The Jambalaya News - Vol. 3 No. 20

VOL. 3, NO. 20 / JANUARY 12, 2012

ALSO: • Mardi Gras 2012 • The Girl Scouts: 100 Years and Growing!

• The Better Business Bureau

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JANUARY 12, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 20

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 Rhonda Babin Leslie Berman George Cline James Doyle Dan Ellender Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com

SALES ASSOCIATES Michele Clack Katy Corbello Faye Drake 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 2012 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

contents

On Cover: Rodeo Clown Lecile Harris.

Photo submitted.

January 12, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 20

COVER STORY 18 The 73rd Annual Livestock Show and Rodeo

REGULARS 7 10 11 12 22 38

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

FEATURES 5 13 15 16 17 28

The Girl Scouts: 100 Years and Growing Bayou Biz: Better Business Bureau Hospital-acquired Infections Make Fitness a Family Priority Glaucoma Awareness Month Mardi Gras 2012 Events

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ENTERTAINMENT 24 26 27 31 34 37 39

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

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28 We accept credit cards!

Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

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A Note From Lauren It All Comes Out in the Wash When we bought our house eight years ago, it came with an old washer and dryer. They functioned, but there were some issues and we’d had the repairman out more than a few times.

So this summer, I told my husband to keep his eyes open for a deal.

This is like telling a child that he can stay up all night and eat ice cream. Phil is the King of the Deal.

He loves bargains, and he loves to shop more than I do. He will go anywhere for a sale, and likes wheeling and dealing. He also likes to buy things in quantity, but that’s not what this article is about, so I’ll save that for another one.

So Bargain Phil was on a mission. It didn’t take him long to hit the jackpot.

We were at Sears, and of course the first thing he did was head to the “scratch and ding” room in the appliance section. And there they were, a matched set of Samsung high-efficiency front loaders: floor models that had never been used. Other than some scrapes on the top of the washer and dryer, they were in perfect condition.

These babies would have cost $2,500 without the cosmetic damage.

Instead, we paid something like

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JANUARY 12, 2012

$1,200 for both of them. What a deal.

After the first wash, I realized how truly bad the old ones were. Why had I put up with them for so long?

And that got me thinking about how I’ve done my laundry through the years, and what an aggravation it was. (I know, I’m probably the only person who would think of something like this.)

Growing up, we had our washing machine in the kitchen, next to the sink. My mother never let me, or my father, use it. We weren’t responsible enough. She approached every wash with trepidation, because one time there was a problem and I think there was a bit of a flood. Her sister Jeanette, the landlord, lived right below us and she probably put the fear of God in my mother when that happened. So only she would do the wash, and it was accompanied by all kinds of pipe clanging and appliance vibrating, and if it vibrated more than usual, my mother would get nervous and roll her eyes, thinking about my aunt downstairs, who would surely comment on the commotion the next time she saw her.

We didn’t have a dryer, so the clothes would be hung on the

clotheslines on the back porch, which is really wonderful in the dead of winter. We’d bring the towels in, and they were as hard as a rock. If it was snowing, my mother would set up this ancient metal clothes rack in the tub. The whole procedure was pretty primitive.

When I finally moved out, my first apartment was in the North End of Boston, and had its own laundry room. A washer AND a dryer!

Unfortunately, you could only access the room from the street, and the door didn’t lock, so neighborhood kids would be in there, selling drugs.

I ended up going to the local Laundromat, where an elderly Italian lady would do my wash for me and fold everything nicely. I think it cost two bucks. That was some service.

My next apartment was in the Back Bay, and there was no laundry room.

So I would have to lug my laundry over to a Laundromat on Newbury St. I hated just sitting there waiting for the cycle to end, so I’d run back and forth to my apartment. One day, after I returned home with my clean clothes, I discovered someone had stolen all of my underwear. After that, I made sure I sat there for the duration.

The next apartment, which was just a few blocks away, had a laundry room in the basement of the building.

There was just one washer and one dryer for six units, so you can imagine. Lots of neighborly bonding over that situation.

One night, I accidentally let someone into the building that I thought was a tenant. He wasn’t. He tried to force his way into my apartment, but luckily, he was so high that I was able to push him out and slam the door on him. I called the police and they found him hiding in (where else) the laundry room.

When I ultimately gave in and bought a condo so I didn’t have to keep moving, I finally had my very own piggyback washer and dryer in my unit.

No more arguing over washers in dank laundry rooms, no more going outside in the snow to a public Laundromat full of weirdos. I had arrived.

And now, I have my slightly scratched-up Samsung beauties that make me very happy. I think I deserve them, don’t you?

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 20

By Rhonda Babin

A Lake Charles billboard near the corner of Ryan and 7th Streets reminds us that “It’s time!” to order Girl Scout cookies. It’s also time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organization of this special group.

The Girl Scouts have proclaimed 2012 to be “The Year of the Girl.” There will be celebrations over the next 12 months to insure that the millions of women who have benefitted from this service organization can take part in wishing it an incredibly “Happy Birthday!”

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who can make the world a better place.

In addition to cookies, crafts, and camping, Girl Scouting uses specially designed programs to create leaders. The skills taught to girls ranging from kindergarten age through high school seniors are for a lifetime.

“The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers,” was the belief of Girl Scout’s founder Juliette Gordon Low. She didn’t believe that girls should be limited to wearing dresses and staying at home. This was novel thinking for a woman living in Savannah, Georgia in 1912. At the first Girl Scout meeting (on March 12, 1912), she encouraged girls to put on a pair of pants and go outside to play, interact, and learn! That thinking produced an organization that has allowed millions of women worldwide to learn skills that change the planet.

Girl Scouts has been the premier leadership organization for the past 100 years because they build skills for a lifetime. And through the years, the organization has evolved to fit the changing needs of its members.

The focus has remained on leadership, but today’s Girl Scouts also learn public speaking, nutrition, goal setting, decision making, how to maintain a positive body image, and financial literacy.

Membership is available for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, beginning with Daisy, grades K1; followed by Brownie, grades 2-3; Junior, grades 4-5; Cadette, grades 6-8; Senior, grades 9-10; and Ambassador, grades 11-12. Women and men over 18 can join as adult members.

Membership Specialist Patricia Lore is in the Lake Charles office of “Girl Scouts of Louisiana Pines to the Gulf.” The office is part of a division from Alexandria Volume 3 • Issue 20

(the Pines), to Cameron (the Gulf).

The Lake Charles office reaches out to girls in the parishes of Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, and Vernon, and also serves Fort Polk girls.

Lore’s experience with Girl Scouting is 31 years strong. As a child, she was a Brownie (then the youngest division of Girl Scouts), while her older sister was a Cadette. She moved to Lake Charles in 1965 and continued to be involved in scouting events with her children. In 1999, she went to work for the Girl Scouts in an outreach program.

Lore’s enthusiasm for scouting is contagious.

“Girl Scouting instills good values,” she said. “Girls learn how to be leaders, discover their talents, and connect with other girls building friendships that last a lifetime.” The local Girl Scouts have participated in many local projects, including collecting blankets for the animal shelter, making cards for nursing home residents, and re-building Millennium Park.

When asked about some past local Girl Scouts, Lore mentions Iowa Mayor Carol Ponthieux, a lifetime member, and her daughters Vicki and Tina.

Mayor Ponthieux believes in the values taught through scouting. She started as a Girl Scout in grade school, was a troop leader when her daughters were scouts, and is still a trained counselor for girls seeking their Religious Recognition Awards.

She lives by the Girl Scout Promise: “On my honor, I will try: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout law.”

A girl can join a local troop or become a Girl Scout using several different “pathways.” She can find the pathway that suits her needs at the moment, or mix and match her primary interests and make her own path. They include: Camp Pathway – Explore the outdoors, new habitats and build unique skills at day or resident camps during the summer, and complement that with weekend camping trips any time throughout the year.

Event Pathway – Pick and choose from a menu of

Top: Father Daughter Banquet 1963. Edith Large Fruge, Leonard Dean Large and Patricia Large Lore.

Middle: Midland, Tx. Girl Scouts 1962.

Bottom: Kathy Thibodeaux, Lifetime Member, has been a Girl Scout for 61 years. She is presently The Leader of Troop 2147.

JANUARY 12, 2012

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events that they would like to attend throughout the year.

Series Pathway – Participate in a series of programs with the same group relating to a specific theme or purpose (e.g., high-adventure teen group) Travel Pathway – Plan, earn money, prepare, and participate in regional, national, and international trips.

Troop Pathway – Participate in a series of programs with the same group of girls over the course of an academic year.

Virtual Pathway – Explore interactive, high-quality program activities in a safe, secure, online environment supplemented by live events.

(Currently in development!)

Having additional pathways is essential to keeping girls involved, since in today’s world, not every girl has the opportunity to attend scheduled troop meetings.

But attending a weekly troop meeting is how Westlake resident Brandi Clary became a Brownie and later, a Cadette. She joined the Scouts for a very different reason then most: Her mother couldn’t always find a sitter for her because she could be “handful.”

“I became a Girl Scout out of necessity for my mom, and until this day, I still use the skills I was taught,”

Clary recalled. She learned CPR, sign language, leadership, and recycling.

She also remembers arts and crafts, and lessons that exposed her to different cultures.

“I earned many badges. My sash was full front and back,” she said proudly. And she was always able to sell extra cookies because her father would bring them to work for her. “I was taught the importance of having a schedule and being disciplined. I used those skills in the military and at school and they helped me be successful,” she added.

Clary recalls the fun she had and the importance of always having a project to work on through scouting.

She hopes to have her seven-year-old daughter join the scouts this year.

There are many ways to become involved with the Girl Scouts. Cookie Rallies will be held throughout the month of January that teach marketing, key business techniques, and how to set up a store. On Feb. 25, members and non-members alike are invited to Alexandria for the 100-Year Celebration, which will feature presentations on the history of the Girl Scouts, “Forever Green” businesses, and a vintage fashion show. World Thinking Day is planned for March 17, and there will be events in Lake Charles and around the state.

Whether you support the Girl Scouts of Louisiana Pines to the Gulf by purchasing cookies, attending events, volunteering time, and/or making financial contributions–make sure you become a part of the Girls Scout’s 100th Birthday Celebration!

For information, contact the Lake Charles office at (337) 497-0791, toll-free at (800) 960-2093, or visit www.girlscoutspinestogulf.org.

TJN

Top: Karleigh Courville is Kathy Thibodeaux's granddaughter.

It's a family tradition to be a part of Girl Scouts!

Bottom: Legacy Troop 2147 after painting at Millennium Park.

They are Cadette Girl Scouts and have been together since kindergarten.

L’Auberge Saves Lids, Saves Lives In September, L’Auberge Casino Resort introduced complimentary Yoplait yogurt in the team member dining room as part of an ongoing health initiative.

Throughout the month of October, Yoplait’s “Save a Lid to Save Lives” promotion called for yogurt consumers to mail in their pink Yoplait lids and in turn, Yoplait would donate 10 cents from each lid to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

When the L’Auberge dining room staff read about the promotion, they immediately designed signs promoting the campaign to the L’Auberge team. Mary Langley, a dining room attendant, personally reached out to team members soliciting their help. After collecting and washing more than 3,000 Yoplait lids, Langley simply says she is happy to do her part for breast cancer awareness. L’Auberge will mail the 3,000+ lids to Yoplait PAGE 6

JANUARY 12, 2012

Mary Langley, L’Auberge Dining Room Attendant. soon, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation will receive a check for $300. For more information on “Save a Lid to Save Lives,” visit www.yoplait.com/save-lids-savelives. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 20

The

Boiling

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Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

DR. GAMBORG ELECTED PRESIDENT OF WCCH MEDICAL STAFF Brian Gamborg, MD, family medicine physician, was recently elected president of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s medical staff at the December 2011 annual general medical staff meeting. As president, Dr. Gamborg will work to ensure the quality and efficiency of clinical services and performance within the hospital. He currently serves as the chairman of the hospital’s emergency room committee. Dr. Gamborg has a private practice at 1114 Stelly Lane in Sulphur.

Dr. Brian Gamborg

Pictured are: John Lamar, Toys for Tots coordinator; Dana Rodrigue, Toys for Tots chairman; and L'Auberge team members.

L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT DONATES TO SWLA TOYS FOR TOTS L’Auberge Casino Resort presented the Marine Corps Detachment 1157 with 1,300+ new, unwrapped toys for the SWLA Toys for Tots program. The L’Auberge team has been a huge supporter of Toys for Tots and its mission to provide toys for needy children in our community.

DRS. FOWLER AND MILLER JOIN WOMEN & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STAFF Women & Children’s Hospital welcomes family medicine physicians Tolvert Fowler, Jr., MD and Dennis Miller, MD, to its medical staff. A Louisiana native, Dr. Fowler received his bachelor’s Dr. Tolvert Fowler, Jr. Dr. Dennis Miller and master’s of science degrees from Louisiana State University Shreveport and earned his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Dr. Miller received his bachelor of science degree in biological sciences from McNeese State University and earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. Both doctors are currently accepting new patients at Lake Area Family Medicine, located behind Women & Children’s Hospital at 4150 Nelson Rd., Building G., Suite 5. Same day and early appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome. For an appointment, call (337) 562-3761.

Volume 3 • Issue 20

From left to right: Santa; Steve Kuypers, Delta Downs VP and GM; Aleata Tharp; Matthew Lucas; Jesse Lucas; Nora Popillion, Delta Downs entertainment and PR manager; and Santa’s Helper.

DELTA DOWNS DONATES $10,000 TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS Each year, charities and non-profit organizations in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas are invited to decorate 12-foot trees displayed in the Promenade at Delta Downs. The public then views the trees and votes for their favorite. The winners were announced just before Christmas. First place and $5,000 was awarded to TEAM Matthew; second place and $2,500 went to Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana; and Southwest Louisiana Master Gardeners took third place and $1,000. The other 12 participating organizations each collected $125.

CVB BRINGS HOME NATIONAL TRAVEL TRADE MEDIA COVERAGE The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau received recent coverage in group tour trade publications Courier and Group Tour Magazine. Both travel trade magazines published stories on Southwest JANUARY 12, 2012

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Louisiana in their December issues. Courier is a magazine for National Travel Association members, and Group Tour Magazine is published for meeting planners booking group tours. The Courier story focused on the 2012 Palm Sunday Tour of Homes in Margaret Place, and the Group Tour Magazine article focused on SWLA’s Mardi Gras festivities. For more information on the bureau’s public relations efforts, contact Megan Monsour Hartman at 436-9588 or mhartman@visitlakecharles.org.

From left to right: Event emcees Elizabeth Temple and John Bridges, heart survivor Gavin LeDay, Bill Hankins, Karen Lambert, Sumer McFarlain, and Janice Ackley.

WCCH DONATES TO SWLA HEART WALK West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital employees and associates recently donated over $32,000 to the SWLA American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. The Heart Walk, held in November at McNeese State University has raised over $175,000 to date. Bill Hankins, 2011 Heart Walk Chair, was on hand for the donation.

From left to right: Richard H. Reid, VP for university advancement and executive VP of the McNeese Foundation; John DeRosier, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney and Badge of Honor committee chair; and Johnson. McNeese Photo

Museum and Shangri La work together to offer camps that connect art and natural science for children entering grades 4-8. Educators Amelia Wiggins and Ellen Dacy planned and implemented the award-winning camps with support from the entire Stark Museum of Art staff and Shangri La staff. The camps “Colors to Dye For” and “Flocks of Feathered Friends” provided interdisciplinary experiences in a shared setting of art museum and nature center.

NEW ADMINISTRATOR OF CHRISTUS ST. PATRICK NAMED Donald H. Lloyd II has been named administrator of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. This will be effective in early February 2012. Lloyd has enjoyed a successful career as a healthcare executive in South Carolina, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer at Marion Regional Hospital, Mullins, S.C., where he demonstrated success in both clinical and financial operations. During his tenure in South Carolina, Lloyd was active in both professional and community organizations and looks forward to that same level of involvement in Lake Charles. He will be Donald H. Lloyd II joined by his wife and granddaughter.

COUSHATTA CAPTURES 13 FIRST PLACE AWARDS Strictly Slots named Coushatta Casino Resort as “Best Overall Casino in the Native South Region” in a readers’ poll published in its annual Best of Slots issue. Strictly Slots readers are regarded as the most knowledgeable and savvy of serious slot players. The Best Overall Casino award is bestowed upon the casino with the best combination of several factors: a wide variety of games, favorable payback percentages, fun and lucrative promotions, great atmosphere and service, and a well-run players club. Coushatta Casino Resort is located in Kinder on Highway 165 (I-10 exit 44), featuring over 2,800 slots and more than 70 table games. Phone (800) 584-7263 for more information or visit the website at www.coushattacasinoresort.com.

From left to right: Russ Adams, city liaison to Team Green of SWLA; Melissa Portie, human resources manager & community relations, Cameron LNG; Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach; and Byron Hardy, president, Team Green of SWLA.

ZEB JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP DONATION The Badge of Honor committee recently donated $25,000 to the McNeese State University Foundation for the Zeb Johnson Scholarship. The Badge of Honor committee made the donation in honor of Johnson, chief investigator in the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office, for his dedication to local law enforcement and McNeese. The committee is made up of local law enforcement officials and friends of Johnson.

TEAM GREEN OF SWLA RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT FROM CAMERON LNG Team Green of Southwest Louisiana, a City of Lake Charles commission, has received a $5,000 grant from Cameron LNG, which will be used for Team Green projects. The mission of Team Green is to develop and sponsor projects that will enhance the appearance and quality of the environment in Southwest Louisiana. Team Green is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Louisiana Beautiful and is made up of citizens appointed by the Mayor to serve on a voluntary basis. Cameron LNG is a liquefied natural gas receipt terminal situated along the Calcasieu Channel in Hackberry.

STARK MUSEUM AND SHANGRI LA RECEIVE 2011 EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR ECORANGERS PROGRAM The Stark Museum of Art and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center are the joint recipients of the 2011 Award for Excellence in Programming from the Mountain-Plains Museum Association Education Committee. The Association recognized the Stark Museum and Shangri La for their collaborative Art and Nature EcoRangers Camps. The Stark

BRETT CASCIO, MD, PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL HIP STUDY Brett Cascio, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Orthopaedic Specialists, and medical director of sports medicine at Memorial, is serving as the lead investigator for an ongoing research study which follows young female

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Dr. Brett Cascio Volume 3 • Issue 20

athletes with a newly recognized cause of hip pain called psoas impingement.

The study was presented to the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy in Paris, and included findings from 700 female athletes. For more information about this research or to make an appointment with Dr. Cascio, call Orthopaedic Specialists at (337) 494-4900.

CHAD GLOVER JOINS L’AUBERGE AS DIRECTOR OF VIBE L’Auberge Casino Resort is pleased to announce that Chad Glover has been hired to the newly created position of Director of Vibe. In his new role, Glover will look for innovative ways to run a unique beverage department that guarantees a superior level of guest satisfaction. He will also play an instrumental role in utilizing property music, lights and sound to create a hip, Chad Glover entertaining vibe and memorable moments for L’Auberge guests on the casino floor, at special events and in bars and restaurants including globar, Jack Daniel’s® Bar & Grill and the now iconic Liquid Society summer concert series. Glover brings to L’Auberge more than 16 years of management experience in the casino, restaurant and entertainment industries.

clients in the Southwest Louisiana region totaled over $3,500. IBERIABANK matched the donations collected, providing over $7,000 for area non-profit organizations. The partnerships varied in each community and included the Family and Youth Counseling Agency, Inc., Cameron Council on Aging, Ministerial Alliance of Vinton, Allen Parish 4-H and the Volunteer Fire Departments of Hackberry, Oakdale, DeQuincy and Kinder.

From left to right: Troy Courville, Matt Nicholas, Jason Barber, (tree), Bubba Fruge, Jonathon Jimney, Dr. David Kestel.

Bottom Row: Leslie Andrus, Tiffany Gardner, Sandra Trahan.

DELTA WATER FOWL DONATES TO LC ANIMAL SERVICES The Gulf Coast Chapter of Delta Water Fowl, in partnership with Purina has donated food to the Animal Services and Adoption Center in Lake Charles. “There are many beautiful animals in need of adoption and we at Delta Water Fowl are happy to contribute to the welfare of these needy animals,” said Dr. David Kestel, chairman of the local Delta Water Fowl chapter.

Delta Water Fowl is the oldest Water Fowl Conservation organization in the United States and Canada. TJN From left to right: Shannon Foolkes, Suzy Trahan, Sam Houston High School Coach Vaughn Eggleston and Daren Reed.

DYNAMIC DIMENSIONS DONATES WEIGHTS TO TWO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently donated thousands of pounds of free weights to Sam Houston and Vinton High Schools upon receiving new weights for its Moss Bluff location. The donation included weight plates, dumbbells, racks, weight trees and weight bars. Dynamic Dimensions has been serving the area for over 15 years, and 24-hour access is available at each location. For more information, call Dynamic Dimensions in Sulphur at (337) 527-5459 or in Moss Bluff at (337) 855-7708.

From left to right: Vinton High School Coach Tarius Davis, Suzy Trahan, Daren Reed.

IBERIABANK MATCHES DONATIONS TO NON-PROFITS THROUGH COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN IBERIABANK is pleased to announce the success of its “Change is Good” campaign that provided an opportunity to turn small pocket change into larger dollars for area non-profit organizations. Donations collected from Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

One Daughter, Indecipherable

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JANUARY 12, 2012

My wife and I had always looked forward to the day when my daughter would finally move out of the house.

It wasn’t for the any of the reasons you might think. It wasn’t because of the phone calls all hours that kept us busier than 911 dispatchers. Nor did it have anything to do with her Sweet Sixteen party, word of which apparently got out to the entire junior class of five different high schools. No, we just wanted to realize our ultimate goal as parents —that she matures into a contributing member of society. She’s been out of the house for several years now, and we are satisfied to have met at least half the goal. She is a member of society.

Once she was on her own, and the threat of close-hand combat had subsided, we looked forward to a cordial, arms-length relationship. We fancied the occasional get-together for lunch or a movie. Instead, what we got was a relationship that consisted almost exclusively of text-message exchanges.

It wouldn’t have been so bad had I understood them. The problem is, texting involves the use of an arcane code that, to the layman, appears to be nothing more than a random series of license plate numbers. Only those young enough to have grown up watching Beavis and Butthead can decipher the code.

The first time my daughter sent me a text, I asked myself how in the hell she was able to obtain the country’s nuclear launch codes, and why was she sending them to me? Here is what the message said, to the best of my memory: “DOD WYD? NMJC4MeATM. JTLYK, 143. Hope ULM2. UR DD.” I had absolutely no idea what that meant. With nothing else to go on, I figured I’d play the percentages and interpret it as a request for money.

And so, softy that I am when it comes to my daughter, I texted her back a string of dollar signs.

I wish for one time that she would answer her phone when I call so that I could at least hear her voice.

Instead, it always rings over to her mailbox. I can barely make out her voice on the recording over the background noise that she calls music. It sounds more to me like a wicker cane stuck in a fan.

On the rare occasions when I do get some face time with her, I try to encourage her about finding a career.

“But, Dad,” she says. “You know how I feel about going back to school.

The sound of chalk on a blackboard gives me panic attacks.”

“They use whiteboards now,” I explain. “Besides, there are lots of good careers that don’t require classroom training. What about day care, for instance? You’ve always been great with young children.”

“Yes, that’s true,” she replies. “I do love children; I just can’t deal with the parents when they drop the kids off and pick them up.”

“Well, then, have you considered becoming a hair stylist?” I ask. “I don’t think that requires any knowledge of algebra. Also, it’ll give you an inside track on all the gossip around town.”

“I do perfectly well keeping up with the gossip via text,” she snaps back. “And besides, I get nervous when I handle sharp objects.”

No matter what career path I suggest, she comes up with a perfectly logical reason why she can’t make it work. It finally hit me. “I know,” I told her. “I could see a bright future for you in customer service.”

I haven’t completely given up trying to steer her toward financial independence. Still, I realize that it would be a mixed blessing if she ever got there. She would no longer need to borrow money from me, but I’d probably never see her again. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 20

By George “Tip” Cline

police force. We can only hope that the spirit of this program will rub off on other departments.

SUPERMARKET ROUNDUP Our shopping report for this issue is for Wed., Jan. 4 at Albertsons, Country Club Road; Kroger, McNeese Street; Market Basket, Lake Street and Walmart, Nelson Road. These are the posted prices on the shelves.

Tabasco, original 2-ounce bottle: Albertsons $1.69, Kroger

THE ANNOYANCES OF CHILDPROOF BOTTLES A friend recently complained about a problem she experienced with a childproof bottle of mouthwash. The cap was so difficult to open in the first place that she didn’t screw it back on all the way. So when it was accidently knocked over, it wound up all over her bathroom.

Just about everything these days is some kind of proof that we are so willing to sue any deep-pocketed corporation over ANYTHING. Child safety is a must, but come on, folks—if you don’t have little ones around you can maybe chance the odds by taking your toenail clippers and cutting the tabs off the bottom of the cap. I routinely perform this little maneuver when we open a fresh bottle, since I see no need to go through the aggravation of jumping through hoops just to freshen my breath if there aren’t any children around.

DOG PARK HAS SOME ISSUES In a previous column, I wrote about the Calcasieu Ward 3 Dog Park, located on Lake Street on the west side of the airport in the Enos Derbonne Recreation Complex. I utilize that facility with my faithful companion with some frequency and a lot of pleasurable play. But I am sad to report that in addition to dog owners not being totally responsible in cleaning up (something that we expect to happen), parents are allowing children to use the dog park area as a playground, seemingly unsupervised with unfortunate and destructive results.

Volume 3 • Issue 20

$1.43, Market Basket $1.49, Walmart $1.24.

Yellow onions, per pound: Albertsons $.49, Kroger $1.48, Market Basket $.50, Walmart $.94.

Cherry Jell-O, 3-ounce box: Albertsons $.99, Kroger $.89, Market Basket $.95, Walmart $.62.

Jimmy Dean Sausage, regular 16-ounce roll: Albertsons $4.49, Kroger $3, Market Basket $3.49, Walmart $2.98. TJN

This dog park area was constructed with a canine agility and play concept, not as a play area for unattended children. There are several other separate areas of play equipment for children available. I personally observed three preteen girls bending and damaging one canine teeter-totter piece of equipment by overloading it and jumping in a manner the equipment was not designed to withstand. At the time, there were no parents at the park responsible for these children.

It is rare enough to have a petfriendly facility without having it vandalized.

CHRISTMAS TICKETS Our recently passed Christmas season provided us with a fine example of judgment and compassion by the Sulphur Police Department. Assistant Chief Billy Craddock promoted the idea of issuing “Christmas Tickets” for minor traffic violations. The citation carried no penalty and in the spirit of the season, went on to wish the offender a Merry Christmas. I know that this program went a long way in improving public relations and promoting a positive image of the Sulphur Police Department, and I’m sure those that issued the summonses felt the warmth of the season themselves.

This form of protecting and serving reflects a discretionary form of law enforcement that was more like the days of old where generating revenue was not a factor in determining the actions of the JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 11

oyle

By Jim D

Don’t Look Back One sure sign of advancing age is when your children start having a mid-life crisis. At least I’m in a good position to give them advice.

How many of us can look back on a perfect life, never any regrets, never set a foot wrong? Maybe somebody’s out there, but I never met him. Heck, I wouldn’t have a job if such people were in the majority.

But the 99 percent runs the other way. Most of us are satisfied with hypotheticals: what would have happened if I had taken that job, hadn’t broken up with her/him, hadn’t made that one mistake too many which put me over the edge. If we’re lucky, that’s all it is, as I told my boys recently.

This is the weekend before the championship game. Once upon a time, I covered LSU football, back when Scooter Hobbs was an energetic young writer. Wait a minute, he still is. Anyway, younger and possibly more energetic. And reading the Sunday paper brought a story about Louis Bonnette’s son Mike, who is now the assistant athletic director at the Ole War Skule.

Louis was in his same job at McNeese when those in the business called me “young’n,” which was, as you might imagine, a year or two ago. The LSU guy was Paul Manasseh.

Paul was a great friend, and I’ve known his two sons, Johnny and Jimmy, since they were teenagers.

Jimmy now has his own law firm in Baton Rouge. Paul’s only daughter, Marcae, tragically died the weekend before her scheduled wedding of complications from, of all things, extraction of her wisdom teeth.

After I left the paper in 1978, PAGE 12

JANUARY 12, 2012

Paul hired me to “work the field” at the home games, so for the next five years I was on the sidelines for every game in Death Valley. LSU introduced me to many people still in my life today, including Dale Brown, the controversial head basketball coach.

By the time you read this we’ll know where the Tigers wound up.

But some things never change. I remember my first year at The Advocate, 1972, when LSU won its first seven games, including that controversial last-second, one-point win over Ole Miss, when Bert Jones threw two passes in four seconds, the last one for a touchdown. Billboards appeared in Baton Rouge saying: “Bring On Bama!!!!!!” The Tigers lost the next week in Birmingham and finished the year 9-2-1 after losing to Tennessee in the Bluebonnet Bowl, which doesn’t exist today. Alabama finished fourth in the country.

I’m reading a book now by Stephen King premised on a time traveler who is determined to stop the Kennedy assassination. There is lots of stuff in there about the socalled “Butterfly Effect,” where one event can change the whole world.

We’ll never know if that’s true, except in our dreams, of how different our mistake-free life would have been.

But I’m also studying other sources, which say this: Don’t look in the rear-view mirror at the wreckage of your bad decisions. Look towards the bright light in your windshield.

I would give my sons, and all of you, that power. Don’t make this journey any more complicated than it is already.

Happy New Year, folks. I’ll see all of y’all on the flip. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 20

Bayou

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Biz

Who do you turn to when you need to find out if a business is reputable? Who do you contact to file a complaint against a company? You go to the authority on trust in the marketplace—the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The Better Business Bureau has set and upheld high standards for ethical marketplace behavior since 1912. The organization provides consumers with objective, unbiased information about businesses and charities, and distributes consumer and business education information, tips and alerts.

BBB helps us make wise buying decisions through innovative programs and services such as BBB Business Reviews and ratings, advertising review services, Charity Control, BBB AutoLine, BBB Military Line, Smart Teen Programs, Savvy Senior Programs, and dispute resolution/arbitration as well as an annual “Secure Your ID” Shred Fest.

There are 116 local bureaus serving communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring Volume 3 • Issue 20

Better Business Bureau

Celebrating a Century of Trust

more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities.

The BBB of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. was started in 1950 by a group of local businessmen with the Chamber of Commerce who saw a need to selfregulate advertising issues. While they are different organizations today, their services are both needed. The Chamber promotes business, while the BBB protects both business and consumers.

BBB Accreditation “BBB accreditation is an honor – and not every company is eligible,” said Carmen Million, president of the BBB of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. “Businesses that meet our high standards are invited to join BBB. Businesses meeting BBB standards are presented to local boards of directors (or designees) for review and acceptance as a BBB accredited business.”

Accreditation is by invitation only.

A company must be in business for at least one year and must not have unanswered, unresolved or a pattern of complaints. Along with being properly licensed by its governing industry and/or local occupational

licensing agencies, it must also agree to abide by the BBB Standards for Business Practices, which is a commitment to work with the BBB on any issues brought to their attention.

The company must have and maintain a B or better rating before it can be eligible.

“When we invite a business to become an accredited member, it’s because we have checked them out and confirmed that they meet the standards,” Million said. “This includes the BBB Code of Business Practices, which represents sound advertising, selling and customer service practices that enhance customer trust and confidence in business.”

BBB accredited businesses agree to live up to BBB’s Standards for Trust.

“They are a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices focused on how businesses should treat the public –- fairly and honestly in all circumstances,” she explained.

Every BBB accredited business is monitored for continuing adherence to BBB standards. If it does not adhere to the standards, then its accreditation is brought to the BBB board of directors for revocation.

BBB does not compare businesses against each other, but rather, evaluates businesses against their standards.

JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 13

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“Our standards clearly speak to the character and competence of an organization,” Million said. “BBB is the resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses.

Our network of national and local BBB operations allows us to monitor and take action on thousands of business issues affecting consumers at any given time.”

Million said the BBB exists so consumers and businesses alike have an unbiased source to guide them on matters of trust. “We provide educational information and expert advice that is free of charge and easily accessible at www.bbb.org,” she said.

The Benefits Based on recent survey findings, Million said that 70 percent of consumers indicated that they would be more likely to buy from a company designated as a BBB accredited business.

A BBB accreditation indicates that this company does business ethically.

It’s an honor not every business enjoys, and is a sign of a company’s good reputation.

BBB reviews accredited and nonaccredited businesses alike, processing complaints on both. Reviews only note a business’ accreditation status.

While all complaints are processed the same, an accredited business must respond to a complaint to meet the standards set by the BBB.

“I’d like to invite all of my customers and friends to see me for all your flooring needs at Kenny Fuselier & Co.”

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JANUARY 12, 2012

Filing a Complaint What do you do if you have an issue with a company that’s given you less than satisfactory service? The BBB is usually the first step you can take to resolve the problem. “We attempt to settle the dispute in a fair manner with no cost to either party,” Million said. “If the matter is not settled through the BBB process, then the consumer still has the option to seek legal action.”

All complaints must be submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, and fax or online at www.bbb.org. “Olivia Collins, the complaint manager in our SWLA office, reviews all complaints to determine if it is a valid complaint, based on the information provided, and also if it is in our jurisdiction,” she said.

A copy of the complaint is then sent on to the company. “The outcome of the complaint is reported on the company’s record after our mediation process is completed,” Million said. “Our procedure helps filter complaints before they are reported.

For instance, we do not report a complaint until the company has received a copy to help determine if it is actu-

ally their customer. In fact, we contact the company on three occasions, with the last letter sent certified.”

Million points out that a complaint is not necessarily a negative.

“It’s an opportunity to know what your customer is saying and gives you the chance to make improvements. If a company is not aware of their shortcomings, then they cannot make the necessary changes.”

If you do not find a BBB Reliability Report for a business, it may mean that it is new to the area, or BBB has not had sufficient activity to develop a report. It is neither positive nor negative. BBB suggests you check the business’ references and licensing information.

BBBs do a lot more than help settle disputes. Through the support of their accredited businesses, they maintain standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses and provide information to the public before they purchase products and services. In fact, more than 80 percent of the calls the BBB receives are pre-purchase inquiries.

About the BBB Staff The local BBB staff of four provides many benefits to the six parishes they service and each employee wears several hats.

Carmen Million joined the staff in January 1983 as a file clerk. She worked her way up by eventually performing every position at the BBB. The BBB board of directors selected her as the president in 1999.

Million’s most memorable achievements have been working with the board to get the local BBB computerized and online, as well as finding a home for the BBB. “Personally, the most rewarding service we provide is our educational programs to senior citizens and high school students,” she said.

Kathleen Leonards, VP of business relations, along with her assistant, Gisele Weber, monitor standards and provide services to Accredited Businesses. Leonards originally joined the BBB Staff in 1989 and Weber has been with the BBB since 2004.

Complaint Manager Olivia Collins processes and monitors complaints and assists with programs in the public. She also offers information and counseling to consumers and businesses. She joined the BBB staff in 2008.

For more information on the BBB, or to file a complaint against a company, call (337) 478-6253 or go to www.bbb.org. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 20

Did you know hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States each year? And that five out of 100 patients will get an infection in the hospital?

A person’s condition doesn’t cause these infections.

Most result from poor hygiene, such as improperly washed hands (yours, a visitor’s, or a hospital staff member’s), unsterile equipment, or unclean rooms. If proper preventive measures are taken by hospitals as well as health care providers, the risk of infection goes down.

There are some things you can do before you enter the hospital to minimize your chances of getting an infection.

Before you enter the hospital: • Shower with chlorhexidine soap for several days before surgery. This can be bought over the counter • Stop smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to develop an infection than nonsmokers.

• Ask about the hospital’s infection control program. If possible, choose a surgeon and hospital with a low infection rate.

• Ask your doctor if you need a vaccine for flu or pneumonia.

Volume 3 • Issue 20

While you are in the hospital: • Remind staff and visitors to wash their hands before touching you.

• Discourage visits from people who are ill.

• Avoid getting a urinary catheter, if possible.

If you need one, ask your doctor when it’s safe to be removed.

• Make sure you receive an antibiotic if needed within one hour of surgery.

Your doctor can tell you if you should have an antibiotic prior to surgery.

• Move around to prevent bedsores, which can become infected.

• Ask if the stethoscope was cleaned with alcohol.

• Call a nurse if your catheter is uncomfortable or loose.

• Tell a nurse if your dressing or IV line is loose or wet, or if your linens are soiled.

• Make sure the nurse checks your hospital ID bracelet before giving you any medicine to prevent you from accidentally taking someone else’s medication. TJN

JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 15

Paula DeLeon receives personalized instruction from Carroll Patin, an exercise specialist with Dynamic Dimensions.

• Certified dietary manager and registered dietition • Physical, occupational and speech therapists • Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services • Free housekeeping and laundry services • Rehab gym with recumbent trainer • On-site cinema and chapel • Full time social worker • In-house salon

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JANUARY 12, 2012

Paula DeLeon knows a thing or two about encouraging children to be healthy. She and her husband, Carlos, have six children, ranging in age from two to 19 years old.

They’ve made going to the gym a family affair and she’s seen positive results not only in her own health, but in her kids’ health, too.

“With six kids, our house is always active,” Paula explained.

“We’re outside a lot, playing football, kickball, baseball; pretty much anything to help them burn excess energy.”

She and her husband wanted to lose weight, so they initially tried to eat healthy and work out with fitness DVD’s at home. “We soon realized that we needed to invest more into our health so that we’d be accountable,” Paula explained “We live in LeBleu Settlement, so Dynamic Dimensions in Moss Bluff was not far, and it has an indoor pool. That was a big draw for our family. They have a lot of activities for kids, from the on-site child care to the kids’ fitness programs. It fits well with our whole family.”

The DeLeon family joined Dynamic Dimensions in June of last year and Paula discovered she loved the kick class. “It’s high energy and easy to learn. Anyone can do it! And I absolutely love the instructors.

They are encouraging and have helped me along the way with information, ideas and keeping me motivated.”

So far, Paula has lost 40 pounds.

“I find that I have more stamina now that I’ve been working out for several months. I’m not as tired; I can keep up with my kids,” she said. “I still have more to lose, but I’m on my way!”

While they tried the get-fit-athome routine, Paula found that paying for her gym membership keeps her accountable. “I feel like we’re investing in our health and if I’m paying for it, I’m going to get my money’s worth,” she explained.

The active atmosphere of the gym mirrors their approach to raising their children. “We encourage them to exercise their minds and bodies. In fact, before they can play video games or get on the computer, Volume 3 • Issue 20

they have to read for a while. Playing sports at school, being active, playing outside, going to the gym – we feel all of these things are healthy behaviors for our growing family.”

Children over the age of nine can accompany their parent to the group fitness classes or the cardio area at Dynamic Dimensions, which means that several of the DeLeon children are able to work out alongside their parents.

“Depending on my husband’s work schedule, he’ll work out in the morning before work, or he’ll come in the evening,” Paula said. “I usually get here in the afternoon or evening. Our children are active in school, so there’s always something happening. At this point, we don’t have a strict routine.

We have to be flexible, but we always manage to find time to get to the gym because it’s a priority for us.”

For more information on the services available at Dynamic Dimensions, call the Moss Bluff location at 855-7708 or Sulphur at 527-5459. TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 20

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.

Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.

There is no cure for glaucoma— yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.

There are two main types of

glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye.

When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma.

Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.

FACTS AND STATISTICS Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization, and is the leading cause of blindness among AfricanAmericans. And among Hispanics

in older age groups, the risk of glaucoma is nearly as high as that for African-Americans. Also, siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having glaucoma.

In the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms.

Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination.

Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.

Source: Glaucoma Research Foundation TJN

JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 17

By Lisa Addison

Lecile Harris

Lecile Harris has been a champion bullfighter, musician, and a comedian as well as a writer on “Hee Haw,” TV’s megahit of long ago. Yet, it’s his life as a rodeo clown that he says he’s probably enjoyed the most. He’ll be clowning around once again as part of the 73rd Annual Southwest District Livestock Show and PRCA Rodeo, Jan. 29-Feb. 4 at the Burton Coliseum.

The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest professional rodeos in the United States. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association, the event is produced by PRCA’s eight-time Stock Contractor of the Year, Smith, Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company.

WORLD-CLASS COMPETITION Playing host to world-class competition, The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo draws more than 500 PRCA competitors including PRCA World Champions and National Finals Contestants from across the nation. The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo pays out more than $250,000 each year. The event is also the opportunity for kids involved in 4-H, FFA, and other organizations from all over Louisiana to show their animals that they have been working with during the year.

Whether it’s the excitement of watching competitors in action, the entertainment of rodeo clowns and others, or seeing some of the beautiful animals in the arena or being exhibited, rodeos are big draws for its fans, with many returning year after year.

“I’ve been coming to Lake Charles and participating in rodeos there for about 35 years or longer and it’s one of my favorite venues,” Harris said. “People who came to see me when they were kids are now bringing their children to see me. I really enjoy that and think it’s special.”

Once the number-one ranked bullrider in the nation, this rodeo clown performs with one goal in mind – to make people laugh so much that they might forget their problems for a little while. “In my type of comedy, it’s the ultimate to be able to do a piece of comedy or tell a story in such a way that a person in the stands might lean over to their friend and say, ‘Hey, I know someone going through exactly what he’s talking about,’” Harris said.

TIMING IS IMPORTANT FOR A CLOWN Although being a rodeo clown probably isn’t something that just anyone can be good at, Harris PAGE 18

JANUARY 12, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 20

has some words of advice for those who would like to follow in his footsteps.

“In comedy, timing is everything, so I would say that timing is something a person has to have,” Harris said. “Another important thing is being able to be adaptable. I travel all over the world to about 100 performances or more a year and I have to be able to gear my routine to people in Canada, Denver or Lake Charles and everywhere in between.”

Improvisation is something else that any clown worth his big red nose is familiar with. Being able to improvise helped save the day for Harris once when he literally lost his pants in the middle of his act a few years ago. “I was in Florida when that happened,” he recalled. “So, I just fell down and started covering myself up with sand!”

That got a lot of laughs like many of the other antics that Harris engages in during his acts. Making people laugh is what he does for a living but he laughs a lot in his own life too.

“The other day I was thinking about a reunion of sorts that I had a few years ago with my friend Roy Clark,” Harris said. “We became friends back in the days when we were both on ‘Hee Haw’ and we’ll talk sometimes.

Well, when we got together awhile back we laughed so much I thought I was going to die. Laughter sure is good for you, isn’t it?”

Top: Lecile applying his clown makeup.

Middle: Lecile Harris with Roy Rogers.

Bottom: Lecile with Johnny Cash, from the movie “Last Days of Frank & Jessie James.”

Volume 3 • Issue 20

Married to his wife Ethel for 57 years, the couple has two sons, one of whom works with him in his rodeo act; another who is a musician; and a daughter who was once a dancer and one of the “California Girls” when traveling and working with the Beach Boys. They also have four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and another great-grandchild on the way.

A PRO RODEO HALL OF FAMER Harris, who has been inducted into The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and has been voted Pro Rodeo’s “Clown of the Year” four times, said his wife is his biggest fan as well as his biggest critic.

“She has helped me with my rodeo act every step of the way for all of these years, including helping me put together my various costumes,” he said. “And she runs my website, helps with emails, and handles the business end of things. It would take me forever to list everything that she does. Well, she’s basically my prop; she lifts me up and always makes everything better.”

Harris said he is looking forward to seeing old friends while in Lake Charles for the rodeo and he’s anticipating enjoying some boudin as well as crawfish. “You know those guys who boil crawfish out back at the Burton Coliseum during the Rodeo?” he asked. “The Future Farmers of America, I believe it is. They always make sure to save some crawfish for me and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that kind of hospitality!”

Make sure you catch Harris in action during the rodeo as well as

Bradley Harter on Painted Feather JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 19

A PRCA steer wrestler making his move.

watch exciting events such as barrel racing, bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, buddy-barrel pickup, and more. It’s entertainment that’s suitable for all ages, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Livestock shows will take place Feb. 1-5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Professional rodeo performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb.

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JANUARY 12, 2012

2; at 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 3; at 2:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 4 (at this performance, the first 500 children to arrive will receive free cowboy hats courtesy of Fox 29!); and at 8 p.m. also on Feb. 4.

DISCOUNT NIGHT IS THURSDAY Thursday is discount night. A 25 percent discount is offered for purchases of 20 or more tickets. Seats

are $8, $12, $15, and $20 for adults (13 and older). Children ages 4-12 receive a $3 discount (except on $8 tickets) and ages 0-3 receive free admission. Jeff Davis Bank $4 off coupons apply to this performance.

Friday tickets are $8, $12, $15, and $20 for adults (13 or older.)

Children ages 4-12 get $3 off all tickets except $8 seats. Saturday is Children’s Day, beginning with a Stick Horse rodeo for children ages 0-7. The Stick Horse rodeo is a sim-

A stick ho rodeo comrse petitor. ulated rodeo done on stick horses (provided). Entry fees are $7 per event and prizes are given in each event (bronc riding, barrel racing, flag race, goat tail untying, pole bending and bull riding).

For Saturday night’s 8 p.m. performance, tickets are priced at $12, $15, and $20 for adults ages 13 and older. Children 4-12 get $3 off and ages 0-3 receive free admission.

Volume 3 • Issue 20

A PRCA bareback rider working to make his 8 second ride.

FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST There are other events being held in conjunction with the rodeo, including a book signing by Barry Brown, author of The Bionic Bull Rider at Meaux’s Western Wear from 3-5:30 p.m., Mon., Jan. 30. On Tues., Jan. 31, beginning at 8 a.m., there will be a free pancake Breakfast at the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, compliments of IHOP Restaurant. The first 100 hungry fans will receive a free rodeo ticket!

On Friday, Feb. 3, the annual Trail Ride kicks off. For time, location, entry details, and other information, contact Blaine Crochet at (337) 802-4879.

Additionally, 4-H and FFA exhibitors from throughout Louisiana will be exhibiting livestock including cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, rabbits and chickens.

“Being able to show their animals at the rodeo is the culmination of a year’s worth of work for these kids,” said Tommy Shields, Calcasieu Parish County Agent. It’s the largest district livestock show in the state, with competitors coming in from a seven-parish area.

Students from 9 years old through high school age will be competing, and more than 2,000 animals will be shown during the event.

to compete, how to win, and also that you may not always win. I think it’s so valuable and these are such great life lessons for them. It’s fun for them, but they are also learning a great deal in the process.”

Rodeo fans are also encouraged to visit the livestock barn, located just outside the coliseum for a free, up-close look at the animals. For more information about the livestock shows, visit www.lsuagcenter.com or contact Shields at (337) 475-8812.

Tickets for the rodeo are available now at Cotton’s Boots, Meaux’s Western Wear, Patton’s Western Wear, and Baskins, and online at www.southwestdistrictlivestockshowandrodeo.c om. Starting on Jan. 30, tickets will be available at Burton Coliseum.

The Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo is sponsored by Mark Dodge, Jeff Davis Bank and Louisiana Lottery.

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

KIDS GETTING LESSONS IN LIFE “These kinds of projects teach a young person a lot about life, responsibility, work ethic, and how to deal with both success and disappointment,” Shields said. “It teaches them how

Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 21

ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B

The Forward Pass

As a Chicago Bears fan, I’ve been conditioned to love the running game.

Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Matt Forte; they’re all examples of the “true Bear” offensive philosophy.

Run the ball, run the ball, run the

PAGE 22

JANUARY 12, 2012

ball. Black and Blue Division football all the way.

But sometimes I get jealous. I like the forward pass, too, but try as the Bears might, they can’t seem to tell a good quarterback from the Cade McNowns of the world.

I get especially jealous when the Bears’ quarterback, Jay Cutler, is at home during the postseason sitting on his couch with his reality show wife while some of the league’s best quarterbacks have their teams in the playoffs.

And it’s not just that the best

QBs lead their respective teams to the playoffs; it’s the way they did it.

I mean it has truly been a remarkable year for quarterbacks in the National Football League culminating in passing record after passing record going up in chimney smoke over the Christmas holidays.

Check it out: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees shattered Dan Marino’s 27-year old single-season passing yards record, making the Atlanta Falcons and several nationally prominent sportswriters cry and stomp their ballet slippers while screaming “Classless!” in the process.

Frankly, Brees’ 2011 season may be among the top-5 greatest quarterback performances of all time.

Period. He completed 71.2 percent of his passes (an NFL record) with the 468 completions also constituting an NFL record, for 5,476 yards (said Marino-torching record) and 46 touchdowns.

He set NFL records for most 300-yard passing games in a season (13), most consecutive 300-yard passing games (7), and most consecutive 350+-yard passing games (4). He only tied Peyton Manning for the most consecutive seasons with 4,000 yards passing (6).

Volume 3 • Issue 20

All of this and Brees, who won who posted the most passing yards the frickin’ Walter Payton Man of by a rookie in NFL history. That guy. the Year Award in 2006, a man who I bet you thought I meant Tim does so much charity work in New Tebow, though. Admission: that’s Orleans it would take an entire colkind of my fault; I led you on a litumn to explain it all, is called class- tle. But no one would blame you if less by Yahoo’s Jason Cole because you did because, for all of the his coach decided to go for the record yardage put up by Brees and record against an arch-rival instead Newton, for all of the wins Rodgers of taking a knee and not hurting the and Brady have posted, there is only Falcons’ wittle feewings?

Tebow.

Please. To mix in a classic hockIt seems that, for some frickin’ ey quote: “Have another doughnut, reason, the national media cannot you fat pig.” stop talking about Tim Tebow, a Then, there’s Green Bay quarterguy with a 48.6 percent career comback Aaron Rodgers. In leading his pletion percentage, like he’s the next team to a 15-1 record, Rodgers broke Joe Montana.

Manning’s record for best single-seaIt has gotten so bad that this was son passer rating (122.5) and tied a the sentence I considered as an record for consecutive games with at opening to this week’s column: least two touchdown passes (13).

(Tebow tebowed for 60 tebows and Rodgers finished with “only” 4,643 one tebow on 6 of 22 tebowing. passing yards but threw for 45 touch- “Tebow tebow tebow, but, tebow downs and just six interceptions. tebow tebow tebow,” Tebow In addition to Brees’ nuking of tebowed.) the Marino mark, New England’s Annoying, isn’t it? It’s kind of Tom Brady also passed the like watching SportsCenter on days Dolphins legend by, passing for after the Denver Broncos play.

5,235 yards and 39 touchdowns this But why? Why when there has season. been so much spectacular quarterNormally, that would have back play this season are we talking earned Brady another MVP trophy, (ad nauseum) about the mediocrebut this year, with Brees and to-poor quarterback of a barelyRodgers’ performances, Brady will scraping-by team? likely settle for third place votes and Well, ratings of course. But I’m some attaboys from his team. not here for that mess, so, in honor Heck, even Green Bay’s Matt of all of the fantastic quarterback Flynn (you remember him, right?) play in 2011, I am banning the broke a team record for touchdown word “Tebow” from the column passes in a game while Aaron henceforth.

Rodgers drank hot cocoa on the Between Brees, Brady, and sidelines.

Rodgers, there was just too much To top it all off, the best season awesomeness to go around this holever by a rookie quarterback was iday season, too many records turned in by, of course, that firstroasting on an open fire. The 2011 round draft pick out of the season has been like one big Southeastern Conference. You Christmas gift to fans of the forknow, the guy who came into this ward pass, like me. season with all of those questions And now, I see where the Bears about whether he would ever fired general manager Jerry Angelo. become a quality NFL starting Maybe, in 2012, the new Bears’ quarterback, the guy who came GM will see to it that I get one of from a college offense designed those big quarterback Christmas around his strengths and to blunt presents, too. his weaknesses, the guy Brandon Shoumaker is a whose personality made graduate of McNeese State scouts question whether University and has covered he’d be able to rally and sports for more than a lead 52 other professional decade for various publicamillionaires on the foottions. Coaches or parents ball field. with story tips or comments You know, former may contact Brandon at Auburn star Cam bshoumaker@yahoo.com or Newton. The Cam send him a message on Newton, quarterback of Twitter (@bshoumaker). the Carolina Panthers, Brandon Shoumaker

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 23

By Mary Louise Ruehr

The Long and the Short of It Good things may come in small packages, but they can also be found in big ones. Take, for example, these two books, which appear on many of the “Best of 2011” lists.

Stephen King’s 11/22/73 is a whopping 849 pages. And not one page is superfluous.

King begins his tale in the present, in a town in Maine. High school English teacher Jake Epping goes to his favorite hangout, Al’s Diner, to see his good friend, Al. But something is very wrong here. Al has lost 30 pounds in one day, and his hair has

gone white overnight. Yesterday he seemed healthy, but today he is obviously sick and seems to have aged several years in 24 hours.

Al tells Jake he has found a door into the past, and he meant to use it to go back to stop the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, but now he is too ill to carry out his plan. He wants Jake to go in his place, to “fix” things, to make the world a better place.

Jake agrees to try. He walks out of the diner and into the same town, but now it’s 1958 — with 1958 music, TV

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shows, cars, technology — or lack of it — along with 1958 social attitudes, including racism. Jake has to deal with all these and more as he makes a place for himself in the pre-Beatles, pre-computer world. He finds work and makes new friends as he lives the five years, day by day, to 1963.

Jake keeps saying, “The past does not want to be changed. The past is obdurate.” Indeed, it seems his very presence may be having “the butterfly effect.”

This book is mesmerizing. It’s more like several books — it’s about history and society; it’s a mystery-thriller, as he follows would-be assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, trying to thwart his plans; and it’s a love story. King presents interesting ideas about time travel and its consequences in a memorable, thoughtprovoking narrative.

Like King’s Under the Dome, it’s long because it’s a book you have to live in and experience, finding reality in the details. And it’s occasionally brilliant: “For a moment everything was clear, and when that happens you see that the world is barely there at all. Don’t we all secretly know this?

It’s a perfectly balanced mechanism of shouts and echoes pretending to be wheels and cogs, a dreamclock chim-

ing beneath a mystery-glass we call life. Behind it? Below it and around it? Chaos, storms. Men with hammers, men with knives, men with guns. Women who twist what they cannot dominate and belittle what they cannot understand. A universe of horror and loss surrounding a single lighted stage where mortals dance in defiance of the dark.”

I won’t tell you whether he gets to change history, but keep in mind that this is Stephen King: There isn’t going to be smooth sailing, and some of it isn’t going to be pretty.

On the other hand, The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka is a mere 129 pages, but there’s nothing else “mere” about it.

Otsuka uses the first-person plural “we” to tell the story of Japanese mailorder brides in the early 20th century.

We join them on a boat bound for San Francisco. The women range in age from 12 to 37. Most are here because they come from poor and desperate families. Back home, some had “older and prettier sisters who had been sold to the geisha houses by our fathers so that the rest of us might eat.” They were taught to cook and sew, serve tea, arrange flowers, “and sit quietly on our flat wide feet for hours, saying absolutely nothing of substance at all.

A girl must blend into a room: she Volume 3 • Issue 20

must be present without appearing to exist.” Their mothers were “still walking three steps behind our fathers on the streets with their arms full of packages while our fathers carried nothing at all.”

During their three-week trip, they suffer from bedbugs, lice, insomnia and seasickness as they dream about the men they’ll meet for the first time in America — men who have promised them a beautiful home and a life of luxury.

We hear their thoughts as one continuous narrative; Otsuka doesn’t focus on one individual at all, yet the details she points out are extraordinary. There is gorgeous imagery, as one woman thinks about the child she left behind: “On the boat we had no idea we would dream of our daughter every night until the day that we died, and that in our dreams she would always be three and as she was when we last saw her: a tiny figure in a dark red kimono squatting at the edge of a puddle, utterly entranced by the sight of a dead floating bee.”

Unfortunately for the women, in many cases they have been tricked into being imported as “free labor,” to work in fields, or in the laundry, as maids, or prostitutes. The women admit that “if our husbands had told us the truth in their letters — they were not silk traders, they were fruit pickers, they did not live in large, many-roomed houses, they lived in tents and in barns and out of doors, in the fields, beneath the sun and the stars — we never would have come to America to do the work that no selfrespecting American would do.”

They work to the point of exhaustion, and some lose their own sense of themselves. “We forgot about God. …

We stopped dreaming. We stopped wanting. … And often our husbands did not even notice we’d disappeared.”

The women experience sadness, despair, homesickness. “One of us filled the sleeves of her white silk wedding kimono with stones and wandered out into the sea.”

Then, there are the Americans, who often treat them with cruelty and bigotry, culminating in the forced move to internment camps as World War II begins, and the women lose everything they have worked so hard for.

This is a beautiful literary gem, and every word is golden. It is really like one long prose poem, filled with wonderful, rich language and packed with unforgettable images of women who materialize fully formed in just a few words.

Both books have adult situations.

Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

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U A B A F N OLY Boots Fireplace Fleece

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Volume 3 • Issue 20

r m ende's Museu l l E an en

By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (Warner Bros. 2011) If there was ever an arch villain, Professor James Moriarty fits the bill.

In this second installment of director Guy Ritchie’s series, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows does the evil professor up right.

All our old friends are back on the streets in London, especially Sherlock’s friend Dr. Watson (Jude Law) in a plot that will have you struggling to keep up. So here’s a quick synopsis: Holmes is keeping low while trying to bust up Moriarty’s crime kingdom. This is no small task.

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The professor lives a public life as a respected scientist and political consultant. Holmes is losing sleep and weight as he frantically tries to get evidence of Moriarty’s criminal activities, especially his involvement with the Anarchists and their terror bombings.

We enter the story the day before Watson is getting married. Holmes desperately needs his friend’s help, but the good doctor obviously has other things on his mind. In a brilliantly crafted opening, Holmes manages to sweep Watson headlong into his mission to bring down Moriarty.

Their adventure takes them to Paris, including a night at the opera, and Switzerland. They also engage the help of Holmes’s smarter brother Mycroft and a band of gypsies.

(There’s also a deadly Russian dancer.

Think of it, and it’s probably in this movie.)

Like the first movie, Shadows is full of Holmes’ intriguing deductions, given to us in flash-forward flashback style. However, the new film seems even more fast-paced and over-thetop than the first, aided in no small part by a host of special effects we’ve grown to expect in adventure films.

Make no mistake; A Game of Shadows never insults your intelligence. Quite the opposite. You’ll find yourself listening closely to every bit of dialogue and looking constantly for visual clues to stay with the complex game that is happening. As a young reader of Sherlock Holmes stories, I was gratified that the movie somewhat follows the literary adventures.

At times, Moriarty and Holmes are literally battling wits, in their minds predicting a sequence of events (he parries here, I fend him off there) involving each other. To make this work onscreen amounts to movie magic of the highest order. At one point, they’re playing a chess game.

As they stand up, walk away from the board and continue calling out moves, you realize the two geniuses are playing blindfold chess. I found myself wanting to write down the moves, because the director probably pulled them from an actual classic game between two chess masters.

This attention to detail, from the

costuming to the lush sets, is part of what makes Shadows so enjoyable.

Style is the star of the show here, supported by the excellent cast.

Moriarty is played by actor Jared Harris, son of the late Richard Harris, and you will just hate him, he’s so good at his part. Mycroft is acted by Stephen Fry, and comes across as even more peculiar than Holmes himself (affectionately called “Shirley” by his older brother.)

In an age where buddy movies and bro’ movies seem to reach new lowbrow levels, it’s remarkable to see the witty interaction between Holmes and Watson. Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law communicate a rich, almost brotherly love-hate relationship that I’m certain will go down as a classic performance. (“Oh, how I’ve missed you, Holmes.” “Really? I’ve hardly noticed your absence.”)

The ending will be no surprise for fans of Holmes. Rated PG-13 for lots of good, British blood.

Footnote: My dad’s older brother passed away during the Christmas holidays. He and my Aunt Bette (100 percent British) gave me my first copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes for my tenth Christmas.

Thanks, Bennie. Keep up the good work up there. TJN

JANUARY 12, 2012

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Last week’s 12th Night event was a glittering extravaganza that highlighted the kings and queens of 2011. It’s a brand-new year and a brand new Mardi Gras season. So it’s time to get our party on and celebrate!

Below are the 2012 Mardi Gras event listings.

Details will follow in upcoming issues of The Jambalaya News.

*QUEENS’ PAGEANT SAT., JAN. 14, TIMES VARY Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. *COMMUNITY DANCE THURS., JAN. 26, 6:30—8 P.M. Free Mardi Gras dance presented by the City of Lake Charles and Community Inclusion.

GUEYDAN ANNUAL MARDI GRAS RUN SAT., FEB. 4, 7 A.M.—UNTIL Annual run sponsored by Le Krewe de la Originals et Les Enfants and the Duck Festival Association features an early morning chicken run, lunch, live music, an auction and a dance. Parade begins at 3 p.m. Dance starts at 5 p.m.

VINTON MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION SAT., FEB. 11, 2 P.M. Downtown Vinton.

Parade ends at City Hall.

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JANUARY 12, 2012

*KREWE OF THE GOLDEN YEARS MON., FEB. 13, 9 A.M.—2 P.M. Senior citizens who have passed down Mardi Gras traditions celebrate the season with food and a Mardi Gras ball. Free to seniors 60 and up.

MERCHANTS’ PARADE FRI., FEB. 17, 7 P.M. Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles CARLYSS MARDI GRAS TRAIL RIDE SAT., FEB. 18, 8:30 A.M. Begins and ends at West Cal Arena in Sulphur. Line up at 6 a.m.

Admission fee for trail riders is $5. *WORLD FAMOUS CAJUN EXTRAVAGANZA/GUMBO COOK-OFF SAT., FEB. 18, 8 A.M.—2 P.M. You will not want to miss this taste-from-every-pot event or the live, hot Southern and Cajun music that comes along with it.

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Admission is $5, and children 5 and under are admitted free.

KREWE OF OMEGA PARADE SAT., FEB. 18, 2 P.M. Downtown Lake Charles. *ZYDECO DANCE SAT., FEB. 18, 3—5 P.M. Live bands playing Mambo and Zydeco. *KREWE OF BARKUS PARADE SAT., FEB. 18, 3 P.M. Fantastically disguised canines parade in full Mardi Gras attire, all vying for the title of “Mystical Dog.” Entry fee applies.

KREWE OF COSMOS PRESENTATION SAT., FEB. 18, 6:30 P.M. The Krewe of Cosmos presents their royal court in style at the Sulphur High School Auditorium with skits, songs and more. *KREWE OF ILLUSIONS SAT., FEB. 18, 7:30 P.M. Celebrate Mardi Gras with the 23rd annual presentation of the Krewe of Illusions. Tickets are $30 orchestra, formal attire required.

$18 balcony reserved seating and $15 standard balcony seating, casual attire. *TASTE DE LA LOUISIANE SUN., FEB. 19, 11 A.M.—2 P.M. Pots and pots of all-you-can-eat traditional Louisiana cuisine for a $7 admission fee. *CHILDREN’S DAY SUN. FEB. 19, NOON—3 P.M. Old-time Louisiana culture, arts and crafts, Mardi Gras music and magic. An education station complete with safety and health information.

CHILDREN’S PARADE SUN., FEB. 19, 3 P.M. Downtown Lake Charles. A purple, green and gold parade for the young and young at heart. *LIGHTED BOAT PARADE SUN., FEB. 19, 7:30 P.M. Be dazzled by the glowing boat parade on shimmering Lake Charles. *ROYAL GALA MON., FEB. 20, 7 P.M. The Cinderella moment of the

season features the 2012 courts of more than 50 krewes with kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains and jesters. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door.

Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

FAT TUESDAY ALCOHOL-FREE MARDI GRAS ZONE FOR KIDS, TWEENS AND TEENS TUES., FEB. 21, NOON – 5 P.M. The Alcohol-Free and TobaccoFree Mardi Gras Zone will be located in the empty parking lot between the Charleston Building and the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse on Ryan Street along the parade route. Children can enjoy free activities, entertainment and food. The Zone is sponsored

by Project KNOW, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Louisiana Campaign for TobaccoFree Living.

party complete with food, drinks, music and children’s activities.

MOTORCYCLES, HOT RODS & CLASSICS PARADE TUES., FEB. 21, 1 P.M. Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles KREWE OF KREWES’ PARADE TUES., FEB. 21, 5:30 P.M. Downtown-Midtown Lake Charles. Hundreds of elaborate krewe floats, costumes, beads and more wind through the city in the culmination of the Fat Tuesday celebration. *Denotes events taking place at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Events subject to change. Visit www.swlamardigras.com for the most up-to-date information.

TJN

KREWE OF CHARLIE SIOUX PARADE BLOCK PARTY TUES., FEB. 21, NOON Location TBD. Sioux City, Lake Charles’ sister city, will hold a block

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Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

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We all know the phrase “home is where the heart is,” but as cliché as this may sound—it’s true. Studies show that we spend most of our time at home, and our home’s decor is reflective of our personalities. It’s also our largest financial investment.

So it only makes sense to start the year off with some new ideas—whether small or large—to revive and enhance your special place: your home.

Have a project in mind?

Maybe you’re looking to buy a new home or are not sure what kind of home project you want to do, but are curious about your options. Whether you’re dreaming of a remodeling project, yearning to redecorate or just looking for ideas, a visit to the 2012 Home Show of Southwest Louisiana is the first step to realizing your dream home.

The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Southwest Louisiana will hold its 21st Annual Home Show

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JANUARY 12, 2012

Jan. 14–15, 2012, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Jan. 14, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 15. Admission is $5 per person.

Children 10 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult.

“The Home Show is much more than an event for building a new home. It’s a must-attend event for anyone who is planning on redecorating, remodeling or are curious about the latest in interior and exterior improvements,” says Buddy Kohnke of Sears Commercial Sales, the 2012 Home Show chairman.

“The show will be filled with an array of expert vendors that span every area of home improvement. If you own a home or want to own a home, this event is for you.”

The 2012 Home Show will feature more than 160 exhibitor booths displaying products for every area of the home, including the necessary steps and elements needed to build or buy a new home. The event will also showcase the latest samples in floor-

ing, appliances, countertops, plumbing fixtures and more. Each booth will be staffed by experts who will be ready to help you realize the pieces needed to put together the home of your dreams.

“The Home Show is a great place to meet the local designers, craftsmen, builders and developers who can help you make your dreams become a reality,” says Don Veronie of Heritage Builders, 2012 president of the HBA of Southwest Louisiana.

Want to make 2012 the year of your home with a fabulous home improvement project? Learn more about the 2012 Home Show of Southwest Louisiana by visiting the HBA of Southwest Louisiana’s website, www.hbaswla.org.

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 20

LCCB’S RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER The Lake Charles Civic Ballet presented Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer at the Rosa Hart Theatre in front of a packed house. Twenty-three incredible local dancers captured the hearts of the audience as they brought this story of the “most famous reindeer of all” to life! From Katelyn Chargois’ “In a Manger” to the Ho Ho Ho’s from Santa Claus (Dr. Eric Hayes) to the little reindeer Gabrielle Saucier leading Santa’s sleigh on his flight around the world, this talented cast will certainly “go down in history!”

Natalie Maggio, Anne Helmas and Cagle Kaough

Nancy and Laura Boudreaux with Mollie Granger

Judy Katz, Corene Davidson, Sarah Katz and Jordan Fontenot

Julie Ann and Jackie Gentry

Mary Claire Fontenot and Laura Lewing

Aubrey, Melody and Sarah Doucet

Dylan, Charlotte and Chloe Bias

STRIDES FOR ST. NICHOLAS CENTER The 4th Annual Strides for St. Nicholas Center was held recently, with a large crowd of runners on hand for the 5K Run and 1-Mile Resolution Jolly Jog to support this non-profit organization that offers educational and therapeutic services to children with autism and other developmental delays. The spirit of giving was alive this holiday season!

Bailey Anderson, Savannah Greenlee and Reagan Anderson Volume 3 • Issue 20

Naomi and Jack Friedberg JANUARY 12, 2012

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Michelle Mudd and Noah Hebert

Joseph and Ann Vincent

Rick Sanders and Garland Prejean

TWELFTH NIGHT The Mardi Gras krewes kicked off the season with their lavish Twelfth Night celebration at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Last year’s kings, queens and captains promenaded in their jeweled and feathered finery, along with the Twelfth Night Revelers with their glitzy umbrellas and sassy dance moves.

Let the good times roll!

Lindsay Miller, Brooke Roach, Melissa Minton, Saydee Meaux and China Paris

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Erin Davison, Troy and Angela Kiser, Loretta and Jerry Ouseley

MiMi Hayes, Kathy Dorsey and Skeeter Hayes

Debbie Perry, Dorothy McDaniel and Rand Perry

Fred Carter and Nellie Rideaux

Tony Comeaux and Joyce Stout

Sherry and Toddy Todd

Keith Powell, Christine Like and Keith Jagneaux

JANUARY 12, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 20

LATIN DANCE NIGHT Professional dance instructors Jay and Maria Cotto bring Latin night to Lake Charles every other Saturday at Happy Hippie Pizza! A big crowd of fast-moving dancing machines busted out the moves until well past midnight. Rookies enjoyed a 30-minute dance lesson from the pros prior to cranking up the music to rumba, meringue, salsa and bachata. No wallflowers at this dance—everyone was on the floor! TJN Carlos Lus, Edwin Catto and Edwin Rivera

Adrienne Breaux and Lamar Mayo

Laura Arias, Mateo Aristizabal and Edward Espinosa

Rocca Bella and Jose Labasbida

Maria Canelo and Lazaro Morales

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JANUARY 12, 2012

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brings the wit and wisdom of Tevye and his family to audiences throughout North America. Fiddler on the Roof will kick up its heels at the Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas, for two performances: Thurs., Jan. 12 and Fri., Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $35-$65 and are available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher box office at (409) 886-5535.

JANUARY EVENTS AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM • SAT., JAN. 14 Sasol’s Second Saturday Science Show 11 a.m.

Sasol employees will present “Liquid Nitrogen Isn’t Just Cool…It’s Freezing!” Demonstrations with pressure include making a mini rocket using capped film canisters and creating a vacuum in flask that sucks in a hard-boiled egg!

• MON., JAN. 16 – Diversity Workshop 11 a.m. and noon Decorate your own giant person shape. Classes are limited to 20 children.

• THURS., JAN. 19 – Adventures of the Senses 5-6:30 p.m.

This is a program for families with autism spectrum disorders. It is an after-hours opportunity to come and Fiddler On enjoy the museum with families dealing with similar The Roof impairments. It also allows parents to help their children develop language and social skills. Admission fees are paid by the SWLA Autism Chapter. Donations are welcome.

• SAT., JAN. 28 – Rodeo Day 11 a.m.

Join the Montgomery family as they demonstrate roping techniques and share what it’s like to be at the rodeo.

Dress in rodeo attire and get $1 off admission.

The new Louisiana Wetlands exhibit sponsored by the City of Lake Charles and Sempra Energy is now open! It features two shrimp boats, a crabbing pier and a pirogue.

The Children’s Museum is located at 327 Broad Street downtown Lake Charles. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 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.

‘OPEN SHUTTERS ON THE BIG EASY’ EXHIBIT OPENS JAN. 13 New Orleans photographer Rita Posselt will host an opening reception for “Open Shutters on the Big Easy,” Fri., Jan. 13 from 5:30-8 p.m. at 1911 City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan Street. The collection includes images of the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, Jazz Funerals, musicians and celebrations. Posselt was born in Wisconsin and moved to New Orleans in 1972. During her 33 years as a French Quarter resident and photographer, she owned the Posselt-Baker Gallery and served as an archive photographer for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation. The exhibit will hang through March 15. Historic City Hall is open Mon.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. For more information, call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Open Shutters on the Big Easy

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF JAN. 12-13 A perennial hit since it first opened in 1964, Fiddler On The Roof has enjoyed critical acclaim for bringing to the stage a poignant story about the enduring bonds of the family. Now, the National Touring production of this timeless musical

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JANUARY 12, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 20

‘ART OF AFRICA’ EXHIBIT OPENS JAN. 13 The City of Lake Charles will host a new traveling exhibition, “Art of Africa: Objects from the Collection of Warren Robbins,” Jan. 13- March 10. The exhibit highlights the private collection of the founder and former director of the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution. The show will open with a free reception 5:30-8 p.m. Jan. 13 in the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street. Refreshments will be served. “Art of Africa” presents more than 60 objects including sculpture, textiles, beaded clothing and jewelry, which broadly represent the creativity and diversity of artistic expression of nearly 30 cultures of sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, call 491-9147 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com.

KREWE DE LES CAJUNS MARDI GRAS BALL JAN. 14 The Krewe de les Cajuns will have its annual Mardi Gras Ball on Sat., Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at VFW Post 2130, 1900 Country Club Rd. Music will be provided by Ron Miller and the Midnight Ramblers. There will be a costume contest with trophies awarded to the prettiest, funniest and most original costumes. Admission is $7 at the door. Dress is casual and the event is open to the public. For more information, contact Renola Simon at 477-4475.

AARON NEVILLE AT DELTA DOWNS JAN. 14 Singer Aaron Neville will be performing at the Delta Downs Event Center at 8 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 14. Tickets are $20-25 and can be purchased at the Delta Downs gift shop, by calling (800) 745-3000 or going to www.ticketmaster.com.

LILIES OF THE FIELD AT ACTS THEATRE JAN. 20-22, 27-28 ACTS Theatre’s production of Lilies of the Field will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21 and Jan. 27-28 and at 3 p.m. on Jan. 23. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students with a valid ID. They can be purchased in advance at www.actstheatre.com, Lakeshore Pharmacy, Expressions and Moss Bluff Flowers and Gifts; or at the door the day of performance. For more information, call 433-2287.

‘SOUP FOR THE SOUL’ JAN. 27 The Beauregard Christian Women’s Job Corps will have its eighth annual “Soup for the Soul—Sowing Seeds of Hope” at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 27 in the First Baptist Church Gymnasium in DeRidder. Tickets are $10 and include a gumbo lunch, door prizes, a silent auction and entertainment by Erika Anderson. The organization offers two free 12-week class sessions in life and job skills for women over 18. For more information, contact Mary Koehn at 463-4451 or go to www.beauregardcwjc.prg.

Aaron Neville Photo by: Sarah A. Friedman

MONTGOMERY GENTRY AT L’AUBERGE JAN. 27 Montgomery Gentry is an American country music duo composed of vocalists Eddie Montgomery (brother of country singer John Michael Montgomery) and Troy Gentry. They will be playing a

Phone: 337-474-1864 Email: info@lwv-lc.org Website: www.lwv-lc.org

www.thejambalayanews.com • (337) 436-7800 Most supplements are synthetic formulations created in a pharmaceutical lab!!!

Synthetics can be toxic and can actually damage your health!!!

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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.

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Our products are as close to nature as possible. Call for free research literature.

registered to vote?

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Get help at: http://VOTE411.org www.clerkofcourt.org www.sos.louisiana.gov Volume 3 • Issue 20

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

Join Us and Buy at Wholesale.

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PAGE 35

live concert at L’Auberge de Lac on Jan. 27 at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $50 and up, and no one under 21 will be admitted. For more information, call (337) 395-7777 or go to www.ldlcasino.com/entertainment/montgomery-gentry-2/.

LA ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY WINTER MEETING JAN. 27-28 The Gulf Coast Bird Club of Lake Charles will host the Louisiana Ornithological Society’s winter meeting Fri.-Sat., Jan. 27-28 at LaQuinta Inn & Suites’ Contraband Room. The evening programs will feature two endangered birds, the Red Cockaded Woodpecker and the Whooping Crane. Field trips for participants include a visit to the Cameron Parish coast, the Lacassine National Refuge and the rice fields of the Thornwell area. Saturday evening begins with dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by a program on the Whooping Crane repopulation in South Louisiana. For more information, contact Marilyn McDonald at dentaldiva52@yahoo.com or Pete Lund at 855-2023.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENT AT COUSHATTA JAN. 28 G1Fights will be presenting “Sovereign Valor” – Team Japan vs. Team USA on Sat., Jan. 28 at The Pavilion at Coushatta Casino Resort. For the first time ever, a team of elite Japanese MMA fighters will be matched up against some of the best talent from the United States in a team challenge concept. The Japanese team will be led by their honorary captain, Ken Yasuda, the former team captain of the IFL’s Tokyo Sabres who is known worldwide as the top bodybuilder from Asia. The United States contingency will have honorary captain, Tim Credeur in their corner. Credeur is a well-respected professional mix martial artist and is the proprietor of Gladiators Academy of Lafayette. The undercard will feature fighters from the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana region.

Bell time is 7:30 p.m. For more information, go to www.coushattacasinoresort.com.

MOULIN ROUGE - THE BALLET JAN. 31 Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents “Moulin Rouge - The Ballet” at the Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Along with a rousing French soundtrack, Moulin Rouge – The Ballet features high-kicking choreography and a passionate story of love, ambition and heartbreak. This ballet has been seen by close to 60,000 people across North America and has elicited cheers and ovations wherever it tours.

Tickets are $35-65 and can be obtained by calling (409) 886-5536 or visiting www.lutcher.org.

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 Serena Sandford tools used for writing in the Middle Ages and in Moulin Rouge see how medieval books were constructed.

- The Ballet The exhibit also includes an educational area Photo by Nardella with hands-on activities especially for chilPhotography Inc. dren 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

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JANUARY 12, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 20

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

The

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Brad Broussard @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Herbie Stutes and the Grand Shin @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 • TBA @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 • Al Roger & Louisiana Pride @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Lance Clifton @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Craig Mouton & Slingshot @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Ka-Nection @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• Brian Moore @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

• Phillip Glynn & Daze @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Ka-Nection @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

• The Inked-Up 81s/The Downhearted/Taylor McMahon @ The Porch, 10 p.m.

• Tom Brandow @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Judd Bares @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

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

• William Christian @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 • Pete Bergeron @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Marty Monte’s Magazine @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 • Jamie Berzas @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 6:30 p.m.

• TBA @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Luke Wade & No Civilians @ The Porch, 8 p.m.

• Flow Tribe @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Jason Stutes @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m. • Soul Vacation @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, • Aaron Neville @ Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, 8 p.m.

Vinton, 8 p.m.

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

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

• Huber “Mickey” Smith @ Cigar Club, 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 • Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• T.D. McMurry @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Disco Costume Party @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• Marcia Ball @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 8 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Judd Bares @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

Volume 3 • Issue 20

JANUARY 12, 2012

PAGE 37

• The Honey Island Swamp Band @ Luna Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Brad Brinkley @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

• Montgomery Gentry @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 8:30 p.m.

• X-It 43 @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• BB & Company @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 • Asian Concert @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 5 & 9 p.m.

• Scotty Pousson & The Pointe aux Loups Playboys @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Jason Stutes @ Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

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

• BB & Company @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

TJN

Meet Daizi!

Daizi is a loving little girl who has been in rescue for way too long. We nursed Daizi back to health after we found her with her skin horribly burned all down her back. She was so scared and in pain for the first two weeks she was in our care, but all that is behind our sweet Daizi, who has blossomed into a loving, playful girl.

She is all healed up and barely has a scar on her back. She’s ready for a family of her own to spoil her rotten.

Daizi loves to cuddle on the couch next to her human. She would be okay with another doggie playmate and is doing great around kids and cats, but doesn’t like to have to beg for your attention. Basically, Daizi is the perfect girl for adoption. She

deserves the love and comfort found only in a home of her very own.

Please come meet this lovely girl and look into her sweet brown eyes, rub her ears, let her kiss you…and you will see just how special she is.

For more information on how you can give her a “happy ever after,“ please call Karen at (337) 533-8212 or e-mail careinlc@gmail.com. An application can found online at www.4PawsSocietyInc.com and faxed to (337) 558-6331 or emailed 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. TJN

Louisiana Spirits Announces New Rum Distillery Louisiana Spirits LLC is building a new state-of-the-art distillery to create world-class rum crafted with Louisiana sugar cane in Lacassine, along the South Frontage Road of Interstate 10. The Jefferson Davis Police Jury voted unanimously on Dec. 28 to re-zone Louisiana Spirit’s 22.77-acre site for distilling operations.

Construction is underway on the 18,000 square facility, which will house the full distillery, barrel storage, bottling line, offices, a gift shop and a viewing room that explores the state’s historic role as a sugar cane producer and rum distiller with memorabilia and curated exhibits. A historic 1903 farmhouse (the first home built in Iowa) is being relocated to the site which features the buildings in a natural setting complete with ponds, cypress trees and a sugar cane field.

Local architect Randy Goodloe and contractor Miller & Associates are developing the site along with the support of Louisiana Economic PAGE 38

JANUARY 12, 2012

Development (LED). Louisiana Spirits is gearing up to offer its first rum in 2012!

“Our vision for a world-class rum distillery in Louisiana is a natural fit for the Lacassine area,” said Trey Litel, president of Louisiana Spirits LLC. “Our Louisiana rum will represent the best the state has to offer in the way of local sugar cane, molasses and raw sugar. We’re committed to delivering products that honor Cajun heritage and are worthy of the ‘Made in Louisiana’ label.”

Besides utilizing Louisiana sugar cane as its primary ingredient, and investment in an appealing cultural visitor destination, the company is creating 17 to 20 direct full-time jobs and additional economic opportunities for Louisiana contractors, partners, and suppliers.

For more information, contact Lee Anne Garner at (504) 442-8373 or leeanne.garner@me.com. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 20

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. te,” a s i u S r van aacke Jazzcr Davis/Bill E mashup fe he s t y g s on Mile chaikovsk emes from onse s p s T e h t r t e d eyin ar me nist/k artney, famili uite.” call-an e together d a i g e p n h i t o r i v e cC d tu rS ils, an eys ar to mo racke former stu like Paul M k Jagger, c t u Chant ailors sang s to raise sa weigh N c “ ’s a ers Mi ope Disley r UK rock rison and yle and ng s ) to ough o r worki , hauling r n (a winch d jobs. 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er d n i h Be g n i n Run Day Ever y

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JANUARY 12, 2012

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