feel of a new book when you crack it open for the first time; I love the smell of an old book, its pages yellowed and worn. I love walking into a used bookstore, and touching the leather-bound volumes, wondering who touched, owned, lived with these books before me. You can “kindle” all you want—you’ll never see me with one. As far as I’m concerned, it takes the soul out of reading. The Orient Heights Branch Library had a wonderful summer program for kids when I was in grade school. With each book that you took out, you had to fill out a form and were encouraged to write a book report. Naturally, the students who were poor in English and spelling stayed far
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away from that little building, but for me, it was nirvana, and writing a book report was my idea of a good time. Every year, I read the most books out of any child in the program. I think I averaged 50 books every summer (I’m a fast reader!). Today, I just found out the distressing news that my old library, which was built in 1912, will be closing its doors this fall, along with three other branches in Boston. It’s for the usual reasons: budget cuts, not enough traffic, blah blah blah. All I know is another treasure of my childhood will soon be gone. I would hate to see any of the fine libraries around here disappear some day. Parents, please encourage your children to read. Take them to the library for story hours and all the other fun programs that the different branches have to offer. Show them that libraries can be fun. Yes, there’s a lot they can learn on the Internet, but there’s nothing like sitting on a lawn chair under the shade of a tree, reading a book and sipping on a cold lemonade on a hot summer’s day. That’s what I call making memories.
TJN
– Lauren de Albuquerque
Volume 2 • Issue 8
Everyone is complaining about the BP oil spill. But one SWLA business is doing its part to get the word out that the Gulf Coast needs help. “The “Help Louisiana Now” campaign was developed by myself for the Autoplex Group in response to the great need caused by the Gulf oil spill crisis,” said Doug Cosgro of Autoplex Media LLC. “Night after night, I would see all the terrible pictures and hopeless people affected and wondered how to get involved.” Calling around, Cosgro soon discovered that there were no local businesses or companies directly offering one location where folks could just volunteer. “It was then that the idea was born,” he said. With a direct background in car event sales and auto dealer marketing, Cosgro had been working with the Autoplex Group for the past ten months on advertising. The Web site (www.goautoplex.com) promotes all five Autoplex locations, making the entire inventory available to online shoppers with the slogan “One Click, Five Stores, One Inventory.” This site was the natural place to encourage folks to get involved, Cosgro decided. “We have been working with a great Internet team from Matrix Consultants in Los Angeles,” Cosgro said. “Marc Platt and Noah Rooney helped to create a format to make an area where anyone who wants to help can do so with just a click of their mouse.” Cosgro created a commercial, which airs on FOX29 and has also been posted on the Web site, asking for volunteers to help clean up the affected areas. In addition, there’s a special section of links on the site to all of the groups in the area that are recruiting help. “Producing these spots would have never been possible without Judd Bares, who is the best director that anyone could be honored to work with,” Cosgro said. “After working together on all the Autoplex commercials for the past year, Judd, Oran Parker and myself saw this as something that could really change lives—to help those in Louisiana who really need it.” The video features Jes Breaux, who has been the actor/spokesman for goautoplex.com, along with actors Jared Bankens of MSU Theater fame, comedic actor Jamie Broussard, Darleen Wesley (aka Diva D from the Zydeco Workout on KZWA), and the Ancelets, a couple from Sulphur. “I was very proud to be involved in the Help Louisiana commercial,” Breaux said. Volume 2 • Issue 8
“When I look back over the past year, of all the Autoplex commercials I’ve had the privilege of being in, I’m glad I was able to be involved in such a worthwhile project.” Shirley Ancelet said she would do it again. “I’ve never done anything like this. I love Louisiana, and am proud that Autoplex is really reaching out to help people who need it!” Cosgro said that as a result of the commercial, over 300 people are visiting the site weekly. “The volunteer sites listed have noticed a growing number of supporters from SWLA, and it has continued to grow each day since the commercials first aired on FOX29 starting on June 24.” Cosgro wants to personally thank Kenny Phipps for giving them the opportunity to move forward with their project. “Of everyone involved, he’s the one we most have to thank,” he said. To see how you can help Louisiana, visit goautoplex.com. TJN
JULY 15, 2010
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The
Boiling
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Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
SIGNATURES HOSTS BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Andrea Gibbons of New York-based Bumble and Bumble, recently visited Signatures Salon in Lake Charles as part of a continual consultation process to keep local stylists updated on current cutting and styling techniques. Bumble and Bumble is a global company that creates and distributes salon products, provides consultations with salons nationwide, operates two upscale Manhattan salons and hosts hair stylists from around the world through Bumble and Bumble University, considered the “Harvard for hairdressers.” Signatures is part of the Bumble and Bumble network and was recently named one of the Top 200 Salons in the nation by Salon Today magazine . Signatures is located 803 W. McNeese St. in Lake Charles. Additional information about services is available at www.signaturessalon.biz.
Pictured from left seated are: Lydia Cash, Dr. Jeanne Daboval, provost and vice president of academic affairs, and Dr. Joe Cash; and standing from left are Dr. Jacob Blevins, chair of the English and foreign languages department, and Dr. Ray Miles, dean of the college of liberal arts. JOE AND LYDIA CASH LECTURE SERIES ESTABLISHED The Joe and Lydia Cash Endowed Lecture in Literature and Culture Series has been established with a $10,000 gift to McNeese State University through the McNeese Foundation by Dr. Joe Cash, former chair of the McNeese English and Foreign Languages Department for 23 years, and his wife, Lydia, a retired Calcasieu Parish teacher. Dr. Cash is retiring from McNeese at the end of the 2010 summer session after teaching English in Texas and Louisiana for 48 years. Plans are to kick off the lecture series this fall. PAGE 6
JULY 15, 2010
Carolyn Viator
Denise Peltier
Connie Johnson
RECENT PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED AT CAMERON STATE BANK Roy M. Raftery, Jr., president and CEO of Cameron State Bank, announces several recent promotions. Carolyn Viator has been named assistant vice president/assistant human resources officer and will oversee all areas of human resources. She has been with the bank for six years. Denise Peltier, a CSB employee for nine years, has been promoted to personal banking officer at the Cities Service Highway location in Sulphur. Connie Johnson was recently promoted to assistant vice president/branch manager at the Highway 14 location, overseeing all areas of operations there. She has been with Cameron State Bank for 20 years. CVB ASSISTS USSSA AND FASTPITCH THROUGH GRANT The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau provided financial assistance for programming through a Sports Warchest Grant in the amount of $10,000 for the USSSA Baseball and Fastpitch Softball State Tournament and World Series Tournament. Mister Edwards, representing Lake Area USSSA received the grant on behalf of the events. Sports Warchest funds will be used for marketing, publicity, supplies, as well as communication and administrative costs. For more information, contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HONORS AUXILIARY VOLUNTEERS Members of the Volunteer Auxiliary at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital were recently honored for their hours of dedicated service to the hospital at the annual Auxiliary Luncheon. The volunteers were given pins and other gifts in recognition of their completed service hours at Memorial. The recipients of awards at the 2010 luncheon were: Laveta Norris and Doris Lewis with over 10,000 volunteer hours each; Mary Lue Jones, Barbara Bourgeois and Celena Perry with over 7,000 hours each; Tessie Boulet, Janet Chapman, Loualice Edmaiston and Sally Picheloup with over 6,000 hours each; and Jeanne Hartman, Reta Kaspar, Juanita Moriarty and Inez Morris with over 5,000 hours each since they became members of Memorial’s Volunteer Auxiliary. Also honored were Della Johnson and Virginia Turner with over 1,000 volunteer hours each within the last year alone. Volume 2 • Issue 8
L’AUBERGE HIRES BRUCE THAI AS EXECUTIVE ASIAN CASINO HOST L’Auberge du Lac announced the recent hiring of Bruce Thai to the position of Executive Asian Casino Host. In his position, Thai will focus on establishing and nurturing client relationships within the Asian community and coordinating special events related to the Asian market. Thai will focus on expanding awareness and excitement of L’Auberge within the Asian gaming community as a premier Vegas-style resort destination. In addition, he will work to develop on-property programs, amenities and experiences that cater specifically to the needs and wishes of Asian clientele. Prior to joining L’Auberge, Thai was executive casino host for the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana and for Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans. In that capacity, he worked with high-end international players and coordiBruce Thai nated all property Asian events. He is fluent in Vietnamese. CAMERON STATE BANK RECOGNIZED FOR TOP PERFORMANCE BY NATIONAL MAGAZINE The Independent Community Bankers of America recognized Cameron State Bank as a top performer in its annual list of top-performers for 2009. The locally owned bank made the list of top 15 banks in two important categories: return on assets and return on equity. Cameron State Bank was featured on the June cover of the organization’s magazine, ICBA, and in the cover story titled, “Towers of Strength.” ICBA is the only monthly magazine that is nationally distributed and focuses exclusively on the community bank marketplace. The magazine compiles its annual member rankings based on year-end FDIC call report data. SHELLEY JOHNSON ELECTED LTPA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shelley Johnson, executive director of the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau was installed as a board member of Louisiana Travel Promotion Association’s board of directors at the association’s annual meeting recently. “I am honored to be serving LTPA and the 800 members the association represents across the state,” said Johnson.. “In light of recent budget cuts to the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s marketing budget and the situation in the Gulf, the travel industry has some challenges to address and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to guide the association forward and act in Shelley Johnson the industry’s best interest.” MEDIAPOST BACK UNDER OWNERSHIP OF FOUNDING PARTNER Chris Lognion, a founding partner in MediaPost, is back as sole owner and producer. MediaPost, while under Lognion, was one of the most successful media production companies in Louisiana. With over 20 years of video production experience, Lognion and MediaPost have won almost every video production local and regional award in the advertising industry. Lognion sold MediaPost and went to work for three years with a local church as their chief in-house video production supervisor. MediaPost is dedicated to producing high-quality, cost-effective film and video productions for the advertising industry. They also offer a variety of other non-adverChris Lognion tising related services. For more information, contact Joe Whitbeck at (337) 842-6027. JACK BERNSMEIER APPOINTED AS CVB BOARD MEMBER The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury recently appointed Jack Bernsmeier, general manager at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, as the newest member of the board of directors for the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). In addition to being the general manager at Delta Downs, Bernsmeier currently serves as the senior vice president of operations/Louisiana properties with oversight for Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner; Sam’sTown Casino & Hotel in Shreveport.; and Dania Jai Alai & Poker in Dania Beach, Fla., for Boyd Gaming Corporation. Bernsmeier has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, ranging from food and beverage to hotel and casino properties.
TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
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GOLD SPONSORS
CORPORATE SPONSORS Able Plumbing Aeroframe American Press Aquatic Pools and Spas, LLC Athlete's Corner Augie's Scooter Store Autoplex Cadillac Beverage Sales - Coors Beverage Sales - Miller Big O Portable Buildings Billy Navarre Black Tie Bluewater Constructors Bobby LaFleur Auto Sales Buffalo Wild Wings Business Health Parters Cajun Cafe Cal-Cam Pest Control Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Cameron State Bank Capital One N.A. Carl Vincent State Farm Chamberlain Construction Chili's Chris Duncan Agency Christine Bailey-State Farm
Christus St. Patrick Hospital Citgo Petroleum Corporation City Savings Bank Coca Cola Coffee Beanery Cole Air, Inc. Dairy Barn Dominos Pizza Don's Car Wash and Quick Lube Doucet Lorio LLC Dupont Sewer Entergy - Customer Enterprise Rent A Car(MLK) Envy Tans First Federal Bank of LA Gatti's Global Crane & Rigging Certification, Inc Grand Rental Station Happy Donuts Izzo's Illegal Burrito J & J Exterminating Jeff Davis Bank Johnson Funeral Home La Maison Properties, LLC Lagniappe Cafe' & Catering Lake Charles Area Chevy Dealers Inc.
Lake Charles Toyota Lake City Trucking LB Computers Lloyd Lauw Collision Repair Luna Bar & Grill Lundy Lundy Soileau & South, LLP Market Basket Martinis McDonald's Merchants & Farmers Bank & Trust Company Mike Stutes Auto Sales Napa Auto Navy Nissan of Lake Charles Nolan's Complete Care OB's Bar and Grill Office Depot Olive Garden Paradise Smoothie Patton's Western Wear Pumpelly Tire CenterPutt Putt Quality Inn and Suites Sulphur R&R Construction Republic National Distributing Co Roach Law Firm Roly Poly
Salon Enfinity Sasol Serv Pro Shane K. Hinch, Attorney at Law Sherwin Williams Sign Star Signs Now Sister's Gourmet Nuts Snap Fitness of Sulphur Southland Coins Southwest Call Center Southwest Louisiana Credit Union STAT Family Care Subway 23171 Surgicare of Lake Charles Taco Bell The Oxygen Bar Tony Chachere's United Artists Theatres United Way of Southwest Louisiana Vision Source Webtronics Wendy's of Lake Charles Whitney Bank Wingate by Wyndham Women and Children's Hospital
TICKET HOLDERS Alfred Miller Contracting Alice Bryant Anthony Guidry Bernadette Navarre Bert Parham Beth Hilton Beverly Gilchrist Bicycles, Etc. Billy Doherty Billy J. McCuller Bio Lab Brady and Monique Derouen Brother's PoBoy C.J. Hernandez Cecil Musgrove Chamber Southwest Charles (Mack) Kennedy Charles and Nella Ballou Charles Comeaux
Chris Evans Chris Mace Christayle Bryant Christie Herman Clif Boies Club Tabby Curtis Newman Darlene Schultz Darrell and Linda Matte David Comeaux David Dishong David Hutto Donna Jinks Dr. Yoko Broussard Duplessis Thibodeaux, Jr. Eric Trahan Fred Rideaux Gene Nelson George Swift
Grace Guinn Groendyke Guidry's Health Transportation H & H Metal Contractors Hazel and Sonny Jason Henry Duhon Herschel Bourque Hope Holland Hyatt Investigations, LLC Insurance Unlimited Jacob Broussard James Boudreaux James Howard Trotter Jasmine Penn Jason Cedars Jeff Solinsky Jim and Pam Golding Jim Boverie Joanna Wright
Joe Zartler John and Donna Charlton John Charlton Joshua Stutes Karen Ortego Kathy Basco Kathy Hood Keith Johnson Kenneth P Guillory Kim Moss Mark Robert Matthew E Hyatt McNeese Coaching Staff McNeese Cowboy Club, Inc. Melissa Cormier Michael Molitor Michael Vincent Mike Duhon Myrna B. Simmons
Pathology Lab Patti Martin Phillip Hale Phillip Miller Randolph R. Robb Randy Nortman Rayford Martin Raymond and Diana Dietz Rhinestone Runway Rhonda Sullivan Rick LeFleur Ridley Oden Ro Risher Robert L. Selders Roger and Jackie Holloway Roger Sensat Roland Bertrand Roland Roux Ron Williams
Ronald Young Rusty Welch Sandy Foster Scott Harmon Sherry Vidrine Solinsky Group Southwest Louisiana Imaging Stephen Reed Stuart Moss Sulphur Glass Theda Ambrose Tiger Suds Tommy McClelland Vicki Huber Waste Management William "Ray" Doucet
Throughout the years, tickets have been distributed to: Boys and Girls Village, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Family and Youth Counseling, The Whistle Stop, Women’s Shelter, For Them, ETC, Buddy Ball. Special thanks to our Angel Care Sponsors who have helped make a difference in the lives of Lake Area children. PAGE 8
JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
The Louisiana Swashbucklers has wrapped its 2010 regular season with an unexpected 5-6 record for a three-time championship team. The team also faced some adversity as well, but held on to make it into the postseason of the Southern Indoor Football League. Not long after winning the 2009 SIFL championship, former head coach Darnell Lee resigned to take the head coaching position with the Alaska Wild, which was affiliated with another league. The head coaching position went to Shadrick McAfee, a one-time player for the Swashbucklers. But after a rough start to the 2010 season, McAfee stepped down and was replaced by defensive coordinator Michael Warren. Lee also returned to the Bucs after leaving the Alaska franchise and became both offensive coordinator and vice president of operations. The player roster also underwent numerous changes throughout the season. Most notably, starting quarterback Alvin Bartie was replaced with former QB Freddie Harrison. The placekicker position started with Tommy Hebert, but after he went down with an injury, the kicking chores alternated between Whitney Hillen and one-time McNeese kicker Blake Bercegeay. The kicking game was in a state of flux throughout the season. The proof of that came at the end of the season when Bercegeay missed a 15-yard field goal that would have given the Swashbucklers a win and a third seed in the playoffs. Because of that miss, the purple and black gang ended the season on June 26 with a heartbreaking 31-30 loss to the Lafayette Wildcatters. This new participant in the SIFL defeated the Bucs three times this season.
Volume 2 • Issue 8
REGULAR SEASON SCORE CHART FOR THE SWASHBUCKLERS • March 20– Swashbucklers 88 North Texas Crunch 6 • March 27 – Columbus Lions 88 Swashbucklers 32 • April 9 – Greenville Force 57 Swashbucklers 54 • April 17 – Swashbucklers 79 Greenville Force 52 • May 1 – Lafayette Wildcatters 59 Swashbucklers 52 • May 15 – Albany Panthers 43 Swashbucklers 35 • May 22– Swashbucklers 67 Albany Panthers 43 • May 29 – Swashbucklers 51 Columbus Lions 31 • June 5 - Lafayette Wildcatters 63 Swashbucklers 47 • June 12 – Swashbucklers 71 Louisiana Conquerors 12 • June 26 – Lafayette Wildcatters 31 Swashbucklers 30
Eight Swashbucklers received postseason honors by being named All-SIFL. They are fullback Kendrick Perry, offensive lineman Jabari Hendricks, linebacker Courtney Brooks and defensive back Brandon Thomas. Players named to the All-SIFL second team are wide receiver Marcus Wilridge, offensive lineman Lance Freemin, defensive lineman John Paul Jones and kick returner/wide receiver Sammy Knight. The Swashbucklers is taking renewals for 2011 season tickets. Contact the office at 310-PASS (7277) for more information, or go the Web site at www.labucs.com. The SIFL is making plans for expansion in the 2011 season. Although this season was the first in team history to come in less than .500, the Bucs will be working in the offseason to get ready for what will be a highly competitive year in 2011. TJN JULY 15, 2010
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
Invasion of the Yankees
Before you get all worked up about the title of this column, let me reassure you. General Grant and his bluecoats care not coming down the Mississippi again aiming to capture New Orleans. Actually, it’s much worse than that. My family from Yankee Land came down to visit a few weeks ago. The purpose of the visit was for my brother-in-law to help me with some projects around the house that I didn’t feel comfortable tackling
myself. Of course, this could describe just about any project more complicated than cleaning the windows. That being said, I would have bought him a one-way ticket here if it weren’t for the fact that my sister and nephew had to come along for the ride. The first sign that a visit from my family is imminent is when my wife goes into panic mode concerning the appearance of the house. She is of the belief that my sister would never
speak to her again once she discovers that the print pattern on the toilet paper in the hall bath clashes with the dining room draperies. I try to reassure her, saying, “Don’t worry, she understands that here in the South people don’t pay much attention to those kinds of things.” Another thing that gets my wife worked up during family visits is that she feels like she has to find ways to keep them entertained. Never mind that my 18-year-old nephew seems more than content to spend 23 hours of each day sleeping on our sofa, and my brother-in-law spends the whole time totally absorbed in figuring out how to work the 17 remotes that control our home entertainment system. Meanwhile, my sister barely has time to look up from her cell phone as she trades text messages with her daughter concerning the medical condition of the family dog. Besides, it is really difficult down here to take a bunch of Yankees to see anything that would even remotely capture their interest. This is because, up there, they are endowed with a plethora of historical and cultural attractions, such as the Liberty Bell, the Smithsonian Institute, and
609 Ryan Street • Lake Charles, LA • 494-7227 Mon - Thurs: 10:30am - 9pm • Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 10pm So Easy To Get To! From I-10 West: Take Ryan St. Exit Go South 3 Blocks From I-10 East: Take Downtown Exit Turn Left By Best Suites, Right On Ryan PAGE 10
JULY 15, 2010
the gravesite of Edgar Allen Poe. Here, by contrast, we have the gravesite of the Marlboro Man. Still, my wife was undeterred, so we took them to see some wildlife on the Creole Nature Trail. They were okay with that, although they were a bit put off by the signs along the walking path that said things like, “Watch Out for the Alligators. They Will Eat Your Dog, if the Mosquitoes Don’t Carry Him Away First.” It never ceases to amaze me how the amount of garbage grows exponentially whenever my family comes to visit. When it’s just my wife and I, about all that goes out in a week is a few pieces of junk mail and maybe a pizza box or two. (I recycle the beer cans, so they don’t count.) Add three family members, and in one weekend we’ve generated more garbage than you’ll see in the tailgate section after an LSU game. My trash collector asked me to give him a heads up the next time they visit, and he’ll drop off a dumpster in the driveway Overall, I must say the visit went well. My brother-in-law built me a nice gate big enough for my camper, while I ran the shuttle back and forth to Home Depot picking up all the things we discovered we needed as the project went forward. We also steamed up some live crabs in the Maryland style. Crabs are the State Food of Maryland; much like Road Kill Etouffee is here in Louisiana. Unfortunately, in Maryland, crabs cost more than Donald Trump spends in a month on hair spray. They love Louisiana food as well, especially the seasonings. My brother-in-law always has to stop at the Market Basket on each visit to replenish his supply of Slap Ya’ Mama seasoning, which he takes back home and puts on everything he eats, including breakfast cereal. My sister was also taken in by the genuine warmth of the people in Louisiana. We had some guests over for a small party at the house one day, at which she exclaimed, “Why, you’ve actually managed to make some friends down here who aren’t Amway distributors!” She was exaggerating a bit; back in Yankee Land, I also had a few friends in the life insurance business. To tell the truth, I think they enjoyed the visit too well; they’re talking about coming down again next year. Well, I know how to fix that once and for all. When they come back, I’m going to drive them all over to Lafayette to see the Muffler Parts Statue. TJN Volume 2 • Issue 8
By George “Tip” Cline
agencies that are conducting these campaigns don’t want to promote on that side of the issue. If being a teetotaler was the requirement, then a glass of wine while dining out would be beyond do-able. Again, I am not encouraging anyone who is impaired to get behind the wheel, I just want to be on the road with safe drivers. NEW TARGET CREDIT CARD WITH DISCOUNT Word is out that Target is going to be coming out with a credit card that will offer a 5 percent discount on all
purchases. They haven’t made the details available as of this writing, but I’m sure that information will be out shortly. This could obviously be a very worthwhile card to have if you shop at Target. I imagine that this could start a trend with the big chains if it proves to be a profit generator. With the new federal regulations on credit cards, there will be a lot of changes as the banks maneuver for the best hold on their most profitable customers. Stand by and watch what happens. You will have to carefully evaluate what deal(s) work the best for your situation. TJN
Take More, Spend More Can’t you just see the local politicians wringing their hands as they decry the rejection of the last couple of attempts to increase their taking of our revenue? They love to threaten us with the loss of services. The ones that hit home the most are the ones that they harp upon as they blah, blah, blah the need to take more from us so they can spend more. Get a grip! If they had not expanded their provinces into areas where they don’t belong, they would not need to be soliciting us for so much more out of our hides. I had a good friend tell me that he and his wife made a special effort to go to the polls to vote against the tax increase last time and they will make the same effort the next time. The politicos never find a program that needs curtailing—they only know how to expand them. If buggy whip factories were a governmental program, you know how valuable an asset they would be. Having a reserve for rainy days is a concept that we citizens all believe in. Since we adjust our spending as our financial situations change, our government needs to follow the same principles and practices. We must acknowledge that the inflation factor, causes a cost increase—which in turn can cause additional financial need. There is nothing as loving as money in the bank—not IOUs like there are for Social Security. The financial debaucheries that have caused the recent collapses of financial institutions come from ignoring the basic economic principals of supply and demand. One of these days, I hope the politicians will find it in their hearts and souls to remember why they supposedly went into public service. Serving your fellow man should be about stewardship, not aggrandizing personal power and prestige. Rationalizing some Volume 2 • Issue 8
perceived need that they have found a solution for is hardly public service. Different levels of government do provide legitimate services. Finding new areas to take over is not what we as a nation are all about. I believe that at some point, some sense of reality will replace the power grabs of today. RESOLUTIONS: BROKEN? Well, we’re half way through the year now, and those New Year’s resolutions we’ve talked about have either sprouted fruit or made their way to the dumpster. It is always tough to change old habits and replace them with positive practices. It is time to see if our resolutions have changed those things in our lives that can lead to a better existence—even though the bathroom scales seem to have a mind of their own. Remember, if it was worthwhile on January 1, it should be just as valuable on July 1. THE LEGAL LIMIT With all the media coverage of the DUI check points, there is the perceived notion that the consumption of even one drink will automatically land a driver in jail. The legal limit is now set by Federal directive at .08 percent Blood Alcohol Content—and a .05 BAC can be considered impaired. By consulting several different BAC charts (you can search for yourself online), it shows that a 160-pound man can have two standard drinks in a one-hour time span and be under the .05 impairment level and well under the legal limit. The BAC amount varies with sex, body weight and the strength of the alcohol. A standard drink is approximately 1 ounce of liquor, 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine. Now, I am not encouraging drinking and driving in any way, but I am just pointing out that total abstinence is not the requirement. Obviously, the JULY 15, 2010
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Sasol North America Awarded Partners in Education Award
KARLA HUNT
Sasol North America was recently awarded the 2010 Distinguished Partners in Education Award at a ceremony in Baton Rouge. The company was nominated for this award by their two Partners In Education, Westwood and Western Heights Elementary Schools. Sasol was one of nine partnerships recognized throughout the state. Two other award recipients were also from Calcasieu Parish: Willie King, Jr. and Westlake Chemical Corporation. The Distinguished Partners in Education award was started in 1989 by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). This is Sasol’s third time to be recognized as a Distinguished Partner In Education by the BESE Board. The award is designed to honor businesses, industries, non-educa-
tion associations and individuals who significantly contribute to education in the State of Louisiana. Although the contributions do not have to be financial, they must demonstrate a sustained commitment to and support of quality education. Sasol has been Partners In Education with both Westwood and Western Heights Elementary Schools since the program started in 1987. “Our program is successful because the company understands the benefit of education and our employees care enough to be involved,” said Nancy Tower, Sasol representative. The award was presented to Tower by Dale Bayard, 7th District State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Member, at a ceremony in Baton Rouge.
TJN
3028 Ryan St. 433-9720
L to R: Dale Bayard, BESE Board Member; Nancy Tower, Sasol Representative; Randy Burleigh, Calcasieu Parish School Board Member and Sasol Employee; Monica Welch, Western Heights teacher and Partners in Education Coordinator; Wayne Savoy, Superintendent Calcasieu Parish Schools.
15% Senior Discount All Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted
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JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
oyle By Jim D
We are Family Indulge me, Dear Readers, for a personal observation or two. You’ll see why in a minute. I am the blessed father of six children ranging in age from 16 to 39. My brood has produced five beautiful grandchildren. Because one of mine is Stratton Doyle, possibly the best saxophone player of his generation, I am often told, “You must be so proud of him.” My heartfelt response is always that I am proud of all my children; different lives, different reasons. Of course, I feel the same way about my grandchildren, who are all beautiful, smart, talented, and get all those traits from me. But this essay is about two of them. Zoe and Chloe, this is for you. The day this appears in print will be Zoe and Chloe’s seventh birthday. They are identical twins. Actually, they are what is called “mirror image” twins, one lefthanded, one right. When they face each other, it’s like looking in a mirror. The only way I can tell them apart these days is that Chloe is missing one of her front teeth. When it grows back, Grandaddy (that’s what they call mois) will have to find another gimmick. Personality is one way to differentiate them. Chloe is a tad shy, very sweet, likes to sit quietly sometimes. Zoe is more like her dad. Big and happy, a little bit mischievous, huge personality, right out there in the world. They are both startlingly beautiful. Blond hair the color of new daffodils in the spring, blue eyes like Volume 2 • Issue 8
the sky. The weekends they spend with me are always a treasure. Twins run in my family. My mother had a twin brother, and my niece Jeannie Haynes of Anniston, Alabama has identical twin sons. Once, at an uncle’s funeral, an old-timer told me and my brother Thomas that he remembered when my mother was born on the farm, and in the same year a horse had twin foals and a cow had twin calves (both, I’m given to understand, rare events). Watching Zoe and Chloe is an interesting exercise. From the time they were about two, they’ve had their own language. I can’t describe it except to say it’s a kind of shorthand, and they understand each other completely. They can, and do, play together for hours at a time. They may fight on occasion, but I’ve never seen it. Two of my sons have children. Jamey is the twins’ father, and my son Callen has three, David, Haley, and Jordan. Unfortunately, both are single dads. But the reason I’m proud of both of them is the kind of father each is to his children. Jamey currently works in Mississippi putting together LNG storage tanks. Even though his job is hard and occupies every hour of his week, most weekends he drives to Lake Charles to spend time with Zoe and Chloe, who live with their mom, Hope Doyle. It is magic to see those three together. Callen works here in town, and his three live with their mom, Bekah Doyle. Callen is very
involved in their lives, picked them up every morning for school when it was in session, and sees them every chance he gets. Like Jamey, Callen is a loving, attentive father. If neither of them ever does anything else with their lives, they’ve managed to do the most important thing already, and that’s why I’m proud of them both. They are exceptional, loving, attentive fathers who would do anything for their children. It’s strange, in a way. What we used to call “broken families” are routine, as are other non-traditional family groupings. Although the divorce rate (per 1,000 people) peaked at 5.3 in 1981, the marriage rate is declining, down five percent in 2005 alone. Currently 8.1 percent of households consist of unmarried heterosexual couples. Only 63 percent of all minor children in America grow up with both parents, the lowest figure in the Western world according to a Rutgers University study. Among
the non-traditional families, about 65,000 children nationally are being raised by adoptive gay parents, mostly through the foster care system. I have some personal experience with this, also, and can report to you that one of the sweetest, smartest, happiest, prettiest little boys I know (outside of my own, of course!) is being raised in an alternative household, and from what I know of his personal situation, he wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise. Let me encourage all you single fathers to be with your children, no matter what it takes. I know how hard it can be, but in the end, you have no more important job. So Happy Birthday, Zoe and Chloe. Can’t wait to see you. Grandaddy loves you very much. And I’ll see the rest of you on the flip. TJN
JULY 15, 2010
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By Lisa Yates
Rhino Rhenovators Specializes in Historic Restoration and Preservation Embarking on any renovation can be a trying experience for property owners. But when a historic property is involved, it’s important to choose a team of renovators you can trust. You want a team like Rhino Rhenovators that has specific experience in working with historic properties. Owners Samantha and Randy LeJeune say it’s absolutely essential to hire contractors who not only specialize in historic buildings, but also contractors who love them. “Although we do commercial and residential new construction and remodels, our passion and specialty is historic restoration and preservation,” Samantha said. “We’ve done everything from a turn of the century plantation home to a 1950s gas station scheduled for demolition by the city.” She said that gas station is now the office of Rhino Rhenovators, located at 1027 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles. This unique interpretation of a predictable color scheme stands out as a
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landmark in the Charpentier Historic District. The LeJeunes said the historic filling station and garage was originally built in 1922; however, it was in a horrible state of disrepair. Their team at Rhino Rhenovators rebuilt the entire exterior and converted the garage bays into offices. You can see the completed renovation and more online at www.Rhinorhenovators.com. A RETURN TO SPLENDOR Historic homes hold a certain appeal that go beyond detailed architecture and quality craftsmanship. The feeling an older home evokes cannot be replicated in new construction, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate history. However, bringing a home with “good bones” back to its former glory takes a bit of professional work. Samantha said there are many nuances to historic homes that can be overlooked or destroyed by unknowledgeable contractors. She said you want
Samantha, Brody and Randy LeJeune, owners of Rhino Rhenovators a contractor who can return your home to its former splendor. “We aren’t into making old ‘new’ – we restore old into what it was meant to be,” she said. “We’ve done 1870 homes and 1940 homes. Each one is individual and beautiful.” The experts say a historic house is one that is worth saving – it’s not defined by age alone. For example, Vic Wukovits’ house was built in the 1930s, which by age may not seem that historic, but it is architecturally and culturally significant. He said the LeJeunes took care to honor the heritage of his home during renovation.“My house, built in the 1930s, has a unique style of construction for the floors and sub-flooring,” he explains in a testimonial on Rhino Rhenovators’ Web site. “After Hurricane Rita, the damage caused by winds shifting the structure caused irreplaceable damage to my brick pavers, which were over 40 years old. When I started looking for prices from different contractors, Rhino Rhenovators were the only people who could identify the type of construction for my flooring and were able to give me an affordable estimate. “As it turned out, the entire sub-floor
needed replacement in nearly half the house, including my kitchen, dining room, laundry room, a restroom, and the front entry hallway. Of course, insurance wouldn’t help with the cost of repairs and even threatened to drop our policy if we didn’t proceed with the repairs. The project was started, their time-frame for completion was spoton, and their work is a great example of fine construction. Now our floors are whole again, and we have Rhino Rhenovators to thank!” QUALITY SERVICE AND REPAIRS SECOND TO NONE Renovation is complicated. You want to make the right choices. You want honest, trustworthy and dependable service for every aspect of your renovation process. The LeJeunes said their crews are experts at providing you with quality service and repairs second to none. If you’re in the process of adding a new addition to your home, building a garage, or renovating any part of your home or office, then come to Rhino Rhenovators. They welcome your business! Rhino Rhenovators is a family-
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owned business, established in 2004, by Randy, 46, and Samantha, 32. Their “new addition” is 17-month-old baby Brody. Randy has more than 20 years experience in the construction industry. Samantha’s background is in accounting, so she manages the company. As a licensed realtor, Samantha lists several of their renovated properties for sale. Her passion for historic homes and her expertise in this field has earned her many clients in the area. “Our business kind of evolved into what it is because of Randy’s knowledge and both our passion,” she said. “We are both long-time residents of downtown and would live nowhere else.” “When we remodel a house to sell, we don’t only do cosmetic work. We restore it from top to bottom so the new owner can be confident their new home was done right. Short cuts don’t exist. We are state licensed, commercially and residentially and insured. “We have about 10 employees and do every task: Refinish floors, sheetrock, paint, specialty finishes, carpentry, tile, etc. Our job supervisor is a third generation painter. She knows every finish and technique imaginable, as well as construction in general.” SLASH YOUR ENERGY BILLS Energy bills have doubled in the
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last several years. The LeJeunes say a good renovation project can help slash your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient. For example, adding new windows and doors to an older home not only makes it more comfortable, but also makes your pocketbook heavier. In addition, there are several energyefficient home renovation projects that will earn you tax credits! Recently, Samantha has had green, organic, and eco-friendly materials on her radar as one of the industry’s latest trends. “We practice green building,” she said. “We recycle and use doors, windows, tile, lighting and anything we can.” CLASSIC LINES WITH MODERN TOUCHES The ability to mix a number of elements – classic lines with modern touches and simple finishes with ornate embellishments – is what attracts clients to Rhino Rhenovators. One of the most dramatic changes is to a quintessential New Orleans 1830 shotgun double fully remodeled. (See it on the Rhino Rhenovators’ Web site.) The home’s plaster walls are painted in subdued tones. In the kitchen, traditional touches like real wood floors and warm cabinetry soften the modern stainless
steel appliances. Perfectly proportioned door casings detail the high-level of craftsmanship throughout. If you’re a fan of “before” and “after” makeovers, check out the Plantation House photographs in this issue. The historic property located at 903 Broad St. was once the Plantation Restaurant, but now is now a gracious family home in Lake Charles. You can also get a peek inside the home at 917 Broad St. on Rhino Rhenovators’ Web site. It’s another historic home in downtown Lake Charles completely restored to its former splendor. IT TAKES A TEAM Why the name? Samantha said it all relates to teamwork. “Randy used to race on a pro cycling team in Arizona called Rhino Racing, so he wanted to keep the Rhino name,” she said. Budgets, deadlines, decisions, decisions, decisions … in the end, the most important decision you make is putting together a team that will create respect and support innovative design. A challenge many homeowners face is finding room for an extra bath in a space-challenged older home. See how Rhino Renovators met this challenge on its Web site. A recent restroom renovation is posted, which was
completely remodeled creating a larger space. As Louisiana Residential and Commercial Contractors, Rhino Rhenovators does it all. When the Maplewood First Baptist Church in Sulphur needed their structure renovated, they turned to Rhino Rhenovators. The contractors stripped down the interior and rebuilt this place of worship to meet the needs of the church’s congregation. The Chase Tower in downtown Lake Charles also showcases Rhino Rhenovators’ work. Home to several prestigious firms, including Chase Bank, the building’s interior was renovated from floor to ceiling. The project spanned approximately two years as the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors were gutted and completely redone by Rhino Rhenovators. When F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “There are no second acts in American lives,” he certainly wasn’t talking about American homes – they can be renovated with style! When your home or business is ready for a stylish redo, give Rhino Rhenovators a call. For more information, call (337) 433-9434; or, visit 1027 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles; online at www.Rhinorhenovators.com.
TJN
JULY 15, 2010
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A Greener
W
RLD
The Freecycle Network™ A Unique Way To Recycle By Lauren de Albuquerque
Garage sale season is in full swing. I, for one, love yard sales (you know what they say: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!). But they’re a lot of work if you’re running one: sorting, tagging, getting up at the crack of dawn to set it all out, fighting off the early birds who’ve been camped out on your lawn since 4 a.m., and melting in the heat for half a day. If it rains, that’s that—unless you’re under a carport. And sometimes, you don’t even make that much money, since everyone seems to want everything for a dollar.
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Of course, you can just box it all up and donate it to places like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. But there’s another way to get rid of items that you no longer need—and make sure that someone will make good use of them. It’s called The Freecycle Network™—and it allows you to give away your stuff to someone who needs it via an Internet group. The Network was started in 2003
by a Tucson man, Deron Beal, who was working with a small nonprofit organization that provided recycling services to downtown businesses. As the team recycled, rather than watching perfectly good items being thrown away, they found themselves contacting various local nonprofits to see of they could use them. Thinking there had to be an easier way, Beal set up the first Freecycle e-mail group in a way that permitted everyone in Tucson to give and to get. Since then, the Freecycle concept has spread to over 85 countries, where there are thousands of local groups
representing millions of members. As a result of the groups’ efforts, Freecycle claims it is currently keeping over 500 tons a day out of landfills. That’s pretty impressive. Lake Charles has its own chapter, and currently has close to 2,000 members. Just go to www.freecycle.org,
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type in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and follow the instructions once you get to the Lake Charles page. It’s a Yahoo! Group, so if you aren’t part of that network, you will have to sign up for a Yahoo! account first. After that, you’re asked to explain why you want to be a member of this group in 200 words or less. This is called a “request to be considered.” Once you become a member, the fun begins. Do you have an old dresser that you want to get rid of? Post a description, along with a photo if you choose, and see who responds. It could be just what someone is looking for. And you can see what other members have posted—and perhaps find a treasure for yourself. The only requirement is that no money is ever exchanged—all items are free.
Let’s face it, I think all of us are guilty of throwing away things that may no longer be of any use to us, but could make someone else very happy. Phil put out an old grill on the curb, along with the trash, a few weeks ago. In less than an hour, it was gone. But it could just as easily have ended up in the garbage truck to its final resting place on a landfill. It only takes a few minutes to post something online. If someone wants it, you’ll be contacted by e-mail and from there, you make arrangements for the interested party to come and get it. You’ll be surprised what people want and need. As it states on their Web site, The Freecycle Network™ is one simple, brilliant idea that‘s changing the world. TJN
City Steps-up Enforcement with New Ordinance Regarding Removal of Junk/Inoperable Vehicles There’s nothing worse than seeing old junk cars sitting on people’s property. Maybe there’s a situation like that in your own neighborhood. Maybe you’re a culprit—hmmmm? Well, things are going to change. This past May, the City Council adopted an ordinance which amended the Code of Ordinances regarding the abatement and removal of junk and/or inoperable vehicles and/or their parts in an effort to help conserve and maintain property values, protect public health and provide for public safety. Junk vehicle is defined as any vehicle five years or older that is extensively damaged, which includes, but is not limited to: broken glass, missing tires or wheels, missing body parts or drive train parts, and is apparently inoperable. Inoperable vehicle means any vehicle that substantially meets the following: damaged to the extent to render it unlawful to operate on any public right of way, including, but not limited to, broken head or taillights, broken windshields, flat tires, missing a steering wheel or seats; and is in a condition of neglect, such as windows open to the weather, sunken into the ground or covered in mold growths. The term “vehicle” includes not only automobiles and trucks, but also most conveyances, trailers, mov-
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able equipments, boats, and parts of these conveyances. Said Russ Adams, Director of Planning and Development: “The new ordinance requires Code Enforcement Officers to tag and cause to be removed those vehicles that have become nuisances to the neighborhoods but do not rise to the previous ordinance description of junk vehicles. The neglected vehicles are a major factor in neighborhood blight and often evolve into health and safety problems. The unsightly vehicles impact the quality of life of a community as well as property values.” Once tagged, the vehicle owner will have the right of appeal or may mitigate the issue by removing the vehicle, placing the vehicle in a fully enclosed area, repairing the vehicle or covering the vehicle with an approved factory-made vehicle cover. If the vehicle owner fails to take corrective action, the vehicle will be towed by an approved towing service at the owner’s expense and disposed of according to State Law. For a review of the entire Ordinance Number: 15417, Sec. 1315.5. Junk/Inoperable Vehicles, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com, Planning and Development Department, or contact the Clerk of Council office at 491-1290. TJN
HERE’S THE DISH Hairstyle Demonstrations • Round brush & Flatiron techniques • Effortless Swept up Styles • Color Q & A Skincare Information by Esthetician, Sherry Fullen Hardy • Skin Analysis • Daily Skincare Advice • Benefits of Waxing Makeup Tips by Professional makeup artist, Zina Green • Smokey Eye for Evening • Natural Daytime Looks • Makeup Color Trend The largest selection of Bohemian Sol Handcrafted Jewelry by Julie Arabie, Available Beginning at Noon Door Prizes Given Away on All Salon Services Every 30 Minutes 10% Discount Any Salon Service Booked During Summertime Dish Hors D’Oeuvres and Wine Compliments of Luna Bar & Grill
725 RYAN ST. • (337) 436-5454 JULY 15, 2010
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What’s Cookin’ Are you looking for a place to grab a bite to eat that’s a little bit different than your average sandwich shop? With an upbeat staff that’s eager to please? How about a place that serves over 50 kinds of selections to tickle your taste buds—and will always put the customer first? Well, look no further. Roly Poly is here to satisfy your hunger, and then some. Roly Poly is locally owned and operated by Kyle and Allie Matheson. They consider the success and quick growth of their business a blessing—especially in today’s economy. Kyle takes pride in knowing that Roly Poly is not just the original rolled sandwich—it’s also one of the healthiest restaurants in town. The sandwiches contain an average of 7-8 fat grams—which is great for us waist-watchers! The reason behind Roly Poly’s incredible growth is the variety of flavors that goes into its unique sandwiches. They’re served on a flour or wheat-rolled tortilla, cold or hotpressed, with your choice of either a 6-inch half or 12-inch whole. Recipes include fresh herbs and top quality ingredients in combinations that you just have to taste to believe. There’s something for everyone. Whether it’s lean sliced meats and melted cheeses in toasty tortillas, or vegetar-
ian selections, they’ve got them. Roly Poly offers four Original Recipe soups every day, along with Signature Salads made fresh to order. And they’re now serving Roly Yo, which is California Non-Fat Tart Yogurt. For a real treat, you can add your choice of special toppings. There’s also a children’s menu, as well as group box lunches. You can call ahead or fax in your order for a quick pick-up, or even place an order on line at orderRolypoly.com. They also deliver locally to the workplace or your residence, free of charge. What service! Today, there are over 125 Roly Poly Sandwich shops throughout 24 states, with franchise opportunities available. To better serve you in the Lake Area, the Mathesons have two locations: 3100 Ryan Street (433-3130), and their new location with drive-through access at 4423 Nelson Rd. (4743332). The Nelson Road restaurant is next door to Painting with a Twist, which is owned and operated by Kyle’s wife Allie. Hours of operation are Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Check out their Web site at www.RolyPoly.com.
The Matheson family: Cole, Kyle, Allie and Connor. PAGE 18
JULY 15, 2010
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The following recipe is easy to make and is the perfect summertime lunch!
Key West Cuban Sandwich INGREDIENTS • 1-12” flour or wheat tortilla • 2- American cheese slices • 2- Swiss cheese slices • 2-ounces of turkey • 2 - ounces of ham • 8- slices Roma tomatoes • Dill pickle slices • One little purple onion, sliced thin • Green leaf lettuce • Hot honey dipping sauce • George Foreman Grill or skillet required PREPARATION
Heat skillet on low. Lay out tortilla. Layer first with cheese slices, followed by meat, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles. Roll up the layered tortilla flat and slice in half at an angle. Grill until warm through the middle and golden brown. Dip warm sandwich in hot honey dipping sauce or any kind of honey mustard sauce. Recipe makes one 12-inch sandwich. Enjoy! TJN
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Salon W is the only local salon to carry the bareMinerals line of make-up. Don’t pay to ship, shop local. The Clinically proven bareMinerals gives you a 100% natural, no make-up look while improving skin over time. Now that’s a good feeling.
154 School St., Moss Bluff (337) 855-2229
Dr. Shadonna Coleman
Medicaid and Insurance Accepted
1702 Oak Park Boulevard (across from Memorial Hospital) 337.310.1800 • www.smilesbyacadian.com
VISIT WWW.SALONW.BIZ
HOPE THERAPY CENTER WELCOMES KRISTIN MATHIS Hope Therapy Center is proud to welcome Kristin Mathis as the newest member of our staff of therapists. After receiving her bachelors degree from McNeese State University, Kristin graduated with honors from Emory University receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. AT HOPE THERAPY, KRISTIN WILL BE PROVIDING PT SERVICES FOR:
• Pediatric patients of all ages with special needs including: cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delay & orthopedic injury • Adult and geriatric patients with orthopedic and neurological impairments Kristin’s mission is to provide children of all ages an opportunity to improve developmental skills, increase performance quality, and achieve independence and comfortable living within the patient’s home, school and community. She also feels strongly about empowering parents by involving them in the treatment planning and process. Kristin is enthusiastic to promote education and involvement of the community in the awareness of children’s special needs.
From left to right: Sonya M. Brooks, MA, CCC-SLP; Kim B. Anderson, PT, DPT; Mika Doucet, LOTR, MOT; and seated Emily D. Pelican, MS, CF-SLP.
Call Today for physical therapy evaluation or treatment (337) 478-5880 PAGE 20
JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
er umak o h S n ndo By Bra
an Feldm h a r Sa
Kourtney Williams knew when her daughter, Karlee, came home speaking Spanish and French. Brandi Freeman knew when her son, Hunter, began to speak more and more, remembering books he’d read days after he’d finished reading them. Their daycare, KIDS 360 Learning Center, was having a very positive effect on their children’s learning. “KIDS 360 is awesome,” Williams said. “I bring my daughter three days a week and, when she comes home, she can speak French and Spanish. That’s the big difference. At the other daycare she went to, she wasn’t really learning anything. There was a lot of playing, but not a lot of learning.” “He’s amazed as much as I am,” Freeman said of her son. “His vocabulary has grown; he talks more and remembers the books he’s read. The things they do to interact with the kids; KIDS 360 is awesome.” Even the facility’s director, Debbie Thibodeaux, has seen the change in the children first-hand.
“One example I can think of is this little one-year old. When he first started, he didn’t speak, communicate and couldn’t walk. Within two weeks, he was walking and starting to speak, building blocks, and playing with toys. At about two weeks, you can see a difference. We have potty-trained the ones that have started here in diapers. The kids are at home here. When you think they’re not learning, not paying attention, they really are still learning. Their little minds are like little sponges and they take it all in.” UNIQUE CURRICULUM At KIDS 360, a unique “boutique” child care center, the curriculum combines traditional forms of learning with elements of play that make learning fun for children and promotes life-long learners. KIDS 360 offers both nine-hour and 12-hour programs designed to accommodate parents’ schedules and a Mother’s Day Out Program. “We are a learning center instead of a daycare,” facility director Debbie Thibodeaux said. “The kids gain knowledge in the different activity areas that are in each classroom. You can see them looking at things under a magnifying glass
in the science center, reading a counting book in the math center, trying to balance building blocks, cooking in the cooking center, dressing up in occupational outfits or using the talking globe to learn about geography. Each classroom has a computer station and a reading center with lots of books and puppets, and they also have a puppet theatre. The Dr. Seuss Library, Language and Computer Center is very popular with all the kids. The Little Scientists Center is another favorite and it
From Left to Right: Back row - Jerod Jessie, William Hays, Thomas Piert Middle row - Nayomi Campanile, Jace Littleton, Hunter Freeman Front row - Madison Anderson, Jonah Arnold, Ethan Burnett, Dianna LeLeux Volume 2 • Issue 8
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includes nature, magnets, discovery lights, prisms and magnification which promotes the advancement of children to discover the world around them. The goal is simply to get preschoolers interested in science. Currently, science fairs nationally and internationally do not have a preschool category (yet). If they did…KIDS 360 would definitely support preschoolers to participate. AGE-APPROPRIATE LEARNING KIDS 360 provides programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and after-schoolers. Each room features equipment and supplies specialized for each age group, allowing the kids to learn in an age-appropriate room. The infant program is for kids 6 weeks to 12 months old. The program features activities such as music and movement, block play, interactive story time, developmental and learning toys and an infant library with sensory books. The movement program helps babies develop gross motor skills and muscles. In addition, at naptime, KIDS 360 utilizes motion cribs that are quietly motorized to gently lull infants to sleep. And unlike many daycares, KIDS 360 includes all diapers and baby wipes in the child’s tuition costs, providing not only a convenience for parents who don’t wish to haul oversized baby bags all over town, but also passing on a cost-savings to the parents. In addition, infants are taught four basic colors and four basic shapes through songs, one-on-one teaching, reading, engaging with interactive toys and the infant computer. The Terrific Toddler Program, for children up to 24 months old, is Elmo inspired. The toddlers are nurtured through hugs and positive reinforcement. These children enjoy singing, story time twice a day and learn to build on increasing their vocabulary, strengthening their coordination, developing friends and gain an under-
standing of how to share. They have lots of fun while engaging in a variety of learning games and learning activities throughout the day. LEARNING CENTERS KIDS 360 Preschoolers and PreKindergarten features various learning centers where, during free periods, children can choose from different interest areas such as math, science, geography, reading, writing, art, music, blocks, tools and transportation, dramatic play and housekeeping. These stations allow kids to explore their curiosities and marvel at the many things they are learning. Materials and supplies in the classrooms and stations are placed at child height and level, allowing children to play and learn without having to wait for a teacher to get supplies for them. This also promotes sharing, cooperation, decision-making and independence among the children. The preschool program focuses on helping the children prepare for and excel at the elementary school level and promotes life-long learning. In addition to the various activity centers throughout the facility, the children are taught concepts such as counting, days of the week, months of the year, colors, directions, and opposites that will prepare them for school and place them ahead of their peers. They also learn life skills, such as how to set the table, and social skills such as good manners. Some of the learning at KIDS 360 takes place in groups, where children are paired off or grouped together in order to not only learn the concept being taught, but also to learn how to work together with other children. “(Group work) is very important
Readers are Leaders" is a dynamic program used at KIDS 360 to promote and encourage young children to read. The children have their own library card and can check out books from the KIDS 360 library to enjoy reading at home. In addition, each child receives monthly awards and certificates that list the books they have read each month. PAGE 22
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because it develops the mind as well as learning and social skills,” Thibodeaux said. “We team the kids up together so that they can figure out a project. Today, the project was the number two and they had to think of things that come in twos, like two eyes and two ears. Then, they made a model of the body out of twos.” EXCEPTIONAL STAFF One unique aspect of the KIDS 360 Learning Center is the staff. KIDS 360 requires that all of its Lead teachers have a Bachelor’s Degree and are CPR-certified and trained in first aid. In addition, KIDS 360, which is a Class A licensed facility, encourages their teachers to complete continuing education hours, paid for by KIDS 360, above and beyond the required 12 hours necessary for a Class A facility. And, teachers are given a $600 annual budget to buy supplies and materials for their classrooms. Another unique attraction KIDS 360 offers is its language immersion program. The center has teachers in French and Spanish and the immersion program teaches children in both languages.
“It is easier for kids under the age of five to learn a second language than it is for an adult,” Thibodeaux said. “Children here can speak French and Spanish just like an adult. They are really, really good at it.” This came as a surprise to some parents like Kourtney Williams. “(My daughter) knew some Spanish from Dora (The Explorer, a television cartoon), but now she knows a lot
Children enjoying the "Blocks Activity Center" and the "Tools and Transportation Center" Volume 2 • Issue 8
The kids are singing "I'm a Little Teapot" to their Moms at a Tea Party held at KIDS 360 called "Muffins, Moms and Me," to honor their Mothers for Mother's Day. They prepared a special invitation to bring home to their moms and also learned how to say "I Love You Mom" in French. more,” Williams said. “I never thought she’d learn French, but she spoke French to me on Mother’s Day.” COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALS In addition to the programs and activities organized by the center, KIDS 360 also brings in professional members of the community to put on programs and give talks to the students. The librarian from the Westlake branch of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library visits the center once a week and provides a special story time. Guzzy’s Gymnastics comes in to instruct the Fantastic Gymnastics Program, and local civic and business leaders discuss their jobs with the children. “This fall, the children will learn creative storytelling, where they read the story and then dress up in costumes and re-enact the story,” Thibodeaux said. “A dance teacher is going to come in and teach dance in October and November to prepare the children for the Holiday Pageant. A theatrical teacher is going to come in and teach acting. We had a fiddle player come in and play during our music unit. We also had a local artist who did an art project with the kids. And it’s all included in the tuition. Parents don’t pay any extra money except for tuition. That’s very unusual for a daycare. We have one registration fee and that’s it. You don’t have to pay anything other than tuition.” TECHNOLOGY PLAYS KEY ROLE Technology plays a key role in KIDS 360’s curricula. The center incorporates the latest learning technologies in all classrooms. KIDS 360 offers an interactive Smart Board, a “talking globe” that teaches the children about the countries and waterways of the world, and computer stations designed for each age group— even the infants. But KIDS 360’s philosophy of learning doesn’t rest when the children do. At naptimes, KIDS 360 plays classical music, believing that the so-called Volume 2 • Issue 8
“Mozart Effect” helps stimulates young minds and improves intelligence and learning ability. “(The classical music) relaxes them,” Thibodeaux said. “Once they are in a relaxed mode, they can rest. Music is important, no matter what type of music it is. Music helps you focus, calms you and puts you in a good mood. It is just as important as books, painting, or playing outside when it comes to childhood development.” KIDS 360 also serves more than your typical peanut butter sandwiches and cookies at lunch and snack times. The menus at KIDS 360 were written by a registered dietician and offer meals by Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse. The center uses only fresh fruits and vegetables at breakfast, lunch and snack times –never canned. When they do serve sandwiches, they have a smiley face decorated on them or are in the shape of a dinosaur. TIGHT SECURITY Security is of the utmost importance at KIDS 360. The facility features state-of-the-art security technology such as Webcams inside classrooms and commons areas that are designed to allow working parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children. The Webcams are restricted by user names and passwords, so only authorized parents or guardians are allowed to view the cameras. Also, access to the KIDS 360 campus itself is closely monitored. Parents and guardians authorized to pick-up children are required to scan their fingerprint on a biometric fingerprint scanner before entering the building. In addition, KIDS 360 has a photograph of each child’s authorized pick-up on file in order to verify identity. Outside visitors are not allowed inside the building without first calling KIDS 360 to make an appointment to visit the facility. “We have Webcams and only parents and guardians that have the password and user name can watch the Webcams,” Thibodeaux said. “On our
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door, you have to use a fingerprint reader to be able to come in. No one else is able to come in and you have call and make an appointment before you can come in.” It is this focus on the security that appeals to many parents who send their kids to KIDS 360. “I don’t worry about (my son) when he’s there,” Freeman said. “You can’t go in without a fingerprint and they have a picture of the (pick-up) person, not just like on a driver’s license.” “I feel my daughter is really safe, and I can also check in on her on their Web site with their security cameras,” Williams said. “Not many facilities are like that. Some places, a person could just walk in and take another person’s child.” One unique twist to the KIDS 360 security system is home visitations. Once parents enroll their child and pay tuition and fees, Thibodeaux herself comes to the child’s home to visit with the child and parents. This home visit serves as a way to get to know the family and child as well as an added security measure. KIDS 360 feels that these visits, going the extra mile to make families feel comfortable with the center, make the kids feel more confident in coming to the facility.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE KIDS 360 is also on the move. The company intends on opening 30 locations throughout the state of Louisiana. They are involved in the planning of a phenomenal After School Center that will accommodate 500+ children that will put SWLA education on the radar in a very big and positive way. This “Mega Center” in South Lake Charles will be an after-school care facility designed to accommodate more than 500 children and will offer homework assistance from degreed teachers, band instruction, art lessons, a library complete with laptop computers and coffee bar, as well as classes in acting, watercolor art, and foreign languages. The new facility will also offer fun activities like foosball and billiards tables, pinball machines, video game consoles like XBOX 360, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii that can be played on one of 11 flat-screen televisions. But, although there are ambitious expansion plans in the offing, Thibodeaux says KIDS 360 will still maintain its cozy, nurturing atmosphere.
Thibodeaux says, “Our parents love the atmosphere here. Their children will be well advanced, or end up in advanced classes or Spark and that’s what we’re striving for. We want to prepare them for the future, and let them play, but they are still learning no matter what they are doing. We believe in the kids and we want them to have the best there is. There’s a real need for good, quality learning centers.”
KIDS 360 is hosting an open house on Sat., Aug. 7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., complete with a tour of the facility, for parents interested in enrolling their children at the center. For more information on KIDS 360 Learning Center, call Debbie Thibodeaux at (337) 433-2121 or visit www.kids360.info. TJN
Tumbling and Gymnastics is only one of the special 8-week programs offered by Kids 360 at no additional charge throughout the year. Guzzy's Gymnastics provides an excellent gymnastics training program for children 1-5 years old right at the Kids 360 Campus and then the children show off their progress and talents at a final Event Program for KIDS 360 Parents at Guzzy's Gymnastics facility in Lake Charles, La.
Sunday School, 9:30am Worship, 11am You are WELCOME here!
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Volume 2 • Issue 8
Computer Repair/ Sales • Network Management Home and Business Security Camera • Professionally Installed Gerrit Lawrence
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photo by www.monsoursphotography.com Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
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It may only be July, but in another month, it will be time to get your kids back to school. There’s still a whole lot of summer left to enjoy, but it’s good to plan ahead. The following tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help make your child’s school year easier.
THE FIRST DAY • Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. • Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. He’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh his positive memories about previous years, when he may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because he had a good time. • Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. • If you feel it’s appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day. BACKPACK SAFETY • Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
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• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight. • Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. • Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs. TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL Review the basic rules with your children. SCHOOL BUS • Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. • Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing. • Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver. • Always board and exit the bus at locations
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that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building. • Do not move around on the bus. CAR • All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. • Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat. • Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4’ 9” in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not the stomach. • All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.
• Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations or texting to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your state’s graduated driver license law and consider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process. BIKE • Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. • Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic. • Use appropriate hand signals. • Respect traffic lights and stop signs. • Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility. • Know the “rules of the road.”
Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. • If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely. • Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers. • In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school. TJN
WALKING TO SCHOOL • Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection. • Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills.
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McNeese Fall Fee Payment Deadline Set Students who have enrolled and registered online for McNeese State University’s fall semester have until 4 p.m. Aug. 18 to pay fees. Fall classes begin Aug. 23. Fee payments may be mailed to McNeese Administrative Accounting, Box 92935, Lake Charles, LA 70609, made in person by bringing the bill to the cashier’s office in Smith Hall or placed in the drop box located on the north side of Smith Hall. The cashier’s office no longer accepts credit card payments in person, by mail or by telephone. Students can go online at www.mcneese.edu/payment to see the Payment Policy on credit card payments and online payment changes. Fees sent by mail must be received by the deadline. Students should be sure to include the remittance portion of the fee bill with a check or financial aid/scholarship authorization form. Students who fail to meet the fee payment deadline will be dropped from class rolls. A fee deferral plan is also offered to students attending McNeese this fall through the administrative accounting office. All registration fees, including tuition, special assessments, class-related fees and meal plan charges, are eligible for the fee deferral plan. Students are required to pay one-half of the total fee amount by 4 p.m. Aug. 18 and the remaining fee payment is due Oct. 1. There is a $30 processing fee. For more information, contact the administrative accounting office at (337) 475-5107. TJN
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Volume 2 • Issue 8
Photo by monsoursphotography.com
Top row (L to R): Bryan Stewart, Emily Istre, Jimmie Heath. 2nd row: Madison North, Brittany Cutrera, Meghan Clough, Erin Kleckley, Lauren Parrot, Lexie Soileau. Bottom: Taylor North.
Taylor North is the 18-year old daughter of Michelle and Randy North. This 2010 Barbe High School graduate is a five-time SCA All American Cheerleader, a Barbe Junior Varsity and Varsity Captain, and a former competitive gymnast. An experienced cheerleader for eight years, she was recently chosen to be an LSU cheerleader after an extensive tryout program, and is one of only four freshmen selected. At LSU, she’ll be majoring in math, with a concentration in secondary education. She’ll be attending the college thanks to a TOPS scholarship. Pretty impressive, right? Well, this is just the beginning. In addition to all of her above-mentioned accomplishments, Taylor is also the owner of a successful cheer and tumbling school called Lake Charles Cheer and Tumbling (LCCT). So how does a teenager go about starting a business at such a young age? It seems that in doing what she loved, the business just naturally followed. Taylor started her own Lake Charles recreation and cheer squad when she was in the seventh grade, when she choreographed her squad’s cheer and dance routines. As an eighth grade cheer captain at S.J. Welch Middle School, she was asked by her cheer advisor to choreograph the cheer and dance numbers for the
St. Louis Try-outs Volume 2 • Issue 8
summer cheer competition. The squad placed first in both divisions. That was the beginning. That same summer, Taylor’s sister Madison asked her if she would help out some of her friends, who were trying out for a recreational team, with their tumbling and cheer routines. Taylor began to teach them on a borrowed mat on her driveway on Sunday afternoons. Soon, she had so many friends, cousins, etc. calling her that she decided to charge a fee for her lessons, and asked Madison to help her out. By the time she was 15, she had saved enough money to purchase her own mat—which cost $800. Eventually, she was teaching three classes on Sunday, and also instructing on Wednesdays. As the girls she’d taught grew older, they would send their younger sisters and their friends to Taylor. At the age of 17, she had a waiting list. At this point, she realized that she needed to find a building for her cheer group classes. One of her student’s fathers, Randy Billedeau, happened to have the perfect warehouse to fit her needs. And so, Lake Charles Cheer and Tumbling (LCCT) became a reality. With the money she made from
instructing, Taylor was able to buy the warehouse, pay for utilities, design her own Web site and purchase the sign. She had LCCT T-shirts made with a logo that she created, was able to get the concrete floors refinished, and painted and decorated. She purchased several more tumbling mats and hired an attorney to handle her business transactions. Not bad for a teenager who started out teaching classes on her driveway! Taylor has not paid herself since she moved into the new gym, since she now has a staff of over 10 dedicated employees. They’re a diverse group who are trained in all aspects of cheerleading, and are CPR-certified. Her mother, Michelle, is her secretary and bookkeeper. LCCT offers programs for ages three and up. Classes incorporate tumbling, cheer and jump techniques. Children are placed in one-hour tumbling classes according to their skill level. Starting this fall, Mommy and Me tumbling classes will be available. In addition, there are weekly summer cheer camps, and customized cheer clinics are offered prior to local cheerleader tryouts. Cheer Birthday Parties are popular at LCCT for young girls. Taylor’s staff entertains the birthday girl and her guests for one hour with cheers and stunts, playing games and teaching them a fun dance. Parties can be scheduled on Fri. from 4-6 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m.-noon, 1-3 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Fall registration for current students will be held on
27 from 5-7 p.m. New students can register on Wed. or Fri., July 28 or 30, from 5- 7 p.m. There will be a clinic held on August 7 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. “So You Want to be A College Cheerleader,” includes partner stunting with male college cheerleaders, and is a clinic you won’t want to miss. Clinics are available four times a year, and are taught by Mitch Budlong, former captain and USA team cheerleader from the University of Kentucky. Taylor continues to grow in her field. She received the Mayor’s Award for her many hours of volunteering for her LC recreation cheer squads, and also received the “Girls Going Places” Guardian Life Award for entrepreneurship. She was nominated by the parents of her students and was given a check for $1,000. Taylor credits Bedhia Ward, a tumbling and cheer coach she had as a young girl, as her inspiration. “She inspired me to work hard, be honest, and to love what I was doing,” she said. Ward taught each girl individually, with one being as important as the other. And in Taylor, she instilled the knowledge that hard woke pays off. “I like to see the girls get better,” Taylor said. “This is my reward. They’re all so special, like my little sisters. I need to set a good example, and make wise choices, so they can follow in my footsteps.” LCCT is located at 612 Bennett Lane in Lake Charles, off Common St. They can be reached at 794-5311 or at www.dynamiccheerz.com.
L to R: Lindsey Bertrand, Mon. and Mary Fontenot, Gabby Kadlubar, Tues., July 26Kennedi Poor, Whitney Conner, Taylor North, Maria Francois, Claire Watkins, Lauren Courville, Bailey Duhon
JULY 15, 2010
TJN PAGE 29
ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B
The Ultimate Letdown My buddy Jeff and my quest to see UFC 116 this past weekend ended in a technical knockout. Didn’t even make it out of the first round, really. Jeff was in town from Memphis and, since both of us are big
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Ultimate Fighting Championship fans, we thought we’d catch the UFC 116 pay-per-view over at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was one of the best overall fight cards of the year for the UFC with Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin, granite-featured behemoths with just one professional loss between them, fighting to unify the UFC Heavyweight Championship. With the magnitude of the main event, we thought it would probably be crowded at BWW, but we thought we’d bring
our wives along, eat dinner, and we’d stay for the fight while the girls went out and did less testosterone-fueled activities. The fight didn’t start until 8 p.m., plenty of time to get a table and chow down on some spicy wings before watching the fights. Not even close. As I pulled into the shopping center parking lot, I saw an enormous crowd, dressed in ubiquitous sideways baseball caps and glittery (and one size too small) Ed Hardy T-shirts, waiting outside the doors of Buffalo Wild Wings to be seated.
It was a body blow, like a good Muay Thai knee to the chops, but I persevered, waded through the crowd of Hardy boys, and went inside to see about getting a table. The hostess was shaking her head before I had even finished my sentence. It wasn’t happening in a million years. Right cross: knockdown number one. I sulked back out the door, into the den of boisterous kids and felt a little twinge of anger and jealousy. I’m not begrudging the UFC its core audience of young, male, 20somethings. It’s not that at all. It’s
Volume 2 • Issue 8
just that I’m a crank. A fuddyduddy. An old geezer. I appreciate the UFC not for the bloodsport (though, blood is an inevitable attraction) but for the combination of martial skills necessary to be a great fighter. It’s more than just punching the other guy in the face; a great fighter must have boxing skills, yes, but also be versed in wrestling and martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitzu. It’s the new “sweet science.” And, as we drove away, I looked out the car window at this group of kids and I thought that 80 percent of them wouldn’t know the difference between a gogoplata and an omoplata submission if an MMA fighter was choking them out with one of those moves. Also, call me unhip, but what in particular is cool about spending almost $100 on a too-small T-shirt that combines lame tattoo art of dragons and dice with a 10-yearold girl’s Bedazzler-gone-berserk? Anyway, we drove on, acting on a rumor that maybe Cooler’s Ice House was showing the fight. The lack of cars (and patrons inside) pretty much answered our question before we could ask it, but ask we did. And… Left uppercut: knockdown number two. The fight still hadn’t started yet; so, after a bite to eat, we moved on to investigate another rumor that L’Auberge du Lac was showing the fight on TVs both inside and outside the GloBar. We go into the casino and, five minutes later, we come back out with only the casino host’s pitying look to take with us back to the bar where our wives await. Head kick: knockdown number three. Ring the bell. It’s over. We lose by verbal submission via strikes. It was a disappointing result and, after reading about the results the next day, it looks like we missed out on some of the best fights of the year. How did this happen? The best UFC card in months and there is only one place in town showing the fight? Judging by the sheer volume of phone calls, Lucky Pierre’s, the bar where we spent the rest of the night drinking and hanging out with our wives (who tended to our wounds heroically), received asking
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about the fight and the mass of humanity outside Buffalo Wild Wings, it’s clear that there is an audience for UFC in Lake Charles. I think the main concern among bar owners is the cost to show the fights. Typically, the licensing fee to show a UFC fight at a bar or restaurant runs anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the size of the venue. That’s a pretty large sum for a bar to pay in addition to regular operating expenses on a Saturday night. The problem
is that the licensing fee, while it may deter some smaller places from purchasing the fight for patrons, should be no problem for larger bars and restaurants to recoup by simply charging a cover at the door. And, as the ginormous crowd at BWW proves, if you show the fights, people will be there to watch. Jeff and I were there, about two hours too late, it turned out. And, in the end, we ended up being knocked down for the count.
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
JULY 15, 2010
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By Mary Louise Ruehr
Memorable Characters One of the most memorable — and certainly unique — fictional characters I’ve ever come across can be found in three recent books by Stieg Larsson. The series, translated from Swedish, began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, followed by The Girl Who Played with Fire (both now in paperback), and finally the long-awaited third book, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, is out. The series is really like one long novel and should, by all means, be read in order so that the complex plots, back-
ground stories, and thousand details can be absorbed as the author planned. Combined, they make a truly satisfying reading experience. The real joy is in the two main characters: Lisbeth Salander, the “girl” in all the titles, and Mikael Blomkvist, the financial journalist who becomes her ally. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but I’ll give you a brief synopsis. In book one, Blomkvist is hired by a multi-millionaire to solve an old family mystery — a take-off on a “locked-room” murder. After he con-
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tacts a private security firm to dig up information, he hires Salander. She is such a complicated character! She’s rail thin, has the brain of a savant, is a word-class computer hacker, may or may not have autistic issues, and was “deemed to be emotionally disturbed and dangerously violent” when she was younger, after what she calls “All the Evil” happened. If the theme of the first book is identity, then the theme of book two is sex. A journalist is investigating the international sex trade, and people involved in illicit activities aren’t happy about being exposed in the press. When Salander is accused of multiple murders, she is just crucified by the media. The book shows the incompetence and stubborn single-sightedness of some law enforcement personnel and journalists. Book three, Hornet’s Nest, picks up with Salander in a hospital bed, trying to clear her name — and stay alive. The plot includes government
secrets and cover-ups. There’s a boatload of background information (maybe even too much). Book three’s theme would be truth, and the overarching theme of the trilogy is the ill treatment of women. “Salander was the woman who hated men who hate women.” The plots are completely involving. In book one, the action was so intense I had to take breaks; I forgot I was reading, and I was utterly lost inside the book’s setting. It’s a stunner. The way Larsson invents Salander is simply remarkable. Through all three books (each of which is about 600 pages), he keeps adding layer upon layer to her personality and her back story. And there are whole big subplots, including insights into the publishing business. The
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plots are intricate and brilliant, and I realized early on that the translator also did a fantastic job. Besides the adult language and situations, there is violence — grievous violence. Seriously. It isn’t for the faint-hearted. The end of book three is one of my favorite endings of all time. Larsson, who died in 2004, was a truly gifted writer, and knowing we’ll never meet Lisbeth Salander again makes me sad. Pick up book one, gird your loins, and get ready for one-two-three of the best summer reads of your life. In contrast, The Postmistress by Sarah Blake is a slow, luxurious read. The novel is set in 1941 near Cape Cod and in London. Iris James is the postmaster of a small Massachusetts town, where she runs the post office in an orderly manner. But the character I’ll remember is Frankie Bard, “radio gal.” She’s an American who’s working for CBS in London, and her co-worker is none other than Edward R. Murrow. Every night, over the radio, Frankie tells her American audience about the London Blitz — the bombings, the shelters, how people disappear, how life goes on. Her roommate, a stringer for the Associated Press, is compiling reports about the Nazis and is trying to find out why the Germans are moving the Jews around. Frankie goes into Germany to find out for herself. The
war is really part of everything and of everyone’s life, and the book conveys “that wars are being waged right now.”
Holy cow, this is beautiful writing! Throughout the first part, I kept rereading phrases that sounded like poetry, such as the explanation of Frankie’s job: “In radio, the story flew into the air, from lips to ear — like a secret finding its immediate spot in the dark lodges of the brain — the dome of the sky collapsing space, and the world become a great whispering
gallery for us all.” The book’s ending sort of fizzled away, but the rest is such sweet reading that it was OK. It’s lyrical, then suspenseful and even shocking. Adult language and situations. After reading I Thought You Were Dead by Pete Nelson, it’s going to be hard to forget Stella the dog, who car-
ries on conversations with Paul Gustavson, a middle-aged man who isn’t having much success in life. He’s out of shape, he drinks too much, he
tells corny jokes, he’s recently divorced; he’s happily dating a lovely lady, but he’s not so happy that she’s also dating another man. However, he does have that wonderful dog. It’s the dog, by the way, which says the title line, because “Stella had no sense of permanence and therefore assumed Paul was dead whenever he was out of sight, hearing, or smell.” When Paul’s father has a stroke, life starts to catch up with him; he’s forced to make some decisions and begins to realize it’s time he grew up. Stella offers her unique perspective on life, mixed with a biting sense of humor. Says Stella: “Everything is a question of food. Everything except where you lie down. And even that has to be somewhere near food.” The humor, often subtle, is also in all the details of Paul’s life and friends. I even found myself laughing out loud. The book sort of ambushed me. It was so funny, I didn’t realize when it was getting serious. And then I cried. The ending is a nice surprise. It’s about relationships: dog/owner, siblings, parent/child, lovers. It might have been considered “chick lit” if it had been about a woman, but it’s really deeper than that. I enjoyed it. It brings to mind The Art of Racing in the Rain. Adult language and situations. Copyright © 2010 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN
art g at He n u o Y al The n annu a is o p n Ex using o ion, c o f t n eve ucat ies, are, ed l c h lt a s, activit e r u h e f k e s a e u ard and s st sp leisure ion for senior l also be gue ll geared tow il al sa at inform ivers. There w presentation he free medic g t d e f r o and ca ment and fo advantage o . ch e in enterta lifestyles. Tak y our free lun 1 g jo 7-755 3 4 changin s and also en ) 7 g (33 th. screenin o PLC at
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Textbook
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Report Card
Uniforms
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box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.
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JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
The Lake Charles League of Women Voters Be a fan! Look for Lake Charles League of Women Voters on Facebook. Check us out for up to date LWV news, information and events that affect you and your community.
Want to join the League? Find out how at www.lwv-lc.org or email info@lwv-lc.org or call 474-1864 and leave a message.
Killin’ Time Crossword
Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission. Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
PAGE 35
Cajun French Music Association, Lake Charles Chapter
23rd Cajun Music and Food Festival
July 17th & 18th, 2010 • Burton Coliseum, Lake Charles, LA SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2010 8 A.M. Doors Open 9 A.M. Arts & Crafts Open 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. Children's Jam Hour 10 A.M. to Noon Briggs Brown & Bayou Cajuns Noon to 1 P.M. Opening Ceremonies Introduction of Queens Professional Accordion Contest 1 to 3 P.M. Ron Miller & Midnight Ramblers 1 to 1:30 P.M. Dance Contests 3 to 5 P.M. Donny Broussard & Louisiana Stars 5 to 7 P.M. Kira Viator & Bayou Beat 7 to 10 P.M. Geno Delafose & French Rockin Boogie
SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2010 8 A.M. French Mass with French Choir 9 A.M. Arts & Crafts Open 9 to 11 A.M. Ellis Vanicor & Lacassine Playboys 11 A.M. to Noon Introduction of Queens Amateur Accordion Contest Noon to 2 P.M. Don Fontenot & Friends of Louisiana 2 P.M. Silent Auction Concluded 2 to 4 P.M. High Performance
For more information visit: www.cfmalakecharles.org or contact Janet Piraro at (337) 217-0880
PLEASE NO ICE CHESTS
n AdmissPeio rson
$7.00 Per Under Free & 2 1 n re d il h C
Queens ’ Pagean Saturda t y, July
1 Contac t Charm 0, 2010 aine La ndry 337-43 6-1760
PLATINUM SPONSORS • Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana • Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program
DIAMOND SPONSOR • Wright Plumbing Services, Inc.
COME AND ENJOY! Jambalaya, Gumbo, Cracklins, Boudin, Etoufee, Funnel Cakes, Burgers & Fries, Red Beans & Rice, Beer & Cold Drinks PAGE 36
JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
BILLY NAVARRE PRESENTS THE MIKE WHITE INVITATIONAL PBR Ya’ll can bet your boots this ain’t no bull! The Mike White Invitational PBR was that exciting. Returning home to match up with Chris Shivers and ride the two last bulls of his sensational career, hometown World Champion Mike White drew a large crowd of fans, friends, family and proud supporters at the Burton Coliseum recently. Several of the rising stars of the PBR shot out of those buckin’ shoots twistin’, turnin’, flyin’ --and some bitin’ the dust! Not for long, though, as my clown friends did a great job of saving their hides. No bull shootin’ here….this event was some kinda tough!
Jacob Greer and Haley McKay
Kaleb and Josh Bigwood
Susan, Daultyn and J.D. Dunn
Devin, Gavin and Brandon Burnett
Brittnay and Rylee Theriot
Sonny Jason and Charlie Williams
Nancy McCloskey and Mike White
DEDICATION OF VIETNAM-ERA HELICOPTER
Crowds of veterans, friends, families, and supporters gathered at Veteran’s Memorial Park for the dedication of the Vietnam-era Huey helicopter. After suffering damages in combat during the Vietnam War with the 1st Calvary, the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission, the Marine Corps League and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 215, started a project in 2006 to find the helicopter, leading to its restoration by local volunteers. A big salute to everyone who took part in Lake Charles’ Red, White, Blue and You Independence Day Celebration! Sgt. Pierce Dennis and Caroline Dixon Volume 2 • Issue 8
Rose Woodward and Don Wilkinson JULY 15, 2010
PAGE 37
Jonathan and Shelby Suttle
Derrick and Daniel Morales
Joanne and Ed Richard with Richard Morgan and Frank Streva
RED, WHITE, BLUE AND YOU PROGRAM The heat didn’t stop a large crowd from gathering on the hill of the Lake Charles Civic Center Arcade Pavilion for the Red, White, Blue and You Extravaganza. Mayor Randy Roach, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Anthony Burns, Pastor Julian Woods and John Bridges were among the many paying tribute during this celebration. A spectacular patriotic concert by both the Westlake High School Jazz Band and the Lake Charles Community Band (Leo Murray, conductor), kept this crowd clapping for more! The winners of the apple pie contest were announced (our own Phil de Albuquerque had his fill as a judge!), there was good food to enjoy, and so much more. What a beautiful Fourth of July celebration! Ellie and Chuck Lemoine
PAGE 38
Robert Null and Marlon Hamilton
Lanty Kete, Beth Slaydon and John Montgomery
Paige Savant and Savannah Guiilory
Lace and Karlei Scully with McKenzie Cox
Latonya Humphrey and Phillip Everett
Wanda and Anthony Durousseau
Katie McAleece and Aaron Guidry
JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
PAINTING WITH A TWIST This was one evening worth “Twisting the Night Away!” A little dab here and a little dab there, then before we knew it, we had created our own masterpiece of art--with the canvas, paint, brushes and stroke-bystroke instruction supplied by local artist Lisa Myer. What also helped was the added twist of fun--a few sips of our own “spicy” beverage to enhance creativity. We were able to leave with our beautiful works of art, “The Pelican” to proudly show to friends and family. Well, as the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! This was a twisting, shouting and fun experience, Try it, you’ll like it! Brittney Atwell and Rachel Rhoden
Kent Girouard and Corey Weeks
Cypi Atwell and Penny Duffy
Valarie Precht, Rachael Abadie, Yvonne Kline, and Colene Barber
Molly Kethman with Linda and Ashley Moffet
4710 Common St., Suite A • (337) 564-5769 www.theporchcoffeehouse.com
Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
PAGE 39
School Supply Drive! GAP radio will be on site at O’Charleys from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to promote the event. O’Charleys has graciously agreed to give 10 percent of the proceeds made between those times to the School Supply Drive. Southwest Louisiana Credit Union will match up to $500 of the proceeds given by O’Charleys. For more information, call 477-9190.
TROUT WARFARE TOURNEY EVERY FRIDAY There will be a weekly Inland Tournament every Friday this summer sponsored by the SWLA Fishing Club. Entry fee is $20 a person with a 60 percent pay out on tournament for a 3-trout stringer weighed in. Optional $5 entry fee on big speck pot; 75 percent pay out. Optional $5 entry fee on big red pot (must be under 27’’); 75 percent pay out. Optional $5 entry fee on big flounder pot; 75 percent pay out. Registration will be held at the Southwest Louisiana Fishing Clubhouse from 4- 8 p.m. on the day of each tournament. For more info, call Stephen Brown at 302-6745 or Jayson Dautriel at 526-9787. CAJUN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL JULY 18-19 Burton Coliseum will be jumping with lively Cajun sounds Sat. and Sun., July 17-18, for the 23rd Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival, presented by the Lake Charles Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association. Savory Cajun specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, cracklins and more will be in the gumbo pot. Other festival highlights include raffles, arts and crafts booths and games for kids. Raffle prizes include everything from an accordion to a live hog! The event will take place at Burton Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Hwy. Sat., 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Sun., 8a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, and free for children 12 and younger. No ice chests are allowed. For more information, call Janet Piraro at 337-217-0880, or visit www.cfmalakecharles.org. SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE AT O’CHARLEY’S JULY 20 On Tues., July 20, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union is teaming up with O’Charleys and GAP Broadcasting for a
PAGE 40
JULY 15, 2010
ELB RADIO OPEN HOUSE JULY 24 ELB radio is having its open house on Sat., July 24 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Cornerstone University, 1605 Broad St. Lake Charles. Local groups will be performing live on the air, along with the KELB volunteer staff, including Charles and Brenda Manuel, Alfred Gibson, Elsye Mae Sonnier, Sarah Hodnett and Jody Barrilleaux. Refreshments will be served. KELB Radio is a local Christian station at 100.5 FM. See the Web Site at www.kelbradio.com. AD AND PRESS CLUB PRESENTS GRIDIRON JULY 24 The Ad & Press Club of Southwest Louisiana will present its 38th annual Gridiron Show Sat., July 24, in the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Sudduth Coliseum. The theme for this year’s fundraiser is “Saints and Sinners.” Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a social and networking hour. During that time, guests will be able to dine at several serving stations that will feature heavy hors d’ouevres and other specialties from local restaurants and vendors. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and $400 for a table of eight. Several levels of sponsorships and catering spots are still available. Deadline to buy tickets is Wed., July 21. Seating is limited. For tickets or to inquire about corporate sponsorship, call the Gridiron hotline at 583-4766 or e-mail gridironshow@yahoo.com. MARSHLAND FESTIVAL JULY 30-31 Once a year, Hackberry comes to the Lake Charles Civic Center and puts on the Marshland Festival, which supports the community, especially children, through non-profit organizations. There will be live bands, including Geno Delafose, Chubby Carrier, Barry Badon and Travis Matte, a business expo, arts and crafts for sale, activities for the kids and much more, including great food! The event begins on Fri. evening, July 30 and continues all day on Sat. For more information, visit www.marshlandfestival.com. ARTS & CRABS EXPERIENCE AUG. 7 Southwest Louisiana is getting crabby! The first Arts & Crabs Experience will be held Sat., Aug. 7 from 3–8 p.m. Lake Charles’ Prien Lake Park will be the hot and spicy spot for all things crab. Kids of all ages will enjoy the many free activities including “Arts & Crabs,” crab
Volume 2 • Issue 8
derbies, and pirogue carving demonstrations, to name a few. The Gold Key Quest drawings will be held at 4:30 p.m. for all individuals who pre-purchased tickets. Fabulous prizes such as $10,000, roundtrip airfare and LSU Skybox tickets are just a few of the wonderful prizes up for grabs. From 5–7 p.m., locals can enjoy delicious crab delicacies such as crab po-boys and crab cakes, all for $15. Pizza, ice cream and funnel cakes will also be on hand as well. As the sun begins to set, get down to the groovin’ beats of Zydecane and City Heat and enjoy the original works of local artists in an Art Walk along the lakefront. $15 Pre-sale tickets for the crab tasting and $50 Gold Key Quest Drawing tickets are available at the Arts & Humanities Council located in Old Central School, Ste. 202 in Lake Charles. WHISTLE STOP’S MAD HOT BALLROOM GALA AUG. 7 Come to Whistle Stop’s Mad Hot Ballroom Gala at L’Auberge du Lac on Sat., Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for a thrilling evening of music, dancing, costumes and great dining; all for a great cause: the funding of Dancing
Volume 2 • Issue 8
Classrooms in our area schools. Local celebrities will be paired with a dance instructor or performing dancer to compete for the Mad Hot Ballroom Challenge Trophy. Come cheer and vote for your favorite dance couple while enjoying first class food and beverages. And before the evening is over, show us your own moves on the dance floor or let one of our experts show you how. This is a black tie event, and includes a sit-down dinner. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information, go to celebritydancingswla.com. ‘I WANT CANDY’ AND ‘DETOUR ART’ AT 1911 CITY HALL THROUGH AUG. 21 The City of Lake Charles will open two new exhibitions entitled “I Want Candy-The Sweet Stuff in America,” and “Detour Art— Outsider, Folk Art, and Visionary Environments Coast to Coast.” The first exhibit gathers 50-55 works from 40 contemporary artists that explore our nation’s love affair with sweets and reflect some of the most important artistic trajectories of recent American art. The second exhibit highlights art and images by visionaries, untrained artists, and folk creators found along the back roads of America. The exhibit will hang through Aug. 21. Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Mon. through Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com. TJN
JULY 15, 2010
PAGE 41
To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Legends in Concert @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Jacob Ecker @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • DJ Dispo @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m. THURSDAY, JULY 15 • T-Joe Romero @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music,
Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Paul Gonsoulin/Keith Moody @ The Porch, 7 p.m. • Trigger Proof @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du
Lac Casino, 7 p.m. • Willie T/Warren Storm/Cypress @ Mikko,
Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 16 • Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • T D McMurray @ Sha Sha’s of Creole, 6:30 p.m. • Wayne Toups @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Lonely Horse @ The Porch, 8 p.m. • Thingfish/Looks That Kill/The Holiday @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.
• Step Rideau & The
Zydeco Outlaws @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Tommy G & Stormy Weather @ Hawg Wild, Sulphur, 9 p.m. • Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 17 • Karaoke @ Sha Sha’s of Creole, 6:30 p.m. • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns/Ron Miller & The Louisiana Ramblers/Donny Broussard & The Louisiana Stars/Kira Viator & Bayou Beat/Geno Delafosse @ CFMA Cajun Food & Music Festival @ Burton Coliseum, 8 a.m. • Jamie Berzas @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • James Dupre @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • Red Saltzman @ Frey’s Crawfish House, Jennings, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Dave Evans & Ryan Bunch/The Flatland Travelers @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Abatis @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m. • Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Club
1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge
du Lac, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, JULY 18 • Ellis Vanicor & The Lacassine Playboys/Don Fontenot & The Friends of Louisiana/High Performance @ CFMA Cajun Food & Music Festival @ Burton Coliseum, 8 a.m. • High Performance @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • Wendy Colonna @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Legends in Concert @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,
Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • T.D. McMurry @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • DJ Dispo @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 22 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun
Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Chris LeBlanc @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du
Lac Casino, 7 p.m. • Legends in Concert @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,
Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Matt Delrossi @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs,
Vinton, 8 p.m. • Time Machine @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill
L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 23 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown
Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Southern Spice @ Sha Sha’s of Creole, 6:30 p.m.
PAGE 42
JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
• Travis Matte & The Kingpins @ • • • • •
Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. Matt Delrossi @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. Ryan Davis-Foster @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. Rockstar Karaoke @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 24 • Trip Wamsley/Fresh Nectar/Loser’s Reunion/Gypsy Space Caravan/The Groove Knights @ Luna Bar & Grill, 11 a.m. • Karaoke @ Sha Sha’s of Creole, 6:30 p.m. • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • The Brandon Foret Band @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • Lee Boudin @ Frey’s Crawfish House, Jennings, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Matt Delrossi @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Southbound @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m.
• Marianne & The Republic @ Jack
Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, JULY 25 • Warren Storm/Willie Tee/Cypress @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • Bayou Katz @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Legends in Concert @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Jacob Ecker @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • DJ Dispo @ My Place Bar, 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 30 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Chee-Weez @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Brian Bounds @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Judd Bares & The Six-String Rodeo/Mike Dean @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • City Heat @ Sylvia’s Bistro, 9 p.m. • Gabby Johnson @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. • Furr @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 10:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 29
SATURDAY, JULY 31
• Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns
• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s
• • • • •
@ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. Mojeaux @ Party by the Pool, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 7 p.m. Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7:30 p.m. Brian Bounds @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. Brother Dege @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.
Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • The Foret Tradition @ Yesterday’s,
7 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant,
Hayes, 7 p.m. • No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino,
Kinder, 7:30 p.m. • Brian Bounds @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Motherlode @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Gabby Johnson @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.
MONDAY NIGHTS: Abita Beer Night
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Mondo Martini Night
THURSDAY NIGHTS: Be Well Night
TJN
Fri. July 16 @ 9pm Looks that Kill w/ Thingfish Sat. July 17 @9pm Flatland Travelers w/ Dave Evans & Ryan Bunch Mon. July 19 @ 9pm Open Mic Night Wed. July 21 @ 9pm T. D. McMurry (acoustic)
• Recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Partners In Education Award for the partnership with Westwood and Western Heights Elementary Schools in Westlake. • Providing training and information to area teachers through the annual week-long Teacher Institute. • Offering tours to local classrooms. • Providing Science Screen Report video series each year to SP Arnett and Westlake High to provide the latest in science and technology. • Conducting the monthly Sasol Science Second Saturday Show at the Children's Museum.
Fri. July 23 @ 9pm Ryan Davis w/ Foster (Rock, Indie, Blues) Sat. July 24 @ 2pm Rythm For Life Cancer Benefit Bass & Drum Clinic w/ Trip Wamsley & Kevin Rodomsky, w/ Music By: Gypsy Space Caravan, Groove Knights, Losers Reunion, Fresh Nectar, Until Death Mon. July 26 @ 9pm Open Mic Night Wed. July 28 @ 9pm Jacob Ecker (acoustic) Fri. July 30 @ 9pm Judd Bares & 6 String Rodeo w/ Special Guest: Mike Dean (country)
Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
PAGE 43
Business is
Around Town With The Jam We Don’t Just Report It, We Support It!
Booming! mi And we need to increase our sales staff! Do you have prior sales experience? Are you looking for full-time work with people who love what they do?
Phil and Lauren with Daniel Leon of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra
E-mail resume to publisher@thejambalayanews.com or call (337) 436-7800 ext. 106
Lauren and Phil with Maria Alcantara Faul and David Duplechain at Family and Youth’s 40th anniversary celebration at L’Auberge du Lac.
Phil congratulates Rick Richard on the groundbreaking for the new building being constructed on Kirby and Ryan St. PAGE 44
JULY 15, 2010
Volume 2 • Issue 8
Leslie B e four dec rman’s career in ades, an music folksing er, mus d includes stin spans ic teach ts as a booker, e c tival dir oncert promote r, coffeehouse r e notes w ctor, music jou , publicist, fesr r nalist, a it e r , a organiz ation p rtist manager lbum r , trade e ment a ttorney, sident, e n t ertaina nd pres Music id M Louisian useum of ent of the S musicall a. She prefers outhwest y eclectic a GRAM , and v ll things M Recordin Ys as a mem otes on the g Aca ber o reached at leslie@ demy. She c f the an leslieber man.co be m.
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Lots o hia rad d his s, cou nny C nd an acts T llamy and nging over Philadelp nce at nging uld en t long odd aryman Ro cop), a o i e w e year a me and gon d others si nearly 40 r a h B t t b bou obo stc sc g is ins wow ually song a mous filmi l Recall, R or Southwe y has co h singers an ere amon f them per event ion trio to est is, in th s a t w f o t e a g s a i i s o r t F t t n l e, T te known and swi iEng onal song and mos the stage . shan t Tradi l, and the history. eranc s , ri e i g s ea (Deliv erfest favo wboy song is own rum tradit d this year formed on was emce estiva tisfactual Wood san most recen F I o n , a r m t n c a r s f e h s e h h , o c g e m d t i h o f eal e h n Su h on sin dJ wh leas Summer folk a rmed som ne has a r mothgs wit actor and ist d n We ha and Tony e t o g s A n O o i d f t ts a ngs. gran , per r trad rchiv uring a Rober nd who lassics nd story so s about his e were also d othe more, feat ician and a d me and c n a a r i a e d s e u ra to vit Barr ht all the native inside, and bread. Th rom the trio, T hatz and m he even in the stage y,” f n e r o s c S t p a o r hole S i broug ballads c e . c p D b n r e n r Ke ate he W e) um ma ds u ne More i y n T w n e ( l d e t s n i o g K r w u e f a h h h e io b e lin id r Dav ther femal e shanty “Ohorus “com ore er’s ple of delic You’re Smi and “(I’m T pish hem w m h o c u with t y came ove t ” , e n m o s ) i e w t c n d u i e s h e o f l Jone side , “W th Yo the , with s she hnny/ 1920s Smiles Wi the Spike with the a sing a ite of mine me over Jo bylon is s n i d d r a Worl of Araby,” ry line en a favo ck and roll so sang “B d from the e l r e o a e r n , and p r e d r a t Sheik where ev n.” e o n n a eman er l a freque dm d a h i n t r o s o a T i s a e s e r on th ith ve n day.” ” which H chneyer, no clo kovic, lays w arriso , S “with x usually p doslav Lor eyboards, a Fallen eat Helen r years on G panion” m r Ra ris dk Co late, g in her late Home Co he it was cordion an iar yet surp p r a e t r y e i l e f c mi du this n café a form ’s “A Prair stalwart o ose fa umpe a r h . Parisi player wh al phrase b d lyrics Keillo how and a folk scene the Englis n n c s . vetera ns of musi x’s guitar a Cox told radio ngton, D.C arned from ice (an out d), r o . u e i t C v ch k ing at under Wash d which I l Home Ser Albion Ban l ra not film wor r t x e e h a ’ t n d s w c n e o n A g e e o h f a v i n n t r t i a b i f e y h at p s in g an Hutc d trad ic folk just th not takin own script ’ music, electr of Ashley ds provide al Theatre s ’s d n h n me he w, turning and other how growt f which ba don’s Natio ise to n s o R w o e y n hri is o for both for Bill Br ding Lark ra y Gut howring h ls o u of tou ing a Wood ds with a s nd music ctions, incl ted from Fl hical nove d en p ou produ eford, adap autobiogra e early 20th re- inclu sometimes ie biopic B musil r as a ing that the Guth Cand pson’s semi ge life in th ysteries, a l p g Cox M a ing of ory starrin zer. He’s ho Thom British villa ), and The of mediev , i l e n G e s a t l m r g n i c u t r Fo abo ry (Albio efield cy me no e o o i s m im n t o r h u H k cian/ Shrevepo e can lure Centu of the Wa le stories ( y a w b l g i s to p as ping settin ased on b tory a I’m ho ke Charles nd we b of his lad tradid n h a g a a plays e). u to L . act, I e bal t eno down e’s a class re of those Servic n never ge through th love most o H I a . m Ic well e YT ongs tively, s use ubjec ny of the s her and Th vice’s alway s , n a d l c o t a r t Hea nd m me Se tion, a arned fromnd the Ho le a
um S m u It’s S Sum Sum st Sum Summerfe Sum
Vance Gilbert Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
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Hurricane Season is in full swing and we are dedicated to keeping you informed and up to date on any weather threatening Southwest Louisiana. Our KYKZ 96 Hurricane Tracking Chart sponsored by Cameron State Bank and Dale Bernard State Farm Insurance is now available at our sponsor locations or at the KYKZ studios, 425 Broad St. More information at www.kykz.com.
For more Ronny Cox info, visit www.ronnycox.com. This year, Summerfest presented a tribute to Richard and Mimi Farina, the late songwriter and his singing partner/activist wife, through the vocal performances of Caroline Doctorow, daughter of the celebrated novelist, and better-than-the-originals arrangements of guitarist Pete Kennedy, who produced “Another Country,” an album of Doctorow singing Richard Farina songs. The duo selected some of Farina’s most interesting works for “Another Country,” including “Hard Loving Loser,” “Birmingham Sunday,” and “The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood,” all of which formed an important part of the internal soundtrack of my teen years. In Doctorow’s Summerfest performance, the poetry and tension of Farina’s moody music was conveyed through the surround-sound of Doctorow’s band, including Mick Hargraves on semi-acoustic bass and back-
ing vocals, Andrew Carillo on electric sitar (cowabunga dude!) and electric guitar (the subtler Fender Telecaster, not its showoff-y whammy-bar pyrotechnicrat cousin, the Stratocaster), Pete Kennedy on rhythm and lead acoustic guitar and backing vocals, and Maura Kennedy, Pete’s partner in life and crime, on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. The Kennedys supported and enhanced the star during their years with Nanci Griffiths’ band, but we’re lucky they decided to strike out on their own. Pete can play rings around many betterknown musicians, but he never gets pushy about it, while Maura’s muscular voice covers the waterfront of vocal styles. Alan and Helene Korolenko, my dear friends who’ve made Summerfest the jewel that it is, call the Kennedys “the heart of the festival,” and won’t hold one without them. Well, I too suggest you all take heart, friends. Find them at www.kennedysmusic.com. TJN
Sweet Charlotte Meet sweet Charlotte! This 5 month-old hound mix girl is intelligent, loyal and good-natured. She is gentle and friendly with everyone and loves to play with other dogs. She is especially affectionate and loves to lean in to any human who will stop to pet her. It’s her way of giving a hug. Charlotte is being fostered in a home with children and does well with all family members...both big and small. She even likes the cat. She is the perfect example of one of our rescues that is getting a second chance in life. Charlotte was rescued by a very nice truck driver who found her abandoned as a small pup at a truck stop. She was almost run over by an 18-wheeler. It was discovered that she had been shot and has multiple PAGE 46
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metal pellets in her pelvis area, which are too dangerous to remove. She also has a hip problem that will need monitoring in her new home, but she gets along just fine and isn’t a hyper-jumpy puppy. You must meet this girl in person to see just how special and loving she truly is. Several of our volunteers have said she is one of the sweetest pups we’ve ever had in rescue. How can you say no to giving her a forever home of her very own? She needs to be adopted very soon due to her foster mom’s medical issues. Contact Amanda at (337) 626-2557 or e-mail her at ach969@bellsouth.net for more information on Charlotte.
TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 8
Volume 2 • Issue 8
JULY 15, 2010
PAGE 47