The Jambalaya News - Vol. 2 No. 19

VOL. 2, NO. 19 /DECEMBER 16, 2010

Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation • Boys Village Needs Your Help Cypi’s Cake Box: How Sweet It Is!

PAGE 2

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

contents

On Cover: Belinda and Johnny Hollingsworth with brother Rory Hollingsworth. Christmas decor provided by Cissy's Collections by Cissy Duhon. Home of Allen and Vickie Singletary. Photo courtesy of Nick Derouen.

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

COVER STORY

PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque

27

publisher@thejambalayanews.com

REGULARS

NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque

7 14 15 16 18 20 32 52

lauren@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Berman George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Maria Alcantara Faul Mike McHugh Penny J. Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING

December 16, 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 19

The True Meaning of Christmas

The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip Doyle’s Place What’s Cookin’ A Greener World Sports Report Adoption Corner

FEATURES 5 12 22 24

Boys Village of SWLA Sowela Ad Challenge Bayou Biz: Cypi’s Cake Box Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation

27 24 5

sales@thejambalayanews.com

SALES ASSOCIATES Rhonda Babin Katy Corbello Faye Drake Felicia LeJeune Karla Tullos GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck

ENTERTAINMENT 34 37 38 39 41 47 50 53

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

ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Michelle LaVoie BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews

Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 715 Kirby Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601. Phone (337) 436-7800. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The Jambalaya News cannot be held responsible for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, even if they are sent to us accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Copyright 2010 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

20

22

18

We are now accepting credit cards!

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 3

A Note From Lauren Auld Lang Syne Happy New Year! It’s time to get rid of the old and bring in the new.

After all, it’s a new year. We’re supposed to look to the future and get rid of those bad habits by making resolutions. Do you need to lose weight? Find a new job? Go back to school? Make a promise to yourself!

Write it down and get going!

Whatever. I don’t ever recall making a New Year’s resolution. Maybe when I was a child. But never as an adult. I know better.

Oscar Wilde wrote: “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.” Very clever, that Mr. Wilde.

Another reason I don’t do resolutions is that it’s the dark of the year.

Maybe if we were in Australia, I might buy into that new year/new beginnings tradition. But the days are short, the nights are long and cold, and who wants to think about exercising or going on a diet? Winter is the time when all of us warmblooded animals eat more to build up our body fat to keep us warm.

Our cats have already started this business. They’re eating us out of

PAGE 4

DECEMBER 16, 2010

house and home and it’s only December.

Actually, bringing in the New Year has become very nostalgic for me.

As I get older, it becomes a time of reflection, and a remembrance of things past.

Not that I stay home, mind you.

We’re always at a party somewhere.

But the actual holiday itself, to me, means more about the old than the new.

Take Auld Lang Syne. Written in 1788 by Scottish poet Robert Burns, the song is all about remembering old friends and the old days. It’s a nostalgic tune that always brings tears to my eyes. If you’ve ever lost anyone you’ve loved, you know what I’m talking about.

I think about the friends that have gone in and out of my life, the family members who’ve departed, the houses I’ve lived in, the situations I’ve lived through, the times of my life that will never come again. Another year gone; another year that will bring more changes.

But quick on the heels of the New Year is the Mardi Gras season. I’m pulled out of my introspection with

another excuse to eat, drink, be merry and dress up in formal attire or fabulous costumes. A time to make more memories. By the time it’s over, spring is in the air.

So for those of you who actually make New Year’s resolutions and stick with them, more power to you.

And for those of you who, like me, see the ending of the old year as a time to reflect and retreat, I’m there with you.

Note: We’re giving our hardworking staff a few weeks off to enjoy the holidays with their families.

Our next issue will be out on Jan. 13, 2011.

Happy New Year! TJN

– Lauren de Albuquerque

Volume 2 • Issue 19

By Maria Alcantara Faul

In 1947, the Lake Charles Optimist Club spearheaded the formation of Boys Village. At that time, the group’s mission was to provide a home for underprivileged boys.

“The founding group wanted to provide a safe and environmentally conducive place for boys to stay,” said Max Mathieu, longtime executive director of the Village.

Originally located at the Chennault Air Base in Lake Charles, residents of the facility were housed in barracks on the air base. In 1951, the Boys Village moved to its current 40-acre location on Hwy. 90 in Lake Charles. The Bel estate donated buildings that were disassembled and then reassembled into four new structures—most of which are still in use today.

“The move to the new 40-acre facility opened a lot of possibilities for the organization,” said Mathieu.

Over time, the new campus allowed the organization to build a recreational complex

Volume 2 • Issue 19

with a gymnasium, swimming pool, running track, baseball and football fields, and tennis and volleyball courts. The available land also meant opportunities to expand the services that it provided to the community.

The Village provides service to boys ages seven to 17 that are experiencing difficulties at home, problems at school with delinquent behavior, and associating with bad peers.

When asked why it only provided services to boys, Mathieu indicated that historical studies have shown that boys have a greater need for the services. The village currently houses 22 boys.

The boys are referred to the Village by probation officers after working with the justice system as well as with the boys’ families.

Today, its mission is “to restore and preserve children and families socially, emotionally and spiritually by providing services and programs including supervision and guidance of such quality that youth with whom we work will share our vision and become a credit to themselves and society.”

“The boys go through six levels in six months, with the goal of them being able to go back to their families,” said Mathieu. “We’ve had cases where the families were reunited, but some boys do stay with us for more than six months.” If they are unable to return to their families, Mathieu indicated that they provide a place for the boys to stay, if they want to remain. However, those residing at the village do need to leave when they turn 18.

Educational needs The Boys Village works to meet the varied needs of its clients. Their educational needs are met primarily through an on-campus alternative school, which is BESE Boardapproved for grades six through 12 (including Special Ed). In addition, there are partnerships with the Calcasieu Parish School Board, Louisiana Technical College-SOWELA (vocational), as well as McNeese State University (post-secondary).

This program aims to help the boys keep up, or catch up, with their schooling so that they can “re-enter” the school system when they are ready.

Family services needs Family involvement is vital in the success of each youth’s rehabilitation.

The Village engages the boys’ families to be as actively involved as possible, in order to increase the child’s chances for a positive treatment experience and long-term success.

There is a comprehensive case management system that provides parents with ongoing opportunities to be involved in every aspect of the program—beginning with the arrival of the resident at the village and continuing on through the completion of the program. Each student’s case manager keeps the communication lines between home and the program open.

Families are also invited to attend family therapy sessions. The sessions are designed to give family members the opportunity to bring unresolved family issues to light, to provide educational and skill-building techniques which are utilized in the resolution of these problems, and to provide counseling, which has a stabilizing and healing effect on the entire family. There is also the opportunity to meet and support other parents who are united in a common bond as each family works towards unity and harmony.

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 5

Results of the fire that happened in early November.

Other services In addition, the Village provides therapeutic services for their clients, which consist of group and individual therapy, as well as substance abuse and addiction treatment, all specifically designed to address the competing intrapersonal and family issues that fuel adolescent addiction problems. Recovery is facilitated through group therapy.

Skill training, including the evidence-based curriculums “Casey Life Skills” and “Thinking for a Change,” is an important component of the merit level system and is taught daily in home-like cottages.

PAGE 6

DECEMBER 16, 2010

And, spiritual guidance is provided by the staff, local churches and campus chaplain volunteers.

The fire In early November of this year, a fire destroyed the administration building, one of the four original buildings built on the Hwy. 90 site in 1951. No one was injured, and the Village did not skip a beat.

“We remained focused on keeping the same routine for the boys,” Mathieu said. “None of the buildings that housed the kids were affected by the fire, and we were back in operation that afternoon.”

Unfortunately, the fire did affect the Village capacity in terms of records and administration. All records of clients and staff were destroyed, and the organization now has to go through the tedious process of reproducing them.

Community response to the fire was overwhelming. “We quickly received donations for office supplies like paper, pens, adding machines, etc.” Mathieu said. But the Village needs more support to rebuild their administration office. The administration operations of the Village are temporarily located in the organization’s training office.

“At some point, we need to sit down and purchase major items, like furniture and other major equipment that were not donated,” Mathieu said, “We’d appreciate any funding help for this initiative.”

A rebuilding fund has been established at Cameron State Bank to facilitate donations to the project.

To make a donation, simply visit any branch of the bank. For more information about Boys Village, contact Max Mathieu at (337) 436-7553.

TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

The

Boiling

P l

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

WOMEN & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL WELCOMES MUHAMMAD ATIF JADOON, MD Women & Children’s Hospital recently welcomed internist Muhammad Atif Jadoon, MD to its medical staff. Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Jadoon earned his medical degree from Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, and completed his internal medicine residency program at LSU at Shreveport. Dr. Jadoon is a member of the American Heart and Medical Associations. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and painting. Dr. Jadoon is currently Jadoon, MD accepting new patients, and same day and early appointments are available. His office is located behind the hospital at 4150 Nelson Rd., Building G, Suite 2. For an appointment, call 562-3709.

SASOL TO CONSTRUCT WORLD’S FIRST TETRAMERIZATION UNIT AT LAKE CHARLES PLANT Sasol recently announced plans to construct the world’s first commercial ethylene tetramerization unit, capable of producing over 100,000 metrictons per year of combined 1-octene and 1-hexene, at its Louisiana production site in Lake Charles. This first-of-a-kind unit will be located inside Sasol’s existing Lake Charles Chemical Complex. The tetramerization unit will expand the facility’s workforce by nearly 10 percent, employing an additional 36 fulltime employees and 12 contract employees. Construction will commence in 2011, and the plant will reach beneficial operation in mid-2013. During peak construction periods, up to 500 contract employees with skills in welding, pipefitting, carpentry, electrical and instrumentation, as well as laborers, will be needed.

WCCH NAMES COO/CHIEF NURSING OFFICER Janie Frugé, RN, has been named chief operating officer/chief nursing officer of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Prior to being named to this position, Fruge’ served as vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer. In this role, Frugé will continue providing administrative oversight to patient care departments, and as chief operating officer, she will be responsible for business development and hospital operations. A resident of Lake Charles, Frugé holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Janie Fruge, RN McNeese State University and masters of business administration and nursing degrees from the University of Phoenix. She has been employed with WCCH for 17 years.

L’AUBERGE PROMOTES KENNETH BOWER L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort announces the promotion of Kenneth Bower to director of hotel operations. In his new role, Bower will direct and manage day-to-day operations for the hotel, and will focus on achieving guest service goals. Bower joined L’Auberge in January 2005 as facilities operations manager and was part of the properties key pre-opening team. In December 2005, Bower was promoted to director of facilities. Prior to joining L’Auberge, Bower worked for Sempra Energy in Las Vegas. Bower holds Kenneth Bower a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Arizona State University. He earned a Project Management Certification from McNeese State University and achieved Master Certification in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Trina Johnson, left, presents Jinna Miller, secretary for the Louisiana Christian Rodeo, with a sponsorship check for $800. The money will go towards supporting different rodeo activities, prizes and more.

CAMERON COMMUNICATIONS DONATES TO LOUISIANA CHRISTIAN RODEO Trina Johnson, public relations coordinator for Cameron Communications, recently presented a donation of $800 to Louisiana Christian Rodeo secretary Jinna Miller. Donations towards awards funding for the winners of each class. Winners are also awarded points that go towards their overall scores—which will be used to determine overall winners when the March 19 rodeo is completed. For more information, call Miller at 528-4950, or go online to www.lcrprodeo.com.

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 7

From left to right: Katherine Newell, Friends of Central School members A.C. Bourdier, Annette Ballard and Laura Leach, and Jeanette Parker and Kay Blake.

FRIENDS OF CENTRAL SCHOOL RECEIVE DONATION Friends of Central School, a non-profit organization founded to support improvement projects for Central School, recently received a $5,000 donation from a portion of the sale proceeds of the book, Growing Up in Lake Charles, donated by co-authors Kay Blake, Katherine Newell and Jeanette Parker.

3125 ERNEST ST. LAKE CHARLES, LA • 337-436-5944

CHRISTUS ST. PATRICK MEDICAL GROUP WELCOMES LYNN FORET, MD Lynn Foret, MD has joined the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group. Dr. Foret is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with Orthopaedic Specialties at 640 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive in Lake Charles. A 1975 graduate of LSU School of Medicine, Dr. Foret completed his orthopaedic surgery residency in 1980 at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. He then received his board certification in 1982 from the American Board of Orthopaedic Lynn Foret, MD Surgery. Dr. Foret has been practicing medicine in Lake Charles since 1992. He is accepting new patients at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Medical Group Orthopaedic Specialties. To schedule an appointment, please call (337) 562-1000.

Denise Foster, Board Member of the Ethel Precht Hope Foundation; Jan Newman, Board Member, and Richard Maier, President of the Louisiana Council of the Sempra Employee Giving Network.

CAMERON LNG DONATES TO HOPE BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Recognizing a need to help cancer survivors in Southwest Louisiana, Cameron LNG’s Employee Giving Network presented $1,000 donation to the Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Foundation. HOPE is a program founded by Cameron Parish resident Ethel Precht, a breast cancer survivor.

All the money raised through the organization is used to assist breast cancer patients and survivors with expenses not covered by health insurance. Each October, the foundation sponsors the 3K HOPE Breast Cancer Run in downtown Lake Charles — an event that has grown from 600 to over 3,000 participants of all ages.

PAGE 8

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Main Campus: New Iberia

Beginning Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation donates $25,000 to Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program to replace toys stolen by thieves.

PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT FOUNDATION DONATES TO TOYS FOR TOTS The Pinnacle Entertainment Foundation, administered by the parent company of L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort gave a donation of $25,000 to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The holiday donation is intended to offset the recent devastating theft of toys from more than 70 Toys for Tots collection bins across the region. The program was just weeks away from granting holiday toy wishes to more than 18,000 needy children in Southwest Louisiana when thieves, posing as program volunteers, stole the donated toys. Director of Community and Public Relations, Kerry Andersen, and members of the L’Auberge management team, along with L’Auberge Toys for Tots toy drive team leaders, officially presented the donation check to John Lamar, regional coordinator of the Toys for Tots program in Southwest Louisiana.

JANUARY 17 Dental Assistant 10 WEEKS Medical Office Assistant 8 WEEKS

CALL TODAY! Limited Seating

From left to right: Allyson Montgomery, assistant director of the Children's Museum; Melissa Portie, human resources & community relations manager for Cameron LNG; Dan Ellender, executive director of the Children's Museum

SEMPRA ENERGY FOUNDATION PRESENTS $50,000 DONATION TO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM EXHIBIT The Sempra Energy Foundation recently presented the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles a check for $50,000 in support of its Interactive Wetlands Discovery Exhibit, which will open in the fall of 2011. To support this project, please contact the Children’s Museum at (337) 433-9420.

W. O. MOSS REGIONAL COOKBOOK FOR SALE In celebrating its 50th anniversary, W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center has put together a collection of recipes in a cookbook; Eat Well, Cook Often – W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center 50th Anniversary Cookbook. There are over 300 recipes professionally published in a gold and purple ring Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 9

binder. The cookbook is broken down into nine categories including soups, breads, main dishes, and desserts. It has recipes from hospital employees, friends of the hospital, and special classic recipes from Moss’ first cookbook, which was published in 1988. Each cookbook costs $15, with proceeds going to the Community Assistance Fund, which assist patients with transportation cost, medication co-pays, and other health care needs. If you would like to purchase a cookbook, call 475-8334.

Wishing You a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Bernadette F. Navarre, Realtor ® 3221 Ryan St. Lake Charles (337) 478-8530 Ext. 120 CELL (337) 802-7410 FAX (337) 477-7217 bnavarre@flavinrealty.com www.flavinrealty.com

CALCASIEU COMMUNITY CLINIC NAMES CLINIC COORDINATOR The Calcasieu Community Clinic has named Tiffany Soileau, RN, as clinic coordinator. Soileau is a Lake Charles native and graduate of McNeese State University School of Nursing. She has extensive nursing experience in day surgery, emergency room, case management, patient education and home health. She has been a member of the Kid Power Board of Directors, Calcasieu Nursing Education Consortium and American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Soileau is married with two children and one grandchild.

Tiffany Soileau, RN

KNIGHT MEDIA DONATES TO 2011 BANNERS SERIES The McNeese State University Banners Cultural Series is annually supported by donations from area corporate sponsors. Knight Media Printing, Inc. recently donated $5,574 for the 2011 Banners Series.

TJN

Richard H. Reid, from left, VP of development and public affairs, accepts the donation from Knight Media Printing representatives Chuck Ehlers, president, and Paul Levingston, director of marketing and sales.

McNeese Photo

Alcoholic & Non­Alcoholic Fun for Everyone!

Weddings • Holidays • Birthdays We bring the party to you!

337­304­4652

www.mrmargaritalakecharles.com PAGE 10

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

In the spirit of the season the

LAKE CHARLES LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS wishes you all the joys of the season.

May you be blessed with peace, love and joy now and in the coming year.

PO Box 180, Lake Charles, LA 70602 www.lwv-lc.org • info@lwv-lc.org • (337) 474-1864

Join Kevin Davis each Saturday morning for THE BIG O TRADING POST! It's an old fashion swap shop where you can buy, sell, trade, and even give away items. Get together with Kevin every Saturday morning from 9 until Noon for THE BIG O TRADING POST on SUPER TALK 1400 KAOK, brought to you by BIG O PORTABLE BUILDINGS. Show sponsors include: Zack’s Pro Truck & Trailer, Appliance Plus Sales & Service, Old Towne General Store, Cajun Lights & Décor and Big A Pawn.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Host, Kevin Davis DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 11

At Sowela’s Chancellor’s Gala, Phil de Albuquerque and Sowela instructor Tracy Beaugh got together to talk about doing something fun and inspiring with the students. So, a competition was developed similar to the Top Chef television program— except the students would be challenged to create ads.

The competition started with two classes of students. Jam art director Darrell Buck developed the specs, body copy and collected images. The students were e-mailed the file and told to create a mock advertisement for The Jambalaya News—in one hour. When they finished, instructors Gray Little, Erik Jessen and Tracy Beaugh chose 15 students to continue on to the next round.

Again, they were given a mock ad to create in a specific amount of time.

The ad was to be in black and white, but they also had to create a full color logo to include in the ad. From that

PAGE 12

DECEMBER 16, 2010

round, five were selected to continue.

Next, the students had to create another full-color advertisement with more difficult specs. Out of this competition, two more contestants were eliminated.

For the final competition, the remaining three contestants, Glenn Coleman, Erin Hood and Mark Ardoin, were instructed to create a holiday ad for J&R Carriages. This time, the client was the judge. J&R Carriages picked the winning ad, created by Glenn Coleman.

“Thanks to The Jambalaya News for doing this,” said Beaugh. “The students had a good time and got a lot out of it. We’ll definitely do the competition again!”

TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Banners Passes Now Available Membership in the 2011 Banners Cultural Series at McNeese State University is now open. The 20-event series will begin March 12 with a concert by Jerry “The Ice Man” Butler and end May 7 with a jazz festival featuring trombonist Scott Whitfield.

Information about each performance is available online at www.banners.org. A color brochure will be mailed by calling the Banners office at (337) 475-5123.

A basic membership to the Banners Series costs $150 and includes two tickets to all events, seating in a reserved section and invitations to special receptions. Tickets for individual events will also be available at the door for $20 per person.

Memberships are also available to give as holiday gifts.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Orders will be taken in person before Dec. 17 by calling the Banners office. Orders will continue to be taken online until Dec. 24.

Musical highlights include “The Rat Pack Is Back,” jazz singer Robert Gambarini, jazz pianist Hiromi, Buckwheat Zydeco, as well as a brass quintet and a string quartet.

Billy The Exterminator will lead the lecture series.

Of the several family-friendly performances, the most unusual is “The Aluminum Show,” during which aluminum is inflated into pillows, shredded into streamers, shot out of cannons and worn as costumes by an agile Israeli troupe. The underground percussive-dance group Rhythmic Circus will include a renowned beat boxer and high-energy tap dancing.

TJN

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 13

Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

The Darker Side of Christmas Christmas season is now upon us, and while it is a time of joy for most, we must not forget that this is not the case for everyone. Unfortunately, many people experience deep depression during the holidays, sometimes leading even to suicidal thoughts.

And to think that this is all the result of putting up Christmas lights.

Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, my wife sends me out the front door with a big box, and she doesn’t let me back in until everything that was in the box has been

PAGE 14

DECEMBER 16, 2010

put on the house. Some years, I get to the point where I seriously consider giving it up and pitching a tent in the yard to live in until January.

I realize that women have no real appreciation for the effort involved in hanging Christmas lights, or why their men have to spend all of December drinking beer and watching college football as a means of coping with the associated trauma.

So, for the sake of you women out there, and also for you male readers with good enough sense to not bother

with it, I’m going to walk you through the typical steps involved in hanging Christmas lights.

The first thing you do is open the box and pull out the mass of bubs and wires, which are invariably tangled in a knot strong enough to moor an aircraft carrier. This is irrespective how carefully you packed them the previous year. You separate the strings while muttering to yourself in language heard only on gangsta rap records.

Next follows the key step of plugging them all in to see which, if any, will actually light up. The success rate in a good year runs about 50 percent.

At this point, most men – at least those with more brain matter than a glass of eggnog — toss out the ones that don’t work and go buy new ones.

Me, I refuse to give in to this obvious ploy by the manufacturer to run up their sales figures with a pathetic, planned obsolescence strategy. (Tip should be proud of me for that.) I can think of no other product on the market, save the possible exception of computers that run on Microsoft Windows, where the consumer would accept such a high failure rate.

It’s no wonder that the companies that make Christmas lights never put

their names on the packaging, so we consumers don’t know who to complain about. I can see them now, laughing it up at our expense in complete anonymity at their annual office Christmas parties.

So, while mumbling expletives that you’ll never hear in It’s A Wonderful Life, I try to get the problem strings working again. This is no easy task, as that evil corporation that makes the lights has not bothered to invest any money in product development since the days of Thomas Edison. Thus, they have failed to conquer what is arguably the century’s greatest technological challenge—that of keeping the whole string from going out when a single bulb fails.

Eventually I succeed, with the exception of the blinking set. Here, I am convinced that I have purchased the “century” variety. Much like the flower of the plant of the same name, they blink at a frequency of once every hundred years. That would be OK, if only I knew exactly when during this period the blink would happen. If I did know, I’d plan a big barbecue, invite all the neighbors, and we’d all set up lawn chairs to witness the rare event, which would probably come at noon on a clear day.

The final step is, of course, to actually hang the lights onto the house. This step involves a ladder, so you have to exercise proper safety.

This means you should avoid drinking beer, even though it makes the task more tolerable. You could lose your balance on the ladder, thus spilling the beer onto the lights and shorting them out, taking you back to square one.

Once your lights are all hung, and assuming that they all still work (a big if), you should not send your teenage son to vacuum out the car in the driveway. He will just plug the vacuum into the end of your light string since it happens to be close by. This will cause the whole display to glow like a supernova for a few nanoseconds, after which it will transform into a black hole. It will then proceed to suck in everything that comes near it, including Santa Claus himself, and, hopefully, your teenager.

Thus, you will have ruined Christmas for the rest of time, and you will go down in history with the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch. Point this out to your wife next year when she hands you the box. After all, isn’t that how Pandora started all that trouble? TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

By George “Tip” Cline

cards still didn’t work, she used the scissors to probe into the open hole in the lock to open our door. Now I don’t want to seem like an alarmist, but it’s kind of scary to think that you can open a hotel room door with a pair of scissors. I can only suggest that you become aware of this, and maintain some personal security when you’re traveling.

Merry Christmas!

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas to all our readers. We

hope you all are blessed with many friends and loving family to share your holiday season with, and that all your planning works out with great and wonderful success.

Nothing like the warmth of Christmas and love of family and friends in the harmony of the Yule Season. Sometimes it doesn’t work out just like you want it to, but usually, there is enough love and caring to make it all worthwhile. I hope yours is the best it can be. TJN

Reprogram Those Lights!

There are many frustrations that we have to deal with when we’re driving around town. Drivers that don’t pay attention to what they are doing, where they are and where they are going don’t make life any easier. In addition to careless drivers, we also have traffic lights that are leftovers from different traffic patterns that remain to plague us long after their need has passed.

Lights are needed for rush hour traffic, but after the big flow traffic has waned, some lights continue to function as if they were still handling heavy traffic. These lights need to be programmed to change their mode of operation for noncongested times.

Since we have more and more “Big Brother” intersections with the cameras aimed at us from all directions, I can’t imagine it being much of a challenge to have traffic lights work on different schedules on different days and times. I know all of you have sat and sat at a light, waiting for it to run through its cycle so you can get on with your life. When it happens on a regular basis at the same intersections, then it’s time to consider some reprogramming.

Some intersections need to have flashing caution/stop signals and some need to become four–way stops. Again, we are not dealing with rocket science; we’re dealing with common sense.

Kudos to the New Dog Park One really nice thing that has quietly happened is the opening of the new Dog Park at the Enos Derbonne Sports Complex on Lake Volume 2 • Issue 19

Street. They had their grand opening on Dec. 2, and it’s been extremely well received by local canine owners.

This Ward Three Recreation District addition is a real asset to the community, as it gives a new dimension to pet-friendly activities in our area. Many dog owners have needed a location to give their best friend the type of activity that is available there. The equipment is designed for agility training that can be fun for both dog and owner.

Well-planned and constructed, this park will provide many hours of off-leash activity in an environment that is made for your canine pal.

The pet owners that I have run into there have been a friendly bunch that love to share their enthusiasm for their pets and the park. You’ve already paid for admission with your taxes, so pack up Rover and enjoy some time on his side of the street. The hours of operation are from sunup to sunset.

• Propane Burners • High & Low Pressure Regulators and multiple length of hoses • 2 in 1 Head Light with concentrated beam - Great for frogging!

• Local Honey made in Lake Charles • Plus so much more!

Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 8:30am-4:30pm

Key Card Fiasco We were out of town for our anniversary recently and stayed at a lovely hotel that we have enjoyed for years. They use those electronic card keys for the doors, which most hotels have now. We had gone out for the evening (for a lovely meal, I might add), and when we returned to our hotel, we couldn’t get back into our room. The desk clerk reprogrammed our key card, but we were again met with rejection. So she grabbed a pair of scissors and more key cards and escorted us back to our room. When her key DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 15

oyle

By Jim D

Grumpy When a man of my stature emulates the seven dwarfs, one will not do. So this week I’ve been Sleepy, Sneezy, and Grumpy. It apparently has affected my outlook on the news of the day in a way even a kiss from Snow White couldn’t cure. I think. Of course, if she’s out there, I’ll take a shot.

Maybe I’m only Grumpy because of the news. I wasn’t prepared for Elizabeth Edwards to make such a quick exit. She had the attitude I try to have, though my health problems are nowhere near the seriousness of those she and her family had to endure. And that’s not even counting the blonde on the side.

I hate to show my man flag, but usually in such situations, I’d give the guy a little slack, a little benefit of the doubt. None here. John Edwards, who was 100,000 votes in Ohio short of being Vice President of the U.S., shortly thereafter began an affair with a flagrant hanger-on whom he allowed to invade his home while his wife fought an incurable cancer, which ultimately killed her.

Then, if you can imagine making it worse, he denied his own child when there was no real doubt about his paternity and tried to push it off on a sycophantic aide who already washed his underwear for him (literally). I would probably agree with most of what he believes politically, but this guy’s a snake.

Perhaps luckily for him, he won’t be the worst person at Elizabeth’s funeral. As I write this, word is out that the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas PAGE 16

DECEMBER 16, 2010

– the “God Hates Dead Soldiers” church – will picket Elizabeth’s funeral.

I believe in free speech, probably more than most people, and I would never countenance any government effort to shut up this church (some have tried; five states and the U.S. Congress have passed laws making it a felony to protest within 500 feet of a funeral). But I would applaud anybody who responded to this remarkable invasion of a private moment by punching out any of the Westboro Baptists who show up, starting with their nutjob 80-year-old socalled minister. By the way, this “church” has only 70 members, all of whom are related to Minister Fred Phelps, and his daughter is the church’s lawyer. I suppose any organization whose Web site is “Godhatesfags.com” needs a fulltime lawyer. Probably could also use a full-time psychiatrist.

It is perverse to allow these bigoted, malicious, anti-Christian, inbred troublemakers free rein in the public square. I hope there will be brave friends of the Edwards family who take matters into their own hands and prevent the desecration of Mrs. Edwards’ funeral.

See there? Grumpy.

I feel the same way about Wikileaks. Hey, I was around for the Pentagon Papers. I was even a journalist at the time. Totally different issue. The star of Wikileaks is an accused multiple sex offender named Julian Assange, an Australian who migrated to Europe and now makes a sensation of himself by stealing secrets and publishing the most salacious Volume 2 • Issue 19

ones. As a caution, let me say I make a distinction between the thievery and the publication: once the veil of secrecy has been lifted, even though wrongly, the underlying facts must be published. But it’s completely wrong to cast Assange as a journalist. He’s a thief, pure and simple, and probably a spy.

Daniel Ellsberg’s motivation was as an insider who understood the great deception the government was running on the Vietnam War. He knew what was in the Pentagon Papers, because he was responsible for many of them. He was a whistleblower.

This guy Assange is an anarchist, supported by a legion of computer hackers who are also anarchists, threatening Web sites of anyone who takes umbrage to his organization’s malicious work. When PayPal stopped allowing donations to Wikileaks through their site, for example, his minions launched a denial of service attack on its Web site. Same thing for Mastercard.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Grumpy.

And I haven’t even gotten around to President Obama. As I said on my Facebook site, I don’t think this guy would fight if the Republicans shot his dog. I guess his deal with the tea baggers will work out in the long run, maybe even be good for the country, and it certainly exposes their real feelings about deficits (the deal will cost $900 billion in two years.

Dollars. Borrowed from China and Saudi Arabia). But the image of a President elected because of people who longed for somebody to transcend politics, dropping one of his longest-standing campaign promises to play let’s make a deal in hopes he can preserve some of his political viability, leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. Sort of like brushing your teeth with baking soda.

Okay, I’ve been irascible long enough today. Now I’m going to be sleepy and sneezy for a while.

You guys keep it moving for me.

I’ll see you on the flip. TJN

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 17

By Lauren de Albuquerque

What’s Cookin’

The Fat Cat Café The New Cat in Town There’s a new cat in town, cooking up delectable sandwiches, salads, dinner specials and breakfast in a prime downtown Lake Charles location: the space that used to house Chinese King.

There are actually three cool cats: partners Mike Williams and Marco Pacetti, and Mario Pacetti, the executive chef.

All three are SWLA natives, but the Pacetti brothers (originally from Sulphur) headed West to get their culinary education, settling in California. Eventually, Mario opened a restaurant in Oakland: the original Fat Cat Café, named after Big Daddy, his (big!) 38-pound lynx cat. With Marco cooking, it was a great success.

After five years of operation, Mario sold the café and the Pacettis returned to Louisiana.

That’s where Mike Williams comes in.

He has never owned a restaurant until now, but has known the brothers for

PAGE 18

DECEMBER 16, 2010

years. When they came back to town, they approached him about starting up another Fat Cat in Lake Charles.

And so they did.

The new Fat Cat Café has an almost identical menu to the one on the West Coast. Every sandwich on the menu is named after a cat, whether it be a famous feline, such as Morris or Felix, or a beloved pet, such as Smokey or Baby Sam. But this isn’t your ordinary sandwich shop. The first time I ate at the Fat Cat, I ordered the Garfield, which is their Muffaletta. It’s served on Italian flat bread with mortadella, genoa salami, ham, mozzarella and provolone cheese, and Mario’s special olive mix. I took half of it home, and it was even more tasty the next day, because the spices and mix had infused the bread with even more flavor than the day before.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Another time, I tried the special of the day, which consisted of grilled chicken, avocado and melted cheese in a wheat pita wrap. The chicken itself was so delicious that eventually, I took a piece out of the wrap and ate it alone to savor its special flavor, as it had clearly been marinated in something awesome—not just thrown on a grill.

“That’s exactly right,” Mario said.

“You can taste the preparation in our food. All of our sandwiches have 40-50 ingredients.” Because of the attention to detail and the care they take in preparing each dish, this isn’t fast food. So if you only have a half hour for lunch, you may want to wait for dinner to get your Fat Cat fix.

The prices are more than reasonable. “We’re counting on volume,” said Williams. “Let’s face it; everyone will try out a new restaurant, but if the prices are too high, they may not come back, even if the food is good.”

Eventually, they’d like to open a second restaurant in South Lake Charles; same concept, just a different location. For now, they’re thrilled to be a part of the downtown Lake Charles renaissance.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

The Mike the Tiger Sandwich All the portions at the Fat Cat are quite generous, but none of them are the size of the Mike the Tiger Sandwich, which is so huge that the guys are hoping that Man vs. Food will come to Lake Charles so host Adam Richman can attempt to eat this enormous sandwich in one sitting.

This house specialty is a big jalapeno sausage link deep-fried in Abita beer batter on a Hoagie roll. If this isn’t filling enough, it’s topped with fries, house chili, queso, onion rings, red onions, and tomatoes. I believe it could feed three diners comfortably. How one person could eat it all at once is beyond me!

The Fat Cat Café, 723 Ryan St., Lake Charles (337) 433-4363 Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m. – Midnight, Sun: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. TJN

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 19

A Greener

W

RLD Sponsored by

City of Lake Charles Receives Certificate of Recognition for Recycling Achievements As another year comes to a close, the City of Lake Charles can pat itself on the back for their recycling efforts.

Good job!

The City of Lake Charles and Team Green were recently awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Amerimex Recycling, LLC. The Certificate of Recognition notes the following accomplishments in recycling and conservation for 2009-2010: • 663 tons of paper recycled, and the following resources conserved: 11,271 trees; 4,641,000 gallons of water, 39,780 pounds of air pollution, 2,718,300 kilowatt hours of electricity, 1,989 cubic yards of landfill, and 47,073 gallons of oil; and, • 117 tons of plastic recycled, and the following resources conserved: 675,558 kilowatt hours of electricity, 3, 510 cubic yards of landfill, 80,145 gallons of oil, and 9,804 million British thermal units.

PAGE 20

DECEMBER 16, 2010

“We are very pleased to receive this Certificate of Recognition from Amerimex,” said Mayor Roach. “This reflects highly on the efforts of our dedicated City of Lake Charles Public Works employees who work our recycling Green Stations and Green Truck locations weekdays and Saturdays and, in so doing, contribute to our efforts in recycling and conservation.”

The Team Green of Southwest Louisiana volunteers were recognized for all the invaluable volunteer work they do to help keep our area clean and beautiful.

The City of Lake Charles Public Works Department provides solid waste recycling Green Station dropoff locations and schedules as follows: • Green Station No. 1: 4331 E. Broad St., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and • Green Station No.2: Nelson Ball

Field - Alma Lane, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Green Truck recycling locations and schedules and a list of acceptable items for recycling can be found at www.cityoflakecharles.com at the Team Green Web page under the Planning and Development Department. Everyone is encouraged to participate in these recycling opportunities.

TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Christmas Special!

Schedule before Dec. 20th Great Gift Idea • Gift Certificates Available

Dredging Material Pumped to Cameron Parish Creates 330 Acres of Marsh The Calcasieu Parish Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) in conjunction with the State CIAP created 330 acres of marshland from dredged sediments from the Calcasieu River and Pass. This endeavor is the largest beneficial use project undertaken by the State of Louisiana and resulted in creating land where coastal wetlands have become open water.

The location of the land mass is known as the Marcantel Supplemental Beneficial Use Disposal Area (MSBUDA), and is located in the northwest corner of Black Lake in Cameron Parish.

The MSBUDA site was constructed under the direction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and required the creation of a temporary pipeline to transfer the dredged material. The

pipeline was approximately 10.2 miles long, making it the longest pump distance ever coordinated by the Corps of Engineers’ New Orleans District.

The project was funded through the following agencies and resources: • $3.74 million in State CIAP funds • 14.4 million in State Surplus funds • $1.3 million in Calcasieu Parish CIAP funds • $19.4 million - Total The project illustrates the synergy possible between navigation and environmental needs. For more information, contact Calcasieu CIAP Coastal Zone Manager Laurie T. Cormier at 721-3645. TJN

Dr. Harry Castle • Dr. James McGee Dr. Brody Miller • Dr. Michael Hebert

1616 W. McNeese, Lake Charles (337) 478-3232 • www.oakparkdental.com

TRY A TRIO!

Choose 3 from the following for $200

Body Wrap • Face Taping Waxing • Airbrush Tanning Glo Mineral Makeup

Gift Certificates Encouraged!

St. Theodore Holy Family School is Going Green!

St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School is going green!

With the help and support of the school’s clubs 4-H and Student Council, classrooms are now able to

Volume 2 • Issue 19

recycle old papers, newspapers, and cardboard materials. The school recently held a recycling bin decorating contest to create awareness of the new program. TJN

APPOINTMENTS ONLY 562-9400 1602 W. McNeese St., Lake Charles Phone orders accepted with credit card.

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 21

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Cypi’s Cake Box How Sweet It Is! Don’t you just love walking into a bakery? There’s that tantalizing, and at the same time comforting smell, and all those goodies in glass cases, just waiting for you to bring them home.

Cypi’s Cake Box is no exception.

Cypi Edwards Atwell started her business 10 years ago in Grand Lake.

Her husband was skeptical about her opening a bakery in that location.

“My husband didn’t think I’d make it, being in the middle of nowhere,” she said. “The first month, I made $400. The second month, I made $1,200.” At that point, she knew that her business would make it.

Five years ago, Cypi’s moved to Lake Charles. “We opened five weeks before Rita hit,” she said. “Luckily, we didn’t have any damage.”

Why did she open a bakery?

“I thought it would be easy,” she laughed. “I was an older mom, so I thought, ‘I can make cakes and stay home.’” She shakes her head at that notion. “It’s the hardest, craziest

PAGE 22

DECEMBER 16, 2010

thing I’ve ever done.”

She has actually followed in her mother’s footsteps, since she owned a bakery herself. “She had it easy,” Atwell said. “She made two kinds of cake—white and chocolate—with one or two designs. That’s it. If you didn’t like it, you would have to go somewhere else.”

Atwell always enjoyed baking, although she never helped out at her mother’s bakery.

I asked Atwell if she bakes at home, and she laughed. “NO!” she said emphatically—then thought about it. “Well, we make a cake for the holidays—but no one eats it!”

SPECIALTIES OF THE HOUSE So what does Cypi’s specialize in?

Let’s see. There are the golden vanilla, classic white and chocolate party cakes, which come in sheet or twotier size. Cookie cakes come in three sizes and are a

Cypi Edwards Atwell, Owner tasty alternative to a sheet cake.

Then, there are the gourmet cakes.

Our assistant art director, Michelle Lavoie, can’t stop talking about the banana, pineapple and pecan Hummingbird Cake. The Sunshine has mandarin oranges with pineapple filling and cream cheese, and the Amaretto Supreme consists of coconut, banana, pineapple, pecans and, of course, amaretto. And that’s just a few—there are so many more cakes to choose from!

The most popular cake is my favorite, red velvet, especially at Christmas. And the icing on the cakes is wonderful. It’s not too thick and overly sweet. I’m not a fan of icing in general, but I love Cypi’s.

Atwell said they make their own.

If you want something smaller, check out the gourmet cupcakes and brownies, pralines, fudge, turtles,

dipped pretzels, cake balls, candied apples and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

The gourmet candied apples make great gifts for teachers and the pralines are a popular Christmas gift.

“We ship our pralines all over,” Atwell said. “We’ve even sent them to Iraq.” Cypi’s has gift certificates, so if you can’t choose from all of their treats, give gift certificates so the recipients can decide how to satisfy their sweet cravings!

WEDDING CAKES Wedding and groom cakes are another specialty. Flipping through the cake book, filled with one splendid confection after another, it’s easy to see why Cypi’s is so popular.

They’re so busy that they strongly suggest that you book your orders six

Volume 2 • Issue 19

to eight months in advance, in order to ensure availability. However, they have had people call at the last minute (“Hey, we just decided to get married this week. Can we have a cake by Saturday?”) and if they’re not all booked up, they could possibly accommodate a late order. Of course, the best way to make sure you get a Cypi’s cake for your special day is to call in plenty of time.

When you come in for a wedding consultation, you’re given a sample box of five different flavors (classic white, golden vanilla, red velvet, strawberry, chocolate and lemon) to ensure that you get exactly what you want. Can’t decide? Cypi’s can make each tier a different flavor—and lots of different fillings are also available.

If you have a specific request that’s not in the book, the bakery will work with you to try to fulfill your desire.

“They can bring in any picture that they find, and we’ll tell them what we can and cannot do,” Atwell said. “If we can’t help them, we’ll recommend someone else.”

A STEADY BUSINESS Cypi’s Cake Box has six employees: Along with Atwell, there are baker and icing maker Drew Anderson, cake decorators Penny Duffy, Cindy

Couvillion and Nicole Gaspard, and Atwell’s daughter, Malia. Her younger daughter, Payton, who’s in the sixth grade, also helps out when she comes in. Atwell’s husband, Mark helped her out in the beginning when she needed it, and remains supportive.

The busiest time of the year is from October through May. “It’s the start of the holiday season, and then we go straight through until Mother’s Day and graduation,” Atwell said. “In the summer, there’s a lot of wedding business, so we’re always steady.”

Cypi’s has built up such a reputation through word of mouth alone that they also have customers from Houston and Baton Rouge. “They call us from the road, and tell us they’re coming in to pick something up,” Atwell said.

“We have lots of business,” she said.

“We’re in a good place right now.”

Cypi helps a client choose a cake for a special occasion.

Cypi’s Cake Box, 520 McNeese Street, Lake Charles, LA. Hours of operation: Mon., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Tues. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. – noon. Closed Sundays. For more information, call (337) 4780269 or e-mail cypi@cypicakes.com

TJN

South Lake Charles Location 1601 Country Club Road

Midtown Location 650 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive

(337) 439-7778 www.swlaimaging.com Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 23

By Maria Alcantara Faul

PAGE 24

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Are you engaged? Do you think Santa’s going to leave a sparkling ring under your Christmas tree? If so, you need to head to Gray Plantation next month!

Combining old world charm and modern sophistication, Gray Plantation will host the first Lake Charles Bridal Preview on Sun., Jan. 16 from 6-9 p.m. The first floor of the Main Club House, located at 6150 Graywood Parkway in Lake Charles, will be filled with local talent and experts ready, willing and able to assist you in planning your special day.

From photographers to hair and make-up professionals, florists to pianists, limousines to carriages, and caterers to wedding coordinators, the Lake Charles Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation is the place to be—for brides and grooms-to-be!

The event will showcase an array of products and services, which will provide guests with a unique opportunity to see, feel and experience the potential for their special day.

You’ll be able to visualize your wedding day by participating in a mock wedding reception. You’ll listen to music; sample food, hors d’oeuvres and cake; and get ideas on what you’d like to have at your wedding.

“Most women become engaged between Dec. 1 and Feb. 14, and we hope to provide ideas and suggestions to our brides-to-be through the Bridal Preview,” said Holly Clawson, event coordinator at Gray Plantation.

Whether you’re newly engaged or about to walk down the aisle, the Bridal Preview has something to offer every bride and groom at any stage of wedding planning. In addition to all the classic elements of weddings, such as cakes and florists, the event also offers diverse options and ideas to make your special day extra special.

Area professionals will be at the Preview offering ideas, products and services to help make your wedding as memorable, and stress-free as possible.

Some of the featured vendors are A Perfect Fit, Amazing Grace

Carriages, Bella’s Bridal, Beth Conner Photography, Eyes on the Bride, Grand Rental Station, Kay Miller, Lindsey Janies Photography, Paradise Florist, Platinum Limousine, The Paper Place and Terra Cotta’s. Tickets are only $5 per person and are available from any participating vendor.

“Nowadays, there is no certain season for weddings,” Clawson said.

“People get married year round. Some months may be more popular than others—but there’s no particular season.”

The Gray Plantation is eager to host your special day. The Clubhouse exemplifies Southern living with its large columns and wide verandas.

Combining old world charm with modern sophistication, this semi-private club is open to the public.

“There are benefits to being a member of the club, but we encourage guests to come and visit as often as they want,” Clawson said.

“Members and guests can relax while enjoying sweeping views of the golf course from expansive windows, or sip on a cool drink in the breeze on the oversized porch overlooking the 18th hole.”

The beautiful Evergreen Room is elegantly designed for celebrating life’s most special occasions. And, Gray Plantation is now hosting outdoor wedding ceremonies onsite. The sprawling landscape provides a spectacularly romantic backdrop for a bride and groom to exchange “I do’s.”

The Lake Charles Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation could be the region’s most innovative venue for weddings yet. It will help you save time, money and energy in planning your big day—and you’ll get to see how lovely Gray Plantation is. “The event will definitely be fun, and different than any other bridal show,” Clawson said.

For more information about the Lake Charles Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation, contact Holly Clawson at Holly@graywoodllc.com. TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 25

2620 Common Street Lake Charles 337-310-CASH (2274) lesa@lakecharlesfinance.com

NOTARY

Fast, friendly service!

PAGE 26

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

In this holiday season of hustle and bustle to get our shopping done and decorations displayed, we tolerate the long lines and shrinking bank accounts in the preparation to celebrate the happiest time of the year.

As you prepare to gather with friends and family during this Christmas season, it is with great love and fellowship that Rory and John Hollingsworth of Hollingsworth Auto Center wish you and your loved ones a most joyous of celebrations and their gift to you: The True Meaning of Christmas.

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

By Penny J. Miller

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Although Christmas is a time of celebration and gift giving, we need to understand that this is a religious holiday that marks the birth of a man who would change the world forever.

In addition, His life and works would perpetually be the center of controversy in the separation of Jews into Christianity; the division of Catholics and Protestants; and, the long and sometimes unfortunate fervor and turmoil to uphold His teachings and Masonic validity. Wars were fought, lives were lost, and souls were saved, all in the name of Jesus Christ All three of the major global religions acknowledge his existence, but it is their belief in His actual relationship to God that has caused religious separation.

Jews believe that he was a knowledgeable and compassionate prophet who spread the Word of God through His somewhat misguided claims of divinity. Muslims believe that He was a kind and compassionate teacher, but that Mohammad is the true prophet to which God spoke. Then, there were the Jews during the time of Christ that not only believed His teachings and claim to divinity, but changed the face and name of their religion to Christianity.

But, although Christmas is the recognition of His birth, it is not the reason why Christians around the world continue to celebrate His existence after 2,000+ years – it is what He gave to us in his death that revealed the true meaning of who He was. (John 3:16-17) Christmas marks the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of a whole new world.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 27

angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And, suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-1)

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Possibly the most questioned of the Christmas traditions has been the giving of gifts. It’s understandable that as other cultures and religions watch our frenzy of consumerism hit outrageous proportions this time of

year, they wonder what purpose and meaning our shopping has to do with the birth of Christ.

Many argue that the holiday itself has become too commercialized and that we have lost sight of its true meaning to the marketing design of the retail industry.

But, although our Western culture may have taken this tradition to a slight exaggeration, the act of giving gifts is noted in the Bible and is a significant symbolism of our celebration.

The truth is; the birth of Jesus was celebrated by the act of giving gifts by the Magi, or Wise Men, to show their joy and love for His arrival, and all that He would become to His people, and eventually, the ultimate gift that He would give back to the world (Matthew 2:10-11).

After Christ’s death, the Apostle Paul continued to emphasize this loving tradition by speaking to the churches and people that supported his ministry (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul also encouraged the people to take care of one another just as they would their own family, so that the entire community would be well cared for. With this, he understood that not all could give at the same level, but that even the smallest of gifts were an honor to God’s will of charity (2 Corinthians 12-14). And, it

for a Call ation! v reser IGHT N 1 SPA 7, 201 1 .

Jan

As we look forward to next year, we want to say THANK YOU for all of the support we’ve gotten from our friends and clients this past year.

Happy Holidays – Trent, Tasha, Bailey, Blake and Grant 109 West LaGrange St., Lake Charles • (337) 477-6868 PAGE 28

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

was through this encouragement that the Macedonian churches flourished and the people gave to one another beyond what they thought was possible (2 Corinthians 2-5).

So, it is out of gratitude for what Christ did for us that we remember His birth by giving each other gifts and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate. And, although these acts of charity are mostly upheld during the Christmas season, Christian acts of kindness and obligation are to be shared throughout the year.

WHO IS SANTA CLAUS?

As our children make their wish lists and stand in line to sit on Santa’s lap, many question whether this mythical figure has any basis in the true meaning of Christmas. You’ll be very surprised to find that this jovial character is based in Christianity and continues the celebration of charity and giving.

Depending upon what part of the world you live in, he is known as Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Nikolaos of Bari, Christkind or Christkindl, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa Claus. But, his creation is based upon a fourth century Greek Bishop by the name of Saint Nicholas of Myra, who originated from what is now Turkey.

This young Christian priest was born to wealthy parents, who left him with a great inheritance when they died. Being known for his com-

passion and generosity, Nicholas proceeded to distribute his newfound wealth to the poor by anonymously giving gifts and throwing bags of money into people’s homes. Sometimes, he would throw them down their chimneys, under the cover of darkness as to avoid being seen.

Nicholas passed away on Dec. 6, sometime between 340 or 350 AD. To honor his memory, the people of the surrounding villages would hold an annual feast in which children would leave food out for him and straw for his donkey. According to legend, it was said that St. Nicholas would come down from heaven at night and replace the offerings with gifts and treats – but only for the good boys and girls.

Although there are many versions of this legend, the premise of his charity and the myths of his folklore have continued to be a symbol of giving for the past 17 centuries, and his gift-giving was based on his belief that it was the will of God.

WHY A CHRISTMAS TREE?

Although the displaying of Christmas trees is not addressed in the Bible, this tradition has become the staple symbol for the holiday around the world. The earliest records indicate that the Romans celebrated their winter solstice festival by decorating their house with greens and lights and exchanging gifts. Their celebration was called Saturnalia to honor the god of agriculture, Saturnus, in hopes of a plentiful harvest in the spring.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE! WE SPECIALIZE IN LASER REMOVAL OF: Hair • Wrinkles • Scars • Birthmarks • Rosacea Spider Veins • Warts • Acne Scarring • Tattoos Brown Spots • Stretch Marks • Acne • Cellulite

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 29

During the late Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreens inside and sometimes outside their homes to anticipate the forthcoming harvest. But, it was in 16th-century Germany that Protestant Christians displayed the first Christmas tree to honor the birth of Christ and his blessings upon the world.

This custom eventually made its way to the United States, most likely through German immigrants that settled in Pennsylvania and Ohio, or through Hessian troops during the American Revolution. There are no exact records as to who brought this tradition to our shores; but nonetheless, it has now become the modern symbol of Christmas that we still use today.

Although there is no Biblical reference that either commands or prohibits the displaying of a tree, the Bible does state that when one regards a day as special; so does the Lord (Romans 14: 5-6). And, with that, the scriptures tell us that whatever we do must be in good conscience and sincere desire to please God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

So, as long as you are not choosing to worship or praise the tree itself, but to offer its presence as a gift in remembrance of His sacrifice, the scripture encourages our efforts in recognizing the birth of Christ.

“HAPPY HOLIDAYS” vs.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS”

In this day and age of political correctness and a desire not to offend those whose beliefs are different than ours, the Christian religion has taken some hard hits in censoring its presence and traditions for the sake of secular inclusion and tolerance. No greater display of that censorship is the use of

PAGE 30

DECEMBER 16, 2010

the phrase “Happy Holidays” to represent Christmas.

Although the holiday season runs from Thanksgiving through the New Year, it is the events surrounding Christmas that have been targeted through such censoring.

To truly be the melting pot of love, tolerance, and acceptance of diversity, it is up to all of us to not silence another one’s beliefs or traditions, but rather, to embrace and encourage our differences to show true unity in our diversity.

Those who celebrate Hanukah, Ramadan, or Kwanzaa are not encouraged to call their celebration by any other name.

We address their holiday for what it is and wish them the best for their special time of worship and reflection.

This censorship has enacted a silent fear of consumer reprisals for Christians open declaration of their faith in a business or workplace. The fear is surrounded by the thought that if a business displays a “Merry Christmas” sign or decorates with traditional Christmas décor, such displays will offend potential customers and cause them to shop elsewhere. But, according to a recent Gallup poll, only 3 percent of the adult American population stated that such displays were found to be uncomfortable and bothersome.

And, in the same poll, it showed that only 1 percent shopped elsewhere because of it.

Even the Pharisees in Christ’s time feared the repercussions of their livelihood if they acknowledged His presence.

It was their need to be loved more by men, rather than by God, that caused such turmoil. (John 12: 42-43) So, as a Christian; while you are deciding whether to put up your tree and lights, and display your “Merry Christmas” signs; be encouraged to remember what is written of God’s reward for standing up and acknowledging the true meaning of Christmas (Matthew 10:32) and (Hebrews 13:15). TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

By Penny J. Miller, Photos by Nick Derouen Over 25 years ago, Raymond Hollingsworth began the family business using a fair and honest approach to providing quality automobiles to the people of Southwest Louisiana. Now that he has retired, his sons Rory and Johnny have continued the “Golden Rule” philosophy at Hollingsworth Auto Center in Sulphur.

The brothers pride themselves in maintaining the same level of excellence through their selection of quality, clean, pre-owned vehicles for every customer. Their low-mileage inventory of cars, trucks, and SUV trade-ins allows them to pass along the highest quality automobiles at the fairest market value pricing in the industry.

Each of their pre-owned vehicles is pre-inspected, maintenance serviced, and detailed before being offered to their customers. They also provide Louisiana Dealer Service (LDS) extended warranties; offer Carfax certification reporting, and financing options through local banking, credit unions, or their in-house financing plans. It’s their business integrity that keeps them respected above the rest.

“This is a family business that still stands on the rules of what my father taught me: Be honest and fair with each and every customer,” said Rory Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth Auto Center is located at 115-1 S. Cities Service Highway in Sulphur, and they can be reached directly by calling (337) 533-8533. Visit them today!

TJN

Volume 2 • Issue 19

[

Rory and Johnny have continued the “Golden Rule” philosophy at Hollingsworth Auto Center in Sulphur.

Rory Hollingsworth

Johnny Hollingsworth

]

Belinda Hollingsworth DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 31

Sponsored by

ker n Shouma

By Brando

Hoop Dreams There are some tasks in life that just seem so difficult to surmount, so Herculean, that one wonders why anybody would bother attempting to conquer them in the first place.

Yeah, Mount Everest, warp-speed space travel, and all that. But how about something a little easier for the commoner like you or me to tackle?

How about the good ole’ Tootsie

PAGE 32

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Pop and the epic quandary: “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?” One study says 411. Another says it takes an average of 252 licks. Those dadgum overachievers at Harvard built a licking contraption that finished with 317 licks.

Either way, you can bet your buhonkus it’s more than three and that you’re going to be spending hours of your life trying to find out that that cartoon owl is a no-good liar.

Another example, more suited to the likes of yours truly, is trying to predict a college basketball season before it even starts.

For example, take Texas State, the future ex-member of the Southland Conference West division, finished third in the conference’s preseason coaches’ poll. Even got a first-place vote. So, pretty good year for the Bobcats, right? Sure. After a win at Texas-Pan American moved Texas State to 2-1, the Bobcats preceded to fall off the face of the earth with an epic, 127-126 overtime loss to Our Lady of the Lake followed by losses to North Texas and previously winless Houston Baptist.

In case you were curious, Our Lady of the Lake is a private, Catholic college located in San Antonio. The (fightin’) Saints are 4-4 as of this writ-

ing against such powerhouses as Northern New Mexico College, Lubbock Christian, and Jarvis Christian.

At least Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which also got a first-place vote in the West, had the decency to lose to sixth-ranked Kansas, Oklahoma State and the mothership school, Texas A&M. The preseason conventional wisdom on Southland East has been moderately more accurate. Each of the four (of six) teams in the division to garner a first-place vote sits in the top-four of the division standings.

Northwestern State, which finished third in the East in the preseason poll, has gone 6-3 thus far against a

Volume 2 • Issue 19

schedule of cupcakes. Though, the Demons finally got a “quality” win against Louisiana Tech on Dec. 7.

Speaking of the East, how about those McNeese Cowboys? Judging by the results of the past five years, they are…right on schedule. Since the 2005-06 season, you could pencil in two or three wins in the Cowboys’ first six games. As of this writing, the Pokes are 3-3.

But it’s the way McNeese is 3-3 that seems different this season.

Last year, the Cowboys got shelled in three games to start the season against middling fare at the Hawaii Rainbow Classic, destroyed Division III blood-offering Louisiana College, dropped another game to a mediocre foe (Samford) before holding off Louisiana-Lafayette for a win.

This season just feels different.

Sure, McNeese got routed against the 16th-ranked Washington Huskies to start the season, but the Cowboys followed with back-to-back wins over Georgia State (not a gimme) and Louisiana College (okay…a huge gimme). They followed with valiant efforts in losses to Southern Miss and Miami, which are a combined 11-3 so far this season.

But the key game, the one that told me that this was a much different team than Cowboy fans have been used to, was the win over LouisianaLafayette on Dec. 1. McNeese could have folded up shop after back-toback, double-digit losses. But they didn’t. The Cowboys could have rolled over and let ULL continue to kick them after going down 43-25 at halftime. But they didn’t.

Team leaders Diego Kapelan, a senior, and junior Patrick Richard wouldn’t let them. The Cowboys’ 24-5 run against the hated Cajuns was inspirational. Everyone on the floor in gold and blue gave max effort and it was more than appropriate that junior college transfer Tyson Queen, who hadn’t made a free throw in almost a month, knocked down two to ice the win for McNeese.

It was a total team win and something that McNeese can build on the rest of the season, because now comes a critical stretch of games.

Following the home game against ULL, McNeese has five of its next six games in Lake Charles against a variety of opponents, beginning with Jarvis Christian on Dec. 9. A tough game against Louisiana Tech follows on Dec. 11 before the Pokes get another gimme in the form of Southwest Assemblies of God on Dec. 13.

McNeese then travels to LSU, which is a winnable game considering the Tigers’ up-and-down start this season.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

But the game I have circled is the Dec. 19 contest against Sacramento State at the Lake Charles Civic Center. This will be the true test of the Cowboys’ mettle. Both teams are a nearly match-up physically, but the Cowboys are statistically the better team. The Hornets, a fellow midmajor from the Big Sky Conference, will look the most like a Southland Conference team than any other opponent, besides maybe Georgia State, McNeese has played all season.

A win over the Hornets (followed by a win over the University of the

Southwest two days later) will give McNeese a huge momentum push headed into the Christmas break and the start of Southland play, which begins on Jan. 8 against TAMUCorpus Christi.

The question will be: Can the Cowboys capitalize on the friendly schedule and all of the positive energy that seems to be surging through the team right now?

To borrow from that Tootsie Roll commercial: the basketball world will know soon enough.

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

TJN

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 33

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Let’s Cook Up Some Holiday Treats Cookbooks can make excellent holiday gifts. For one thing, they’re beautiful — all those colorful and mouth-watering photographs. And for another, they’re practical. And the recipient may just cook up something great for YOU. In that spirit, let’s start with my favorite this year: Gifts Cooks Love: Recipes for Giving by Diane Morgan.

This Sur La Table publication not only offers ideas and recipes for wonderful gifts to create; it also helps with beautiful presentation, packaging and

wrapping. There are recipes for preserved (Boysenberry and Lemon Verbena Jam), smoked (Smoky Tomato Ketchup), cured (Olive Oil and Herb-Cured Albacore Tuna), dried (Dried Porcini Mushrooms), baked (Biscotti Christmas Tree), chocolate (Almond Chocolate Bark), and drinkable gifts (Limoncello); nocook gifts (Lemon-Herb Butter); and even make-a-gift kits (Breakfast for Two). Oh, and trust me — there’s more. Ingenious. Martha Stewart, eat your heart out. Give this one early (a

Wine and Gift Baskets Available!

Delivery and shipping available Corporate Gift Giving • Multiple cases available • Individually wrapped bottles make a great gift!

• •

E-mail your orders to thewinestorelc@yahoo.com or call (337) 477-7017

Mon.-Sat. 11am - 7pm

4070 Nelson Road Suite 100 Lake Charles, LA PAGE 34

DECEMBER 16, 2010

hostess gift?) so there’s plenty of time for the recipient to use the ideas before the holidays.

The Golden Book of Desserts from Barron’s has more than 250 recipes in its 608 pages. And talk about golden — the edges of the pages are gilded. A handy ribbon holds your place as you flip from one delectable-looking dish to another, even more appealing dessert. There is at least one full-color photo for each recipe, which acts as a guide for final presentation of the dish, and often there are photos to help lay out step-by-step instructions.

Categories include custards and creams; trifles and charlottes; frozen desserts; fruit desserts; meringues; layer cakes and rolls; pies and tarts; crisps, puddings and soufflés; crepes, waffles and fritters; pastries; savarins and brioches; and basic recipes. This would be a very nice gift.

Good Housekeeping Family Vegetarian Cooking: 225 Recipes Everyone Will Love is perfect for

non-meat-eaters, but also offers surprisingly good meals for those who just want to cut down on meat in their diet. Each recipe lists its nutritional information and has been triple-tested for ease, reliability and taste, and to make sure every recipe works in any oven, with any brand of ingredients. Vegan recipes are clearly marked. Lots of pretty photos show the delectable-looking results of recipes in various categories. Nobody will miss meat with dishes like Vegan Blueberry Muffins, Portobello Cheese “Steak” Wraps, Black-Eyed Pea Salad, Potato Dumplings with Cabbage and Apples, Nacho Casserole, Pesto and Mozzarella Pizzas, and a beautiful PeachRaspberry Galette.

If you like culinary adventure and enjoy trying ethnic and exotic dishes, pick up

Volume 2 • Issue 19

The Filipino Cookbook: 85 Homestyle Recipes to Delight Your Family and Friends by Miki Garcia.

The authentic Filipino dishes include the vegetable dishes of the Tagalog peninsula, the seafood and noodles of the Visayan Islands, and the curries of Mindanao. Within the pages of the book are recipes for Sautéed Squid, Kapampangan Paella, Marinated Morcon Stuffed Beef Roll, Coconut Chicken with Pineapple, and HaloHalo (mixed fruits and shaved ice parfait). The photographs are gorgeous.

Mother’s Best: Comfort Food That Takes You Home Again, by Chef Lisa Schroder with food writer Danielle

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Centoni, presents 150 recipes from Mother’s Bistro & Bar in Portland, Ore. And they’re not kidding about “comfort food” — Bacon and Cheddar Mac and Cheese (there’s a whole chapter on macaroni and cheese!), Chicken Paprikas, Mother’s Biscuits and Gravy, Savory Onion Pudding, Bread Pudding, Coconut Cream Pie. It features dishes in the categories of starters, soups, entrees, sides, breakfast, sandwiches and desserts.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

by Ina Garten is a great book for the beginner cook. This one also has beautiful photographs (though not

enough) of recipes arranged by the traditional categories. It includes recipes such as Linzer Cookies, Banana Crunch Muffins, Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry, Lobster Salad in Endive, Filet of Beef Bourguignon, and Fingerling Potatoes. And now her new book is available: Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That? — Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips.

Watching your weight? Who isn’t?

Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Cookbook has more than 150 recipes that she claims “will burn fat and re-shape your body.”

All recipes feature nutritional values

and eye-popping, full-color photos.

Get-healthy recipes include Baked Wild Salmon, No-Bake Nut Butter Energy Bars, Beef and Walnut Stir Fry, Persian Beef with Herb Khoresh and Rice, Stacked Vegetable Lasagna, Grilled Asparagus with Primavera Sauce, Christmas Broccoli Salad, Artichokes (and how to prepare and eat them), Ratatouille, Meal in a Bowl Mexican Soup, and Dirty Rice.

Copyright © 2010 by Mary Louise Ruehr

TJN

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 35

PAGE 36

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Brought to you by Melanie Perry, Agent 108A Executive Drive, Moss Bluff, LA 70611 BUS: 337-855-7768 www.melanieperry.net

U A B A F N OLY

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

NEW YEAR’S - WORD SEARCH T H G

I N D

E C A T

I M E P Q N K W P

I M E S S Q U A R E

P A U O R E S O L U T I Auld Lang Syne Black Eyed Peas Cabbage Celebration Champagne Countdown Fireworks First Night Happy New Year January One Midnight Noisemakers Party Resolution Times Square

B R

I

T

I

I O N T

J C G S E P E R Y H

M B L A C K E Y E D P E A S G F A L C A F

L N M N N

I

E G

I G E E B R E S R O E

I

Y N N

R E

I

E Y N

I N P B W Y P N M W A T I

A G R R R

I

W T S R E K A M E S O N T B I

P

J E L S

I O N D R

I U T P H A A N Y L

R Y A Y N M K F

I

I

I R M E C S P U F

A O M O E O A R U P A

I

S M J E O T N E A D H S A C E U U O N W O D T N U O C H O U

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 37

Killin’ Time Crossword

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com).

Used with permission.

PAGE 38

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil f th o r o ct Dire

Unstoppable (2010, 20th Century Fox) Inspired by a true story (but, who cares?) Unstoppable is a no-apologies popcorn movie about a train that gets out of control. Through a series of bad decisions, an unmanned freight train loaded with toxic chemicals is speeding toward a passenger train of children, another freight train, and a small town where it is sure to derail, causing mass destruction.

There’s no real villain, unless you count the railroad executives, who hem and haw about costs and bad press as the situation gets worse. However, the movie has two excellent heroes, played

by Denzel Washington and Chris Pine.

Washington plays Frank Barnes, a train engineer with two grown daughters working their way through Hooters. He’s met by Will Colson (Chris Pine) on Colson’s first day as a

conductor in a freight train yard. As they prepare a freight train together, little do they realize what will soon be coming down the track toward them.

In another train yard for the same railroad company, a worker gets a locomotive ready to pull out with a freight load of hazardous chemicals. Naturally, he neglects to connect the air braking system, and naturally, he gets off the train to pull a switch on the track. The poor guy looks like he has a hangover, or maybe he’s just really out of shape, or not that bright, or all three. In any event, he can’t run fast enough to get back on the train. And away it goes.

Like me, at this point, you’re probably saying, no way, could never happen. Well it did happen. Unstoppable is based on a real-life incident that took place in Ohio in 2001. (I believe the train worker responsible is now a Congressman, or professional wrestler, or both.) At any rate, it happened, and Denzel Washington got paid over $5 million, all so we could eat popcorn on a Saturday night and have a good time.

Best of all, no one really got hurt, so it was a win-win train wreck. Right.

Despite the fact that Unstoppable reminded me of Speed, it was really a good movie, and that’s saying a lot.

Let’s face it, this could have been a very bad movie, either treated as a Stephen King evil-possessed train, or as a tongue-in-cheek Supertrain disaster. Not this time. The comedy is terse, the tension is controlled, and the characters seem real.

Furthermore, Unstoppable is a clean movie, with very little foul language and no provocative scenes, unless you count the Hooters shots, and hey, that’s Frank’s family. Will Colson has a family of his own, and we gradually learn the story behind these two likeable and very different men as they try to stop the runaway train.

Also sharply played is the part of yardmaster Connie Hooper, by Rosario Dawson. As the only person in management who seems to understand the

impending disaster, Connie efficiently keeps communication with those up and down the railroad line. This isn’t made any easier by her boss, Oscar (played by Kevin Dunn), who is trying to ignore the situation.

If you’re a fan of the old Rescue 911 TV series, this is your kind of movie. I had no idea how fast my heart was beating until the movie was basically over. Besides adults, older kids should also like it. There’s a little bit of blood, but the movie is surprisingly sparse when it comes to human suffering and violence.

After a year of dark dramas and mindless comedies, Unstoppable gives us a riveting yet simple story and a clear script about heroism in everyday life. Even your grandpa would like this one. Just don’t tell him how much the popcorn costs.

TJN

ALL GAMES IN DECEMBER FEATURE FREE ADMISSION WHEN DONATING A TOY AT THE DOOR.

GEAUX BLUE! • Sun., December 19th – Men’s vs. Sacramento State @ The Civic Center • Tue., December 21st – Double Header vs. University of the Southwest @ The Burton Coliseum – Cowgirls play @ 5:00 p.m.

– Cowboys play @ 7:00 p.m.

• All games feature the Rowdy’s Wranglers Kid Zone • Children 12 and under receive admission for only $3.00 • Adult Group Tickets are available for only $4.00 with a purchase of 25 or more.

Please contact the special services and equality office at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information. Ph: (337) 475-5428.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 39

…women entrepreneurs with a passion for business.

Our Mission is to bring you unique, quality-driven products and services, and we greatly appreciate the support you’ve given us.

So…THANK YOU! Please continue to shop locally and to support our women owned businesses.

We love what we do… and we love serving our wonderful community!

PAGE 40

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

OLQHS ANNUAL TASTE-N-TELL SHOWCASE I garontee... Louisianans were born to Taste- N-Tell of our unique, savory, satisfying cuisine! Bringing it to the table were over 20 amateur and celebrity chefs from SWLA providing tastings of their best culinary creations in the OLQH Family Life Center Gym. The best tasting event of the season was emceed by renowned chef John Folse, along with the opportunity for six teams from the middle school Culinary Club to show what they learned from some of the best chefs in the city! “Forks” up to you for a delicious evening of food, family and fun from The Jambalaya News team!

Cindy Palma, Sister Camile and Kathleen Stewart

Gabby Gonzales and Alyssa Grueber

Peyton Doumite, Cameron Fontenot, Quinn Roan and Gregory Laborde

Andie Ottenweller, Jasmine Weber, Magie Kuehn and Jenna Watkins

Melissa and Kelley Vincent

Alex Hebert, Kelsi Berlin and Hannah McCloskey

John Paul Marceaux and Dawn Walwork

LIGHT UP THE LAKE Picture walking along our newly remodeled Lakefront Promenade seawall on a chilly, twinkle-little-star night, listening to the echoing sounds of the horse and carriages, as growing crowds of excited spectators gather around the lake to enjoy various boats decorated in their most creative red and gold lighting displays.

They paraded along the seawall in front of a panel of judges, with one lucky boat awarded first place. Topping off the evening was the spectacular Light Up the Lake firework extravaganza, all in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.

Ho Ho Ho to a night to be remembered!

Christa, Ava and Emma Puckett Volume 2 • Issue 19

Lori and Eli Thibodeaux DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 41

Trinity Erikson with Addie and John Garrison

Natalie and Miya Sonnier

Debbie and David Perkins

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE OAKS & HOLIDAY HOUSE How wonderful to spend an evening under the twinkling lights, white tents, and swooping oak branches at the Brimstone Museum Complex in the heart of Sulphur’s Heritage Square. The Christmas Market Preview Party was the start of this stylish event, which included a private showing of unique items showcased by area retailers, wine tastings and the live music of pianist Chester Daigle.

Christmas-spirited performances by Elvis and the Beatles, fireworks, carnival rides, holiday shopping and more were enjoyed

by Christmas-spirited kids of all ages! Cheers to a memorable Christmas Under the Oaks!

Nancy Roy and Wendy Koonce

Kimberly Miller and Lynne Reid

The Place to Browse We’re open every Sunday until Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come visit us after church services!

We have a large variety of unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise and a nice selection of giftware and furniture. All secondhand wristwatches are half price. Take a look at our couches, from $49 and up. Tables and chairs, armoires, freezers and more can be put on layaway. Don’t miss our hicko-

PAGE 42

DECEMBER 16, 2010

ry-handled plows, hammers, shovels, and more.

Don’t forget the Freddie Pate Country Western Show in Jennings on Dec. 18.

Bring the whole family! Call us for reservations.

Augustine’s Secondhand Furniture 2100 E. Prien Lake Rd. Lake Charles (337) 842-1736 Volume 2 • Issue 19

Joanne Fontenot with Santa Claus

Beverly Nolen and Dawn Bertrand

Cissy Duhon and Sister Peggy Higgins

Penny Suarez and Lynn Leger

Carol Cox, Paula Manuel with Marie and Rhonda Babin

Jan Scharrier and Ellen Little

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 43

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP Santa Claus and all of his jolly old elves took to the streets of Lake Charles for the annual Christmas parade, joining in with the festive parade floats, marching bands and more. Santa and his helpers had their work cut out for them as they journeyed to the lake Charles Civic Center bringing smiles to the faces of so many children.

Toys for boys and girls were distributed and plenty of reindeer games added to the excitement. This is one workshop that will go down in history! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Courtney and Stephanie Hoffpauir with Sadie Vidrine

Karl White and Mea Lopez

Alanna Beasley and Avrie Celestine

Halie Cordle and Shanaya Manuel

Asia Williams and Mikaylah Manley

Visit our boutique inside our salon!

LAKE CHARLES 3113 Ryan St, #1 (337) 491-0925

4435 Nelson Rd. (337) 477-5014

SULPHUR 190 N. Cities Service Hwy. (337) 626-0925

Earn DOUBLE HOSTESS DOLLARS In January Get it for FREE! Host a Willow House party and get your favorite products for FREE — and save 70% on any item in the catalog. Plus, your friends can qualify for products at half-price! So, what are you waiting for? Contact me today!

Jennifer Brocato Founding Independent Design Consultant

337.274.9563 Website: http://jbrocatoathome.willowhouse.com PAGE 44

DECEMBER 16, 2010

www.ASTtanning.com Volume 2 • Issue 19

INTERNATIONAL CLUB CHRISTMAS GALA Members and guests spiced it up at the International Club of Southwest Louisiana’s 2010 Christmas Gala! The club’s mission is to promote and enhance cultural interchange based on social and educational activities. After a silent auction and a delicious dinner by Cedar’s, attendees were wowed by belly dancing, hip hop, cha cha, and bacha ballroom performances, and danced the night away to Angelucho’s Copacabana Music. It was a hot night on the town! TJN Sylvia Stelly, VP, Stephanie Morris, and Theo and Dalia Matheus, President

Regina MacDowell, Cheryl Porche and Betty Guidry

Sylvia and Juan Alvarado with Rev. Arturo Lozano

4710 Common St., Suite A • (337) 564-5769 www.theporchcoffeehouse.com

Leila Lochan, Humberto Faria and Ann Simmien

F.J. and Tillie Lungaro with Thelma and Gene Fontenot

We Have Great Ideas for your Christmas Gifts!

Save on great framing designs for your whole family at a great discounted price of 25% OFF! WE ALSO SELL GIFT CERTIFICATES AND OFFER FREE GIFT WRAPPING! Come check out our art, hand crafted jewelry, and books by: • Tommie Townsley, Children’s Books • Norman German, Savage Wisdom • Rea Jean Clark, Louisiana Short Stories • Patsy Manuel, Historical Lake Charles • Rhea Gary, Marsh Mission!

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 45

PAGE 46

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

are available at Bella’s Bridal, 2506 Ryan St., Lake Charles and MacFarlane’s Pub, 417 Ann Street, Lake Charles. For more information, or to make reservations, call 564-4702 or 439-4888.

CHERRYHOLMES CHRISTMAS AT THE LUTCHER THEATER DEC. 16 Add one award-winning family of bluegrass entertainers plus the warmth and cheer of one Christmas season and you get the sum of one spectacular “Cherryholmes Christmas.” The Cherryholmes family will be performing at the Lutcher Theater, Thurs., Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $15-$35 and are available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher box office at (409) 886-5535. This show runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Lutcher patrons will have the opportunity to celebrate and share the holiday spirit, as Salvation Army representatives will be in the Lutcher lobby to collect unwrapped new toys and monetary donations for families in need.

IRISH CHRISTMAS CAROL DINNER AND CONCERT DEC. 16 Irish folksinger Danny O’Flaherty will celebrate the true Christmas spirit of the Celtic Nations in a one-day-only concert on Thurs., Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Brickhouse. His show will tell the tales of the charming and unique yuletide customs that evolved over the centuries in the nations of the Celts. Danny O’Flaherty’s Irish Christmas Carol Dinner and Concert will feature a scrumptious Christmas dinner prepared by The Brickhouse Events and Catering and a concertlength mix of wistful and merry Celtic tunes that reflect home, hearth, and the Christmas spirit.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. following dinner. Tickets are $30 per person in advance and $35 per person at the door, which includes dinner and the concert. Concert-only tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are strongly recommended and

Volume 2 • Issue 19

THIRD ANNUAL STRIDES FOR ST. NICHOLAS DEC. 18 In the spirit of giving, the St. Nicholas Center invites you to participate in the 3rd annual 5k and 1 mile Jolly Jog! All proceeds from this event benefit the St. Nicholas Center, a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic services to children with development delays and autism. Registration begins at 7:15 am at the ICCS parking lot (1536 Ryan Street), with the 5k starting at 8 a.m. and the Jolly Jog following immediately afterward. You may also pre-register by visiting www.stnickcenter.org. Early registration fees are $20 for the 5k, and $15 for the Jolly Jog. Early registration ends Dec. 1. You must be pre-registered in order to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Race day fees are $25 for the 5k, and $18 for the Jolly Jog. For more information, please visit www.stnickcenter.org, or contact Chris Jones at (337) 515-3402.

PI GAMMA FUNDRAISER DEC. 18 McNeese State University’s Pi Gamma Cast chapter of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society will have a fundraising Christmas Show Sat., Dec. 18, in Ralph Squires Recital Hall. The performance consists of Christmas stories from Hamlet, A Christmas Carol, Gift of the Magi, George Bernard Shaw, Mark Twain and many others, with Christmas carols interspersed throughout the show. The doors open at 6 p.m. with festivities, including pictures with Santa, and the performance begins at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested and the chapter is also collecting toys for “Toys for Tots.” Proceeds from this event will help cover travel expenses of the McNeese Theatre Bayou Players to the Regional Kennedy Center-American College Theatre Festival in February.

DECEMBER EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM • SAT., DEC. 18 Meet Santa Claus – At 11 a.m., meet Santa Claus. Don’t forget your camera! He’ll be giving out jingle bell necklaces.

Candy Cane Rudolph - Visit ArtSpace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and make a candy cane Rudolph!

Our Lady Queen of Heaven Children’s Choir - At noon, OLQH Children’s choir will sing classic Christmas carols and play the bells for your enjoyment.

• MON., DEC. 20 Gingerbread House Workshop - Decorate your own gingerbread house with icing, gum drops and M&M’s! Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

Christmas Story Reading - At 12:30 p.m., join Mayor Roach as he reads a wonderful Christmas story!

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 47

• TUES., DEC. 21 Christmas Placemats Workshop - Weave a beautiful placemat decorated with holly leaves and berries that you can use on your dinner table! Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

Christmas Story Reading - At 12:30 p.m., Mari Wilson from KPLC Midday will read a Christmas story!

• WED., DEC. 22 Christmas Cookie Workshop - Decorate a Christmas cookie in the ArtSpace Workshop! Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

Christmas Story Reading - At 12:30 p.m., Chico “The Clown” is visiting the museum and will read a Christmas story!

• Thurs., Dec. 23 Christmas Cookie Ornament Workshop – Make a Christmas cookie ornament in the ArtSpace Workshop. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

• Fri., Dec. 24 – Sat., Dec. 25 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - The museum is closed. Merry Christmas!!!

• Mon., Dec. 27 Snowman Workshop – Make a smiley face snowman photo frame magnet in the ArtSpace Workshop. Class begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 20 children.

• Tues., Dec. 28 New Year Crowns – Create a foam crown in the ArtSpace Workshop.

Class begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 20 children.

• Wed., Dec. 29 Mitten Keepsakes – Make a handprint mitten keepsake in the

ArtSpace Workshop.

Class begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to 20 children.

• Thurs., Dec. 30 Taekwondo - Join us at 11 a.m. for a Taekwondo demonstration.

Receive a party hat and a noisemaker and celebrate 2011 early!

• Fri., Dec. 31 – Sat., Jan. 1 New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day - The museum is closed. Happy New Year!

The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. – Sat. Admission is $7 for children and adults. Birthday parties and memberships are available. Call 4339420 or visit www.swlakids.org for more details.

Donald Craig Manuel

FREE CONCERT BY DONALD CRAIG MANUEL DEC. 23 Lake Charles native Donald Craig Manuel will be performing in a free concert at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2031 Opelousas St. Lake Charles, from 7-8 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 23. He will be accompanied by Yiseul Kim and Jerrell Mayne on piano. The concert is open to the public. Manuel received a Bachelor of Music degree in 2004 from Southern A&M University in Baton Rouge, and went on

Schedule of Events JANUARY 7-8 - CAMERON, LA All events will take place on the fairgrounds located at the Cameron Parish School Board’s new location in Downtown Cameron unless otherwise stated. Ice chests will not be allowed on the fairgrounds. ($5.oo per person children 12 years old and under free) PAGE 48

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Friday, January 7, 2011 Noon: Gates open Trap Shooting Begins Carnival will open 6:00pm: STEEL SHOT takes the stage Saturday, January 8, 2011 9:00am: Gates open Fairgrounds Open Carnival Open Trap Shooting Begins

10:00am: Muskrat and Nutria Skinning (Stage) Trap Setting (Stage) Oyster Shucking (Stage) 1:00pm: Parade Begins (will line up at Cameron Construction Yard east of Cameron) 3:00pm: Duck and Goose Calling Competition 3:00pm: WATER'S EDGE takes the stage 7:00pm: LOUISIANA FIYA takes the stage www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com Volume 2 • Issue 19

to obtain a Masters in Music in vocal performance from the College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University in Chicago. He has toured with the opera, Porgy & Bess for the past two years and recently returned from Europe. For more information on the concert, call 529-0334.

ANNUAL TWELFTH NIGHT CELEBRATION JAN. 6 Spend an enchanting evening with the 2010 royal courts of more than 50 krewes making their last glittering promenade, ushering in the 2011 Mardi Gras season. There will be luxurious door prizes, music and dancing! Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door. Children five and under are admitted for free. Starts at 7 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

FUR AND WILDLIFE FESTIVAL JAN. 7-8 The “oldest and coldest festival with the warmest of hearts,” will be held at the Cameron Parish School Board grounds in downtown Cameron on Fri. and Sat., Jan. 7-8. Gates will open at noon on Fri. and at 9 a.m. on Sat. The admission fee is $5 per person, and children 12 years old and under will be admitted free.

There will be plenty of activities for festivalgoers, including parades, authentic Cajun music, exhibits, and a carnival, along with trap-setting contests, nutria and muskrat skinning, oyster shucking contests, archery, skeet shooting and dog trials. Steel Shot will perform from 6-9 p.m. on Fri. The festival parade will roll down Main St. at 1 p.m. on Sat. Water’s Edge will take the stage from 3-6 p.m. and Barry

Badon and the Bayou Boys will close the festival from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

CATS AT THE LUTCHER THEATER JAN. 14 The show that revolutionized musical theatre is coming to the Lutcher Theater for one performance Fri., Jan. 14. Cats was added to the Lutcher season in November and went on pre-sale to the patrons e-mail list on Dec. 6. Within two days, 1,200 of the 1,450 seats were already sold—and the show is expected to sell out within days. Create a special “memory” one more time. Order tickets at www.lutcher.org or call the Lutcher box office at (409) 886-5535. To join the Lutcher email list, and be a part of future offers, visit www.lutcher.org.

BRIAN MCKNIGHT AT DELTA EVENT CENTER JAN. 16 Brian McKnight will be performing his many hits at the Delta Event Center for a one-night-only performance, starting at 8 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 16.

McKnight has released 13 albums to date, and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. He is the recipient of Soul Train and Image awards, and has received 16 Grammy nominations. Tickets to see McKnight perform live start at $30 and are available online at www.deltadowns.com. and www.ticketmaster.com, and at The Delta Downs Gift Shop. To charge by phone, call (800) 745-3000.

TJN Brian McKnight

Presents Violinist Jairus Daigle in Concert!

Central School Arts and Humanities 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles

Sunday, December 26 4:00 p.m.

MUSICIANS Chester Daigle – Keyboards Jay Ecker – Bass Jeff Simon – Guitar James Bill – Drums Chester Daigle III – Percussions BACKGROUND SINGERS Yvette Chretien Edwards Verlin Chretien Chris Chretien Michael Chretien SPECIAL PERFORMANCES Verlin Chretien, Vocalist Daijah Simmons, Dance Rick Condit & Chester Daigle Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 49

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

The

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Phil Work & Southwind Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

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

• Kirk Eidson/Jacob Cooley @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

• Butch Hancock @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 • Felton LeJeune & The Cajun Cowboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Trip Wamsley @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

• Forever Falls/Truffula Tree @ The Hard Rack, 8 p.m.

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

• Phil Work & Southwind Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

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

PAGE 50

DECEMBER 16, 2010

• The Benjy Davis Project @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

• TBA @ La Normandie, 9 p.m.

• Vince Vance & The Valiants @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Percy Sledge @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Phil Work & Southwind Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• Brian Moore @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

• Acoustic Pie @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• TBA @ La Normandie, 9 p.m.

• Vince Vance & The Valiants @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

• Travis Matte & The Kingpins @ Yesterday’s, 10 p.m.

• Meriwether/Kill Icarus/Passing Starfighter @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 • Foret Tradition @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 • Paul Westbrook & Friends/Brice Perrin @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Drew Simon & Friends @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Tru Soul @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• Cold Sweat @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Out of Pocket @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

• Canvas Red/Research Turtles @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m.

• Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Tru Soul @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• TBA @ La Normandie, 9 p.m.

• The Pookie Marceaux Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

Volume 2 • Issue 19

• Danica @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Curley Taylor and the Zydeco Trouble/Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flares/J-Paul Jr. and the Zydeco NuBreeds @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• Tru Soul @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• TBA @ La Normandie, 9 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Danica @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Brice Perrin @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• In Business/Mike Zito @ The Porch, 7:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Ka-Nection @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Ka-Nection @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• TBA @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

• James Dupre @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• TBA @ La Normandie, 9 p.m.

• The Michelle Marshall Band @ Isle of Capri Event Center, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• The Chee-Weez @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m.

• Ka-Nection @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m.

• TBA @ La Normandie, 9 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. TJN

NEW KITCHEN HOURS: Mon. - Tues. 11 am - 10 pm Wed. - Sat.11 am - 11 pm Closed Sunday

LUNA GOODS ON SALE: Luna Classic Tee $15 Luna Guitar Tee $15 Luna Ball Cap $15 Luna Dressings $6 (16oz.)

Citrus Vinaigrette Balsamic Vinaigrette Raspberry Vinaigrette Cosmic

Wed. Dec. 15 @ 9 pm JOHN GUIDROZ (acoustic) Thurs. Dec. 16 @ 9 pm BUTCH HANCOCK (acoustic) Fri. Dec. 17 @ 9 pm ACOUSTIC PIE (acoustic, classic rock) Sat. Dec. 18 @ 9 pm FRESH NECTOR (alt. rock) THE SINNERS (alt. country) Wed. Dec. 22 @ 9 pm PAUL WESTBROOK & FRIENDS (acoustic) Thurs. Dec. 23 @ 9 pm CHRISTMAS PARTY, IBERVILLE HIGH LIFE (rock & blues)

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 51

Locally Owned and Operated n Country Setting Right Outside the City Rehabilitation to Home Services n Long-term Care Facility Skilled Nurses, Social Workers and Therapists on Staff

Meet Ty! We found this teeny-weeny little lover boy tied up on a chain and were told he was a “pit-bull mix.” We’ve decided he must be a new breed of “mini pit-bull” (just joking!) Little Ty is only about 10 lbs. and we’re guessing he’s around 4-5 months old. He’s definitely some kind of little terrier mix and he has funny radar ears to add to his charm.

Ty is very smart and is learning good puppy manners at his foster home. His foster mom says he’s a bundle of fun.

He’s such a sweet boy and would make a great pet for a family with kids or other dogs because he loves to play. Ty says: “I’m Ty and I’m a tiny, active boy. I’m looking for a home where running laps is important—

but I also love sitting in them! Also, you’ve probably noticed in my photo that I’m very handsome. So give a guy a chance! Call (337) 488-3478 for info on adopting me, and let’s get ready to ROLL!” An application can be found online at www.4PawsSocietyInc.com.

TJN

15% Senior Discount All Doctors’ Prescriptions Accepted Experienced Professional Staff • Most Insurance Accepted

PAGE 52

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

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.

ge, e, nud g d u N ink. ctor ink, w r, I’d seen ing with a Tap and mber e w m e emal ht I Earlie on perform Is Spinal elsh (the f io) the nig d W ps his o o Thom Shearer (T d his wife, nd an aller W adition tr h t a e n a y H r a r , T r r ) ’s n sta Ha psons dith Owe arer family ar ter Young e m i e P S h t s u e e T e a J e o w p of Th /writer en-Sh ong, (this y en . night nius Irish for w d r t e e O a d g h e l n t e n la si a ge uest ning t in th sing-a of Qu The g Donnelly, a gig ope group, ar cas hristmas ell Room r the New t s ” m t lC fo urc acker usical sh fro d, firs of annua intimate P raise cash nglan tside “R morist, fre famous m er’s show ake E o e t n i h nd t k t at t eth Hall) s Fund. how a zers, I lived and just ou gh to hu land’s mos s. The Rac d his own ith s , s e n b r h a a a t i z e Ire Eli enou s, an ford, ed w me y e d j az Music eftain ed off e Chi sung poem gs, translat , was leans -stars kick by newlyw ghter of For so n, then Ox , important ords of r h T O ll u do I yin rec nd on uns The a entertained worth (da nd Sir in Lon Toot Bald oomsday hose years, read a h Gaelic sa art aleck p k a e n r D t e s y a i e

m n n In he in ti on Ir lay and s ood fun). ed-haired we w t Jacqui D Cleo Lai his pianist h d in t nqueror. nd e d p s m g e r c n p i a l , a r d e b be n m the Co ukkahs a ew York wor voca yalty Dam and Mem offered su rish fo Peta Web most of th I ( ” ) n a o r N c i e r a h e l i n t l d i h i ” r H in Wi “cra Hall and s well as jazz ood, nkwo , who toget Cold Outs egspent ack home es, I stayed e W a y . a l D n s t , e s s n M r r K ’s e h th m mo mases b Joh Wood “fell p t sing aby It rs and t into Englis ometi n t harles rsion of “B laimed she e. esiden floor singe Irish and at is, Chris ersey, but s and and go Yes, I’m i r C c . r h l x th ve nc New J Olde Eng s over here ed with regula songs wit rvals. All, iddler Tom a hot cee Owen r performa s Ruby Wa e d f e m i f u i n f t e t Merr and spiri ment, stu ll-earned s tackl s in the in layer and oyalty, that e during the e comedia e alter ego , d e o p r spirits n at the m ending a w e old frien theme for banjo olk music illage folk h nant” n there wer atford,” th Thompson V f t h t The ry from W guitarist harpist Londo food, just missing t excep American reenwich mblers (wi e e, y n, G e n k , Bar a d i a

y s

i m a R . e i 0 T ‘6 Ind and alre ity Pal te M ind and “ r Alex Low Thompso la Swallow, p y a l h C u l r e t a e d s b e e h d o e y t , o l vacay out to leav ded, I pick weekly, an whose the New L ohen and lksongs to of act layer Dann list Gabrie rious com t s , n o l a b C f a r p p n u e a l v e o c u s n n s f I , s n o o d h m i e a I’m gr ith b on as rtain kwoo broad ker Jo - b cinda Bell nd Owen, to the sing rmly As so don’s ente agazines w their covlmma taught bac ho’s lived a nd perfect u a i fi t f L r o t e g u r n m a o to w we r), hea ly b of “12 , g l e S y , n n g u s i e e f l e d e y r h l a e n e d Out, L le of music CDs glued Guitarist y S a rsion ites. P ing st d es, stu ons. W p us che a cou mas music , Mojo, an lies cele- y urban five decad edish fiddl lskas.” So, binati Owen led -packed ve the whole t h o l , n Chris lassical FM f the mont n especial y nearly ditional Sw wedish “p t myself, I along h an actio s” that had movea S n a g o a o b C a r s e u t i p a . d m w h s o sing t m s it r fe er ate ich ing med so thr Chris d improvi ys.” “Geese a floo amblers w f only a istmas, wh and, celebr ddition o r r o o e s f f r y r n s e a a p u R em w D pe D pa Engl ndero aley’s g Chr I got u . In a om th , nce u f the “ bratin al season in purveyors nes library when omage to P learned fr audie for each o prize to thu f the c i ts st uiso music ds of musi s to my iTu agical mus paid h ey song I’d go. saw g dly men g” took fir as enviou rim cons I , s m a n y i D i m t w s a all k ing the C ad some old and year ing 10 d ce, secon layin se, but I ll-phone c shing. i a d h u w h k w d o d l e t l l ir fo to a days, I’v appla miming ce birds.” Sm ng the glish dents th Over the fo Thompson Pickett n E n d g g e l . w n t n s a i o r li e ri i in ichard sician Phil cians of th ndo- cr “three cal earer are b ounte te tradition artists, res nd c R n t e s i l r a a r ca ta fo 17 tima s’ d Sh ple, musi guest ly mu tar, b en an ew Orlean enter Dec. The in b with its a village sta illages, th ear rs) and the in, lute/gui picy” i w w O u on cl is fv de iol rt C to N g “s music or singers ollection o lavor and (recor Theatre (v performin show mporary A n still get in urf o e c m o l e , ) e a h f y o l r t a t cte and n is just y) f r ing Glob Con , so you c ay cheer s vio chara d 8 the ra, and bas sexy/bawd ompson do l eightn u r Londo ith its own and 1 f that holi a Th e ad has eci , r h p rr ( e s o s e w e i s l

l h m e l . a g t i h i g s t M om En ble pe , eac s of pub ing ered for son e’s s a a r y e l t i a a h o l e e t n p h p f s S i . y re dozen old friend a spin-off o ’s Cecil Shake onors, and guitar luth ained the selves other trul live theat h y n t y t My pstairs – Two es were i vocal d acoustic ogram con ry on the Socie arious y of m ra g n n a c U o p n e o I S r v r t a g Cella ance and club – in turday strin on. The p me backs y of same, form in the comiend Barba n o i n s s f i a t s o c u a s c r l g Folk D House folk bs most Sa s. That’s c l o visited ood best fr s in Londo in es we n s a s o e a l k u a r l c p s p a m o l r c e f Sha en Town lyri and after hile the uage – al childh ies, who w tional n 35 y d to many a h w , a t d g n t t n N e n n a m la ce or n Ca eve Toe rk. The you th racy, the ndre – was ch. for m en introdu red my ow ent l l s o e t t h w e g n r u i e te ni ca for gs we I’ve b le as s ere I w e insp ble en he son nglish dou derstandab where mers who’v o that’s wh national t S E un nter perfor singing. early barely with i

n o s a e sAS

‘Ti

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 53

Routine Eye Exams • Disease & Surgery of the Eye SWLA’s Cataract Surgery Specialist

Donald C. Falgoust, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist

1980 Tybee Lane

Theatre’s West End hit, War Horse, is the allegedly true story of the journey of one horse conscripted into the Belgian army in World War I, and his owner, a teenaged boy, who runs away to join up and be reunited with his war horse. The most amazing puppetry I’ve ever seen to make the horses live onstage, a moved-to-tears script beautifully acted, and traditional and in-the-tradition music performed plaintively as punctuation to the live and puppet action by a fiddler/vocalist and an accordion player.

Checking my program at the interval, I discovered that the songs were written by an old friend – John Tams (actor/composer/bandleader of “The Home Service,” best known for the music in Sharpe’s Rifles, the popular English television series starring Sean Bean). I indulged in some cathartic sobbing at the happy ending.

The last gem was an American musical hit from the 1930s, Pins and Needles, making its England debut in the tiny pub theatre (60 tiered seats) at The Cock Tavern, far off the beaten track in the NW6 postal area. In 19 skitlets, this political play, originally for and by the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union portrayed changes on working conditions, the economy, and the state of social relations that felt chillingly/laughingly timely.

The stage was a postage stamp, especially when filled with nine actors/singers/dancers, one of them playing an upright bass to counterpoint the versatile pianist who accompanied the show. Back out in the snow (!?! ), the pub’s sign announced live opera to follow in a week. Wow! Did I remember to say wish you were t/here? TJN

477-0963

Rob Robin has over thirty years experience and is recognized as the "Weather Authority" in Southwest Louisiana. Rob's dedication to the study of weather began as a hobby while still a young boy in Omaha, Nebraska.

He continued to study meteorology through his teenage years in Los Angeles, California and while serving on active duty with the U.S. Air Force in Amarillo, Texas. Weather is very important in this area of the country and we pride ourselves on getting accurate up to the minute weather information to our listeners fast! Rob has a complete weather station including a Doppler radar terminal and a remote transmitter at his home. This enables KYKZ to get breaking weather bulletins on the air consistently first.

That's why "when the weather turns bad, Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas turn to Southwest Louisiana's Country Leader - KYKZ."

PAGE 54

DECEMBER 16, 2010

Volume 2 • Issue 19

Here at the Jam, we have a happy “situation.”

After a year and a half, we’re filled with jubilation.

Thanks to you, our paper is number one, And the Lake Shore is ready for another year of fun.

So, from all of us to all of you, Have the happiest of holidays And success the whole year through!

Volume 2 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 16, 2010

PAGE 55

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NEW YEAR’S DAY