VOL. 2, NO. 21 /JANUARY 27, 2011
ALSO:
Spring Bridal Issue • Spice Up Your Look Makeover Reveal BBBS SWLA: Meet the Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year
Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Conner
The Gray Plantation Clubhouse is designed to exceed your expectations. We will create a one of a kind experience delivering culinary delights, impeccable service and an atmosphere derived from your vision of the perfect day! We invite you to explore the many options for making your wedding day dreams come true!
Rehearsal Dinners • Wedding Receptions • Wedding Ceremonies Bridal Showers • Bridal Luncheons • Day After Brunch 6150 Gray Plantation Parkway • Lake Charles, La 70605 • (337) 562-1206 ext. 3 PAGE 2
JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque
contents
On Cover: The Future Mrs. Reddin. Photo Courtesy of Woodland Photography
January 27, 2011 • Volume 2 • Issue 21
COVER STORY 24
Gray Plantation: The Wedding of a Lifetime
publisher@thejambalayanews.com
NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com
CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Berman Daryl Boyd George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Maria Alcantara Faul Mike McHugh Penny Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com
SALES ASSOCIATES Katy Corbello Faye Drake Karla Tullos GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck ART/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Michelle LaVoie
REGULARS 7 12 13 14 18 20 38
The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip Doyle’s Place A Greener World What’s Cookin’ Sports Report
FEATURES 5 23 29 32 35 36
Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year Choosing a Primary Care Provider Something Old, Something New Wedding Do’s and Don’ts Last Minute Beauty Details Beauty Makeover Reveal!
ENTERTAINMENT 40 42 43 44 45 48 50 52
Red Hot Books Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies Killin’ Time Crossword Society Spice Jambalaya Jam Local Jam Eclectic Company
24 18 5
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 2011 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Volume 2 • Issue 21
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We are now accepting credit cards! JANUARY 27, 2011
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A Note From Lauren Happy Birthday, Uncle Frankie Today is January 19. If my uncle Frankie were alive, this would have been his 100th birthday. He passed away in 2005, at the ripe old age of 94. He lived a life typical of men of his era, first-generation sons of immigrants who settled in Boston’s Italian neighborhoods. Frankie was my mother’s oldest brother, but he left the bossing around of the smaller kids to his sister Jeannette, who was a few years younger than he was. She was only too eager to tell everyone else what to do (and what they were doing wrong) while Frankie was hanging out on the street corners of East Boston with his buddies, playing poker in his friends’ basements, and going to the races. Frankie was easygoing and didn’t like any kind of confrontation. As soon as he got out of high school, he got a job in the printing department of The Boston Globe, and that’s where he stayed until his retirement. In those days, you got a job and you stuck with it for the rest of your life. No bouncing around. During WWII, he joined the Army and was stationed overseas—in Italy, of all places—and when he returned safely home, his job was waiting for him. Frankie hung out with bookies and other characters, but he was really shy
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around people he didn’t know, especially women. My mother said she never recalled him dating at all. He was destined to a life of bachelorhood, until one fateful day. My aunt Jeannette had a friend, Frances Di Martino, whom she had known since her school days. Frances was always at the house. She was plump and shy, loved to cook and sew, and, I guess, had had a crush on Frankie for years—of which he was completely oblivious. But that day, a friend of my grandmother’s was visiting the house on 99 Barnes Avenue. Frances was there, as usual. Frankie walked in and greeted everyone. They were all making small talk when my grandmother’s friend looked at Frankie and nodded towards Frances. “Prendere il suo,” she told him. That means, “Take her.” So he did. I guess he’d just never thought about it before, but that was so typical of him. They were married within the year, and remained devoted to one another until Frances died of a heart attack on their 50th wedding anniversary. Frankie and Frances never had children, so they spoiled their nieces and nephews. They lived in the middle floor of the three-decker I grew up in—with my aunt Jeannette. I don’t know how they did it. They had to have the patience of saints to put up with her
fussiness—but they all got along well. I enjoyed visiting Frankie and Frances; Jeannette, not so much. Unfortunately, they were a package deal. You saw them, you saw her. You laughed with them, you got lectured by her. It was as unavoidable as death and taxes. Frankie suffered a heart attack when I was in grade school. Back then, you stayed in the hospital for weeks and weeks for something like that. It was so strange not to have Frankie around. I remember my cousin Richard and I sent him newsletters and games that we created ourselves. We made up cartoons called “Funny Frankies,” which mostly involved nurses yelling at him for not taking his medicine or refusing to go back to bed. Frankie took us kids to the races at Suffolk Downs (which was his favorite place in the world next to his wife’s kitchen), and to Paragon Park on Nantasket Beach to go on the rides. He had a sweet tooth, and when you were visiting him and Frances, their table would be covered with chocolates and Italian pastries. He was always interested in everything we did. As we got older, he knew all about our jobs, our friends, college, vacations. Until the day he died, he wanted to know everything. It kept him young.
He was 89 when I met Phil. My mother invited us for dinner one Sunday. Knowing how notoriously shy Frankie was, she mentioned that I was coming over with my new boyfriend. “I don’t suppose you’d want to meet him?” she asked, hesitantly. “Of course I want to meet him!” Frankie said indignantly. “He might be my new nephew!” Phil did become his new nephew, and they clicked immediately. When we were getting married, he gave us a nice check. “Put this towards the wedding,” he said. You don’t want to make a bruta figura.” Translated literally, it means you don’t want to make a “bad show.” Phil and Frankie made each other laugh. Every holiday, Phil would buy crazy hats (witches’ hats, Santa caps and even whacky foam rabbits hats for Easter) for the men in the family. We were all shocked when Frankie put his on with everyone else. Frankie’s favorite drink was Bailey’s Irish Cream, cold from the refrigerator. Every time we visited, he’d pull out the little cordial glasses, and we’d have a round or two. So, on your 100th birthday, Frankie, here’s a toast to you. Thank you for being such a wonderful uncle and such a big part of my life. Until we meet again...
– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
Big Sister Nichelle Smith and her Little Sister Iesha
Little Brother Brian and his Big Brother Ray Melerine
By Dar yl Boyd
To be a Big Brother or Big Sister comes with its own rewards, but every once in awhile, it’s nice to be recognized for the contributions you make. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana (BBBS) knows this and makes an effort to honor the volunteer mentors who go above and beyond the call of duty in bestowing the prestigious honor of Big Brother and Sister of the year. The Big Brother and Sister of the Year are Ray Melerine and Nichelle Smith. Big Brother Ray Melerine and his Little Brother Brian have been matched for 11 years. Hi, I am Ray’s Little Brother Brian. I have been with Ray since I was five. I am currently 16 and have been with Ray for 11 years. I am glad that Ray is my Big Brother and wouldn’t want anyone else. Ray deserves to win this award for many reasons. He works with kids as a career and he has kids of his own. He is the best at what Volume 2 • Issue 21
They have enjoyed many activities together throughout the years, such as fishing, swimming, watching movies and bowling. Melerine stated that being a volunteer has changed his life in a positive way. “First, it has granted me the opportunity to be a part of Brian’s life and to watch him grow, which has been amazing. Second, it feels good to know that our time together has been meaningful to him”, Melerine said. Brian wrote a letter nominating Melerine for Big Brother of the Year: he does and that is being my Big Brother. We have done many things as I was growing up. Ray and I have been to water parks, fishing, crabbing and many more things. The final reason Ray should win is because he is the best Big Brother that I could ever have. — Brian
“In the eleven years of his volunteering, Ray has always made time for Brian,” said Kristen, Brian’s mom. “In the course of being married and having children of his own, Brian was always made to feel like a part of their family and not an obligation.” Kristen said that Brian has grown up with more self-esteem and, she believes, a better young man because of Ray’s friendship. “Ray is dedicated, kind, inspirational and an all-around great human being. So you can see—why wouldn’t Ray Melerine be Big Brother of the Year?” For Big Sister Nichelle Smith and her Little Sister Iesha, BBBS has given them JANUARY 27, 2011
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more than just a match—it has provided them with the friendship of a lifetime. They have formed a strong bond of friendship since first meeting nine years ago. Smith’s support and love throughout the years has helped Iesha in becoming the thoughtful, college-bound young lady she is
today. “Iesha will accomplish any goals she sets for herself. My hope is that she reaches her full potential,” said Smith. Iesha submitted a letter stating why Smith should be honored with the award of Big Sister of the Year— in her own words:
My Big Sister, Ms. Nichelle Smith, is a wonderful role model in my life. We’ve been paired for quite some time now and we know each other very well. We know each others likes and dislikes and we have a lot of fun together. Ms. Michelle makes sure I’m doing well in school and just staying on track with life. I help her out a lot with her
little girl, so now it’s like I’m a big sister also. Now that I am a junior in high school, have extra-curricular activities and work, we don’t get to spend as much time together anymore like we used to, but that doesn’t change anything one bit. I’d like to thank BBBS for basically giving me a second mom. — Iesha
Lolita Dixon, Iesha’s mom, feels that words can’t say enough on how wonderful Smith has been to her daughter. “I hope you would consider Nichelle as Big Sister of the Year, but if not, in our eyes she is always the Big Sister of every year,” she said. By giving a little time and a listening ear, ordinary people are
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doing extraordinary things in the lives of children, changing our community one life at a time. BBBS recognizes the extraordinary gift Melerine and Smith have given their Little Brother and Sister, and gives thanks for each of the volunteers who are impacting our future in Southwest Louisiana. TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
The
Boiling
P l
Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
DELTA DOWNS ANNOUNCES NEW VP/GM Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel recently promoted Steve Kuypers to the position of vice president and general manager. Kuypers joined Delta Downs in 2007 as assistant general manager, bringing with him 27 years of experience in the hospitality and gaming industry. Kuypers began his career in Atlantic City, New Jersey as VP of for Trump Castle, and has held various executive-level positions at gaming properties in California, Las Vegas and Louisiana, including senior director of operations for the Isle of Capri in Lake Charles. Kuypers resides in Sulphur with his wife Ann and their six children.
Star rating for strength and stability, First Federal Bank of Louisiana has once again proven its commitment to superiority. To earn Bauer’s 5-Star Superior rating, First Federal Bank of Louisiana must excel in areas of capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels and profitability to name just a few. The fact that First Federal Bank of Louisiana has done so for 74 consecutive quarters puts them on an even higher plane. Only 8 percent of the nation’s banks can claim this distinction.
Steve Kuypers
MSU PROFESSOR WINS GRAND PRIZE IN NATIONAL COMPETITION William G. Rose, associate professor of music at McNeese State University, has won the grand prize in the national Texas Tech University Trombone Choir Composition Contest. Rose, who teaches low brass and conducts the Trombone Brass Choir, received a cash prize of $1,000. The premiere performance of his award-winning composition, titled “Jolie Blon” was performed recently by the West Texas A&M Trombone Choir during the Eighth Annual Big 12 Trombone Conference at Texas Tech in Lubbock. The criteria included instrumentation in eight parts, four to six William G. Rose minutes in length and had to be a stand-alone concert piece based on the composer’s favorite university fight song, alma mater or school song. “Jolie Blon” is one of McNeese’s school songs. At McNeese, Rose also teaches music theory and serves as musical director for music theater productions. MALLARD INVESTMENTS ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION The offices of Mallard Investments, a subsidiary of Cameron State Bank, have moved. They are now located in the newly opened Cameron State Bank location at 2800 Country Club Road. Stacey Corbello, investment consultant, and Mike Allen, investment executive and wealth consultant, provide investment and brokerage services that are open to the public, not limited to customers of Cameron State Bank. A free consultation is provided. Mallard Investments is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon.- Fri. For more information, call 312-7041. FIRST FEDERAL BANK RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE STRONGEST BANKS IN THE NATION BauerFinancial, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida, the nation’s bank rating firm, proudly recognizes First Federal Bank of Louisiana, Lake Charles, as one of the strongest banks in the nation. Having earned BauerFinancial’s highest 5Volume 2 • Issue 21
LC STUDENT-ATHLETE NOMINATED TO PLAY IN MCDONALD’S ALL AMERICAN® HS BASKETBALL GAMES McDonald’s® recently announced its nationwide list of prep seniors who have been nominated for the 2011 McDonald’s All American® Games. Of the nearly 2,000 nominees announced, one female player, JonMarie Guillory, hails from Lake Charles. Guillory currently attends St. Louis Catholic High School and is coached by Tony Johnson. McDonald’s will name the final roster of 24 boys and 24 girls during the 2011 McDonald’s All American Selection Show on ESPNU, airing Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. CT.
Doug Gehrig, owner and operator of McDonald's of Southwest Louisiana congratulates JonMarie on being nominated to play in the McDonald's All American High School Basketball Games L’AUBERGE DONATES TO FAMILY & YOUTH’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort proudly supports the “Connections Count! Professional Development Conference” with a $5,000 donation. Family & Youth’s 13th annual conference connects mental health professionals and practitioners from throughout Louisiana as they expand, enhance, and share knowledge, expertise, and “know how” related to services for children, youth, JANUARY 27, 2011
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and families. Connections Count! Professional Development Conference will be held on Feb. 16 -17, at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. For more information, visit www.fyca.org, or call (337) 436-9533. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WELCOMES NEW COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Kay Morgan, a DeRidder native with nearly 15 years experience in public relations, marketing and community outreach within the health care industry, recently joined the staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as communications manager. In her new position, Morgan will be responsible for developing and implementing Memorial’s overall internal and external communication strategies for the hospital, serving as public information officer and media liaison. In addition, she is also responsible for managing the hospital’s sponsorship opportunities. For more information, call the marketing department at Memorial Hospital at (337) 494-2355. Kay Morgan LC COCA COLA DONATES TO MSU FOUNDATION Lake Charles Coca-Cola Bottling Co. has donated $10,000 to the McNeese State University Foundation for endowed scholarships for students. The company currently has six established scholarships endowed through the McNeese Foundation.
Jessica Aguillard, a Coca-Cola Scholarship recipient, and McNeese President Dr. Philip C. Williams accept the donation from Lake Charles Coca-Cola Bottling Co. representatives Larry Stout and Blaine Royer. McNeese Photo L’AUBERGE DONATES TO MARDI GRAS MUSEUM L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently donated $5,000 to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. The museum hosts fantastic costumes and historical displays commemorating Mardi Gras across the region. Many of the dazzling costumes are now on display at L’Auberge for guests to enjoy and photograph during Mardi Gras season.
Pictured are Kevin Hodge, executive director of the museum; Kerry Andersen, director of public and community relations at L’Auberge; and Anne Monlezun, president of the museum’s board of directors. PAGE 8
JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
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Ashton Elliott and Shane Baker NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL INTERNS RECEIVE AWARD Ashton Elliott and Shane Baker, both McNeese State University interns have achieved the prestigious “Power of 10 Award” for their work during the Northwestern Mutual internship program. The Power of 10 Award recognizes financial representative interns who have obtained a specific level of success in building their businesses and developing their client base. Historically, Power of 10 Award winners are in the top fifteen percent of the internship program across the country. The Northwestern Mutual internship program has had students participate from over 500 different campuses across the country with more than 25,000 students participating since 1967. For more information on the internship program, please contact Becky Girola at (337) 437-7826 or visit www.nminternships.com.
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Holy Family Catholic School winner of the National Geographic Bee 8th grader Crosby Qui accepts his medal and certificate from teacher Shara Fagnant. CROSBY QUI WINS FIRST PLACE IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE Of the eight finalists who participated in St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School’s National Geographic Bee, first place went to 8th grader Crosby Qui, second place to 6th grader Luke Burnham, and third place to 7th grader Tyler Devillier. Best wishes to Crosby as he takes the qualifying test for the Louisiana Statewide Bee—and congratulations to all of the participants. Caption: Eighth grader Crosby Qui accepts his medal and certificate from teacher Shara Fagnant. Qui can compete statewide later this spring. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NOW OFFERING PHYSICIAN REFERRAL SERVICE Local residents can access the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Physician Referral Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply calling toll-free (800)-494LCMH (5264).The new Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Physician Referral Line is a quick and easy-to-use reference helping to connect the community to highly qualified physicians and specialists on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Memorial Hospital for Women. Callers will have access to over 285 board-certified physicians with over 40 different medical specialties. Physician information can also be found on-line at www.lcmh.com/physicians.
TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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The Porch Coffeehouse Partners With Arts Council for Reading Series The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana and The Porch Coffeehouse and Café have come together to give Southwest Louisiana a monthly poetry reading series that will take place on the first Friday of each month. The second installation of the series will be on Fri., Feb. 4, at 7 p.m., and will feature poets J. Bruce Fuller and William Lusk Coppage. Billy Edwards, owner of The Porch
Coffeehouse, initiated the series and invited Arts Council Special Project Coordinator and local poet Erica McCreedy to aid in its coordination. The monthly reading series is only one of the more recent endeavors The Porch has taken on in order to better enhance the quality of life for Lake Area residents and visitors. The two poets who will be featured at the February reading are both Master of Fine Arts candidates in
Creative Writing at McNeese State University. J. Bruce Fuller is author of the chapbook 28 Blackbirds at the End of the World, which was recently published by Bandersnatch Books. He is the owner of Yellow Flag Press, which specializes in publishing chapbooks and broadsides. William Lusk Coppage is a native of Greenville, MS. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Blue Earth Review,
Word Riot, Mikrokosmos, You Must Be This Tall to Ride, and Cream City Review. The Porch Coffeehouse and Café is located at 4710 Common Street in Lake Charles and is open Mon. – Wed. from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thurs. - Sat. from 6 a.m. to close. For more information about the reading series, visit www.theporchcoffeehouse.com or call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787. TJN
MSU Theatre’s Waiting for Godot Gains Entry Into Regional Competition IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1536 Ryan St. • 337-433-3497 Open House is Wednesday, Feb. 2 9:00am - 4:00pm
OUR LADY IMMACULATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 600 Roberts Ave., Jennings 337-824-1743 Open House is Tuesday, March 22 6:00pm - 7:30pm
SACRED HEART OF JESUS/ SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1100 Mill St. • 337-436-3588 Open House is Sunday, Feb. 6 10:00am - 1:00pm and Tuesday, Feb. 8, 11:00am - 1:00pm
OUR LADY QUEEN OF HEAVEN CATHOLIC SCHOOL 3908 Creole St. • 337-477-7333 Open House is Thursday, Mar. 24 6:00pm
ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2510 Enterprise Blvd. 337-436-7595 Open House is Thursday, Mar. 3 6:00pm, Talks and tours. OUR LADY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1111 Cypress St., Sulphur 337-527-7828 Open House is Wednesday, Mar. 16 6:00pm
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ST. THEODORE’S HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL 785 Sam Houston Jones Prkwy, Moss Bluff 337-855-9465 Open House is Thursday, Mar. 17 8:30am - 2:30pm (during class hrs.) and 5:30pm - 7:00pm ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 1620 Bank St. • 337-436-7275 Registration Dates: Incoming Freshman from support schools: Jan. 10-14 Continuing/current students: Feb. 14-18 Incoming Freshmen high school placement test: Feb. 12 8:00am - 11:30am
McNeese State University Theatre’s fall production of Waiting for Godot gained entry into regional competition of the national Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival at the recent state Kennedy Center festival in New Orleans. Students and faculty will travel to Amarillo College in Amarillo, to present their work in the Region 6 festival Feb. 22-26. “Our production was one of six productions selected from over 60 entries in our region to compete,” said Joy Pace, coordinator of theatre arts and production director. These six productions — selected from universities and colleges in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas — will compete against one another for a chance to advance to nationals in Washington, D.C. The national winner — chosen from eight regional winners — will stage its show at the Kennedy Center in April. Six McNeese students have also earned a chance to compete for regional Irene Ryan talent scholarships, valued at $500 each. If they win, they can compete for $2,500
national prizes. Students selected include Waiting for Godot cast members Levi Arens as “Pozzo,” Jared Bankens as “Vladimir” and Gabriel Brown as “Estragon” and Our Hurricane Kaleidoscope cast members Josh Costea, Elise Hamilton and Wesley Saucier for their multiple roles in this original play by McNeese theatre faculty member Charles McNeely. Pace said these scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the late Irene Ryan, the actress who is best remembered for her portrayal of the lovable and feisty Granny Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies. Other awards received at the state festival were: Director’s Choice Award for Waiting for Godot, voted on by all of the directors of the other participating productions; Excellence in Costume Design, Kat Daniel; Excellence in Ensemble Acting, Waiting for Godot cast including Arens, Bankens, Brown, Elise Hamilton and Anna McConnell; and Excellence in Directing, Joy Pace. TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest The Louisiana Division of the Arts and the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana are ready to once again bring poetry into the classroom with Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The local tier of the competition is open to all homeschooled high school students and high school students whose schools chose not to participate this year. The Calcasieu Parish Central Library at 301 West Claude Street will host the first round of Poetry Out Loud on Thurs., Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. The deadline to register is Mon., Feb. 7. After students compete at the local competition, the top three go on to compete at the Southwest Louisiana Regional Competition
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on Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Central School auditorium. All interested students and parents must contact the Arts Council in order to receive guidelines and regulations. For both the Local and Regional Competitions, students will recite two poems — one must be 25 lines or fewer and the other must have been composed prior to the 20th century. For more information on the Local or Regional Poetry Out Loud Competitions or to register for the Local Competition at the Calcasieu Library, contact Arts Council Special Projects Coordinator Erica McCreedy by calling (337) 439-2787 or e-mail projects@artsandhumanitiesswla.org. TJN
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
DaVinci Never Threw an Interception I didn’t realize it until now, but I have been torturing myself for nearly my entire life. In fact, I’ve put myself through so much that I doubt even waterboarding would faze me. Things would have stayed that way, too, if it weren’t for a life-changing last weekend that gave me a swift kick in the seat of the pants. That’s right. My football team lost in the playoffs. I really don’t understand how they could have done this to me, after all
that I have given to them. For four whole months - five if you count the pre-season- I sacrificed my Sundays to the team. My loyalty never wavered, as I religiously made my weekly pilgrimage to the sports bar across town. I was always on time for the kickoff, the lone soul wearing my team’s jersey amidst the sea of Dallas Cowboys fans, enduring their ridicule. I’ve bribed the waitress $20 to put the game on the bar’s smallest TV, where I had to squint to see the
plays, squinting harder with every beer. All of these things I endured all season long for the love of my team. Then what do they go and do to me? They blow a two-touchdown lead in a playoff game, that’s what. I’ll tell you, this whole experience was an eye-opener for me. Yes, Dear Football, I know that our relationship goes back a long way. I know about all of the times that we had together, all of the ups and downs. But I’ve finally had enough of you, and I have got to say that this latest episode is the last straw. It’s been a tough decision, but you leave me with no choice. I’ve decided to leave you for another form of entertainment. I’m going to become a devotee of the Fine Arts. The way I see it, the Fine Arts would never let me down the way you have, Dear Football. There’s no way I could walk into the Louvre, only to find that someone had unexpectedly taken a Sharpie and drawn a mustache and glasses on the Mona Lisa. And I don’t have to go to the opera worrying about whether the orchestra will screw up and break into Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” in the middle of Madame Butterfly.
Here’s another thing: I won’t ever again have to put up with obnoxious fans from opposing teams. I can go to New York and safely walk into the Museum of Modern Art to view The Persistence of Memory by my favorite artist, Salvador Dali, completely unafraid of having to confront an unruly mob of drunken Picasso fans, spilling beer all over the marble floor and wearing those big foam fingers, all the while getting in my face shouting, “We’re number one!” What’s more, I won’t ever have to worry about my favorite 18th century composer tearing his ACL and being out for the season. Heck, he’s already been dead for over 200 years! How much worse can it get? Nor do I need to be concerned about any kind of scandal suddenly being unearthed about my favorite Impressionist painter. All the dirt on them is already out. And there’s no cause to complain about outrageous salaries, either. Most of these guys died penniless; their works only became priceless many years later. Somehow, I can’t picture Tom Brady signing a contract that defers his salary until a century after his last game in the NFL. Actually, as a former sports fan, there’s a lot that I can bring to the world of Fine Arts. Take tailgating, for instance. I’ve never noticed a whole lot of that going on outside of a symphony hall, but I really think that it could become a real hit among classical music listeners. So, instead of eating baby back ribs and Miller Lite out of the back of a truck, we’ll have beef bourguignon in an orangeburgundy sauce with a 1989 Chateau Vieux-Certan, served by a uniformed limo driver. That would be the only difference. I do have to say, there are certain things I’ll miss about being a football fan. For one, it’s going to be really hard to strike up a conversation around the water cooler on Monday morning about The Cubist Paintings of Diego Rivera exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. But I can try. So, think about these things when you’re at your Super Bowl party, and I’m at home watching Don Giovanni on PBS. Perhaps you, too, will come to see things as I do, and suggest flipping the channel. Just be prepared for the barrage of chicken wing bones.
TJN
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oyle By Jim D
“Too soon! Too soon!”
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JANUARY 27, 2011
About five years ago, those words rang out as I saw the previews of Flight 93, a movie about the 9/11 bombings. This particular trailer depicted the burning World Trade Center. The movie theater where I saw the trailer was in Princeton, New Jersey, where, no doubt, some of the family members of the 674 Garden State residents killed on that day resided. Four and a half years after that assault on our country and our citizens, very vocal residents were not yet ready to make entertainment from the event, even a movie which depicted the best result from that awful day: the beginning of a time when Americans began to stand up for each other. I couldn’t help but think of that lonely voice in the ugly aftermath of the Arizona shootings. Too soon. It may be too soon for a long time. I only hope the choice of some to speak out in defense of their own hurt feelings, choosing to make an American tragedy that affected us all more about them than us, will serve to forever banish them from the overlarge stage they have heretofore occupied. It’s tough for me to be objective about this. Heroes stopped foreign terrorists aboard Flight 93 with plastic forks and serving trays, probably saving the United States Capitol Building from destruction. Joe Zamudio and Patricia Maisch stopped an ill-served and apparently untreated mental patient from killing more people by bravely wrestling him to the ground and taking away the assault-size bullet clip he should never have been eligible to buy in the first place. Not enough has been said about these
two heroes. But nothing can justify the Herculean efforts of national lobbying organizations, which found friendly supporters in the Republican majority Congress of 2004, in ending an assault weapons ban, which would have prevented manufacture or sale of that clip in the United States. If anything, the false equivalency, which has become conventional wisdom: “both sides do it,” referring to political speech, has cheapened the debate and excused inexcusable behavior. I watch news on all the channels I can get, not one exclusively, not the same ones every day. But I have never heard anyone on MSNBC, for example, defend a politician who threatened gun violence if she didn’t get elected. I’ve never read an editorial in the New York Times which said it was okay for the NRA to support open sales at gun shows, cursory background checks, and no limitation on assault rifles in defense of the same overbroad interpretation of the Second Amendment as the one espoused by the candidate I referred to above. When are we going to grow up enough as a country to realize this? When are enough of us going to say enough is enough, to say out loud, in public, in America, what the rest of the world says about us already: That 236 million guns in a nation of 300 million souls is too damned many?? When are enough of us going to realize that one of the two major political parties supports a movement which not only believes any law limiting any type of firearm or munition is a “threat to freedom,” but supports having its members openly display those weapons at
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public political events? My problem isn’t so much with these so-called Tea Party members, who are never going to be more than a small minority anyway; it’s with the enablers they have in the Republican Party. Where are the John McCains and Rudy Giulianis of the world when the issue is American gun violence instead of a “mosque at Ground Zero?” They are shamefully, and inexplicably, silent. When those loud, angry, emotional and largely uninformed mobs shout: “We Want Our Country Back,” when is a majority of us going to stand up and ask, “From Whom?” We had an election. Not a coup. The same people who today call our very moderate President a Socialist or worse were the ones who wanted House committee meetings (cf. Michelle Bachmann) to question the loyalty of those Americans who disagreed with President Bush the Younger’s treatyviolating torture policy, his invasion of Iraq in search of invisible atom bombs, and his obsession with his political enemies. I agree with Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin, and (God help me) Sarah Palin on one point. No political thought drove this madman to do what he did. But those three, and many others, drive a discourse in this land we love which is a daily disservice to what we have always said we believe: that all men are created equal; that everyone has the right to be treated equally by the government and with respect by his neighbors; and that, “with malice towards none and charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to
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bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for she who shall have borne the battle . . . to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves . . .” That last loosely quoted passage was Abraham Lincoln’s attempt to end the partisan bitterness that marked the late armed struggle. A month and eight days after saying it, he was struck down by an assassin’s bullet fired into his head. His death was followed by an all-out effort to punish the South that assassin claimed to represent in ways which kept it in economic servility well into my adult life. Nothing ends well when set in motion by violence. The way I see it, we have a choice of how to react to the Arizona tragedy. We can simply ignore it. We can take the easy route of pretending words don’t matter and enjoy the same toxic speech we now hear as we eat lunch every day. Or we can take a stand. I propose only a small one. Whichever side you’re on, whoever drives your boat, turn them off for a week. Just a week. It won’t matter much to them, but it may allow you to remember who you are. And that’s a proud American. Like those on Flight 93. Like the folks in the Arizona supermarket. Like your next door neighbor. My favorite speeches of President Obama emphasize the Latin phrase: E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, we are one. It’s never too soon for that. See you guys on the flip. And God Bless the United States of America. TJN
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Alzheimer’s Disease: Recognizing Signs and Symptoms in Your Loved Ones
CELL (337) 802-7410 337-478-8530 ext. 120, FAX 337-477-7217
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PAGE 16
JANUARY 27, 2011
Over 5.3 million people are living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the United States. In Louisiana alone, over 83,000 people over the age of 65 were listed as having Alzheimer’s or other dementias as of 2010, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. At CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, the Behavioral Health team has a mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the community by helping to raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of Alzheimer’s, as well as offer treatment and support to patients and families with the condition. Natasha Green, LCSW, clinical coordinator for Behavioral Health Services at St. Patrick Hospital says that early symptoms of AD can include things such as language problems, misplacing items, getting lost on familiar routes or personality changes and loss of social skills. “Often, it can begin with grasping for the name of familiar objects or difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, such as balancing a checkbook,” Green said. “As the AD becomes worse, symptoms become more obvious and interfere with a patient’s ability to take care of themselves.” Severe symptoms can include: • Forgetting events in your own life history; losing awareness of who you are, • Change in sleep patterns; often waking up at night,
• Difficulty reading or writing, • Poor judgment and loss of ability to recognize danger, • Using the wrong word, mispronouncing words, speaking in confusing sentences, • Withdrawing from social contact, • Having delusions, depression, agitation, and • Difficulty doing basic tasks, such as preparing meals, choosing proper clothing, and driving. A skilled doctor or nurse can often diagnose AD through a history and physical exam. A health care provider will take a history, do a physical exam (including a neurological exam), and perform a mental status examination. Unfortunately, there is no cure for AD. The goals in treating AD are to slow the progression of the disease, manage the behavior problems, modify the home environment and offer support for family members and other caregivers, Green said. St. Patrick’s Behavioral Health services provide geriatric inpatient and outpatient services. They assist senior adults 55+ suffering from disorientation or confusion, depression, anxiety, excessive worry, severe mood swings, sleep and appetite disturbances and other mood and behavioral disorders. For more information on inpatient services, contact the access center at 431-7936. For information on outpatient services, call 430-3492.
TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
By George “Tip” Cline
make more money for your business in the long run. I guess that these days, the short run is all that counts. We don’t have any 7-Elevens around here anyway—and Starbucks won’t finish with blanketing the country with the 31-ounce quart until May. NO BARGAIN Another way of raising prices is to show the item on sale for a price under its former regular price and indicating an everyday price for the item at the new, elevated price. This
makes the consumer think he’s getting a bargain. It establishes a conception of the elevated new price in the purchaser and moves old merchandise out of inventory. Pretty smooth way of getting the customer in tune with the higher price and making the product look more economical at the sale price. We all know that higher prices are coming due to rising fuel costs. Just be careful and don’t make foolish purchases just because you think something is a bargain. TJN
DUI Check Stops are Working An old friend brought up the subject of the DUI check stops that I have written about in prior columns. Since he has expertise in the legal field, he took issue with my emphasis on the revenue-raising results of these stops. Although he said that a first-offense conviction would wind up costing the victim somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,500, he assured me that the blockades were not designed to raise money. He also spoke of the net reduction of alcohol-related fatalities since the blockades have been put into action. There’s been an obvious change in people’s habits, as there are less drivers abusing the cocktail hour. It was and still is my belief that our liberties are precious and that our rights should be jealously guarded. I have also always contended that drunk driving is neither a right nor a privilege and should be punished by law. It has been established that an alcohol blood content level of .08 percent is legal impairment, thereby making a driver caught in that condition a legally drunk driver. My friend did agree that having an alcoholic beverage did not make you automatically impaired and that the law has not banned temperate consumption. His sincere concern was of the tragic consequences that have occurred in the past and how to prevent them in the future. He also mentioned that the amount of drug-related impairments have become much more prevalent in recent years. I so appreciate his input, and continue to solicit ideas and thoughts from readers who Volume 2 • Issue 21
wish to share them on the varied subjects we pursue. WHERE’S THE BREAKFAST? I regret the removal of the Celtic Breakfast from MacFarlane’s Pub menu. They told me that it just didn’t sell very well and wasn’t worth keeping on their bill of fare. I think they may have made a huge mistake—or rather, some of their patrons made a mistake in not ordering that tasty, more-thanenough to-share item. I hope they reconsider returning the big breakfast, as that any-time-of-day meal was one of my favorites. They still do that great, stout-marinated steak, which will console me while I await the return of my breakfast.
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THE TRENTA CUP Starbucks, the outfit that taught America that $5 is not enough to pay for a cup of coffee, is now bringing out their new 31-ounce quart serving. Yes, that’s right, you will not get a full quart in their new “Trenta” size cup for your hot beverage. I suppose they’re worried about the liability of that much steaming java in one service. This new example of marketing confusion falls on the shady practice that 7-Eleven pulled by quietly reducing the “Big Gulp” size from 44 ounces to 40 ounces. What a sweet way to jack your price up by 10 percent without having to change your menu board. I fail to see where duping your customer makes for a better relationship between buyer and seller. A loyal customer is your bread and butter. Someone who knows that he’s getting an honest deal will JANUARY 27, 2011
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A Greener
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Avoid Tree Planting Mistakes Many home gardeners and landscape professionals plant shade trees during the fall and winter months here in Louisiana. People are learning that this is the proper time of the year to plant, but improper planting practices sometimes present issues regarding the long-term landscape success of these trees. We need to be aware of some of the common mistakes made in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees. Many times, poor tree performance in our residential landscapes can be traced to improper planting techniques. Here are a few common things to consider when adding new trees to your landscape: Select a good-quality tree. You would think this would be obvious, but some trees offered for sale aren’t good quality. Make sure the species and variety is recommended for Louisiana. Is the plant overgrown in the container? Inspect the trunk of the young tree for any bark damage.
Select the right tree for the right place. Be sure the tree you’re considering will work in the environment where it is being planted. Consider mature height and mature spread and allow enough room for the tree to develop to its full mature size without regular pruning. Make sure the characteristics of the site – such as soil pH, soil drainage and sun and shade exposure – fit the tree. Don’t plant too deep. The top of the root ball should be at the same level or slightly higher than the soil grade. Do not cover the lower trunk with soil. And be careful with over-mulching. This has the same detrimental effects as planting too deep. We recommend 3-4 inches of mulch spread evenly underneath a tree’s canopy. But don’t plant too shallow. If the top of the root ball is exposed to air, the root system will dry out. Dig the hole to the proper width. The width of the planting hole should be two to three
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JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
times wider than the tree’s root ball. This allows for lateral root development and expansion. Remember that tree roots need to grow out from the planting hole. Inspect for root-bound trees. Cut the encircling roots enough to encourage their outward root growth and prevent future circling. Avoid modifying backfill soil. Backfill soil is the soil removed from the planting hole. The current recommendation is to return to the planting hole the soil that came from it. Don’t amend this soil with pine bark, compost or similar materials. A change in the soil texture from the planting hole to the surrounding soil will cause water from the surrounding soil to migrate into the planting hole and saturate the root system. This “soup bowl” effect can damage or even kill the tree by holding too much moisture.
Water appropriately after planting. Newly planted trees need to be sufficiently watered-in. This eliminates from the soil air pockets that dry out the root system. Apply water at the edge of the original root ball and outward. Don’t apply water next to the main stems. Avoid radical pruning at planting. The only pruning that should be done at planting is to remove any dead or broken branches or suckers. Leave some branches on the lower part of the trunk for a year or so – this encourages trunk development. Excessive pruning of shoots at planting can also promote additional shoot growth at a time when root growth is more important. Source: LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill Kyle Huffstickler, and Allen Owings
TJN
Gulf Coast Bird Club Announces Wildflower Program The Gulf Coast Bird Club will have a wildflower program at its regular monthly meeting, which will be held at McNeese State University’s Frasch Hall Auditorium on Thurs., Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. The wildflower program will be on flowers of the piney woods and Southwest Louisiana area. Anyone with an interest in birds, flowers or butterflies will truly enjoy this program. The speaker will be Dr. Charles Allen of Vernon Parish. Dr. Allen is a senior botanist with Colorado State stationed at Fort Polk, He is a retired Professor of Biology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a charter member of the Louisiana Native Plant Society. He served as President of the Society and has organized many field trips throughout Louisiana. He is the co-author of Edible Plants of the Gulf South and the soon-to-be-published Louisiana Wildflower Guide. He has present-
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ed talks on edible plants, wildflowers, and butterflies to many groups across the state and beyond. The Gulf Coast Bird Club is dedicated to promoting the knowledge and conservation of birdlife, other wildlife, natural habitats and natural resources; and to fostering an appreciation of our natural environment and of the significance of its influence upon human life. Founded in 1984, the Club seeks to provide educational opportunities to the general public and to other organizations regarding bird life. They welcome all who are interested in birding and nature to attend their educational meetings and participate in field trips from Sept.-May, for opportunities to see the many birds that inhabit, winter in, or migrate through our area. For more information, contact David Booth at 474-7325. For online information, visit the Web site at www.sites.google.com/site/gulfcoastbirdclub TJN
JANUARY 27, 2011
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What’s Cookin’ Pitt Grill
Does Catering! Pitt Grill has been serving up great food in the Lake Area for years, but did you know that they also have a catering business? Three years ago, owners Bob and Jana King decided to expand their operation to include this service, which has become a big success. “We have a room in the back area that can sit up to 40 people,” said General Manager Nancy Carlton. If you’re planning a birthday, graduation or anniversary party, that venue would be perfect for your special event. It’s available Mon.- Sat. They require a minimum of 20-25 guests to reserve the room. “We also cater weddings and rehearsal
dinners,” she said. “We have all our own catering equipment so we provide service for these events.” Pitt Grill has also done parties, showers and plant functions. They offer complete meals, or just finger foods. The most popular banquet food served is their beef tips and gravy; oyster, shrimp or crawfish fettuccine; and etouffee and boiled shrimp; served with a salad of choice, rolls and garlic bread. They can also do vegetable and sandwich trays. When catering a reception, Pitt Grill furnishes tablecloths, skirting and containers for the food. For more information on Pitt Grill’s catering service, call Nancy at 527-9448.
The happy folks at Pitt Grill!
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JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
Beef Tips and Gravy Don’t you just love tender, juicy beef tips? They’re especially good this time of year. Add a tossed salad and hot bread from the oven and you’ve got a delicious winter meal! INGREDIENTS: • 1 1/2 lbs. beef tips • 2 tablespoons salad oil
• 3 cups water • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 onion, sliced • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 3 tablespoons water PREPARATION Sauté beef tips in salad oil until lightly browned. Place in a Dutch oven and add water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Cook covered on simmering low
heat for approximately one hour. Add sliced onions and cook an additional 30 to 40 minutes on low heat, being careful to not let all the water boil out. (You will need at least 1 1/2 cups of water left as gravy.) In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and pour into beef mixture. Stir well and cook an additional minute while gravy thickens. Serve over rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. Serves two-three people. Enjoy!
TJN
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photo by www.monsoursphotography.com Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
By Yvette Degazon, MD, Family Practice Physician When it comes to maintaining good health, it takes a village – a multidisciplinary team of experts – to provide comprehensive health care. It’s not unusual for your preventive care regime to include regular visits to more than one doctor: a family physician, an obstetrician or gynecologist, and any specialist involved in treating chronic conditions: an allergist, dermatologist, orthopedist or cardiologist, for example. However, it’s important to have one team leader quarterbacking your health care, so to speak. This person is your primary care physician and he or she serves as the main gatekeeper for your care. Choosing a primary care physician may be the most important step in caring for your health. WHAT IS A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN? Your primary care physician (PCP) is the doctor you typically see for an annual physical, i.e., your main health care provider for non-emergency care. Your PCP performs routine tests that are needed at various stages throughout your life to monitor your health and diagnose and treat medical problems. If needed, your PCP can refer you to a specialist if a serious illness requiring special management is necessary. A PCP serves as the chief facilitator for other physicians involved in your care, making sure that all the components– from treatments to prescribed medications – work together effectively, for your good health. A PCP will provide preventive care, based on their knowledge of your unique health history, heredity, and other factors. He or she will also provide you with health education, so that you can make informed decisions about your lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity. Volume 2 • Issue 21
A PCP is typically a family practitioner or an internist, although some obstetricians may function as a PCP for their patients. A family practitioner is a generalist who can treat children and adults of all ages, and may also perform obstetrics and minor surgery. An internist is a doctor who has completed a residency in internal medicine and is trained to care for adults of all ages, as well as treat many different medical problems, from common to complex illnesses. The advantage of having a PCP over using a walk-in clinic or urgent care center for routine health maintenance is continuity: an ongoing relationship with a single medical professional will have in-depth knowledge about you and your health history, family background, past injuries or illnesses, allergies, and risk factors for certain diseases. CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOCTOR FOR YOU You and your PCP will be together for a long time, so making the right choice is important. You may ask family and friends for recommendations, check with other health providers you may know, or consult with your local hospital for a physician referral. As you begin your search for a primary care provider, consider the following tips from the National Institutes of Health: • Does the physician participate in your insurance plan (also known as an “in-network provider”)? If not, the amount of your co-payment for seeing the physician may be higher. • Is the physician accepting new patients? • Is the practice located in an area that is close to your home or work location? Are the office hours convenient for your schedule?
• What is most important to you in a good PCP? General health and wellness? Experience in the treatment of certain chronic diseases? • What about your personal preferences? Do you feel more comfortable with a male or a female doctor? A young doctor or an older physician? A warm, casual and friendly communication style or one that is more formal? • Does the physician use a conservative or aggressive approach to medical treatment? Does he or she ask about the patient’s preferences regarding specific types of medical treatments? • Is the physician easy to reach by phone? Does he or she use (and encourage patient contact) via e-mail? Are office staff members friendly and helpful? For help in choosing a doctor in the Lake Charles area, visit www.women-childrens.com and click on the Find a Physician search link (found at the top of the page) for a database of our physicians arranged by last name, specialty, geographic location and gender. Or, for personal assistance in matching you with a physician who meets your needs, call the Lake Area Physicians Referral Line at (337) 562-3689.
Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health. About the Author: Yvette Degazon, M.D. is a family practice physician with Lake Area Family Medicine located at 4150 Nelson Rd., Building G., Suite 5 in Lake Charles. In most cases, same day and next day appointments are available. For an appointment or more information, contact her office at (337) 562-3761. © Copyright 2010 - Community Health Systems (CHS). This article may be used by CHS-affiliated hospitals only. Women & Children’s Hospital, Lake Charles is a CHSaffiliated hospital. TJN
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Story by Penny J. Miller Photos Courtesy of Mary Beth Conner Photography
You know when it hits you. Whether it starts as a slow, growing friendship or a lightning shock to your senses, the moment you begin to fall in love is unmistakable. Even the most confident can be stricken with a fluttering heart, sweaty palms, and incessant grinning. As this new feeling begins to grow and deepen, you find yourself thinking about your special someone constantly and have an uncontrollable desire to be near him. You spend endless hours talking about him and
to him. You imagine what it would be like to have him by your side each day, and can’t imagine your life without him. You finally realize…this is the one. So, with bended knee and commitment in your hearts, you begin a whole new and exciting chapter of your life. And, today is the day that you declare before your friends and family that you have chosen the one that you will love above all others. This is your wedding day.
After endless decisions and months of planning, your special day is here. You’ve left no detail without consideration: the perfect dress, exquisite flowers, personalized place settings, and charming invitations. This day is meant to be as magical and as memorable as the day you fell in love. So, as you envision this special day, picture your elegant arrival in a horse-drawn carriage that pulls up to the smell of fresh flowers encased under a canopy of lush oak trees,
and surrounded by a floral landscape with a view of the water. After your beautiful ceremony with soft, tented lighting, your guests will easily stroll into the welcome of wide verandas and the sophistication of your stylish reception. They’ll delight in your innovative dining selection and toast your union as you glide together through your first dance as husband and wife. And, you will know that this was no fairytale – this is love, and this was your wedding at Gray Plantation.
Lindsey Leblanc and her bridesmaids. PAGE 24
JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
THE ACCOMODATIONS With its unique combination of Southern charm and modern sophistication, Gray Plantation opens its doors and hearts to give you the wedding of your dreams. You and your guests will enjoy your special day in the warm and welcoming appeal of Graywood Park, the newly designed, outdoor ceremony setting, followed by the ambience of their clubhouse in the Evergreen Room, with imaginative catering by the chefs at Cypress Grill. The lush landscape and Old World charm of their facilities add an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding photos that will seal your day in treasured memories.
The stylish and sophisticated reception area is equipped to accommodate up to 350 guests with 20,000 square feet between the connecting Evergreen Room, foyer, trophy hall, and Cypress Grill restaurant. With minimal decorations required, the Evergreen Room hosts a naturally elegant décor of raised ceilings, pillared columns, spacious dance floor options, and a glass-encased wine closet that sets the scene for the perfect wedding theme. Guests can enjoy the festivities of dining and dancing in the main reception area of the Evergreen Room, slip outside to the oversized porch that overlooks the 18th hole of the Gray
Mr. and Mrs. LeBlanc
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1025 Ryan St. • 433-3637 www.navarras.com
Wedding Registry Available Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Plantation, or lounge quietly in the Cypress Grill, while watching the main reception streaming live on flat screen monitors. Gray Plantation’s specialized event menu allows the bride and groom to choose from a cocktail party, buffet-style, or formal seating/dinner reception for their reception. All three menus provide a large variety of beef, seafood, and poultry selections to suit your style, taste, and pocketbook.
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION The staff at Gray Plantation offers smooth transitional planning. From setting the date to throwing the bouquet, the specialized and personable staff at Gray Plantation will be there to help you walk down the aisle with every detail in place.
With over 11 years as a wedding planner, Holly Clawson, event planner and director of sales, knows how special a wedding at Gray Plantation can be. “We are one of only a few places in this area that offers outdoor ceremonies, along with onsite reception facilities,” she said. “We offer our brides an exceptional view with a professional staff and amazing food.” Clawson suggests 9 to 12 months to plan your wedding, emphasizing that their job begins when you first call to set the date, and ends when the last guest has gone. “We are here to help our brides in any way that we can, from providing vendor and planner lists, to assisting with communication and arrangements of the ceremony,” she said. It’s their goal to allow the bride to have a worry-free and
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JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
Alterations • Formals Tuxedo Rentals • Wedding Gowns
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relaxing day. “We are here to help the bride,” she said. “We act as her eyes and ears the day of the wedding.” Clawson said that for those brides that are currently living out of state, but returning home for their wedding, Gray Plantation can take care of all of their local accommodations via phone, fax, and e-mail. “We currently have a bride who lives in Texas, but is coming home for her wedding,” Clawson said. “We’ve been helping her with the arrangements on this end by providing vendor lists, setting up arrangements, and preparing for her ceremony.” She said that no matter how far away they are, brides can feel secure that their plans are being professionally handled for their arrival. “We offer our event services to both members and to the public,” she said. “With prices financially comparable to facilities in the surrounding areas, what sets us apart is our attention to helping our guest’s plan their events, the added features of the golf course, the exception view and facilities, and our fabulous dining experience.” Gray Plantation is proud to offer their wedding and event arrangements with upfront and
comparable pricing, without the worry of site fees or hidden and unexpected charges. “With a minimal deposit at signing, we quote an upfront price, and our brides can feel safe in knowing exactly how much their wedding at our facility will be,” Clawson said.
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ADDITIONAL EVENT OPTIONS In addition to their full-service wedding and reception services, Gray Plantation also offers golf and conference packages, business meeting arrangements, special events, and party accommodations to both members and the public. Event packages offer a variety of optional dining, planning, and custom accomodations to suit your every need. Call Holly Clawson at (337) 562-1206 for your free tour of the facilities and an event consultation at Gray Plantation today, and set your event apart from the rest! Gray Plantation is located at 6150 Graywood Parkway in Lake Charles. To contact the Golf Pro Shop at (337) 562-1663 and the Sports Club at (337) 477-1114.
TJN
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562-0054 Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Gray Plantation’s Golf Club continues to enhance its reputation as a longstanding member among the “best of the best” when it comes to golf in Southwest Louisiana. The magnificent 18-hole championship golf course, nicknamed “The Gray,” is located within the master-planned community of Graywood. More than just a golf course, The Gray continues to enhance its stature by being named in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Public Courses” and “No. Three in Louisiana.” “Our value is at the heart of the way we work and the backbone of what we deliver,” said Kevin Tracey, director of golf. “With three Class “A” PGA professionals on the Gray Plantation leadership team, we’re certain to help grow and enhance what is already an unparalleled golf experience.” Gray Plantation Golf Club is open to the public and is home to worldclass golf instruction for golfers of all ages and abilities featuring: • An indoor state-of-the-art facility, • Mark Moore, previously the highest level instructor with Hank Haney for 12 years, • Private lessons, clinics, schools, camps, and junior development, • In-door putting studio with SAM putting system,
• V1 Swing Analysis software, • Zelocity Launch Monitor, • Custom club fitting and repair, and • Students on multiple Tours including 2007 Nationwide Tour money winner
DINING Gray Plantation provides a variety of dining opportunities to both members and the public. Gather with family and neighbors and enjoy dining at its best. Celebrate themed dinners, fun galas and the joy of the holidays. Guests and members can also enjoy the casual flair of Cypress Grill, which has become a destination place in Lake Charles for lunch and dinner featuring the best in Southern cuisine. There, you can relax with friends and family while enjoying your favorite sporting or news events on five plasma televisions. Cypress Grill is excited to announce their new “take-out” menu, now available to members and the general public featuring family-style dinners or party trays. TJN
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Volume 2 • Issue 21
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By Maria Alcantara Faul There are many different wedding traditions from all over the world. Some are similar to those of other countries, and some are totally different. Most traditions involve the bride walking down the aisle on her father’s arm, wearing a white dress and carrying a bouquet of flowers, but in different parts of the world, a variety of traditions and cultures make this special day quite colorful and interesting.
The rings Most wedding plans begin when that special man presents that special woman with an engagement ring. The engagement ring is said to date back to medieval times, symbolizing the intention of a couple to marry. Diamonds have been customarily used for centuries. According to the ancient Greeks, the diamond’s fire reflected the love a man had for a woman. They also believed that the diamonds were small pieces that fell from the stars. Ancient Egyptians were considered to be the first to wear gold wedding rings, with the unbroken circle of the ring symbolizing eternity. The ring is placed on the “ring finger” of the left hand. According to Roman tradition, the left hand is generally used less often than the right, and the third finger is the only one that cannot be moved in isolation from the other fingers, thereby giving extra protection to the ring.
The shower Once engaged, a bridal shower takes place before a couple’s wedding and is intended to “shower” them with gifts. The bridal shower is the modern day replacement of the bridal dowry given by the bride’s family in the past. Legend has it that the first bridal shower took place in Holland when a young maiden fell in love with a poor miller. Her father forbade the marriage, but friends “showered” the bride with gifts so she could marry without a dowry. Traditionally, the bride’s female friends only attend the bridal shower, but today, a couple’s shower, attended by both the groom-to-be and bride-to-be and their friends, is also common.
Bachelor/ bachelorette party The bachelor and bachelorette party are two of the most anticipated events before the wedding. A bachelorette party is held for the bride-tobe. The term hen party or hen night is more common in England, Ireland, and Australia, while the term bachelorette party is more common here in the United States. The party is also referred to as a stagette party in Canada. The phrase stag party mirrors the female hen or stagette party. The task of organizing a bachelor or bachelorette party is often traditionally assigned to a sibling, the best man or the maid of
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honor. Despite its reputation as “a sodden farewell to an individual’s single days” or “an evening of debauchery,” a bachelor or bachelorette party is simply a party given in honor of the groom and bride-to-be in the style that is common to that social circle.
The wedding gown Before the last century, brides wore their best dress and the color chosen was thought to influence their life. Traditionally it was a blue wedding dress that denoted purity, not a white wedding dress as widely thought. It wasn’t till Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert in 1840 that white came to symbolize the purity of a bride. The beginning of the Victorian Era etched this new tradition of white dress purity which continues today. White, ivory or pale peach are still the most usual choice. Brides from other countries wear a specific color customary to their nation. A blue wedding dress is a traditional color to don if you are in Russia. Ancient Hebrew brides also incorporated blue into their wedding gowns as trim color, usually on a white wedding gown. Brides in Northern China wear a red onepiece frock called a qi pao, embroidered with elaborate gold and silver designs. The color red is considered good luck—a strong color that can keep away evil spirits in China.
In Japan, a bride will dress in a traditional white Japanese wedding kimono called a shiromaku. The color signifies serenity and patience. Korean bridal outfits consist of an elaborately embroidered and layered gown with a red skirt and yellow jacket symbolizing joy and life. In India, the traditional dress worn by the bride is a sari, often in the color red to ward off evil spirits. Lake Charles resident Fabiola Rodericks, a native of India, recounts her wedding to her husband Ken. “I wore a white silk sari for the church nuptials and Ken wore a suit,” she said. “I had a choice to wear a white western dress, but I decided to wear a sari.” During the reception at an Indian wedding, it is customary for the groom’s female relatives to take the bride to a side room, and dress her in a red sari and jewelry given by the groom. “I was taken to a room and dressed in a red sari and some gold jewelry that Ken had bought, and I had selected,” Rodericks said.
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Traditional Filipino Wedding
and Formal Dresses In recent years, Spanish brides have increasingly opted to wear white silk dresses. But, a truly traditional Spanish bride’s wedding gown is quite different. Black is the preferred color in Spain. It’s meant to symbolize the bride’s character that is just about to be uncovered by the groom.
Customs and superstitions Throughout history, customs and superstitions were thought to bring good and bad luck, happiness, success, good health and even large families to a bride and groom. The saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe” comes from the Victorian era. “Something old “signifies the bride’s link with her past life, so she wears something old or a used object on the day of her wedding. “Something new” represents a new future. “Something borrowed” should be something from a happily married friend or relative. “Something blue” symbolizes purity and love, and the “silver sixpence” in her shoe is to ensure future wealth. Hawaiian brides, for good luck, wear seven strands of pikaki flowers. In Belgium, it is tradition for the bride to carry an embroidered handkerchief with her name on it when she gets married. It is then framed and hung in the family
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home until the next family bride adds her name and carries it down the aisle. Many Greek brides believe a lump of sugar in their wedding glove will bring sweetness in their married life.
Ceremonies Many couples today are choosing to have non-religious wedding ceremonies, or to be married by a friend or family member. Most weddings, however, are still centered in a church ceremony. A Filipino wedding, for example, strongly influenced by Catholic roots, includes rituals that symbolize the significance of the union. During the ceremony, a secondary sponsor lights a candle for the bride and groom, which represents their everlasting union. A veil is also placed over the groom’s shoulders and the bride’s head, symbolizing the purity of the union, and a cord or a rosary is placed over the veil in a figure eight. The groom then presents the bride with 13 coins to show his ability to support and care for her. Customs and family traditions are nice to include, but are certainly not required. If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the normal traditions, then leave them out. After the wedding comes the marriage—and that’s a whole new ballgame! TJN
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On the other hand, it would be very nice if you asked your fiancé’s sister(s) to be bridesmaids, and if he asked your brother(s) to be groomsmen. It builds up a lot of goodwill for the future. The maid of honor not only organizes and hosts your shower, she also helps you get The Wedding Party ready on your wedding day. Planning who’s going to be in your wedding party can cre- Her dress (which she pays for herself) matches or coordiate some stress. The bottom nates with the other bridesline is to choose people that maids, and she usually carries have been very important to a slightly more elaborate bouyou in your life, and will support you on your special day— quet than the other attendants. The bridesmaids attend prepeople you want standing up wedding parties and also help there with you when you say, “I do.” So no matter what your out with some wedding prepamother says, you don’t have to rations. They wear matching or coordinating dresses (paid ask your cousin that you haven’t seen in 10 years to be a for themselves) and you are expected to give them a gift as bridesmaid. And your sister shouldn’t be the maid of honor a token of your appreciation. The best man’s forwhen you are much closmalwear er to your best matches friend. Planning a wedding is so incredibly time-consuming that a lot of things may inadvertently get overlooked. There’s such a thing as wedding etiquette—and even though times have changed, you still need to follow it.
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Flower girls are usually between the ages of three and nine, and they carry a small bouquet or basket down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer is of the same age, and symbolically carries the wedding rings for the bridal party on a large white satin pillow on which imitation rings are sewn. The real wedding bands are kept in the safekeeping of the best man. Parents pay for their children’s attire when asked to be in a wedding, unless otherwise notified by the bride or groom.
the ushers’ and he pays the rental fees himself. He hosts the bachelor party, holds the ring during the ceremony, and offers the toast at the reception. The primary function of the ushers is seating guests at the wedding. They each wear and pay for matching formalwear, and the groom gives each man a present as a thank-you for participating in the wedding.
Gifts It’s perfectly acceptable to return a wedding gift that you know you’ll never use—just don’t let the sender know about it. Send a thank you note mentioning how much you appreciate their gift—and then exchange it for something you can use. You may really want cash instead of gifts, but it’s very tacky to indicate this on the wedding invitation. So have your bridesmaids and family spread the
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word that you would prefer money. There will always be people who will give a gift, no matter what, so rather than get something you don’t like, register for what you really need. Since the purpose of a shower is to receive gifts, information on where you’re registered is always included in the shower invitation—never the wedding invitation. Thank you cards For your shower, thank you notes should go out within two weeks. For presents sent
on or after the wedding date, try to get them out in a month. Include a thoughtful note, mentioning the gift specifically. Merely signing your names to a card is pretty cold. If you receive a check, tell the gift-giver what you plan on doing with the money. For example, “Thank you so much for your check! We’re planning on using it to buy a lamp for our guestroom…” or something like that. It will make them feel special. Never mention the amount of the check. TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
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By Lauren de Albuquerque If you’re having a makeup artist do your bridal makeup, schedule a practice day to ensure that you’re happy with your final choices. By the way, make sure you use waterproof mascara! General skin exfoliation provided by good facials removes dead skin cells from your face and makes your skin glow. Choose a salon and start getting facials every five weeks from now until the wedding day. You shouldn’t get a facial on the actual day of any event, including your wedding or rehearsal dinner. Your face is abnormally flushed immediately following a facial. To be on the safe side, allow at least a week between a facial and any special event. To avoid the signs of a new hairdo, have your hair cut and colored two to three weeks before the wedding. Whatever you do, don’t wait until a couple of days before the big day. Sometimes, it can take longer than that to fix major hairstylist mistakes. Give yourself plenty of time to get your hair and makeup ready on your special day. You don’t want to be rushed when you’re trying to look your best. Keep a little bag of cosmetics handy that includes your lipstick and gloss, extra foundation, and powder so that you can do quick touchups throughout the day. WEDDING EMERGENCY KIT Every bride needs one. Gather all this stuff together in a bag or small case and entrust it to your maid of honor or other responsible party. It can be kept in the bride’s room; just Volume 2 • Issue 21
know where it is in case you need it. • Fashion Tape This is basically a double-stick tape made for fabric and skin. Use it to tape down your strapless gown (to keep it from slipping) or to keep bra straps from showing. It’ll even fix a ripped hemline so that you don’t have to fuss with safety pins. • Hair Spray You’ll need it for a finishing touch, or to refresh your hair between the ceremony and reception. • Bobby Pins You’ll need them if your up-do starts wilting. • Extra pair of pantyhose One of my bridesmaids used my extra pair. I’m glad I had it for her! • Deodorant Goes with out saying. If you’re ever going to sweat, this is the day. • Mints You’ll be meeting people all day and night, so have them handy. • Pain relievers Stress headache, anyone? • Prescription meds The last thing you need is to forget necessary medication. • Tissue Emotions will be running high! • Extra earring backs All you need is to have an earring fall out right before the ceremony. • Nail polish/remover If you chip a nail, it’s good to have a bottle of your polish on hand for touch-ups. Got it? Great! Now enjoy your wedding! TJN JANUARY 27, 2011
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Photos by Donna Jordan, Image Consultant: Karla Tullos
A few months ago, The Jambalaya News announced a new contest on our Web site: The Spice Up Your Look Makeover! We asked our readers to send in letters nominating a special woman in their life (or even themselves) for a complete makeover. Here is an excerpt from the winning letter sent in by Kellee Shaheen, on behalf of her mother, Caran Shaheen: “Not only is Caren an awesome mother of five children and a Meme to two grandbabies, she is a dance teacher, homemaker, cook and is… always finding some way to help someone else! About three years, ago my mother became very ill and had to fight for her life! With the combination of chemo, her determination to live and her unwavering faith, she overcame! I have always wanted to let her know just how really important she is in all of our lives, but never found quite the way to do it. With the opportunity to nominate someone for a makeover, I knew in my heart she was the one. My mother deserves this because she gives one hundred percent to anything she does and puts herself last after everyone. For once I’d like her to be put first because she deserves it!”
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JANUARY 27, 2011
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Purse-a-Nail-ities Nails by owner Bonnie Petree Hands and Nails: Lacked hydration Process: Salt scrub exfoliation, special lotion and oil massage for circulation, cuticle trim, nail shaping, and leave-on protein/vitamin treatment “Bonnie is like a breath of fresh air. My hands look and feel amazing! The massage technique nearly put me to sleep! Her shop is really neat. She carries a unique selection of purses, wallets, sunglasses and more.”
Salon W Hair and makeup by owner/master stylist Wesley White Hair: Lacked face-flattering shape and volume Process: Awapuhi treatment, layered, texturized undercut, round brush for volume and highlight enhancement, flat iron for smoothness, Paul Mitchell Extra Body hair spray for extra hold Makeup: Bare Minerals-enhanced blue eyes and overall complexion Process: • Skin prep for mature skin • Skin tone foundation match • Eyebrow color definition • Illuminating mineral veil “Wesley really had his job cut out for him with me, but he took on the challenge. He is amazing! Just look at my hair and makeup. The proof is in the pudding!”
Le Marche Casual attire and accessories Owner: Marie Coleman Body Type: Curvy, petite Recommendations: • Needs proper fitting foundation garments • Should call attention to small waistline • Look for wider leg jean (dark, even wash) or pants, more like trousers with a defined waist band. • Pants need to fit widest part of hip, straight leg elongates legline, pair with a wedge heel for comfort. “Le Marche has something for all ages, from gifts to quality clothing to complete the perfect outfit! Marie Coleman has it all there—a real class act!”
Volume 2 • Issue 21
Rhinestone Runway Owner: Mardi Gras gown and accessories Occasion: Mardi Gras Ball Recommendations: • Needs good foundation garments under gown • Sweetheart or halter neckline to accentuate small waistline, full bust • Look for soft purples and blue to flatter skin tone and eyes. “I had a blast there! Trying on dresses with Vicky and the girls was like being with close friends and family. No matter what size and shape, they have a dress for you! You’ll leave looking and feeling like a high-fashion movie star!” We asked Caren how this makeover has made a difference in her life. “I have realized I need to take my own advice that I give my daughters: Step out of the box and out of the comfort zone! Faddish is not style, it’s about what looks good on you and then ‘you’ shine through. I’m going to stop hiding behind clothes and insecurities and start embracing who I am now!” Va Va Va Voom…Gorgeous! TJN JANUARY 27, 2011
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The Smartest Man Alive What I am about to say is, personally, embarrassing. It’s something I’ve struggled with for a while now, considering and reconsidering the thoughts I put down in that long-ago September column.
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But, I feel like I owe it to you, the readers, to own up to my mistakes and put right any of the wrongs I’ve committed. First, let me remind you of what I said. Back in September, I said that LSU head football coach Les Miles, “…has to rub the two brain cells he still owns like flint rocks to spark any sort of decision-making process.” Pretty harsh assessment, huh? Especially since his Tigers promptly got their acts together and finished the season on a high note, crushing
the Texas A&M Aggies in the Cotton Bowl (much to the chagrin of my wife’s diehard Aggie family over in College Station). Well, I don’t even know if I have the words, but here I go: I was—boy, this is tough—wrong. There. I said it. If you want my honest opinion about Miles, formed after lots of thought and deliberation in the hours and days after he signed a 7year contract extension with the Tigers, it is this: Les Miles is the smartest human being alive.
Here’s why I changed my mind: Miles, who was already on the hot seat for back-to-back mediocre seasons in 2008 and 2009, spent much of the 2010 season being lambasted for his team’s offensive woes, those arguments centered around Miles’ decision to play both Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee (neither very consistent) at quarterback, his time-management skills, a championship-killing loss to Auburn, and pretty much everything else down to the way he claps his hands. Seriously, what’s up with the clapping?
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Meanwhile, Michigan, Miles’ alma mater, fired head coach Rich Rodriguez and set off rumors that the Wolverines would hire Miles away from LSU. Here’s the genius part. For the second time in four years, speculation was that Miles would leave LSU to take the open position at his supposed “one true love” Michigan. And, like he did for much of 2007, Miles pretty much left the rumors alone, which, of course, led the rumor mill to turn faster. A mysterious plane, registered to a company evidently based in Colorado but actually from Michigan, landed in Baton Rouge on the morning of the Cotton Bowl and yet Miles said he had no contact with Michigan officials. It’s like that crazy reverse play he pulled out of his mad hat against Alabama this year. All part of the plan, my friends. You see, Miles was just shining the Maize and Blue on. And he got just what he wanted from LSU. Michigan offered Miles a milliondollar salary hike in exchange for helping rebuild the once-proud Wolverine program. Instead, in a brilliant move, Miles turned down Michigan and returned to Tigerland for roughly the same base yearly salary. For the next seven years. Now, if LSU ever wanted to get rid of Les Miles anytime between now and 2017, they’d have to pay him in the double-digit millions to buy out his contract. To pay that much to be rid of a football coach in the economic quagmire that is Louisiana’s state budget, even if the LSU athletic department is self-sufficient, would be financially and politically risky. Talk about job security. I’d be calling over-the-shoulder fake field goal pitches and triple-reverse passes too if I thought I’d still have a job should such trickeration blow up in my face. Not only did Miles shore up some needed job security, he also gets to play the loyalty card. That’s right. Speaking of reverses, with the word on Miles being that he’s loyal to the Tigers, and by proxy loyal to the state of Louisiana (which lives and dies with the state flagship football team), all those fans who were calling for Miles’ head at the beginning of the season are probably now reconsidering their positions on the Tigers’ coach. Volume 2 • Issue 21
So, if you’re counting at home, Miles has got millions of dollars, job security, and a fan base that has, for the most part, forgiven him for his eccentricities because he has “shown loyalty” to LSU and the state of Louisiana. What doesn’t Miles have, you ask? He doesn’t have to rebuild the train wreck that is Michigan football. Of all the benefits Miles will gain with his shrewd decision to re-up with LSU, perhaps the most important one, for Miles and LSU fans, is
that next season he will coach one of the top five contenders for the national championship instead of slogging through a complete overhaul of a desperately bad Michigan team. “Lucky Les?” Hardly. The man is simply a genius. “The only thing that I can tell you is that I am relatively honest and somewhat deceptive,” Miles once said. Well played, sir. Well played.
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
JANUARY 27, 2011
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By Mary Louise Ruehr
English Queens and The People Around Them When the upcoming royal wedding was announced, I was spurred to look for books about queens of England, and I found some excellent reads. And ladies, they will make you glad you live in the 21st century! The wonderful Philippa Gregory (author of The Other Boleyn Girl) began a new series of novels called “The Cousins’ War” with The White Queen, introducing us to the players in England’s Wars of the Roses in the 1400s, and then followed it with The Red Queen. The members of the hous-
es of York (represented by the white rose) and Lancaster (the red rose) were all from the Plantagenet family. They loved each other, hated each other, married each other, killed each other — and it was all for ambition, power and greed. Today’s twistings and turnings between the Democrats and Republicans have nothing on the houses of York and Lancaster; only the cousins made no pretense about the “good of the people.” In The White Queen, we meet Lady Elizabeth (Woodville) Grey, a Lancaster widow with two young sons. When she begs the York king to give her back her late husband’s estate, the king falls in love with her. And he’s no slouch. Young King Edward is, apparently, gorgeous, with a “heart-stopping” smile. This is real love — with an element of magic involved — and after the two marry, her family members follow her to the York side of the ledger. Unfortunately, love does not conquer all, especially when there’s another king on the scene — albeit a “soft-headed” one who can’t really rule. That would be King Henry VI, a Lancaster with plenty of supporters behind him who want to throw out the Yorks. Elizabeth’s mother tells her: “It is a battle to the death. That is what it means to be Queen of England… The road you have chosen will mean that you have to spend your life scheming and fighting.” This book also addresses the classic mystery of the two princes who disappear from the Tower of London. The Red Queen starts while the events in the first book are happening, but we see them from the other side. Margaret Beaufort, a Lancaster, is betrothed at age 9 to Edmund Tudor, half-brother of King Henry VI. But she feels called to a religious life. Nonsense, says her mother, who wants Margaret to be queen: “You must know that you
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could never choose your own life. You are a girl: girls have no choice.” Once married, young Margaret is sent to live in Wales, with strangers speaking Welsh. “A parcel — taken from one place to another, handed from one owner to another, unwrapped and bundled up at will — is all that I am. A vessel, for the bearing of sons,” she tells the reader. She gives birth to a son, and when her husband dies from the plague, her mother insists that she marry again, but her dead husband’s brother will keep the baby in Wales with him. Life is cruel. It becomes her ambition to be the mother of a king, and she does whatever she must to fulfill this destiny. (Her son went on to become Henry VII and the father of Henry VIII.) You almost need a scorecard to keep track of the traitors; people change sides more often than children playing tag. Yet, Gregory keeps it all accessible. The interesting thing about these books is that the history of England during this period, while complicated, is made understandable by letting us identify with women of both houses. Much of the text is written in first-person present, which gives the books an immediacy, and instantly bonds the reader with the characters. These books are pageVolume 2 • Issue 21
turners, and Gregory is planning several more. However many she writes, I’m ready for them. Jean Westin has written a novel about the real romance between Robert Dudley and Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII, in His Last Letter: Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester. The title refers to the letter sent to her by Dudley on the eve of his death. Her sister, Mary, “thought she needed a man’s help to rule, but Elizabeth Tudor knew that she needed no husband to rule, nor would she ever be ruled by a husband, for she would never marry. She had decided that long ago. Childbirth was likely death. And with a king for a husband, a queen’s will meant nothing.” This is a lifelong love story, and the book takes us back and forward in time to trace what happened (or is speculated to have happened) between the two. We follow them in their 16th-century world, attend a royal dance and an archery contest, and see how their relationship continued even after he married another woman only because “she looked like the woman her hus-
band really loved.” Adult language and situations. To learn more about Elizabeth I, read Elizabeth’s Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman. This nonfiction work is a biography of the queen from a unique viewpoint,
after Boleyn’s death, we follow Elizabeth’s relationships with all of her father’s wives. As she watched the parade of Henry VIII’s disposable spouses, it’s no wonder that she decided, “I will never marry.” The book looks at her sister, Mary; her governesses; ladies of her court;
examining the roles played by the women around her, based on the author’s original research of British archives and royal correspondence. The book begins with Elizabeth I’s mother, the famous Anne Boleyn, who disappointed everybody by giving birth to “an unwanted girl.” And
rivals; cousins; and servants. We’re privy to what she wore, ate, and did in her free time, and to details of her personal grooming. We’re told about the bizarre rumors concerning the queen’s body — physical defects that prevented her from having sex or bearing children. (Personally, I think people pre-
ferred to believe there was something physically wrong with her rather than that she simply didn’t want to be married and have her power usurped by a man.) The book is illustrated with beautiful color prints of paintings of Elizabeth and the people around her. This is great for historical study, as it has a huge bibliography. Cecelia Holland takes us back to the 12th century in The Secret Eleanor, a novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of King Louis of France and later wife of England’s Henry II. The beautiful Eleanor falls in love with young Henry and, when she finds herself pregnant with his child, convinces her French husband to release her from their marriage. Her sister, who resembles her, takes her place in society so that the pregnancy can be kept secret. But how long can all this secrecy and deception last? There’s plenty of intrigue, romance and danger for both sisters. The men are all infuriating male chauvinist pigs. As for Eleanor, “More than anything, she wanted to be free to do as she pleased.” Good luck with that. Adult situations. Copyright © 2011 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN
Miss Me Jeans • TOMS Grandmother’s Buttons Jewelry Coins of the Realm Jewelry Traviata Candles Moss Village Shopping Center 271 N. Hwy. 171, Suite 1300 Lake Charles, LA Ph: 337-855-1850 Fax: 337-855-1849
Lunch with the League
Friday, January 28, 2011 - 12:00pm Lunch and Program Featured Speaker: Joe Hill, SWLA Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr.
Reeves Uptown Catering located at 1639 Ryan St. $15 for LWV/Chamber members; $18 for non-members RSVP to publicrelations@lwv-lc.org or leave a message at (337) 474-1864. Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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U A B A F N OLY Blankets Blizzard Cold Fireplace Frozen Hibernate Hot Chocolate Ice Skates Icicles Mittens Skiing Sled Slush Snowball Fight Snowflakes
Brought to you by Melanie Perry, Agent 108A Executive Drive, Moss Bluff, LA 70611 BUS: 337-855-7768 www.melanieperry.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL
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Volume 2 • Issue 21
der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil f th o r o ct Dire
The Green Hornet (Columbia 2011) Ah, to be 12 years old again. Well, maybe not. But if you want to pretend being twelve, like Tom Hanks in Big, you simply must go see The Green Hornet. Caution: you really have to like violence, lots of cartoonstyle violence. And flame throwers. Oh, and you have to pretend that Cameron Diaz is a hot older woman, and smarter than you. (Remember, you’re 12 years old.)
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Britt Reid is that child in a young man’s body. His father is a wealthy, respected newspaper owner, who sees his son as a womanizing, partying failure. When his father unexpectedly dies, like in every superhero movie you’ve ever seen, Britt finds himself suddenly rich. And very bored. So, he realizes his childhood dream to become a superhero. And that, my friends, is the plot. Well, there’s a little more. Britt soon discovers that his Dad’s garage mechanic, Kato, is something of an inventor, martial arts expert, and all around good guy. In fact, whereas Britt, who becomes the Green Hornet, is basically a clueless boob, Kato (played by Jay Chou) makes the whole super hero thing possible, and
they both know it. This sidekick rolereversal is just one of the many twists that makes The Green Hornet more entertaining than I expected. The movie sort of hits every note of the current action movie stereotype and turns it on its head. Of course, there’s plenty of special effects and weaponry, as Kato is quite an inventor. Because Britt is really a defenseless goof, Kato devises a protective gas gun for his boss. He awkwardly presents it to Britt as a gift, with a card saying in Chinese, “You are my brother.” Britt, in true immature fashion, is totally insulted. The rest you have to see for yourself. One of the funniest bits is a living room fight between Britt and Kato reminiscent of the Pink Panther films. There’s also homage (or is it sarcasm?) toward Men In Black, and the more recent Sherlock Holmes. (Comedian Seth Rogen, who plays the title role, co-wrote the screenplay.) The Green Hornet finely walks a tightrope, balanced between crudeness and sincerity, irony and slapstick, always managing to keep us interested in what comes next. I was waiting for the this fast twohour film to descend into rude and ruder pointlessness. It didn’t. Instead we have Cameron Diaz playing Lenore Case, a secretary who
becomes the brains of the whole Green Hornet operation. Only she doesn’t know it! Britt and Kato are so immature that they both can’t help falling for Diaz/Lenore, who has no problem keeping them in their place. Good thing, too, because the villain in this movie, Chudnofsky (a Russian oldster thug played by Christoph Waltz), is a bit insecure and unhinged. In a calm, malevolent way. Eventually he changes his name to Bloodnofsky and starts wearing a red cape and mask with a new byline: “Be it my mask, or your blood, red will be the last color you ever see.” Seriously, now, doesn’t that sound scary? Speaking of blood, there’s not much of it in The Green Hornet, but that doesn’t stop people from getting shot, buried alive, blinded, and hit by crashing vehicles. In the wake of the Arizona Safeway shooting, The Green Hornet seems disturbingly off-hand with its shoot-‘em-up violence, and is definitely not for younger kids. But I would argue that it fits perfectly in a PG-13 movie about immaturity and ironic humor. Through it all, Britt and Kato, uncomfortably awkward at being such good friends, keep each other alive long enough for the movie to finish with both of them growing up. Just a little. TJN
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Killin’ Time Crossword
Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission. PAGE 44
JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
GRAY PLANTATION BRIDAL PREVIEW Love was in the air judging by the crowd of ladies and a few gents who took on the concept of “stand by your woman” even if it meant going to the Gray Plantation’s Bridal Preview! Did I mention the amazing samplings of fine cuisines prepared by the chef of Gray Plantation and the most scrumptious, irresistible little cakes? You may want to put all that down after seeing the beautiful models showing the “best of the best” bridal fashions from Bella’s Bridal and The Perfect Fit! Photographers, floral designers and limousine services were just a few of the area’s finest wedding professionals who came to share their expertise. Your special day will be here before you know it!
Brooke Miller, Blair Chamberlain, Debbie Holt, and Ashlee DeVille
Bella’s Bridal’s Nanette and Lane Singer
Brandy Veillon and baby Gabrielle Mcilroy
Brandi Gallien and Tynia Coleman
Hope Hoffpauir, Twenda Hanson and Cindy McSpadden
Madison McManus and Winter Duhon
Gracie Gaspard and Myranda Istre
GEORGE RODRIGUE EXHIBIT Why is the Blue Dog blue? If you were in the crowd at the “George Rodrigue: Blue Dogs and Cajuns” exhibit, you just may know why! The Imperial Calcasieu Museum hosted the opening reception for this Cajun artist’s statewide tour, courtesy of the New Orleans Museum of Art. Born and raised in New Iberia, Rodrigue’s Cajuninspired people, oak trees, traditions, even the familiar “Jolie Blonde” were showcased in the Gibson-Barham Gallery along with the lovable, ever-changing Blue Dog. Refreshments were available to top off a remarkable exhibition of Cajun heritage. Emmet and Annette Sole Volume 2 • Issue 21
ICM Director Susan Reed and featured artist George Rodrigue JANUARY 27, 2011
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Olivia and Jordan Rupert
Carl Torrans and Clayton Sharpe
Adrienne and Eric Link
MLK CELEBRATION DAY People lined up from the Lake Charles Civic Center through the winding streets of downtown for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade. You couldn’t help but follow your nose to the Civic Center, where pots of gumbo/sauce piquant were brewing for the Cook-Off Contest, along with some of that “slap your momma” Creole and Cajun food. Vendors added to the flavor along with live local and national entertainers from the R&B, Blues and Southern genres, who really spiced it up for the crowd. Good job, folks! Keep the dream alive! Shawn Carter and Ray Levi
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Bernice Lawso and Cecelia Bartie
Daveed Holt, Wilto Harmon, and Jessie Adams
Courtney and Marie Hawkins
Theresa Ledet and KiLeigh Guillory
Joevon Talbert, Xavier Dillard and Marquise Talbert
Angelica Floyd and Ben Perkins, Sr.
Jazmine and Braylon Moore
JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
ANNUAL CHAMBER OF SWLA BANQUET Hundreds of people attending the 107th Annual Chamber Banquet were reminded of our nation’s strength, unity and pride as an oversized American flag graced the walls of the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. The event began with a buffet-style spread by Reeves Uptown Catering. Current Board Chair, Patricia Philmon, passed the gavel to the incoming Chair, Mike Heinen. RB Smith was named Volunteer of the Year, and William Dore received the 2010 Civic Service Award. Last but not least, General Russel Honore, better known as the “Category 5 General” who led Task Force Katrina in the aftermath of the devastating hurricane, made all of us proud to be Louisianans. This was a memorable evening for all!
TJN
Linda and Kenny Stinson, with Mike and Daphne Danahay
Maria Faul, Davante Lewis, Courtney Redmond and Terra Geautreaux
Mike and Mary Huber with Mike and Mary Easmon
Connie and Troy DeRouen
Steve and Pam Floyd
Around Town With The Jam
Phil and Lauren were guest emcees at L’Auberge’s Jack After Dark Totally 80s Party. Phil with DJ Johnny Cage.
Lauren met Lt. Gen. Russel Honore (US Army, Retired) at the Chamber SWLA’s annual banquet. Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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‘FAIRY TALE ART’ EXHIBIT AT HISTORIC CITY HALL STARTING JAN. 28 The City of Lake Charles will host a new traveling exhibition entitled “Fairy Tale Art, Illustrations from Children’s Books,” curated by Sylvia Nissley. The public is invited to the opening reception Fri., Jan. 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Historic 1911 City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street. All ages are welcome and refreshments will be served. The exhibition will run through March 26. The exhibit features 59 original illustrations from well-loved classic fairy tales as well as modern variations on traditional tales. The magical settings for the stories are created by award winning artists. “Fairy Tale Art” offers a magic journey to a timeless, enchanted, dream-like world. Historic 1911 City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is open Mon.- Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, please call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com. ‘MOSES AND THE BURNING WITHIN’ JAN. 28 Our Lady Queen of Heaven Music Ministry presents “Moses and the burning within.” Adapted from the Book of Exodus by renowned composer David Kauffman, the two-act musical includes 19 songs, which span from Moses’ birth to the crossing of the Red Sea. Members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven’s Family Choir, New Covenant Choir and Life Teen Choir will be performing. Performances will take place 7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 28 and Sat., Jan. 29, at the Ralph Squire’s Auditorium at McNeese State University. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at Crossroads on Prien Lake Road or at the OLQH Church Office. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jerry Crews Music Scholarship awarded by the OLQH Music Ministry. “Moses” is appropriate for all ages. For more information, contact Ann Marshall at (337) 477-1236.
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JANUARY 27, 2011
SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP JAN. 28-29 The Southern Association Senior Championship will be held at Greater St. Mary Baptist Church, 1404 Moeling St., on Jan. 2829, at 6 p.m. on Fri. and 1 p.m. on Sat. The Southern Association is comprised of 700 boxers, 200 coaches and 70 local boxing clubs covering four states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the eastern part of Florida designated as region six by the U.S. Amateur Boxing Association. The Southern Association champions is made up of male and female boxers, ages 16-34, and this Senior Championship determines who will represent the Southern Association against the Southeast Association in Chattanooga, Tenn. The winners from that competition will advance to the U.S.A. Nationals, where the top four of each weight class gets an automatic bid to the Olympic Trials. For more information, call (337) 433-3344 and ask for Harold, or send a message to churshalot@suddenlink.net. CENTRAL GULF COAST BOAT, SPORT & RV SHOW JAN. 28-30 This three-day event is touted as the region’s largest. The Lake Charles Civic Center is full, both inside and out, of equipment to make your recreational products the best ever! Find everything from boats, RVs and jet skis to golf carts! Visit the indoor Fish-O-Rama, where you can test your fishing skills and catch Rainbow Trout for dinner. Also, be sure and stop by the world’s largest mobile aquarium. Starts Fri., Jan. 28 from 1-8 p.m., Sat., Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults $7; children 6-15 yrs $2; children 5 and younger, free. For more information, call 436-4355 or e-mail info@bacshows.com SOUTHWEST DISTRICT LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO JAN. 29-FEB. 5 The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo is coming to town! During the day, Burton Coliseum is the place for livestock shows—a new group of animals each day. By night, the coliseum is transformed into an arena of thundering hooves, bucking broncos and cheering fans. The livestock shows begin on Sat., Jan. 29 and continues through the end of the rodeo, Feb. 5. The rodeos will be held Thurs. – Sat., Feb. 3–5. Western Heritage Days will be held on Sat., Feb. 5, and celebrates the spirit of the cowboy and the wild outdoors. Enjoy story-telling, stick horse rodeo, petting zoo, music, delicious vittles and a shoot out at high noon! There will be a free pancake breakfast sponsored by IHOP on Feb. 1 at the Old Calcasieu Parish Court House. The Porch Coffee House & Café in Lake Charles will hold a Western Heritage Night on Feb. 2, featuring a live
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band and meet and greet with the rodeo contestants and trail riders. Additional information and tickets can be found online at www.southwestdistrictlivestockshowandrodeo.com or by calling (337) 802-4879. STARK MUSEUM CELEBRATES LIFE OF EDMONIA LEWIS FEB. 1 The Stark Museum of Art invites the public to a gallery spotlight and a reception on Tues., Feb. 1 from 5 – 7 p.m. to celebrate the life and artistry of internationally acclaimed African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis. During this event, the museum will unveil its newest acquisition, Hiawatha’s Marriage, a marble sculpture created by Lewis in 1874. The evening will have four spotlight times as follows: 5:20 p.m., 5:50 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 6:40 p.m. The subject matter is based on an epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. A gallery spotlight, presented by Museum Director Sarah Boehme, will explore the heritage and societal struggles of Lewis as an artist of African American and American Indian descent. For more information, call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org. THE COLOR PURPLE AT THE LUTCHER THEATER FEB. 1-2 The Color Purple will play Orange’s Lutcher Theater Feb. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. both evenings for two performances only. This production is the next phase in the life of the ground-breaking Broadway hit musical. The original Broadway musical opened on Dec. 1, 2005, and was nominated for eleven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. It ran for over two years on Broadway, followed by a three-year First National Tour. Tickets range from $35-$65 and are on sale now at www.lutcher.org or by contacting the Lutcher Theater box office at (409) 886-5535.
WESTLAKE MUSIC BOOSTERS VALENTINE’S NIGHT OUT FEB. 14 The Westlake Music Boosters will hold their annual Valentine’s Night Out dinner on Mon., Feb. 14, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Managan Recreation Center at 1000 McKinley Street in Westlake. The $20 per person ticket includes a full service, three -course steak dinner and will feature live entertainment by the Westlake High School Jazz Ensemble and local jazz saxophonist Mickey Smith. Tickets available by reservation only. Please call Connie Gauthier at (337) 660-4831 to make reservations. Proceeds will benefit the Westlake High School Jazz Ensemble. NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE AT ACTS FEB. 14 It’s never too early to be thinking about that special Valentine’s Day gift. Bring your special someone to “A Neil Diamond Tribute” at 7 p.m. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at ACTS One Reid Street Theatre. All tickets are $20 each. Starring Diamond look and sound-alike Keith Allynn, the 80minute performance features the story of Neil Diamond’s life through his songs from the 60s through the 80s. Also appearing with Allynn is Dianne Lynn and their six-year-old son, Bobby Darin. Allynn appears regularly in Branson, where he has won the 2010 Tribute Artist of the Year award for the second year in a row. For more information, contact ACTS at 433-ACTS or go to the ACTS Web site www. Acts Theatre.com.
TJN
MSU FACULTY RECITAL FEATURING DR. JUDY HAND FEB. 3 The McNeese State University The Color Purple Department of Performing Arts will present a faculty recital featuring Dr. Judy Hand on flute at 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3, in the Shearman Fine Arts Theatre. She will be accompanied by Dr. Lina Morita on piano and Lonny Benoit on marimba. Hand is associate professor of music and coordinator of graduate studies in the performing arts department.. She is currently principal flute in the Lake Charles and the Rapides symphonies and has performed with the North Arkansas Symphony and the Baton Rouge Symphony. Hand has toured England and Wales with the International Flute Orchestra and has been a performer at the William Bennett Flute Course in England. Admission is $5; free for McNeese students with ID. For more information, call 475-5028. LC SYMPHONY WINTER CONCERT FEB. 5 The Lake Charles Symphony Winter Concert will be held at Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center at 3 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 5, featuring Johannes Brahms Concerto for Violin & Violoncello, op. 102, in a minor (Double Concerto) and Jean Sibelius symphony No. 5, op. 82, in E flat major. For tickets and more information, call Debbie Reed at 433-1611.
Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Groove Inc. @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • Iberville High Life @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • The Floyds @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Wayne Toups @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m. • Groove Inc. @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Matt Moss & Cory Fontenot @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • Bearfighter/The Tequila Party/Kill Icarus @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • AF The Naysayer/Truth Universal @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • LA Express @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.
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JANUARY 27, 2011
• Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • HipBootJoe @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m. • Groove Inc. @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Willie “Big Eyes” Smith @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • We Were Wolves/Idle of the Peach @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • LA Express @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Twangsters Union @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m. • HipBootJoe @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 • Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.
• TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m. • Chris Waton @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • CEO Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Willis Prudhomme @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Chris LeBlanc @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ 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, 8 p.m. • Chris Waton @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Rodeo Night @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • 2nd Party Program/Broken By The Burden @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • James Dupre @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • Chris LeBlanc @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. • Mockingbird Sun/Roger Creager @ Texas Longhorn Club, Vinton, 10:30 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • Peter Simon @ The Porch, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m.
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• Chris Waton @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Certain Satellites @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Noyola/Torn Within/Fallen Embers @ AJ’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Yeah You Right @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Geno Delafosse & French Rockin’ Boogie @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • Chris LeBlanc @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 • Asian Concert @ L’Auberge du Lac Event Center, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, Noon TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 • Certain Satellites/Larry Schuh @ Shearman Fine Arts Building, Room 128, MSU, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen,
DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • James Hinkle @ The Porch, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 • Pete Bergeron & The Bayou Boys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m. • The Pookie Marceaux Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Paul Gonsoulin @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • Corey Ledet @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Kirk Holder @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • August Broussard/Henry Hample @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • The Howdies @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m.
Is Your Special Someone Mr. Romantic? Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa is once again searching for Mr. Romantic. If your “lover boy” is worthy of the title, submit a few lines describing what makes him so romantic. One lucky guy will win a free 60-minute
massage, compliments of Glam-N-Gloss Day Spa. Submit your entry to glam@glamandgloss.com. Entry should contain no more than 100 words. Deadline to enter is Thurs., Feb. 10. TJN
• The Pookie Marceaux Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Mission vs. Madness/The Sell Outs @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • August Broussard/Henry Hample @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 8 p.m. • The Pookie Marceaux Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Loaded 44erz @ The Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • No Idea @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • DJ Cage @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. TJN
MONDAY NIGHTS: Abita Beer Night
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Mondo Martini Night
THURSDAY NIGHTS: Be Well Night
NEW KITCHEN HOURS: Mon. - Tues. 11am - 10pm Wed. - Sat.11am - 11pm 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
Whether you are dining in or calling in for takeout, let The Luna Bar and Grill do all the work. Come in today for one of our specialty salads, stellar sandwiches, or exceptional entrees. We offer many choices for the health conscious individual. We’re locally owned and the best place in town for live entertainment, food, and drinks. Fri. Jan. 28 @ 9pm HONKY w/ THE LOADED 44rz Sat. Jan. 29 @ 9pm IDLE OF THE PEACH
Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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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.
fering re r 20th r r u c coni re to the Town Hall ests and a s d e n c a n e l gu ary witty nivers ring specia onic, ems. r n i a , sapc i t u at ely di too e f rcas otest anth ws u a t g . s r a s e s v n i c of h l ne t pr doze t me seen many ain brillian ith archiva Vietnam ast of the film lef tely, we’ve ed and c l But naliz age, rtuna just p e intercut w l rights and s with Unfo tories fictio ies Entour . i w ’r d t v e i y e i a t l c e v n r h r e t e T ho poi similar s B O se er int s’ Tha e of th ael, w any ed in the H Tom Hank ows like footag as, and new ther Mich eer, and m r o r sh liz ke war e younger br singer’s ca kept Phil’s factua ure films li d in reality be truly ’s e ’ o feat lties d, to o, an Ochs anaged th onny, wh ng perS s in ing You D g The Ban tics’ difficu u m t o r r y y e e l t r c s g e i n t Th akin in co lder s sentin lezma heir o live by pre hil’s songs TV’s M by The K r. enre t M P teric g ed d he ca ns g t o i e i e s s e n r k i e g u c m p r o a r e u e t e m p c u v h io-do layed ers co country. une is jam- cences, s keeping it rs new to t tyle that Th b m d r e o s f p in as its inis ewe relea just Fort r the For vi r music, it’s nded from itual ll ove re But For r-eyed rem chs’ cently icians have New York, a e r o a a e i s Tw The g but cle y from O ice (who of klezm have exp ewish sp r ut mu centers in . Ken o b a rary ntar s tics nd J ovin e Al tarie ndent film atch both t For lezma language a contempo nd antiwith l ing comme his ex-wif peace K c e u r , e p , at sh sa inde as able to s: There B folksinge includ ter Meegan ovember) arch of the Yiddi o incorpor man right clectic l w h i N h r e t t t u g s a h s h u a t p t and I r’s Phil Oc late topica as “I Ain’t da d yl roo s such as along wi h e e d awa a Weiss, an ent, Pete rabic, , as e e , s A s m Bows e about th sitions suc e, I’m A m a s e s p a m i h r l e t a h o v t c o C ms n n o dame fluences su lkan rhyth 20-year Fortu s for comp re,” “Love M all Circle ctivist folk song m ld in n a r u o f w t ed l al in d Ba and’s famou ing Anymo side of a Sm writer’s protes . chang at the lega music n, Latin an nk. The b general e h t g t h u n n c r g r o o e u O – g s s Ma l,” and “ Seeg onsiderin himself at the end Africa jazz and p f breakout e surprisin d the er and per ed e a w c r d o e l e n n s n l r i e I e u fo if i ar Lib well a arc and br ay be mo tory of a chs fo and th n the magn rief, c ends,” m s hich Oegregation, having see intervieof Fri c, though b ntal illness hich ended w career ce success to be the en to their , i s r ’s e f w r a f i t . e l , m t s o 5 u w s n e o r 3 s to pr end Vietnam audie hat appea ing out. Lis .klezmat– Bow s had run o ine in d drug abu o young at h to s l t c s e e e t l w d w h z h o n r c c al to of t than ind of fiz ore at ww ohol a ide much t owes mu – f his p onder if O and c o l a s k m t i y g n b fru band talk For htly w projec is suic s film d lear writin ning “ re e ees rig ns to keep There But ial release, music an with h ser’s 2010 earlier Och rk Chords e r w c s rc so ith h s: fterwo th we Bow e for an 1984 terviews w ll, of rea g. Phil Oc ted comme the DVD cs.comast week’s a nd afterma ish Film i n ’s o o d k i n r k At l eening a wor el Korole ed in Ochs we k Jew singin e is in lim to wait fo you make n featur cr w Yor Lincoln f e n s i e v ( u a y t N ” r r h k e r Micha e– which had know offman o F bac art of th ored by be so might ), five of Fampeople who ies Abbie Husician th p co-spons h Museum njou o you . You won’t o so. s o b p d it A wis al, many he late Yip the late m any other to see al effort to d Festiv and the Je bers joined gram n u o t t o i m r c n m o r i b ing fro als o nd, a spe oly G Cente band’s mem ter film pr of rry Ru were includ On H Holy Grou : s n s c i and Je an Ronk, cians who rking on t g of the incoln Ce the proces ma t i c s : O n nin z i o V n s e i s l w e w u w L K v e e n i a D rv d m er bega The e Klezma RAMMY or Erik and a r to explor round. r inte sts an s ct G G ng e Th e r i l activi efore Bow tune. Thei , but sur- h l t d a f curato g On Holy d that duri he’d o by ew y r s m b h l r r d o i t a o f e e F t t r n n s e s n ’s r c t i o o r o c e a g mak jou admit of filming, teBut F for Bowse ely receives de it th zmer musi ou, is a fly ruggles of ke e r e h j a a ma t d r An ars T n kle ew ye rful B-roll erg A about the s band to m tercerpte rolenko ba tput that m isf x b t e n s e r e i e r f d a o u Gr the ed wonde atics e is m gly, K ded o alente heir in entary r prisin ll his recor his surnam g thank ocum rking and t orthy of t with the d gathe The Klezm and perg a o sw n i s w , e p y d c o a r b c it for e film, and kly crawlin nt of c a n h e su rial s sed, toured nd wonder c e h ncial brity, whil s brought o e a r a n t a i d a e f into t in the qui ote the ext r a reh t th wei ble cele of th d n ed in settings, bu erve tional ternal trou nal needs at spelle at hardly ibution. m a h r t n o t f i s t n m h rso ’s i ncer rs’ re yous t nko’s contr have to ad eal justice group flicting pe ful co d membe tory withperl a r I e l c , n s i o s f e s o . n r s Ko the c members derful mu ts as band ads o thele mas ne do he ba n d t d given hi n ’s Never For Fortu y. It uses lo speake n o d a n m w , a o l e b e a h ar av or ym But self There s and lovel ehearse, tr ncluding There Ochs’ memf Ochs him inging r i e s , l s c i r n e m d eo to Ph forma perfor memb ing an footag
wo T f o A Tale s (and an Biopic iography) Autob
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JANUARY 27, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 21
out a central conflict. This persuaded the band to open up and reveal the tremors and temblors caused in part by trumpet player and arranger Frank London’s increasing absences as he accepted more work outside The Klezmatics, requiring enormous trust on all sides. Getting down to tachlis (Yiddish for brass tacks), violinist Lisa Gutkin is seen voicing the ensemble’s frustration with London’s failure to communicate about planned absences and changes of schedule at a tense band meeting over bagels and lox at the home of vocalist and Yiddish music archivist Lorin Sklamberg. The others nod along, and London admits in an after-meeting interview that he should be more upfront and clear about his need to find better paying and more frequent work to support his family. Apparently he hasn’t gotten there yet. Rumor was that London would be one of the
band members speaking after the screening, but although the date was cleared with him well in advance, and he’d accepted the gig, on the night in question, London was MIA. Cold Pizza For Breakfast Christine Lavin’s memoir Cold Pizza For Breakfast: A Mem-wha??, is the excuse for a tour of libraries and book signings, and earlier this week Lavin alit at my sisters’ local, the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, where she read and sang a few songs and told some of the book’s anecdotes in paraphrases. My mom is a big Christine Lavin fan, as are political song duo Emma’s Revolution (www.emmasrevolution.com), so we four trooped in from the precipitation to surprise Christine. Which we did, and she surprised us in turn, by calling Pat and Sandy up to perform “Swimming to the Other Side,”
Pat’s song that was the subject of an All Thing’s Considered piece, and reminding me that I booked Christine in her first actual concert performance about a million light years ago. Lavin has made some big fans in Lake Charles, having performed her baton-twirling lagniappe at the
end of her Banners’ concert. Well, you all can satisfy some of your craving for more Christine eating up Cold Pizza For Breakfast. It’s genuinely tasty.
TJN
Pat Humphries and Sandy O (Emma's Revolution), Christine Lavin, and Leslie Berman reading Christine's “Cold Pizza For Breakfast: A Mem-Wha??” Photo by Terry Gabis.
SUPPORT YOUR COWGIRLS... as they make a run for the Southland Conference Championship!
Saturday, February 5 @ 1 p.m. Cowgirls vs. Stephen F. Austin* Lake Charles Civic Center • All games feature the Rowdy’s Wranglers Kid Zone
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 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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Free Spay/Neuter Week at Animal Services Pet Adoption Center The Calcasieu Parish office of Animal Services is offering a “Free Spay/Neuter Week”, to every animal adopted from the shelter from Mon., Jan. 31 to Fri., Feb. 4, in honor of National Spay Day. Those taking advantage of this opportunity will save $50 off the price of adopting a pet. During “Free Spay/Neuter Week,” adoption of a shelter cat will cost $30, which includes worming, FELV/FIV Combo testing, FVT-CP, rabies license tags and micro-chipping. Shelter dogs can be adopted for $40, which includes worming, heartworm occult testing, DHLPP/bordetella and rabies vaccinations, license tags and microchipping. Tiffany Gardner, assistant director of animal services, says offering a free spay/neuter week to the public will hopefully increase awareness about the importance of spay/neutering. “It’s important that we take every opportunity to educate the
community on the impact that spay/neuter has on the pet population,” Gardner says. “We also hope many of our wonderful shelter pets will find new homes.” For more information, call Calcasieu Parish Animal Services at 721-3730. TJN
Meet Daisy Lou! Meet Ms. Daisy Lou, a Lab/Great Dane mix. She’s the best of both breeds: kind, affectionate, loyal, and smart, and has a super-sweet, smiling face. Daisy Lou lived with a family with children and shared her home with another dog (Lilly Lou, also up for adoption), so she is housetrained and ready to bring joy and love to your home. Her previous family was unable to care for her and Lilly Lou due to a family illness that kept them from home. We know that she is a well-behaved, loved pet that would be a joy to have in your home. She’s patiently waiting for another loving family to
call her own—so what are you waiting for? Come by Four Paws on the Bayou at 465 Hardy Road, Sulphur, LA 70665 and meet this big sweetie. Give us a call at (337) 558-5184 for more information. TJN
Canine Influenza Grant Keeps Animals Adoptable at Animal Services The Calcasieu Parish Office of Animal Services received a “Building Community Immunity Grant” to provide for approximately 4,608 doses of canine influenza vaccine valued at more than $41,000. The vaccinations will continue to aide Animal Services in continuing to offer good health to shelter animals to promote a higher adoption rate. Animal Services was awarded the grant through the Petfinder.com Foundation, which teamed with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health to provide the Canine Flu H3N8 vaccine. Anne Godeaux with Animal Services coordinated the effort in securing the grant for Calcasieu Parish. Regarding the issue of Canine Influenza, Godeaux says, “Varieties of the PAGE 54
JANUARY 27, 2011
influenza virus, type A, was recently found to be transmitted to dogs, causing illness, and in some cases, death. Since we have so many animals here at the shelter, we’re always mindful of a possible virus outbreak. The great opportunity we have in using this vaccine ensures our shelter remains in a healthy environment, and when these dogs are adopted, the dog won’t go home with their new owners sick with the flu.” Implementation of the grant will begin within a short period of time. Residents who adopt a dog from Animal Services will be informed if their new pet has been fully or partially vaccinated for canine influenza. For more information, call Anne Godeaux at 721-7432. TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 21
Volume 2 • Issue 21
JANUARY 27, 2011
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