VOL. 2, NO. 23 / FEBRUARY 24, 2011
ALSO: • It’s Mardi Gras Time! • Spice up Your Look Makeover • Spark Your Appetite at L’Auberge’s Ember Grille
Computer Repair/ Sales • Network Management Home and Business Security Camera • Professionally Installed Gerrit Lawrence
1306 A Sampson St., Westlake • (337)721-1969
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FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 23
GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com
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CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Berman George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Maria Alcantara Faul Mike McHugh Penny Miller Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com
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February 24, 2011 • Volume 2 • Issue 23
COVER STORY
PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque
On Cover: The Augustine Family. Photo by Phil de Albuquerque
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Augustine’s: A Browser’s Paradise
The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip Adoption Corner Doyle’s Place What’s Cookin’ A Greener World Sports Report
FEATURES 5 18 23 35
Stella Miller and the Black Heritage Festival Guide to Beating Heart Disease Spice Up Your Look Makeover It’s Mardi Gras Time!
ENTERTAINMENT 25 28 30 31 32 39 41 43
Killin’ Time Crossword Red Hot Books Funbolaya Family Night at the Movies Society Spice Jambalaya Jam Local Jam Eclectic Company
BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews
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Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff. The Jambalaya News is solely owned, published by The Jambalaya News, LLC, 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 23
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We are now accepting credit cards! FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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A Note From Lauren The Memory of Song My mother loved to sing. Her idol growing up was an actress named Deanna Durbin. She was sweet, squeaky clean, and starred in movies with titles like Three Smart Girls. She was also an operatic singer. This prompted my mother to take singing lessons as a young woman, and she and my aunt Gloria would harmonize all the old songs from as far back as the 30s. They sang at parties and family gatherings, just for fun. My mother also sang around the house while she was cooking and cleaning. If you were talking to her, and you said something that reminded her of a tune, she’d break out into song, just like in a musical. And when I was little, she would sing to me. As a result, I know a lot of obscure, old songs that most of you have never heard of. One of my favorite songs as a child was “The Codfish Ball.” You’ve heard it, right? See what I mean by obscure? This song is from the 1936 movie Captain January starring Shirley Temple. It’s the cutest song about fish having a big party underwater:
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Come along and follow me To the bottom of the sea We’ll join in the Jamboree At the Codfish Ball. Lobsters dancing in a row, Shuffle off to Buffalo Jellyfish sway to and fro At the Codfish Ball. You can find a video of adorable little Shirley singing and dancing to this song on YouTube. There’s a lanky, dark-haired guy with her. That’s Buddy Ebsen, who would later rise to fame with The Beverly Hillbillies. Last year, at a yard sale, I actually found the sheet music. Slightly tattered, but none the worse for wear, considering its age. Of course, I bought it, and when I get around to it, I’m going to have it framed. There’s an Italian song from the 50s that was popular around the time my parents met. It was called “Anima e Core,” which means heart and soul (or, literally translated from the Italian, soul and heart). I heard Michael Buble sing it in English on an Italian music show, and my par-
ents would have loved it. That was “their song,” and Anima e Core is inscribed on their tombstone. When my mother became ill, she didn’t have the strength to sing anymore, but she listened to her favorite music all the time. A few days before she died, she only wanted to hear Deanna Durbin songs. I’d gotten her a CD set of her recordings one year for Christmas. So that’s what she listened to in her final days and hours. The one song she loved the most was “Always.”
Looking at these lyrics, I now understand why it was so important for my mother to have me play this song, over and over again, in those last days. It wasn’t for her. This song was for me.
TJN
– Lauren de Albuquerque
I’ll be loving you, always With a love that’s true, always When the things you‘ve planned Need a helping hand I will understand Always, always Days may not be fair; always That’s when I’ll be there, always Not for just an hour Not for just a day Not for just a year But always…
Volume 2 • Issue 23
By Maria Alcantara Faul
Stella Miller has been the driving force behind the Black Heritage Festival (BHF) for the past 22 years as its executive director. After this year’s festival, she’ll be retiring in that capacity, passing on the torch to the capable hands of Judith Washington. “I finally found someone who was as gung-ho about the Black Heritage Festival as I was,” stated Miller. Her journey with the BHF began in 1987, when her friend Virginia Riley was looking at options to present a play she had written to the Lake Charles community. During the discussion, someone suggested having a festival that showcased African-American work and culture. “At that time, there were no avenues for AfricanAmericans to showcase their artwork and culture,” Miller stated. “Sacred Heart Catholic Church had an annual event, but most people viewed the event as just for the church community.” So, Miller joined Riley, Nancy Shepherd, Theda Ambrose, and others to formally organize what is now the Black Heritage Festival. Riley became the first executive director with Miller acting as the associate executive director. “We wanted to expose our culture to other members of the community,” Miller said. “The festival was the perfect venue for us to do so.” The first festival was held in Lake Charles in 1988. An exhibit featuring African-American Art was held at Central School. “People from the community donated a variety of art pieces from various media to be used during the event,” Miller said. Riley’s play I Have My Reminders was held at Central School as part of the festival, with activities held on the second floor of the Lake Charles Civic Center. Area businesses set up booths to display their wares, and a musical event was scheduled every night during the week-long event. Later that year, Miller stepped in to become the Executive Director of the BHF. A native of San Antonio, Miller moved to Lake Charles in 1973, when her former husband accepted a job in one of the area’s manufacturing facilities. She taught elementary and middle school in the Calcasieu Parish School Board system for 20 years. “I was brought up to do what I can do for the community,” Miller said when asked where her passion for the BHF comes from. “I naturally gravitate towards organizing and working for my community.” She organized volunteer projects as a young girl in San Antonio, and immersed herself in the various cultural offerings that were around her at that time. Volume 2 • Issue 23
Apart from her upbringing, Miller credits her passion for service largely to the values she and community members have shared. “Most relationships emerge from shared values and shared goals,” she said. “I like the networking and meeting people that share some of my visions.” After the 2011 Festival, Judith Washington will be taking over as executive director. A native of West Monroe, Washington recently retired as a speech therapist for the Calcasieu Parish School Board, and was ready to become more involved. “I firmly believe that being the new executive director of the Black Heritage Festival was pre-ordained,” Washington said. Miller and Washington have been working together on various projects for the past 33 years, so they both knew one another’s passion for community service. “I was a little scared when Stella asked me to take over,” Washington said. “Stella is a hard act to follow, but I’m up to the challenge.” Today, the Black Heritage Festival is one of the most popular festivals in the Lake area. The group continues to work on ways and means to make the event bigger and better. “Around the early 90s, we started to randomly survey festival attendees to get a feel of what they thought about the event,” Miller said. The BHF has also partnered with
Stella Miller
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McNeese State University for its art exhibit. “We have great, loyal volunteers from McNeese,” Miller said. “We have the best gallery designers, Derrick Guidry and Paul Picheloup, who make whatever is brought in look good.” Miller will continue working as the director of the Upward Bound program for McNeese State University, a position she has held for the past 18 years. She also intends to continue helping out with the BHF— a statement greeted with a “She’d better!” from Washington.
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THE FESTIVAL This year’s festival is set to take place March 10-12. Entertainers will perform gospel, Zydeco, blues, spoken word and more on the Kids and Main Stages. There will be approximately 70 vendors selling an array of art, books, jewelry, African artifacts, clothing, collectables, and so much more. Food booths will serve delicious Louisiana Creole and traditional African-American foods, including gumbo, jambalaya and barbeque. In addition to great food, music and fun, the festival provides educational opportunities through work-
shops and seminars. Youth programs consist of KIDS ZONE, the Diaper Derby and Healthy Baby Contest, a fashion show, performing arts stage, and many free chances to win bicycles and other giveaways. R&B Legend Jerry Butler, “The Ice Man,” will cap off this year’s festivities with a performance at the Rosa Hart Theater on Sat., March 12. For more information, , call Judith Washington at (337) 304-0620 or visit www.bhflc.org. TJN
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The
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Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com
Left to right: Mayor Randy Roach; Geri Christ Landry, president, Autism Services; Esther Vincent, Community Development director, City of LC and John Ieyoub, LC City councilman.
The Pinnacle Excellence Award winners.
CITY RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM PROJECT The City of Lake Charles was recently selected as the winner of the 2011 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award. The National Community Development Association presented this award to the City for its contribution to the home for adults with autism, which is sponsored by the Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana. The City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) contributed approximately $159,000 to the total project cost of $409,000. The home was completed in June 2009 and is the only home for adults with autism in the state of Louisiana. The home consists of four bedrooms, oversized bathrooms, and a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week personal job coach and staff that meet the special needs of the residents.
L’AUBERGE/PINNACLE HONOR MSU PROFESSORS L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, in conjunction with parent company Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., recently honored six acclaimed professors from McNeese State University with Pinnacle Excellence Awards. The annual awards were established in 2003 as part of a partnership between Pinnacle and McNeese to recognize outstanding faculty achievement. L’Auberge Senior Vice President and General Manager Geno Iafrate and MSU President Dr. Philip Williams presented the educators with checks totaling $30,000 during an awards ceremony held recently. Award winners are Keith Credo, College of Business; Dr. Linda Hurst, Burton College of Education; Dr. Zhuang Li, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; Jan Scott, College of Liberal Arts; Twila Sterling-Guillory, College of Nursing; and Dr. Justin Hoffman, College of Science. Each winner received a $5,000 check and a commemorative award statue.
SEED PROGRAM DIRECTOR NAMED In anticipation of the opening of the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial & Economic Development (SEED) Center, the City of Lake Charles and Mayor Randy Roach have positioned Adrian L. Wallace at the SWLA Alliance to serve as the SEED Center Program director and director of Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority (LCNRA). Wallace was the assistant City administrator for the City of Lake Charles prior to this posting. The SEED center will serve the 5Adrian L. Wallace parish region of Southwest Louisiana (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis) offering a suite of services for entrepreneurs. The SEED Center is a collaborative effort of The SWLA Economic Development Alliance, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the City of Lake Charles, and McNeese State University.
DR. BRETT CASCIO EARNS SUBSPECIALTY CERTIFICATION Brett Cascio, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and medical director of Memorial’s Sports Medicine, recently passed the 2010 Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine examination. The certification is endorsed by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. As an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Dr. Brett Cascio Cascio provides medical management primarily on knee, shoulder, hip and cartilage injuries. He is trained in the latest minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical techniques for hips, knees and shoulders, which reduces scarring and recovery time. Dr. Cascio also specializes in ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff tears. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cascio, call Orthopaedic Specialists at (337) 494-4900.
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MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES ROSIE THOMPSON AWARD WINNER Mike Prestridge was the recipient of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s bi-monthly Rosie Thompson Award for Nov. and Dec. of 2010. Prestridge was nominated by patients and fellow hospital employees for service excellence as Network Systems supervisor for the Information Technology department at Memorial. A native of Orange, Texas, Prestridge has been with Memorial for nearly eight years and graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in paralegalMike Prestridge ism. He then received his Microsoft certifications during his employment with New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. In addition to the recognition, Prestridge received several prizes, including a small cash award. His portrait will be displayed in the hospital’s main lobby along with other Rosie Thompson winners, and he will also be in the running for the Rosie Thompson Employee of the Year Award.
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CAMERON STATE BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS Tonya Goss and Dana Swift have each received a promotion from Cameron State Bank. Goss was named branch manager of the Moss Bluff North location, located on Hwy. 171. She has 21 years of banking experience and has been with the bank for 16 years. She was Dana Swift Tonya Goss most recently the assistant branch manager at that location. Goss is president of the newly formed Moss Bluff Lions Club. Swift was named assistant branch manager of the Oak Park location and has 15 years of banking experience, nine of them with Cameron State Bank.
Left to right: Crystal Miller Briscoe, PR manager, L’Auberge; Judith Washington, Black Heritage Festival; Kerry Andersen, director of Public and Community Relations, L’Auberge; and Darleen Wesley, Black Heritage Festival. L’AUBERGE DONATES TO BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort recently donated $5,000 in support of the 2011 Black Heritage Festival. For 24 years, the Black Heritage Festival has been a vital and entertaining source of culture, music and history and also provides scholarships for eligible high school students. L’Auberge is a longtime festival sponsor. CALCASIEU SOCCER CLUB’S 2011 SOCCER PILOT PROGRAM The Calcasieu Soccer Club has implemented a new 2011 Soccer Pilot Program for six area middle schools that will be participating in the program. They are Maplewood-Comets, WW Lewis-Rebels, SP Arnet-Rams, Oak ParkEagles, SJ Welsh-Colts, and LeBlanc-Raiders. Tryouts were held at each school to create both a Boys and Girls Soccer League. Competition games are open to PAGE 8
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the public free of charge and are played at the Ward 3 Lake Charles MultiSports Complex at 3200 Power Center Pkwy. (off Hwy. 14). The next game is Feb. 26. For more information, call Paul Burgess at 660-7488. WCCH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ELECT 2011 OFFICERS The Board of Commissioners of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently elected Rapheal Fontenot of Vinton as the new board chairman, and Frank La Barbera, Jr. of Sulphur as vice-chairman until 2012. Fontenot has served on the board of commissioners since Oct. 1994 and La Barbera has served since Jan. 2004. Current members also serving on the board include immediate past chairman Bobby LeTard of Westlake, Robert “Bob” Davidson of Sulphur, and immediate past vice-chairman Joe Devall of Hackberry. CAMERON LNG CONTRIBUTES TO INTERVIEW FOR LIFE Cameron LNG recently contributed $10,000 to Interview for Life to assist with student education workshops. Interview for Life conducts comprehensive three-day workshops at schools in Southwest Louisiana to help high school students make a smooth transition into the adult business world. The program’s curriculum is designed to boost confidence, help set perNikki Fontenot, Interview for Life director, sonal and career goals, receives a donation from Melissa Portie, introduce the interview HR manager of Cameron LNG. process and prepare students for a professional environment. Cameron LNG is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receipt terminal in Hackberry, Louisiana. For more information on Interview for Life, visit www.InterviewforLife.com. For more information on Cameron LNG, visit www.CameronLNG.com. WOMEN’S COMMISSION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 2011 The Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., recently installed its officers and directors. They are Betty Anderson, past president; Jenifer Cummings, junior conference director; Angel Mefford, advisory member; Juanita Poland, parliamentarian; Pam Golding, membership director; Judy Brewton, treasurer; Debbie Boudreaux, secretary; Sandra Jones, advisory member; Dena Everage, Web site director; Debra Lastrapes, vice president and fall conference chair; Fran Clophus, president; Donna Charlton, publicity director and Angela Pierson, finance director. The Women’s Commission’s overall mission is to educate, empower, and expand the status of women living in Southwest Louisiana. For more information, see www.womenscommissionswla.com. TJN
On Fri., March 4 at 7 p.m., the First Friday Poetry Series, held at the Porch Coffeehouse and Café, will feature a reading by the current Louisiana Poet Laureate, Darrell Bourque. This will be the third installation of the new reading series, which is co-hosted with the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Bourque will read a selection of his work, which spans several books and years of writing, and his books will be available for sale during the evening. The First Friday Poetry Series was initiated in January in order to help strengthen Southwest Louisiana’s literary scene while drawing people into the Porch for a new outlet to listen to poetry readings. The Porch has become instrumental in fostering a networking between all art forms in Lake Charles. “Lake Charles really is a gravitational force for poets and for poetry readings,” said Erica McCreedy, Special Projects Coordinator for the Arts Council. “So many local businesses like the Porch are incorporating writers into their strategies for better business, and the Arts Council is proud to work with them to develop our culture. This influx of readings is a sign of a healthy cultural scene here.” Bourque was appointed Louisiana’s Poet Laureate in 2007 by former Governor Kathleen Blanco, and the position helps to expand the public’s appreciation and awareness of poetry in the state. His poetry has
become an epitome of the Louisiana cultural experience through his vivid interpretations of landscape and celebratory memories and images of the Cajun culture. Bourque has become an advocate for our cultural heritage and our deep connections to the arts in Louisiana. Bourque’s ties to Lake Charles are strengthened by the community of writers here. “The city has long been the home of one of the finest writing programs in the nation. It was in Lake Charles that I met the phenomenal story writer Richard Yates and the songwriter Lucinda Williams,” Bourque said. “It is in the McNeese Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program that I came to have professional relationships with the many fine writers who have worked in the program, including Leo Luke Marcello, Robert Olen Butler, Stella Nesanovich, Amy Fleury, and John Wood. It is because of the city and the area’s support of writers that we have been able to enjoy the work of great writers.” The Porch Coffeehouse and Café is located at 4710 Common Street in Lake Charles and is open Monday through Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 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
(337) 478-8530 Ext. 120 CELL (337) 802-7410 FAX (337) 477-7217 bnavarre@flavinrealty.com www.flavinrealty.com
3221 Ryan St. Lake Charles Volume 2 • Issue 23
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Dang Yankee The
By Mike McHugh
There’s an App for That? I finally got myself a cell phone. I think I was the last person on Earth to do so. Even Eskimos, who live on the far reaches of the arctic tundra, hundreds of miles from the nearest tower, all got cell phones before me. I never had much need for one. I’m just not a big phone user. About the only calls I ever get are from people telling me I’ve won a free vacation, which I never have time to take, but that is about it. Still, all this time I’ve felt like I’ve been missing out on something. I’d see people everywhere busy talking
on their cell phones and wonder what they were all talking about. They must all have such very important lives to be spending all that time on the phone, discussing issues that couldn’t wait until they got to where they were going. Then, once in a while I’d get close enough to overhear a few words here and there. Usually it would be something like: “What, boiled cabbage for supper again tonight? We had that the Tuesday night before last. Can’t we ever eat something different once in a while?”
All I have to say is, thank God for cell phones. Imagine what it would be like having to wait until you get home to get critical information such as this. Then, one day, I was having lunch with my friend, Mark. Mark is the type of person who is the absolute first one to get any new gadget that comes out. The gadget doesn’t even have to do anything functional. If it runs on a battery, he’s got to have it. So, that day at lunch, Mark showed me his new iPhone. Needless to say, he was very enthusiastic about it, but, then again, he could get worked up over something that would just go “Bing!” every so often, so I was unimpressed at first. But then he went on and showed me about all of these neat things that the phone could do with the use of what he called “apps.” He showed me one that could figure out what kind of music you liked. “But Mark,” I said, “I already know what music I like. It’s usually by artists who aren’t named after animals or little chocolate candies. Now, if the thing could tell me the right way to answer when my wife asks me how those shoes look on her, then you’re onto something.”
DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE! Swimsational recognizes that swim lessons is only part of the solution to drowning prevention. We host “safety day” throughout the year for students to practice their life saving skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ stated that children ages 1-4 “may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swim lessons”.
Learn to swim, call us 527-0950. • Use “Touch Supervision” for non-swimmers. • Take CPR. • Install self-closing latches on doors leading to pools. • Wear life jackets when in boat or natural water settings. • Know water depth before entering pool. • Can’t see the bottom…don’t dive. • Remember, with your help, drowning is PREVENTABLE!
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“There’s an app for that,” he replied. In fact, it seemed there were apps that could make the device do just about anything, including walking the dog and mowing the lawn. What’s more, you can even use the thing to make phone calls. Well, I was totally sold, although I knew my wife would take some convincing. This is because iPhones cost money. Not just up-front money, either, but you have to keep paying every month. This is because, to get an iPhone, you have to sign a contract with a phone company. Here is where they have you, because people will sign just anything to get a precious iPhone. Many would sign a confession to murdering Jimmy Hoffa to get one. I’m not sure who Mark confessed to murdering, and I didn’t ask. Anyhow, my wife did began to warm to the idea when I told her about the apps that did the laundry and vacuuming. “But what if I lose it?” she asked. This was a legitimate question. After all, it was only last week that she lost her wallet and we had to cancel all our bank and credit cards. I had to go out and play my guitar for tips on the street corner until the plastic got replaced and I could get my hands on my own money again. But, not to worry if you lose your iPhone. “There’s an app for that, too,” I bragged. “It makes the phone shoot off a flare so you can find it. You just have to hope you didn’t leave it at the gas pump.” Now that my wife has her iPhone, she can’t seem to put it down, even though she never imagined any practical need for it at first. Her favorite app, aside from the one that does the laundry, is the one that turns the phone into a virtual aquarium that you stock with seaweed and dolphins and such. She sits on the sofa in the evening, playing around with the phone and it’s doing all this bubbling and gurgling while I’m trying to watch TV. My personal favorite app has become the one someone showed me where you toss virtual crumpled up pieces of paper into a virtual wastebasket. It all makes me wonder how far the human race can go now that we have such a device to boost our productivity. It can only be a matter of time now before mankind discovers warp drive and conquers the universe. I should probably ask Mark, though. Speed of light? There’s bound to be an app for that. TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 23
By George “Tip” Cline
I Smell a Rat Years ago, many studies were made on lab rats to determine which items in our lives caused cancer, heart disease, or whatever. I do not remember who came up with this great comment, but after all these studies were done, the conclusion was expressed that we needed better rats. I would suggest a study of studies in which the real truth would be told. We could find out just who was backing a study, how much behind-the-scenes involvement was taking place, whose ox was set out to be gored, what do-good cause was being promoted, what effort to take over our lives, who was going to make the money on the results, etc., I remember the tale of the automobile race conducted by the then-Soviet Union between one American car and one Russian car. The Soviet News Agency reported that the Russian vehicle came in second, with the American car coming in next to last. Obviously, it’s all in the reporting of the results. It’s just frustrating that we are so beset with “studies” to try and make us alter our lives to conform with the goal of some ideological group. Knowledge is wonderful, but it’s best utilized by open and honest decision-making. YOU CAN U-TURN Traffic congestion in and around the Nelson Road/I-210 area has been a snafu for years. The closing of the eastbound I-210 entrance ramp to southbound Volume 2 • Issue 23
Nelson traffic has reduced some confusion, but not by any intentional design. That southbound access was to be temporarily closed for improvements to the entrance ramp and I-210 itself, but it still remains blocked off. Well, some folks make U-turns in order to get on the entrance ramp, a practice that was thought to be against the law. It hasn’t been prohibited by law yet, so it’s still legal to do. There is an effort to have it made illegal, but for now, you can Uturn. The erroneous tickets issued can be rectified by the Lake Charles City Court. The folks in charge don’t know yet whether or not the ramp will ever be made open to the southbound traffic again.
while in the performance of their duty. To bait and trap in this manner only undermines respect for our law enforcement officers. ‘OVERNIGHT OBSERVATION’ This year brings a new push in the wrinkle of making the patient more responsible for a greater share of their own health care dollar. The practice for 2011 is for a patient to have day surgery scheduled with an “overnight observation.” The difference here is who pays for any medications. If you are admitted to the hospital for a procedure, then the medications prescribed are covered as part of the surgery. If you are just there for observation, then the medications are on your tab. Nice way to get even deeper into our pockets. Can’t you just feel the love? When I inquired into this policy at one of our local hospitals, I was quickly told by a “case manager” that their patients “always come first” at their institution…
TJN
Lunch with the League In Celebration of our 91st Birthday Speaker: Lawrence Narcisse, President LWVLA
Reeves Uptown Catering located at 1639 Ryan St.
FRIDAY, FEB. 25, 2011 Networking @ 11:30 am, Program at Noon $15 LWV & Chamber members $18 non-members. RSVP to publicrelations@lwv-lc.org or leave a message at (337) 474-1864.
SNEAKY There are some legendary speed traps in Woodworth, Baskin, Provencal, Rosepine and way too many other locations. A friend told me about the method of revenueraising that the law enforcement folks up in Glenmora are using. They had a patrol car with lights flashing on the side of the five-lane road behind another vehicle. There was an additional patrol unit catching drivers that, even though they changed to a non-adjacent lane, did not slow to a “reasonably safe speed.” This violation is a $200 smack in the face. The obvious intent of the law is to protect our police and/or emergency personnel when along the side of the road FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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Library To Hold Program On Louisiana and Southern Folktales
The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games Registration Deadline, March 8
The Central Library at 301 West Claude Street will host a six-week series of readings and discussions about the folktales and storytelling traditions of Louisiana and the South as a region. The program is entitled “Folktales and Stories of the South and Louisiana” and is part of the Readings in Literature and Culture (RELIC) series administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the
The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games opening ceremonies and competitive events will kick off at 8:15 a.m. at McNeese State University’s Recreational Complex on Fri., April 1. Registration for athletes is open through Tues., March 8. The Olympians of the Year will be introduced along with the athletes that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Posting of the colors will be led by the Washington Marion ROTC. Events for the day include bait casting, basketball free throw, billiards, bolo golf, dance team competition, dominoes, shuffleboard, a spelling contest, swimming, table tennis, football accuracy, Frisbee accuracy, softball accuracy and washer pitch. “Living a meaningful, vital, and healthy life is important. Quality of life can be improved by friends, health, community involvement and new learning experiences. The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games provides participants the
Humanities. This program is sponsored by the Lake Charles Friends of the Library. The program is free and open to the public and will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 7:45 p.m., beginning on March 10 and concluding on April 14 for a total of six sessions. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance at the library. Call 721-7118 for more info. TJN
Meet Gabriel! Please Help Gabriel! Gabriel is an adorable ShihTzu found by one of our previous adopters. He will be ready for adoption by the end of March, as he is starting heartworm treatment Feb 21. We can start taking adoption applications for him, but first we want you to hear his story: Hit by a car the week after Thanksgiving, Gabriel was found by a friend a day or so after the accident. She came across this sweet little Shih-Tzu who was losing his battle to stay alive. He was in shock, and the skin on shoulder was already dying. He’s had two surgeries to close the wound on his shoulder, has lost a big section of skin, and the skin on his mouth was torn. But through it all, he’s been a stoic and a sweet tail-wagger! He was named “Gabriel,” like the angel, because his spirit is so inspiring to all of us. Any human in his position would be screaming in pain and require major narcotics. Gabriel hasn’t cried at all and requires little pain meds. Now, that’s courage! PAGE 12
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Please help donate to his vet costs because, as always, 4 Paws Society will do whatever it takes to save injured dogs when they have the desire to live. His vet costs are above and beyond the normal costs we pay per each rescued dog, so the donations will help us greatly. Donations can be made via the Paypal link on our homepage or cane be sent to our address below. Please put “Gabriel” in the note section of the check. Donations can also be made at Downtown Animal Hospital where he is being treated: 113 W. Clarence, Lake Charles, LA 70601. You can also call them at (337) 439-2321 to make donations over the phone—-just say it’s for Gabriel’s vet bill. Donation receipts are available upon request for your tax records. Call (337) 477-0741 for more info on Gabriel or Follow 4 Paws Society on Facebook for frequent updates. 4 Paws Society, Inc. (“For Gabriel”) P.O. Box 1129 Sulphur, LA 70664
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opportunity to meet new friends, see old friends, keep physically active, and try new events,” said Adele F. Mart, event coordinator. The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games Track and Field Events will be held on April 2 at McNeese State University’s track. They have a registration deadline of Tues., March 8. The games will include discus, javelin, shot put, horseshoes, softball distance, track and walks. Additional events include shooting competitions on March 19, a golf tournament on April 4, bean bag baseball on April 5, swimming on April 6, bowling on April 7, putt-putt golf on April 7 and archery on April 9. The Southwest Louisiana District Senior Games is a qualifying event for the 2011 State Games. Some events are open to participants 40 and older. For more information or to register, contact Adele at 337721-4020 or visit www.visitlakecharles.org/seniorgames. TJN
Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue Announces “Pits In Need!” The Lake Charles Civic Center is going to the dogs! The local animal rescue group, Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, is hosting a “Pits In Need” necessity drive at the Lake Charles Civic Center on Sat., Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The rescue group is looking for “all things dog,” from blankets and food to collars and kennels. Run by animal lover Renee Smith, the Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue is a relatively new rescue group taking in homeless Pit Bulls. According to Smith, needy dogs come to her from kill shelters or are found as strays and are in need of a second chance. “Unfortunately, there are more dogs than there are resources,” said Smith. “We are reaching out to the people
of Lake Charles to help these dogs.” Items needed include blankets, kennels, food, toys, leashes and collars. The group encourages the public to come out and meet the volunteers. Mascot “Hogan,” a Pit Bull available for adoption, will also be there, saying “Thank you” for the generosity of the Lake Area. Anyone interested in information about Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, including adopting a dog, fostering or volunteering time can visit them on Facebook, on their Petfinder.com page, or by email at threepittbulls@yahoo.com. All adoptable dogs are altered, up to date on shots and temperament-tested. TJN Volume 2 • Issue 23
oyle By Jim D
By the way, one shameless plug. Jamey moved back here to help me and hasn’t found a job yet. He’s a great worker, so if any of you hear of anything, let me know. It would be a favor to all of us. None of this touches the real cushion upon which I rely for my comfort and safety, namely the surprising number of friends who have stopped their day to ask a word about me, let me know they’d be there when I need them. I love you all, and thank you for your compas-
sion, your affection, and your prayers. I have surgery next week at Ochsner’s and, all things considered, I’ll be fine. But another lifted prayer or two, and another prayer list, are very welcome. Prayer lists are safe places, and believe it or not, I feel the energy from each one. In the meantime, you guys keep it between the ditches. Stay safe. And I’ll see you on the flip. TJN
A Safe Place This column doesn’t have any cosmic significance, and those of you who are concerned about me shouldn’t read any more into it than the obvious. It’s about the need for love, for a safe place to hide. My earliest memories are being with my mother in the insurance office she ran for my family in a small West Tennessee town in the 50s. Day care wasn’t a concept these people understood, and although I am a proud holder of a diploma from the Elizabeth Ingram School of Childhood, I spent many days in a crib in the corner of the office. I remember once sitting in my mother’s lap, probably about the age of three, when a customer came in and said, “You love your mama, don’t you?” If I were Stewie, I’d have come up with a smart repartee’; but it just passed. I do remember lunch hours, where my mother would rock me in a chair in the back and read stories, a favorite of which was Peter Rabbit. Security. A safe place. But it wasn’t always at the office. On Saturday’s, when I was about five years old, my Dad would give me a quarter: 15 cents to get into the movie and 10 cents for popcorn. There was always a Buck Rogers Saves the Planet serial and a cowboy soap opera. When the noise got too loud, my neighbor, Mrs. Louise Mask, owner of the theatre and with a finishing school accent, would stop the film clip and give us stern warnings about our various five-year-old acts of derring-do. But an adult was in charge. So we had a safe place. Security. Time to find out who we were going to be. I’ve gotten into the mind over matter aspect of pain control these days, and one of its keys is finding a “safe place.” I guess mine is my Volume 2 • Issue 23
mother’s lap, although she, of course, is long gone from this place. Another day was a late afternoon when my Dad got back from Nashville and reached in his grey trench coat pocket to pull out a puppy, my first ever pet (at least, one who wasn’t a stray cat). Even in the safe place, bad things sometimes happened. Once I was out in the backyard of the office, a patch of green about as big as a good-sized room, with grass growing and a sandbox for me to work out my fantasies. I stayed there in the rain and was shoving water uphill with my hands until it turned red, and I realized every time I’d shove, I’d hit a sharp piece of glass. They took me to the family doctor, Bedford Forest McAnulty, who wrapped me up and gave me one of his signature plastic pipes, modeled after the ones he smoked, giving comfort to a scared little rabbit. Security. A safe place. As you get older, security comes from other relationships and a safe place from other laps, literally and figuratively. I haven’t been too lucky in that quest. But I’m happy to say today, at age 60, all three of my wives are speaking to me, all have expressed affection and concern for whatever is going to happen, and I appreciate and love them for it. Safe places, all. I couldn’t conceive making it without my children, particularly my sons Jamey and Harry who are living with me, and Stratton, who is in town every now and then. Same with Brittany, Callen, and Sean, who are always there when I need them. Those of you fortunate enough to know them know why. Jamey’s girls Zoe and Chloe, the twins, are constant joys in my life. Security based on unquestioning love. FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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What’s Cookin’ Spark Your Appetite at
Executive Chef Jose Aleman
Pastry Chef Bill Foltz
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There’s something new cooking at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. Ember Grille and Wine Bar, a modern American steakhouse specializing in Certified Angus, Kobe and natural grass-fed beef cooked to perfection over a wood-fired grill debuted in January. Don’t worry, it’s the same friendly, skilled staff you know and love, and the same impeccable service. But there’s so much more! New Executive Chef Jose Aleman has created a unique new menu including such dishes as the Smoked Pepper Crust Ahi Tuna; the amazing Ember Tomahawk, a 42 oz. ribeye for two carved tableside; and the Kurobuta Pork Chop. The appetizer menu features mouth-watering starters such as Black Truffle Goat Cheese Baklava, New Zealand Lollichops (lamb
chops) and the Chilled Seafood Tower (comes in three sizes and includes King crab legs, oysters, prawns, snow crab claws, mussels, and other delectable crustaceans). Choose a bottle of wine from the expanded wine menu, selected by General Manager and Sommelier Stephanie Miller Vincent, to enhance your dining pleasure. Pastry Chef Bill Foltz offers a tantalizing array of custom desserts. Try S’mores Ember-style, a create-yourown platter of house-made graham sable crackers, bittersweet chocolate truffle and skewers of vanilla marshmallows served alongside a flaming tabletop hibachi and designed to be shared. There’s the Classic Crème Brulee, torched tableside, and Ember Truffles, house-made vanilla, chocolate and strawberry gelato hand-rolled in chocolate and served
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with butter spritz cookies. Indulge! The perfect place for elegant custom cocktails is the expansive Piano Bar and Lounge, which has an additional 50 seats, live music, and a tapas-style menu that includes New York Strip Sliders, Fried Calamari and Lobster Corn Dogs. Ember Grille and Wine Bar is open for dinner nightly from 6 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The bar and lounge opens nightly at 5:30 p.m. and remains open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on weekends. The dining room can accommodate large parties with private dining areas available for groups of up to 14. Reservations are encouraged at (337) 395-7565. Find Ember on Facebook for the latest information and specials; www.facebook.com/laubergedulac
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The Cable Car Ember Grille & Wine Bar Signature Cocktail There’s nothing like a good cocktail at the end of a busy day. The mixologists at Ember have created this signature drink that’s guaranteed to make you smile.
INGREDIENTS • 1 oz. Daron Calvados (Apple Brandy) • 1 oz. Cointreau (Orange Liqueur) • 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice • Sugar in the raw METHOD • Wet the rim of a martini glass with simple syrup. • Dip rim into sugar; coating the entire edge. • Using a kitchen blowtorch, caramelize the sugar on the rim. • Combine Calvados, Cointreau and fresh lemon juice over ice in the stainless steel half of a shaker glass. • Shake mixture; strain into sugar-rimmed martini glass. Serves one. Enjoy! TJN
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A Greener
W
RLD Sponsored by
America’s WETLAND Foundation’s New Initiative Will Help Gulf Coast Communities
The America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF) recently announced the “Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities: Envisioning the Future of America’s Energy Coast” (BRRC) initiative to help Gulf Coast communities from Texas to Florida prepare for resiliency against the threats of storms, rising sea levels, and disasters like the BP oil spill. The AWF initiative will host 12 community leadership forums across the five Gulf states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. During the 18-month initiative, communities will consider new data about coastal vulnerabilities, including a recently released Gulf Coast Adaptation Study on protective measures, and will determine plans and actions needed to ensure a sustainable future. Economic data from a $4.2 million study commissioned by Entergy and AWF shows the cost of doing nothing
could result in $350 billion in losses over the next 20 years across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Each community will receive local data gleaned from this landmark study. The BRRC process will help local stakeholders determine core values and how to protect them, based on their vulnerabilities and the tools and options available to them. “Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast offer tremendous benefits to the nation - its seafood, offshore energy, critical navigation routes, tourism, and incomparable wildlife and marine habitats,” Dardenne said. “The Blue Ribbon Resilient Communities project gives weight to the gravity of longterm consequences to those national assets if we don’t act soon. Most importantly, it gives our communities the opportunity to be part of charting our own destiny as we face risks that can impact our unique culture and way of life.”
Over the next year and a half, the AWF will compile information and recommendations from the individual communities that will serve as the basis for resiliency plans and will provide the nation with a snapshot of the urgent issues facing the Gulf Coast. Local communities will benefit from the sharing of valuable research and information on setting future planning agendas by both experts in coastal restoration and everyday citizens. Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach said he’s pleased his city will host the first Blue Ribbon Resilient Community Leadership Forum. “Southwest Louisiana is home to the coastal Chenier Plain and vegetated wetlands of Cameron and Vermillion Parishes. These areas are still recovering from the economic effects of Hurricanes Rita and Ike,” Roach said. “Their future affects us all and therefore demands the immediate attention of all who want to save their
communities and the cultures that make them unique. The clock is ticking and with each day, the loss of our land and culture is incalculable.” The America’s WETLAND Foundation manages the largest, most comprehensive public education campaign in Louisiana’s history, raising public awareness of the impact of Louisiana’s wetland loss on the state, nation and world. The America’s Energy Coast initiative works to sustain the environmental and economic assets of the Gulf Coast region. The initiative is supported by a growing coalition of world, national and state conservation and environmental organizations and has drawn private support from businesses that see wetlands protection as a key to economic growth. For more information, visit www.americaswetland.com and www.futureofthegulfcoast.org TJN
This time of year, most lawns are covered in limbs and leaves from the sleeping winter months. But, with warmer weather just around the corner, it's time to pull back your lawn's brush blanket, let in the sun and wake your lawn into the New Year! Let M&M Lawn and Irrigation clean and remove the lawn clutter of leaves and limbs from your yard today!
SPRING IRRIGATION CHECKUPS 25% OFF With our busy Spring season just around the corner, M&M Lawn and Irrigation is gearing up for Spring irrigation checkups. Checking your irrigation systems early can prevent dry and damaged lawns and expensive equipment repairs, so schedule your Spring irrigation system checkup today and receive 25% OFF the servicing price!
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FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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Improve Petunia Performance Petunias are one of the most popular flowers in Louisiana. They can be planted in fall for cool-season color or planted in late winter or early spring for warm-season color. You can plant petunias from September through early November and from late January through mid-March. They do better during winter months in south Louisiana. Their performance through winter depends significantly on how cold the winter is. Petunias are available in many colors and come in single-flowered and double-flowered varieties. Normally, the single-flower forms are more reliable than the doubleflower forms long-term. The following steps will help your petunias flourish: • Properly prepare the bed to allow for good internal drainage and aeration. • Add fresh, nutrient-rich, finished compost to beds to provide nutrients. • Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting as part of a traditional fertilizer approach.
• Make sure petunia beds have a soil pH between 5.5-6.0. • Select a full-sun planting location. If you want to extend petunias longer into summer, plant in a partially shaded location but realize flowering will be less. • Complete late-winter and early-spring petunia planting by mid-March. • Consider the Wave, Easy Wave, Tidal Wave and Madness varieties. Many others will, however, provide satisfactory performance. • Irrigate only when needed. Over-watering leads to root rot and stem dieback problems. • Be aggressive and plant in masses for the best visual enhancement. • Deadhead lightly after the first peak bloom for performance longer into late spring. Source: LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings
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1616 West McNeese, Lake Charles 478-3232 • www.oakparkdental.com
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Interested Groups Invited to Apply for Plot in Community Garden The Greater Lake Charles Beautification Committee of the City of Lake Charles invites interested groups to apply for a plot in the Lake Charles Community Garden, which is being planned for development this spring on the west end of City property located in the 600 block of Ryan St. in downtown Lake Charles. The Community Garden will initially be made up of 35 planting bed plots and assignments will initially be offered to educational and youth groups, and then to other groups on a “first come, first serve” basis according to post-mark date or date of fax. There will be no fee assessed for planting bed plots during the first year of the Community Garden. A nominal fee may be assessed in subsequent years.
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The Community Garden will promote community engagement, education, beautification, and the basic principles of agricultural economics. Interested groups should go to www.cityoflakecharles.com and visit the Community Garden Application link under Hot Topics. The Lake application can be printed, filled out, signed and faxed back to the Beautification Committee at 491-9187 or mailed to: City of Lake Charles, Greater Lake Charles Beautification Committee, c/o Russ Adams, 326 Pujo St., 7th Floor, Lake Charles, LA, 70601. For more information about the Lake Charles Community Garden project, call 491-1288. TJN
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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By Kay Morgan
Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. Unfortunately it’s the nation’s number one killer, and women are its prime target. “Women fear cancer as the most likely cause of death. The simple truth is, each year more women die of heart disease and stroke than men,” says Heart & Vascular Center Cardiologist, Dr. John Winterton. “The overall lifetime risk of a woman dying from cardiovascular disease or stroke is nearly 50 percent. It’s an alarming statistic.” The risk of heart attack and stroke increases with age, especially after menopause. But, the damage starts early on. Atherosclerosis, the condi-
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tion in which plaque—thick, hard cholesterol deposits—forms in artery walls to restrict or block blood flow and cause chest pain or even a heart attack, starts in your teens and 20s. That’s why it is important to start protecting yourself from heart disease at a younger age. “First, you should get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked. The higher either of them is, the greater your risks for heart disease or heart attack,” Dr. Winterton said. “A lipoprotein profile, a blood test done after a 9-to-12-hour fast, will measure the fats in your blood to indicate your levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and triglycerides, another form of fat
in the blood,” he added. In general, you are at lower risk if your total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL; LDL, less than 100 mg/dL; HDL, greater than 40 mg/dL (but preferably greater than 60); and triglycerides, less than 150 mg/dL.
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Normal blood pressure is 119/79 or lower. Pre-hypertension, which means it is likely that high blood pressure will develop in the future, is 120 to 139 for the top number and 80 to 89 for the lower number. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is classified as140/90 or higher. According to Dr. Winterton, your lipoprotein profile tells only part of the story.
“Your doctor will use your profile in combination with other data, such as your medical history and family history of heart disease, to assess your risk and determine whether to recommend cholesterollowering medication,” he said. “Your doctor may advise you to make diet and lifestyle modifications before prescribing medication. For most women, heart disease is preventable by making important changes that can reduce their risk.” Dr. Winterton offers the following ways to head off this silent killer. LOSE WEIGHT Being overweight increases blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also increases your
risk for type 2 diabetes, a condition in which your body can’t use insulin to transport glucose into cells, where it can be used for energy. Type 2 diabetes itself increases your risk for clogged arteries and heart attack. By bringing your weight down to its optimal level, you’ll lower your cholesterol level and blood pressure and make your body more sensitive to the effects of insulin. STOP SMOKING Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack than nonsmokers. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can shrink coronary arteries, making it tough for blood to circulate. Smoking can also cause the lining of blood vessels to become stickier, which makes blood clots more likely, which can cause stroke. GET MOVING At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week does more than help you burn calories. It can reduce your risk of heart disease by raising your HDL’s. It can also reduce LDLs.
EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES Eat plenty of fresh produce—at least 2 ½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits daily. Studies link diets high in fruits and vegetables with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease. FIBER UP EVERY DAY Oatmeal, whole-grain bread and other whole-grain foods are excellent sources of soluble fiber, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults have 6 to 9 ounces of grains per day. Half of this amount should be whole grains. DRINK ALCOHOL IN MODERATION Women should limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day, the equivalent of 12 ounces of beer, 4 to 5 ounces of wine or 1 ½ ounces of 80-proof spirits. For more information about the risk factors and treatment options associated with heart disease, log on to www.lcmh.com or call the Heart & Vascular Center at (337) 494-3278.
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— Wendy Curphy Aguillard, CLA Calcasieu Parish Assessor
Q: How are property taxes figured? A: Assessed Value (minus exemptions) X millage rate = tax dollars The law requires the Assessor to discover, list and place value on all property within the parish. The assessed value is calculated as a percentage of fair market value. Fair market value is established by buyers and sellers in the marketplace. The millage rate is established by the taxing authorities such as school, fire, and recreation districts and voted on by the registered voters.
To ask your question, E-mail: asktheassessor@yahoo.com or visit us on Facebook
Volume 2 • Issue 23
Contact our office at (337) 721-3000 for: • Homestead Exemption • Senior/disability/veteran assessment freezes • Business reporting forms
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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By Penny J. Miller
Family e n i t s gu The Au
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With the economy still below the standard that most of us have been accustomed to, the days of “bigger is better,” and purchasing items because of the brand name are no longer the norm for smart shoppers. We have now become a society of downsizing, saving, and bargain hunting. It’s no wonder that reality television shows like American Pickers, Antiques Roadshow, Auction Hunters, Pawn Stars, and Storage Wars have hit a nerve and the interest of economicminded viewers. We are a society that is no longer chasing the luxury home items, but are now searching for the diamond-in-the-rough treasures of used and refurbished items. Anyone who has ever taken the time to attend a yard sale, flea market, or second hand store knows that there are unique and valuable gems mixed among the plethora of items for sale. But, it’s the wise and patient shoppers who know that the real value comes in the search that leads them to just the item they were looking for, or the surprise find whose value is beyond even what the seller could have imagined. I love browsing through flea markets and second hand shops, and so do most of my friends. I remember a few years ago, I set out to find a few smaller items for my office and living room. I came across an antique brass lamp, which I had priced online between $75 to $150. My find in a local second hand store was a steal at only $10. In addition, I nightly enjoy my oversized stuffed lounge chair with covered rolling ottoman that I picked up for a mere $85, instead of the suggested retail price of $350 I found at most local furniture shops. I can tell you from personal experience that searching these venues can be well worth the dig for those of us who are either looking to furnish our homes or who are searching for that special find. So, for all of you modern-day treasure hunters and collectible chasers, it’s time to add Augustine’s Second Hand Furniture Store to your dig-site shopping map! Volume 2 • Issue 23
AUGUSTINE’S HISTORY Wilton “Auggie” Augustine, and his wife Betty, are no strangers to the surrounding business communities since they started their first business in 1962. Over the past 50 years, the Augustine family has owned and operated businesses in Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Vinton, including a Piggly Wiggly supermarket, a True Value Hardware Store, and Big A Jewelry. In addition, they own a storage building, car wash, laundromat, and an auction and consignment store. And, nine months ago, they opened the doors to Augustine’s Second Hand Furniture on Prien Lake Road. “This is a family-owned and operated business,” Augustine said. “I have three children and seven grandchildren, and they all help.” He explained that they all know the business and understand how to treat their customers so well for a good reason. “When other kids were outside playing after school, my children were helping at the stores,” he said. “My family runs all of our businesses, and we help each other with each of them.” Anyone who meets Augustine can tell right away that he is very proud of what he’s accomplished. “My family has helped it to grow and it keeps me going, as well,” he said. THEIR INVENTORY Augustine’s offers their customers a variety of household goods and furniture for every room of your home or office. Their ever-changing inventory presents endless possibilities for the browser. “We
purchase the majority of our items from estate sales,” Augustine said. “We don’t just buy one or two items from the sale; we buy the entire estate, which includes all items in the home.” He said that when they go to the estate sales, they look for good quality furniture items. “We mainly buy the estate for the furniture, and the additional items are just a plus,” he said. Their vast inventory of furniture includes a large variety of couches, chairs, dining sets, coffee tables, kitchen hutches, mattresses, dressers, lamps, mirrors, wall art and paintings, clocks, and television armoires. They also stock a large selection of office furniture, such as filing cabinets, desks, rolling chairs, shelving, and so on. Because of the way they buy, Augustine’s is able to offer their customers a large variety of items, along with the paintings, collectibles, and knickknacks that are included in the estate inventories. While most of their stock is acquired this way, they occasionally purchase items from their regular customers, and on rarer occasions, will pick up individual furniture items from flea markets and yard sales that offer quality items. As a “picker” myself, I asked Mr. Augustine about some of the items that he has come across over the years; and more recently, for his new store. I was surprised to hear that due to space availability, he has been unable to showcase some of the more valuable collectibles. Therefore, he’s priced plates and figurines as low as $1 a piece. For those patient pickers, I highly recommend taking the time to look
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through the endless shelves of decorative items. I was sure I spotted a few gems that would make the time worthwhile. While roaming through the store, I came across several other items that, due to their quality and low pricing, will probably be gone by the time this issue comes out, but are well worth mentioning for examples of what’s available. During our interview in their auction room (which is now overflowing with inventory), I came across a solid wood (possibly painted oak or mahogany) dining room set with carved features, in flawless condition for only $375, chairs included. There was an antique Daniel Douglas quartz grandfather clock for under $300; a one-of-a-kind, hand carved, nine-drawer jewelry armoire for $380; and, so much more! For antiques collectors, there are a number of decorative and historical tools and kitchen items, including a 100-year-old wheat sickle, aged cast iron skillets, and an antique rice mill cart. Weapons collectors will be thrilled to see the displayed swords, battleaxes, daggers, rifles, knives, and pocket knives. Augustine’s also offers a large selection of tools, both electric and manual, to fill every toolbox. In addition, they currently have a large selection of Coca-Cola collectibles that they are preparing for auction at a later date. A quick view of the Coke inventory included tins, stuffed animals, playing cards, cups, and crates, just to name a few, since limited space didn’t allow for us to dig through all the boxes. Coke collectors interested in attending the
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auction are encouraged to contact Augustine’s to register for the event, so they can be notified of the auction date. Augustine’s Second Hand Furniture offers their customers the convenience of 90-day layaway plans with 10 percent down, and they guarantee all items for seven days. They are also in the process of clearing their auction room, and will soon begin regular events as new and interesting items become available. If you’d like to register for auction notifications, contact them to be placed on their call lists. “Even though we’ve only been open nine months, we’ve already developed a large list of regular clients and new customers that keep the inventory rotating,” Augustine said. So, for those smart shoppers, weekend hunters, or full-time pickers, it’s time to stop into Augustine’s Second Hand Furniture to find the treasures you’ve been searching for. Augustine’s Second Hand Furniture, 2100 East Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles (337) 842-1736. Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sundays. For a good night out, the Augustine family looks forward to the Freddy Pate Jamboree music show held the last Saturday of every month at the Strand Theater in Jennings. It’s the longest running Country and Western music show in the state! During the week, visit Freddy and Butch Tinker at Big A Pawn Shop on Hwy. 171. TJN
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Image/Fashion Stylist Karla E. Tullos, CIC
Last month, The Jambalaya News introduced a new contest: The Spice Up Your Look Makeover! We asked our readers to send in letters nominating a special woman in their lives (or even themselves) for a compete makeover. Here is an excerpt from the winning letter for this month’s makeover, sent in by Laura Richardson on behalf of her friend, Rayleen Carrier: “After 21 years of marriage, Rayleen lost her husband on May 8, 2010 to the surprise of acute leukemia. She has lived her life for her husband, and is a devoted mother to two sons with a style that reflects the 80s. A new look would help Rayleen regain her self-esteem and confidence for her new journey as both a mother and an independent, beautiful woman.”
MAKEOVER SPONSORS SALON LINDSAY Calmitude Facial for Sensitive Skin and Eyebrow Wax by esthetician Sherry Fullen Hardy. Recommendation: Replenish moisture, revive tired, stressed complexion Process: Calming skin cleansing, gentle exfoliation, ultra-soothing customized Bioelements mask, and for total relaxation, a face, neck, shoulder and hand massage. Mmm…how nice! “A great start to my makeover! Sherry knew just what my tired, sensitive skin needed. Good for my spirit, too. She helped me to feel so relaxed and comfortable. Just what I needed!”
Rayleen Carrier, 45 Photos by Karla E. Tullos
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DONNA’S LINGERIE & SWIMWEAR Personal Bra and Shapewear Fitting by owner Donna Mier, CFM Recommendation: To make the best of her shape and size, Rayleen was advised to go for a professional bra and shapewear fitting. Process: Proper determination of bra size and enhancing shape by measuring for both band
and cup size. Shapewear was also determined for a smooth line. “My image consultant wasn’t kidding. Donna’s is the place to go! One look at me, she knew the perfect fit for my body type and has a great selection for any occasion. Wow, I walked away confident in knowing I look better in my clothes!”
SALON W Color, Highlight and Cut by salon owner/master stylist Wesley White Hair: Dull, dry, shapeless Consult Recommendation: An overall color change, add bangs and raise length to just above shoulder line. Process: Changed color to “Warm Mahogany” to brighten eyes, and warm and even skin tone. Added highlights to accent full bang, face and jaw line. Cutting technique: layering, undercutting and texturizing for added movement.
For an evening look, Wesley used Paul Mitchell Thicken Up for fullness. Flat iron set to create body for curls, finger through for wave, backcomb for fullness. “I arrived at Salon W feeling unattractive, nervous and hopeless! Wesley helped me realize my lifeless hair and look were having a negative effect on me. I needed to trust and embrace the change! He customized the perfect cut and color for ‘me.’ I left his salon feeling pretty, hopeful and forever changed. Amazing! Makeup application: Day to evening, by professional makeup artist Sarah Girot.
Recommendation: Enhance eyes; learn to go from day to evening in minutes. Process: Applied bareMinerals hydrator and foundation primer followed by foundation match and cheekbone highlight. Sarah used a special eye color enhancing pigmented shadows. Eyebrow color definition is a big plus! “Gosh, when Sarah was done with my makeup, I couldn’t believe that was me! She taught me how to enhance my best features and added a few tricks of the trade for special occasions. The makeup feels light and looks fresh for hours! My boys are going to fall out!”
LE MARCHE Casual wear and accessories provided by owner Marie Coleman
RHINESTONE RUNWAY Cocktail special occasion dress and accessories provided by owner Victoria Huber Body Type: Straighter, Lean Frame; Height 5’4” Recommendations: Look for stretch satin fabric to hug the body, accent waist and to create the illusion of more curves Look for deep V front to complement bust-line and highlight skin Keep skirt length just above knee to elongate leg/balance height. Add proportional “bling” to draw attention to face. High heels are always sexy for evening. “Awesome experience, a great selfesteem booster! They know and have what you need for any occasion, budget and body type! My friends and family aren’t going to believe it’s me in this dress. I can’t believe it’s me in this dress. I feel great! PAGE 24
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Body Type: Straighter, lean frame; height 5’4” Recommendations: Look for more feminine styles. Layering is the key to creating fuller shape. Pair fitted pieces with pieces that have volume. Scarves can add color and dimensions. Boy-cut, lower rise trousers highlight curves on straight female frames. “I love that place, [it} has something for all ages. Great for my 16-year-old niece, too! I love how comfortable those Toms wedges are and the simplicity of the Bohemian-style dress. I’ve learned my thin frame is great for layering! I’m getting the hang of this!”
We asked Rayleen how she felt about her overall makeover experience. “This was so much fun. I really needed this, but didn’t know it! I feel different; I have a totally different outlook about myself. I give the glory to God. He brought Karla and all of the makeover sponsors into my life to
remind me of my self-worth and of His love!” Go to our Web site at www.thejambalayanews.com to find out how to nominate someone you know (or yourself) for the Jambalaya Spice Up Your Look Makeover!
TJN
Volume 2 • Issue 23
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Motivation and Perseverance It was easy to miss if you weren’t looking for it. But there it was all the same, tucked away on the second page of the local paper’s sports section in tiny print underneath a girls’ basketball jamboree score.
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Motivation. There it lay; the impetus behind what’s driving the St. Louis High School boys’ soccer team toward the state championship game this season. “Barbe 2, St. Louis 1,” it said. The black letters on the white page were stark. It was the season opener and the first time any St. Louis boys’ soccer team had lost to its city rival in more than a decade. It was a shocking defeat to local soccer fans, who likely expected St. Louis to methodically take down the
Bucs and move on to the next game just as it had been doing for almost as long as the Saints have had a soccer program. Losing to Barbe simply didn’t happen; especially not to the defending Division II state champions. But it did. Barbe won and, a month later in Lafayette, Barbe beat St. Louis again. That score didn’t make the paper at all. So, there the Saints sat, one week before Christmas, still one of the most dominant soccer teams in the
state, but it seemed the fire had gone out. Most teams, having experienced such shocking losses, would have folded up shop long before. They would have muddled through the rest of the season, likely running through the remainder of the schedule with no particular joy before the listlessness catches up with them and they crash out in the quarterfinals or semifinals. St. Louis is no ordinary team. Something rekindled the flame inside the Saints, whether it was the two losses to their hated rivals, a
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come-to-Jesus speech from the coaching staff, or some combination. St. Louis played Barbe a third time before the holiday, this game ending in a draw, and then powered their way past the remainder of their schedule, led by guys like Will Lorio, Louie Jones and Hunter Hodgkins, earning the top seed in the Division II playoffs. Following a bye in the opening round, the Saints dominated back-to-back games against Loyola and Neville to set up a semifinal matchup with Parkway, a team the Saints have beaten already this year. I can’t tell you what the result will be; the game hasn’t happened as of this writing, but most observant soccer fans will tell you that North Louisiana soccer lags far behind that of South Louisiana soccer. Thus, it is likely the Saints will advance to the championship game against either Vandebilt Catholic or Alexandria, two more teams St. Louis has already beaten this season. And it’s impossible to say what might have happened had St. Louis won those two games against Barbe and finished the regular season with only one loss instead of three. It sure seems the Saints’ early-season struggles have sparked the kind of perseverance that makes up a championship squad. Meanwhile, across the river, a much longer tale of perseverance is playing out. The Westlake High girls’ basketball team hosted McMain Feb. 17 in the Lady Rams’ first-ever home playoff game. The Lady Rams, who finished the regular season with a 21-7 record, were seeded 16th in the Class 3A playoffs; the highest seed the team has ever been received. The story of the Westlake girls’ basketball program is rife with struggle, inconsistency, numerous coaches and lots of losing. The last time the Lady Rams made the playoffs at all was a 1989 loss to Peabody. Before that, Westlake won a total of 18 games from 1985-88. But since coach Gloria Fontenot took over the team for the 2009-10 season, the Lady Rams have engineered quite the turnaround. While it missed out on the playoffs last season, Westlake, led by Kylie Goodeaux (who is averaging 19.6 points per game this season) began to show signs of serious improvement while finishing 13-13.
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This year, the Lady Rams blossomed with the consistency provided by Fontenot’s leadership and Goodeaux’s abilities. Westlake beat playoff teams like Sam Houston and Sulphur out of district play while knocking off district foes like Northwest and Crowley en route to their first playoff appearance since Bush I was in office. Westlake will likely travel to play top-seeded St. James in the regional round, should the Lady Rams beat McMain, a slow-paced squad which
is no slouch itself at 16-9 overall. While that might end up being too tall a task for a squad as inexperienced in the postseason as Westlake, beating the top seed is not an impossible feat for the Lady Rams. They have already overcome 22 years’ worth of obstacles to make it this far. With a little more perseverance, who knows what the Lady Rams can achieve.
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
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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By Mary Louise Ruehr
Reading for Black History Month As we celebrate Black History Month, we need to remember that the history of African Americans is the history of all Americans. At the Dark End of the Street by Danielle L. McGuire, subtitled “Black Women, Rape, and Resistance — a New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power,” is a well-documented, scholarly work. It’s also very readable. McGuire takes us to Montgomery, Ala., in the
1940s and 50s, the era of Jim Crow. She describes the harsh treatment black women were forced to endure at the hands of white men, including intimidation, beatings, sexual humiliation and rape — manipulation designed to “keep them in their place.” Such crimes were usually ignored by law enforcement personnel, and even when rapes were brought to trial, all-white juries would usually acquit white men accused of attacking a black woman.
• Sat., Feb. 26 @ 1 p.m. Doubleheader vs. Nicholls St. • Wed., Mar. 2 @ 7 p.m. Cowboys vs. Southeastern Louisiana • Sat., Mar. 5 @ 1 p.m. Doubleheader vs. Lamar • All games feature the Rowdy’s Wranglers Kid Zone • Children 12 and under receive admission for only $3.00 • Adult Group Tickets are available for only $4.00 with a purchase of 25 or more.
Please contact the special services and equality office at least 72 hours before any home event to request accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes the need for materials in an alternative format such as large print or Braille, sign language interpreters, accessible seating, and accessible parking information. Ph: (337) 475-5428.
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Mothers taught their weeping daughters that “A black woman’s body was never hers alone.” But things began to change because “black women did not keep their stories secret,” writes McGuire. “In order to reclaim their bodies and their humanity, African-American women called on a tradition of testimony and truth-telling that stretched back to slavery.” They wrote letters to the Justice Department and talked to the newspapers. “The stories told how white men lured black women and girls away from home with promises of steady work and better wages; attacked them on the job; abducted them at gunpoint while they were traveling to or from home, work, or church; and sexually humiliated and harassed them at bus stops, grocery stores, and in other public places.” Histories have usually presented the Civil Rights movement as a struggle between black and white men, but the real story,
writes the author, is that the movement “is also rooted in African-American women’s long struggle against sexual violence.” The beginning of the end of that struggle was the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, which was organized by the black women who had to ride the buses every day and were tired of being treated “like some kind of animal” by the white bus drivers. That boycott, writes the author, “was more than a movement for civil rights. It was also a women’s movement for dignity, respect, and bodily integrity.” Rosa Parks, who became famous for refusing to give up her bus seat and sparking the boycott, was in fact not just a tired little old lady. She was an educated woman, “a sharp detective, and an anti-rape activist long before she became the patron saint of the bus boycott.”
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This is fascinating reading and a heartbreaking history every American should read and understand. I do not, however, recommend it for children; it’s hard to read the descriptions of the horrendous crimes. However, I do recommend Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose, for children around ages 10 to 15. The author lets Claudette tell her story in her own words. While it is not written down to children, it discusses some of the same material as the above book, but without the knife’s-edge raw detail. And Hoose explains some of the legal terms, such as “segregation” and “separate but equal” and where the term “Jim Crow” came from. Claudette talks about growing up in Montgomery in the 1940s and attending a one-room schoolhouse. (“One teacher taught all six elementary grades.”) But, she says, “There were so many places you couldn’t go and so many things you couldn’t do if you were black.” Hoose explains the bus situation in the 1940s — how the front seats were reserved for white passengers,
no matter how many black passengers were standing in the aisles while the “white” seats went empty. Claudette says she thought this wasn’t fair: “In the South, it was taught that white people were better than blacks. ... My Sunday school teacher said we had been cursed. ... I didn’t buy that at all. To me, God loved everyone. Why would He curse just us? My mom thought she was as good as anyone
else. So did I.” So one day, at age 15, Claudette refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman (“Right then, I decided I wasn’t gonna take it anymore,” she says), and she was arrested. (This was months before Rosa Parks was arrested for the same thing.) And later, she was one of the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit that eventually ended segregated bus seating. Hoose writes: “Hers is the story of a wise and brave woman who, when she was a smart, angry teenager in Jim Crow Alabama, made contributions to human rights far too important to be forgotten.” Underground, written and illustrated by Shane W. Evans, lets children ages 4 to 8 share in the immediate, emotional experience of escaping slaves, traveling under the dark of night on the Underground Railroad and finally reaching freedom. The author conveys the adventure with a minimal amount of text. (There are only 49 words, total: “We run. We crawl. We rest.” There, that’s six pages.) It’s all in the illustrations: the darkness, the shadows, the eyes of the slaves, first looking back in fear and final-
ly, looking up in joy. Although there is an author’s note at the back, this book really doesn’t stand on its own. But it would serve as an excellent adjunct to a discussion of slavery and the Underground Railroad, and it can enrich the child’s learning experience. More reading: Lifelines: The Black Book of Proverbs has quotations gathered by Askhari Johnson Hodari and Yvonne McCalla Sobers from sayings of the people of Africa. Arranged by topic, these tidbits are often full of wisdom. It’s a nice little gift book, filled with gems such as this: “Every time an old man dies, it is as if a library has burned down.” In the 640-page The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, author Isabel Wilkerson looks at the “great migration,” the exodus of six million black Americans from the Jim Crow South to the North, through the true personal stories of three people in three different decades. Copyright © 2011 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN
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U A B A F N OLY
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MARDI GRAS - WORD SEARCH E N N A N F K E G L W A E K G S W E A L A
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E D E O E A N B F E A E S N G C M A R D
I G R A S E T M U H
O T C N K D A K T N N T H G
L A G R F S
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L E W T E
D U K E A N D D U C H E S S G L E D M A S Q U E K A U T T R I
K D S E M U T S O C S O H T
N L O U A B E P D B H E A O R Ball Beads Costumes Duke and Duchess Fat Tuesday
Float Gala King and Queen King Cake Krewe
Mardi Gras Masque Parade Second Line Twelfth Night
I C E K A C G N
D D D U L B N A Y R I
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A B D A U S D U A E S T G
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box and take another turn. When all dots are connected, the player with the most boxes wins.
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der useum n e l l n E dren's M a D By e Chil f th o r o ct Dire
Gnomeo & Juliet (2011, Touchstone Pictures) And now for something completely different. Most of us are vaguely familiar with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. It’s been modernized in West Side Story, classically filmed numerous times, and brilliantly parodied in Shakespeare in Love. But English garden gnomes? I knew something was up with the opening scenes of Gnomeo and Juliet: Here are two backyards, populated by red and blue
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lawn decorations, all carrying on in magical animation to somehow familiar music – wait, is that “Crocodile Rock?” Two words, moviegoers: Elton. John. As in executive producer, song composer, and sometimes performer of his own classic songs in this colorful musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Gnomeo & Juliet is a totally British surreal modernization that is destined to be itself a classic. And it pulls this off while managing to pull in a G rating. Gnomeo is the son of Madame Blueberry, voiced by Maggie Smith. Juliet (Emily Blunt) is the daughter of the Lord Redbrick, (Michael Caine). The Reds and the Blues have been feuding so long they don’t remember what started it. In the alley behind the
two garden homes, the fragile ceramic living gnomes stage violent lawnmower races. (I told you it was surreal.) As the feud escalates, Gnomeo and Juliet meet, fall in love, and almost kiss. Is their romance doomed? Nanette, the plastic frog sprinkler, asks. Well, it is a famous British tragedy, after all. But in a children’s movie? Almost everyone, kids and adults, can enjoy this film. There is offbeat humor (The frog says to the ceramic mushroom, “You seem like a fun guy”), suspense, (painted concrete garden gnomes can fall and break) and action (the Terrafirmanator Mower is so awesome, your grass will be afraid to grow.) The script is just quirky enough to keep surprising you, so that you find nothing really unusual about a talking plastic flamingo, for instance—even when he takes off one of his wire legs to pick a lock. There’s a toilet in the Blues’ garden with a wisteria growing out of it. Charming. Children should be delighted with Gnomeo and Juliet, even if they’ve never seen a ceramic lawn ornament in their lives. It has all the characteristics of a Toy Story movie, but is soooo different, less commercial and more rustic. Less plastic and more ceramic. It’s all about surfaces and textures
(ceramic characters go “clink” when they kiss), but then goes below the surface as the two lovers try to reconcile their sweetheart romance with their respective families. Because the movie is so well done, or maybe because of Elton John’s music (hearing the beginning chords of “Bennie and the Jets” was worth seeing the whole movie for me) Gnomeo and Juliet won’t put the grandparents in the audience to sleep. And at 84 minutes, there’s just enough action and development without getting bogged down in the backstory of how the feud got started. Listen for the voices of Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne, among others, all putting themselves in the service of introducing a new generation to Will Shakespeare. There’s nothing to detract from the G rating, although there’s plenty of lawn destruction, a pointy gnome hat decapitation, and a pudgy little elf in a Speedo that brought back memories of Benny Hill. I won’t give the ending away, but let’s just say that there’s dancing in the finale. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. TJN
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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AMIR GWIRTZMAN’S ‘INHALE-EXHALE’ One of Israel’s most renowned saxophone players, Amir Gwirtzman, presented his stage solo project “Inhale-Exhale” at Temple Sinai this evening. Surrounded by 20 woodwinds, horns, pipes, flutes and more, Amir captivated and astonished the audience with his multi-cultural world music, the spirit of jazz and the power of rock. A reception followed his performance, allowing for the opportunity to get up close and personal with this well-traveled, kind soul of a man. Thank you McNeese Banners and Temple Sinai for teaming up to present this powerful, energetic new flavor of world music.
Bill Mungai and Helen Ware
Mary Richardson and Melinda Antoon Cormier
Wesley Chisolm and Debra Darbone
Beth Zilbert and Maria Robinson
Becky Abel and Carolyn Woosley
Gregory Ware, Shawn Oliver
Keirre Hoober and Autumn Sinclair
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY “Want to change the world? There’s nothing to it!” according to Willy! The cast of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from Children’s Theatre Company can take a bow for delivering an outstanding performance before a packed house at the Central School. Young Charlie Bucket’s dream comes true along with four other lucky children after winning a visit to Willy’s chocolate factory. Each child breaks a rule and is removed one by one with the exception of Charlie, whose broken rule goes unnoticed! Charlie admits to breaking the rule, and Wonka reveals that the tour was a test of character, making Charlie the heir to his chocolate empire for his honesty! Goes to show, honesty is always the best policy!
Sarah and Katie Young with Clayton Sharpe and Lane Touchet PAGE 32
FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Cecila Benoit and Anna Cameron Volume 2 • Issue 23
Suzanne and Patrick Cameron
Rachel and Ross Anderson
Anna and Leah Alamond
FOREVER YOURS VALENTINE’S BALL Mercy, Mercy, Mercy---a Valentine’s Party with Percy? Percy Sledge & Louisiana Express performed before a large crowd of heart and soul lovers in celebration of the Forever Yours Valentine’s Ball held at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Everyone danced the night away to those old-school soulful songs, such as “Take Time To Know Her,” “When a Man Loves A Woman,” “Stand By Me,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” to name just a few favorites. Adding to the sweetness of the evening were delightful cupcakes, cookies, beverages and more. Love was in the air tonight! Ciara and Dustin Smith
Ronnie and Evette Doucet
Richard and Tasha LeJeune
Kimberly and Don Dixon
Norma Randle and Della Dotson
Odessa Vincent, Leigh Ann Andrepont and Tristin Thorn
Lance Gardner and Jo Lynne Sutherland
Morgan Wilson, Cade Eastman, Lindsay Chapman and Kyle Burley
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FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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KREWE DE LES CAJUNS BALL That’s what I’m talking about…passing a good ole purple, gold and green time with friends and family at the annual Krewe De Les Cajuns Mardi Gras Ball. The public was invited to join King and Queen Cliff and Sue Granger for a fun two-stepping, leg-shaking, Mardi Grascelebrating evening at the VFW on Country Club Road. The dance floor was certainly warmed up as this crowd of high-steppers enjoyed getting down to the music of Chris Miller & Bayou Roots. Cheers to all for a wonderful ball!
TJN Hilary and Elvina Daigle
Charmaine Gorham, Duke Matt Sonnier, Dru Sonnier and Duchess Renola Simon
Janice Broussard, Myra White and Faye Broussard
Lee Adam and Beverly Landry
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
Lee and Jean Begnaut Carrier
Tickets may be purchased for general admission. For reserved seating contact William, 337-436-5843
Party Time, 4452 Lake St. My PC Tech, 2404 Ryan St. Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr.
Ph: 337-855-1850 Fax: 337-855-1849
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FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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By Lauren de Albuquerque
It’s Sunday, and we’re recuperating from our fourth Mardi Gras ball of 2011. Four down, three more to go before Fat Tuesday. For us, life’s a ball during this season. And every event is different because every krewe is different. With almost 50 krewes in the area, there’s something for everyone. There are the more traditional krewes and there are the wild, let-yourhair-down krewes. There are costume balls and formal balls; some that are a combination of the two, and balls where you have to dress like a pirate. Illusions always has its presentation at the Rosa Hart Theater, with its “Illusionists” wearing gargantuan creations that it takes them all year to build. Krewe de Charlie Sioux has members from both Lake Charles and our Sister City, Sioux City, Iowa, and brings its Mardi Gras gala and parade to Iowa every July. I’ve been a few times, and it’s a blast. There are krewes that are strictly male or female only. Some spend a small fortune on elaborate court costumes; others dress in the old-style French medieval garb. The court presentations are another story. They can be so long that I’ve almost fallen asleep Volume 2 • Issue 23
at some of them (Phil actually did, one time. When it’s past a certain hour, he has to be entertained—otherwise, he’s down for the count.) Others are lively, with skits and high-energy music that really gets the crowd going. Phil and I belong to Krewe Déjà vu Du Monde (wild) and Krewe de la Famille (traditional). As of this writing, we are the reigning king and queen of Famille, but that will end on Feb. 26, when the new royalty is crowned and we have to give up our thrones at the ball. We were also king and queen of Krewe Déjà Vu a few years back. In both cases, we got to pick our theme. Deja’s was Circus Circus (I wonder why) and for a crazy krewe, the theme lent itself for acting up and fun costumes. When we decided to be on court for La Famille, I selected the perfect theme for a more traditional organization: the Splendor of Versailles. Our costumes were breathtaking (they’re on display at the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as we speak) and the coliseum at the Lake Charles Civic Center was transformed into a French palace for the night. It was an amazing evening. To this day, I still wonder how an Italian girl from East Boston ended up a Mardi Gras queen in Southwest Louisiana.
WHY THROW BEADS? The tradition of Mardi Gras throws dates back to the 1920s. The Krewe of Rex in New Orleans reportedly began the tradition of throws by tossing out cheap glass bead necklaces. They were a big hit and were soon adopted by all the parading krewes. Rex is also credited with first adopting and throwing out doubloons. As throws gained popularity, krewes got more FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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creative in what they decided to toss. Here in Lake Charles, you’ll see logo-emblazoned plastic cups, Frisbees, stuffed animals, candy, moon pies—you name it! Royalty traditional throws large pearl beads, which the crowd loves. The glass beads thrown in the early days were imported from Czechoslovakia and Japan. Today, they’re manufactured mostly in China (big surprise!). HISTORY OF THE KING CAKE The history of the King Cake has its roots in pre-Christian religions of Western Europe. Part of the harvest celebrations practiced by the pagans was the sacrifice ritual. It was customary to choose a man to be the “sacred king” of the tribe. The chosen man would be treated like a king for the year, then, he would be sacrificed, and his blood returned to the soil to ensure that the harvest would be successful. The method of choosing who would have the honor of being the sacred king was the purpose of the King’s Cake. A coin or bean would be placed in the cake before it was baked. The
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men of the tribe would each eat a piece of cake, and whoever got the slice with the coin was the chosen one. Then Christianity came along, overshadowing the religions that came before it. To make the new religion more palatable, priests incorporated many of the old customs into Christian tradition. Thus, the King’s Cake was converted into a celebration of the Magi—the Three Kings who came to visit the Christ Child. In 12th century France, the cake would be baked on the eve of January 6 to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three Kings. A small token was hidden in the cake as a surprise for the finder. French settlers brought the custom to Louisiana in the 18th century, where it remained associated with the Epiphany until the 19th century. At that time, it became a more elaborate Mardi Gras custom. Here, the first cake of the season is served on Jan. 6, although I think you can get them even earlier now. We all want our King Cake fix!
TJN
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The competition was fierce and feathery, but judges selected winners in the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest recently. Contestants competed in different categories and were allowed to let their imaginations run wild in this crafty contest. Floats entered featured traditional Mardi Gras glitter and sheen as well as football fan regalia and more!
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Taking home first place in the children’s division were Kayleigh and Maggie Fruge. Skylar McCain was awarded second place and Macie Duplechain won third place. First place winner in the teen division was Zaire Laroussi. Isabella Griffith took home second place and Dustin Guidry won third. Capturing first place in the elementary school division was E.K. Key Elementary. Group 1 from Vincent Settlement Elementary School landed second place honors and Dolby Elementary’s Third Grade Classes won third. Girl Scout Troop #205 took home first place in the Club/Organization
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(school age) Division. St. Margaret’s Catholic School Art Club Group 1 placed second and St. Margaret’s Catholic School Art Club Group 3 placed third. Kate Smith won first place in the adult division and Kingsley Place Assisted Living won first place in the adult civic club or organization division. Best of show was awarded to Kate Smith. The shoebox floats will remain on display at the bureau until Thurs., March 3, when winners will be announced for the Peoples’ Choice Awards at 10 a.m. The public is invited to stop by the bureau at 1205 N. Lakeshore Dr. to view the entries and cast their ballots in the Peoples’ Choice Contest. For more information or a complete list of Mardi Gras events, call the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 436-9588 or log onto www.swlamardigras.com. TJN
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The Lake Charles City Council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution declaring Lock Park a “Family Friendly Zone” during the 2011 Mardi Gras parade activities. The resolution prohibits the possession, consumption or sale of alcoholic beverages within Lock Park and also prohibits parking within the grounds of the park during this year’s Mardi Gras parades. “We want to reassure everyone that Lock Park, as well as all the other parks within our City, will continue to provide a family friendly atmosphere during Mardi Gras festivities,” said City Administrator John Cardone. “We encourage families to visit the parks during Mardi Gras and have an enjoyable and memorable time.” Another government agency providing an alcohol-free location is the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The parish is sponsoring an alcohol and tobacco-free, safe place for children and teenagers to enjoy Mardi Gras on Tues., March 8, noon to 5 p.m., on Ryan St. between Pujo and Kirby St.
TJN
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works for recognition. Hathorn will give a gallery talk at 7 p.m. on the showcased artworks. The Abercrombie Gallery, located in Room 125 of the Shearman Fine Arts Center, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call (337) 475-5060. MAMMA MIA! AT LUTCHER THEATER FEB. 25-26 MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, plays the Lutcher Theater in Orange, Tx., on Fri., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., and Sat., Feb, 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Seen by over 45 million people around the world, the musical is in its tenth smash hit year at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre and remains among Broadway’s top-selling musicals. Tickets are $40-$65 and are available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher box office at (409) 886-5535.
“BLUE DOGS AND CAJUNS” AT ICM THROUGH MARCH 7 See a wonderful exhibit of George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog and classic Cajun paintings at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum at 204 W. Sallier St., Lake Charles. Mamma Mia! Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for seniors and children. Call 4393797 for more information. ‘FAIRY TALE ART’ EXHIBIT AT HISTORIC CITY HALL THROUGH MARCH 26 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 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, dreamlike 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. Free admission; donations are gladly accepted. For more information, call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.
Playing House McNeese Stu dent Exhibitio n
MCNEESE STUDENT EXHIBITION FEB. 24 The McNeese Department of Visual Arts will host the public opening of the Annual Spring Juried Student Exhibition from 6–8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24, in the Abercrombie Gallery of the Shearman Fine Arts Center at McNeese State University. The exhibition runs through April 1. John Hathorn, professor of visual arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has selected over 50 student
Volume 2 • Issue 23
WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF DERIDDER MARDI GRAS GALA FEB. 26 The Women’s League of DeRidder presents a Mardi Gras Gala, “An Evening of Jazz” at 6 p.m. at the Beauregard Exhibition Hall on Sat., Feb. 26. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call (337) 396-4717. LAKE CHARLES SYMPHONY FEB. 26 The Lake Charles Symphony will be performing on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Charles Civic Center’s Rosa Hart Theater, featuring guest violinist Anna Vayman and cellist Peter Opie. This performance is rescheduled from Feb. 5, and tickets from that date will be honored. General admission is $20 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors purchased at the door or in advance at the Civic Center Box office. Call 4331611 for more information.
LOUISIANA POET LAUREATE AT THE PORCH MARCH 4 On Fri., March 4, at 7 p.m., the First Friday Poetry Series will feature a reading by the current Louisiana Poet Laureate, Darrell Bourque at the Porch Coffeehouse and Café. This will be the third installation of the new reading series, which is co-hosted with the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana. Bourque will read a selection of his work, which spans several books and years of writing, and his books will be available for sale during the evening. The Porch Coffeehouse and Café is located at 4710 Common Street in Lake Charles and is open Monday through Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through
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Saturday from 6 a.m. to close. For more information, visit www.theporchcoffeehouse.com or call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787. ST. THEODORE’S ‘RACE TO SERVE’ MARCH 5 St. Theodore Holy Family Catholic School will host its second annual “Knight’s Run: Race to Serve” on Sat., March 5 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The race will begin at 8 a.m., and will be officially timed, with winners from each age category. Registration is $20 per participant, with a Family Max of $50. Pre-registration ends on Feb. 12. A Tshirt is included in registration. Go to www.imathlete.com or contact Elizabeth Eustis at 855-9465 for an application. TRAIN AT L’AUBERGE MARCH 6 Tickets for GRAMMY-winning California rock group Train are now on sale via www.ticketmaster.com. The show is at 7 p.m. on Sun., March 6 in the L’Auberge Event Center. Tickets (all general admission) are $50. Must be 21 to attend.
EMPTY BOWL FUNDRAISER MARCH 11 An evening with internationally acclaimed tenor Paul Groves will be the highlight of the Salvation Army’s Empty Bowl fundraiser, which will be held at L’Auberge Du Lac Casino Resort on Fri., March 11, from 6-9 p.m. Groves, who studied at LSU and the Julliard School, entered the Metropolitan Opera’s Young Artists’ Development Program, winning the Met’s National Council Auditions in 1991. Since then, he has appeared internationally in numerous roles. His program will include opera, musical comedy favorites, and other popular tunes. Area restaurants will present 12 soups, and each guest will receive a one-ofa-kind ceramic bowl designed by area artisans. Seating is urque o B limited, so purchase tickets as soon as possible. They are l l e r Dar $100 per guest and may be obtained by calling 477-6476 or 515-0228. HEALING CONFERENCE MARCH 11-12 The 5th annual Healing Conference, “Lord, Reign In Me - Being a Vessel of Healing” is being presented by Rev. Josh Acton at St. Michael and All Angels Church, 123 West Sale Rd. in Lake Charles. It will take place on Fri., March 11, from 6 - 9 p.m. (registration begins at 5 p.m.) and continue on Sat. March 12 from 9 - 3 p.m., with registration at 8:30 a.m. The $20 registration fee includes snacks and lunch on Sat. Childcare will be available. For further information, contact Malcolm Self at 478-2646 or e-mail southlandcoins@aol.com. This conference, open to all, is sponsored by the local Imperial Calcasieu Chapter of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician. MARSHES TO MANSIONS TASTING EVENT MARCH 12 The Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. will host a Tasting Event on Sat., March 12 at Coburn Supply (1403 E. McNeese St.) in Lake Charles. The public is invited to sample delicious recipes such as Celebration Crawfish Casserole, Cool as a Cucumber Dip, Parmesan Puffs and Chocolate Kahlua Cake. The tastings are from 1-3 p.m. and are free, but you can take advantage of these specials while supplies last: Buy two cookbooks, get one free; or buy one cookbook, enter to win one free. Proceeds from the sales fund community projects of the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. One cookbook purchase provides 50 dental kits to children in this community! Visit www.jllc.net for details and to learn about their year-round community impact. LAKE CHARLES MEMORIAL PRESENTS ‘ON THE TOWN” MARCH 19 Step out in style on Sat., March 19, as the Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital presents “On the Town” (formally White Linen Nights). This premiere event will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Calcasieu Marine Bank Building, located downtown on Ryan Street. Featured musical headliner will be the Philadelphia group, “Chapter One,” who performs the hits of The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Drifters, The Coasters and others from the Motown era. Also on stage will be the 1944 Big Band, featuring Kathy Derouen. Advanced tickets are $75 each and can be purchased on-line at lcmh.com or by calling 494-3226. Ticket price includes complimentary food and wine from area restaurants and outstanding musical entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Foundation.
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FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Volume 2 • Issue 23
To list your event e-mail: lauren@thejambalayanews.com
The
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • TBA @ The Cigar Club, 9 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • John Cessac @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Primetime Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • Coal Train @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Jake Landry @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • Brad Brinkley @ Micci’s, 9 p.m. • Cam Pyle @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • Chee Weez @ Yesterday’s, 7 p.m. • Mark Mestre @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Primetime Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Porkchop Express @ Outriggers Tavern, 9 p.m. • Tin Can Phone @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • Brian Moore @ The Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • Cold Sweat @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.
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• BroadBand @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Rockstar Karaoke @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • Ellis Vanicor @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m. • House Band @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Primetime Band @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Losers’ Reunion/Karma Protocol @ Luna Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. • David Pellerin @ The Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • Trial By Fire @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • BroadBand @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Dustin Sonnier & 6 Pack @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m. • Rockstar Karaoke @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 • Warren Storm/Willie Tee & Cypress @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 1 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 • Jamie Berzas & Cajun Tradition @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Brad Broussard @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Alex Rozell @ Luna Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Matt Moss @ The Cigar Club, 8 p.m. THURSDAY, MARCH 3 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Matt Moss @ The Cigar Club, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Musician’s Night @ The Porch, 8:30 p.m. • Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Johnny Gossip @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 4 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Poetry Night w/Danielle Bourque/ Snidley Whiplash @ The Porch, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • TBA @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • Mickey Smith @ The Cigar Club, 9 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m.
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• Kadillacs @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.
Puppies and dogs now available for adoption at Downtown Animal Hospital.
NEW KITCHEN HOURS:
113 W. Clarence St. Lake Charles, La. (337) 439-4330
LUNA GOODS ON SALE:
SATURDAY, MARCH 5 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • Maze/Frankie Beverly @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8:30 p.m. • ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m. • TBA @ Yesterday’s, 9:30 p.m. • Grunge Factory @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m. • Kadillacs @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m.
Mon. - Tues. 11 am - 10 pm Wed. - Sat.11 am - 11 pm Closed Sunday
SUNDAY, MARCH 6 • Pardi Gras @ The Porch, 3 p.m. • TBA @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m. • Train @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge du Lac Casino, 7 p.m.
Luna Classic Tee $15 Luna Guitar Tee $15 Luna Ball Cap $15 Luna Dressings $6 (16oz.) Citrus Vinaigrette Balsamic Vinaigrette Raspberry Vinaigrette Cosmic
MONDAY, MARCH 7 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 8 • Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 23 @ 9 pm RYAN BORQUE & KEVIN JOHNSON (acoustic) Fri. Feb. 25 @ 9 pm TIN CAN PHONE (rock ragae)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Brad Broussard @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. • Anders Osborne @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • TBA @ The Cigar Club, 9 p.m.
Sat. Feb. 26 @ 9 pm CAS HALEY WITH DON CHANI (ragae/soul) Wed. Mar. 2 @ 9 pm ALEX ROZELL (acoustic) Fri. Mar. 4 @ 9 pm BRET VIDRINE & BENT WHISKEY (rock & blues) Sat. Mar. 5 @ 9 pm THE BROTHERS WHIRLEY WITH BOBCAT (rock ska Tues. Mar. 8 @ 9 pm MARDI GRAS PARTY! WHO DAT BRASS BAND, THE 94'S, FRESH NECTOR, and much more!
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FEBRUARY 24, 2011
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THURSDAY, MARCH 10 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m. • Chris Young @ Texas Longhorn Club, Vinton, 7 p.m. • TBA @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7:30 p.m. • TBA @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 8 p.m. • TBA @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m. • Ryan Bourque @ The Porch, 9 p.m. • The Crossroads Band @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 9 p.m. • Outright @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge du Lac, 10 p.m. TJN Volume 2 • Issue 23
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. r casu er o , e v i I h s e dr jump relessly, tos logical bon ly don’t i s e o i r l w n u , h o s y akes ec rt all ther t eard of and y it on. 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I was istening pr nd e r h u p w y e s e o a w I i w l a h e t g atles. the near -of-consc th music. elity anyw tines ear to list rial way – f records tes ran to The Be had notht s i a o b d a m t e l i w t s a l d n u F , a l e a e ca str Joh ght y’s High sand over-stim cou in one m Sinatr f , but h k wner just ri w y thou Frank , of course wo pools o say it ick Hornb ord store o ks Jack Blac music y to literall years had ar just a fe t y N c h e r e o n t e l e s t wor tside tho loved ening to r er sales cle and why) ix tap sional over a doze y ears; I’d h any com- e s ( n st ou d of m with that o i v l s o l m a n w g i d t s s h o i n d k n u i n h e h i a d t b ’ a b I b out. ut I nt me k and quatr . Wha xplain a n and my d num Cusac dd Luiso e nocked me ix tape in on light he have se was ugly, b ed an r-sounding adio statio mp out of i o t t y d r a u and T mix tape k u make a mnd of atten re coul d palate? I g I decentl famili l record or olume or j freelance t I o a e i u t n s y e v k a i i e u i t k e h o c b m m t a . i a r ’m h , i d t I l t e h e y t m l im TJN w n ll n s, m nd ho oesn’t have These day of their the on friended h n dow , I was a fu n’t tell anyo ew more r A d i u t d o ? d n t d that yway y then object d. I u ive as I gr I coul world ymore, an list to the ass her the are coul skin. B journalist. ll the time unrespons n y I a d span a st zap a pla Phone, or p d onto a sp music about this ensitive an How could i u ie s d : e e d t r t n o e guys j affection’s tunes cop fr to sou and m
of e c n e l i S s e e p Th a T x i M the
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