The Jambalaya News - Vol. 3 No. 23

VOL. 3, NO. 23 / FEBRUARY 23, 2012

ALSO: • Spotlight on SWLA Hospitals • Jr. Women’s Conference • SouthernCare, Inc.: Support for the Terminally Ill

If you suffer from excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Snoring, Insomnia, Restless Legs or Shift Workers Sleep Disorder, call today and schedule a comprehensive evaluation at SWLA’s ONLY Nationally Accredited Sleep Center. Our caring staff and Board Certified Sleep Specialist are here to ensure that you receive

“Peaceful Nights and Productive Days.”

Jana P. Kaimal, M.D., Michelle Zimmerman, N.P.

(337) 310-REST (7378) 1-877-597-REST (7378) The Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana is an AASM accredited sleep center and is considered a provider for most insurance companies.

4820 Lake Street • Lake Charles, La. PAGE 2

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 23

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 Rhonda Babin Leslie Berman George Cline 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

contents

February 23, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 23

COVER STORY 17 Making Dreams Happen: Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana

REGULARS 6 8 9 30 39

The Boiling Pot The Dang Yankee Tips from Tip Sports Report Adoption Corner

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FEATURES 5 Jr. Women’s Conference 10 Bayou Biz: SouthernCare, Inc. 12 Don’t Overdo It with Acetaminophen 13 Depression in the Elderly 21 Hospital Roundup

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ENTERTAINMENT 32 34 35 37 40 44 46 47

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

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

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

Copyright 2012 The Jambalaya News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited.

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13 We accept credit cards!

Volume 3 • Issue 23

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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A Note From Lauren Winter Into Spring What an amazing winter we’ve had!

This has to be one of the warmest I’ve experienced in the eight years we’ve been here. The past few were pretty damn cold, with a lot of deep freezes. Many of our palm trees and other tropical plants basically froze to death.

Not this year. Everything that could bloom kept right on blooming. The grass started growing again in January. And I knew we were on the right track when these sticky green weeds (I don’t know how else to describe them) started sprouting on the lawn last week.

They first appeared the spring after Hurricane Rita (their seeds blown in from who-knows-where) and they’ve popped up every spring since then. Once you see them, the hot weather isn’t far behind.

But even if we’d had a cold winter, by mid-February, it’s generally just about over. Trees start budding, hyacinths and narcissus push

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up out of the ground, and before you know it, pink azaleas are everywhere. There’s no waiting for spring in Southwest Louisiana.

Now in Boston, it’s a totally different story.

Spring may begin in March, but someone always forgets to tell Old Man Winter, who torments the Northern regions as long as he can. I remember we had a huge blizzard on April 1 in 1997 that crippled the city. Some April Fool’s Day joke for us. It wasn’t very funny.

When you’re a kid, time really drags, remember? So a long New England winter seemed even longer to me when I was little, with its interminable cold, sleet and slush; its months of wet mittens, leaky boots and heavy coats and scarves. The North wind rattled the windows of our drafty, un-insulated old house and came in through the cracks. Never an early bird, it was literally painful for me to get up out of my warm nest of blankets in the morning to

brave the elements on my walk to school.

We went to parochial school, so there were no school buses. It wasn’t a very long walk to St. Lazarus School from Barnes Ave.; no more than ten minutes, but it seemed like an hour when it was freezing cold and you were fighting the wind. And in those days, there were no rides to school, because families only had one car, which Dad took to work each day.

So you walked. If you happened to complain about it within earshot of the nuns, they would get very upset and start telling you about Jesus’ suffering on the cross. We quickly learned to keep our complaints to ourselves.

But there was something special about trudging home in the freezing cold, ducking snowballs, my nose and cheeks red and chapped, and seeing my house in the distance. The closer I got to it, the faster I walked, anticipating the welcoming warmth of my mother’s hug, getting out of those

wet boots and clothes, sinking my cold feet into furry slippers, and holding a hot cup of cocoa, steaming in a thick mug.

There was always a light at the end of that cold tunnel, be it a warm house…or finally, spring.

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 23

By Rhonda Babin

We all need direction from time to time. A gesture to point us in the right way, a map to show us where something is located, or the voice of experience from someone who has been there before.

Many people find the service of a little device called a GPS (Global Positioning System) is the best thing ever to help them find their way. It is fitting, then, that the third annual Jr. Women’s Conference is titled “My GPS for Success!” In this instance, GPS is an acronym for “Goals, Preparation, and Strategy” which are just the things a young woman needs to set, and do, to head in the right direction.

The Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. is holding the third annual Jr. Women’s Conference on Sat., March 17. The event will be held from 9:15 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Parra Ballroom on the McNeese State University campus. This conference is just the thing for girls who are seeking direction in their lives.

Young Lake Area women in grades 8 through 12 are invited to come spend a day with their peers to have fun, form new friendships, and get headed in the direction they need to achieve their future goals.

McNeese State University is the cosponsor of the conference, with cheerleaders and sorority sisters serving as hostesses.

The Women’s Commission of SWLA, Inc. committee that sets up Volume 3 • Issue 23

endeavors, and the Jr. Women’s educational Conference is opportunities. dedicated to comYou can attend a munity outreach Zumba exercise through activism, session, and then and will make learn how to best sure that the present yourself at young women an interview, and have educational conclude with benefits and pracscrapbooking. tical, helpful The breakout sesinformation sions are varied about college and cover a wide available at the range of interests. conference. The At lunch, event encourages them to become Keynote Speaker Nomica Guillory keynote speaker Nomica Guillory self-sufficient and will give a presentation that includes independent.

The young ladies who attend will tips on building your self-esteem and creating a new or improved selfenjoy a motivational keynote speakimage. Guillory holds degrees in er, lunch, breakout sessions, a fashnursing and mass communications, ion show, a college prep section and is a former runway and catalog a marketplace. Those registered by model, a former Mrs. Louisiana and Feb. 27 receive a T-shirt. a business owner. She is currently a The day will get started with graduate student at McNeese State check-in and shopping at the marUniversity. Lunch will also include ketplace, which features local venentertainment from Paul Gonsoulin. dors who carry products such as The afternoon fashion show will mobile phones, fashion jewelry, and feature beautiful prom dresses from make-up, all geared towards high school-age girls. Local organizations Mam’Selle’s in Lake Charles, along will be on hand to share information with casual fashions from the MSU Bookstore and WalMart. Who about their causes. knows—the girl sitting next to you McNeese State University will at lunch might even be one of the present the general session models in the afternoon fashion “Preparing for College.” Participants show. will then head to breakout sessions Jackilynn “Jackie” Julian will be that feature hands-on participation attending the Jr. Women’s in physical activities, creative

Conference again this year and will be modeling in the afternoon show.

Julian is a freshman at Iowa High School and enjoyed the conference last year. “I liked the conference so much,” she said. “I was nervous when I first walked in, but with all the activities, I met new friends.”

When asked what her favorite activity was, she said, “Everything!”

Julian said that all the things she learned about life and what she will need to do as a college student encouraged her to become more involved with activities outside the classroom. She enjoyed setting goals at last year’s conference that include a plan to head to North Louisiana and attend Grambling State University once she finishes high school.

Encouraged by her church pastor to attend the conference last year, Jackie wishes that every teen girl had a pastor, parent, grandparent, or friend that encouraged her to go to the conference. “They pack a lot into one day!” she exclaimed. “You will learn so much about life. Make sure you attend!”

Registration for the event is kept at the low rate of $10 per girl. Parental permission is required for registration. You can find registration information on the Women’s Commission of SWLA, Inc. Facebook page, by going on-line to www.womenscommissionswla.com, or from your school guidance counselor. TJN

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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The

Boiling

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Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

Left to right: Nora Popillion, Delta Downs Entertainment & PR manager; Janice Ackley, American Heart Association regional director; Steve Kuypers, Delta Downs VP/GM; Carol Core, Delta Downs Director of Operations.

DELTA DOWNS DONATES TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel announced that it has made a $5,000 contribution to the American Heart Association in sponsorship of the 2012 Heartwalk in Lake Charles. “We are appreciative of Delta Downs’ commitment to our community and the fight against heart disease – the number one killer of all Americans,” said Janice Ackley, regional director, American Heart Association. Steve Kuypers, VP and GM of Delta Downs, said they are committed to supporting the American Heart Association and all of the good work they do.

MSU MARCHING BAND SELECTED FOR VIDEO PERFORMANCE The McNeese State University Cowboy Marching Band is one of five university marching bands selected for video performance at the 2012 College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference held Feb. 23-25 at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. The “Pride of McNeese” marching band, which includes 131 members, was selected for the video performance along with Clemson University, Georgia State University, Mississippi State University and the University of South Alabama. All of the show music was arranged by Tim McMillen, assistant marching band director and alumnus, and Lonny Benoit, McNeese assistant professor of music, drum line instructor and percussion arranger. Other instructional band staff includes Jacobs, Cortney Lyon, color guard instructor, and Megan Walden, feature twirler instructor.

‘DAREN THE LION’ COMES ALIVE FOR DARE The Isle of Capri Casino Hotel recently donated funds to the Westlake Police Benefit Association for the purchase of the “Daren the Lion” mascot.

This is the first DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) mascot for PAGE 6

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Left to right: Chief Michael Dickerson, Detective Sgt. Thomas Richmond (President of Westlake Benefit Association), Daren the Lion (Officer Amanda Shields), Sgt. Randy Booth Jr. (Westlake D.A.R.E. Instructor), Captain Jack Bartlett and Paul Hutchens (General Manager, Isle of Capri).

Southwest Louisiana and will be used to help promote the DARE program.

Daren the Lion has been introduced to over 1,500 children and has been a huge success for the Westlake Police Department and the DARE program.

Already, Daren has visited over 15 elementary DARE graduations in Southwest Louisiana and has many more events scheduled.

From left to right: Greg Webb, Capital One Market President for Southwest Louisiana; Lawrence Italio, Volunteers of America Advisory Board Member; Kay Vanchiere, Volunteers of America Community Engagement Coordinator; and Paul Lungaro, Capital One Vice President and Regional Vault Operations Manager for the Southwest Region.

CAPITAL ONE SPONSORS BEATS & EATS Capital One recently donated $5,000 to sponsor Volunteers of America’s Beats & Eats fundraiser. The event will be on Fri., March 9 from 6-9 p.m. at Volume 3 • Issue 23

Treasures of Marilyn’s and features a buffet, auction and raffle of an LSU Blue Dog print signed by artist George Rodrigue. Music is provided by Kaine Badon & The Razin Kaine Band. Call Volunteers of America at (337) 4970034 for event info or raffle tickets.

employees volunteered manpower to implement the renovations. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Family & Youth is a child-friendly facility designed to coordinate services for children who have been reported as sexually or severely physically abused.

SWASHBUCKLERS HIRE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS The Louisiana Swashbucklers recently announced that John Goodman has joined the team as the director of communications. Goodman will work closely with all media outlets, including radio and printed publications. He will also coordinate player and coaches’ interviews with the media, and will contribute interesting articles highlighting players, coaches, fans, and the community in the Game Magazine. “I have been building media relationships over the years through my radio show broadcasting, and I look forward to creating even more accessibility between the media and the Swashbucklers this season,” he said. Welcome to the team, John!

From left to right: Julio Galan, President & CEO of Family & Youth, Kerry Andersen, Regional Director of Community and Public Affairs of L’Auberge Casino Resort, and Dr. Candis Carr, Conference Director.

L’AUBERGE DONATES TO CONNECTIONS COUNT! CONFERENCE L’Auberge Casino Resort proudly supports the Connections Count!

Professional Development Conference with a $5,000 donation. Family & Youth’s 14th annual conference connected mental health professionals and practitioners from throughout Louisiana as they expand, enhance, and share knowledge, expertise, and “know how” related to services for children, youth, and families. The conference was held Feb. 16 and 17 at L’Auberge Casino Resort.

NEW ASSISTANT DA SWORN IN Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bond Pettaway was recently sworn in by District Attorney John DeRosier. Pettaway graduated from Sam Houston High School, completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Louisiana State University, and earned his Juris Doctor from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in October Assistant District Attorney Matthew 2010. Before joining the Calcasieu Bond Pettaway and District Parish District Attorney’s Office, he Attorney John DeRosier. served as law clerk to Judge Robert Wyatt and Judge Ronald Ware at the 14th Judicial District Court. Pettaway is married to the former Emily Breaux, a French teacher at St. Louis High School, and resides in Lake Charles.

From left to right: Maria Alcantara Faul, Family & Youth Vice President Development & Philanthropy; Steven Thompson, ALCOA Plant Manager; Erika Simon, Children's Advocacy Center, Senior Coordinator.

ALCOA DONATES TO CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER ALCOA recently donated funds and manpower for the renovation of the Children’s Advocacy Center, a program of Family & Youth Counseling Agency. The project assisted in making the facility more “child-friendly and welcoming.” ALCOA made a donation of $1,500 towards the project, and Volume 3 • Issue 23

SULPHUR NATIVE IS PART OF AWARD-WINNING VENUE Pollstar recently announced the winners of its 23rd Annual Concert Industry Awards for 2011. Winner of the “Best New Major Concert Venue” was Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theater. Bryan J. Schrumpf, formerly of Sulphur and currently owner of Go Show Pro, Inc., is in charge of the stage lighting at this award-winning venue. Schrumpf is a 2007 graduate of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida and a veteran of both national and international tours with Yes! and Peter Frampton. He also worked in Las Vegas for PRG and locally with International Concert Productions and Deep South Productions. Some of Schrumpf ’s clients have included Aretha Franklin, Chubby Checker, Percy Sledge, Bryan J. Schrumpf Marshall Tucker Band, and many others.

WOMEN’S COMMISSION OF SWLA, INC. INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS At a recent meeting of the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., President Debra Lastrapes swore in 15 new members and announced Thurs., Oct. 18, 2012, as the date for the annual Fall Conference.

New members are Melonie Wallace, Pat Himel, Carol Ann Martin, Sandy Laurel, Brenda Gueringer, Erica Gibbs, Lynn Tete, Mandy Scoggin, Kerri Courmier, Wendy Dutel, Dee Jackson, Bettye Tillman, Krystle Johnson, Deanie Holloman, and Beth Dawdy. To learn more about the Women’s Commission please visit our website at www.womenscommissionswla.com.

L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT MAKES EARLY MORNING VISITOR A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE L’Auberge Casino Resort created an instant multi-millionaire when a guest from Humble, Texas won more than $2.5-million playing a Wheel of Fortune® quarter slot machine. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 13, Wayne Warnders bet all nine lines on a 25-cent Wheel of Fortune® linked progressive machine. All three Wheel of Fortune® symbols lined up on the machine, making him an instant multimillionaire. L’Auberge offers a 70,000 square foot Vegas-style casino with 70 table games and approximately 1,600 slot machines plus a new Poker Room.

FYCA DONATES TO UNITED WAY OF SWLA Employees of Family & Youth Counseling Agency raised $7,893 to support United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s 2011 campaign. TJN

Wayne Warnders

From left to right: Cheryl Barrow and Maria Alcantara Faul make the presentation to Becky Ainsworth of United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

‘Twas A Wonderful Life Those of you who have read this column a time or two may recall mention of my wife’s sister, Sharon.

Of all the people in my life, she came in second only to her younger sibling as being a source of humorous material for this page. After fighting cancer for two and a half years with the tenacity of Sigourney Weaver against the Alien, she exited the scene last week and went to her rest in peace.

In her memory, I wanted to devote the space in this week’s column to celebrate her life. My brother-in law said it best: “If you were around Sharon and not enjoying

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yourself, there was something wrong with you.” She loved life, Elvis, cats, and Glenlivet. She worked in a distillery for 20 years—in quality control, of all things. Of those days, she used to say, “Monday through Thursday I would spit, but on Friday, I swallowed.”

I don’t think that Sharon liked me too much when my wife first introduced us 30 years ago. I’m not sure why I believe that, but it might have something to do with a comment she made to my then-girlfriend about how celibacy is very much underrated in today’s society. I’ll admit;

I’ve always been the kind of guy who doesn’t make a good first impression.

You have to give me time to grow on you. Luckily, Sharon was patient with me, and by about our tenth wedding anniversary, she did begin to warm up to me.

I have a lot to thank Sharon for. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have ever heard my wife’s side of the story regarding our courtship. I had a rival to contend with for her hand, and I was haunted with the prospect of losing out to him. So I pulled out all the stops. I took her to nice restaurants, such as Waffle House and Denny’s. I took her to see a chick flick. I even liked the chick flick. We had long conversations without the subject of beer or baseball coming up.

After my wife finally had me safely roped and tied, Sharon confided to me that the other guy never really had a chance to begin with. She only kept him in the picture to get me to take her to that chick flick and maybe entice me to develop better table manners. In fact, Vegas had given him 30-to-one odds. It’s a good thing I didn’t know that at the time. I would have jumped all over that bet.

Sharon would tell that story to every acquaintance of mine that she had ever met. I heard it 137 times. (I counted.) I never checked, but I’m sure you can find it posted on the Internet without much trouble. Just do a Google search under “dupe.”

I’m also thankful for the few months I spent as a guest of Sharon’s when I landed a new job back in Yankee Land. My wife had to stay behind during the time while my daughter finished the school year.

Sharon had always lived alone, and so in me she found the perfect opportunity to try out every recipe she had ever clipped from Good Housekeeping. Believe me, those meals were a far cry from the sugarfree this and fat-free that I had

become used to in my own home. In my marriage, there was one person who was concerned about my health, and it wasn’t me. I reasoned that it was because I did not carry enough life insurance.

The dinners were often followed by long nights playing backgammon, during which Sharon opened to me the contents of her vast wine selection. I think this was part of her strategy for beating me. And it may have worked; I just can’t seem to remember.

Sharon often visited us in Louisiana. The first time was around Christmas. We threw a big party in her honor and invited all of our friends to meet her. One of our friends brought a karaoke machine.

“You won’t catch me singing no karaoke,” Sharon said as we set the machine up that afternoon. But as it turned out, Simon Cowell would not have been able to pry the microphone from her hands that night, and I have the pictures to prove it.

She was also with us on many of our annual pilgrimages to Key West.

There was a street-side table at Rick’s Café (the home of the Perfect Mudslide) that she claimed for her own and guarded with the ferocity of a nesting female alligator.

I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do now without Sharon around. I suppose her best friend, Carol, is going to have to take over the defense of her table. My wife will just have to learn how to roll backgammon dice with a few glasses of Chardonnay under her belt. And me—I’m stuck with the onerous task of belting out the Elvis songs on the karaoke machine.

Sharon, you’re a tough act to follow.

Now you can follow The Dang Yankee on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook.com/TheDangYankee Twitter.com/dang_yankee

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 23

By George “Tip” Cline

YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS Downtown Lake Charles seems to want it both ways. And it won’t work.

It can either be a bedroom community, or a vibrant entertainment area.

One, or the other.

Dave Evans, who has been one of the most ardent promoters of making downtown a place for people to dine out and enjoy evenings of entertainment, is faced with being shut down.

This is because his music venue “Luna Live” disturbs the folks that try to sleep above and around his club.

Evans moved from his former location on Prewitt Street because of residential complaints to the middle of downtown—which has seen plenty of evening activity in the past, since his Luna’s restaurant is in the building that once housed Downtown Annie’s and Barolo’s.

Well knock me over and call me stupid, but if you are want a crowd to enjoy a music event, I always thought that there has to be a noise level somewhat above a whisper. A quiet residential area, and one that provides lively nighttime entertainment are mutually exclusive. There are no nightclubs in the middle of a subdivision, and there is no place in a quiet residential area for dance halls, bars and nightclubs. We need to decide what we want for downtown activities and focus our direction on that choice. It is time to get our act together. We’ve spent too much time and money to be floundering in the middle of the lake like a rudderless ship.

EYEBROW-RAISING REVENUE-RAISING Our neighbors in Welsh are in the news again with their revenue-raising division of city hall. Their police department is appearing to be doing a Volume 3 • Issue 23

banner job of patrolling Interstate 10.

They raised $70,492 in the six months from June 1, 2011 to the end of December of that year. At the same time, the City of Welsh is now going to request the State Attorney General’s Office to assist them with handling their horrendous crime problem. They’ve had three murders in that area, which has the citizenry up in arms and afraid for their personal safety.

Might I suggest that the police get back to “protect and serve” the townsfolk and leave the revenue enhancements to the tax collector? A highly visible neighborhood police patrol that knows and understands the local situations can be a most comforting way of handling the fears of the good folks in any area. It has become en vogue for police departments to look for new and better ways to increase revenue, when their prime function is to safeguard the populace.

SUPERMARKET ROUND-UP The shopping survey for this issue is for Wed., Feb. 15. The stores are: Albertsons, Ryan Street; Kroger, McNeese Street; Market Basket, Lake Street and Walmart, Nelson Road. The prices reflect the posted prices on the shelf where the product is on display.

Pork Loin, boneless, per pound: Albertsons $1.99; Kroger $3.39; Market Basket $3.69; Walmart $3.68.

Gold Medal All Purpose Flour, 32-ounce package: Albertsons $2.19; Kroger $1.79; Market Basket $1.99; Walmart $1.48.

Iceberg Lettuce, per head: Albertsons $.98; Kroger $1.45; Market Basket $.99; Walmart $1.38.

A-1 Original Steak Sauce, 10ounce bottle: Kroger $3.48; Market Basket $3.59; Walmart $3.16. Albertsons did not have a 10-ounce bottle, but the 5-ounce bottle was $3.59. TJN

Landmark of Lake Charles, one of the Lake Area’s newest providers of Long Term Care to the geriatric population, offers a wide array of services designed to meet the needs of its residents.

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services help residents achieve their highest level of functioning, whether their goal is to return home or reside at Landmark long term. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists assess and treat residents as appropriate when they admit to the facility or re-admit from a hospital stay.

The rehab gym has the latest in therapeutic equipment, including a new recumbent trainer, a favorite of many of our residents.

Seniors who select Landmark find a wide assortment of activities and outings from which to choose, keeping their days filled and their minds stimulated! Additionally, Landmark provides full housekeeping and laundry services. The dietary department is overseen by a certified dietary manager who, along with a registered dietitian, strives to provide the best possible meal service.

Residents have convenient access to an in-house salon, and a fulltime social worker connects them with the community resources they need, including those necessary to transition back home.

The on-site cinema and chapel also provide residents and their loved ones enjoyable ways to spend quality time together.

With the variety of Long Term Care choices available in this region, we encourage you to take a close look at Landmark of Lake Charles. We believe that once you visit our beautiful facility and meet our friendly staff, you will choose Landmark of Lake Charles, “the preferred retirement address.”

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Bayou

By Lauren de Albuquerque

Biz

If your doctor told you that you only had a few months – or weeks to live, what would you do first? Do you have a Living Will? Would you remain in your home? Who would take care of you?

These are all questions that the professionals at SouthernCare, Inc., one of the nation’s largest hospice providers, deal with on a daily basis in helping families as their loved ones cope with terminal illnesses. The company provides hospice services to patients who reside in private and group homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.

JOB IS A CALLING “It isn’t just a job for the people who work with us; it’s a calling,” said Leslie Cubbage, Administrator of SouthernCare Lake Charles. “These are special people and they really care about the families they spend time PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

SouthernCare, Inc.

with. We also have a full-time chaplain and social workers on our staff.”

Cubbage said that it’s extremely important for people to have a plan in place well in advance of receiving a diagnosis of a major illness. “It’s vital to do that before illness strikes, so that you can make those decisions while you still can,” she advised.

And, as needs and situations change, you can always modify your directives, such as: • Living Will. This contains your desires for how aggressive care is at the end of your life.

• Medical Power of Attorney.

Authorizes someone to make decisions on your behalf.

• Do Not Resuscitate Order. An order to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation if your heart or breathing stops.

Another important decision could include the wish to enter into hospice so that family members have help with caring for you.

Support and Care for the Terminally Ill WHAT IS HOSPICE CARE? Hospice is a particular way of caring for patients who no longer benefit from curative treatment and have a limited life expectancy, and is designed to provide comfort and support for the patient and their family.

The goal of the hospice team, as explained by SouthernCare, is to be sensitive and responsive to the special requirements of each individual and each family. Emphasis is on helping the person make the most of every hour and every day of their remaining life by providing comfort and relief from pain and other symptoms. Hospice affirms life and regards dying as a normal process.

EACH PATIENT’S CARE IS INDIVIDUALIZED Founded in 1995 and based in Birmingham, Ala., SouthernCare is a privately owned company with more than 75 offices in 15 states. It provides care to more than 3,000 patients each day.

“We individualize every patient’s care,” said Clinical Director Annette Picard. “No two situations are the Volume 3 • Issue 23

same and no two people are the same. For instance, some patients remain in their homes while others are in assisted living facilities.”

Hospice care provides: • Twenty-four hour support by phone or personal visit • Physician care – medical management • Direct nursing care • Home care aides for bathing and other personal services • Homemaker services • Social services • Spiritual counseling • Volunteer services • Symptom management (pain and other symptoms) • Medications related to the hospice diagnosis • Medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, etc) • Medical supplies (incontinent supplies, nutritional supplements) • Nutritional assistance • Physical, occupational and speech therapy • Respite care • Bereavement support following the patient’s death VOLUNTEERS ARE VITAL In addition to the care providers and other professionals at SouthernCare, there are hundreds of volunteers within the organization.

“Volunteers are vital to SouthernCare,” Cubbage said.

“Families and volunteers share a deep sense of purpose. Volunteering, especially with hospice, is one of the most fulfilling things a person could ever do.”

Through SouthernCare, volunteers can help with spiritual and emotional support; caretaker relief; household services; and companionships to hospice patients and their families. Cubbage said that volunteers typically grow close to the families and also end up baking cookies, reading with patients, making phone calls on their behalf, and sometimes, just sitting quietly with them.

Many of the hospice volunteers, according to SouthernCare, were introduced to hospice through the death of a family member and understand firsthand the value of hospice care. They consistently report that helping the terminally ill through hospice is not about dying, but rather, about living. Each SouthernCare location has a wide range of volunteer opportunities for participants ranging in age from teens to senior citizens. Cubbage said that while some volunteers may have professional skills or specialized Volume 3 • Issue 23

expertise, most are just people who want to help their friends and neighbors.

SPECIAL TOUCHES There are unique things being done at SouthernCare that were initiated in the Lake Charles office. One of them is the creation of “memory bears” for families. Volunteers make the bears from clothing that was worn by the person who has passed away.

“The bears are then given to family members and become meaningful for them because they are made from something that their loved one once touched,” said Devin Magee Cash, Lake Charles Volunteer Coordinator.

“It’s something tangible that reminds them of that person.”

Pet therapy is another popular feature. With this service, care providers bring animals (usually dogs) to spend time with the patient.

In some cases, it’s the patient’s own animal. Remarkably, just the warmth of a dog can be almost magical since it takes the patient out of his or her illness for a moment.

“We’ve had patients be unresponsive for a day or two and then we’ll bring their own pet in to visit them,” Cash said. “Maybe it’s a dog they have had for 10 years and there will be an immediate response from the patient.

It’s really quite amazing to see.”

LAST WISHES “Last wishes are something you want to treat with the utmost care,” Cubbage said. “Part of that is doing everything in our power to try and make those last wishes come true.

We’ve put together last-minute weddings for patients. We were able to send a patient to watch the Indianapolis Colts at training camp, which is something he’d always wanted to do.”

The man was taken to the training camp in an ambulance, watched the action from the sidelines, and even got autographs from several players on the team, including quarterback Peyton Manning. A wonderful dream that he’d had for many years had finally, in the last stages of his life, been realized. He passed away just two days later.

For more information regarding the volunteer program or hospice services, you can contact the SouthernCare Lake Charles office at 127 Williamsburg St., Lake Charles, LA 70605 (337) 474-3743; www.southerncarehospice.com.

TJN FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Acetaminophen is a safe and effective pain reliever that benefits millions of consumers nationwide.

However, taking too much could lead to serious liver damage. There are about 600 products that contain acetaminophen, including cough and cold products and sleep aids. It is also an ingredient in many prescription pain relievers.

David Heinen, MD, Family Medicine Physician at The Clinic Urgent Care Center at 4320 Lake Street in Lake Charles, warns area residents that all over-the-counter pain relievers should be taken with care to avoid serious problems that can occur with misuse.

“Parents should be cautious when giving acetaminophen to children,” Dr. Heinen explains. “For example, the infant drop formula is three times stronger than the children’s suspension. To help make sure your infant is getting the infants’ formula and your child is getting the

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012

children’s formula, you should read and follow the directions on the label every time you use a medicine.”

Parents are also cautioned against giving any acetaminophen or cough and cold medications to children under 2 years of age without the advice of a health care provider.

Adults are at risk, too. To avoid accidental overdosing, it’s very important not to take more than the recommended dose on the label.

“You should not take acetaminophen for more days than recommended, or take more than one drug product that contains acetaminophen at the same time,” Dr. Heinen says. “It is important for people to know that taking more than the recommended dose will not provide more relief.”

Your liver helps break down and remove many chemicals or drugs that enter your body. Too much acetaminophen overloads the liver’s ability to process the drug safely. Under certain circumstances, particu-

Volume 3 • Issue 23

larly when more acetaminophen is ingested than is recommended on the label, more of the toxic chemical is produced than the body can easily eliminate, resulting in serious damage to the liver.

“The signs of liver disease include abnormally yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite,” says Dr. Heinen. “The signs can be similar to flu symptoms and may go

unnoticed for several days if you believe your symptoms are related to a cold or flu you may already have.”

Serious cases of liver disease may lead to mental confusion, coma and death. For more information on minor illness and injury care, visit The Clinic Urgent Care Center’s Facebook page. Click “Like” to receive updates on Urgent Care Center wait times, services provided, special offers and much more. TJN

Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy for Residents And Social Services to Assist in the Transition Back Home!

Let our staff of qualified therapists help you reach your full potential!

Do you struggle with feelings of sadness and often have more bad days than good ones? Do you feel hopeless and down? If so, you are certainly not alone. According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, 15 out of 100 adults age 65 years and older suffer from depression.

Common symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, unexplained aggravated aches or pains, anxiety and uncontrollable worry, and loss of interest in socializing and hobbies. Many seniors assume they have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging. For some, depression can stem from being isolated and having few friends and family around to notice their distress.

The elderly are often reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help for fear of becoming a burden on others. Fortunately, when their depression is recognized and treated, senior patients have an 80 percent recovery rate.

Volume 3 • Issue 23

Here are a few self-help tips that may help: • Regular exercise and physical activity will help boost your mood.

• Join a social group. Staying connected with others will help you keep things in perspective and can also provide support in your time of need.

• Get enough sleep. This can be a challenge for many seniors, and poor sleep can worsen their depression. As a rule, you should try to get at least 7 to 8 hours a night of sleep.

• Eat healthy. A healthy diet low in sugars and fat will give you more energy and provide the necessary nourishment that you need.

• Take time to laugh. It can be the best medicine.

If things don’t improve and your depression worsens, you may need to seek help to get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

For more information, contact Oceans Behavioral Treatment Center at (337) 474-7581. TJN FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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As national health care continues to change, so does the dispensing of drugs and, with it, the ever-increasing de-personalization of patients seeking trusted, reliable and accessible health care. The good news?

There’s a better remedy, and 95 percent of all Americans live within only five miles of it: their local, independent pharmacy.

Enter LIPA, the Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association.

LIPA members know their patients’ names, their medical backgrounds, their specific concerns, and, yes, even where they live. They represent community-based, community-oriented pharmacists who provide exceptional pharmacy health care in the form of personalized service to the people of Louisiana every day. It’s whole health at the individual level. No appointment necessary.

Need to have the side effects of a particular drug explained to you based on your personal history? Not a problem. The pharmacies are a network of boutique businesses offering a holistic approach to wellness and tailored to the individual needs of their patients. They not only care for you; they care about you.

Why? Because independent community pharmacies are stable, reliable businesses serving the heart and soul of many communities.

Their commitment to personalized, comprehensive patient care remains steadfast and constant, even as their technological expertise increases. And that commitment to personal service marks the banner under which independent pharmacies operate. Offering face-to-face PAGE 14

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

counseling, independent pharmacists are your most accessible health care provider.

Their guiding mission? “To provide accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated and compassionate care.”

According to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, more than $177 billion is spent annually in the United States on avoidable medication-related health problems. In addition to dispensing medicines that cure illnesses and improve health, independent pharmacists can also provide education about medicines, help patients manage and follow complex regimens, ensure drug safety, avert possible drug interactions, prevent overmedication, advocate for access to medications and provide extensive resources and educational services. Coupled with a comprehensive approach to wellness, independent pharmacies have positive impact and influence on their local communities: locally owned businesses generate as much as three times as much local economic activity as national retailers.

Staying focused on the health of their patients and the communities in which they live and work rather than on mergers and acquisitions means trusted and reliable service.

The more some pharmacies change, the more others remain the same.

With an independent pharmacy, your most dedicated health professional is ready to assist, because they give their patients the patience and care they deserve.

Locate a community pharmacy at www.LIPAnow.org/search TJN Volume 3 • Issue 23

Got a health problem? Recent studies have shown that vitamins build health, but keep in mind that not all vitamins are created equal.

Retired pharmacist and nutrition consultant Pat Landreneau was a community pharmacist for 40 years.

“During my career, I have helped thousands of people with illnesses and diseases using conventional drug methods,” he said. “But it became clear that people with common ailments and diseases were not being healed by conventional drug treatment alone. In fact, the drug side effects were actually worse, in some cases, than the disease itself. “ Landreneau said that it soon became obvious that treating the cause, rather than the symptoms,

Volume 3 • Issue 23

was a better choice for better health.

“With optimal nutritional products and healthy food choices, the human body can heal itself without harmful side effects,” he explained.

He has been recommending Shaklee products to his customers and friends for over 30 years to alleviate joint and muscle pain, allergies, spurs, fatigue, high cholesterol and many other common ailments.

For more information, go to www.shaklee.net/patsnc or call (337) 230-3598.

Private Rehab to Home Suites • Secured Alzheimer’s Unit Respite Care • Hospice Care • Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Medicare Medicaid Certified • Featuring State of the Art Nautilus Equipment Especially Designed for Seniors

TJN

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Volume 3 • Issue 23

SLEEP DEPRIVATION: CONCERNS, CAUSES, CURES Work, school, family and social obligations in today’s 24-hour society have left us scrambling to fit it all in. The ability to work from anywhere via computers and mobile devices has also abolished the traditional 8-to-5 work schedule. If you can’t fit it in during the day, no worries—that report can be sent electronically in the wee hours of the morning. The problem this creates, however, is that sleep is taking a backseat, and our minds and bodies are not being given the attention and time needed for the natural healing processes to take place.

Sleep specialists say that the average person needs seven to nine hours of sleep per night—and it’s not just the quantity that is important. The quality of sleep counts, too. New research is also debunking the old myths of “catching up on sleep” as well.

“Sleep deprivation is a major concern for a person’s overall health,” Dr. Jana Kaimal, medical director at the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana, said. “Heart disease, depression, obesity, increased risk of having a stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and sexual dysfunctions are just some of the medical conditions that are

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now being linked to inadequate sleep through various research projects.”

Furthermore, most people’s plans to catch up on sleep when things settle down or over the weekend may not be enough. A study published in Science Translational Medicine, showed that nine adults who lived on a reduced sleep schedule that was equivalent to 5.6 hours per 24 hour period for three weeks struggled to overcome the effects of the sleep debt created. Even after logging one night of 10 hours of sleep, one subject still showed characteristics of long-term sleep deprivation. Missing out on those couple of extra hours of sleep creates what is called a sleep debt and if the pattern continues long-term, then the debt becomes increasing difficult to repay.

“Sleepy” – Another gator hatched in Lake Charles “Sleepy Gator” was hatched, June 2008, at the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana, located at 4820 Lake Street in Lake Charles. Designed by Roland Corbello of RC’s Custom Paint and Body, Sleepy sports a set of PJ’s and slippers and carries his much needed pillow looking for a good night’s sleep. Looks like he found the right place!

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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“The key thing to realize here is that one night of less than seven hours of sleep is not a huge deal, but if it becomes the rule to only get five hours of sleep per night, then a person’s physical and mental health will begin to decline,” Dr. Kaimal said.

“In the short-term, their mood is going to be darker, their reaction times will be delayed and they will have trouble staying focused on basic cognitive tasks. All of these impairments will begin to show well before they even realize that they are setting themselves up for severe long-term health issues.”

QUANTITY IS IMPORTANT, BUT QUALITY IS KEY What about those who do get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, but then still feel crummy when they wake up in the morning? The answer to this, according to Dr. Kaimal, may lie in the quality of sleep they are getting.

There are different stages of sleep that people rotate through about every 90 minutes each night.

The first two stages are the lighter sleep stages where someone can be easily awakened. Stage three is where we get our deepest and most restorative sleep. It is in this stage that our energy is regained and the hormones needed for growth and development are released. These three stages are known as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and

we spend about 75 percent of the night in these stages.

The other 25 percent of the night is spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or dream sleep. It is during this sleep that we dream and necessary energy is provided to the brain and body.

“These stages of sleep are important because in order to get what is qualified as ‘good’ sleep, you must spend an adequate amount of time in each stage,” Dr. Kaimal explained.

“Many patients come in and report that they are still exhausted even after sleeping for eight hours a night. An in-office sleep study reveals to us that they are reaching the latter stages of sleep for too short of a time period or in some cases, not at all. Once we know that this is case, we can work with them through various treatment options and ensure that they are getting quality sleep.”

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT SLEEP ANYWAY? The problem of living in a sleepdeprived society is certainly not a new one, but it is definitely something that is becoming more of a mainstream health issue to be tackled head-on.

“The field of sleep medicine is still relatively new. It was just a little more than a decade ago when health care professionals really began to study the impact of sleep

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AND NATIONAL SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK Each year, sleep centers across the nation join forces with the National Sleep Foundation to celebrate National Sleep Awareness Week.

This year’s celebration will begin on Sun., March 5 and will conclude on Sun., March 11 in conjunction with the beginning of daylight savings time. It is no coincidence that the two dates overlap. Losing an hour of sleep as we do when daylight savings time begins creates additional sleep debt for an already sleep-deprived society. The goal of the week is PAGE 18

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

deprivation on a patient’s overall health picture,” Dr. Kaimal added.

In recent years, formal scientific studies have been conducted and the results released are sobering.

One out of every three people with high blood pressure also suffers from sleep apnea, a condition where the airway becomes obstructed during sleep. The cardinal symptom related to sleep apnea is snoring.

Apnea episodes are characterized by a stop or gasp for breath that often wakes the sleeper up. Often times the person doesn’t even realize that they have these episodes multiple times per hour throughout the night. This sudden shortage of oxygen to the body puts unwanted stress on the heart and other vital organs.

“It is critical that anyone who suffers from heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments needs to be checked for sleep apnea,” Dr. Kaimal said.

“The treatment for apnea can be used in conjunction with other medications being taken in order to lessen a person’s risk for heart attacks and stroke.”

Sleep deprivation is also a key player in increased risks for diabetes and obesity, according to Dr. Kaimal.

“When our bodies become sleep deprived, our brains secrete increased amounts of hormones that trigger hunger instincts,” he commented. “Unfortunately for our waistlines, the things we crave in this

state tend to be foods that give us a quick boost of energy. These sugary, starchy foods only keep us satisfied for a brief moment and then leave us feeling sluggish and tired again. This cycle continues over and over, leading to excess weight and increased risk of diabetes.”

Sleep deprivation also impacts mental health. In patients with an already diagnosed mental disorder, reports of trouble sleeping are almost always present. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions tend to affect a person’s ability to shut their brain down at the end of the day, hindering them from drifting peacefully off to sleep or from staying asleep throughout the night.

On the other hand, someone who is chronically sleep-deprived with no diagnosed mental disorder may begin to exhibit signs of anxiety or depression simply because their brains are not getting the rest needed in order to release the appropriate hormones at the right time.

CHILDREN AND SLEEP Just as adults are finding themselves scheduled down to the minute, children these days are just as busy. School and extracurricular activities quickly eat up a child’s day, leaving little time for the recommended nine-11 hours of sleep a night.

to educate people of the importance and value of sleep through various activities and events.

The Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana will be conducting free screenings from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 5-9. Community members are invited to stop in for a screening conducted by a qualified sleep professional and tour of the facility at their convenience during these hours.

Call (337) 310-7378 for more details on this opportunity or for answers to your sleep-related questions.

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“By the time a child spends all day at school, completes their homework, attends dance or athletic practice, eats dinner and bathes, there is very little time left for anything else,” said Michelle Zimmerman, nurse practitioner at the Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana.

“A lot of times, parents are shocked when we ask them what time their child goes to bed and what time they wake up in the morning for school and they realize how little sleep their child is actually getting,” she said. “If the parent is struggling to squeeze in a mere seven hours of sleep a night, think realistically about how difficult it is to fit in at least nine for a child.”

The implications of this are huge because healthy sleep habits are something that are formed early in life and will remain with a person through their adult years. And as with adults, parents also need to be concerned about the quality of sleep their children are getting, not just the quantity.

“Children suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia just like adults,” said

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Zimmerman. “There tends to be this misconception that these are only adult problems but in truth, children exhibit signs of these disorders and are just as susceptible to the impacts in they are left undiagnosed and untreated.”

In children, sleep apnea has been linked to learning problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral issues, slow growth, obesity, bedwetting and high blood pressure. In addition to these risks, they may also be prone to injuries.

It is no secret that children thrive in a structured environment and according to Zimmerman, this may be the key to ensuring that your child is getting enough sleep.

“By starting at the child’s wake up time and backing up nine hours from there, you can determine a good bedtime for your child,” added Zimmerman. “Once you have this time in place, you can schedule in other necessary activities. The main thing is that getting enough sleep must be the top priority.”

Another tip for making sure your little ones are sleeping enough is to Continued on next page

Dr. Jana Kaimal

WARNING SIGNS OF INADEQUATE SLEEP: • Dozing off while engaged in an activity such as reading, watching TV, sitting in meetings or sitting in traffic.

• Slowed thinking and reacting.

• Difficulty listening to what is said or understanding directions.

• Difficulty remembering or retaining information.

• Frequent errors or mistakes.

• Narrowing of attention, missing important changes in a situation.

• Poor judgment in complex situations.

• Difficulty coming up with a new approach to a problem when the old approach is not working.

• Depression or negative mood.

• Impatience or being quick to anger.

• Frequent blinking, difficulty focusing eyes or heavy eyelids.

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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NIGHTLY RECOMMENDED SLEEP QUANTITIES • Newborns: 10.5 to 18 hours of sleep • 18 months to 3 years: 12-14 hours • 3 to 5 years: 11-13 hours • 5-12 years: 9-11 hours • Teens: 9.25 hours • Adults: 7-9 hours

maintain this schedule as much as possible, even on the weekends and holidays. It is okay to allow them to sleep in a half hour or hour on the weekends, but be sure to keep the bedtime consistent.

A healthy diet and regular exercise will also help children maintain a healthy weight thus reducing their risk for developing sleep apnea.

SEEKING HELP FOR A SLEEP DISORDER Once the decision is made to seek help for a suspected sleep disorder, it is important to choose a physician who is board certified in sleep medicine and a facility that is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

A board-certified sleep physician is highly trained in all areas of sleep medicine and is required to complete multiple continuing education courses throughout the year to ensure that they are well education on the latest diagnostic tools and treatments available.

An American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredited lab also falls under strict policies and standards. This national, professional organization sets the standards for sleep medicine in the United States. It provides training and continuing education opportunities that must be taken advantage of in order to maintain accreditation. Accredited facilities are evaluated every five years and center policies, procedures and staff are evaluated to ensure that patients are receiving the highest level of care.

The Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana is the only nationally accredited lab in Southwest

Louisiana. Dr. Jana Kaimal is a board certified sleep specialists and Michelle Zimmerman, nurse practitioner, has completed extensive training is the area of sleep medicine at Vanderbilt University.

The center, located in South Lake Charles, features a four-bedroom lab that overnight sleep studies are performed in seven nights a week. During the day, it is home to a bustling medical practice that offers treatment options for more than 80 diagnosed sleep disorders.

It is also the only full-service sleep center in the area, following patients from the initial consultation and sleep study if required, all the way to follow up care throughout the remainder of the patient’s life. Patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment are able to get their needed supplies and support for using their machine from qualified personnel as well.

The center is currently accepting new patients and works with most private insurances and Medicare.

Call (337) 310-7378 today to begin your journey to peaceful nights and productive days! TJN

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There are vast differences between natural (plant sourced) and synthetic (chemical based) supplements, and they have a totally opposite affect upon your health.

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

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www.shaklee.net/patsnc PAGE 20

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 23

Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WELCOMES PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES COMMUNITY LIAISON Chrystal Robideaux was recently named Community Liaison of Psychiatric Services at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Robideaux is responsible for generating referrals, as well as educating physicians, nursing home facilities, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, apartment complexes and hospitals.

Prior to joining Memorial, Robideaux served as Community Liaison at Bridgeway Psychiatric Center.

Chrystal Robideaux She has also served as Resident Care Supervisor at Villa Maria Assisted Living Facility and Community Liaison at Odyssey Hospice. For more information about Chrystal or psychiatric services at Memorial Hospital, call (337) 494-3252.

CASCIO HEADING TO ORIOLES SPRING TRAINING Dr. Brett Cascio, an orthopaedic surgeon on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will serve as an assistant team doctor for the Baltimore Orioles training camp in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Cascio will work at the training camp from February 22-26, performing physicals, treating injuries and evaluating players throughout the entire Orioles organization. This is not the first time Dr. Cascio has worked for the Orioles organization. He also treated players during his residency at John Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Cascio is the medical director of Sports Medicine at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, specializing in sports medicine and the arthroscopic treatment of ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff tears, and hip, knee, & shoulder pain and injuries.

CHRISTUS ST. PATRICK HOSPITAL AND ASSOCIATES RECOGNIZED BY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Regional Cancer Center and several of its associates were recently honored at the American Cancer Society Evening of Recognition Banquet. CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital received the “Circle of Hope Award” for sponsoring both the Relay for Life and the ACS Gala, the “Lifesaver Award” for being one of the top facilities in the area for Todd Hebert referrals to the American Cancer Society, and the “Pacesetter Award” for raising funds for the Relay for Life event. For contributions overall, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital was also awarded as one of American Cancer Society’s “Top 5 Companies.” CHRISTUS associate Todd Hebert was honored as the American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year for the state of Louisiana.

Karen Seal, another CHRISTUS associate, received the “DetermiNation Award” for running with the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation team in 2011. She raised $1,300 and ran 13.1 miles in the Rock and Roll New Orleans Half Marathon. Both Seal and Todd were Karen Seal awarded “Community Volunteer Awards” for their efforts of partnering with the American Cancer Society and for their volunteer efforts with American Cancer Society Council boards and support groups.

WCCH EARNS ACR ACCREDITATION IN MAMMOGRAPHY West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital was recently awarded with continued accreditation in mammography, for a period of three years, as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Volume 3 • Issue 23

WCCH ANNOUNCES 2012 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital recently held its 2012 employee awards banquet, where the organization recognized over 71 employees serving for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years for their service to the hospital. Each year, the hospital’s Employee of the Year is chosen from among the four individuals that served as an Employee of the Quarter for each one of the previous year’s quarters. WCCH is pleased to announce that Wilfred “Red” Dixon, groundskeeper, was the recipient of this year’s award. Dixon has been with WCCH for three years. As groundskeeper, he is responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of hospital grounds, in addition to the performing additional responsibilities Wilfred “Red” Dixon associated with hospital plant operations.

WCCH TO OFFER FREE FOOT SCREENINGS West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will offer free foot screenings on Tues., Feb. 28 from 5-7 p.m. in the hospital’s Wound Healing Center. Foot and ankle specialist Dr. Kalieb Pourciau will be conducting the foot screenings, and will provide patients with information on how to prevent, detect and manage foot complications. Diabetes patients are encouraged to attend. Appointments are limited. To register or receive additional information, call (337) 528-4708.

WCCH LABORATORY RECEIVES CAP ACCREDITATION The laboratory at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent onsite inspection. The laboratory’s director, Robert L. Rumsey, MD, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. The laboratory at WCCH is one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960’s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

Dr. Mohammad Sarwar, medical director; Kris Like, RN manager; Romallis Theard, maintenance director; Ethel Ambrose, director of nursing; Jimmy Pottorff, interim hospital administrator; Chance Landry, executive staff officer; Jaime Malveaux, administrative program specialist, and Sharon Powell, human resources director made the presentation to Beverly Smith of United Way of SWLA.

MOSS REGIONAL EMPLOYEES DONATE TO UNITED WAY Employees of Moss Regional Medical Center raised $6,395 to support United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s 2011 campaign.

MOSS REGIONAL WINS AWARD The 15th annual LSU Health Care Effectiveness Forum, “LSU Health: Targeting the Triple Aim,” recognized achievements of hospitals throughout the LSU Health Care Services Division. Moss Regional Medical Center in Lake Charles received the Clinical Lead Award for Heart Failure. The Health Care Services Division of LSU Health is one of the largest public health care delivery systems in the country. TJN FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Volume 3 • Issue 23

For nearly 30 years, Women & Children’s Hospital has been providing quality health care services to the residents of Southwest Louisiana.

Since the hospital opened in 1984, their services have expanded from a primary focus on women’s health to now offering healthcare for members of the entire family – men, women and children.

Today, WCH is proud to provide a wide range of medical care for adults and children alike, in both inpatient and outpatient settings including: medical and surgical services; a 24-hour emergency depart-

Volume 3 • Issue 23

ment; adult intensive care services; labor and delivery services; diagnostic imaging; laboratory services; and physical, occupational and speech therapies, to name a few.

Known as the area’s preferred leader for women’s services, WCH offers an experienced team of physicians and nurses who are truly committed to patient care. By offering private labor and delivery suites with personalized nursing care, a fully staffed newborn nursery, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a number of additional amenities, it’s no wonder why families continue to

choose WCH as the birthplace for their children.

WCH is also a recognized Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and is accredited by The Joint Commission, one of the health care industry’s most recognized quality and performance standards organizations.

In addition to providing patient care services, WCH also sponsors Senior Circle, a non-profit group open to active

adults 50 and better; and the Healthy Woman Program, which focuses on the health and wellness needs of women ages 25-64. For more information about WCH, affiliated physicians, services and programs call (337) 474-6370 or go to www.women-childrens.com. TJN

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Since 1953, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has provided Southwest Louisiana with local access to experienced physicians, skilled health care professionals, the latest medical technology and an unsurpassed tradition of caring.

In 2010, WCCH celebrated the grand opening of a new 50,000 square feet addition that houses a 12bed intensive care unit, state-of-theart cardiology department, a radiology department with one of the nation’s only 128-slice CT scanners, a new admitting department and a new respiratory department.

Construction for the $19 million expansion project began in early 2008 and was funded by the taxpayerapproved $25 million capital bond issue of 2006. The new addition increases the square footage of the Radiology Department from its prior 5,500 square feet to 12,000 square feet; as well as increases the number of Intensive Care patient rooms from seven to 12 beds with patient rooms from 140 square feet to 266 square feet each, providing more room for patient care and advanced technology.

“Over time, we’re creating a new hospital in place, without disrupting the services and patient care we currently provide,” states Bill Hankins, WCCH CEO. Additional plans for future expansion are in the works; however, no specific timetable has been set for construction.

WCCH, in partnership with local physicians, has a long-standing tradition of excellence in hospital care.

The hospital’s strong family medicine program, and strong surgery pro-

grams which range from general surgery to orthopedic surgery, displays the hospital’s commitment to remaining on the cutting edge of interventional medicine.

“For this hospital to be able to break out and be such a quality facility to the point that we are now serving a much bigger region than in the past is something I attribute to a dedicated group of physicians, the most modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, experienced and dedicated personnel, and overwhelming community support,” Hankins stated.

Over the years, WCCH has invested in the health of the rural communities it serves by placing medical clinics in several areas throughout West Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes. These satellite clinics, located in Vinton, Hackberry and Johnson Bayou, operate to advance the hospital’s mission of providing advanced quality health care and to help ensure the optimal health and well-being of the individuals who reside in these communities.

WCCH has approximately 650 employees, and leads the way in hospitals by supporting such causes as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, and the United Way of SWLA. For additional information, please visit the hospital’s website at www.wcch.com. TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 23

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital has an inspiring and dynamic history nearly 104 years strong. The hospital is a partner in wellness to the community through providing education, teaching and offering prevention opportunities as well as caring for patients with an experienced and compassionate staff and cutting-edge technology, all while living the mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

The Regional Heart Center at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital is nationally known for its advanced technology, above-average door-to-balloon times and an award-winning cardiac team.

When dealing with a heart attack, time is crucial and CSPH has advancements that ensure faster treatment and better outcomes, such as Cardiac Alert, Thermosuit technology, radial catheterization, Impella cardiac-assist device and more.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick’s Regional Cancer Center, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, has experienced physicians and staff that are committed to providing the most advanced treatment options to oncology patients throughout Southwest Louisiana. The best of

diagnostic, treatment, follow-up and support services necessary for oncology patients are available here.

CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital introduced the da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System to Southwest Louisiana. It is the first in the region to offer this state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical procedure for prostate and kidney cancer, and for hysterectomy. This technology offers numerous potential benefits over the traditional open surgery, including significantly less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time, less blood loss, fewer complications and less scarring.

CHRISTUS is also keeping people close to home by offering sentinel lymph node biopsy, which determines if breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Women dealing with breast cancer can have this done at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital — close to home and their support network of family and friends.

Offering the latest technology in our own community is one of the many reasons CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital has been around for 104 years, and it plans to continue staying on the forefront of health care for the next 104 years and beyond. TJN

State-of-the-Art Equipment, Facility and Technology!

When a doctor tells you that you have a cataract, and it should be removed, it may be a frightening prospect. We will help you understand what a cataract is, how it will be removed, and, most of all, the priceless rewards cataract surgery can bring. When a cataract is gone, your vision can be clearer, brighter and sharper.

Today's cataract surgery isn't just the end of clouded vision.

It's the beginning of something wonderful.

SAVE THE DATE!

Lake Charles League of Women Voters Annual Banquet 1980 Tybee Lane Lake Charles

477-0963 Volume 3 • Issue 23

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 For additional information:

Phone: 337-474-1864 • Email: info@lwv-lc.org • Website: www.lwv-lc.org FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PAGE 27

Located at 1601 Country Club Road, CHRISTUS South Lake Charles is a comprehensive imaging center that combines CHRISTUS Women’s Health Center, Prepare Center for pre-surgery services and Southwest Louisiana Imaging. This state-of-the-art facility provides the latest in technology, women’s services and comprehensive diagnostic imaging services, all at one convenient location.

The Women’s Health Center services include digital mammography with the women’s touch mammopad, bone density services, ultrasound, MRI guided breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, on-site consultation and more.

The Prepare Center on Country Club Road offers patients the same excellent pre-surgery care as the Prepare Center in CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, including preadmission visits, lab testing, diagnostic

X-ray, EKG and preparation help for surgery. No appointments needed.

Southwest Louisiana Imaging offers advanced MRI, including a new MAGNETOM® Verio Large Bore 3T MRI scanner, the only one of its kind in our area, which offers excellent image quality, superb diagnostic capabilities and exceptional patient comfort with a large, patientfriendly 70cm opening. The newest addition to this 3T technology is the DynaCAD system for prostate and breast MRI, an advanced digital visualization system.

In addition to comprehensive imaging and advanced technology, CHRISTUS South Lake Charles has on-site radiologists for quicker interpretation and reporting, which means that your doctor’s office receives results faster, and in-turn can get them to you faster. In many cases, patients receive immediate consultations and same-day testing results. TJN

A multi-disciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, hospice aides and volunteers meet on a weekly basis at CHRISTUS Hospice and Palliative Care to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

The volunteer’s role in the hospice environment offers specialized care services including symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and psychosocial interventions for patients and their families facing terminal illness. Hospice is for patients that choose comfort and management of symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and anxiety as the goal of care over more aggressive measures.

Hospice volunteers are very special people who play a significant role in helping the patients and their families live fully until the end. They donate their time and talents as they

choose, perhaps by facilitating special projects such as writing memoirs, scrapbooking, creating video messages or other legacy work. They are also needed to provide breaks for caregivers, who have the most difficult job there is. Some may assist with light housekeeping or running errands. There is also a need for office volunteers to write cards and assist in clerical duties. Patients, their families and hospice staff are very grateful for their gift of time.

CHRISTUS Hospice and Palliative Care – St. Patrick’s will host the next Volunteer Training Session on Sat. March 3 from 9 a.m. until noon at 4444 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. For further information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Rachna Patel, at (337) 853-3669 or Michele Hurley, RN, CHPN, at (337) 395-5600 or Michele.hurley@christushealth.org.

TJN

Comfort: A more relaxing experience An extra-large opening means it can comfortably accommodate patients of different shapes and sizes and can help reduce anxiety and claustrophobia.

Speed: A quicker exam Exclusive Tim™ (Total imaging matrix) technology helps make exams faster.

Confidence: Detailed images for your doctor Extraordinary images with exceptional details—your doctors will have the information they need to help make a more confident diagnosis.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 23

It’s your body. Your athletic career. Your job. You do the training and put in the effort. So should your doctor.

Dr. Brett Cascio is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon and the director of Sports Medicine at Memorial Hospital. The region’s expert on athletic hip injuries, he is co-founder of the Hip Center of Louisiana and was the first person in the state to perform a hip labrum repair and a hip labrum reconstruction. He performs 200 hip arthroscopies a year.

A graduate of Duke University, Dr. Cascio trained for five years at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and did an extra year fellowship in shoulder, hip, and knee surgery in Vail, Colorado. He then became board sub-specialized in sports medicine. He has trained with the US Ski Team, Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles and Denver

Volume 3 • Issue 23

Broncos, and has cared for Special Forces soldiers in Afghanistan.

“I perform approximately 300 shoulder surgeries a year to treat arthritis, fractures, and rotator cuff and labrum tears,” Dr. Cascio said. He does total and reverse total shoulder replacements, handling more bone-preserving total shoulder replacements than any other doctor in the area.

If you make an appointment with him, he will likely do research on exactly what is causing your pain, be it rotator cuff tears and tendonitis, hip labrum tears, cartilage regeneration. He also specializes in shoulder arthritis in active younger patients, and shoulder and elbow pain in Little League baseball players. He has presented his research across the country and in Europe, teaching trainers, therapists, and other surgeons.

Make sure you ask your doctor if he is fellowship trained in your

specific problem. Find out if he is board certified in sports medicine, and ask him how many surgeries like yours he does a year. Higher numbers of specific surgeries indicate less time in surgery and fewer complications.

It’s your body. Your athletic career. Your job. You get to choose one surgeon.

Training and experience matter.

TJN

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B

Lenten Sacrifices Ernest Hemingway defined a “moveable feast” as (to paraphrase) a wonderful memory that stays with a person long after the person has had the experience.

To me, that sounds like a perfect definition of Mardi Gras, which is, of course, considered a

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012

moveable feast by our Catholic brethren.

But I don’t think Hemingway’s definition of moveable feast is exactly what those folks have in mind. When I think of Hemingway’s words, I think of all of the parades, the colorful floats and costumes; the spectacle of Mardi Gras. If you’ve experienced Mardi Gras in Louisiana, there’s no doubt those memories stay with you forever.

Also staying with you for (seemingly) ever: the enormous

hangover that’s a consequence of lowered inhibitions and too much Captain Morgan.

And while Fat Tuesday is characterized by revelry and selfdebasement, Ash Wednesday is characterized by sobriety and selfdenial.

Believe me, nothing will make you long for the sobriety and selfdenial of Ash Wednesday more than a big, fat headache courtesy of your traitorous friend Jose Cuervo. It’s a moveable feast that moves so fast the room spins.

But seriously, today is Ash Wednesday and today is the day adherents sacrifice and repent of their transgressions.

Most folks are more familiar with the sacrificial aspect of the day, and the Lenten season in general, and that’s where I want to focus. Sacrifice can be an ennobling process. It can lead to greater wisdom, greater understanding, and greater appreciation for what you have.

With that in mind, this year, I want to share my list of things in

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the sports world I am sacrificing for Lent.

ESPN Typically, I tune the television to ESPN in the mornings before I go to work and in the afternoons on my lunch break. While I have many avenues from which to choose for my sports news fix, ESPN is like the McDonald’s of sports news: it’s cheap and easy.

But, this Lent, I am tuning ESPN out. They have made this decision an easy one.

SportsCenter, the show I watch most, has become an echo chamber of buzzy semi-news that contains little analysis and a lot of crazy. I mean, look at what is happening with New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin. ESPN has become so infected with Linsanity it has effectively stopped talking about their favorite subject, He Who Shall Not Be Named (but plays for the Denver Broncos), except to compare Lin’s story to his (rhymes with Webelo). No thanks, ESPN. I’ll be spending the next 45 or so days reading Grantland or The Sporting News online.

NBA BASKETBALL NOT PLAYED

BY BLAKE GRIFFIN On a related note, when your league’s only compelling news story involves an undrafted, Harvard-educated point guard who has started a whole five games in his career, it doesn’t say a lot of positive things about your league. Outside of Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers, and their “Lob City” offense, the remainder of the NBA is a metaphoric eye gouge of sloppy passing, poor shot selection, and questionable officiating.

If Griffin and his Clippers aren’t playing, I’m not watching. Until then, wake me up for the playoffs.

LSU FOOTBALL Would someone please shut Jordan Jefferson up? How am I supposed to move on from last season when Jefferson keeps saying ridiculous crap in the media? Look, I’m excited for next season. I think LSU has one of Volume 3 • Issue 23

the three best teams returning in the nation and should be a solid contender for a national championship. But, I’m tired of hearing about last season. I think everyone is, except Jordan Jefferson and Bobby Hebert. So, with an eye toward a promising season ahead, I am giving up LSU football for Lent. All of that nastiness with Jefferson and the national championship game gave me a bad taste in my mouth, so I am cleansing my palate. I’ll read about the Spring Game the day after Easter, but, in the meantime, I need a break.

COUCH SURFING In this respect, I am taking a proactive approach to sacrifice. I love to sit in my favorite chair and watch sports on a Saturday afternoon or a Sunday morning, so this one is going to hit me where it hurts. I’ll be cutting back on all of the English Premier League soccer I currently watch and, instead, I’ll be out riding my bicycle or, on Sundays, actually playing soccer in an adult recreation league. I used to not be such a couch potato, but, then again, I used to be 16 years old and I used to sack groceries at Market Basket for $5.15 an hour.

Now, at 30, when I come home from work I just want to watch the Jets and the Sharks play on NHL TV and wonder whether there will be a rumble in the parking lot after the game. So, in light of my recent inactivity, I am anticipating lots of pain and possible humiliation as I take to the soccer pitch.

Talk about sacrifice.

Hemingway never clarified if anything could be called a moveable feast if you were unable to move.

Guess I’ll find out.

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

Brandon Shoumaker

TJN FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PAGE 31

By Mary Louise Ruehr

Novels Shine a Light on the Exploitation of Children Two recent novels, both in the form of thrillers, address the heinous problem of child exploitation around the world. Fortunately, neither of them describes incidents of child abuse in a graphic or prurient manner.

A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison begins in India. Sisters Ahalya, 17, and Sita, 15, are the daughters in an upper middle class family in Tamil Nadu. When a tsunami hits their village, the girls survive, but they lose their home, their parents, and all the other people they know.

The sisters know that if they can get to the convent school in another town,

they will be safe. But how can they get there, with no money and no one to help them? As you can imagine, they do not make it to the school.

At the same time, American lawyer Thomas Clarke, who is married to an Indian woman named Priya, is having his own troubles. Priya has left him and gone back to India. Also, his legal firm, to assuage a client that blames Clarke for its legal loss, is sending him away for a while. One of his options is to spend a year in India working for the fictional Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (CASE), which does work on trafficking and sexual violence issues in the developing world. He decides that’s a good idea, because (1) he has just witnessed a child abduction and is motivated to do something about it and (2) he thinks that while he’s in India he can woo his wife back.

He is assigned to Bombay. “Of the many cities known for the trade in human flesh, Bombay was among the worst,” he is told. Of course, Bombay is also where the girls have been taken and sold into prostitution.

Imprisoned in a brothel, Ahalya knows she must be strong for her little sister. “To survive in such a world, she would have to sever her heart from her body. She had no other option. … She couldn’t allow herself to surrender to despair.”

One of the girls is sold again — and again, and again, to people who keep her enslaved for various illegal purposes, including drug trafficking and just plain hard work.

Meanwhile, Clarke is learning that the legal system in India is “a circus.”

The corruption is so bad, one CASE worker explains, that “even when the evidence is airtight, the perpetrator absconds or the victim refuses to testify or the lawyer pulls some stunt with the judge and delays the case so long that the file starts to grow mold.”

As Clarke tracks the girls, he discovers how empty his life was as a

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corporate lawyer. Regarding child exploitation, he says, “The war can be won. But not by putting traffickers in jail. Trafficking will stop when men stop buying women. Until that happens, the best we can do is win one battle at a time.”

The subject of modern slavery is obviously disturbing, but the novelization serves as a good vehicle for informing the reader about the fact that slavery is still active today, even in America.

The Innocent by Taylor Stevens is the second Vanessa Michael Munroe novel, following her debut in The Informationist. Logan is one of eight siblings with cult-member parents.

Vanessa, known as Michael, is his best friend. The two grew up together in The Chosen of God, a cult where they were part of a commune of “economyclass vagabonds” who spent their childhood “hopscotching the globe” and serving The Prophet.

Logan seeks Michael’s help in finding Hannah, age 13, the daughter of the woman he once loved. The girl had escaped from the cult with her mother but was subsequently abducted and taken back “in” without the mother’s approval. To assist them, Michael contacts a friend who owns a “bulletsand-blood mercenary outfit.” Then, they and a few other former cult members go after the girl.

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Michael is a troubled and very interesting character. She speaks at least 22 languages. Using disguises, she has “an ability that made it possible for her to blend and become anything to anyone.” She also has anger issues, “an unquenchable burning rage against the violation of innocence.” She works to help “the innocent ones” and says she only kills in defense of herself or the children, and she’s haunted by the memories of the people she’s killed. But she’s pretty vicious when provoked.

The chase takes us to South America, where the child has been seen in Buenos Aires. Michael’s group has to track, trace, snoop, sneak, spy and deceive. She disguises herself as a woman, then a man, to infiltrate the cult.

But the members of the religious commune aren’t the only ones they have to worry about. The cult is getting monetary donations from the worst gangsters in the city. And the gangsters are getting something for their money — young girls. Can Michael save Hannah before the gangsters claim her as theirs?

I find cults fascinating, and the descriptions of this one, and of the mindset of the people involved, are believable. The author herself was brought up in communes of the Children of God, where she was denied an education beyond the sixth grade. She broke free from it, so she knows whereof she speaks.

As they are described, the fictional group The Chosen “don’t feel society’s laws apply to them.” They view children as owned property. “The group and the people within it [are] a hodgepodge of races and cultures homogenized into the culture of The Prophet” with communes, or Havens, around the globe. They view the rest of society as “the Void,” the world of the devil.

“The Chosen abused us, the media used us, law enforcement failed us, and justice is a farce,” explains Logan. And another former cult member goes further: “There was sexual abuse. Lots of it. But that was just one of so many dishes served on the smorgasbord of my childhood.

Just one. Nobody reports about the extreme discipline, or being separated from our families, or education deprivation, or the lack of medical care, or the unquestioning obedience, or that we’re thrust out into the world to fend for ourselves after being kept from the world our entire lives.”

Some of the book is typical thriller.

Most of it will make you think.

Adult situations and language.

Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN Volume 3 • Issue 23

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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

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Volume 3 • Issue 23

r m ende's Museu l l E an en

By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

Unknown (Warner Bros. DVD, 2011) Liam Neeson is the new action guy. It turns out he can play almost any role, because his face is kind of hard to read. In Unknown, we really don’t know who he is, and neither does he.

Neeson plays Dr. Martin Harris, who has just arrived with his wife in Berlin to speak at an International Biotech conference. When they get to his hotel, Martin realizes he left an important briefcase at the airport. He rushes back to the airport in a cab and on his return to the hotel, gets in a wreck. He’s in a coma for four days.

When Martin wakes up, everything is changed. First of all, he barely remembers who he is. But things get

Volume 3 • Issue 23

since the wreck. However, because she’s played by the very well-known actress Diane Kruger (National Treasure) you know she’s going to show up again. There are a few other clues or miscues that threaten to give things away, but I managed to stay as confused as Neeson/Harris for most of the film.

Some folks might think that the end of the movie gets a little out of hand in its resolution, but let’s face it, you don’t get into a Twilight Zone plot without something screwy going on. I will just say that there is no voodoo or sorcery to make things work, and Harris isn’t dreaming. He just picked a really bad time to get partial amnesia. It could happen to anybody. I think it’s Liam Neeson’s deer in the headlights stare and his monotone voice that make him so good for a role like this. You don’t know if this guy is lying or telling the truth. But somehow along the way, we develop a little sympathy for Martin,

and that keeps the story interesting until the end.

Unknown isn’t a heavy movie or a particularly violent one. There’s a car chase that goes on a little too long, and Diane Kruger’s Bosnian accent is a little thick, but otherwise it’s all good escapist fun. It reminded me a little of the things Alfred Hitchcock used to think up, and had a little of the feel of an older movie. There’s not all the bad-boy joking around that seems to show up in thriller movies these days.

Unknown is rated PG-13, mainly for some blurry shower scenes between Martin and his wife. These are mostly flashbacks and might give kids the wrong idea about marriage, but that’s Hollywood for you. Older kids will probably be intrigued by the plot, especially if they’ve never heard of Rod Serling. And if you haven’t heard or Rod Serling or Alfred Hitchcock, then get ready. By the end of this film you’ll have forgotten its name. TJN

really weird when he finds out his wife doesn’t know who he is either and another man is standing in who says he’s Martin Harris. Our main character has become unknown. Or an unknown. Whatever.

First of all, this is a really well thought out thriller. The Berlin location is fantastic, and the effects and plot are captivating and convincing.

The only problem I had with the movie was the title. Right after I saw Unknown, I mentioned the movie with Liam Neeson to my brother-inlaw Randy, but I couldn’t remember its name. Really. Randy kept asking, “What’s the name of the movie?” and I kept saying, “I don’t know.” I was sort of like Liam Neeson. Or maybe the name Unknown just lends itself to forgetfulness.

In any case, the story is very tense and will keep you guessing. Basically Harris’s only hope of find out what’s going on is to find the driver of the cab he was in, but she’s disappeared

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Volume 3 • Issue 23

KREWE OF THE GOLDEN YEARS The Calcasieu Council on Aging presented the Krewe of Golden Years’ 18th Mardi Gras Ball at the Civic Center Coliseum.

Attendees dressed for the occasion sporting masks, beads, and purple, green and gold bling. Free to residents of Calcasieu Parish 60 years and up, they enjoyed a continental breakfast and a delicious lunch and met the Kings and Queens representing area nursing homes and senior living facilities. Live entertainment was provided by Louisiana Scramble.

You’re never too old for Mardi Gras!

Mary Billedeaux, Mary Alice Adams and Mary Terrot

Skeeter and MiMi Hayes

Ray Shaw and Thelma Cain

Hope and Lari Ann Hofman

Dorothy Gholar and Janice Hartzog

Nancy Fuller and Lindsay Ardoin

Larry and Shirley Smith

KREWE DE ROWDY MARDI GRAS BALL The McNeese State University Student Union Board celebrated Mardi Gras with a rowdy krewe at the Parra Ballroom. This crowd of intellectual party animals arrived at this alcohol-free, event in a mix of black tie finery, masks and glitter-covered faces. The Royal Court of faculty-selected dukes and duchesses dined center stage as they and the anxious crowd awaited the announcement of the 2012 Krewe de Rowdy King and Queen: Drumroll please…Queen Rebecca Landry and King Jacob Doxey! “A Jazzie Ensemble” provided the live entertainment. Party on, McNeese!

Margaret Mauthe and Winter Duhon Volume 3 • Issue 23

Nezira Akobi and KaBria Morgan FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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Toree Jones, Grace Hernandez and Erin Guidry

Autumn Prestenback, Jacqueline Bergeron, Mary Klumpp and Lauren Snider

Alexandra Gallier and Miranda Crowell

FAMILY AND YOUTH PHILANTHROPY CELEBRATION The annual Family and Youth Philanthropy Celebration and Awards Reception was held at L’Auberge Casino resort. Family and Youth and a crowd of supporters recognized Kay Barnett, Glen Bonin and Chennault International Airport Authority for contributing their time and skills to promote the well being of others and the betterment of the community.

Congratulations to all!

Gregory and Alicia Thibodeaux with Barry Barnett

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Mike and Glen Bonin with Maria Faul

Mike and Desiree Daigle

Marla and Kenney Fontenot

Ann Shaheen and Laura O’Connor

Charles and Linda Dalgleish

GiGi Kaufman, Kay Barnett and Gregory Thibodeaux

Lydia Aboagye, Maria Galan and Jennifer Fawvor

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 23

CHAMBER SOUTHWEST’S BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Chamber Southwest presented a very special Business After Hours event recently.

Incoming House Speaker Chuck Kleckley was honored at a reception at the Lake Charles Civic center attended by Mayor Randy Roach and members of the Lake Area business community, who mixed and mingled while enjoying cocktails and good food. Business After Hours is the place to network!

TJN Representative Chuck Kleckley with Pat and George Swift

Tina Benoit and Teddy Authement

Jim and Geneva Cotten

Edward and Elsa Ferguson

Angela Pierson and Bobby Broussard

Meet Casper!

Casper is a gorgeous young Maltipoo who was pulled from a local shelter. His hair was so overgrown, you could tell he was miserable. Well, we got him all groomed and handsome at Groom and Go, and now we can show you what a “diamond in the rough” this boy was under all that hair. When adopting a longhaired breed, you must be able to afford regular grooming to keep the coat in good condition. Casper’s foster parents say he is a truly sweet boy who loves getting all the love and affection that a foster home can provide. His beautiful brown eyes are endearing and will draw you in. For more information, call Casper’s fosVolume 3 • Issue 23

ter mom at (337) 558-7110. An adoption application can be found online at www.4PawsSocietyInc.com under the “Forms” tab and faxed to (337) 558-6331 or emailed to careinlc@gmail.com. A vet reference and home visit are part of the adoption process to ensure a good match for both the dog and owner. Hurry, Casper is waiting! TJN

1004 N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA • (337) 494-1070 Mon-Thu: 10:30am - 9:00pm • Fri-Sat: 10:30am - 10:00pm Sun: 10:30am - 9:00pm FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PAGE 39

GALLERY TALK: AFRICAN ART FEB. 23 The City of Lake Charles will host a special interactive gallery talk by Jeff Ferguson, African art collector. Ferguson will share some of his collection and knowledge as he covers topics including how and where to collect and purchase African art. Is it really art? Who made it? Who was it made for? What was it made for? How to tell how old it is? And the big question, why does it smell? The gallery talk will take place Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center at 1001 Ryan Street. All ages are welcome to attend at no charge.

BANNERS PRESENTS ‘BOMBAY BELLYWOOD’ FEB. 26 Banners presents “Bombay Bellywood” by the Bellywood Superstars Sun., Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center. The show merges traditional and tribal belly dancing with Indian dance styles for an extravaganza rich in costuming with exciting, infectious music. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children or students. A basic membership to the Banners Series includes two tickets to all events for $150, plus invitations to exclusive meet-theartist receptions. You can join by calling the Banners office at 475-5123 or visiting www.banners.org.

DUTCH FILM THE HELL OF ’63 FEB. 24 The Hell of ’63, a 2009 Dutch film, will be presented free by Calcasieu Cinema International at 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 24, in the auditorium of the Central School Arts and Humanities Center. Produced by Klaas and Steven de Jong, the film centers on the Netherland’s famed skating marathon – the Elfstedentocht – and the historical event in 1963 when unusually severe conditions resulted in unprecedented injuries and other upsets. This film explores the race’s impact on the lives of a few of the racers and their loved ones, as well as the after-effects. For more information, call Corliss Badeaux, secretary of the Council for International Concerns, at 475-5310.

FIRST FRIDAY READING SERIES MARCH 2 The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will present a free fiction reading by Louisiana author D.B. Grady on Fri., March 2, at 7 p.m. at the Porch Coffee House & Café. The reading is part of the First Friday Reading Series. Grady, a former US Army paratrooper and Afghanistan vet, is a freelance writer and novelist. His debut novel, Red Planet Noir, won the 2010 Indie Book Award for Science Fiction. Grady is a correspondent for The Atlantic and has written for American Thinker, National Journal, and Real Clear World, among others. The Porch is located at 4710 Common Street in Lake Charles, and the reading will be followed by live music. For details on the First Friday Reading Series, call the Arts Council at 439D.B. Grady 2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

LC SYMPHONY CONCERT FEB. 25 The second classical series concert of the Lake Charles Symphony 2011-2012 season will be held Sat., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre. The Lake Charles Symphony will be performing the Blue Danube Waltz, Higdon Percussion Concerto and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scherazade. The guest artist, Lonny Benoit, a percussion professor at McNeese State University, will be playing the GRAMMY-award winning Higdon Percussion Concerto with several other symphony percussion members. General admission is $20, and senior/student/military is $15. Tickets are available at the Lake Charles Symphony office and the Lake Charles Civic Center. For more information, call 433-1611 or email the symphony office at info@lcsymphony.org.

‘BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE’ MARCH 3 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana’s annual fundraiser “Bowl For Kids’ Sake” will be held on Sat., March 3, at Petro Bowl in Lake Charles. The theme for this event will be “The Big Easy: It’s Easy To Be A Big.” A team consists of six people with a minimum pledge of $30 per bowler. Each team will bowl one game and have seven bowling times to choose from (the times are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis).

Prizes are awarded based upon the amount a bowler raises, and are also given for Best Team Costume and Best Company T-shirt. Traveling Trophies are awarded to organizations raising the most money in various categories.

For more information, call your local BBBS agency at 478-KIDS (5437)-Lake Charles, 460-KIDS-(5437) DeRidder or 824-HUGS (4847)-Jennings. The agency delivers team packets. Get started today!

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Volume 3 • Issue 23

BANNERS PRESENTS MOZART GROUP MARCH 4 Banners presents mozART GROUP Sun., March 4, at the FG Bulber Auditorium at McNeese State University at 3 p.m. The group’s concerts evoke the spirit of Victor Borge. In the group’s own words: “We treat our muse with a humorous irony, and we’re sure she will have nothing against it!” Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children or students. A basic membership to the Banners Series includes two tickets to all events for $150, plus invitations to exclusive meet-the-artist receptions. You can join by calling the Banners office at 475-5123 or visiting the Banners website at www.banners.org.

BLUE MAN GROUP AT LUTCHER THEATER MARCH 7 The Lutcher Theater, Orange, Texas, began the 2011-2012 season with two performances of Blue Man Group scheduled to play March 5-6. The two shows sold out in record time, resulting in the addition of a third performance now scheduled for Wed., March 7 at 7:30 p.m. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater box office at (409) 886-5535, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA’S BEATS & EATS MARCH 9 Volunteers of America will hold its Beats & Eats fundraiser on Friday, March 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Treasures of Marilyn’s in Lake Charles. The casual event will feature a buffet, dancing to music by Kaine Badon & The Razin Kaine Band, and a cash bar. Products and services donated by area businesses will be auctioned. Additionally, there will be a raffle for an LSU Blue Dog print signed by artist George Rodrigue. Raffle tickets are being sold in advance for only $5, and you do not have to be present to win. The proceeds from Beats & Eats will be used to support the lifechanging programs provided by Volunteers of America in SWLA. Tickets are only $30 for individuals or $250 for a reserved table of 10. To purchase event tickets, raffle tickets or sponsorships, call Volunteers of America at (337) 497-0034.

BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL MARCH 10 The Black Heritage Festival in Lake Charles will bring together the unique cultures of Africa and Southwest Louisiana on Sat., March 10 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Celebrating diversity, culture and education, the festival is filled with legendary Zydeco, jazz and gospel performers as well as mouthwatering food and African Art. Performers include Jarvis Jacobs, Cupid, Charmaine Neville, Keith Frank and Chris Ardoin at 8 p.m. There will also be a Diaper Derby contest, a praise dance workshop, Kids Zone, and so much more! General admission is $5 for ages 13 and up before 2 p.m. and $10 after 2 p.m. For ages 6-12 admission is $5. Children 5 and under enter free. Festival hours are noon– 10 p.m.

Blue Man Group

Bombay Bellywood Sun., Feb. 26, at 7:30 pm Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles Civic Center

mozART Group Sun., Mar. 4, at 3 pm F.G. Bulber Auditorium, McNeese Campus

For information on 2012 events call (337) 475-5123 or visit www.banners.org Tickets available through membership, website and at the door.

Volume 3 • Issue 23

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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T-GALOP: A LOUISIANA HORSE STORY MARCH 15 The Arts Council is sponsoring a free screening of the new documentary T-Galop: a Louisiana Horse Story on Thurs., March 15, at 7 p.m. at the Central School theatre. The screening is part of the Folklore Society’s annual meeting. The documentary examines the long relationship between horses and French Louisiana and the role horses played in folklore, history, and in the building of the Cajun and Creole cultural identities. For details, call (337) 277-5292.

EMPTY BOWL FUNDRAISER MARCH 15 The Salvation Army’s annual Empty Bowl fundraiser will be held at L’Auberge Casino Resort on Thurs., March 15 from 6-9 P.M. Popular Cajun comedian Jonathan Perry will headline the entertainment. Soups will again be prepared by local restaurants, and each guest will receive a ceramic bowl made by area potters. Tickets are $100 and are on sale now.

They may be obtained by calling (337) 433-4155.

Steve Riley Photo by Allison Bohl

City Heat

LIVE @ THE LAKEFRONT MARCH 16, 23, 30 Are you ready, Lake Charles? The Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA is partnering with the City of Lake nna Wendy Colo Charles to bring the Lake Area a brand new music. Live @ the Lakefront will be held at the Arcade Amphitheater at the Civic Center on three consecutive Fridays on March 16, 23, and 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. Spread a blanket on the amphitheater’s grassy hill and listen to great music with the lakeshore scenery and cool weather as the perfect backdrop. The line-up includes: Certain Satellites (alternative), Wendy Colonna (soul), and Twangsters Union (Southern lcala rock/country) kicking off the festival Stevan A Photo by on March 16, Bobcat (indie rock) and Grammy-nominated Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys (Cajun) on March 23, and Iberville High Life (blues) and City Heat (jazz) closing the festival on March 30. The festival is free to the public, and will also showcase local artists, children’s activities, vendors, and Lake Area food booths.

THE LCCB’S SLEEPING BEAUTY MARCH 17-18 The Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB) will present the full-length story ballet of The Sleeping Beauty on Sat. March 17, at 6:30 p.m. and Sun., March 18 at 3 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre. The Saturday evening performance will include the Lake Charles Symphony orchestra performing the Tchaikovsky score, and is sponsored by L’Auberge Lake Charles. The

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Volume 3 • Issue 23

Sunday matinee will be performed with recorded music. Tickets are available at the Civic Center box office, (337) 491-1432, or via ticketmaster.com. Visit www.lakecharlescivicballet.com to register to win 2 tickets in the sponsor section for the Saturday evening performance with the Symphony.

REALLIETY CHALLENGE MARCH 31 The ReALLIEty Challenge adventure race will be held on March 31 in Lake Charles. This 3.5-mile militarystyle obstacle course is the first of its kind in the Lake Area and will take place on the corner of Manchester Rd and Highway 397. The ReALLIEty Challenge is sponsored by Nissan of Lake Charles and spearheaded by Allie Ieyoub and Joey Odom of Sports Productions. They are working in conjunction with “The Mission Continues,” a nonprofit dedicated to finding employment for U.S. veterans once they return to civilian life. The entry fee is $65 in advance and $75 after March 1. For more information or to register, visit www.ReALLIEtychallenge.com.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER MARCH 31 “On the Town – London” benefiting The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital will be held Sat., March 31, at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank, 844 Ryan Street, from 7 to 11 p.m. Enjoy appetizers served by local restaurants and caterers, complimentary wine, cash liquor bars, fabulous raffle baskets and outstanding entertainment featuring Beatlemania Magic. For more information, contact The Foundation at (337) 494-3226 or marketing at (337) 494-2355.

Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase tickets online, go to www.lcmh.com/on-the-town.

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 23

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PAGE 43

Sponsored by

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

The

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 • Alvin Touchet @ OB’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

• Michael Kittling @ Cigar Club, 8 p.m.

• Brad Randell & Zydeco Ballers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

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

• Muzic Unlimited @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

• Kaleb Broussard/Ethan Cormier @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

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

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

• Granger Smith @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• Huber “Mickey” Smith @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

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

• Kung Fu Pineapple @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • Ellis Vanicor @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ Aucoin’s Cajun Restaurant, Hayes, 7 p.m.

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

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

• Alan Jackson @ The Pavilion, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 8 p.m.

• Loaded 44erz/Sugarball Express/The Howdies @ Luna Live, 9 p.m.

• Brandon Foret Band @ Yesterday’s, 9 p.m.

• Tom Brandow @ Cigar Club, 9 p.m.

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

• Killin Time Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • Jerry Sartin & Creole Soul @ Yesterday’s, 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 • Stiff Necked Fools/Fortunate Youth @ Luna Live, 8 p.m.

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

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Big J & Zydeco Dogpound @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 • Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Tonight By Moonlight @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

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

• Velcro Pygmies @ Luna Live, 9 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 • Briggs Brown & The Bayou Cajuns @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 • A Tribute to Louisiana’s Little Walter @ Central School Theater, 7 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 23

• Zydecane @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m.

• DJ Epic One @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9 • Howard Noel & Cajun Boogie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Casey Trahan @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

• Chasing Scarlett @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m.

• X-It 43 @ Caribbean Hut, 9 p.m.

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

• Go Granny Go/Holleestar @ Happy Hippie Pizza, 10 p.m.

• Beer For Breakfast @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino, 10 p.m.

TJN

Volume 3 • Issue 23

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PAGE 45

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012

Volume 3 • Issue 23

Sensation, paying tribute to Motown (and a few iconic nonMotown soul and R&B acts) backed by the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Orchestra, were slamming. Just put it this way: Three AfricanAmerican singers – one tenor with major falsetto chops, one baritone with tenor overtones, and one not bad hanger-on – tore it up as they sweated, bumped, twirled, strutted and stepped their way through the choreography of

‘50s and ‘60s classic hits that ALL of us boomers in the audience knew ALL the words to.

I grew up on Motown, dancing to the Temps and the Supremes and listening to the kids at the pizza place singing along with the jukebox after every Saturday morning AllQueens Chorus rehearsal.

When Soul Sensation urged us up on our feet to chime in on RE-S-P-E-C-T, that was me in the front row, styling. TJN

Killin’ Time Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. Historic periods 5. Pick, with "for" 8. Bring in the sheaves 12. Unload, as stock 13. One way to swing 14. Isle of exile for Napoleon 15. Long story 16. Divine 18. Like farmland 20. Remnants 21. Be left with 23. Collapses inwards 27. "Blue" or "White" river 30. Luster 31. Deadly sins number 32. ___ list 33. Circumspect 35. Actor Banderas 37. Fabrication 39. Bandage 43. Blatant 45. Big Apple park 46. Desiccated 47. Help wanted abbr.

48. Sentry's cry 49. Chalupa alternative 50. Board member (abbr.)

51. Puppy sounds

1. Composition author 2. Stern 3. Pond organism 4. Hunk 5. Wound 6. Country club figure 7. Bakery offerings 8. Fee 9. Optional 10. Accomplished 11. Buds 17. Be off base 19. Pride member 22. Confine 24. Unit of conductance 25. Overly precise 26. Painter da Vinci 28. "Brokeback Mountain" director 29. Petitions 31. Garbage hauler 33. Ducked 34. Female comrade 36. The first "T" of TNT 37. Checked item 38. Emanation 40. Far from ruddy 41. Spicy cuisine 42. Counseling, e.g.

44. ___ polloi

Volume 3 • Issue 23

© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd To purchase more puzzles visit our website www.lovattspuzzles.com

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

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