The Jambalaya News - Vol. 4 No. 1

VOL. 4, NO. 1 / APRIL 5, 2012

Locals Owning Businesses — and Loving it!

Meet Jean Lafitte 2012 • Monica Miller’s Mission

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Volume 4 • Issue 1

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 Angie Kay Dilmore Dan Ellender Mike McHugh Mary Louise Ruehr Brandon Shoumaker Karla Tullos ADVERTISING sales@thejambalayanews.com

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

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

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

contents

On Cover: Evan Comeaux, Ashly Fruge and Matt Byrley.

Photo by Faye Drake

April 5, 2012 • Volume 4 • Issue 1

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COVER STORY 26

The Lake Charles Symphony Presents the Wild Beast Feast

REGULARS 7 10 12 14 32

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

FEATURES 5 11 15 16 17 18 19

Saving Lives in Thailand Autism Awareness Month Meet Jean Lafitte 2012 Ten Business Tips for Managing Millenials Choosing the Right Banker for Your Business The Financial Consulting Process Locals Owning Businesses— and Loving it!

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ENTERTAINMENT 31 34 36 37 40 44 46 47

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

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16 We accept credit cards!

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A Note From Lauren Dentophobia

If you wanted to scare me as a child, all you had to do was tell me that I had to go to the dentist. That was enough to give me more nightmares than a double-feature horror film, along with bouts of dread and anxiety.

I think the only thing that frightened me more was spiders. But in retrospect, the spider experience wasn’t as bad, because it was neither anticipated nor prolonged. I’d see a spider, I’d scream, someone would kill it, the end.

And you didn’t make an appointment to meet a spider. It was an unpredictable, random act. You never knew when you were going to see another one, and I wasn’t that loony that I spent all of my time worrying about spider encounters.

No, the dentist was an entirely different story. I had to go every six months, so that appointment was always looming in my subconscious, and the closer I got to the appointment date, the more anxious I became—until the night before, when I would lie awake in a cold sweat, thinking about picks and drills and that big old leather chair—and my torturer, Dr. Louis Goulston.

I felt I was correct in my assessment of his character, because the first half of his last name was pronounced “Ghoul.”

To me, he was a ghoul. He had all these painful devices and he was more than

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willing to use them all on me.

I had bad teeth. “Soft teeth,” I remember him telling my mother. This meant that I got a lot of cavities. Every time I went to him, another tooth had to be filled; sometimes, more than one. I have a weird cousin who never even had one cavity growing up. Since I’d always thought there was something wrong with her, her lack of cavities confirmed my suspicions.

Let’s face it; dentist offices were scary in those days. Now, they’re brightly decorated and cool, with music in the background, laughing gas if you need it, smiling faces all around. No, it was a grim business back then.

The Ghoul did not have a partner, or practice with a dental group, which could have made me feel slightly better.

Perhaps other dentists and patients and assistants running around would have distracted me. His lonely little office was on the second floor of an old building in East Boston, with his name stenciled in flaking gold letters on the window. There was a small waiting room, where I would sit with my mother and pretend to read the dog-eared copies of Highlights for Children while I quaked inside as I stole furtive glances at The Door.

The Ghoul performed his dastardly deeds behind this huge old door. If I didn’t hear anything, all was well, for

the moment. But inevitably, I’d hear muffled voices that became louder as his last victim came closer and closer to freedom. When that doorknob turned, my heart dropped to my shoes. That meant it was my turn.

Back then, dentists didn’t wear scrubs, which are colorful and casual.

The Ghoul wore a white doctor’s coat, and his assistant, who also happened to be his wife, wore a nurse’s uniform. So right off the bat, it made things appear more serious. Like you were already in trouble before you even got in his chair.

The chair was another problem. It was a huge, black leather deal with all kinds of contraptions attached to it, and looked like something Dr. Frankenstein would strap you into if he managed to drag you to his lab. Nothing pleasant could possibly happen in that chair.

As The Ghoul sterilized his instruments of torture, my mother would exchange small talk with Mrs. Goulston who was actually a very sweet lady. But she was married to The Ghoul, so as far I was concerned, she was unacceptable.

How can you live with this man? I would think, as she prattled on about her nephew’s wedding and the outfit her sister-in-law wore for the special event.

I was ultimately summoned to the chair. And the painful picking and poking would begin, followed by exclama-

tions of disgust: “Another cavity!” “You’re not brushing enough!” “Stop eating so much candy!” “Your teeth are terrible!”

And out would come that drill. God, I hated it; from the sound—like a swarm of angry bees—to the actual drilling, which hurt terribly. The instrument would get hot or it would hit a nerve. I’d yelp and squirm, which would elicit more anger from The Ghoul. I would say Hail Marys over and over again in my mind, and when that didn’t help, I’d call out the big guns with the Lord’s Prayer. The whole ordeal seemed to go on forever.

Finally, it would be over. I’d jump out of that chair as fast as I could, pulling on my coat and inching towards the door as my mother made my next appointment.

Six whole months, I would think. No need to start getting nervous for a while.

It’s interesting that for something that made me so hysterical, I don’t recall when I eventually switched dentists, who that dentist was, and when I actually outgrew my dentophobia. All I know is that I have no problem whatsoever going to the dentist now. I even had a root canal last month, and it was just fine.

The only fear and anxiety I experience now is when I get the bill.

– Lauren de Albuquerque TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 1

By Rhonda Babin

Food and fellowship play a large role in our lives.

Getting together to enjoy a meal and share experiences with friends is something most of us do regularly. So when Lake Charles native Monica Miller moved to Pattaya, Thailand to teach English and do bar, beach, and street outreach, she realized that food and fellowship could be a big part of her mission.

Miller is volunteering with a Christian organization called Tamar Center in Pattaya. She teaches free English classes three days a week and goes on outreach missions five days a week in the area. Her goal is to reach young girls and women who work as bar girls in the sex industry, letting them know that there are other ways to make a living than selling their bodies to strangers.

Miller started a personal ministry out of her room in Thailand. Once a week, she invites girls over for a meal. “We cook and hang out…just like I would do with my friends at home,” she said. “My vision was to get them out of the bar environment and let them be served for once so they can experience the love of God through the kindness of a stranger.”

Miller first learned of the plight of the Pattaya girls last summer. A friend, Charles Chevalier, was planning a July 2011 mission trip to work with victims of the sex

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Monica Miller (right) with some of the women she has helped.

industry. Miller went on that mission trip with the support of her home church.

THE SHAME OF PATTAYA Pattaya is called “the sex vacation spot of the world.” Men come from all over to this region to buy cheap sex with young people who are usually forced to go there to provide for their families.

Most of the bar girls are from the Northeast farmlands of Thailand. It is a very poor area and when it is not harvest time, there is no income. The girls in the family are the primary providers in this culture. Many of them, some as young as 15, are simply expected to go to Pattaya and make money to send back to their families. “Their mindset is to do whatever it takes to provide for their families,” Miller said. “Most of the girls are absolutely miserable. It is heartbreaking.”

HAD TO RETURN When Miller returned to the States, her plan was to become an elementary school teacher—and she did. But she could not get the women she had met and their situation out of her mind. She would pray for them, all the while knowing that she would go back to serve some day.

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“I thought about Thailand every single day,” she remembered. “I thought about the girls I could be helping and the hope that could be given through Jesus. I knew I was supposed to be back there!”

Her dream had been to start her teaching job, meet a man, fall in love, and after they were married, do mission work as husband and wife. That’s not how it worked out.

“I decided I wasn’t waiting on a husband or anything else,” Miller said.

“I had to be obedient to God’s calling on my life. I quit my teaching job and packed my bags!” Through the support of family, friends, and the membership of her church, Water’s Edge, Monica relocated to Thailand and started ministering daily.

PROUD FAMILY Monica’s immediate family is proud of her work. Her mother Janet says that she knew her youngest daughter would work in outreach from the time that Monica was a teen.

“God called her when she was young,” Janet said. “She could not resist that call any longer. David [Monica’s father] and I know she has already succeeded. It’s wonderful to hear how the girls come into her room and help prepare a meal and start to trust and open up to her.”

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Her mother admits that it’s hard knowing she is so far away, and she is missed. But they know the importance of her work.

Marlaena Miller Granich sees her sister on a mission to build relationships and change lives. Marlaena urges people to read Monica’s blog (comeawaywithme2012.blogspot.com) and send her emails to help sustain her and keep her positive in the light of what she is witnessing.

A SUCCESS STORY One of Miller’s fellow disciples is Pattavaradee Raha, 30, who goes by the name of Pu and is a former bar girl. Pu and Monica met during that July 2011 mission trip and stayed in touch once Monica was back in the States. They are now close friends and co-workers.

Pu was born in Leuy Province, Issan (Northeast Thailand). She went to public school in Gampangphet until the age of 12. When Pu was 14 years old, she was sent from the family home to Bangkok to work preparing food for a hospital. She married and had two children, but was eventually abandoned by her husband for another woman. With nowhere to turn, she became a bar girl to support her family. She would spend her days and nights on Beach Road, talking to men

and waiting for customers. She hated her life, but felt she had no other options.

A slice of pizza on the beach changed her outlook and gave her hope. An outreach group was serving pizza and informing sex industry girls about the free English lessons. While attending classes, Pu found out that the Tamar Center offered free housing, job training, counseling, and discipleship training. She was finally able to leave the bar and her sordid life behind.

Pu is now owner of her own crochet business called Narak Designs.

“Now, every morning when I wake up I spend some time with God and study the Bible,” she said. “I take my crochet with me and go visit friends who don’t know God yet, volunteer with a prison ministry, and with a children’s ministry.”

One of Pu’s primary roles is to disciple younger girls who have left the sex industry and help them find jobs.

When she returns to the bars, she’s now with Miller, and they invite girls over for the weekly dinner, which Miller has named “Kwan Rak Mai,” which means “New Love.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP When a girl agrees to leave the bar and go to dinner, Miller must pay a

bar fine. The amount is usually $10 to $20—the amount the girl would earn for the bar if a man were to buy her for the evening.

Pu and Miller share food and fellowship at these dinners and get to know the women. Miller’s hope is to eventually turn the dinners into a Bible study, similar to those she attended years ago.

Miller’s work in Pattaya is strictly voluntary. She is living in Thailand through support back home. She has normal living expenses and in addition, anytime she cooks and invites girls over, she buys the food and pays the bar fines.

What can people do to help? “First of all pray,” Miller said. “Prayer is just as important as financial support. Pray for Pattaya and its people. Pray that I will be able to continue to be used for lives to be changed and hearts to be healed.”

You can email questions and/or words of encouragement to Miller at miller.monica83@gmail.com.

Donations can be sent locally to Monica Miller at 2606 Timber Lane, Lake Charles, LA 70605.

Mail financial support to Pu at: Interdependent Missions, PO Box 51583, New Orleans, LA 70151-1583.

Put “Pu” in the memo line of a check.

TJN

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The

Boiling

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Please submit press releases to lauren@thejambalayanews.com

CITGO TEACHES STUDENTS ABOUT RECYCLING CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex connected with Partner in Education E. K. Key Elementary School to teach students the importance of recycling and caring for the environment at “Going Green Family Night,” held recently at the school. Students attending the program learned about the importance of recycling electronics and materials such as paper, plastic and glass. They also enjoyed a magic show and dinner, and took home recycling bags and sidewalk chalk courtesy of CITGO. To increase environmental awareness within SWLA, LCMC is also partnering with E.K. Key Elementary to host an Earth Day Poster Contest at the school, in congruence with Earth Day, April 22 – a day to recognize the importance of safeguarding our planet.

SWLA and benefit local children. An award banquet will be held on April 14 to recognize the top supporters and teams who participated in the event. For more information on mentoring opportunities, please call 478-KIDS (5437) or visit bbbs-swla.net.

From left to right: Amanda McElveen, Lynsay Fontenot, Angela Queenan, Kelly Hurt and Angela Stutes.

Jean Bolton, Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board; Keith W. Henson, L’Auberge VP/ GM; Michelle Johns, chairman-elect Empty Bowl; and Major David Craddock, commanding officer, Salvation Army Lake Charles.

L’AUBERGE CASINO RESORT DONATES TO SALVATION ARMY EMPTY BOWL L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles donated $21,370 as the presenting sponsor of the Salvation Army Empty Bowl event. Guests enjoyed an array of soups prepared by local restaurants and received a handcrafted bowl to commemorate the evening. All proceeds benefit the Salvation Army and its ongoing efforts to help those in need in SWLA BBBS THANKS COMMUNITY FOR BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE’S SUCCESS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana would like to thank Calcasieu Parish, the Lake Charles community and surrounding area communities for their support and generosity for the 28th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake: “The Big Easy, It is Easy to Be a Big.” BBBS of Southwest Louisiana was pleased to have Walmart as a major sponsor for this year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake in addition to the many other local businesses who continue to support BBBS annually with their sponsorship for Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The funds raised stay in Volume 4 • Issue 1

LC JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS ATTEND LUNCHEON AT GOVERNOR’S MANSION Members of The Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. attended a State Public Affairs luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge recently, hosted by The Junior League of Baton Rouge. House Speaker Pro Tem Walt Leger from District 91 spoke during the luncheon, providing an overview of the three major issues addressed in the education reform currently being discussed: early childhood system focused on kindergarten readiness, choice system, and Teacher/School Leader Standards. The State Public Affairs Committee is a statewide, non-partisan committee made up of representatives from each of the Junior Leagues in Louisiana who join together to take action on select state and national public issues.

DYNAMIC DIMENSIONS LAUNCHES GROUP CORE The hottest training method to hit fitness is functional, athletic core training.

The core, defined as the area from your shoulders to your hips, is a key to looking and feeling great. “Core training is such an important component of fitness and wellness. We are extremely excited to add Group Core to our current list of group fitness offerings,” says Suzy Trahan, wellness director at Dynamic Dimensions. Group Core trains participants like athletes in 30 action-packed minutes. Expert coaching and motivating music guides them through functional and integrated exercises. Dynamic Dimensions of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has been serving the area for approximately 15 years and has locations in both Moss Bluff and Sulphur. For more information, call a membership coordinator today in Sulphur at (337) 527-5459 or in Moss Bluff at (337) 855-7708.

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LEBOEUF JOINS FIRST FEDERAL BANK OF LOUISIANA Aaron LeBoeuf has joined First Federal Bank of Louisiana as VP and private banker, bringing 11 years of financial service experience in SWLA. He is located at the Main Office of First Federal Bank of Louisiana at 1135 Lakeshore Dr. in Lake Charles.

LeBoeuf will be responsible for developing new business by contacting prospects and clients. He will also examine, evaluate and authorize approval of loan applications for private banking clients. A graduate of McNeese State University, LeBoeuf is a member and past board member of the Young Men’s Business Club of Lake Charles. He is a current member of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club, where he received the designation of 2006 New Member of the Year and the 2006 Aaron LeBoeuf Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Country Club Rd., one block west of Nelson. The hours of operation are Mon. – Fri. from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sat. - Sun. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DELTA DOWNS DONATES TO UNITED WAY OF SWLA Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel announced that it has made a contribution of more than $75,000 to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana. Delta Downs and its parent company, Boyd Gaming, have a longstanding relationship with the United Way. Boyd Gaming founder Sam Boyd began working with the United Way in the 1950s, and the company has played a leading role in supporting the organization in each of the communities where it does business.

KMI representatives Natalie Clark, graphics coordinator, and Chuck Ehlers, president and CEO, with Mary Richardson, director of the McNeese Banners Series. McNeese Photo

KMI, INC., DONATES TO BANNERS The McNeese State University Banners Cultural Series is annually supported by donations from area corporate sponsors. Knight Media Printing, Inc. has donated $6,000 for the 2012 Banners Series.

UNITED WAY WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS United Way of Southwest Louisiana welcomes new members to their board of directors. They include Bryan Bateman, CEO of Women & Children’s Hospital; Boyd Boudreaux, president/CEO of Jeff Davis Bank; Ben Bourgeois, business development director with Turner Industries Group, Tim Dusseau, unit sales manager of Pepsi Beverages Company; Robert Gelinas, plant manager of BioLab Inc.; Rob McCorquodale, attorney for Calcasieu Parish Sheriff ’s Office; Roxanna Mize, branch manager of First National Bank; Nora Popillion, promotions/entertainment manager with Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel and Patricia Prebula; president of Prebula Public Relations, LLC.

From left to right: Alicia Benitez-Booker, Jenniffer Hudson Connors, Sarah Boehme, Terri Fox, Amelia Wiggins, Elena Ivanova and Allison Evans.

STARK MUSEUM OF ART RECOGNIZED BY SE TEXAS ARTS COUNCIL The Stark Museum of Art, located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas, was named the Outstanding Arts and Humanities Organization for 2011 by the Southeast Texas Arts Council. The award recognizes the many years the museum has worked to inspire and enrich the lives of those who have visited. In the awards presentation, the Council cited the museum’s outstanding collection and noted that the it has been renovated with new stateof-the-art lighting. For more information, call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org.

JEFF DAVIS BANK PROMOTES SHARON MELE Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Co. has promoted Sharon Mele as manager of its Kirby Street location, the bank’s largest and busiest branch in Lake Charles. Mele has 23 years of lending experience. She previously served the last 10 years as vice president and office manager of Jeff Davis Bank’s Sulphur branch. A member of the West Calcasieu Association of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Sulphur, Mele is a notary public and active in the Louisiana Bankers Association.

Sitting left to right: Blake Landry, Jennifer Miller, Raijon Picquet, Noelie Puckett. Standing left to right: T.J. Oliver, Kerry Onxley, Kameron Authement, Kathryn Reeser, Karla Authement, Alex Spears. Not pictured: Macyn Douget.

Sharon Mele

LC URGENT CARE RECEIVES CERTIFIED DESIGNATION Lake Charles Urgent Care, located in Lake Charles, has received the Certified Urgent Care designation, which distinguishes it as a true urgent care center. The clinic provides patients with walk-in, extended-hour medical attention with licensed providers for a large scope of medical conditions and has met all of the Urgent Care Association of America’s established criteria.

Urgent care fills the gap between primary care and hospital emergency rooms, offering increased convenience and cost savings. The center is located at 1905 PAGE 8

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WESTLAKE HIGH THEATRE WINS ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL The Westlake High School Theatre Department under the direction of Kerry A. Onxley, participated in the McNeese State University Play Festival and won an award for Best One Act Play. Westlake competed at the festival with their one act comedy, Grimm’s. Additionally, senior Kathryn Reeser was awarded a theatre scholarship to McNeese and won the Most Promising Actress award. Grimm’s will be performed for the public at the Westlake High Theatre on April 26 at 7 p.m.

CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION RECEIVES DIAMOND AWARD CSE Federal Credit Union in Lake Charles was recently honored with a Volume 4 • Issue 1

Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council, a national network comprised of nearly 1,000 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 33 categories. Award winners were recognized at the council’s 19th annual conference held March 7-10 in New Orleans. For more information about CSE Federal Credit Union, please visit www.csefcu.org.

SWLA SECURES STATE SWIM MEET FOR SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR At a recent executive board meeting held in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association voted to keep the State High School Swim Meet in Sulphur for 2012 and 2013. Southwest Louisiana won the bid by a vote of 19-1, beating out the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena. Last year, an attendance record was set at Sulphur Parks and Recreation Aquatic Center with 7,372 people. Organizers are expecting an attendance of over 7,500 people for the next two consecutive years. Events will be held Nov. 14-17, 2012 and November 20-23, 2013 at the Sulphur Parks and Recreation Aquatic Center.

For more information, contact the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or (800) 456-SWLA.

From left to right: Michelle Parker, McDonald’s field service manager; Cheryl Regan, McDonald’s human resources director; Gerard Mack, director of operations of McDonald’s of SWLA; Doug Gehrig, owner and operator of McDonald’s of SWLA; and Dayna Lytle, McDonald’s regional training leader.

GERARD MACK WINS TOP MCDONALD’S AWARD Gerard Mack, director of operations for McDonald’s of SWLA, was awarded the U.S. Operations Contributor Award by McDonald’s—one of the highest honors McDonald’s bestows on its people. Mack was one of only 13 recipients nationwide, and was the only award winner from the Great Southern Region of the U.S. McDonald’s bestows the U.S. Operations Contributor Award for excellence in achieving business results, demonstrating strong leadership and championing employee development. The 11 McDonald’s restaurants in Calcasieu Parish are owned and operated by Doug Gehrig, with partial ownership by Gerard Mack of several of the restaurants.

TJN

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Dang Yankee The

By Mike McHugh

Vegging Out

Spring has arrived here in Southwest Louisiana. And we all know what that means. That’s right; the cease-fire is over. Once again, we are officially in a state of war.

It’s time again to unlock my shed and unleash the arsenal therein.

Chemicals are my weapons of choice.

I have a stockpile in there that would make Saddam Hussein jealous. And I’m not afraid to use it. The wellbeing of a full half acre of St. Augustine grass is at stake, and I am its sole protector.

Of course, we had weeds up in Yankee Land, but they are wimpy

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weeds with wimpy names like lambsquarters and chickweed. Those weeds are easy to kill; just threaten them with a rake and they curl up and die.

Not so Louisiana weeds. There’s one type that I refer to as “Bubba weed.” It thrives in my drainage ditch.

There it grows so tall and thick that to cut it, you need to outfit your trimmer with the same strength cable that is used to moor aircraft carriers.

Unfortunately, Bubba weed does not respect boundaries, and so, left unchecked, its hordes will rise up out of the ditch and make a blitzkrieg across the lawn proper. The poor,

defenseless St. Augustine grass does not stand a chance.

During my time in Louisiana, I consider myself lucky that a lawn has been the only flora entrusted to my care. But those days are gone, thanks to my wife. That’s because last weekend, she decided to attend a garden show. I don’t know what they do at these garden shows. I thought you just go there, look at a bunch of pretty flowers and maybe a cucumber or something, marvel at their beauty for a few hours, and then go home and be done with it.

But, no, that can’t be all. I knew from the gleam in her eye—that one I have learned to mean trouble—when she walked in the door. She started bubbling about Jet Star and Pink Girl tomatoes. And she rattled off terms like pH and phosphates as if she’d just been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. By golly, she was going to plant her own vegetable garden!

What that really meant, of course, was that she wanted me to plant a vegetable garden.

I’ve never been to a garden show, but they’re certainly not like football games. I have never come home from a football game with a burning desire

to grab a ball and run straight at a burly linebacker whose chief aim is to plant me in the ground.

But this year, it is my destiny to plant a vegetable garden. I have no more choice in this matter than someone who’s just been made an offer by Vito Corleone. I shuddered at the thought. Knowing from my experience how the native pests take to something so seemingly plain as grass, I could just imagine what they would do at the sight of some tomato plants. It would be akin to setting a big plate of farm-raised catfish on front of a bunch of good ole boys who’d eaten nothing but Tuna Helper for the past six months. I could practically see the aphids drooling at the proboscis when my wife set a flat of seedling tomato plants in the windowsill.

I have developed a habit over the years of finding opportunity in adverse conditions, and this case was no different. I told her that, of course, if she wanted to grow vegetables, I would have to go out and buy some expensive new yard equipment. And so there was no protest when I unloaded a brand new tiller from the back of my pickup.

I assembled it with ease; the hardest part was finding the English portion of the instructions. Suddenly, I was as excited as she was at getting started on the project. My enthusiasm, however, gave way to disillusionment after just a few minutes. That was how long it took for the machine to bog down in so much mud that I could not even see the tines.

“Maybe you’d have more luck if we dig the bed on the other side of the yard,” my wife said.

“You mean over there, where all the crawfish holes are?” I asked.

“Maybe I’ll dig up those rubber boots I lost walking around back there.”

“It’s worth a try,” she said.

“No, I think that for now, your tomato plants are safer on the windowsill,” I said. “Even that Bubba grass couldn’t take root in this mudhole. Let’s wait a while for the soil to dry out.”

“How long will that take?” she asked.

I couldn’t really answer her for sure, but I’m thinking maybe sometime in August. And I’m hoping by then, her enthusiasm, too, will have waned.

As long as there are no more garden shows before then. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 1

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to reason and to interact with others. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. with an estimated 1.5 million Americans affected. Currently, 1 in 88 babies will be born with autism… with the likelihood of boys being diagnosed four times more than girls.

Autism typically appears by age three and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries.

The Autism Support Alliance (ASA), a program of Family & Youth Counseling Agency, promotes access and opportunities for persons with autism and their families to be fully included as participating members of their communities. As such, the ASA empowers the family in negotiating the systems of health care, social service and education resources. Many families in Southwest Louisiana benefit from the education and support, family guidance, social skills groups, case management, and the training that ASA offers.

Social Skills Groups, offered by the Family & Youth’s Autism Support Alliance, addresses one aspect of the Autism Spectrum Disorder: difficulty socializing. Grouped by age and gender, the groups offer children and young adults affected by autism a learning environment to develop and practice social skills, which will improve their awareness of social cues, and their appropriate interaction and communication with others.

“Group members discuss and practice different social situations and appropriate responses and actions,” said Shantele Guidry, senior coordinator for Family and Youth’s Autism Volume 4 • Issue 1

Support Alliance. “They encourage each other and celebrate their victories together.”

“Social Skills groups do work,” Guidry said. “When individuals with autism are taught appropriate strategies to replace or improve upon existing ones, the effect can be very encouraging, boosting an individual’s self confidence considerably.”

Family & Youth’s Autism Support Alliance regularly hosts six social groups: Young Adult, High School, Middle School, Elementary, Sibling, and Girls’ Group.

Parents, caregivers and teachers have all noted positive changes in group participants. One parent reported that since her 6-year-old son joined the group, his teachers are noticing improvement in his social skills. Another caregiver reports, “I see him trying to solve his problems by himself. He is less depressed and has learned to take things better.”

The mother of a 16-year-old said, “I can’t say enough positives about this group. The improvement in my son has not only been seen by me, but by others. My son is more willing to socialize in groups, especially with adults. His speech is less robotic and he is learning when and where things are appropriate. He truly seems to enjoy the group.”

Skills we take for granted, such as budgeting, studying effectively, or even passing a driving exam can be tremendous challenges for young adults living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

After two failed attempts at college, and a constant struggle with social anxiety, one young adult group member gave up his dream of being a

chemist and decided to enter the workforce. Unable to hold a job due to a lack of interest, this young man was linked with Family & Youth’s Autism Support Alliance. He is now enrolled full-time at McNeese State University and majoring in his special interest— chemistry. This young man recently commented that he has “ruined the curve” for his class by passing all of his tests with extremely high A’s. He is much happier now because he is successfully doing something he fully enjoys.

These types of accomplishments toward independent living are huge triumphs for the individuals affected by autism and their families. Joining in celebrating these triumphs, Nicholas Hunter, chef and owner of Harlequin Steaks & Seafood, is hosting “Piecing It Together,” an event benefitting the programs and services of Family & Youth’s Autism Support Alliance. The event will take place on Sun., April 22, at 5:30 p.m., and will include a wine tasting by The Wine Store, a silent auction, live entertainment, and more importantly, testimonials from individuals and family members who celebrate every day victories from the challenges brought about by autism. Tickets are $150 per couple and are now available at www.fyca.org.

For more information about the “Piecing It Together” event, and the services offered through Family & Youth’s Autism Support Alliance, call (337) 436-9533, or visit www.fyca.org.

Top left: Group volunteering at Abraham’s Tent.

Top right: Group doing a team building activity.

TJN APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 11

By George “Tip” Cline

GOODBYE TO CAMP WI-TA-WENTIN The Lake Charles area is losing an old friend. Camp Wi-Ta-Wentin has closed its gates, and the Camp Fire Chapter is about to become history after struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita and suffering through the lean economic times of the last few years.

The much-beloved old site evokes deep and fond memories to many of our community members who spent so much rewarding time there.

Wi-Ta-Wentin was not an elaborate facility. The cabins were screen enclosed, some without inside lavatory fixtures, and everyone shared a common bathhouse. The dining hall was air conditioned and quite spacious, featuring restaurant kitchen equipment, a walk-in cooler and an ice machine. The approximately 75 acres were on the river, with a pier for kayaking, its own swimming pool, and a bath house. The camp was used

by Camp Fire for its summer camper programs and other events, and was rented out to various groups when camp was not in session.

Camp Fire in Lake Charles dates back to 1915, five years after the original Camp Fire organization began. I for one am sorry for the loss of our old friend, and hope that it may again flourish by the grace of a guiding hand.

PRAISE FOR LIVE @ THE LAKEFRONT! The City’s latest Friday evening outdoor music program, “Live @ the Lakefront” has been a huge success.

This latest free concert series was sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana to expand the art and cultural experience in our area.

The ice cold beer, wine and Coke sold as an Arts Council money raiser PAGE 12

APRIL 5, 2012

provided welcome refreshment in this warmer than usual weather we’ve experienced lately. Millennium Park gave the little ones some healthy exercise and entertainment while parents were waiting for the music to begin. I am certain there will be additional demands in the future for this most pleasant venue. The Arcade Amphitheater is perfect for the community to gather at the end of the work week on the grassy hillside, surrounded by food vendors, artists and craftsmen while listening to great live music. It’s just sitting there waiting for our use! Hats off to the creators of this endeavor and let’s have some more!

EMPTY HOMES The Charpentier District has been a focal point in the ongoing history of Lake Charles. Much heralded and appreciated for its unique style and flair, many homeowners in the district have worked tirelessly to preserve their houses and keep the character there for future generations to enjoy. It’s not only part of the culture of the area, but also a point of pride in the community, a place where you take your out-of-town family and friends when you’re driving around, pointing out some of the architectural features of the different homes.

Many of the homes are occupied, and much pride is taken in keeping them up. Unfortunately, some of these once-beautiful older homes are empty, sadly neglected and in need of serious repair. We know some people who lovingly restored an old home that had been condemned. Sad to say, there are seven empty houses on their block that belong to one person—who refuses to sell them or even rent them out. Absentee owners that don’t live in the area and don’t feel the need to keep up appearances are not helping our community, Out of sight, out of mind is the operative phrase, much to the detriment of this historical district.

Volume 4 • Issue 1

HOSPITAL NIGHTMARE Cutbacks have had negative effects in many different areas of our lives. Lean economic times force new evaluations of priorities, some reductions have limited consequences and some have real detrimental changes in our reality.

One area of concern is in health care. I have noted reduced staffing in pharmacies, and we have all heard scary stories regarding hospital stays.

We know someone who had major surgery recently at a local hospital.

Her stay was nothing less than terri-

Volume 4 • Issue 1

ble. Dirty rooms, medicine mix-ups, bad attitudes from the nursing staff, and just plain neglect left her seething with anger when she was finally released—and I don’t blame her.

Patients in hospital situations can be most vulnerable, as they really are at the mercy of others and cannot do for themselves. The thought of a loved one having to fend all alone in an facility with reduced staffing and overburdened personnel, weary from excessive hours, is quite unpleasant to contemplate.

You are more than fortunate if you

have family or a friend to attend to you in this type of situation, as you may need their help more than you know.

SUPERMARKET ROUNDUP The shopping comparison for this issue is for the date of Wed., March 28. The prices noted here reflect the posted price where the product was placed for sale on the shelf. The stores are Albertsons, Country Club Road; Market Basket, Lake Street; Kroger, McNeese Street and Walmart, Nelson Road.

Welch’s Grape Jelly, 32-ounce jar:

Albertsons $2.39; Market Basket $2.75; Kroger $2.14; Walmart $1.98.

Cantaloupe, per each: Albertsons $1.99; Market Basket $.99; Kroger $1.88; Walmart $1.94.

Community Coffee, Instant Dark Roast, 7-ounce jar: Albertsons $5.99; Market Basket $6.19; Kroger $6.29; Walmart $5.78.

Daisy Sour Cream, 1-pound container: Albertsons $2.29; Market Basket $2.19; Kroger $2.18; Walmart $1.98. TJN

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 13

Meet Charlie Brown!

Charlie Brown is a 1-year-old, adorably sweet Chihuahua with an easygoing personality. He is well socialized and gets along with everyone, both human and animal. He is approximately 13 lbs. and has a super soft coat. He is a great little boy waiting for his Forever Family. Call his foster mom, Karen, at (337) 533-8212 or email her at careinlc@gmail.com An adoption application can be found online at www.4PawsSocietyInc.com under the “Forms” tab and faxed to (337) 558-6331 or emailed to fourpawssociety@aol.com. A vet reference and home visit are part of the adoption process to ensure a good match for both the dog and the adopter. If you live outside the Calcasieu Parish area, a “virtual” home visit can be done by emailing photos of your home to us. Hurry, Charlie Brown is waiting!

Upcoming Event! Don’t miss the Easter Egg Hunt on Sat., April 7 presented by the Lake Charles Pitt Bull Rescue and 4 Paws Society.

The event will be held at Four Paws on the Bayou, 465 Hardy Rd. in Sulphur from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

There will be hundreds of prizefilled eggs, games and fun for the kids, along with face painting and a bake sale. Take a photo with the Easter Bunny, and a enjoy a picnic lunch. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Admission is $6 per child.

See you there! TJN PAGE 14

APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

Photo by Buccaneer Johnny Owens The Buccaneers of Lake Charles are honored to present Jean Lafitte 2012, Eddie Langley.

Langley has been a member of the Buccaneers since 2000, and has served on the board of directors as chairman of publicity, landing and raids. In addition, he has been president-elect; president; past president; and this year, is treasurer of the organization.

The new Jean Lafitte is active in many other organizations as well. He is a charter member of Krewe de la Maison de Calcasieu, where he serves as president. He is also an executive charter member and executive advisor of Krewe des Pirates.

Langley has been the commodore of the Calcasieu Boat Club for the past two years, and is serving his second year as the local president of the United Transportation Union local 1947.

He is a member of Pelican Coast Parrothead

Club, McNeese Cowboy Club, McNeese Petrochem Club, and Krewe de Noblesse.

Born and raised in Dequincy, Langley graduated from Dequincy High School and has been employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for 33 years. When not blocking the crossing between Sulphur and Lake Charles, he can be found giving presentations for Operation Lifesaver to anyone that will listen on highwaygrade crossing safety.

Langley currently resides in Westlake and has four children: Heather and Hunter, who live in Westlake, and Miranda and Ashley, who live in Nevada, along with his granddaughter, Kadence. His hobbies include hanging out at his deer camp and riding 4-wheelers.

Langley says it is a great honor to be chosen as the 48th Jean Lafitte and he will represent this festival and organization with pride. TJN

Medical Laser Therapy, LLC, announces its Light Therapy Program to relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

• No dangerous drugs • No invasive procedures • Local Physicians in our service area diagnose and supervise the therapy • Economical payment plans available

Volume 4 • Issue 1

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 15

Do you have Millennial employees at your business? If not, you could be missing out. Millennial employees (born between 1982 and 2000, give or take a few years) bring many benefits to your business.

They’re energetic and enthusiastic, are fluent in technology and have lower salary expectations than more experienced workers.

How can you attract Millennial employees to your workplace and integrate them into your team?

Try these 10 tips from the Louisiana Small Business Development Center: 1. Understand their expectations. Know what Millennial employees hope to gain from working for you.

Chances are, Millennials will make that clear during the job interview, but if they don’t, ask them.

2. Challenge them. Millennials want to make a difference in their jobs from the get-go. Encourage that enthusiasm by assigning them challenging projects from the start, and adding more responsibility as they learn 3. Define tasks and goals. It may seem contradictory, but while Millennials enjoy independence, they also grew up with “helicopter parents,” teachers and coaches micromanaging their lives. Be crystal clear when assigning tasks. Set incremental deadlines and check in regularly to review progress.

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

4. Provide ongoing feedback.

An annual performance review isn’t enough for Millennials, who want to hear how they’re doing—both good and bad—on an ongoing basis. This may be a more hands-on approach than you’re used to with older employees, but it’s essential for Millennials to thrive.

5. Offer flexibility. Millennials expect work-life balance, and view

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APRIL 5, 2012

working remotely and flexible hours as essentials, not extras.

Bonus: Offering these options not only attracts and retains Millennials, but pleases older employees, too.

6. Provide continuing education. Millennials want to improve at their jobs. Sign them up for webinars or seminars in their areas of interest; send them to conferences and events to learn from more experienced peers; or simply provide on-the-job training and education.

7. Match them with a mentor.

Millennials welcome mentorships, and pairing a Millennial employee with an older, more experienced worker benefits both of them. It also cements bonds, which can help eliminate generational misunderstandings at work.

8. Tailor benefits and rewards to their interests. Millennials may be less interested in benefits like dental insurance and more interested in perks like continuing education.

In a 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers survey, the majority of Millennials said they would like to customize their benefits.

9. Let them BYOD. (That means, “bring your own device.”)

Tech-savvy Millennials often prefer to use their own laptops, cell phones or tablets for work instead of a company-issued device. This can save you money; just make sure devices are secure and sensitive information isn’t compromised.

10. Use their social skills. In the 2011 Cisco Connected World Technology Report, 56 percent of Millennials said they wouldn’t work for a company that banned social media in the workplace--or they’d sneak around the policy. Instead of shutting down Facebook or Twitter on the job, enlist Millennials’ social media expertise to enhance your company’s online presence. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 1

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to grow a business. The small business world is not for the faint of heart. The recipe for success typically requires a team of support that extends far beyond the entrepreneur and includes investors, partners, customers, and, of course, financial professionals.

“If you’re an entrepreneur looking to establish a relationship with a financial institution, don’t underestimate the importance of finding the appropriate institution for your needs.

Even though all banks are made of bricks are mortar, the internal foundations aren’t identical across the board,” explained Mike Harmison, president and CEO with Lakeside Bank.

If you have a small community business, you will probably want to find a bank that markets to entrepreneurs such as yourself. Find an institution that is proud to serve as lenders to small and mid-sized local businesses.

It’s also important to get referrals.

“When doing virtually any kind of business, getting referrals from people you trust is a good idea,” Harmison said. “Ask other small business owners about their banking experiences.

Just because someone else owns a small business doesn’t necessarily mean that they want the same things from their banker, but talking to them will certainly help you figure out if their banker has what you’re looking for.

Harmison said that accountants, attorneys, trade associations and vendors can also serve as good referral resources, in addition to your business peers.

Volume 4 • Issue 1

“Don’t be afraid to shop around to various financial institutions to find a good fit,” he added. “You’re the one with the growing business, so your interests should take precedence.”

So, what makes a good banker for a budding business? Someone you are comfortable talking to, and someone you can trust. In the lending business, honesty is key, according to Harmison.

“And, that is true on both sides of the relationship,” he continued. “You and the bank are partners. You are both keenly interested in the success of the business. You will have to commit to being completely open with each other about the ups and downs of your company. You need a banker who makes it easy and comfortable for you to share information.”

He pointed out that it’s beneficial to have a representative who believes in your business and truly wants you to succeed. “When you have someone who is giving you objective, honest support, it can make all the difference in the world,” he said. “It also helps develop a relationship of trust.”

And, after you choose a bank, be sure to get to know other people around the lending institution, in addition to your primary financial professional.

“You want to make sure you’re not only comfortable with your representative, but also the bank in general,” said Harmison. “You may want to use them for other financial needs.”

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by their members. The first credit unions were formed in the early 1900s by small groups of working-class citizens who wanted to pool their money and lend it to one another.

Credit unions offer the same products and services as banks such as savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, mobile banking, online banking and much more usually at more competitive rates. These products generate dividends that are returned to the membership.

Credit unions are known for the following: • Offering low-interest loans to people of low or modest income so they can purchase a home or vehicle;

• Introducing adults without a financial institution or who are frustrated with their current institution to checking and savings options that will fit their needs and goals; • Educating children and teens to make them financially aware and able to manage their money effectively; • Assisting individuals and families with credit repair; and • Providing basic financial resources to the underserved.

Since most credit unions are locally owned and operated, they are very active in their communities.

Contact Christy Moore at Southwest Louisiana Credit Union at (337) 4779190 and find out that “membership is easier than you think!” TJN

For more information on business loans, call Lakeside at (337) 474-3766.

TJN

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 17

By Cherie Gaston-Montie, LUTCF; Registered Investment Advisor; Financial Planner The intent of the financial consulting process is to help you focus on your financial status in order to create a visionary reality. Whether you want a complete financial plan or would just like to purchase known needed products or services, a good consultant will advise you of your choices and give you the help you need, says Cherie Gaston Montie of Gaston Financial Consulting in Lake Charles.

The main objective is to increase your spendable income, minimize the impact of taxes, and increase your net worth. The consultant reviews your investment profile, determines your risk tolerance and protects and helps you prepare for your future— as well as the future of those who mean the most to you.

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APRIL 5, 2012

Before the first meeting, you need to think about exactly what your advisor will need, and gather information so that your meeting will be efficient and productive. This information will enable him/her to focus on your priorities and custom fit a plan that will work for you to help achieve your goals.

Questions to think about: 1. What are your main goals?

What’s important to you? What are you trying to accomplish? What have you already established towards your goals and what are you currently doing to ensure that you reach your goals?

2. How much money comes in each month, and how much goes out each month? In other words, what is your cash flow? How much are you

able and willing to put towards reaching your goals on a monthly basis?

3. What coverage(s) do you currently have in place – life, health, disability, savings, investments, etc.?

What are your premiums, death benefit amounts and cash values in your policies? Who are your beneficiaries?

Who will take care of your children?

How are you going to pay your bills if you can’t work?

4. At what age are you realistically planning to retire? Looking at your social security statement, what is the projected amount for retirement at age 62? 67? 70?

5. What do you currently have saved for retirement (401K, pension,

savings)? What percentages are you contributing?

6. Visualize your retirement.

Where do you plan to live? Going to sell what you have? Buying something smaller and newer? Thinking about moving away—maybe out of state?

How will you pay for your care if you become ill?

Come to your meeting armed with as many answers as possible— and you’re off to a great start!

Gaston Financial Consulting 3416 Creole Street, Lake Charles, LA (337) 477-5504 Easy to get to – by appointment only!

TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 1

By Lauren de Albuquerque

What better way to celebrate the local businesses of the Lake Area than on the third anniversary of The Jambalaya News?

Yes, this issue starts Volume Four!

It seems like just yesterday we started The Jam on our dining room table on March 9, 2009—and one day short of a month later, we had the first issue out on the stands. I still can’t believe how much has happened in these past three years. What an experience!

It is NOT easy owning a business, as anyone will tell you. A lot of blood, sweat and tears go into it, and you can never relax, can you? There’s always something….

At the same time, it appears that most business owners wouldn’t have it any other way. Once you own a business, it gets in your blood. You call the shots. It’s your baby. And there’s nothing more satisfying than watching your business grow!

The Jam decided to talk to some local businesspeople to find out what made them go out on that limb—and why they’re still there!

The husband and wife team of Oran and Michelle Parker own Parker Brand Creative Services, and are a perfect example of combining the talents of two people and turning it into a business. “Michelle and I both come from families of small business owners,” Parker said. “In fact, I owned and operated a small sign company in North Louisiana before moving back to the Lake Area to reinvent my advertising career.”

The couple spent many years in the Southwest Louisiana advertising scene working for other advertising agencies and production companies before making the leap to start their own company.

“It was all valuable time invested,” Parker explained. “Combining our

experiences and talents helped us develop ideas on how to run an effective creative agency in this market.”

The Parkers love their business.

“We get to do what we love to do with only our imagination as the limit,” he said. “We’re able to entertain any idea as a possibility.”

The only disadvantages are the occasional odd hours. “But sometimes, that works to our benefit,” Parker said. “In our industry, the deadline is king; there is always that looming about. Still, using rabid project management techniques helps us to keep the clock in check. Deadlines can make stress amp up in our industry. You either thrive in it, or you get left behind!”

Frank Guidry purchased Gayle’s

Henderson Implement & Marine is a family affair. And the company is a prime example of one that has experienced both growth and diversification.

In 1967, Charles Henderson, Sr. purchased Taylor Implement, an International Harvester Equipment dealership in Welsh. The company’s name was changed to Henderson Implement, and it eventually grew to three locations in Lake Charles, Welsh, and Abbeville.

In 1976, Henderson’s son Chuck returned to the family business after earning a bachelor’s degree from LSU. “In 1995, I became owner and CEO of Henderson Implement,” Chuck said. But he didn’t stop there.

“In 1999, we diversified the company and established TK Pizza as a distributor for Hunt Brother’s Pizza,” he said. TK Pizza now serves over 500 retail Hunt Brothers Pizza locations from Laredo, Texas to New Orleans, with Chuck serving

ABBEVILLE

(337) 893-1451

Dixette Williams, Slender Solutions

on the executive management team of Hunt Brothers Pizza Corporation, which is located in Nashville.

There was still more to come. “In 2007, we changed its name to Henderson Implement & Marine when we became a Tracker Marine Dealer at all three of our locations,” Chuck said. “We now offer a full line of Tracker Marine products and Mercury Outboard Motors and service.” In 2011, they became a Polaris dealer as well.

Henderson Implement & Marine offers a variety of product lines including Kubota & Kioti Tractors, Hustler Zero Turn mowers, Class Hay Equipment and Woods & Modern Agriculture Equipment.

Today, this company continues to grow—with the whole family involved! Chuck and his wife Karen’s two children are an integral part of the business.

“Our daughter Kelly Hurt is Henderson Implement’s recruiter,” he said “And our son Tyler is a Pizza Territory Consultant. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife Kelly. And last but definitely not least, our son-in-law, Lance Hurt, is VP of TK Pizza!”

WELSH

LAKE CHARLES (337) 436-4366

(337) 734-2166

www.hendersonimplement.com Volume 4 • Issue 1

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 19

Nan Smythe & Barbara DuBose Located in beautiful downtown Lake Charles, The Perfect Fit offers a new concept in shopping. With 40 years of experience, owner Barbara DuBose, along with her sales manager Nan Smythe, provide an inviting atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy personal attention.

Designers are brought in to help you choose your styles and colors for any special occasion or seasonal wardrobe need. To ensure the “perfect fit,” custom measurements are taken, with personal attention to detail. Luxurious fabrics create glamour and sophisticated fashion.

Our ladies look their best at every occasion, from work, lunch, board meetings to cocktail parties, a black tie event or that very spe-

cial wedding. To accent your attire, choose from a variety of fashion handbags and don’t miss the jewelry from designer Charlie Wharton, whose Starfire line is simply amazing.

Barbara believes that no matter what your size or budget, you deserve to look great and feel great about what you wear. She has expanded to service the working gal and for those ladies with casual lifestyles with the addition of Lafayette 148 and Weill of Paris.

All vendors can be viewed on at www.perfectfitlc.com.

Experienced seamstress Edith Lee, will make the perfect alterations, and the friendly voice of Kathy Carter, business administrator, will assist you with any questions you may have. Come by or call (337) 433-5855 for your appointment. Visit us on Facebook, too!

312 Pujo St. • Lake Charles • (337) 433-5855

Blazin Truck Parts & Accessories, LLC is a locally owned and managed business by the team of Sabrina McCoy, owner, and Scott McCoy, manager. Scott has almost 30 years of experience in the heavy duty truck parts industry.

“Our main focus is heavy duty truck and trailer parts and chrome and stainless accessories,” Sabrina says. “We also carry parts for boat, utility, and cargo trailers. Blazin Truck Parts carries Grand Rock exhaust, Baldwin and Caterpiller filters, Omega airconditioner parts, United Pacific

chrome accessories, and Road Works stainless accessories—just to name a few!

Blazin Truck Parts is celebrating its third year in business. “We are so thankful for all of the support of our customers, family, and friends,” Sabrina says. “Being a locally owned business, we are dedicated to supporting the community and providing quality products as well as exceptional service. We believe in going the “EXTRA MILE” to help our customers!”

Come by and see “The REAL Heavy Duty Truck Parts Specialist,” conveniently located at Exit 36 off of I-10—with lots of big rig parking available!

5925 Wright Rd. • Lake Charles • (337) 310-PART (7278) PAGE 20

APRIL 5, 2012

Hardware in 2001—but the business was established in 1902!

“My wife and I wanted something to keep us busy after retirement,” Guidry said. “We wanted something to leave to our daughter and grandson, and the thought of keeping an old piece of Lake Charles alive also played into the decision to buy Gayle’s Hardware.”

Guidry feels that taking over the business wasn’t any more difficult than the other things he’d done in his life. “Having worked with oil and gas, lumber and vehicles, I had a good understanding of inventory and cost management,” he said.

Of course, there were things he needed to learn about the business, but it’s all gone smoothly. “Our daughter has stepped up and learned the business very well,” Guidry said. “She’s taken over purchasing and generally manages the stores operations with little input from me.”

He knows that people grew up shopping at Gayle’s. “It brings back good memories when they come in,” he said. “And, with the one-onone service we offer, it’s a great way to break away from the ‘big box’ experience we’re surrounded with more and more these days.”

Dixette Williams opened Slender Solutions in 1999 “because I had gained 30 pounds and felt terrible!” she said. “It worked for me, so I decided to try it out.” Slender Solutions is the licensed provider of the exclusive Victoria Morton’s Suddenly Slender, The Body Wrap.

Williams said that once she started advertising, her company started moving fast. “I had to move to a larger building after my first year [which is unheard of], which definitely resulted in more clientele from all over the parish,” she said.

Williams loves the fact that her services are geared towards good health, and encourages a better self image for both women and men .

“Their confidence level rose after each session/treatment,” she said. “It was a pleasure watching each client grow!”

She said that the transformation in her clients is definitely the most rewarding aspect of her business.

“The only negative is the long hours,” she said. “But, I would definitely do this all over again—with a few changes.”

Harlow’s Lawn Mower Sales had been in business since 1950 when John and Cindy Palma took it over in November of 2004. “John had been a mechanic all of his life,

and with his family’s help, we were able to afford this venture,” Palma said.

She admitted it was quite difficult starting out. “We had no previous experience in running a business,” she said. “There’s a lot more to it than repairing lawn mowers.”

But there have been so many positives. “We so appreciate our customers and our Harlow family,” Palma said. “Without the dedication from our employees, we would not be as successful as we are today.” A family-oriented business, they have outside fun with their Harlow family and try to provide a relaxed and fun atmosphere inside the store. “All our customers love our dog, Harlow,” she said. “She’s been coming to work for seven years now!”

Palma said that in retrospect, she’d think harder about the responsibilities of business ownership.

Trying to run a business in today’s uncertain climate isn’t easy. “Small businesses do make this country grow and succeed,” she said. “We need to keep these values and freedoms alive!”

Businessman Willie King first started out in business in 1979 with a transmission service—and never stopped!

“Since then, I’ve continued to build and start new ventures almost every year with new investments,” he said. “My funeral home was far down the line of small business ventures. It was started in 1994, and it has grown consistently with our efforts.”

King said it’s a very rewarding business—and you have to give your best at all times. “You must be nice and helpful to people who are hurting inside because of the loss of a loved one,” he said. “You also get to meet the entire community at one service or another. This is a people business.”

At the same time, he admits the funeral business is difficult to start and maintain. “You need people to trust you with their loved ones,” he said. “Then, it becomes a tradition within families to continue using our services.”

King said he would do it all over again if he had to. “But, I would do it much better because of the life lessons it has taught me,” he pointed out. And, he knows that when you own a business, it’s 24/7. “Honestly, you are really never off, even if you say you are off,” he said. “The brain never quits thinking of new ways to love your dreams and make them come true.”

Volume 4 • Issue 1

Wade and Staci Boudoin of Australian Super Tans, LLC, opened their business in 1993. “At the time, there was only one other small salon in town, so we knew there was a need for it,” Staci Boudoin said. “We wanted to offer our community a larger salon with the highest quality tanning equipment. Our goal was also to run a very professional, super-clean facility with the best in customer service.”

She recalls that getting started was extremely difficult. “When we tried to get a business loan, the banker thought we were crazy,” she said. “Our industry was still very new and many people did not know much about it.”

But they persevered. “We have been blessed, as our business has grown over the past 19 years,” Boudoin said. “Many salons have opened and closed during this time. With hard work, dedication and a lot of prayers, we have remained a strong, reputable business in this area.”

She said that being willing to commit themselves mentally, physically and financially for several years was a big part of their success. “We started out small and saved and reinvested in our business every year,” Boudoin said. “Australian Super Tans now has three locations in Lake Charles and Sulphur!”

Another couple that started a brand new business from scratch is Scott and Sabrina McCoy, who opened Blazin Truck Parts & Accessories, LLC in March 2009. Sabrina is the owner and Scott is the manager.

“Since Scott had almost 30 years of experience in the heavy-duty truck parts industry, we wanted

L-R: Chad, Alan & Brett.

Not pictured: Seth & Bill Are you thinking of going mobile?

Mobile applications on your smart phone aren’t just for big corporations anymore. Vandrio Inc. is bringing smart phone applications to your business now for less than what it probably costs to do your website.

The company started with the goal of bringing “always on, always connected” technology to Southwest Louisiana.

“We have yet to run across a business that couldn’t utilize a mobile application,” said Chad Steinhauser, owner.

“We are excited by the ways our clients are using their new applications to help create a stronger customer experience through push notifications and with content at their fingertips.”

Vandrio Inc. takes great pride in helping their customers understand the mobile market, including showing them

to bring something new and fresh to the industry in this area,” Sabrina McCoy said.

“With the economy the way it is, starting a new business can sometimes be a challenge, but with the help of wonderful customers, friends, and family, we have had a very blessed three years,” she said. “We are very proud to say that we are the largest chrome shop in Southwest Louisiana.”

“It has been a wonderful learning experience.”

McCoy said. “There is nothing more rewarding than being able to wake up every morning and do something that you love. We are very blessed to be able to have that!”

Kenny Fuselier & Co. has been serving the flooring needs of the Lake Area since 1987. Kenny and his wife Lucy still are amazed at the success of the first year.

“We hit the floor running and did $1 million our first year—without a warehouse or a forklift!”

Kenny Fusilier said. From there, the company continued to grow. “Our complaint ratio is next to nothing,” he said proudly. “That’s because we only use the best qualified installers.”

Their staff is certainly the secret to their success. “Making our customers happy is the most important thing,” Fusilier said. “My father Pete has close to 40 years experience in the business; our salespeople Mike Blevins, Bud Granger and Alan Walker are knowledgeable and courteous; and Lucy goes out of her way to help everyone she can.”

They also pride themselves on having the most modern, up-to-date showroom in the area.

Would he do it again? “Yes, we would!” TJN

the percentage of searches being done for their company using a traditional PC compared to a smart phone.

“There are instances where the number of searches on a smart phone has exceeded traditional searches,” said Steinhauser. “Areas such as real estate, tanning, and hair salons have shown this trend. It’s all part of our consultative approach to integrating mobile marketing into a business’ current marketing plan.”

It’s exciting for clients to see the application in their hands before ever signing a contract. “We take a portion of their existing web content or any other information, and provide a demonstration app so they can get a feel for what their customers will have,” Steinhauser explained.

Satisfied Vandrio customers include Life Church of Sulphur, Pat’s of Henderson, Cowboys Club, City Limits and Louviere’s Fine Jewelry.

If you would like to see what a mobile application can do for your business, give Vandrio Inc. a call at (337) 2151344 or check out www.vandrio.com.

www.vandrio.com • (337) 215-1344 Volume 4 • Issue 1

Kenny and Lucy Fuselier, Kenny Fuselier & Co.

Harlow the dog, Harlow Lawn Mower Sales

Founded in 1996, as an Occupational Medical Facility, Business Health Partners serves over 90% of all industry in Southwest Louisiana. The primary staff includes Dr. Bonnie and Dr. Jack Drumwright, MD, Business Manager David Drumwright, Clinical Manager Bryan Hollingsworth, Training Manager Stacy Byrd, Human Resource Manager Misty LeBlanc, and Grant and Training Coordinator Erin Davison; along with two nurse practicioners, administrative and medical technicians.

Business Health Partners offers full on-site and off-site medical services including physicals, DOT and USCG required screens, workmen’s compensation services, injury

treatment, Fit Testing, FAA Physicals, Audiograms, Vaccinations, Laboratory testing, Pulmonary Function Testing, Radiological services, and other occupational medical services.

“BHP offers a full range of occupational medical and training services. We are a one-stop-shop for all safety and medical needs for industry and non-industry companies. We customize to fit your specific company needs and offer corporate medical and safety packages.”

We now offer on-line safety training classes and First Responder Training. Our mobile-services unit fully serves your on-site needs in SWLA and SETX. We are a DATIA Accredited Collection Facility and we are an approved training provider for the Incumbent Worker Training Program/Grant Funds for your safety needs.

299 Cities Service, Ste B • Sulphur • 626-1011 • www.businesshealthpartners.com Twitter: bhpsafety • Facebook: Business Health Partners APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 21

Billy Navarre has added Cadillac and Equus to his Lake Charles location.

Finally, luxury car buyers will get low prices and local service and never have to drive hours for service again!

“With Cadillac and Equus, we have just about every kind of luxury car money can buy,” Navarre said. “Right now, Cadillac only sells four models, but will be adding 11 more in the next 24 months. Equus offers two new models, with three coming out in the next 20 months. So we will be adding to what we are already selling today in luxury lines, 14 additional luxury cars and SUVs.” Billy Navarre has just completed a new Chevy showroom at his Lake Charles location, and he is starting a completely new Chevy sales and service facility at 1620 S. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur. Then, there’s the new Hyundai and certified used car facility on the corner of College and Enterprise Blvd, right off the 210 Exit. He’s also adding a “Quick Service” on the property.

“We’ll be able to give our customers the best Factory Quick Service we’ve ever offered in 31 years,” Navarre said. “ We’ll be able to do six oil changes and six tire rotations every 15 minutes. Wow! If you can get one done in 30 minutes at a car dealership, it would almost be a miracle. Instead, we’ll do six every 15 minutes. Plus, we’ll include a car wash at no extra charge for our customers.

Navarre is excited about bringing this quick, low-price service to his customers and at such a convenient location. “We plan to have our quick service open in Lake Charles in the next 120 days, and our Sulphur store within the next 6-8 months,” he added.

Chevrolet Will Become a World Wide Brand Now that General Motors no longer builds Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, or Saab, they have promised the Chevrolet dealerships that Chevrolet will be a worldwide brand.

Seventy-two percent of all of GM’s revenues will be put into Chevrolet for research, development and new products, and Chevrolet products will be renewed every four to five years from now on. Billy Navarre has five franchises on 24 acres in Lake Charles.

“Right now, we have over 40 models with those franchises to sell,” he said.

“That’s 30 more models to choose from than what some smaller dealerships offer. With the addition of the 14 additional luxury cars coming with Equus and Cadillac, we should have over 50 PAGE 22

APRIL 5, 2012

models available within the next 20 months. These are real exciting times for us!”

General Motors cars finished number one in the world, a position it has occupied 17 out of the last 20 years.

Here are some of the reasons why: • The Chevrolet Cruze was the bestselling small car in America, outselling the hot Civic and the Toyota Corolla.

• The Eco Cruze has 10 airbags and gets 42 MPG, plus it comes with a 100,000-mile warranty, and is priced under $17,000.

• The Chevy Equinox just won JD Powers Best Small SUV in Quality for a three-year survey, beating the previous winner, the Honda CRV. • The all-new Malibu has arrived with an unbeatable 39 mpg on the highway and a ride as smooth as the Cadillac CTS. “This is the best riding mid-sized car I’ve ever driven, and that’s saying a lot since I sell the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata,” Navarre said. “I guarantee it, if you drive any mid-sized car out there, you will buy the Chevy Malibu. Unbelievable, quiet ride, fuel economy, plus the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.”

For fuel economy, Billy Navarre has what you’re looking for: the Chevy Volt at 94 mpg, the Chevy Sonic, 40 mpg, the Chevy Eco Cruze at 42 mpg and now the new Chevy Malibu at 39 mpg.

“We also have four models in Honda that get great fuel economy,” he said.

“The new Civic gets right at 40 mpg, and the new Honda CRV that just arrived, and is selling like hotcakes, gets 32 mpg on the highway.”

Navarre revealed that the Hyundai Santa Fe has a new model coming out.

“This is a seven-passenger that is absolutely gorgeous, and the allnew Azera, a car right under the Genesis, is the prettiest car that Hyundai has made yet,” he said.

“Hyundai is the fastest growing brand in America with America’s Best Warranty. A new Hyundai Genesis Coupe has come out this year, a new Veloster and a new Vera Cruz, and all are going to be hot sellers.”

And when it comes to a car for the summer, there is no finer car than the Chevy Camaro Convertible. It is practical and beautiful.

and also won the Citizen of the Year Award from the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce—making him the only person in SWLA history to win the Citizen of the Year Award on both sides of the river!

“I cherish these awards so much, especially since I was chosen among so many outstanding peers in the community who own businesses,” he said.

Navarre’s recognized commitment to his community is demonstrated through his generosity and involvement.

Navarre has also received the Marine Corps’ Citizen of the Year, Southwest Daily’s Man of the Year, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Businessman’s Club Citizen of the Year, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Angel Award; Louisiana Association of Education President’s Award; Literacy Hero Award; Rotary Distinguished Service Award; Four-time Friend of Education Award for Calcasieu Parish; Friend of Education Award for the entire state of Louisiana; Heart of Gold Award in SWLA; Lake Charles Jaycee Outstanding Young Man, Jaycee Outstanding Young Man; Delta Sigma Theta Outstanding Public Service Award; United Way Silver Award; Honda President’s Award; GM Mark of Excellence Award; BBB Torch Award for Highest Standard of Ethics, and the Family Foundation’s Outstanding Community Philanthropist Award.

“I am very proud of my five sons and my beautiful daughter,” Navarre said. “Four of my boys now work with me in our business.”

Jareth is the general sales manager of Chevrolet in Lake Charles, and Barrett is sales manager in the Honda

store while Ryan, Navarre’s oldest, is currently the general manager in the Sulphur location.

“It’s fantastic to have Ryan in the Sulphur store because he cares so much about our customers,” Navarre said. His fourth son, Grant, is a sophomore at McNeese and is now working in sales, after working part time in the service lane learning how to service customers.

Navarre said his youngest two, twins, Bryce and Kaitlyn, six, “are still a little young for us to know what they will do.

We’ll have to wait and see!”

“I want to thank all the people of Southwest Louisiana who have given us such tremendous support and allowed us to become their number one choice when it comes to buying and servicing their automobile needs,” Navarre said.

“God has truly blessed me with an outstanding company, six wonderful children, 300 outstanding employees, and I am so grateful for the wonderful community in which we live. I am truly thankful for all of you and every chance I get I will try to prove my appreciation to my employees, my customers, and especially my community by helping in every way possible.”

Navarre said it’s his goal to be here another 31 years. “We know the only way that’s going to happen is if you, our customers, allow us to be here. The only way that will happen is to continually improve and get better at serving you and that’s our 100 percent commitment.”

Billy Navarre and sons Ryan, Barrett, Jareth and Grant Navarre.

Philanthropist and Family Man Navarre was honored with the Chamber SWLA Citizen of the Year in 2008 and in 1990, Volume 4 • Issue 1

2619 Ryan St. Lake Charles (337) 436-7812 E-Mail: mdmsed@aol.com

Medearis Costumes, Gifts and Balloons is celebrating 29 years in business, giving thanks to God and the wonderful people of Louisiana, Texas and beyond.

Medearis Costumes offers period and pre-made bagged costumes for men and women, along with children’s costumes, make up and accessories. Themed costume characters such as the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and Pirates are popular for children’s parties and special occasions, and Singing Telegrams and the Stripping Gorilla have entertained folks here for many years!

Balloon decorating for weddings, prom and special events helped the

business during the changing economic times. When times were rough, Edwina kept her business afloat, thanks to her career as a registered nurse at a local hospital.

“I am just grateful for all of my customers who have allowed me to grow here in Lake Charles with my four children, Edwin, Christopher, Jeanette and Rogerella,” Edwina said. “I look forward to many more good years to come and want to be an example to other young men and women who want to go into business—to take that leap of faith to improve the quality of life for themselves and the Lake Charles community.”

Tasha Evans-Dubus, owner of Salon Evans, has gone to great lengths to learn about “beauty.”

Tasha, a master stylist/colorist and founder of Salon Evans in Lake Charles, said a good cut is the basis of good hair. She said beautiful hair has movement and shine, and begs to be touched.

“The shape of your face and the texture of your hair determine what hairstyles will look good on you,” she said.

Haircutting is not a matter of simple geometry – your haircut has to fit your lifestyle.

Tasha and her team of stylists keep current on all of the red carpet looks. She said it’s vital in her industry to do so.

One of the most innovative technologies in the beauty industry is Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, and it’s available at Salon Evans. It straightens curly hair – damage free.

Tasha said Salon Evans was the first salon in Lake Charles to offer the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatment. “It’s chemicalfree, lasts three to five months and starts at $300.”

Splurge on professional makeup lessons at Salon Evans. The make-up artists there will teach you advanced tricks like highlighting and contouring or help you create some evening looks. Tasha and her staff love doing make-up and hair for brides.

Call (337) 477-6868 to schedule your appointment today. New clients get 20% off a haircut with any color service booked with one of our new stylists.

109 W. Lagrange St. • Lake Charles • (337) 477-6868

2623 Ryan St. • Lake Charles (337) 436-5080 • E-mail: tux.plus@aol.com Tux Plus and Formal Dresses

by Medearis is striving to become your first and final destination for your party and formal wear needs.

Specializing in exceptional customer service, Tux Plus and Formal Dresses offer prom, wedding, pageant, Mardi Gras, bridal and party dresses for ladies, and tuxedos for men and boys. In addition, you can find jewelry, shoes, garters and— coming soon—foundation wear!

Men can choose from Jean Yves, Pierre Cardin, Andrew Fezza, Joseph Abboud, Ralph Lauren and John Galante, to name a few. “We also have camo tuxedos for the sportsmen of Louisiana!” Edwina said. “And all vests, cummerbunds and ties come in the latest colors so they can match all the prom and formal dress colors.”

Edwina and her staff just celebrated their second successful year as a formal and party wear boutique, and are excited to be adding pageant dresses for little girls.

Volume 4 • Issue 1

“We offer one-of-a-kind dresses in a boutique-type atmosphere,” Edwina said. “We don’t want you to see the same dress on several other ladies at the same function!” A tailor and seamstresses provide alterations and dressmaking for the discriminating lady so that her dream dress is perfect!

Tux Plus and Formal Dresses is looking forward to another successful Prom and Wedding season help us to live up to our motto: “Let Us Dress You Up!”

Slender Solutions is a licensed provider of The Body Wrap by Victoria Morton, who started Suddenly Slender in Florida 32 years ago.

Dixette Williams opened the Lake Charles Slender Solutions 14 years ago.

A paralegal for 26 years, she was frustrated with her weight. “I had tried all the usual weight loss stuff, but nothing worked for me,” she said.

Desperate, she went on the Internet, and found a Suddenly Slender franchise in Lafayette. She went, and the inches came off. In six months, she had quit her job, and opened Slender Solutions in Lake Charles. “People were skeptical at first,” Dixette said. “But when clients started seeing results, the concept caught on.”

The rest is history, as they say.

After starting her business in a small rented building where there was room for only one wrap at a time, she was able to buy the spacious building on McNeese Street where her business is now. With three wrap techs on duty, three wraps can be done at the same time. Male clients are always wrapped separately; and couples that wrap together generally get their own time.

We offer the detoxifying Flat Tummy Mineral Wrap with a guarantee to look 10-30 inches slimmer. The process takes about one hour and you will feel clean, fresh, light and slimmer. In addition, there are a host of products in stock to enhance the results of the wraps.

Other services offered at Slender Solutions include airbrush tanning, facial waxing, face taping and skin-conditioning masks. You’ll love glo minerals skinnurturing, talc-free make-up and skin care with UV protection and antioxidant benefits. Ask us about our makeovers!

Call 562-9400 and start taking those inches off! www.slendersolutionsoflakecharles.com

1602 W. McNeese • Lake Charles • (337) 562-9400 APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 23

Teci Culpepper opened TeCi's Ladies Apparel in Sept of 2006, with a dream of serving the Lake Area ladies with their fashion needs.

“Six years later, I’m still serving the ladies!” Teci says. “We meet new customers every day, and we have many faithful customers who have been shopping with us for years.”

Teci is always looking for new and exciting styles so our ladies can be confident that they will look and feel their best and keep up with the latest style and fashions.

“Some of our favorite lines are Eileen Fisher, Nic & Zoe, Barbra Lesser, Neon Buddah, Nueva, and Cartise.”

“We have a huge selection of dresses

from Maggy London, Donna Morgan, Kay Unger, and David Meister,” she says. “Some of our newest lines are Sympli the Best and Planet. We are also happy to carry a mother of the bride line, Ursula of Switzerland.”

Teci has lots of special events planned. “On April 9, the Newcomers Club is having a fashion show at the Pioneers Club,” she says. “On April 13, The Ladies of the Club are having their Hats and Handbag Fashion Show and Market at the Country Club featuring TeCi’s. This is going to be an exciting and busy spring season!”

Stop by and see what we have available for your special events. We are located across from the Mall on Ernest St. We are open 10:00 to 5:30 Mon-Fri, Sat 10-4. Check out our new website at www.tecisladiesapparel.com and like us on Facebook to keep up to date on all our events!

3125 Ernest St. • Lake Charles • (337) 436-5944 www.tecisladiesapparel.com

The Dalton family (l-r): Bob, Linda, Faith, Andrew, John, hospitality manager Pearl Syas: Grace, Hope, general manager Lawrence Greathouse; and Michael.

The Chick-fil-A restaurant located in Prien Lake Mall reflects the spirit of its corporate founder, Truett Cathy, who built this national, quick service restaurant chain based on biblical principles.

The local owner, Bob Dalton, and his family and staff have operated this location for the past nine and a half years. Their purpose, like all Chick-fil-A restaurants, is to glorify God by being faithful stewards of all that is entrusted to them.

They have been a positive influence in the community, building long term relationships with customers, schools, churches and businesses. “Southwest Louisiana is a great place to live and work, and we are humbled to be part of this great

www.chick-fil-a.com/prienlakemall

Prien Lake Mall • Lake Charles • (337) 475-0107

Australian Super Tans has the most to offer its customers! Staci and Wade Boudoin own the longest standing and the most upscale tanning salon in the Lake Area.

“We are the only salon with multiple locations to serve you in Lake Charles and Sulphur,” says Staci. “Two are open seven days a week. You can buy time at one store and tan at all three!”

The company has been in business for 19 years, and has been voted the NUMBER ONE tanning salon in SWLA every year since 2000!

And they’ve been chosen as one of the Top 250 tanning salons in the United States twice!

It’s no wonder. “We carry the highest quality equipment in the industry,” says Staci. “No other equipment performs like our Ergoline equipment. We feature 38 of the most powerful WOLFF beds in the industry, offering many different levels of beds and stand-ups for you to choose from. Our beds have the highest bulb wattage, guaranteeing the darkest tan possible. All bulbs are new and are at their strongest at all times.”

Two Mystic Tan Booths offer UV-free tanning if you don’t want to use the beds.

Staci says they pride themselves on superclean salons, excellent customer service, the highest quality equipment and a knowledgeable staff.

4435 Nelson Road 477-5014 Country Club Plaza

community,” Bob says. “It truly is our pleasure to serve you!”

Join Chick-fil-A at Prien Lake Mall in serving the community by donating 3-5 cans or non-perishable food items to support the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry. In exchange for your donation, you will receive one free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich or one free eight-pack of Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets.

Donations will be accepted through April 14, 2012. Thank you for making a difference in our community!

Chick-fil-A at Prien Lake Mall is located in the Food Court and is open Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

In addition, they offer catering for pick-up or delivery.

“Look for our certificates as proof that we are a professional salon,” she says. “At Australian Super Tans, all employees are ‘Smart Tan’ certified and thoroughly trained on lotion and tanning products.”

The staff will help customize a special program that fits your budget and your schedule.

Because they offer a large variety of tanning packages, you can purchase one visit, or come weekly, monthly or yearly. Pay in full, or use their payment plan options.

Don’t miss the retail area, where you will find: • Elan clothing • AST clothing • Flip flops • Luggage and purses • Fleur de lis items • Wood Wick candles, reed diffusers and oils • Kids back packs, lunch bags, and more.

Look for monthly specials and student discounts.

No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are welcome!

3113 Ryan Street 491-0925 Pzazz Shopping Center

190 N. Cities Service Hwy. 626-0925 Sulphur

www.ASTtanning.com PAGE 24

APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

Member SIPC

Vickie Wicks, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, started in the financial services industry in 1991 as an investment representative for a local bank. She opened her Edward Jones Branch in June of 1995. In 1998 she became a limited partner with Edward Jones and in 2001 the Regional Leader for SWLA and SE Texas financial advisors.

Growth has transformed Edward Jones from a regional firm of only 304 offices in 1980 to a national and global presence. Currently her region has 56 financial advisors, and plans are to continue growing their financial advisors as the population grows in these areas.

In 2006 Vickie was named General Partner. She is currently on

the cabinet for the SWLA United Way, serving as Chairman 20072008. She is a member of the BBB. She has been a Rotarian for 17 years with the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club and served as its president in 2001.

Vickie is a McNeese graduate with a BA in liberal arts and holds the AAMS designation. “This is my passion, serving others,” states Vickie.

Edward Jones provides quality, longterm investment opportunities that include a broad mix of municipal, government and corporate bonds; mutual funds; common stocks and tax advantaged securities.

If you are a careful and considering kind of investor who prefers a long-term relationship with his or her financial services firm, Vickie Wicks at Edward Jones is there to help with your investments.

Vickie V. Wicks, Financial Advisor vickie.wicks@edwardjones.com

609 W. Prien Lake Rd. • Lake Charles • (337) 477-2356

Volume 4 • Issue 1

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 25

By Angie Kay Dilmore

Are you an adventurous eater? Do duck delicacies, squirrel stew, bear (meat) balls, and mini buffalo burgers appeal to your palate? If you’re curious or simply want to have a great time, attend the Lake Charles Symphony’s annual Wild Beast Feast on May 5. The symphony board of directors will host the 11th annual event at the Historic Cash and Carry Building, at the corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Broad St., from 3-10 p.m.

The Lake Charles Symphony organization knows how to put the fun into fundraising.

“Wild Beast Feast is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Ashly Fruge, symphony director. “It’s so much fun. It’s my favorite event of the whole year.”

Approximately 30 chef teams come together and create some crazy culinary concoctions.

The teams include volunteers from area businesses and banks, local restaurants and caterers, or anyone who wants to donate and prepare food for the event. Most of the food is cooked on-site, since a big part of the excitement is to watch the cooks in action. Just as much fun is the camaraderie and competition among the chef teams! First, second, and third place prizes are given for both the judges’ favorite and the peoples’ choice award.

Last year, taste buds were tantalized by an array of unique offerings. A chef team called Deaux Daddies made a popular barbecued shrimp pizza and the Crookshank Brothers created award-winning venison tacos. Ceviche, fried alligator, and symphony Maestro Bohuslav Rattay’s Czech Republic version of

Evan Comeaux, Ashly Fruge and Matt Byrley.

PAGE 26

APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

chicken and dumplings were other Feast favorites. The planners do not know ahead of time what each chef team will create.

“It’s a surprise, which makes it even more exciting,” said symphony board of directors president Lisa Schram.

“There has never been duplicates and the food is amazing. These people come up with some great ideas.”

For the price of admission, it’s all you can eat. Sample as many different food items as you want. There’s a lot to choose from, but save room for dessert! Some of the best bakeries in town will donate delectable pastries, cakes, and cookies. Beer, wine and cold drinks will be available for purchase. After you’ve had your fill, choose your favorite chef team and put a dollar or two in the basket at their station, as dollars equal votes. The team with the most money at the end of the night wins the Peoples’ Choice award. All proceeds benefit the symphony.

fundraiser.” Accordingly, the majority of chef teams are comprised primarily of men.

Jack Miller has been part of a chef crew for the past five years and plans to participate again this year. “I do a lot of small bird hunting. I’ll cook some sort of duck or goose this year,” he said, In the past, he’s made dishes with snipe, a game bird that migrates from Nova Scotia to Louisiana. But this was a bad year for snipe hunting. By participating in the Beast Feast, Miller enjoys spending time with the other chefs.

“Sometimes, I might not see those people but once a year. And with the unique variety of food, it’s always an exceptional event,” he added.

This will be Evan Comeaux’s third year to join a chef team. In the past, he’s offered patrons duck breast wrapped in bacon and wild hog pulled pork. This year he’ll prepare something with either duck or deer. He, too, savors time spent with the community and other outdoorsmen. They recount hunting stories and share recipes. “It’s an all-around good time,” he said.

WHY A WILD BEAST FEAST? “We have this Wild Beast Feast because people around here love to cook and eat!”

Fruge said. Board member Donna Richard said past board president Frank Pruitt came up with the idea for a Wild Beast Feast in 2001. “He figured that a lot of people had good food in their freezers from the hunting season and thought this would be a good way to involve the men in a

FUN FOR ALL AGES Children are welcome at the Wild Beast Feast. The event planners have added a Kids’ Corner, where children can make crafts and their own chef hat and enter a coloring contest. Children will find plenty to interest them in the auction and at the boutique, also “I really love involving children,” said Fruge, a mom of two young daughters. “Since I became director, I’ve tried to find ways to get kids more involved with the arts.”

2012 concert and visited with attendees and musicians both before and after. “He even took time to work with Ashly [Fruge] on the program for the February concert and to call her on the following Monday to congratulate her on a job well done,” she said. “This was just the kind of man that he was; always thoughtful, kind, and generous.”

This accomplished musician graduated from the Julliard School of Music in New York City. He played clarinet with the Houston and New Orleans Symphonies, the New York City Opera and Metropolitan Opera orchestras in New York. In 1958, he joined the Lake Charles Civic Symphony, as it was known then. He conducted the Rapides Symphony from 1968-2002,

returning to Lake Charles to conduct the symphony from 1978-2008.

In addition, he taught music at McNeese for 17 years. Throughout his 87 years, this beloved maestro and music mentor positively impacted the lives of thousands: family and friends; students; musicians; those attending symphony concerts. The March 17, 2012 production of The Sleeping Beauty, a collaborative effort between the Lake Charles Civic Ballet and the Lake Charles Symphony, was dedicated to Mr. Kushner, as will be the symphony’s April 14 concert. The October opening concert of each new season will be designated the William Kushner Memorial Concert.

Rest in peace, dear friend. TJN

On March 11, the Lake Charles Symphony and surrounding arts community lost a dear friend and champion. A native of Lake Charles, William (Bill) Kushner conducted the Lake Charles Symphony for 40 years.

“Mr. Kushner was a truly incredibly talented man who loved the Lake Charles Symphony dearly,” said Symphony Board of Directors President Lisa Schram. “He was in attendance at nearly, if not all, of the concerts after his retirement and never failed to go backstage afterwards to congratulate Bohuslav [Rattay] and the musicians personally. This meant a great deal to all of us, but especially to our musicians.”

Schram said that even though he was frail, he came to the February Volume 4 • Issue 1

Continued on next page

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 27

The Lake Charles Symphony has entertained area music lovers since 1958. Conducted by Czech native Maestro Bohuslav Rattay, the organization will kick off its 55th season with the Summer Pops on July 14, 2012 with “I Hear a Symphony,” performing “Motown’s Greatest Hits.” The big event will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum. Except for Summer Pops and the Holiday Gala, all Lake Charles Symphony performances are held in the Civic Center’s Rosa Hart Theater.

Patrons may buy individual tickets or season subscriptions. For more information, go to www.lcsymphony.org.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT You’ll also be able to enjoy the cool smooth sounds of The Chris Shearman Experience. Shearman is a local musician and plays a wide variety of music that will appeal to everyone. He said his band is not your typical cover band.

“We are a three-piece band creating more sound than some fivepiece bands,” he said. “Our guitar player Paul Gonsoulin is already a legend in Lake Charles. Drummer Blake Thibodeaux toured for years with The Flamethrowers. The three of us have been playing music together for over 10 years.”

It’s hard to classify The Chris Shearman Experience into a genre.

“We’re a good mix of pop songs and some deeper funkier tracks, wrapped around contemporary hits of today,” he said. “We do Johnny Cash tunes— then we’ll do the Chili Peppers. We do Grand Funk, then the Violent Femmes. It’s hard to put us in a box.

We also sneak in some originals, but no one notices because they are as rockin’ as the covers.”

AUCTIONS Feast planners have organized both a live and silent auction, and a large assortment of items will be up for bids, donated by many area individuals and businesses. Pamper yourself with a mani/pedi and a massage from a local spa. Dine at a favorite restaurant. Reserve a table at the Summer Pops concert. How about dinner for 50 friends at a symphony board member’s house? There are also items with kid appeal, so the PAGE 28

APRIL 5, 2012

young ones can get in on the action, too.

THE BEAST BOUTIQUE Buy yourself a souvenir at the Beast Boutique. The symphony will sell coffee mugs, T-shirts, aprons, ball caps, tumblers and more, so you can sport your support!

NEW THIS YEAR The Beast Feast planning committee has made several changes this year, in hopes that the event will be more accessible and family friendly.

Co-chair Karen Drewett is excited about the new expanded hours. “Last year, the Wild Beast Feast ran from 5 – 8 p.m.,” she said. “This year, the event begins at 3 p.m. for everyone to come early and watch the chefs cook while listening to music.” Food sampling and the auctions will begin at 5 p.m.

TICKETS Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $10 and $15 at the door.

Kids under age 6 are admitted free of charge. Want to reserve a seat at the Feast? Buy a Gator Bite for $100 and reserve one seat. A Gator Chomper for $300 reserves three seats.

Get your wild game face on and come out and support the arts community and the Lake Charles Symphony. And bring a big appetite!

Purchase tickets in advance at Gordon’s Drugstore, the symphony website www.lcsymphony.org, or by calling the symphony office at (337) 433-1611. TJN Volume 4 • Issue 1

Customers who enjoy doing their banking face to face instead of dealing with a disembodied voice on the phone can head straight to First Federal Bank of Louisiana. You might say it’s the bank where everybody knows your name. Well, maybe not everybody, but if you want that type of friendly but professional banking relationship, this is where you can find it. Think of it as your community bank.

FFBLA has deep roots in Lake Charles, dating to July 20, 1949 when the institution was chartered as First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lake Charles. The founders were Sam M. Richard, president of Gulf National Bank of Lake Charles, and Sam H. Jones,

The Lacassane Company was established in 1929 when eight Lake Charles businessmen purchased a large tract of land from Jim Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner had been unable to meet payments on the land due to financial losses suffered during the Great Depression.

The original 21,000 acres, unknown numbers of cattle, work stock, farming machinery and implements were purchased for the sum of $380,000.

Volume 4 • Issue 1

former governor of Louisiana, along with several prominent business and community leaders. First Federal opened its doors on Nov. 1, 1949 in an office located on the second floor of the Gulf National Bank in downtown Lake Charles.

A need for more space prompted a move in 1953 to 322 Pujo Street, next to the Pioneer Building (now Lake Charles City Hall).

Recognized as one of the strongest banks in the country by BauerFinancial, Inc., First Federal plays a major role in the local economy by investing money in the communities it serves. This is the premise on which First Federal was founded and it is the same principle that guides the leadership of Charles V. Timpa, president and CEO, and the board of directors under the chairmanship of M.A. Pierson, III. First Federal Bank of Louisiana has 16 locations and various standalone ATMs across Louisiana including Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Moss Bluff, DeRidder, Oberlin, Oakdale, Natchitoches, Alexandria and Pineville.

The company’s organizational meeting was held on Dec. 27, 1929, with “messrs. W. P. Weber, H. G. Chalkley, C.O. Noble, Henry Pomeroy, George M. King and Frank Roberts representing M. J. Muller” present. Upon the organization of the company, 2,250 common shares of stock were issued.

The practice of tenant farming, still continued today in a revised form, was common in the early 1900s. Many of the Lacassane property farmers borrowed money from the company so that they could plant, maintain, and harvest their crops. The company was able to realize a profit from these farming operations; however the organizers soon began to investigate APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 29

other revenue sources including increasing the original cattle herd, establishing trapping and hunting leases, oil and gas leases, and (recently) the wetlands mitigation project.

In the March 1930 meeting, “upon motion of Frank Roberts, representing H. C. Hanszen, and seconded by H. G. Chalkley, the Secretary was instructed to communicate with the Department of Conservation relative to the inspection of properties with the thought of developing the rat industry.”

Evidently, this idea was not further pursued.

The Lacassine Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 when the company sold 13,000 acres south of the Illinois plant to the U.S. Government for $51,774. The company retained the mineral rights on the Refuge land, except for a provision included in the sale allowing the U. S. Government to recoup its purchase price by receiving revenue from the shell well located in the refuge. After the purchase price was recouped, these rights reverted

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APRIL 5, 2012

back to The Lacassane Company.

The Lacassine Wildlife Refuge is still in existence today and provides a protected habitat for wild ducks and geese.

This tract of unimproved farm and pastureland has evolved into a thriving operation involving tenant farming, annual land leases for waterfowl hunting and cattle grazing, alligator hide and egg harvesting, oil and gas exploration and wetland mitigation easements. An extensive pumping system involving a series of canals, laterals, the Bell City ditch, the Lacassine Bayou and the Mermentau River provide irrigation for the farming operations. Additional property was purchased in the Ragley area and is now being used for mitigation. TJN

Volume 4 • Issue 1

r m ende's Museu l l E an en

By D e Childr of th r o t c Dire

The Hunger Games (Lionsgate, 2012) If you don’t know what The Hunger Games is about, chances are you’re over 20 years old. This book series, now a movie, is near and dear to the hearts of ‘tweens and teens, pushed by Scholastic books. Parents need to know this and at least see the movie, because, hey, it’s a cultural, generational thing.

So what’s it all about? And is the movie any good?

The time is years in the future.

What was once the U.S. has revolted, with the revolution cruelly put down by the Capitol. Now the Capitol lives

Volume 4 • Issue 1

in luxury supplied by the rest of the country, which basically starves in slavery.

Most cruel of all, every year two kids from each district, ‘tweens and up, are selected as what amounts to a sacrifice, a reminder that the Capitol rules. Twenty-four young men and women fight each other to the death in a biome arena. One survives and gets perks for their district. It’s all a big televised game show for the Capitol. All 12 districts are forced to watch.

In this year’s Hunger Games, young Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her 12-year-old sister, who at first gets picked. They live in District 12, where coal mining takes place.

Also picked from District 12 is a boy Katniss’ age, a baker’s son. Their interaction and fight to survive is the heart of the movie.

Does that sound pretty horrible to you? Well, your children love it.

Mainly because the kids in the movie are the only ones with a hope of changing their world. How? Well, that’s what the series is all about.

As a movie, The Hunger Games has lots of challenges. A complex background has to be simplified and pretty much all of it centers around Katniss, who hunts game illegally outside of her district to keep her family alive. Fortunately, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, with her bow and arrow, carries the entire movie. Also, all the fans who have read the books. How do you make a movie about kids killing kids and pull off a PG-13 rating? Compromises. Most of the violence is filmed in shaky cam and passes as a blur with dramatic music.

Even so, young children have been walked out of the movie by their parents during the initial bloodbath scene.

I’m here to tell you it’s not that bad for mature ‘tweens on up. In fact a lot of the cruelty of the book seems watered down from an adult level.

But don’t let that fool you. Middle and high schoolers have taken this story to heart and consider it their

own. And it is a pretty good story, with most of the actual action taking place in a forest where the violence can be obscured by darkness and trees.

At 2 ½ hours, parts of the movie seem slow, and if you haven’t read the book, it might be confusing. That won’t stop your kids from begging you to go see it. Hey, it’s a social thing, you know?

If you happen to be a fan of the books, expect some changes. But mostly the story is the same, and the casting is spot on. Donald Sutherland as the President radiates loathing and evil. The people from District 12 reminded me of Depression era people. The Capitol crowd had a very cheesy feel to their strange dress and mannerisms.

In short, The Hunger Games is a must-see for parents and older kids.

Use extreme discretion for younger kids who don’t need to be thinking too much about death. Let them wait until they’re mature enough to get through the book on their own. May the odds be ever in your favor. TJN

APRIL 5, 2012

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ker n Shouma o d n a r B y B

Position Open: Saints Caretaker Remember when I asked who cared if the New Orleans Saints paid their players bounties to take opponents out of games?

Apparently Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League, cared.

A lot.

Goodell cared so much that he made an example of the Saints much like King Edward Longshanks made an example of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart; it was as metaphorically bloody and brutal as the movie’s torture scene physically depicted.

To wit: the NFL suspended former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the architect of the bounty program, indefinitely; suspended without pay general manager Mickey Loomis the first eight games of next year, suspended assistant coach Joe Vitt for the first six games of next season, fined the Saints $500,000, took away sec-

ond-round draft picks in 2012 and 2013, and, most importantly, suspended without pay head coach Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season.

To Saints fans, it about amounted to the part where the torturer has Mel Gibson’s character cut open and his entrails twisted and pulled out.

But does the punishment fit the crime? Well, no. Despite all of the sanctimonious moralizing in the local and national media about how the Saints “got what they deserved,” it is clear to practically everyone that Goodell is making an example out of the Who Dat Nation.

In other words, Goodell is saying, “You may call yourselves Scotsmen, but you’re still under English rule.”

But what’s done is done and the Saints need to find a caretaker head coach for the season.

Already Payton has reached out to NFL coaching legend Bill Parcells about the position. Parcells, though, is not likely to take the job. He is 71 years old and very near eligibility for Hall of Fame enshrinement. If he comes out of retirement, he would have to wait another five years for that honor.

In that case, what do the Saints

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Be informed. Be active.

Open to women and men of all political affiliations, the League of Women Voters is non-partisan, in that it does not support, rate, endorse or oppose candidates for public office.

The goal of the League of Women Voters is to inform and empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide.

JOIN UP AND JOIN IN!

For membership information go to www.lwv-lc.org or call our message line at 337-474-1864.

PAGE 32

APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

do? To whom do they turn for help?

That’s why I’m here. I’m here to help. I’ve come up with a list of potential replacement coaches who could come in and hold down the fort, so to speak.

• Dog the Bounty Hunter. Now, while Dog’s specialty is tracking down folks with bounties on their heads, it’s possible his skills are reversible. If someone offers a bounty, maybe Dog can sniff them out and take them down before the Saints get in anymore trouble. Also, how fun would it be to watch Dog try to put a headset

Volume 4 • Issue 1

on over that sweet, sweet haircut?

• Nancy Walker, the Bounty Paper Towels lady. This is, of course, not a serious option. Nancy Walker died 20 years ago, after all. But who has more experience with both bounty systems and cleaning up messes?

Her charmingly sassy, no-nonsense personality would also quickly make her a fan favorite.

• Les Miles. He takes Jordan Jefferson with the Saints first-round draft pick. He benches Drew Brees after one interception, on comes Jefferson and...DEAR GOD NO!!

Never mind. Do not hire Les Miles.

• Bobby Hebert. He’s a Saints legend and thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. Of course, he’s about as smart as Troy Landry sounds, so who knows what might happen with him on the sidelines.

• Jim Mora. Playoffs? PLAYOFFS?! Well, that is the goal after all.

What better way to give a good, old “screw you” to the tyrannical football overlords than to make the playoffs (or dare we to dream, win the Super Bowl) with a replacement head coach?

It would be a historic feat.

There’s still a long way to go, but at the end, Payton’s punishment will be over, things will return to normal, and Saints fans will at long last get to cry out: Freeeedoooom!

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). TJN

APRIL 5, 2012

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By Mary Louise Ruehr

A Virtual Tour of the Medieval World What was it like to live in the Middle Ages? The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer helps us find out. Mortimer takes us on a “virtual reality” tour of the past, introducing the reader to the sights, sounds, smells (most of them ghastly), tastes and styles of the time.

What did people eat? What did they wear? How would they travel, and where would they stay if they did?

Generally, the Middle Ages run from 476 to 1453, but Mortimer focuses on the 14th century because, he says, it “comes closest to the popular conception of what is ‘medieval,’ with

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its chivalry, jousts, etiquette, art, and architecture.” (“Medieval” refers to anything related to the Middle Ages.)

The 1300s also featured cathedral building, the last of the Crusades, and the Black Death (the plague that killed 30-40 percent of the population).

He lists the three sections of society, or “estates,” created by God — those who fight (the aristocracy), those who pray (clergy), and those who work the land (both free and bonded) — and goes on to describe how the system worked. He covers all manner of topics, such as hygiene (or the lack of it), crime and punishment

(“children as young as seven can be hanged for theft”), religion, magic, laws, education, what people believed was on the other side of the ocean (including mythical creatures), the class system, and how women were treated. It is fascinating!

The book features full-color illustrations and provides an added dimension for reading historical fiction set in the Middle Ages. So, let’s look at a couple examples.

In Lady of the English, author Elizabeth Chadwick brings to fictional life the very real Matilda, dowager empress of Germany and daughter of King Henry of England. (To put her in context, she would eventually become the mother of Henry II, who would marry Eleanor of Aquitaine.)

The book begins in the year 1125.

Matilda is a widow at age 23, and she knows her father will want to marry her off again. The king is anxious to have a male heir, but his latest young wife, Adeliza, has not yet had any children, and he’s planning to secure a fortuitous marriage for Matilda, counting on her to have male offspring.

Pregnancy is a royal woman’s reason for existence. Both Adeliza and Matilda understand this; it’s the central theme in their lives.

“My father always has a plan and a contingency plan and then a plan to back up the original and the contingency,” says Matilda. “I am but another playing piece on his board. We all are.”

The king names Matilda as his heir and has her betrothed to Geoffrey of Anjou, knowing her son will rule England, Anjou and Normandy. Her young husband tells her, “What matters is power. You may call yourself an empress and one day you may be a queen, but here, in this household, I am your lord and master, and I command your obedience.

If I order you to kneel at my feet, then you kneel.”

There is plenty of royal history here, with people constantly going off to battle. What interested me most were the lives of the women. “It is always about the power of men,” Matilda says to her friend. And when her father dies and his followers turn their backs on her, “She wished she could crush to dust these men who thought her a lesser being” because she was the king’s daughter and not his son. “She could not afford the softness of a woman. In a man’s world, she had to have the heart and stomach of a man.”

The Lady of the Rivers is the latest entry in Philippa Gregory’s wonderful Cousins’ War series of historical novels. In 1430 in France, 14-yearold Jacquetta’s life is changed when she meets the imprisoned Joan of Arc. Like Joan, Jacquetta sometimes hears voices. When she is forced to attend Joan’s execution, she thinks, “I am here to witness what happens to a woman who thinks she knows more Volume 4 • Issue 1

Duchess of Bedford; David Baldwin describes the life of Elizabeth Woodville (“The White Queen”); and Michael Jones discusses Margaret Beaufort, founder of the Tudor dynasty (“The Red Queen”).

Let’s be clear: The Cousins’ War novels are NOT romance novels, though each has at least one love story. Through historical fiction, Gregory presents valuable images of how women were treated and how they lived their lives and wielded whatever power they could grasp.

Gregory writes: “The lives of these, and other women, show me what a woman can do even without

formal power, education, or rights, in a world dominated by men. They are inspirational examples of the strength of the female spirit.”

Every woman should read Gregory’s powerful and enlightening introduction, which deals not only with the writing of history and historical fiction, but also with the historical treatment of women.

“Not only were women barred from acting on events, denied the recognition they deserved, and explained away; they were also barred from recording events. Women are not in the record, and they were not allowed to write the record. In this

dual sense, history has always been made by men.” Gregory simply and beautifully puts into perspective women’s actions and motivations within social, religious and historical context: they did what they had to do and what they could do with what they had. I think what she’s written here is important.

The book has beautiful color illustrations and detailed family trees.

These accounts provide some excellent reading.

Copyright © 2012 by Mary Louise Ruehr. TJN

than men.” And she knows she must keep her extrasensory gifts a secret.

She’s forced into a marriage with an older man who finds out about her “magical” gifts, and he appreciates them — maybe too much. But after his death, she marries for love and goes on to have a passel of babies, including Elizabeth Woodville (who would grow up to become “The White Queen”).

She’s a close friend of the king’s wife, and as the Wars of the Roses begin, she finds herself on one side and her husband on the other. It makes for an interesting relationship.

“We are at war, constantly at war, and none of us has ever lived in a country at peace,” Jacquetta says.

To understand the world of Jacquetta even more, pick up the biographical account The Women of the Cousins’ War: The Duchess, the Queen, and the King’s Mother in which three historical scholars discuss the lives of the women who are the subjects of the first three novels in Gregory’s Cousins’ War series: Gregory herself, who holds a doctorate in history, writes about Jacquetta,

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April Bunny Easter Egg Dyeing Equinox

Good Friday Holiday Jelly Beans Jesus Lilies

New Clothes Peeps Rejoice Resurrection Springtime

Help the Easter Bunny find his basket.

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Volume 4 • Issue 1

RUN WITH THE NUNS Approximately 350 motorcycle riders, volunteers and supporter of CHRISTUS St. Patrick’s gathered on the sand at the L’Auberge’s TouLouLou’s after the second annual Run with the Nuns motorcycle ride. This charity event benefits the wellness services at Christus St. Patrick Hospital. The Rice and Gravy Cook-Off brought out amateur and professionals who did their best to win the coveted iron-pot trophies. Phil and Lauren were judges, and they admitted it wasn’t easy. Talk about fun in the sun!

Julie Giordano, Gregory P. Thibodeaux, Belinda Hollingsworth and Steve Clark

Keith Jagneaux and Rick Atchison

Russ Conrad, Michael Lyons and Dana Damron

Whitney and Jamie Guillory

Erin Green with Bob, Lenore, and Bailey Carroll

Brandi Stephenson, Lauren Gilley and Erin McInnis

Phil de Albuquerque, Sissy Montet and Lauren de Albuquerque

EMPTY BOWL FUNDRAISER The Salvation Army’s annual fundraiser at L’Auberge Casino Resort brought out a crowd of supporters who enjoyed delicious specialty soups prepared by local restaurants. Tables were set with uniquely designed ceramic bowls made by talented area potters for each guest to bring home, and Cajun comedian Johnathan Perry had this crowd in stitches! A good time was had by all!

Irene Vandever with David and Stephanie Griffin Volume 4 • Issue 1

Betty Conner, Janice Gray and Lauren Conner APRIL 5, 2012

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Amy McFarland, Jessilyn Burge and Shondell Purvis

Senator Ronnie Johns and comedian Johnathan Perry

Della Rose and Cammie Shaddock

LCCB’S THE SLEEPING BEAUTY We were all transported to another world when the Lake Charles Civic Ballet presented The Sleeping Beauty at the Rosa Hart Theater.

Under the artistic direction of Lady Holly Hathaway Kaough, this enchanted storybook production was accompanied by the Lake Charles Symphony orchestra, directed by Bohuslav Rattay. The magical, sold-out performance received a standing ovation from the crowd. Bravo!

Heather Heacook and Pamela Buterbaugh

PAGE 38

Addison and Deanne Kay

Tami Chrisope with Bridget and Hope McDaniel

Kari and Caroline Hankins with Susan Coach

Pat Post with Kathy Colpitts

Joelle Whitehouse, Tina Thompson and Gialile Remar

Sophia and Isabella Tassin

Addica and Cameo Muth

APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

SWLA GARDEN FESTIVAL This beautiful sunny day put “Spring” into our steps as we made our way to the Burton Coliseum for the District Garden Clubs’ Flower Show! There was an amazing assortment of beautiful plants, bold, colorful flowers, and all types of gardening accessories available for sale. I saw many a red wagon filled to the brim with unique purchases. Master gardening experts from all over SWLA exhibited their creations and shared their expertise, and we all enjoyed mouth-watering food—especially the home-grown ripe strawberries! Spring is here! TJN Sophia Wohltman and Kelsy Geane Watton

Susan Stanford, Kay Nichols and Jackie Balfa

Volume 4 • Issue 1

Tim and Natalie Pruitt

Gentry and Wesley Crain

Laura Allen, Michele and Elise Taylor, Audrey Allen

APRIL 5, 2012

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THE CHOICE EASTER MUSICAL APRIL 6-7 Looking for an Easter musical? Featuring the high drama and pageantry of ancient Rome during the rule of Tiberius Caesar, The Choice musical is a story of the forbidden love between a young Jewish girl and a Roman soldier and the cultural difficulties surrounding following Christ.

Performances will be held Fri.-Sat., April 6-7, at 7 p.m. at Maplewood First Baptist Church, 4501 Maplewood Drive. The lead characters include the Roman soldier, Marcus played by Monty Jones; Angie Manning as Hannah, the Jewish girl; Mike Martinez as Octavius; Dr. Bryan Manning as Jesus; Dean Hanson as Pilate; and Reuben Broussard as Caiaphus. The performances are free.

For more information, call the church office at (337) 625-5899.

ENTERPRISE CLUB BINGO APRIL 11 The Enterprise Club of Lake Charles, one of the area’s oldest civic clubs, is preparing for their annual fundraiser, a bingo luncheon, to be held on April 11 at the Pioneer Club, One Lakeshore Drive, at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets include lunch and a bingo card, with the chance to win some great bingo prizes and door prizes. Tickets are $25 per person. Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward two McNeese State University nursing scholarships, and to help with community programs. For tickets, call 855-1291 or 479-0546.

LOUISIANA CROSSROADS APRIL 11 The Louisiana Crossroads series continues as the City of Lake Charles presents “Exploring Quebecois, Acadian and Cajun/Creole Connections” in Central School Theater, Wed., April 11 at 7 p.m. De Temps Antan will collaborate with Cedric Watson, the great young talent in Louisiana Creole music, Ana Laura Edmiston, whose stellar vocal work with Feufollet has won her great renown, and David Greely, formerly of the Mamou Playboys. Advance tickets are $10 on line at www.louisianacrossroads.org or at the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA on the second floor of Central School. Tickets at the door are $12. For more information, call (337) 491-9147.

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APRIL 5, 2012

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON APRIL 12 Join First Lady Supriya Jindal and fitness expert Jennifer Galardi at the Go Red for Women Luncheon with Chair Dana Keel of CITGO. It will be held Thurs., April 12, at L’Auberge Casino Resort. They are expecting almost 500 attendees and are actively seeking Southwest Louisiana sponsors and supporters of the AHA mission to end heart disease, especially in women. For more information, go to www.heart.org/swlagored.com or contact Janice Ackley, AHA Regional Director, at (337) 794-1404 or Janice.k.ackley@heart.org.

LOUISIANA RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL APRIL 12-14 An official SWLA Bicentennial Event, The Louisiana Railroad Days has been chosen as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society!

Festivities include a parade, look-a-like contest, 5K run, model train show, old timers reunion, Bows & Barks Doggie Pageant, the Railroad Idol Contest. Sponsored in part by Union Pacific Railroad, this year’s featured entertainer is Country Music star, Mark Chesnutt! Festival hours are April 12 from 5-11 p.m., April 13 from 3-11 p.m. and April 14 from 8:30 a.m. - midnight. For more information, call (337) 786-8241.

LAKE CHARLES CRAWFISH FEST APRIL 12-15 The Original DownTown Lake Charles Crawfish Fest will be held April 12-15 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Exhibition Hall with over 10,000 pounds of boiled crawfish and the best music, food and fun. Family Night on April 12 includes a praise and worship experience and free concert. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday with vendors and bands until midnight. A downtown street parade rolls Sat. morning, April 14, at 10 a.m. The Crawfish Festival Royalty and the mayor of Lake Charles will open the festivities at noon, with music and food available until midnight. On Sun., April 15, the carnival will be open on the Civic Center grounds until 8 p.m. Admission gate fee covers admission into the event only. Food, beverage, games, and rides are additional costs. Admission is $7 or $10 based on time of entry. Kids 12 and under are free.

SPRING ART WALK APRIL 13 The Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA will present a comprehensive experience of our downtown art scene as cafés, bars, restaurants, and buildings are transformed into art galleries from 5-9 p.m. Visitors can stroll through downtown and view unique artwork while listening to live music and enjoying light hors d’oeuvres. The Art Battle will return for another year and feature teams of artists who will compete to create a mural live in front of an audience - in only an hour! Art Walk participants not only get to experience the excitement of the live competition but also are able to help choose the winners. Call (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

Volume 4 • Issue 1

JOHN PIZZARELLI JAZZ QUARTET APRIL 13 Part of the McNeese Banners Series, don’t miss Jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, John Pizzarelli. He is internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads and the cool jazz flavor he bring to his performances and recordings. He is also among the prime contemporary interpreters of the great American songbook.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in F. G. Bulber Auditorium, McNeese State University. Call (337) 475-5123 or visit www.banners.org.

COUSHATTA FARMERS’ MARKET RETURNS APRIL 14 It’s time for another season of the Coushatta Farmers’ Market. On Sat., April 14, fresh produce, live music and family activities return to Koasati Plaza at the corner of Highway 190 and Pine Street, in the heart of Elton, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. The Coushatta Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Imperial Calcasieu Resource Conservation & Development Council and Lake Charles CocaCola. There will be live music from Donald Fontenot and the Prairie Cajuns, free giveaways, prizes and more. The vendor fee for the Coushatta Farmer’s Market is $10 and vendors must register with Desiree’ Duhon at 337-246-3199 or imperialcalcasieu@yahoo.com. All products must be produced or grown by the vendor and no commercial or imported products are allowed.

JOINING HANDS FOR AUTISM APRIL 14 The second annual 5k/1 mile walk/run to raise autism awareness in the community will be held April 14. Proceeds benefit the Autism Society SWLA Chapter, The Saint Nicholas Center for Early Intervention, and Autism Services of SWLA. On site registration is from 6:45-7:30 at ICCS on Ryan Street. The 5k will start at 7:30, with the one-mile to follow immediately after. Prizes will be awarded for the team that collects

the most donations and the team that has the most members. For more information or early registration, go to swautismchapter@yahoo.com or contact Audra Grindol at 436-5001.

CINDY HORNSBY BENEFIT APRIL 14 On Sat., April 14 at the Habibi Temple in Lake Charles, friends of area resident Cindy Hornsby will hold a fundraiser to help with medical expenses incurred by her lung cancer. Doors open at 5 p.m., followed by bingo from 6-7 p.m. ($5 each) and jambalaya served at 6:30 p.m. There will be a DJ from 7-9 p.m., a silent auction, and more! Tickets are $10 and includes a bowl of jambalaya; $5 for each additional bowl. Tickets can be purchased at Tab Finchum’s Edward Jones Office at 1906 Maplewood Drive in Sulphur (337) 6259167 or in Lake Charles at Scot O’pry’s Edward Jones Office, 201 West College Street, Suite B (337) 478-8006.

BOOGALOO IN REALITY APRIL 14 The Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s only annual fundraiser, Boogaloo, is celebrating Reality TV, that pop-culture guilty pleasure that we all occasionally indulge in. With an incredible American Idol-worthy performance by Soul Vacation, delectable foods from our own SWLA Top Chefs and all of the fun that you’ve come to expect of Boogaloo, you don’t want to be the Biggest Loser and miss out on this amazing party!

Enjoy a fantastic night of revelry among Celebrity Apprentices, Real Housewives and Swamp People. It will be held from 8 p.m.-midnight at the new event center, Chateau du Calcasieu, located at 932 Enterprise in Lake Charles. Tickets are $40 for museum members

John Pizzarelli Jazz Quartet Fri., Apr. 13, 7:30 pm FRIDAY: APRIL 20, 2012 • Lagniappe Parade- 4pm (contact City Hall for Entry) • The Lagniappe Youth Block Party - 5:30pm–9pm • Featuring: Naked Country Gems (Blake Pickle & Band)

F.G. Bulber Auditorium McNeese Campus

Ellis r Vanico

SATURDAY: APRIL 21, 2012 • 10am–11pm: Lagniappe Food Court Opens • Lagniappe Car, Truck & Bike Show • 10am: Introduction of Lagniappe Queens (Lagniappe Stage) • 9:30am–12:30pm: Ellis Vanicor & Lacassine Playboys (“The Little Cove” – Located at the corner of Elm & South St.) • 11am: Judging of Cracklin’ Cooking Competition (contact for registration info: Andrea @ (337) 734-2231) • 12:30pm–2:30pm: Naked Country Gems • 3pm–5pm: KEITH FRANK & THE SOILEAU ZYDECO BAND • 5:30pm–7:30pm: Under the Influence - Aaron Istre • 8pm–11pm: T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers

Circus Incognitus with Jamie Adkins Sat., Apr. 21, 7:30 pm Rosa Hart Theatre Lake Charles Civic Center

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

NO ICE CHESTS ALLOWED For event information call 337-734-2231 or www.townofwelsh.com 2012 Sponsor Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission Volume 4 • Issue 1

APRIL 5, 2012

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and $50 for nonmembers. For more information, call (337) 439-3797 or visit www.imperialcalcasieumuseum.org.

‘FIND YOUR ABILITY WITH DISABILITIES’ APRIL 19 The City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Commission on Disability will host “Find Your Ability with Disabilities” at the Lake Charles Civic Center, Contraband Room and Mezzanine, 900 Lakeshore Dr., on Thurs., April 19, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event begins with registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m.

Exhibits are from 8-11 a.m., and workshops, from 9-11 a.m.

Entertainment will be presented by the Diamond Dancers from 11-11:30 a.m., followed by the keynote address by Lynette Johnson, a motivational and inspirational speaker. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The event is free to the public. For more information, call (337) 491-1440.

SPA DAY AT WCH APRIL 21 Healthy Woman, sponsored by Women & Children’s Hospital will celebrate its second Pamper Party event on Sat., April 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the hospital campus. The Pamper Party will include a vendor fair, refreshments, massages, seminars, free beauty products, door prizes and more. The Pamper Party is open to women of all ages. Tickets are $8 per person if you pre-register before April 9. Tickets will be available at the door for $15. A T-shirt is included in the pre-registration event fee, but will be given while supplies last at the door. Partnership opportunities are available for businesses that would like to participate with a booth or host a seminar at the event. To register for the event, visit www.women-childrens.com/healthywoman.

BBBS’ RESCUES TO THE RESCUE APRIL 21 Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA is partnering with the Four Paws Rescue Society in “Rescues to the Rescue.” Children enrolled in the agency will work with rescue dogs currently housed at Four Paws in Sulphur. The children will train the dogs in simple commands and will showcase them on Sat. April 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the office of BBBS of SWLA. The children will receive a proclamation from Mayor Randy Roach and the showcase dogs, as well as others from Four Paws Rescue, will be available for adoption. In addition to the showcase, there will be a doggy bath and bake sale. All money raised will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA and Four Paws Rescue Society. For more information, call 478-KIDS (5437).

COUSHATTA TRIBE TO HOST 5K RUN/WALK APRIL 21 The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will host its second annual 5K Run/Walk on Sat., April 21. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the Coushatta Multipurpose Center on 1974 CC Bel Road in Elton. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third place overall male and female finishers in the various age groups. Register in advance at www.imathlete.com/events/coushatta5k or on the day of the event by 8:30 a.m. Registration is $20 if registered by April 6 and $30 after that date until race day. Registrants can pick up race packets – with race number/bib and shirt – from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. beginning Fri., April 20, at the Tribal Council Office located at 150 Beaver Clan Road in Elton. Refreshments will be provided to all participants at the finish line. All proceeds benefit the Coushatta Chairman’s Cup Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides support to local and state groups, organizations or individuals in need.

BIRD WALK AT SAM HOUSTON JONES STATE PARK APRIL 21 The Gulf Coast Bird Club is hosting a monthly bird walk at Sam Houston Jones State Park. It will be on Sat. mornings once a month from 8 to 9 a.m. The immediate schedule for now is April 21, May 19 and June 16. Park visitors and other interested persons from the local area are invited to attend. No experience is required, as it will start with basic birding skills. Experienced sponsors will guide each walk through the

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park. Participants will meet at the Nature Station and walk from there to do birding via the swamp and boardwalk, covering the river and other open areas to view as many habitats as possible.

Birding by ear will be stressed as well as by sight. For more information, contact David Booth at (337) 474-7325. For online information, visit http://sites.google.com/site/gu lfcoastbirdclub.

BANNERS PRESENTS ‘CIRCUS INCOGNITAS’ APRIL 21 “Circus Incognitus” with Jamie Adkins will be held Sat., April 21, at the Rosa Hart Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Jamie Adkins was a featured soloist at Cirque du Soleil for Montreal’s Cirque E’loize. His clowning and acrobatic feats on the ground and on a slack wire bring life to the story of a man who has something to say, but can’t quite get it out. Warning: the show involves fruit. It may get messy. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children or students. McNeese and Sowela students are admitted free with IDs. For more information, call 475-5123.

DINING OUT FOR LIFE APRIL 26 The Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council (SLAC) is hosting the Lake Area’s third annual Dining Out For Life® fundraising event on Thurs., April 26.

Local restaurant participants will donate a percentage of proceeds from that day to SLAC, helping them continue to provide excellent services to low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. While eating out, patrons can enter to win fantastic raffle prizes. Tickets can be purchased with a Dining Out for Life Volunteer. For a list of Lake Area participating restaurants or to sign up to volunteer visit www.diningoutforlife.com/swla.

TJN

GREAT RATES!

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(337) 263.4736 Appointment Only Volume 4 • Issue 1

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 43

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

The

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

• Brad Brinkley & Comfort Zone @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

• Bag of Donuts @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill Patio, L’Auberge Casino, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 • Don Fontenot & Les Cajuns de la Prairie @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

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

• The Chee-Weez @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill Patio, L’Auberge Casino, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 • Flashback/Muzic Unlimited @ Coushatta Spring Carnival, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 5 p.m.

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

• Twangsters Union @ Huddle Up Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.

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

• The Molly Ringwalds @ Jack Daniels Bar & Grill Patio, L’Auberge Casino, 9 p.m.

• Dog Hill Stompers @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Leon Chavis @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 • Straight Whiskey/Ambush/Bernie Alan @ Coushatta Spring Carnival, Coushatta Casino, Kinder, 12:30 p.m.

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

• TBA @ Zydefest XI, Delta Event Center, Delta Downs, Vinton, 7 p.m.

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

• Pookie Marceaux Band @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Leon Chavis @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 8 • Asian Concert @ L’Auberge Event Center, L’Auberge Casino, 2 & 6 p.m.

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

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12 • Homer LeJeune & The Kajun Kings @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Scenic Roots @ Stellar Beans, 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 • Mack Manuel & The Lake Charles Ramblers @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

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APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

• Bernie Alan @ American Legion Post 179, Sulphur, 8 p.m.

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

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

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 • Hank Theriot & Gatorbait @ Mary’s Lounge, 5 p.m.

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

• Ivy & Timmy Dugas @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 • Travis Benoit & Allons Dancer @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

• Bernie Alan @ Mikko, Coushatta Casino, 7 p.m.

Volume 4 • Issue 1

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

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 • Joe Simon & Louisiana Cajun @ DI’s Cajun Food & Music, Basile, 6:30 p.m.

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

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

• Carlton Pride & Mighty Zion @ Luna Live, 9 p.m.

• Soul Track Mind @ Caribbean Cove, Isle of Capri Casino, Westlake, 9 p.m.

• Chicken on the Bone @ Gator Lounge, Delta Downs, Vinton, 9 p.m.

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

APRIL 5, 2012

PAGE 45

Leslie B e four dec rman’s career in ades, an music folksing er, mus d includes stin spans ic teach ts as a booker, e c tival dir oncert promote r, coffeehouse r e notes w ctor, music jou , publicist, fesr r nalist, a it e r , a organiz ation pr rtist manager lbum , t e attorney s , and p ident, entertain rade r ment e Museum sident o f She pre of Southwest the Music fe L eclectic rs all things ouisiana. , and musicall GRAM y votes M Recordin Ys as a mem on the g Aca ber o reached at leslie@ demy. She c f the an leslieber man.co be m. e l t t i L te as ated h for no had origin old enoug t himself s r r a e e t s l y w s a r a e e W yle. to av til h h t n g h u u g wn st g with , o u o a n m s t e i e h h d d d t e n n ray an nd ing in dded a eason openi efrien n). Both G Walter in a r- and s sist on play ads show, layed a han ng b o s l o o i i a p n t r e r i a t l s y a o t s p o t a e d h o r C ir Li an (w the Cr hicago,” G numbers, w raight James layed with and, so the r o g F n C u l t s e b p r. ca yo aters’ sitting t Hom nd vo d n had braine Cotto Muddy W was a no- eserved a in “Swee olo piano a bowler hat, yboard, an s e d e n d t k f s n r m arou this tribu ter surely siana. Bo re ful o d roll-bri ig grand’s alter song l i r b e n ing fo d Little Wa son of Lou andria, wh er a rou rong at the ome Little W s. reat t t s x e l s on e v a h l An i d t g an na positi on Gray’s g in A , Little W d rou a h m d t s o e a g c s i e n a stridi de his own remarked ay replied tribut ville and ra harmonic ing aroun i r k s y s k a u y l r a b p a , w alongs en Fusilier terview, G iends, nam o 2 M dt his e1 e g g n a h n r n i d i t a r W n d k u e i l a o fr layed sa he he l hool abo then m a, Arkansa ring t most of his hom he p n and u c d s d n t e a i ag qu lost with w Sumli leans, Helen cago. at he’s ling Wolf, as Hubert m ew Or Memphis, ing in Chi lready elech t N fro the nd ow ell e gh sa erge, ing H years, as w y friends fit, both at throu is before la e there wa develop th L’Aub isy m a l u l n o 4 d o l t o p e e 1 r e to St. L e blues sc ired him ng a mic ile for — “A to th im an ther d h James ray was tr the stairs his age if h sp ng camd by two o Kennerldi i T a w n o t i , K t h d h E f B c n g o G i a ed h in ” h d ite ld eB icago. and climb have guess ied, w liar metho ica in one distortion Befor les was vis : 87-year-o ray (who f h i r C t i on ard ry G and dn’t am men Char band keybo nd I woul tioned. now-f to the harmfor vibrato heard over Lake hed blues ocalist Hen birthday otton’s lter’s C a n s , s e e v e e i e p h stag ’t been m reak, Jam Little Wa phon g the har order to b . tingu ianist and gger’s 55t d 76-year n s b n n a p it had er a short ith “Juke,” n the big cuppi e other, in ified guitar career and ’s born for Mick J vitation), a unica, w t l e h n f d T t t n p h d e , i e A t t e ) h s l m a s y t ging o air, ce wi his pla of a unc . 15, 1968 ced f r pecia nd vocali tton (who he f e t s o n ’s i y r, brin elf on a ch ing and r d h b e e e n t b a w p l k y a t e o t a p t c e h i r F a d o C k th ic pa an 0– c-en tle W art-t look hims James rmon pelin In Lit May 1, 193 g electroni ting the 952 ch o planted monitors, t cancer 1 old ha sippi native , Led Zep ( n a i h e e t e oa t n h w cr lif al in s man, e among t s 1990s thr randdaddy short d with inve , and with abulary tha Centr Missi Janis Jopl t a d g i g s c e h d te ta wowe ul Dead). on perform harmonica or credi nica sound rmonica vo harmonica at ter s ing, since tion, like a a h d o f f i t dn’t t a k e t n e s c t d h m t y o u a b a o r a c s l r r o s ha d Gr dC aco lue he esega y! I ha J n t l n b a u a a l l ” s o d r b t p y u y r e r a o t a e d n l e Gr on surg g. e ma if I stand n blues an His enorm d with a e Wa tribut es r e l in a arion “Littl oadcast live usical can th years, but me . ro e m f , o y p l a d a l o p n J o d a a u h c y o c b m t m y b S r sa n h nted s use hits is ll ries b lter’s m ator M But o live in ma d hear the een so player es 15 chart tion (prese nd Roll Ha ly innov ossroads se g Little Wa ased blues l b m u i o d ’ h c c n o a r heard my eyes, I a man wh n my includ mous indu the Rock ry as the o the C FM. Amon Chicago-b Williamson c i o i o u d e t g s n e h y S l h e s t o 8 t t o a s V o 0 a v l s B o m R i c shirt c p K est ed. har f n 20 ideman s wa er Sonny i d r e e ) u e c l black ch h n g t c n , o t n e n t i n s d i t u u u y o l n e o o t f s o a t u l y n s h n C i i p e in t to be very ar aro y gray nd Co ief onica popul In his natt n looked e of Fam nica player ool, Gray a r, and in br harm . o o e h youth t cap, Cott . harm Central Sc nd togeth selves and f istory a a o l is f t y m e l s At e d e h lues h tival o t h n b t h r a a a r , t e t r a u s d e p r i o a se m pe ab s Fes usil the su es Cotton port Jazz is elecplayed ews, spoke Herman F . Gray r Jacob e t l a w i m e w v h a h W J t t r o i h N i h inte Little at the ers’ band w ojo alter w o Stomp” s lter in 1 W 6 a 9 e l 1 d t t a yM in Lit Wa aye dec ddy W on “Got M live ’s “Zy ting Little hat he’d pl t memu S M V R a in t e K s g solo ld us ved in ed me as mo trifyin ng,” preser l and truly can recall ville, and to ica, but w thing fast, l u i y n s Work ing that we ll time. Yo Mark atic harmo doing ever s r a “ d e o r t r r m i a o o s o o f r n f W rec chr mojo at 1966 ve Tube. uddy to him d e M e l n i h b u e f t a r i e o d nd w or retty g band on Y terview st.” layed nry Gray a aters p a p f a , r t e e s t e n ’s l s fa He Wa yW ads i uddy Little , and both ith Mudd tton first ith M is Crossro ke of his w o w o h g d a C g spo ic ye Durin nt, Cotton d chicken in Ch Cotton pla years; when ters asked n a e ye James ut a dozen is teens, W and Cotto te segm r, who pla ” e o o h r moth for ab Waters in ittle Walte nd solos n a L d s e e e k n i i n l o u j t y g the o “pla him t lied, playin comp

n a C u Yo e v a H Never h Blues g u o n E

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APRIL 5, 2012

Volume 4 • Issue 1

and train sounds on harmonica, which initially piqued his interest, and kissed his harp, which practically disappeared in his big hands.

There are great harmonica players out there (including a country blues and folk harmonica player I dated about a million years ago), but James Cotton is the best blues harmonica player that I’ve heard live, and that’s saying something.

Cotton’s bands have always been hot and tight, and this year’s

incarnation is no exception, including bandleader and bassist Noel Neal, who’s performed with Cotton for 30 years (son of the late Baton Rouge blues harmonica player Raful Neal, pater of a huge familias of blues musicians, reported variously as either nine out of 10 or 10 out of 11 of his children!).

Then, there’s drummer Jerry “Bam-Bam” Porter from Chicago, who turned in rock-steady timekeeping and tasty rhythmic fills.

Guitarist and vocalist Tom Holland’s crisp solos and high tenor nearly caused me palpitations, and surprise! vocalist Darrell Nulisch, alum of Beale StreetMemphis favorites Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, practically tiptoed in midway through Cotton’s set, sat quietly in a straight-backed chair stage right, and fitted neatly into the band as if he were playing an instrument.

To close out the show, Henry

Gray joined the Cotton band for a few more songs, including Little Walter’s 1954 number one hit, “My Babe (Don’t Stand No Cheating),” and the R&B hit “Rocket 88,” that’s been called the first true rock and roll song. After their well-deserved standing ovation, Gray and Cotton posed with fans for photographs, and autographed their albums, including Cotton’s newest, Giant, which literally sold out just as it was my turn at the table. TJN

Killin’ Time Crossword ACROSS

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© Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd APRIL 5, 2012

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Sample Culinary Creations by Local Sportsmen Featuring Savory Dishes of Game, Pork, Poultry, and Seafood CASH BAR • LIVE MUSIC BY THE CHRIS SHEARMAN EXPERIENCE

Ticket Prices: $30 per person • $10 ages 7-14 • FREE for Children under 6 Purchase tickets in advance at Bella Cosa, Gordon’s Drug Store, the LC Symphony website www.lcsymphony.org or by calling the LC Symphony office at (337) 433-1611 Tickets purchased at the door will be $35 & $15 Reservations payable by Check or Credit Card* Lake Charles Symphony P.O. Box 3102 *Credit card payments accepted by phone or at www.lcsymphony.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (337) 433-1611