The Jambalaya News - Vol. 3 No. 19

VOL. 3, NO. 19 / DECEMBER 15, 2011

ALSO: • Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation • Christmas Memories from The Jambalaya Staff • Treasures Within a Treasure: The Imperial Calcasieu Museum

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

GENERAL 715 Kirby St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: 337-436-7800 Fax: 337-990-0262 www.thejambalayanews.com PUBLISHER Phil de Albuquerque publisher@thejambalayanews.com

NEWS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren de Albuquerque lauren@thejambalayanews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Addison Leslie Berman George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Maria Alcantara Faul Mike McHugh Katy Rozas Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING

contents

December 15, 2011 • Volume 3 • Issue 19

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COVER STORY 28 The Spirit of Giving: Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army

REGULARS 7 11 17 19 20 36

The Boiling Pot Adoption Corner The Dang Yankee Doyle’s Place Tips from Tip Sports Report

FEATURES 5 My Big Sister Changed My Life 22 Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation 25 Christmas Memories from The Jambalaya Staff 33 The Imperial Calcasieu Museum

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sales@thejambalayanews.com

SALES ASSOCIATES Katy Corbello Faye Drake Lindy George Karla Tullos GRAPHICS ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Darrell Buck BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kay Andrews Legal Disclaimer The views expressed by The Jambalaya News columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Jambalaya News, its editors or staff.

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

Copyright 2011 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

ENTERTAINMENT 38 41 42 44 49 52 54 55

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

Toys for Tots Lake Charles and The Salvation Army would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Oak Park Dental, Citgo, and Coushatta Casino Resort for their sponsorship.

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15 We accept credit cards!

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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A Note From Lauren Let There Be Holiday Lights

Last night, we got a group of friends together, rented a limo from Platinum Limousine, and drove around for several hours, drinking champagne and looking at all the wonderful light displays in the area.

The only reason we even secured a spot was because someone canceled at the last minute. Holiday limo rides are apparently very popular.

We started off in Sulphur, where it appears the Lawton family lives on a compound, and must begin sometime in August stringing lights and putting up decorations. (Well, I’m sure they don’t do it themselves, but they must hire about a hundred elves to do all that work.)

Vehicles are actually allowed on the private driveways that meander across their property. There are big signs everywhere, welcoming autos but advising their occupants to “remain in the car.” The whole thing was mind-boggling, but I’ll bet nothing is as mind-boggling as their electric bills.

We went all over the area. I’m not sure exactly where. We even made a stop at Prien Lake Park to

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get out and stretch our legs.

The limo drivers told us they got a kick out of all of our comments.

Our friend Cindy is in love with manger scenes, and there were some that were truly stupendous. She wanted them all. I suggested that manger scenes ruined the decorations and that drinking was the real reason for the season, just to get a rise out of her.

What was really amusing, to me, was the fact that people actually put their names in front of their homes.

“Merry Christmas from the Richards!” said one huge sign.

Others had the entire family’s names displayed for the world to see over their Christmas lists, all painted on wooden signs.

This wouldn’t go over well in the Boston area. We don’t want anyone to know our business, and one of the most important aspects of our business is our name. You don’t need to know our name. We don’t know you and we don’t want you to know us. Do you understand?

Therefore, you will never see anyone’s name displayed like that up there. If you do, these people are

not natives; they’ve probably moved there from somewhere else, possibly the South.

When you live in a 3-decker neighborhood, there isn’t a whole lot of outside decorating that you can do. We would put a Santa Claus in the small window and a larger candle display in the big window. Only our living room faced the street, so we had two windows to work with as far as decorating went. That’s it.

Some people strung lights around their buildings, but when the building is shaped like a cracker box, it looks like you’re lighting up a cracker box. Kind of sad, really. Of course, when I was little, I didn’t know any better. When I got older, it irked me to no end that I lived in a cracker box.

Once you went out to the suburbs, however, everyone went nuts with decorating (except no names, remember?). There’s a street in Saugus, Massachusetts called Milano Drive, and that street was known for its lavish decorations.

Every year, we’d make a pilgrimage to Milano Drive to see the lights.

The problem is, everyone else had

the same idea, and with such a densely populated area, the street was completely congested with cars and backed up for a mile or so. My father, who never had any patience, refused to go after awhile. But my Uncle Ricky was always game for anything, so we’d all pile into his car and off we’d go, singing carols and having a lot of laughs.

And that’s what last night reminded me of. Even though I was 1,600 miles from what I once called home, and there was no snow on the ground, it evoked the same feeling I used to get as a kid, a warm, happy, special holiday feeling.

And that’s what I wish for all of you, dear readers. May you have the most wonderful holiday, and a very healthy, happy New Year!

Note: We’re giving our hardworking staff a few weeks off to enjoy the holidays with their families. Our next issue will be out on Jan. 12. See you then!

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 19

By Katy Rozas

Part one of a two-part series on Adult Little Alumni Katy Rozas. In her own words, this is her experience as a Little Sister growing up in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program—and eventually becoming a volunteer herself.

My name is Katy Rozas. I’m 28 years old and a lifelong resident of Lake Charles. I graduated from McNeese State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and I’m currently employed as an Aflac agent, which I love. I give credit not only to my family, but also to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana for helping me become the person I am today.

I grew up as the youngest of four in my family. My parents were newly divorced and my mother struggled to put herself through school and find employment. My two older siblings were already out of the house and starting their own lives. This left my brother and me lost somewhere in the shuffle of everyday life.

At the age of seven, my mother enrolled me in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I didn’t understand at the time what kind of impact that it would have on my life.

I was matched to my Big Sister Laura. I remember being nervous and confused in the beginning about who this stranger was and why she wanted to do all these fun things Volume 3 • Issue 19

with me. I soon realized I had nothing to be nervous about, because Laura was nothing less than amazing. She was thoughtful, loving and considerate. We loved going to the movies and out to eat and participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake, the Easter egg hunt and Christmas caroling.

After we had grown closer, Laura introduced me to her family in New Orleans and her fiancé Joe, as well. I would travel with Laura and Joe to visit her family on a regular basis. I grew very close to her family and loved them dearly. They always made me feel welcome and had exciting things planned for us to do. I remember her stepmother taking me to see “Nancy Kerrigan On Ice”—I was completely ecstatic to see the Olympian who was all over the news at the time. I also recall going to the country club on several occasions and swimming all day long (my favorite activity!).

Laura’s fiancé Joe was also wonderful to me. He was fun, caring and energetic. I enjoyed picking on Joe and giving him a hard time. He and

Laura took me sailing for the first time and I enjoyed being out on the water with them. They would even let me swim off the back of the boat.

I was in Laura and Joe’s wedding as their flower girl. It was such an honor to be part of something so special involving those who were so dear to my heart. When Laura became pregnant, she told me that she loved my name so much that her daughter’s name would somewhat resemble mine. They named her Kaitlin.

After our match closed, we eventually lost touch with each other. I constantly thought about Laura as I was going through my schooling and growing older. When I graduated from college, I wanted to share my accomplishment with her, but I had no idea where to even begin to find her.

In 2009, my curiosity got the best of me, so I Googled her name and was able to locate her and Joe in North Carolina. I immediately called her. We talked on the phone for almost an hour about how often we had thought of each other over the last 15 years. It’s funny how after all those years, we were able to pick up

exactly where we had left off. We were so happy to finally find each other that we instantly planned a trip to meet up with one another.

When I got home from work that night I remember crying tears of joy.

I was so thankful to have had such a wonderful person in my life as a child, and so happy that I had the opportunity to reconnect with such a valuable part of my childhood. I had finally received my closure, and lucky for me, the feelings were mutual.

As these thoughts went through my head, I knew that I had to do something. I had to become a Big Sister and make a difference in someone’s life the way Laura did in mine. I hope to be as wonderful to my Little Sister as my Big Sister was to me.

For more information on how you can be a part of something big, please call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana, a United Way agency. Lake Charles, 478-KIDS (5437); DeRidder, 460-KIDS (5437); and Jennings, 824-HUGS (4847).

Think of the possibilities—what will you start? TJN DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Volume 3 • Issue 19

The

Boiling

P l

Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Keith W. Henson, L'Auberge VP and GM, L'Auberge management team and members of the SWLA Alliance.

LEGENDS MEMORABILIA OPENS AT L’AUBERGE L’Auberge Casino Resort recently announced the opening of Legends Memorabilia, the sixth addition to The Shops of L’Auberge. Legends opens at 10 a.m. daily and offers a variety of sports, music and presidential memorabilia perfect for any collection.

Left to right: Beth Zilbert, executive director; L’Auberge VP and GM Keith W. Henson; and Kerry Andersen, Pinnacle Entertainment regional director of community & public affairs.

L’AUBERGE SPONSORS PREVENTING FAMILY VIOLENCE WORKSHOP L’Auberge Casino Resort recently sponsored the People’s Advocate Third Annual Preventing Family Violence Workshop: Breaking the Cycle. The workshop was held at McNeese State University and raised awareness of domestic, child and animal abuse in our community.

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RAU AND ABATE ATTEND LPL FINANCIAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE Denise Rau, CFP and president of Rau Financial Group, and Eva Abate, LPL financial advisor, recently attended Focus 11, a leading financial services industry conference hosted by LPL Financial, the Denise Rau Eva Abate nation’s number one independent broker-dealer. This event focus is on increasing value to investors.

Through the hundreds of business sessions, technology training sessions and continuing education classes at this event, Rau and Abate gained valuable knowledge to help them continually improve the service they offer to clients and operate their independent practices more efficiently.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HONORS ST. JOHN ELEMENTARY ARTISTS Lake Charles Memorial Hospital recently honored students who participated in the Young at Art Program in October. The program, which spotlights artwork from a different local elementary school each month, was designed to make a positive impact on hospital patients, employees, and the young artists themselves. October’s display featured artwork by students from St. John Elementary. A panel of Memorial volunteers recognized second grader Pawan Thind, and third graders Latavia Jack and Tatum Serrette with a $50 savings bond.

NURSE RECEIVES LACTATION CERTIFICATION Sarah Deese, RN, a nurse in the maternity department of Jennings American Legion Hospital, has successfully completed the examination from the International Board of Lactation Consultants and is certified to provide education to patients regarding breastfeeding. Research shows that breast milk is the best nutrition for newborns, providing all of the nutrients and vitamins the baby needs in their first six Sarah Deese, RN months of life. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the more protection she receives against breast and ovarian cancer. “Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. New mothers need a strong support system and I’m glad we’re able to provide that,” Deese said.

JENNINGS HOSPITAL ACHIEVES BENCHMARK Jennings American Legion Hospital achieved the critical benchmark of meaningful use regarding the implementation of electronic medical records— DECEMBER 15, 2011

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one of the first hospitals in the state to reach this marker. As part of the economic stimulus package enacted by Congress in 2009, incentives were offered through Medicare and Medicaid to hospitals and physicians to adopt electronic health records. Meaningful use refers to certain parameters that must be met by 2014 to qualify for stimulus funds. The implementation of electronic medical records is designed to provide better care for the patient, eliminating written orders to avoid confusion or error, and enabling health records to be quickly sent to another physician or hospital if a patient is transferred for care.

SAFETY COUNCIL OF SWLA NAMES NEW COO Joni Fontenot has been promoted to the position of chief operating officer for the Safety Council of SWLA. Originally from Ragley, Fontenot earned a bachelor’s degree in 2000 from McNeese State University and has been an employee of the Safety Council for nearly 12 years. Fontenot is an alumni board member of the Safe Kids Coalition, and a member of the Chamber Southwest – Fusion Five young professionals organization. The Safety Council is located at 1201 Ryan Street in Lake Charles and has served Southwest Louisiana for over 50 years. For more information, visit www.safetycouncilswla.org.

Joni Fontenot

VP/GM KEITH HENSON NAMED TO CVB BOARD L’Auberge Casino Resort is pleased to announce that Keith W. Henson, vice president and general manager of L’Auberge, has been named to the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. Henson was nominated for the position by the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Keith W. Henson Association and was officially appointed by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. His three-year term will begin January 1, 2012.

He will be one of 11 members of the Bureau’s Board of Directors, all of who were appointed by various members of the hospitality community.

Captain John Rentrop and crew.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR LAKE CHARLES CHRISTMAS PARADES On Sat., Dec. 3, a panel of judges scored parade entries during the Light up the Lake Christmas Celebration. In the street parade, award recipients by category were: Best Decorated Vehicle, Magical Cajun Christmas by Marci Tweed; Best Specialty Group, Contraband Car Club; 1st Place Christmas Float, First Faith Bible Church; 2nd Place Christmas Float, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park; 1st Place Marching Band, Sam Houston High Pride & Spirit Band. Trophies were provided by Lake Charles Toyota/Scion.

Winners of the Lighted Boat Parade, by category, were: Overall Best of Show, Cayenne, Captain Mike Nodier; Overall Best Crew, My Bud, Captain Richard Cole; 1st Place (21 feet and under), Captains Joe and Brent Vidrine; (22 feet and over) 1st Place, Diana Lynn, Captain John Rentrop; 2nd Place, Desperado, Captain Tony Giaimis; 3rd Place, Lynn Marie IV, Mark Severns.

Winners received plaques provided by Fun Radio 92.9 The Lake FM. PAGE 8

DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

COUSHATTA NAMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT William “Rusty” Curtis II has been named executive director of facilities management at Coushatta Casino Resort. He has over 27 years of experience in project and construction management. In his new position, Curtis will oversee Coushatta Casino Resort’s physical facilities including management of capital construction projects, major renovations, and systematic maintenance and improvement of all buildings, William “Rusty” Curtis II grounds, infrastructure and facilities. Coushatta Casino Resort is located in Kinder on Highway 165 (I10 exit 44), featuring over 2800 slots and more than 70 table games. Phone (800) 584-7263 for more information or go to coushattacasinoresort.com.

EDS School 1st grade class.

EDS SCHOOL CELEBRATES ‘POLAR EXPRESS DAY’ Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School students from 2 years of age through the 5th grade celebrated “Polar Express Day” recently. The children wore pajamas, robes and slippers to school instead of their usual uniform, and were given a “ticket” as they entered the classroom. They drank hot chocolate and ate cookies and other snacks while enjoying the movie, Polar Express. Afterward, students completed age-appropriate academic activities related to the movie. Two and three-year-olds were introduced to new vocabulary while older children used the words on spelling lists and discussed how the movie related to their “Leader in Me” program.

Call Leigh Anne Moreau or Courtney LeBlanc today to schedule an appointment!

All new clients receive 15% OFF their first color service booked between January 1-31

Center: Sue Broussard, Executive Director of Care Help with Cameron LNG employees.

CAMERON LNG SUPPORTS BACKPACK BLESSINGS PROGRAM Cameron LNG employees recently participated in a volunteer event to pack Christmas boxes with toys and other incidentals for Care Help’s Backpack Blessings program, which feeds more than 100 Sulphur area children on weekends during the school year. As part of the Season of Giving Volume 3 • Issue 19

109 W. LaGrange, Lake Charles • (337) 477-6868 DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Program, the Sempra Energy Foundation provided a $2,500 grant to support the volunteer event with more than 15 Cameron LNG employees participating. Through the Season of Giving Program, the Sempra Energy Foundation supports the dedication of employees who contribute their time and talent to charitable organizations in their communities during the holidays. In addition, the Foundation encourages groups of employees to engage in a service project together.

WCCH’S BENOIT RECEIVES PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION Aleta Benoit, medical staff coordinator at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, has received the nationally recognized designation of Certified Professional in Medical Services Management award.

A resident of Moss Bluff, Benoit received this designation after passing a comprehensive exam covering a wide range of knowledge in the field. She has been employed at WCCH for 13 years. She serves as secretary for the Gulf District Rose Society Board, is a member of the Lake Charles SWLA Rose Society, is a consulting rosarian, and is a member of First Aleta Benoit Pentecostal Church in Lake Charles.

ASSISTANT DA SWORN IN Assistant District Attorney Brett Sandifer was recently sworn in by District Attorney John DeRosier. A native of Baton Rouge, Sandifer graduated from Parkview Baptist High School. He attended Nicholls State University, where he played football and earned the letter athlete award.

Sandifer later transferred to Louisiana State University, where he earned his degree in History with a minor in Sociology in 2008. He earned his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law and passed the Louisiana Bar in July 2011. TJN

“With three children I loved the convenient Saturday classes and the job they help me get.”

Christina R. - Fall 2010

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

“I felt all the instructors cared about my career.

Very personable course.”

Hope H. - Spring 2010

“They truly help with job placement.

I had a job before I graduated.”

Kaylee M. - Spring 2010

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Meet Scrubs!

“Scrubs” says that he wants to have a home before the holidays. He is so confused: he’s young, affectionate, well behaved and only about 25 pounds—so why is he still “homeless?” He needs to be lounging around with his loving family and showering them with cuddles and kisses. Scrubs wants you to know that he is very gentle and eager to please. He will promise to welcome you home every time you come in the door and he will always be in a great mood and give you unconditional love. Scrubs is a

good candidate for the job of canine companion, and he would like an interview with you soon, please! An application can found online at www.4PawsSocietyInc.com and faxed to (337) 558-6331 or e-mailed to fourpawssociety@aol.com. A vet reference and home visit is included with each adoption process. If you live outside the general area a “virtual” home visit can be done. Hurry, Scrubs is waiting! TJN

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Computer Repair/ Sales • Network Management Home and Business Security Camera • Professionally Installed Gerrit Lawrence

Volume 3 • Issue 19

1306 A Sampson St., Westlake • (337) 721-1969

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Last year, The Jambalaya News and graphic design instructor Tracy Beaugh from Sowela got together to do something fun and inspiring for the students. A competition was developed similar to the Top Chef television program— except the students would be challenged to create ads. Last year’s winner was Glen Coleman, who created the “Top Ad” for J&R Carriages.

This year’s competition began in October, with 10 students: René Jones, Glenn Coleman, Shelbi Lavoilet, Chelsea Hoosier, Lauren Thorn, Daniesha Davis, Ginger VanWinkle, Jennifer Biven, Nicole Palombo and Caitlin Cloud.

The students met once a week and were given images, copy and specs to design an ad in one hour.

Each week, one student was elimi-

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

nated. The three finalists had a week to design an ad for a real client—First Federal Bank. The client chose the winner—with the ads being judged on creativity, effectiveness and design.

Congratulations to René Jones, who created this year’s “Top Ad!”

TJN

Proud Supporter of Sowela

Volume 3 • Issue 19

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Calcasieu Parish Animal Services Accepting Blanket Donations With temperatures dropping during the winter season, the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center needs blankets and towels to help keep animals waiting for adoption warm.

They are accepting donations from the public from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Both new and used towels and blankets can be donated. All sizes are accepted.

Please bring your donations to: Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center 5500-A Swift Plant Road Lake Charles, LA 70615 There will be a donation box located inside the adoption center at the front counter. Thank you for remembering our furry friends! TJN

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Calcasieu Parish Public Library Christmas Programs The Calcasieu Parish Public Library will present several Christmas programs featuring two musical groups.

Buster Jordan of Many will be the featured musician Dec. 19 – 21, singing and playing Christmas music on the guitar in sing-along fashion. Jordan, performing as “Mr. Buster,” has 33 years of experience as a musician and 18 years of directing children’s programs. The schedule for Jordan’s programs includes: Mon., Dec. 19: • 10 a.m. at the Iowa Library, 107 E. 1st Street, 582-3597 • 2 p.m. at the Hayes Library, 7709 Perier Street, 622-3605 Tues., Dec. 20: • 10 a.m. at the Epps Memorial Library, 1320 N. Simmons St., 721-7090.

• 1 p.m. at the Westlake Library, 937 Mulberry St., 721-7113.

• 4 p.m. at the DeQuincy Library, 102 W. Harrison St., 786-4213 Wednesday, December 21: • 10:30 a.m. at the Carnegie Memorial Library, 411 Pujo St., 721-7084 • 2 p.m. at the Starks Library, 113 S. Hwy. 109, 743-6560 “Christmas with the Kinders” will feature original music by Brian and Terri Kinder, including songs from their most recent holiday release, Joy to the World It’s Christmas. The concerts for families are lively and interactive. The Kinders’ schedule is below:

• 2 p.m. at the Moss Bluff Library, 261 Parish Road, 721-7128 Fri., Dec. 23 • 10:00 a.m. at the Fontenot Memorial Library, 1402 Center St., Vinton, 721-7095 • 2 p.m. at the Central Library, 301 W. Claude St., 721-7116 All programs are free and open to the public. For more information on Calcasieu Parish Public Library programs, resources and services, please visit http://calcasieulibrary.org or call (337) 721-7116.

TJN

Thurs., Dec. 22 • 10 a.m. at the Sulphur Regional Library, 1160 Cypress St., 721-7141

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Gingerbread House Contest Winners Named The annual Gingerbread House Contest winners were announced at noon on Sat., Dec. 3 at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Welcome Center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive.

The contest, held in conjunction with the annual Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival, features awards in different categories including amateur, school groups and professional bakers. Southwest Louisiana’s goodwill ambassador and mascot, Gumbeaux Gator, was on hand to take pictures with the winners.

This year, there were highlighted themes such as a replica of Millennium Park, McNeese State University Stadium, the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse and more.

In the Children’s Division, Olivia Walker took first place, Camron Fruge placed second, and Caleb Fruge captured third place honors.

In the Teen Division, Hogan and Reagan Berry took first place.

In the Pre-School Division, Ms. Tina Harris’s class from MJ Kaufman

Volume 3 • Issue 19

took first, Ms. Amber Bare’s class from MJ Kaufman placed second and Kids 360 Learning Center captured third place honors.

In the Elementary School division, TH Watkins placed first.

In the Middle School Division, JI Watson captured the first place vote.

The Art Club at Vinton Middle placed second, and Ms. Sarah Harmon’s class at FK White took third.

Taking home first place in the High School Division was Pro-Start from Sulphur High School.

The Pack 3 Boy Scouts of America-Den 10, won first place in the Club/Organization Division.

First place in the Amateur Adult Division went to Meredith Musgrove with help from her children Ben, Colton, Claire, and Marlee. Patty Foltz, with help from her children William and Matthew, took second place. Blanche and Amy Richard captured third place honors.

The Best of Show went to Meredith Musgrove. Her entry was a vision of Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole. The creation features

Santa with his reindeers and elves made entirely out of fondant.

The winning gingerbread houses will remain on display at the bureau throughout the month of December. This month, residents and tourists visiting the Welcome Center may vote on the “People’s Choice Award”, which will be announced Tues., Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.

We would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors for their contributions for prizes: 121 Artisan Bistro, A Piece of Cake, Casa Manana, Children’s Museum, Children’s Theatre Company, Club Tabby, Jo’s Party House, Skate City, Superior Limo, Swashbucklers, The Louisiana Market and the USS Orleck Naval Museum. TJN

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Contest Call for Entries!

The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau is inviting the community to bedazzle their shoeboxes and help usher in the Mardi Gras season. Shoebox floats represent a seasonal piece of Louisiana and every family member can join in the creative fun and submit an entry into the Shoebox Float Contest.

Anyone can participate. Simply decorate a traditional cardboard shoebox with items such as glitter, glue, feathers, beads, sequins and more. There are school group divisions as well as divisions for amateurs ranging from child to adult, with an additional category for adult civic groups and organizations.

The deadline for registering is Mon., Jan. 9. Floats will be received at the bureau’s Welcome Center, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles on Fri., Feb. 3 from 3-4:30 p.m.

Judging will take place on Sat., Feb. 4 with the awards ceremony at noon. Shoebox floats will remain on display at the bureau through Mardi Gras. The People’s Choice Award will be presented on Thurs., Feb. 23.

For a list of prizes, registration form and more details on the contest, visit www.visitlakecharles.org/shoebox or contact Cindy Johnson with the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or cjohnson@visitlakecharles.org.

TJN

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

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

LifeShare Blood Centers invites area citizens willing to be a “Holiday Donor HERO” to schedule an additional blood donation or organize a community blood drive between Dec. 17 and Jan. 7, 2012. During this time frame, local patients in area hospitals need approximately 13,000 blood components. But inclement weather, cold and flu season and busy holiday schedules cause a dwindling donor pool The need for blood is daily – for surgeries, cancer patients, blood disorder patients, accident victims, organ transplants, etc. In addition, trauma victims and surgeries with complications will put an additional strain on the blood supply. An average adult has about 10 pints of blood, but a major trauma victim can need up to 100. Only 37 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, yet less

than 10 percent do annually. If you give blood Dec. 16 through Jan. 7, you will be helping to insure that there is an adequate blood supply for area patients. To learn more about blood donation, schedule an appointment, or organize a blood donor program, contact your local LifeShare Blood Centers at (337) 436-4932 or visit www.lifeshare.org and schedule your blood donation request online. TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 19

Dang Yankee

Sponsored by

The

By Mike McHugh

a warm smile and a hug – except maybe for the one I gave to my sister-in-law from Bass Pro Shop. It also cuts down on the inventory of unwanted items that end up in the spare bedroom closet to be thoughtfully re-gifted the following year. I actually think that re-gifting gets a bad rap. People who pride themselves on saving the planet by recycling all of their household waste, down to and including twist-ties, seem to scoff at the idea of re-gifting.

My family back in Yankee Land proudly engages in the practice. In

fact, we’ve been passing the same fruitcake around since 1982.

At any rate, I’m sure I’ll get my act together and complete my Christmas shopping, hopefully by no later than the start of baseball season. And also, I’m sure that I will find some things that the women in my life will truly appreciate, because, after all, at Christmas, the true gift is in giving, and all I want this year is for them to be happy.

And, maybe for my sister-in-law to re-gift me that card from Bass Pro Shop. TJN

He’s Making a List…

Eventually Does anyone else find it odd that such a joyous holiday season would kick off with something called “Black Friday?” I, for one, don’t go near a store on that day. It’s not because I don’t like the crowds. After all, I am a Yankee; I’ve spent most of my life clawing among the masses trying to claim my rightful share of the pie.

For me, waiting in line at Best Buy to snatch one of the half-dozen super deals available in the entire state would permanently cure any homesickness I might have.

No, the reason I don’t go to Black Friday sales events is that it’s still way too early for me to have a clue about what to get anyone for Christmas. By then, I’d given less thought to my Christmas list than I have to the Kardashians’ latest fashion trends (the thought there being—can their dresses get any tighter?). This is because I’m not motivated until I’m faced with a looming deadline.

Round about Black Friday, Christmas to me seems still to be as far off as the return of Halley’s Comet.

It’s hard for me to decide what gifts to buy, and it’s made more difficult by the fact that all the people on my list are women: my wife, my daughter, and my sister-in-law. Even after more than 25 years of marriage, I’ve yet to master the art of buying a woman something she would really cherish. Things haven’t improved much from the first Christmas after we started dating. That year, I gave her a set of cookware, an act that prompted her sister to urge her to strongly consider the alternative of entering a convent. The fact that she’s still married to me after the treadmill several Christmases ago is Volume 3 • Issue 19

proof that she has the heart for it.

I’ve tried asking my wife for a list, and she readily complies. But it is no help at all. There are two types of women in this world: ones whose list would bankrupt a country the size of Greece (that explains a thing or two), and ones whose list you can fill in five minutes with ten bucks at a Dollar General. My wife fits in the second group. One thing I have learned, though, in all these years of marriage, is not to take her list at face value. It would not be a joyous Christmas morning if my wife had nothing more to show than a few pairs of shoelaces, a key chain, and some air freshener. All that would get me is a reservation for the night at the nativity scene on the front lawn, sleeping with the Wise Men. I don’t know why I have so much trouble when it comes to Christmas shopping. I can’t fault the retailers.

They really try on their part; bless them. They start decorating their stores and piping carols through the loudspeakers as early as Labor Day, thus giving you plenty of time to get into the giving spirit. They even offer gift cards as a convenient way to knock out your list. But a gift card is just not the same as giving your loved one something in a great big box, wrapped with enough paper to have consumed a small forest. If gift cards were all that people bought each other, there’d be no more need for Christmas trees. You could easily fit all of your gifts under a poinsettia.

I will say one good thing about a gift card, though. It certainly does avoid the awkwardness involved in giving a person something she doesn’t like. A gift card never fails to elicit DECEMBER 15, 2011

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BBB Warns of Door-toDoor Solicitations The Better Business Bureau of SWLA, Inc. is issuing a warning of door-to-door solicitors targeting local consumers in the area.

Majestic Sales, Buford, GA (BBB Grade F) is soliciting the sale of magazines door-to-door to consumers in the Lake Charles area.

Callers to the Better Business Bureau state that the solicitor has represented him or herself as a neighbor or student trying to earn money for a school-related trip when in fact, the representative is neither a neighbor nor a student in the area. They are also indicating that the magazines will be sent to the troops.

“These emotion-based sales pitches are effective but often not true,” stated Carmen Million of the BBB. She also warns consumers that there is an ordinance that prohibits solicitations door-to-door to consumer’s homes in the city and parish.

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

BBB recommends that if a door-to-door solicitor has approached you, do not let them in your home, and alert local law enforcement. If you have signed an agreement for over $25, then you have the right to cancel by sending a letter, certified return receipt requested by midnight on the third day. For further information or questions, call your BBB at (337) 478-6253 or go to www.bbb.org.

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 19

oyle

By Jim D

This Christmas will be the last with an official child in my house, I’m afraid. Harry is moving into a dorm room with four roommates next month, and I’ll be lucky if I see him once a week for gas money.

But the circle of life continues.

I am attending a program weekly at a local church with some fine young men who have become a part of my extended family. Never underestimate the role faith and fellowship can play in your life.

I’m not a believer in the so-

called “war on Christmas,” but I do believe, even if there is such a war, its outcome is in the hands of ordinary people who celebrate its meaning every day, with their significant relations, their children, their friends, and their community.

I hope you, dear readers, will remember that meaning in everything you do, unto others as well as those close to you.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, everybody. I’ll see y’all on the flip. TJN

The Meaning of Christmas…

Celebrate it Every Day Well, I’m back. Sorry for the absence, folks, it’s been a busy time here in Doyle’s Place. Let me fill you in.

This week, I tried a jury trial in Leesville and stayed there the whole time. Nothing remarkable about that in my business, except that I was able to do my treatments on the road thanks to a wonderful invention called the NxStage portable dialysis unit. Had no problems at all.

I was privileged to be co-counsel with two excellent lawyers, David Wallace from DeRidder and Judge Elvin Fontenot of the Leesville City Court, who, shall we say, doesn’t take himself too seriously. While I was there, he called his wife to remind her that the sign by his parking place at the courthouse says “Judge,” not “Mrs. Judge.” Her reply was, well, unprintable, but involved kissing, and not in a romantic way.

Elvin was my buddy during treatments at night. While I was hooked up, he had a big drink in a red plastic cup and hung out with me while his wife was decorating the house for Christmas.

Being in Leesville, also from time to time in DeRidder, always reminds me of my roots, growing up in a small town, actually much smaller than either of those. People know each other there; it’s a real sense of community. It may be a goldfish bowl, but it’s a friendly one.

And Christmas is right around the corner. Wow. Volume 3 • Issue 19

I’ve had only one White Christmas in my life. When I was a senior in high school and had musical talent (which seems to have deteriorated with age, by the way) I directed the junior choir at our church. We had the program for the Christmas Eve service. In front of the church was an arc light installed on the ground, one of two spotlights illuminating the steeple with the cross on top. The heat from the light had hollowed out a well around it about 10 inches deep, and the snow was at least that much.

To this day, whenever I think of Christmas, that scene is prominent in my memory. Shortly after that night, which was more years ago than I like to think about, I was learning the details of portraying Santa Claus, eating the cookies carefully laid out by my children while I struggled with hammer, tong and screwdriver to put together some long-forgotten toy. My Santa days are over, for the most part. Like most grandparents I now content myself letting my children, now parents, perform those duties.

Family traditions. I’m proud to have had a part in them.

Communities like Bolivar, Leesville, DeRidder, and Lake Charles are the sum of their constituent parts. In a real community, nobody has a great Christmas unless everybody has a chance. My hat is always off to those ministries, including the Manna Ministry at my own church, for providing help to those in need.

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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By George “Tip” Cline

Medical Office Assistant: Starts Dec. 19 • 8 Weeks Dental Assistant: Starts Jan. 2 • 10 Weeks EKG Technician: Starts Feb. 6 • 4 Weeks Medical Ins. & Coding Specialist: Starts Feb. 13 • 4 Weeks Phlebotomy Technician: Starts Mar. 5 • 10 Weeks Physical Therapy Technician: Starts Mar. 19 • 8 Weeks "I chose Academy of Acadiana over the others because of their friendly, helpful staff, positive campus atmosphere, and full hands on experience. This school gave me the confidence and education I needed to achieve my goal of becoming a dental assistant." — Jessica Oldham

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

BONUS CARDS SOMETIMES NOT A BONUS This is the time of year that many businesses bring out Bonus Cards as an incentive to purchase their gift cards. All is well and good if you understand the rules that are always attached to these reward incentives.

A restaurant chain that we frequent on a very regular basis brought out an Internet-only deal for Cyber Monday. They offered two $5 Reward Cards for every $25 in gift cards. Now, 40 percent on your money is more than enough to get your attention, so it got mine. I sent an online inquiry to their website asking if I could use multiple Reward Cards at one purchase. As they did not respond on that day, I felt something was not as good as it seemed.

The next day, after the deal was over, they responded by informing me that you could only use one $5 Reward Card at a single visit. These cards were only good after Jan. 1, 2012 and expired the end of February. I probably would have gotten value from a couple of those cards, but had I jumped in and made a big purchase, I’m sure that full value would not have been mine.

It’s so much better to do business by being open and honest. Yes, I will continue to patronize this restaurant because we enjoy their food and service. Their local management and waitstaff work very hard to give us a pleasant dining experience. But their national marketing department will not garner my full respect.

STATEMENTS IN THE MAIL There has been much discussion over the fate of the US Post Office and the amount of money they’re losing. It’s obvious that if all the institutions we have a financial relationship with were required to mail us a monthly statement, at no cost to us, it would certainly make the Post Office a healthier operation.

This would include banks, investment houses, utilities and so on.

I can see the wringing of hands and hear the gnashing of teeth.

“Oh, save a tree!” “You must go green!” and the like. Well, that’s all a bunch of hooey. The push for you to get your statements online and paperless is an attempt to reduce the cost of doing business while hiding behind the skirts of being eco-conscious.

If you don’t want your physical statement, then you should be able to opt out, but not because of any coercion from the institution that was required to provide you with your printed paperwork at no charge. The sole reliance on electronic records will eventually come to pass; however, we are not at that point in time and the postal system would certainly benefit from this until that time does come.

We all know how bad it is dealing with the customer (no) service department. Imagine what it would be like having nothing in hard copy? I want my statements in the mailbox and even though some institutions are charging for them, I am paying for them.

Price increases seem almost inevitable as inflation forces the rises in cost—and the end result is Volume 3 • Issue 19

that we all pay more. The system often used is called “what the traffic will bear.” It raises the price of an item to a level that the purchases drop off. The price is then adjusted down to the point where the optimum profit is reached, based on the price point that gives the best return.

This system, although seemingly greedy, gives purchasers control as they get to determine at which price point they will not spend their money for it. Simply put, if the product or service does not sell due to the price, the price must fall to a point where it is worth the cost. This is not rocket science or far-out theory. If the customer does not feel the price is prohibitive, the product will sell; if not, the price must be reduced to a point of acceptability. In other words, you get to vote with your checkbook, so to speak.

RED FLAG It’s always a red flag when I see the huge full-page advertisements, often in color, that repeatedly announce supposedly extraordinary sales opportunities to the public. I am not talking about your typical everyday ads for goods and services offered as part of normal business promotions. Rather, I’m referring to those huge ads for some “new” (read “very expensive”) pharmaceutical or magical device or opportunity.

First of all, if this “goodie” were real news, it would be widely reported in various media. It would not need to be touted as a wonderful, almost once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If it were so wonderful, the real movers and shakers would have already taken advantage of the deal and we would already known the results. I’m not saying that all full-page ads are come-ons, but we have to read them with a careful eye. If that much money is being spent to advertise, the profit on that product must be extremely rewarding.

Since it’s your money that is in play, stay alert to what is being promoted.

We will not have a shopping comparison this issue, but will continue after the turn of the year.

Merry Christmas to all of my faithful readers! TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Top three photos by Mary Beth Conner.

Bottom photo by Kimberly Pressler.

Do you think that Santa is going to leave a ring under your tree? Are you already engaged? If so, you need to head to Gray Plantation next month!

Combining Old World charm and modern sophistication, the beautiful Gray Plantation will host the second annual Lake Charles Bridal Preview on Sun., Jan. 22 from 6-8 p.m. The first floor of the main clubhouse, located at 6150 Graywood Parkway in Lake Charles, will be filled with local talent and experts ready, willing and able to assist you in planning your special day.

From photographers to florists, DJ’s to limousines, stationers to wedding coordinators, the Lake Charles Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation is the place to be—for brides and grooms-to-be!

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

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

“Most women become engaged between December 1 and February 14,” said Holly Clawson, event coordinator at Gray Plantation. “This is the perfect time for us to assist Lake area brides in planning their most important day.”

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

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

The 2012 featured vendors are Aurea Designs, Events by Chelsi, Laura Kelly Photography, Lindsey Janies Photography, Louisiana Photobooth, Mary Beth Conner Photography, Papersmith, Paradise Florist, Paparazzi PAGE 22

DECEMBER 15, 2011

Photo Booth, Pironia’s, Platinum Limo, Season’s Flowers, Southern DJ Productions and Terra Cotta’s. Tickets are only $5 per person and are available at Gray Plantation.

2011 was the inaugural year for the Lake Charles Bridal Preview and it was a huge success, according to brides and their families.

“Last year’s Gray Plantation bridal show is where our wedding plans began,” said Ashley Miller. “And being new to the wedding planning process, we were able to witness firsthand some of the Lake Area’s finest vendors. Their displays, taste tests and advice were invaluable as we kicked off our wedding plans.”

After attending the show, Ashley and her mother Anne agreed that Gray Plantation was their first choice for the wedding reception. “You’ll find the Gray Plantation staff most attentive during the planning process,” said Anne Miller.

“Our guests were amazed by the elegance and ambiance, as well as the excellent food, drink and service provided at the reception.”

Gray Plantation is eager to host your special day. The semi-private Clubhouse, which is open to the public, exemplifies Southern living with its large columns and wide verandas.

The beautiful Evergreen Room is elegantly designed for celebrating life’s most special occasions. And don’t forget that Gray Plantation also hosts outdoor ceremonies. The sprawling landscape provides a spectacularly romantic backdrop for the bride and groom to exchange their vows.

The Lake Charles Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation could be the region’s most innovative venue for weddings yet.

It will help you save time, money and energy in planning your big day—and you’ll get to see how lovely Gray Plantation is. “This year’s bridal show is definitely going to be more fun and different than any other,” Clawson said.

For more information about the Lake Charles Bridal Preview at Gray Plantation, go to www.LakeCharlesBridalPreview.com or contact Holly Clawson at Holly@graywoodllc.com. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 19

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Everyone has their favorite Christmas memories, so I thought I’d ask the Jam family to recall some magical holiday moments!

Faye Drake recalls that one of her best Christmas memories was when she was about 8 or 9, just old enough to doubt that there really was a Santa Claus. “I told my mom that I really didn’t believe that Santa brought presents, that she was the one that put them out on Christmas Eve night,” she said.

Faye remembers sitting outside on the front porch just before dark on Christmas Eve, talking to her brother and mother. Then, her mother stood up and told them it was time to go inside. “Maybe Santa passed early this year because he’s got so many places to go,” she said.

“So we walked in the house and there were all the presents under the tree! “ Faye said. “How had that happened? My mom was with us the whole time…..maybe there really was a Santa, because he brought me the ring I had asked for! I was a believer again!”

Faye said it was a couple of years before her mother told her that she had their neighbor bring the

Volume 3 • Issue 19

presents in through the back door and put them under the tree!

Kay Andrews was born in the early 1940s in North Carolina at a time when manufacturing was a major industry in the United States.

Both her parents worked in the “mill.” Manufacturing companies were a vital part of any community, providing financial security, social outlets and a better life for most.

“Burlington Industries was the source of my family’s income, as well as providing for the overall wellbeing of our family life,” Kay said.

“Relationships between companies and employees were very personable during this time, with annual family events that brought business owners and management together with employees in an expression of appreciation. Christmas was one such occasion.”

Kay remembers the Christmas cheer as large crowds assembled in the warehouse and around the docks to enjoy food, Christmas gifts for the employees and treat bags for all the children that included coloring books, crayons, small toys, nuts, fruits and candies.

Faye Drake with her brother Paul, Christmas Night 1959.

Kay Andrews (left) with her sister Judy.

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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“Santa always made an appearance at this annual event as well,” Kay recalls. “Wonder and excitement were the order of the day for my sisters and I as we enjoyed the holiday spirit with our family and the families of our parents’ co-workers.”

Katy Corbello will never forget the most special Christmas present of all. “The year was 2000, and I should have already received my greatly anticipated present before Christmas day,” she said. “But as it turned out, my daughter Maggie waited until Christmas day to be born! I became more upset every day past my due date, but when she was placed in my arms that Christmas morning, I realized she was the best Christmas present I could ever get. And every Christmas since, I remember the wonderful gift I received in 2000.”

“I’ll always remember when Santa brought me and my brother Frank a set of walkie talkies,” said Phil de Albuquerque. “I remember my dad teaching us how to use them. We had to let the other person finish talking before we could talk, and we had to say ‘Over and out’ when we were finished speaking so the other person knew when to talk. We lived near the woods and would talk on our walkie talkies when we couldn’t even see each other. To us, it was like magic! The holidays were always magic to me anyway!”

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Katy Corbello with her daughter Maggie.

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Lindy George said that one year, she woke up to find a beautiful doll under her tree. “She was bigger than me!” she laughed. “Her blue ruffled dress was made of net and had sparkles all over it. I loved her so much! I think Santa went to Muller’s that year!”

Karla Tullos loves to dance, and she remembers that her favorite gift growing up was a portable record player so she could play her 45s (remember those?). And the Donna Summers album that came along with it made her holiday complete!

As for me, well, when I was about 7, I saw a big, illustrated children’s book in the back seat of a car. It belonged to a little girl who was visiting one of our neighbors. It was The Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stephenson. I had already started writing poetry at that young age, and the book fascinated me.

Every year, I would write my Christmas list to Santa at the beginning of December. By that time, I’d forgotten the name of the book, so I couldn’t add it to my list. I’d never mentioned it to my parents or anyone else. But I kept picturing the book in my mind, and I figured if Santa was that magical, he could read my mind and would bring it to me, anyway.

That Christmas morning, there was the book, under the tree.

Happy Holidays, everyone! TJN

Lindy George and her brother Paul.

109 W. LaGrange, Lake Charles • (337) 477-6868 Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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By Lisa Addison

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

For many people, Christmas is a wonderful time with family and friends as they celebrate the season and reminisce about Christmases past. But for those who are struggling because they don’t have jobs, have been ill or are worried about losing their homes because of economic challenges, it’s a stressful time.

Coping with the added expenses of heating their homes during colder weather, buying extra items for holiday dinners or celebrations, and figuring out how they will purchase a few gifts for their children and loved ones while trying to keep up with bills and other obligations are just some of the issues many are facing.

Things may seem a little better in Southwest Louisiana, where many businesses are doing well compared to the rest of the country and new businesses are being launched, but there are many in our community who are homeless, and there are others who go to bed hungry on a regular basis.

Fortunately, there are organizations here that are all about helping others and changing lives. Two of them are The Salvation Army and the Southwest Louisiana Toys for Tots program.

Volume 3 • Issue 19

Miss Teen Louisiana Marlee Henry and Miss Louisiana Erin Edmiston helping Toys for Tots.

Kids Will Have a Good Christmas As you may recall, Toys for Tots, an annual toy drive for children of needy families, was hit locally by a string of thefts in 2010 (John Papillion was arrested and sentenced to one year of supervised probation) but John Lamar, Toys for Tots coordinator for Southwest Louisiana, said there are safeguards in place that will prevent a repeat of that this year.

“I guarantee the kids are going to have a good Christmas,” he said. He explained that a list of people who are picking up donated toys are handed out at each drop-off location, and each driver must show his or her driver’s license and provide a signature before accepting the toys.

Lamar doesn’t have a firm figure in mind when it comes to how many toys he thinks will be donated this year but said that “everyone who signed up will get a toy.” Thousands of children in Southwest Louisiana receive toys each year through the annual program, with inquiries and calls about signing up for the program coming in as early as June. Last year, so many toys were donated that they filled two Lake Charles city buses—and the same thing has happened this year.

“But unfortunately, more and more people are in need of our services because of the economy,” Lamar said. “It’s just really, really tough for a lot of people right now.

That’s why we desperately need the help of everyone out there. I hope that people will keep giving right up to

Dec. 20. New, unwrapped toys for ages 1-12 are what we need.” Lamar is happy to report that they’re constantly getting in items. “Just a couple of days ago, someone donated a truckload of new bicycles!” he said.

So Many Heartwarming Stories When asked to share heartwarming stories that he recalled of children who had received toys through the program, Lamar grew quiet. “There are just so many heartwarming stories that I wouldn’t know where to start,” he said. “Just seeing the smiles on the faces of these kids is what keeps me going and it’s why I’m the local organizer of this program. To me, it’s almost like a ministry.”

Indeed. On a recent morning, it wasn’t even 11 a.m. yet and Lamar had been to Toys for Tots drop-off locations in Beauregard Parish, was headed to Cameron Parish to check out locations, and would end up back in Calcasieu Parish to run by a few drop-off points before his day would end. In between, he fielded calls from people who missed the deadline to sign up for this year’s program. He still listened to their stories and tried to help in other ways if possible.

“Last year, we heard about a family

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

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

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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whose house burned down just a few days before Christmas,” he said. “We loaded up two Suburbans full of goods, blankets, clothes, food, toys, and more, and did what we could to help that family. When they saw everything, they cried and cried.

Well, all of us, including the volunteers, cried. We have some amazing volunteers, close to 20 of them, who help out every year. We also have a group of people from a Baton Rouge office of FEMA who have come and volunteered with us every year since Hurricane Rita.”

The Southwest Louisiana Toys for Tots program is conducted locally with support from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, but it also has had a longtime history and affiliation with the U.S. Marine Corps. Lamar, a self-described “country boy from Alabama,” has run the local program for the past seven years. He was a Marine and then had a career as an electrician before retiring and finding his next passion – the Toys for Tots program.

“Major Bill Hendricks founded Toys for Tots in 1947 in California,” Lamar said. “I can tell you that members of the Marine Corps probably look forward to this program each year more than anybody else. They love doing something special for children and they enjoy being a part of it. Also, Miss Louisiana and Miss Teen Louisiana have made a couple of appearances with us this year and helped with taking in donations.

They may make additional appearances during Toys for Tots.”

located on Cities Service Hwy. in Sulphur, and Nelson Road, Hwy. 14, and Hwy. 171 in Lake Charles; Walgreen stores in Sulphur, Lake Charles, and Moss Bluff: Beglis Parkway, Cities Service Hwy, Country Club Road, two locations on Ryan Street, Lake Street, Hwy. 14, Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd., and on Hwy. 171; Curves on Huntington in Sulphur or on College Street in Lake Charles; AT&T stores on Beglis Parkway, Cities Service Hwy., Hwy. 14, Hwy. 171, W. Prien Lake Road by Target and in DeQuincy.

Other drop-off locations in Sulphur include the SPAR facility, Misse’s Grocery, W.W. Lewis School, Brookshires, LeBlanc Middle School, Rite Aid and Chili’s. In the Lake Charles area, additional drop-off sites include Budget Truck and Car Rental on Churchill Street; Big Lots; Extreme Mobile Solutions in the Target Shopping Center; Blockbuster Video on Ryan Street; and Chili’s. In Westlake, toys can be dropped off at the Westlake Police Department.

To give a monetary donation, make checks out to Toys for Tots and mail to: P.O. Box 3113, Sulphur 70664. Toys will be given out to the children of families who signed up for the program from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Drop-Off Locations for Toys To donate toys for the Toys for Tots program, visit one of the drop-off locations. They include: four Wal-Mart stores

Volume 3 • Issue 19

Red Kettles a Christmas Tradition As for the Salvation Army, who hasn’t seen the red kettles on street corners and in front of businesses every year during the holidays? The kettles are the Salvation Army’s major fundraiser and monies raised from them keep its programs running throughout the year.

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, homeless, hungry and destitute.

It eventually branched out to other parts of the world, including Lake Charles, where it got its start in 1904.

“Locally, the Salvation Army began with a church, which is always our starting point,” said Major David E. Craddock of the Lake Charles Salvation Army. “Then, our programs are put into place. It’s important to minister to a person’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. That’s what we try to do with this ministry.”

Craddock echoes Lamar’s concerns regarding a population

Seated l-r: Jean LaFleur, Social Service Director; Irene Duhon, Activity Director; Greta Tezeno, Medical Records; Tonisha Foster, LPN/Charge Nurse; Velvet Colton, CDM; Deborah Botley, LPN/Medical Records; Renea Tindel, Admissions Coordinator; Kathleen Washington, RN/MNCM.

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affected by current economic woes.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in what is known as the working poor,” he said.

“People want to work and a lot of the people we serve are working, but some just don’t make enough to get by, or they can only get parttime jobs. Others have lost their jobs and they are applying everywhere, but can’t find work. We also see a lot of single mothers who are having a really hard time in this economy because by the time they pay their rent, bills, and childcare, they have nothing left.”

John Lamar, LCO; Tony Jones, PFC; Dana Rodrigue, Co-Chairman and Tony Royster

Using Donations Wisely So, what can the public do to help?

“Well, the kettles are one major way that people can help,” Craddock said. “I can tell you that we have surely been blessed in the kettle campaign this year. What that says, I think, is that people look at this organization and know that they can trust us to use their money wisely. And, we do use the money wisely.”

Another great way to help is through the Angel Tree program.

“Angel Trees are located at Prien Lake Mall and at the Capital One Tower downtown,” Craddock said. Basically, each person who gives through the Angel Tree program is helping to adopt or sponsor a child for Christmas. Each of those children is able to receive a toy.

Standing l-r: Aaron Ortego, RN/Treatment Nurse; Kristen Jones, RN/Assessment Nurse; Suprena Buck, RN/Director of Nursing; Kennetha Simien, RN/Asst Director of Nursing; Bonnie Darbonne, Accounts Manager; Wilhelmena Curley, MNCMA; Lakoshia Alfred, LPN/Assessment Nurse; Sherille Thomas, HSKP Supervisor; Misti LaPointe, Administrative Assist; Randy Stelly, Administrator; James Horn Jr., Maintenance.

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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“This year, we are partnering with KPLC-TV,” he said. “We have 800 families from our five-parish area (Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard, and Jeff Davis) who were accepted into the program and from those families, there are 1,800 children. It’s as simple as going by one of the trees, finding the name of a child (only first names are used) on the tree, and sponsoring that child by purchasing a toy.”

But the families who signed up will get more than just the joy of seeing their children receive a Christmas gift – they’ll also each receive a bag of groceries containing food items that they can use to enjoy a Christmas dinner. Spreading goodwill during the holidays is something that the Salvation Army is known for, but for Craddock, it’s a year-round, day-to-day mission.

Helping to Fund Programs Year-Round “People may not realize this, but the donations they drop in our kettles really help us fund our programs all through the year,” he said. From family tracing to disaster response and everything in between, The Salvation Army offers a wide variety of services including addiction rehabilitation programs, health services, social programs, and more.

“One of our big programs is for men in transition, which is a program that helps men who are trying to get back on their feet,” Craddock said. “And, we definitely see some success stories. Recently, there was a man who had gotten out of prison and he came to our program. He completed the program, followed everything he was supposed to do, and eventually got his own apartment and a full-time job. He’s doing very well as a productive member of society now. The program is about structure and accountability.

Naturally, some are more successful than others.”

If you want to spread some Christmas cheer to others and believe that it is indeed “better to give than it is to receive,” consider helping to fulfill the missions of The Salvation Army and the Southwest Louisiana Toys for Tots program.

For more information on The Salvation Army or any of its programs, call (337) 721-8068.

To get more information on the Southwest Louisiana Toys for Tots program, call (337) 515-2639.

Lisa Addison has been a writer for more than 30 years. She writes for local, regional and national publications. TJN

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

By Maria Alcantara Faul Turn of the century exhibits: barber shop.

Volume 3 • Issue 19

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles is a leading cultural and educational resource for Southwest Louisiana. Housing a unique collection of the area’s historical memorabilia, it also serves as an arts and cultural hub for the region.

Addressing a strong need for cultural awareness and history, the Junior League of Lake Charles initiated the creation of a museum that would house historical artifacts from, and for, the area. In March 1963, the museum, then called the Fine Arts Center & Museum, opened in City Hall. In August of 1963, the museum became its own 501(c) (3), and that December, it moved to 1019 Lakeshore Drive, now headquarters of Junior League of Lake Charles.

In 1970, the museum was officially named the Imperial Calcasieu Museum to represent the fiveparish Imperial Calcasieu area that it serves: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis. At that time, the museum moved to its current location on 204 West Sallier Street, Lake Charles. It seems fitting that the museum is located on its current site, since the property was once the location of Charles Sallier’s winter home—and Sallier is one of the founders of Lake Charles.

Serving the Southwest Louisiana community for over 48 years, the ICM is well established. It strives to encourage and support the visual arts and artists; enhance art awareness and appreciation by providing educational opportunities for the community; and to serve as a repository for objects unique to the culture of the old Imperial Calcasieu region.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday, and offers a variety of exhibits. It’s home to several permanent exhibits and galleries, and houses an extensive collection of historic artifacts and memorabilia from the ancient Mayans and Native Americans. “People are amazed at our collection,” said Susan Reed, ICM’s executive director.

The Historic Exhibit is a permanent exhibit with rotating artifacts depicting life from pre-1850 to the present. It includes period rooms such as a turn-of-the-century kitchen, barbershop, pharmacy and parlor. In addition, there’s a room dedicated to our nation’s war history, as well as exhibits of our region’s waterways. The museum also features an exhibit on the 1910 Fire of Lake Charles; and houses unique items such as Mayan artifacts from a 1920

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This steam whistle was the first alarm that signaled the 1910 fire that destroyed most of downtown Lake Charles.

expedition in the Yucatan, as well as a Magic Lantern, which was a precursor to the movie projector.

The Gibson Library houses important historical documents as well as an extensive collection of John James Audubon prints, with approximately 29 pieces on exhibit. Audobon is well-known for his bird and wildlife drawings. The works of Boyd Cruise and Charlotte Hatchette are also part of the permanent art exhibit.

The Sallier Oak and Lynda Benglis Sculpture Garden features the contemporary sculptures of Louisiana’s own Lynda Benglis and the famous 400-year-old Sallier Oak. Legend has it that the historical live oak was the site where Charles Sallier allegedly tried to kill his wife by shooting her in the chest. A brooch worn by Sallier’s wife apparently stopped the bullet and saved her life. Legend aside, the live oak has been a favorite backdrop for many special occasions celebrated by area residents, from weddings and birthdays to family photo sessions. To assure its longevity, a certified arborist is employed by the museum to care for the tree.

“The tree belongs to the museum,” Reed said. “It’s a community treasure that the museum wants to share with the community.” But 400 years does put a strain on the big tree. “We would

like people to respect it so that it can be preserved and future generations can appreciate it,” she said.

Aside from its impressive permanent exhibits, the Gibson-Barham Gallery at the museum plays host to more than six art exhibits each year, representing local, regional, and nationally known artists.

Schoolchildren learned about Africa through an exhibit of rare African masks donated by local collector Jeff Ferguson. Louisiana artist George Rodrigues brought his Blue Dog to life during a special lecture and showing at the museum.

“Hurry on Down: A Celebration of the Life of Nellie Lutcher,” featured live musical and monologue performances, interactive listening stations, personal items, promotional material, rare photographs, recordings and so much more. The exhibit was a showstopper, much like Nellie Lutcher herself. “Hurry on Down,” has been developed by the museum into a traveling exhibit to educate school children around the state on thhe life of this amazing woman.

The ICM continues to offer unique and interesting exhibits. “We are currently working on a possible Andy Warhol exhibit,” Reed said. “If things fall into place, the exhibit will take place early next year.”

The Magic Lantern: precursor to the motion picture projector, circa 1902.

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

(337) 824-6765 or (337) 230-3598 Pat Landreneau, Nutrition Consultant Lake Charles & Jennings

Volume 3 • Issue 19

One of the few Audubon prints that featured a four-legged friend.

Over 10,000 schoolchilren benefit from the museum annually, as the museum develops and produces curriculum guides and student workbooks for its exhibits. These educational materials enable teachers to prepare students before they visit the exhibits, and the books and activities ensure that the learning opportunity follows from the museum back to our schools. “We aim to provide children an educational experience, and not just a field trip,” Reed said.

Aside from the students, the museum has an average of 6,000 visitors a year. “We regularly offer tour groups for the Convention & Visitors Bureau.” Reed said. “We have ‘walkins’ from the area, and visitors from Europe and Mexico are common.”

As is the case with most non-profits in these troubling economic times, the museum is in need of resources to continue operating.

The ICM is funded by individuals and corporate memberships; some fees for services (gallery rental, touring exhibits); and local, state, federal, and private grants.

There are also fundraisers, such as the bi-annual Upscale Attic Sale and the annual Boogaloo.

The Attic Sale gives buyers an opportunity to purchase wonderful, gently used antiques. “We have a variety of furniture, rugs, and other home

accessories that are available for purchase,” Reed said. The most recent sale was held just a few weeks ago at the museum.

The annual Boogaloo is a themed event and the museum’s biggest fundraiser. “Forty percent of our budget comes from Boogaloo sponsorship,” Reed said. The 2012 Boogaloo is set to take place April 14, 2012. The theme is “Boogaloo in Reality” where guests dress as their favorite reality show stars. “Guests can come dressed up as Snookie or Kim Kardashian,” Reed laughed.

Museum membership is also a good way to support the organization.

“We have several levels of membership that could fit any individual or family’s needs,” Reed said.

For example, membership to the Sallier Society involves a $1,000 donation a year. Membership to the society includes tickets to all museum events as well as a “seedling” from the Sallier Oak. The museum is working with Robert Turley of LSU AG center on cultivating the seedlings.

“Membership to the Sallier Society is a nice way to assist in funding museum operations and literally a have a part of the Sallier Oak,” Reed said.

For more information about the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, call (337) 439-3797. TJN

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

PAGE 35

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By Brando

The LSU Year in Crazy Here is what I know: Les Miles is messing with you and me.

I hadn’t noticed it before but, in the aftermath of LSU’s 42-10 victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship, it is perfectly obvious

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

that the Mad Hatter does not care about the staid old conventions of winning football games the traditional way.

How else do you explain the increasingly bizarre and convoluted ways his Tiger football team has been winning football games this season? It appears the rules of civilized football have gone completely out the window, more so than in any other Miles-led year.

In fact, it seems Miles’ only rule for winning football is that the kicker or punter must do something kickers and punters do not do on a regular basis.

To illustrate the year in crazy, here is a top 10 list (in chronological order) of the insane ways Les Miles has had his LSU Tigers win football games this year: 1. Beat the No. 3 team in the country with 10 or fewer pass completions. Check. (Jarrett Lee, 10, vs.

Oregon, 40-27 win.)

2. Beat a Top 25 team on the road, scoring less than 20 points while also scoring only one touchdown. Check. (No. 25 Mississippi State, one touchdown, four field goals, 19-6 win.)

3. Beat a Top 25 team on the road by double its score while allowing over 500 yards of offense. Check.

(No. 16 West Virginia, 533 yards of offense allowed, 47-21 win.)

4. Beat a Top 25 team but your punter (must be Australian and, no, New Zealand, doesn’t count) must be flagged for taunting while scoring a potential touchdown. Check.

(No. 17 Florida, Brad Wing’s 15-yard “what, suckers?” gesture erases a touchdown, 41-11 win.)

5. Beat a Top 25 team after suspending your best rusher, defender and a key defensive backup. Check.

(No. 19 Auburn, Spencer Ware, Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon out for smoking the artificial turf, 4510 win).

6. Beat the No. 2 team in the nation (which has a defense as good

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or better as yours) while allowing more yards, more first downs and more third-down conversions. Oh, and you can only score by field goals. Check. (No. 2 Alabama, 295, 17, 5-13, three Drew Alleman field goals, 9-6 win.) Following the epic game against the Crimson Tide, Miles turned the crazy all the way up to 11.

7. Beat a cupcake opponent by more than 30 points, but lead by only one touchdown at halftime.

Check. (Western Kentucky, 14-7 LSU at the half, 41-9 win.)

8. Beat your opponent so badly your third-string quarterback must take a knee with 5 minutes left in the game. Check. (Ole Miss, Zack Mettenberger kneels with 5:10 remaining, 52-3 win.)

9. Beat the No. 3 team in the nation by double their score or more after spotting them a 14-0 lead. Check. (Arkansas, 14-0 lead 12:41 into the game, 41-17 win.)

10. Beat the No. 12 team in the nation in a conference championship game, spotting them a 10-0 lead. Oh, and do that without a first down in the entire first half. Check.

(Georgia, 10-0 lead after one quarter, zero LSU first-half first downs, 42-10 win). Bonus points if you gain less than five total yards in any one quarter (LSU second-quarter yards: 1).

So, what can we expect from LSU and Les Miles in the BCS National Championship game?

Well, I know Les is busy preparing to take on the powerful Crimson Tide defense for a second time (because the first game evidently doesn’t count in BCS-land), so I’ve come up with a few creative suggestions for how he can defeat Alabama and earn LSU’s fourth national championship.

In order for the national championship to count, Miles must choose one of the following options and must follow the rule to the letter. Should Miles win the championship but not follow the rules exactly, the BCS championship will automatically go to Boise State because it would finally shut up all of their whining about being left out of the BCS. So, to paraphrase from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Choose wisely, Les Miles. Choose wisely.

1. Beat Alabama by at least 10 points, but only gain yards by allowing Brad Wing to rush the football.

2. Beat Alabama while scoring 16 points or more, but the only scores allowed are safeties.

3. Beat Alabama with LSU soccer star and YouTube sensation Mo Isom in place of Tyrann Mathieu on defense. Call it Meaux vs. ’Bama.

4. Beat Alabama with former LSU Volume 3 • Issue 19

baseball player and current San Francisco Giants weirdo Brian Wilson in place of Jordan Jefferson at quarterback. Many fans might prefer this arrangement anyway.

5. Beat Alabama with Swamp People stars Troy Landry, Trapper Joe and Trigger Tommy as offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators, respectively. Troy is only allowed to say “Choot ’em” into Miles’ headset. Make sure Tommy doesn’t forget the kicking tees in the truck.

I have some other ideas, like having Reuben Randle catch passes

thrown by Drew Brees from the rafters of the Superdome or having Michael Ford run the option with former Alabama behemoth Terrance “Mount” Cody harnessed to his back.

But those just seem too crazy, don’t you think?

Certainly, Miles doesn’t have to choose any of these options; they are just there to help. But I do hope he continues to bring the crazy.

Because, if he’s not careful, he’s going to mess around and win another national championship.

Brandon Shoumaker is a graduate of McNeese State University and has covered sports for more than a decade for various publications.

Coaches or par- Brandon Shoumaker ents with story tips or comments may contact Brandon at bshoumaker@yahoo.com or send him a message on Twitter (@bshoumaker).

TJN

DECEMBER 15, 2011

PAGE 37

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Give a Gift That’s in Really Good Taste!

If someone on your holiday gift list is a serious cook — or even a novice — here are some great cookbook selections.

All About Roasting: A New Approach to a Classic Art by Molly Stevens is a monster-size book of technique with 150 recipes. The author goes into the history and science of roasting, explaining how to choose the best cuts of meat, chicken and fish; which roasting method is best for which food; how to carve; the role of fat, basting, salting and oven rack position; pan drippings, gravies and

jus; roasting equipment and ovens; and more.

Recipes range from simple Beef Tenderloin and Rack of Lamb to Prosciutto-Wrapped Boneless Pork Loin with Rhubarb and Sage. There’s a section for vegetable lovers, too, that includes Quick-Roasted Mushrooms with Pine Nuts and Parmesan and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Capers and Lemony Browned Butter. Yum! The author is the recipient of the James Beard Award and was named Bon Appétit Cooking Teacher of the Year. She includes instructions, shopping tips, and step-by-step color photographs. W.W. Norton & Co., hardcover, 573 pages, $35 If you’d like to step away from meat, try Vegetarian Entrées That Won’t Leave You Hungry by Lukas Volger. The author sets out to prove that vegetarian main courses can be delicious and filling as well as nutritious. He takes pantry and refrigerator staples such as grains, beans, noodles and eggs and incorporates them with year-round and seasonal vegetables, then adds finishing touches such as croutons, toasted bread crumbs, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, pestos, kimchi and more.

How about some Cassoulet with Tomato-Roasted Carrots and Chard?

Spring Vegetable Paella with Endive?

Soba Noodles in Mushroom-Ginger Broth? Tomato and White Bean Sauce over Rigatoni? He also includes a section on eggs and one on pizza, a selection of appetizers and desserts, tips on cooking for one, and advice for hosting a vegetarian dinner party. Fullcolor photos, but alas, not for every dish. The Experiment, softcover, 256 pages, $17.95 Now, these people are after my heart: The all-new edition of Taste of Home Baking comes in a five-ring binder to lay flat on the counter as you follow the instructions for 786 recipes (700 of them are new) and compare the results with the more than 730

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

color photos. It even has snap-in splash guards to protect the pages as you work! Sections include baking basics and all the cookie, cake, pie and muffin categories, as well as “Almost Homemade” with Cranberry-Cherry Lattice Pie; “Trimmed-Down Favorites” with Gluten-Free Carrot Cake; and “Holiday Classics” such as Traditional Stollen. It includes a chart of food equivalents and ingredient substitutions. Plus, it comes with a free subscription to Taste of Home magazine. Taste of Home Books, binder, 510 pages, $29.95 The Gooseberry Patch Big Book of Home Cooking runs the gamut of food preparation, from beverages and appetizers, to soups, salads and sandwiches, through main dishes, casseroles and slow-cooker recipes, to breads, desserts, and even gifts from the kitchen.

Volume 3 • Issue 19

Let’s try some recipes for Farmhouse Quiche, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Shrimp & Mushroom Fettuccine, Irish Corned Beef Dinner and Buckeye Brownies.

This is a great collection of many basic recipes that every cook’s going to want to have. It includes equivalency charts and tons of beautiful, four-color photographs.

Oxmoor House, hardcover, 368 pages, $29.95 You can create a spectacular presentation with Mini Pies by Christy Beaver and Morgan Greenseth, which itself is a minisize book. Full instructions explain

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how to make these lovely little pies, tarts and individual quiches, as well as toppings. Choose from seven pie crusts, including shortbread, vegan, gluten-free, and cheddar cheese; then select fruity, creamy, nut, or savory fillings; and finally, mix and match by adding one of the suggested toppings.

Pie recipes include Sweetheart Cherry, Blueberry-Rose Water, Aunt Jimma’s Chocolate Cream, Sue’s Pink Lemonade, Bourbon Pecan and Caramelized Onion, Olive & Thyme Tart. Add your own creative touches by using your favorite cookie cutters to add a lit-

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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tle topper. Is this heaven? Ulysses Press, softcover, 128 pages, $14.95 In Cake Ladies: Celebrating a Southern Tradition, author Jodi Rhoden tells us that almost every town in the South has its “cake lady,” a woman who demonstrates her love for family and community by bringing sweetness to life’s big moments.

She profiles 17 such women and shares their recipes, which include Italian Cream Cake, Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes, Trifle, Peanut Butter and Banana Cupcakes, and more. Comes with complete instructions, and beautiful color photos of the desserts.

Sterling Publishing Co., softcover, 144 pages, $19.95 Good Housekeeping: The Cookie Jar Cookbook edited by Susan Westmoreland is smaller than most cookbooks — about the size of a paperback book — but it’s packed with goodies. Besides, it’s presented in a spiral binder that opens flat for ease of use. In categories of drop cookies, shaped cookies, icebox cookies, and brownies and bar cookies, there are 65 recipes for such goodies as Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Classic Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies, WholeGrain Gingersnaps and Triple-Nut Biscotti. It also includes punch-out blank recipe cards. Hearst Books, hardcover binder, 128 pages, $12.95 Copyright © 2011 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

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

U A B A F N OLY

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! - WORD SEARCH H G D E S D R S G L M H N B R E N R W C A K S Y C R C A O Q O N B Y R E R A U Q S S E M E K T

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L D A O S G N R Y M Y E K O C U Y R U D B H E D A U P A K E C R C N Auld Lang Syne Baby Black Eyed Peas Celebration Champagne

Countdown Dick Clark Fireworks First Night Good Luck

Happy New Year Midnight Noisemakers Party Hats Times Square

C H S T A H Y T R A P C Y A N K D C H B R S A T C A G A A N O D I

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

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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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DECEMBER 15, 2011

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r m ende's Museu l l E an en

By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

Hugo 3D (GK Films, Paramount, 2011) Set in a train station in Paris, Hugo, based on the children’s book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, begins with a young boy running up and down stairs working on all the clocks. But this is no ordinary train station. It has clocks all over the place. The boy lives in the walls and keeps the clocks running. His name is Hugo Cabret.

In between winding and setting clocks, Hugo works to repair a mechanical man, called an automaton. When fixed, its mechanical arm will write something on the pad in front of it. But Hugo needs parts to fix the automaton.

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

He gets them by stealing in the train station, mainly from an old man and his toy booth. The old man has a godchild, a girl about Hugo’s age, who comes in once in awhile with books in her hand. There are other characters who spend a lot of time in the train station, including a flower girl, the Station Inspector, a woman with a dog, and a man who reads the paper every day. The train station is a social gathering place, with musicians, shops, and restaurants.

What is this strange machine Hugo works on? Where are his parents? The movie begins mysteriously.

Eventually we learn that Hugo’s father found the broken automaton in a museum in Paris and left it for Hugo to finish. Now an orphan, Hugo is in danger of being picked up by the Station Inspector, a mustached war veteran with a spring-loaded leg.

The old man at the toy store, Georges Melies, finally catches Hugo

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stealing and manages to confiscate his book of drawings of the automaton.

Not only was this a keepsake from his father, Hugo needs it to guide him in his repair project.

But old Georges is mysteriously affected by the drawing book, and threatens to burn it. Hugo finds a somewhat ally in Georges’ godchild, Isabelle, and they attempt to get the drawing book back.

That’s the basic setup for a tale that was nothing like I expected. This is no Narnia or Harry Potter, where the fate of the world is at stake. Hugo is simply the story of a boy, a train station, and Paris at the turn of the century. Yet it is much more, because there is a great deal of historical truth mixed in with Hugo’s story, including real people and a backstory that is as poetic as it is true. And magic. Oh, yes, because Georges Melies was once a real-life stage magician.

There’s a whole lot of computer graphics here. But it’s all part of the fabric of a wonderful children’s book, mixed seamlessly with unforgettable characters. The cast is perfect, with Ben Kingsley as Georges, Sacha Baron Cohen as the Station Inspector, Chloe Moretz as Isabelle, and Asa Butterfield as Hugo. There are also cameos by Christopher Lee and Jude Law and others you’ve seen in other movies.

Martin Scorsese, who put Hugo on film, is a director’s director. Every frame is planned and echoes the magic of the book. As for presentation and 3D, Hugo is yet another example of using the medium to its fullest. Scorsese doesn’t miss a chance to pull us into his version of storybook Paris, taking us up and down and all around the train station at dizzying speeds.

The movie is rated PG for a museum fire and safety violations (Hugo gets much to close to moving machinery). But I would have given it a G rating. Adults and children alike will find Hugo fascinating. Enjoy. TJN

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

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WHITE LIGHT NIGHTS Tis the season to be jolly as a group of Lake Area businesses presented White Light Nights to raise money for the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter. Beautifully decorated shops showcased their gifts, goodies and services at special holiday discounts and promotions for eager shoppers. Christmas music filled the air, and drinks, holiday ciders and hors d’oeuvres pleased the palate.

There were opportunities at each location for a chance to win one of the three grand prize giveaways, valued up to $700 each. It was a fabulous night of shopping for a great cause!

Kathy Sonnier, Paula Myers and Karla O’Reilly

Becky Suttle and Janet Fuel

Mary Henry, Lelia LeJeune and Tandi Henry

Staci Bellon and Lisa Terrell

Peyton and Tebble Robertson

Jan Ehlers and Meghan McCormick

Bridget, Cecil and Morgan Doyle

IMPERIAL CALCASIEU MUSEUM UPSCALE ATTIC SALE It was an evening down memory lane for museum sponsors and benefactors as they gathered at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum for a private preview party to see unique one-of-a-kind, vintage pieces and antiques.

Displays ranged from great grandmother’s exquisite china, children’s antique beds and rocking chairs, ornate lamps and chandeliers, rugs, historic paintings and so much more. The sale was scheduled to continue through the weekend for the general public. It was a great opportunity to walk away with nuggets from days gone by and help provide support for our historic community museum. Cheers to opening up your attic--it was marvelous!

Billy and Della Rose PAGE 44

DECEMBER 15, 2011

ICM director Susan Reed and board member Brian Abshire Volume 3 • Issue 19

Leslie Harless, Craig Griffith, Lisa Trouth and Stephanie Zimmer

Chris Khoury and Hardtner Klumpp

Aimie Herbert, Angela Mallick, Joe White and Vicki Boullion Corbett

SULPHUR’S CHRISTMAS UNDER THE OAKS It was a magical time for the community to come together and enjoy the holiday atmosphere and historic setting on the grounds of the Henning Cultural Center. White tents were set up by various vendors underneath the beautiful winding oak branches and twinkling lights, offering jewelry, home and holiday decor, tasty treats, art; something for everyone! To add to the excitement, shoppers could enjoy carnival rides, fireworks, the traditional lighting of the tree, the Kiwanis Christmas Balloon Parade and musical entertainment from Percy Sledge to the Christian groups on Sunday. This delightful festival topped the charts--snow or no snow!

Linda Hoke and Tammy Picard

Alex and Mieke Natale

I’ve often been asked what is the meaning of the Red Bird on the Salon Evans logo. My mother, Rosa Buxton, died in 1996 of breast cancer. Soon after, I started noticing Red Birds and Cardinals all around me. I didn’t think anything about it until 12 years later when I decided to open Salon Evans. As my friend and I were brainstorming for a logo the Red Bird started to appear and I knew then that's what my logo would be. People say it is good luck and the prescence of God. It gives me great comfort knowing that I have the Red Bird to look after me, my staff and every person that walks into Salon Evans. — Tasha Evans

For appointments please call 337-477-6868

109 W. LaGrange, Lake Charles Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

PAGE 45

Jordan Blalock and Macie Bourgeois

Makayla Stine and Heaven LeDoux

Lori Mire and Keisha Constance

Chelsi Nabours and Becky Dupre

Angie Gentry and Jennifer Brocato

Amanda Begnaud and Heather Bourgeois

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

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

LIGHT UP THE LAKE It was a free day of family enjoyment at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Kicking off this fabulous day of fun was the downtown Lake Charles street parade at 2 p.m. Big and little kids anxiously waited for their chance to catch their share of the candy and to cheer on their favorite floats! Meanwhile, Santa’s workshops were busy making toys for boys and girls while community bands warmed up their instruments to entertain the crowd. The lighting ceremony captured the hearts of all as Mayor Randy Roach read a special Cajun Christmas Tale with the help of Gumbeaux Gator, followed by the lighting of the tree, the Boat Parade and the Fireworks Extravaganza! Way to paint the town red! Merry Christmas! TJN Kendalyn and Randalynn Langley

Naya Tordera and Rocio Sommariva

Emily Davis and Savannah White

Zoe Doucet and Debra Thompson

Jameah Coleman, Allen Cross, Marcus LaFleur Jr., Jamila Cross, and Jaliyah LaFleur

Schedule of Events JANUARY 13-14 - CAMERON, LA All events will take place on the fairgrounds located across the street from the Cameron Parish School Board, formerly Pat's Restuarant parking lot in Downtown Cameron unless otherwise stated.

Ice chests will not be allowed on the fairgrounds. ($5.oo per person children 12 years old and under free) Volume 3 • Issue 19

Friday, January 13, 2012 Noon: Gates open Trap Shooting Begins Carnival will open 6:00pm: STEEL SHOT takes the stage Saturday, January 14, 2012 9:00am: Gates open Fairgrounds Open Carnival Open Trap Shooting Begins

10:00am: Muskrat and Nutria Skinning (Stage) Trap Setting (Stage) Oyster Shucking (Stage) Dog Trials on Henry Property 1:00pm: Parade Begins (will line up at Cameron Construction Yard east of Cameron) 3:00pm: Duck and Goose Calling Competition 3:00pm: Black Sheep takes the stage 6:30pm: Barry Badon takes the stage www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com DECEMBER 15, 2011

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT ZIGLER MUSEUM, JENNINGS • An Evening With Santa, Thurs., Dec. 15 Photos with Santa from 5 - 8 p.m. Adults, $4; children, $1. Reservations required.

• Children’s Cookie Village Workshop Sat., Dec. 17 A time to make holiday memories! Workshop is from 10 - 11 a.m., and there is a $15 fee. Reservations required.

Zigler Art Museum, 411 Clara St., Jennings. For more information call (337) 824-0114 or e-mail zigler-museum@charter.net DECEMBER ACTIVITIES AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM • SAT., DEC. 17: The Louisiana Wetlands Grand Opening - 10 a.m.

The new exhibit area, “The Louisiana Wetlands,” will be unveiled at 10 a.m. The Louisiana Wetlands is presented by the City of Lake Charles and Sempra Energy.

Meet Santa Claus - 10:30 a.m.

Don’t forget your camera! Santa will give out jingle bell necklaces.

When you’re done, you can make a Rudolph ornament in the ArtSpace to take home!

• MON., DEC. 19 Christmas Story Reading - 11 a.m.

Join Mayor Roach as he reads a wonderful Christmas story!

Gingerbread House Workshop - Noon and 1 p.m.

Decorate your own gingerbread house with icing, gumdrops and M&M’s. Classes begin at noon and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

• TUES., DEC. 20 Christmas Placemats Workshop - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Weave a beautiful placemat decorated with holly leaves and berries that you can use on your dinner table. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

Christmas Story Reading - Noon Chico the Clown will visit the museum and read an entertaining Christmas story.

• WED., DEC. 21 Christmas Story Reading - 11 a.m.

Join Angie Manning of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for a Christmas story at 11 a.m.

Volume 3 • Issue 19

Foam Christmas Ornament Workshop Noon and 1 p.m.

Decorate a foam Christmas tree with stickers and glitter. Classes begin at noon and 1 p.m. and are limited to 20 children.

• THURS., DEC. 22 Christmas Story Reading - 11 a.m.

Local children’s book author Tommie Townsley will read a charming holiday story.

Candy Cane Ornament Workshop - Noon and 1 p.m.

Make a candy cane ornament with crinkled tissue paper. Classes begin at noon and 1 p.m. and are limited to 20 children.

• FRI., DEC. 23: Christmas Story Reading - 11 a.m.

Come by the museum and listen to KPLC reporter Lee Peck read a wonderful Christmas story.

Christmas Boxes Workshop - Noon and 1 p.m.

Learn how to make boxes and fill them with chocolates. Classes begin at noon and 1 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

• MON., DEC. 26 Rain Stick Workshop - 11 a.m. and noon Make your own rain stick with animal shape stickers.

Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 15 children.

• TUES., DEC. 27 MAD HATTER Science 11 and 11: 45 a.m.

Joan Vallee-Rettke will show children what makes some colors primary or secondary, the rainbow colors and chromatography. Classes begin at 11 and 11:45 a.m. and are limited to 15 children.

Fairy Wings Workshop 1 and 1:30 p.m.

Decorate your very own fairy wings with paint and glitter! Classes begin at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and are limited to 15 children.

• WED., DEC. 28 ArtSpace Workshop 11 a.m. and noon Choose to paint either tambourines, boomerangs or lanterns. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 15 children.

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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• THURS., DEC. 29 Fairy Wands Workshop - 11 a.m. and noon Decorate your fairy wand with paint, glitter and tissue paper.

Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 15 children.

• FRI., DEC. 30 Crowns and Tiaras Workshop - 11 a.m. and noon Be ready for New Year’s Eve by decorating your own crown or tiara with jewels, stickers and glitter. Classes begin at 11 a.m. and noon. and are limited to 15 children.

Located at 327 Broad Street in downtown Lake Charles, museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.25 for children and adults. Call (337) 433-9420 or visit www.swlakids.org for a complete list of admission fees, memberships and birthday party information.

STARKS MEMORIAL VFW CHRISTMAS DANCE DEC. 17 Come out and pass a good time with family and friends at the Starks Memorial VFW on Dec. 17 on Hwy. 12 in Starks from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Dance to Phillip Glynn & Southern Daze—enjoy swamp pop, country, blues and more! Admission is $8 single, $10 couple. For more info, call (337) 743-6409.

CHESTER DAIGLE AND RICK CONDIT AT CENTRAL SCHOOL DEC. 18 On Sun., Dec. 18, the Jazz in the Arts Foundation will present local music legends Chester Daigle and Rick Condit in concert at 5 p.m. at the Central School theatre in Lake Charles. The concert will highlight Daigle and Condit’s new Christmas CD, The Greatest Gift is Love, and local musicians and singers will accompany the duo, including Jay Ecker, Jeff Simon, James Bill, Sylvia Hankin, Verlin Chretien, Yvette Chretien Edwards, Christopher Chretien, and Michael Chretein. The evening will feature a special performance by violinist Jairus Daigle. A silent auction will take

place at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and can be purchased at the Arts Council office at Central School, located at 809 Kirby Street in Lake Charles. For details, contact the Arts Council at 439-2787 or Pat Daigle at 794-5744.

SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK CONCERT DEC. 19 School House Rock’s “Rock for Tots” concert will take the Central School Theatre by storm with a special collaborative live music event at 6 p.m. to benefit local children during the holiday season. Over a dozen local bands from rock and country to bluegrass and heavy metal will perform on stage during the evening. The price of admission is a toy to be donated to a local charity or $10 for the purchase of a toy. School House Rock is the brainchild of local musician Bam Arceneaux. All ages are encouraged to attend. All toys will be donated to SWLA shelters, hospitals, and charity organizations. “Rock for Tots” is sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana and Happy Hippie Pizza. Visit the School House Rock Facebook page for details. Advanced tickets will be available at Central School, located at 809 Kirby Street in Lake Charles.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER AT LUTCHER THEATER DEC. 29 Wrap up the holiday season with international super group Mannheim Steamroller, appearing for their first Christmas-time performance in Southeast Texas at Lutcher Theater. This annual Christmas tour with leading-edge multimedia effects has become a holiday tradition and the ultimate family experience. There will be two shows on Dec. 29 at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets ranging from $35-$70 are on sale now.

www.thejambalayanews.com • (337) 436-7800

We are extremely pleased with the exposure we have gotten through our advertisements in The Jambalaya News. The feedback we have received indicates that our market is well covered by the magazine’s circulation, and we have seen many referrals and inquiries directly related to our ads. By far, it has been the best money we have spent for advertising.

– Randy Stelly, Administrator

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

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Go to www.lutcher.org or call (409) 886.5535 for more information. Located at 707 Main Avenue in Orange, Texas, the Lutcher Theater box office is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

TUPPER MUSEUM SEASONAL DISPLAY THROUGH DEC. 29 “Christmas to Remember” at the WH Tupper Museum in Jennings features more than 300 nutcrackers, varied Santas, animated holiday characters, snow villages, trains, vintage ornaments and so much more! Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students. The museum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays, and is located at 311 N. Main St. in Jennings. For more information, call 821-5532.

www.lwv-lc.org • email: info@lwv-lc.org • (337) 474-1864

ST. NICHOLAS CENTER 5K RUN DEC. 31 In the spirit of giving, everyone is invited to participate in the 4th Annual St. Nicholas 5 K Run and 1 Mile Resolution Run on Dec. 31. The run begins and ends at the ICCS parking lot at 1536 Ryan Street. Registration is at 7:15 a.m., and the 5 K begins at 8 a.m. The 1 Mile Resolution Run will immediately follow. For more information, contact Chris Jones at (337) 515-3402 or The St. Nicholas Center at (337) 491-0800/ www.stnickcenter.org. All proceeds benefit the St. Nicholas Center for Early Intervention.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY NEW YEAR’S DANCE DEC. 31 Immaculate Heart of Mary Church’s Christian Mothers will be having a New Year’s Eve dance 9 p.m.-1 a.m. in the Founder’s Hall at 2031 Opelousas Street located behind the church. Music will be provided by Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Road Runners. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information, please call 433-4765 or 436-8093.

STARKS VFW NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE DEC. 31 Ring in the New Year at the Starks Memorial VFW New Year’s Dance on Hwy. 12 in Starks. Enjoy the music of Redbone Cooking, who will play blues, country, swamp pop and more! The event is from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; admission is $10 per person. For more info, call (337) 743-6409.

WONDERLAND ON ICE AT L’AUBERGE THROUGH JAN. 8 L’Auberge Casino Resort has transformed their pool area into a winter wonderland.

Bring the whole family to this magical ice skating rink! Admission cost is $15 per four-hour session. Wristbands can be purchased at the Ice Rink Grill or at Desserts. Go to www.ldlcasino.com for more information, or call 395-7777. And have your very own Ice Capades!

MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPTS AT STARK MUSEUM THROUGH FEB. 25 The Stark Museum of Art recently opened “Medieval Manuscripts: From the Stark Collections” to be on view through Feb. 25, 2012. This exhibition features four Books of Hours from the 15th and early 16th centuries. Each is open to a page of glorious hand-painted illuminations on view to the public for the first time. View samples of parchment materials, the tools used for writing in the Middle Ages and see how medieval books were constructed. The exhibit also includes an educational area with hands-on activities especially for children and an interactive viewing station with digital images of additional manuscript pages. Located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas, the Stark Museum of Art is open to the public Tues.-Sat. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free for all ages. For more information, call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org. TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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

The

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• The Kris Harper Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Michael Kittling @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 • Pete Bergeron @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Warren Storm/Willie T & Cypress @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

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

• Bourque & Johnson @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 • Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Paul Gonsoulin @ Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder, 7 p.m.

• Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Angie Manning-Istre @ The Porch, 9 p.m.

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

• Gregg Martinez & The Delta Kings @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Street Side Jazz @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Odyssey @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

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

• Gregg Martinez & The Delta Kings @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Mickey Smith @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 • Junior Lacrosse & Sumtin’ Sneaky @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

• Kory Fontenot @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 • Lesa Cormier & The Sundown Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Stellar @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Forever Falls @ Texas Longhorn Club, Vinton, 8 p.m.

• The Chee-Weez @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• The Kadillacs @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Jacob Cooley @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Stellar @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• TBA @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• Keith McCoy & CEO @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 • Foret Tradition @ Yesterday’s, 6 p.m.

• LA Express @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

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

• Andrew David @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

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

• Bernie Alan @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 • Jamie Berzas @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Bobcat @ Micci’s, 7 p.m.

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.

• Geno Delafosse & French Rockin’ Boogie @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• Damon Troy & Final Five @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Red Moped @ Luna Bar & Grill, 10 p.m.

• Lingus @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

According to a 2001 study of intentional animal abuse published by the Humane Society of the United States, 13 percent of these cases involved incidents of domestic violence, 7 percent coincided with child abuse and 1 percent with elder abuse.

Sponsored by

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

• ISIS @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

• Louisiana FIYA @ Yesterday’s, 8 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Club 1Sixty5, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.

• X-It 43 @ Linda’s Lounge, 9 p.m.

• Bag of Donuts @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

PAGE 53

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, fesriter, ar rnalist, trade o album tist ma na rg tainmen anization pre gerwwwww, sid t a the Mu ttorney, and ent, enterp sic Mu seum o resident of Louisian f a . musicall She prefers Southwest y GRAM eclectic, and v all 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. ng i d n e at na, s perso f venom th ter, after. arely an e o h e b h t chills out in laug ded after nd staircas share o t n n g a e o e r n goi brok the show wn the g nd witty c were er. , o s a n d r e e e m h ere ded Wh win perfor we gli e with d the who w hour, dinner, an sional t-style stag us friends were prom e r cabar at those of ot Talent” he food (in ” to ou on flowed. on e G t ti t s a a d omps returned t s Wh o n s r t h “ a e o T v s s L e “ d k v r n ha ser so I dri d to th Ric y feted us, for a week a invite as that the here Lotos e Hubert i w t l h f r k A Nig ra had fine ened on he promise o ised w ill Room, w ous folk li orth our e l e u r t t m t a w h t n a G a i t l L f l a b e , d el a g r and co, lured by uest show ot. , th nners fetin ould be w Laura was nd o a v r a f u a q e e L is bo th di rey!) w s out that the drink a ng – hool, w Franc pson all-r tseeing to and h c s p n a m w S n i u a , r e l t, s tt in H om u gh from rk from N a rd Th eals and si esday nigh rage ion. T ecating. Ye was the se nce y t a d n h d e c t i u o t R a epr rw issa st b l, as also le ga Wedn ine m d My be relocated fo , which is re, but not too self-d wonderfu rench Rena and ome f d late on a a’s minuscu sta that ha s g o e F u r c n t n i r s e e l e r e e i e e i d k u u c u w l d v e o F a i i i c a o n b g r g S d L b t m h o t ra rd er I ar has San F n filled wit ’re a theat r all fo Upper Eas marble and enough to end into rented Fo hip’s with a er e o z t e e k e r g rs ed th ets squ an Yo as ith tow ng if you way, aft tiny r and o ndelie f ent w a rock erful i ion w with a board like for satellite play until I mans ies and cha entertainm wond he same th only Broad abits are o h r t e a dash on options learned to omehow at all dway is th ry musical uasions. ld drape e – but the s and n o i s, s t i a y a o p . r a t l a mill hat I barel n the car. 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We’d had eard most “The cours Me” by Lot szky) and rson Crazy city h ich is why nd opera, ith her per h e t d n e t t w n e a o t e i P f r e a v e Wh l w w h B a A d o the L ea holas uld Drive im, and rk – t d to coinci d annual t ary which ngs, along performed a c o i m g Y o N n r i f w r e d r o e s d er ,” hi Co du an Ne dh bb s, a lit pson’s Street ica, an lub’s t y Son rts, tim and E (“You Thom nd of The on harmon cluding roles ompany b y Kander conce ce in her c ber of Loto involved in b n C in kE alt from y, Money” e. forma She’s a mem e members ncluded outs – the Dar George G its’ medley Lovely d n n l e i a o . t b d n e s e us with n’s Herm ’ve Got A ghth, I “Mo et), she sh w other show hose nota arts hav m Howar i y) gav a e e r a Herm rown, You enry The E ’m Into Caba re were a f altor by da ng “A club w spect of th ident Willi bb (comB s e e a , o s . e r E ) h H ) t s s e e ( t e r r T a d e r o r M I re ” ar I’m ,P “M som abbin llivan patte om the Pi cks ter,” “ thing Tells ilhouettes.

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in t h g i A N s Company ’ Laura

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DECEMBER 15, 2011

Volume 3 • Issue 19

plans) and contracted bad cases of concert envy. “Damn it,” Laura mock-fumed in her forwarding e-mail with the set lists. “They all had more fun than we did!”

Not so, kemosabe. They just had different fun.

Okay, it was pretty great to hear him make fun of Britney Spears with his version of “Oops!

I Did It Again” a few years back, and he did that in our absence on Saturday night. And I wouldn’t have minded hearing either

“The Mingulay Boat Song,” a sea chantey (more on this subject next time), or Neil Diamond’s “I’m A Believer,” made famous

by Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork, collectively known as The Monkees, both performed on Sunday. I guess we really missed out there. Nope. Much delight was had by the SRO audience our night, too. TJN

Killin’ Time Crossword Sponsored by

Crossword puzzles provided

by BestCrosswords.com (www.bestcrosswords.com).

Used with permission.

Volume 3 • Issue 19

DECEMBER 15, 2011

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